Brooklyn, NY – A turf war has erupted between two Lubavitch’r rabbis claiming dibs on the rapidly gentrifying brownstone neighborhoods that surrounds the Atlantic Yards area.
In one corner is Rabbi Ari Kirschenbaum, who showed up in Prospect Heights three years ago to revive a decrepit Orthodox synagogue in the neighborhood. His rival is Rabbi Tali Frankel, who is backed by his wife’s powerful uncle, Rabbi Shimon Hecht of Park Slope. After arriving eighteen months ago, he began holding events advertised as being sponsored by “Chabad of Prospect Heights”—though Kirschenbaum is the neighborhood’s sole officially recognized shaliach.
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Lubavitchers usually do not invade each other’s area, but now both Kirschenbaum and Frankel are hosting sessions, with Frankel seeming to be trying to appeal to singles, with event listings as “stories, food and booze!”
Tensions flared over Hanukkah, when Hecht commandeered Kirschenbaum’s nine-foot-tall menorah in the Atlantic Terminal Mall. Kirschenbaum dealt with the mall and set up the menorah, holding a party (paid for by Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner) on the Sunday of Hanukkah that attracted a few hundred people. And Hecht’s group sponsored festivities at Kirschenbaum’s menorah on Saturday.
Now the Lubavitch powers that be have had enough. Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, who supervises the New York–area Lubavitch emissaries, filed a lawsuit against Hecht in rabbinical court alleging that he has overstepped his boundaries by bringing his nephew into an area where another Lubavitch rabbi was already holding officially sanctioned activities. Kastel says “There are maybe 100 or 200 guys who trained their whole lives, and are looking for an opportunity to go. Smaller communities which would never be considered before are getting people,” and conflicts between rabbis are increasing, he says. “It comes with growth and gentrification.”
I know Rabbi Tali and his wife, and both are people who are HIGHLY original independent strong personalities who respect my diversity and that of others. No one could manipulate or exploit either one of them. Rabbi Hecht was in the process of restoring his current 9th St shul which needs a lot of $$ and work. How could he possibly take on yet another reno project in Prospect heights? He was used to having people from Prospect Heights in the Bnai Jacob community and it was understood that this was his area, as far back as when I first met him in the basement of PSJC 18+ years ago… Never a question… Then suddenly Rabbi Ari moved in, and people like myself began receiving emails and requests from Rabbi Ari and his “people” to come to their events mostly on the same nights as Bnai Jacob events, etc. I have a problem with that.
Anonymous- (very interesting name for someone with all that info.) you are a very interesting person on the one hand you are intelligent enough to realize that “hanging dirty laundry” is for people that are morons. YET you go right ahead and do it yourself.
it would be most wise for you to do what you see fit for the respect of the organization and not show off your skid marks.
Anybody who knows Kirschenbaum, would tell you outright that he would never hang his laundry in the press. he is wise beyond his years, non confrontational and caring. In fact he has taken the highroad for the past 3 years as hecht has time and again publicly disrespected kirschenbaum’s official position as the prospect heights shliach by taking out ads in public papers as well as his own fictional publication and writing letters in public, placing them on public forum in which he used to try and misguide local residents. kirschnbaum has never dignified anything negative or responded to the many slurs and insults hurled at him. And for that he is to be lauded. What he has accomplished in his short time is simply historic.
For the record, for those of you who simply make comments based on a three piece paragraph in a ny magazine, it would be wise to consider the following.. The author Debra N. Cohen is a local brooklyn resident who has had her issues with rabbi hecht in the past and through the power of the pen used her talent primarily at poking at orthodoxy and lubavitch in particular, both in her capacity as editor of the jewish week of ny and other media outlets. Simply put, she lives, hears, sees and understands all that transpires in a neighborhood no larger some of the starbucks in ny city. You don’t have to be a genius to see the transparency in hects actions as they relate to Kirschenbaum and the prospect heights community. Interesting though, as a fort greene resident myself and part time attendee to kol Israel synagogue through the years, I can honestly say that for the 20 years he has resided in park slope he hasn’t once done anything on behalf of our beloved house of worship and its jewish community, he wouldn’t know if Charlton was a street name or an animated fictional children’s character. Its obvious to all. What does Kirschenbaum stand to gain by letting the locals know that there is a rift by putting into the public domain? Wouldn’t that make him look bad too? Where’s
As far as hecht’s relationship with the other local Chabad rabbi’s in the area. clearly stated. He does not get along with anybody, rabbi pinson no longer gives a class at his temple and hasn’t for some time now, and has opened his own synagogue. R. cheikoff in dumbo is no longer under his nephew’s (raskin’s) jurisdiction now that the official Chabad board has removed him from his authority. So much for them all getting along. What’s interesting is, is that hecht and his own nephew cant get along themselvesunless of course their united in destroying someone else. And indeed, hecht and his cronies (namely family members) should indeed feel threatened, for as Kirschenbaum, pinson and cheikoff continue to gain steam and popularity throughout brownstone brooklyn hecht is still stuck in the batters looking at a called strike three. To be sure pinson and Kirschenbaum give wonderful lectures and are warm human beings, something none has ever accused hecht of being.
If only the man focused on cultivating his own area of park slope, large enough to contain 2-3 additional lubavitch rabbi’s as well as many more jewish organizations, his life and legacy would be better off, but alas he is too worried about others people success. Indeed a shame. Poor frankel who works hard to make a living as a Judaica store cashier who innocently moved into an apartment owned by a hecht suporter only to be exploited by his own uncle for his personal agenda. Manipulation in the highest degree. The poor guy probably does not know what hit him.
and mr. atlas, while i most of the time i find myself disagreeing with you, i must say you are right on the money on this one.
IF YOU THINK THE IN-FIGHTING OF SATMAR, BOBOV, AND PONOVIZH IS BAD; JUST YOU WAIT ‘TIL THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE IS NIFTAR!
I’m reading a book from the Chofetz Chaim heritage Foundation of Lashon Hara. I won’t say anything bad about all the people who say disgusting things on this sight because that will make me guilty of the same thing what I will say is you people are tearing Klal yisroel apart and you should be ashamed of yourselves.
Who cares about this story of Lubavitch ion fighting let them deal with it on their own in a Beis Din all of your cursing and accusing is meaningless all it does is give the Sutun the power to have a kitrug against you and against the people who receive the Lashon Hara.
Klal Yisroel doesnt need this.
I agree with the previous post, don’t call him names, even though from knowing him and his family he most probably is wrong and looking to fight to make a ‘Chilul Hashem’.
Yo, a bastard is pretty harsh, but wrong kirschenbaum definitely is.
It sounds to me like-
RH is “powerful” and already does things in the area.
RK is the new guy on the block with nothing to lose and all to win, needs what to do with his life so moves in to one of the areas that RH already has under control and sets up shop.
Nice work RK you should be proud of yourself you caused a huge chilul hashem and probably a local fight.
keep up the good work, you are definitely doing the right thing don’t let anyone convince you otherwise,
Bastard get a life.
Rabbi hecht is one of the most sincere people i have ever met, true to the cause and will run from a fight that he feels is wrong.
Kirschenbaum is a dirty player, read the article he was the one behind it. he is the guy with nothing to lose and everything to gain in R’ Hechts public shaming.
he should be embarrassed of himself.
I hope his kids don’t learn from the goyishe ways of their father.
I write this in anger b/c it is a terrible thing to go to the media and cause fights which should be under the able and bring them out for the public to talk bad on Lubavitch and the Rebbe.
“Yitamu chatoim vlo chotim”
Moshiach now!!!
When I see the lawsuit naming The New Yorker for slander against Lubavitch, I’ll believe you. Until then “dream on”.
When it happens, don’t forget to post it here!!!
Hey Anonymous 12:14 PM what did you mean your post makes absolutely no sense please explain.
Mikey said…
It is a real shame that a Jewish reporter is distorting what happened in order to cause a chillul Hashem. Whether or not they have issues between them the Menorah at Atlantic Terminal was not one of them.
January 2, 2007 12:14 PM
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It’s a real shame that some people make it so easy for reporters to make us all look stupid.
Light your menorah at HOME and do your SHOPPING at the mall.
Don’t go to a hardware store to buy a container of milk and a dozen eggs and then complain that people are making fun of you.
All I know is that the NY Magazine article is total BS and its a real shame. Whatever is happening between the two sides in the downtown Brooklyn area the Menorah at Atlantic Terminal was being used with the mall’s full permission.
In fact I know from an insider that the two sides of the fight resolved very peacefully to share the responsibilty for lighting the Menorah over the 8 days of Chanuka. Rabbi Krischenbaum was in charge of festivities by the actual Chanuka party and on a number of other nights. Rabbi Hecht’s group had full permission to use the menorah on Saturday night and a number of other nights.
It is a real shame that a Jewish reporter is distorting what happened in order to cause a chillul Hashem. Whether or not they have issues between them the Menorah at Atlantic Terminal was not one of them.
I know KIRSHENBOUM from his LA years he’s a shmuk. shimon hecht on the other hand is a sweet nice guy who runs from a fight.
You toucha my Menorah, I toucha yo’ face!!!
That’s what’s wrong.
Ask your local Shtibel Rebbe what bothers him when another Rebbele wants to open a bais medrash on his block.
whats wrong with have the 2 of them there i am sure theres alot 2 b done
Lubavitcher narishkeit. It seems to be a simple fight about who will be the better shnorrer.
B.A. Mentsch – Thank you. Finally a voice of reason. If the leaders of these communities can’t resolve these issues amongst themselves, what kind of leaders are these? The honorable thing to do would be for one of them to just back off for the integrity and respect of the community. It would be the morally correct and “just” thing to do.
1 Kings 3:24 And the king said: ‘Fetch me a sword.’ And they brought a sword before the king.
3:25 And the king said: ‘Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
3:26 Then spoke the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her heart yearned upon her son, and she said: ‘Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it.’ But the other said: ‘It shall be neither mine nor thine; divide it.’
3:27 Then the king answered and said: ‘Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof.’
3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do justice.
5:14 wow have you drunk the kool aid? JJ is how he is and was known by all.
Let’s start with the RABBI’S, dont you think?
Let the one who invaded his chaver’s turf walk away.
What a z’chus for those poor lost souls that would be.
Get moving!!!
TO ANONYMOUS 4:58
I DON NOT KNOW WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE . BUT THIS SO CALLED JJ THAT YOU ARE REFFERING TO .- RABBI YAAKOV YEHUDA HECHT TZ”L- WAS ONE OF THE REBBE ZT”L DEAREST CHASSIDIM
ONE WHO THE REBBE TZ”L SPOKE TO & CONFIDED IN ON REQULAR BASIS, SO MAYBE A LITTLE BIT MORE DERECH ERETZ, IF NOT FOR RABBI HECHT TZ”L SAKE THEN AT LEAST DO IT FOR YOUR REBBE TZ”L SAKE.
In the Wake of Tragedy, A Call for Unity
LUBAVITCH HEADQUARTERS — (January 1, 2007)
Within Chabad-Lubavitch communities internationally, shock and grief over the deaths of three young Chabad students two weeks ago have now given way to a more introspective focus. Many have issued calls for a concerted effort towards greater achdut, or unity among Chabad Chasidim, as they reflect on a tragedy that struck deeply, affecting every segment of the community.
The tragedy and its circumstances, in which the students were killed in a car accident on their way to celebrate Chanukah with Israeli soldiers at an IDF base near Eilat, threw a pall of emotional and spiritual distress among Chabad Chasidim worldwide. In the faces of the three students plastered on the pages of all the Chabad newspapers and websites, every Lubavitch parent, teacher and mentor saw his own child, his own student. Students were particularly affected, and at many Chabad yeshivahs in Israel, the U.S. and elsewhere, yeshiva principals have called assemblies in an effort to address the gripping sorrow. Many students have dedicated studying segments of Talmud and Chasidic discourses to honor the memory of their peers.
While unity is an almost natural response in times of crisis, “we should not need to wait from crisis to come together,” says Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky,
In response to similar tragedies in the past, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory, called for enhanced unity and ahavat yisrael among his Chasidim. While unity is an almost natural response in times of crisis, “we should not need to wait from crisis to come together,” says Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of the Lubavitch educational and social services divisions.
1:31 Shimon brought in his twin bro’s son in law Tuli as a shliach in a place that already has one, plain and simple, I guess Tali was sick of working behind a counter at the sefarim store, Maybe JJ will come back from the grave and threaten to kill or maim Kastel like he did with a certain shliach
AMAZING!!! ALL IN THE NAME OF RELIGION. FORGET THAT THEY TOOK IT TO BEIS DIN…. ARE THESE RELIGIOUS INDIVIDUALS ??? THE FIGHTING IS DISGUSTING!!
yo, how about looking into this before publishing it, i am a proud resident of prospect heights and what rabbi frankel does is amazing, don’t put him down, you wish you had the love and respect that he gives to everyone, no matter from what walk of life
Anonymous said…
IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN RABBI SHIMON HECHT HAS BEEN IN THAT BROOKLYN AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS – PUT THERE BY THE REBBE TZ”L – SO WHAT IS RABBI KASTEL POINT.
January 1, 2007 1:31 PM
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WHO CARES WHAT ANYONE’S POINT IS IN THIS SICHSUCH.
It is like watching pro-wrestling at two o’clock in the morning when you cannot fall asleep.
No one cares who wins or losses. Its just great entertainment.
IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN RABBI SHIMON HECHT HAS BEEN IN THAT BROOKLYN AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS – PUT THERE BY THE REBBE TZ”L – SO WHAT IS RABBI KASTEL POINT.
ma’arava said…
anon 1-
you skimmed the article, missed the words “rabbinical court” and went on a tirade against these two jews that are resolving their dispute in the proper manner- in beis din.
Shame on you. I hope for your sake that others are not as idiotic when judging you.
—-
I second that.
Anyone can have a disagreement.
They get a lot of credit for going to beis din and not taking an example from Bobov, Satmar, Ponovitch etc.
Proper manner or not, it is still in-fighting.
anon 1-
you skimmed the article, missed the words “rabbinical court” and went on a tirade against these two jews that are resolving their dispute in the proper manner- in beis din.
Shame on you. I hope for your sake that others are not as idiotic when judging you.
Again and again, just love all this in-fighting!
These kind of turf battles will increasingly happen as Chabad spreads furher out into the Exurbs and locations come withen the juristiction of more then one “regonal schiach” For example the fight in Woddstock between someone sent from Albany and Someone sent from the far upstate suberbs of NYC.
Why don’t they split the job? one can represent the rebbeh who is still alive and the other can represent the rebbeh who didn’t die? 😉
The problem is that they teach in Lubavitch that the only thing you can do is go on Shlichus, and so many yingerliet are convinced that the only thing they can do is to go on Shlichus while almost all places in the world are coverd with Shluchim with the acception of Iran and Zimbabwe and a few other places.
for what it’s worth….
“Now the Lubavitch powers that be have had enough. Rabbi Kasriel Kastel, who supervises the New York–area Lubavitch emissaries, filed a lawsuit against Hecht in rabbinical court alleging…”
a shandah and a cherpah!
2 shlichim fighting over who can be mezakeh es harabim.
The kicker, the one who is supposed to make sholom runs off to court. Where is the mention of Beis Din or p’shoroh?
This is so indicitive of our lowly generation. Here we have a machlokes which should be l’sheim shomayim and everyone is arguing and running off to court. What’s more ludicrous is that is it (at least officialy) within 1 kehliiah.
If the Rebbe was still alive and healthy and in control,he would throw you both out as not being worthy of being shlichim.
Look in shulchan aruch at what is says about those who go to court.
This may be the “icing on the cake” of the Chabad Menorah battles. But for them, it’s probably “pie in the face”.
I’d like to see Frankel poach on the fertile areas of New Square or Kiryas Joel. Then he can REALLY show just what he is made of!