Free Translation of the Letter from Horav Yurkowicz

 [Please note that the bolded text is Rabbi Yurkowicz's, not mine.]

As a consequence of "clarification" that was unfortunately publicized on Motzoe Shabbos Shemini, which was written in my name as if I approved it via correspondence, I would like to state that:

1. The version that was publicized was without my consent, and therefore it should be clear that the above document has no authority as a decision of the zabl"o, and no one has permission to go to another Beis Din.

...and the Zabl"o Writes!

Paychecks

Paychecks for the three Rabbonim of the Badatz of Crown Heights shlita were cut and hand delivered this past Erev Shabbos (parshas Shemini).

Translation of the Psak

Since the above mentioned beis din of five has already deliberated and made a psak din regarding accepting the elected Rov and determined that he should take his position [of rabbonus], there is no place for any summons or ikul from any other Beis Din in this matter.

Psak!

Hazmonah!

What's with the Ikul?!

A few days after the ikul was issued, I was in communication with Rabbi Rosenberg, and we discussed a conversation he had with Rabbi Krauss (who issued the ikul).

In a conversation between Rabbi Rosenberg and Rabbi Krauss, Rabbi Rosenberg informed Rabbi Krauss that even before the ikul was issued:

1. The hachtarah had already taken place
2. Rabbi Braun's contract had already been signed by the majority of the vaad members, and was apparently in full effect
3. That the shtar birurin of the zablo din torah had been signed on by all of the elected bodies of the kohol (the Vaad Hakohol, the Rabbonim, Gabboim, etc.)
4. The elections had taken place in a very public manner, under the guidance of the zablo, and that a large majority of the kohol had participated

These crucial details may have not been disclosed to Rabbi Krauss by the plaintiffs at the time the ikul was issued.

WHO is "CROWN HEIGHTS?"

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The language of the ikul issued by the Beis Din of Rabbi Chaim Kraus, shlita, implies that members of our community, unrelated to the Zabla, have requested the ikul on behalf of the entire Crown Heights community.

However, the names of these individuals were not stated in the ikul document, nor were they disclosed (to my knowledge) to any member of the Vaad Hakohol.

IKUL!

The Tzinner Smicha is in Crown Heights

Erev Shabbos Parshas Mishpotim, a shliach arrived in Crown Heights from Australia with the smicha documents presented for review by Rabbi Braun, shlita.

The document, issued by Rabbi Gavriel Tzinner, shlita, was reviewed by Rabbi Rosenberg, who was satisfied with the validity and authenticity of the document.

Rabbi Braun's Arrival

I spoke to Horav Braun at length last night.
Understandibly, he is very busy with his moving arrangements.
As is stands now, we are expecting him to arrive around Rosh Chodesh Adar Sheni.

Rabbi Braun's Schedule

Rabbi Braun will remain in Crown Heights for approximately one week before returning to Australia. During the week, he will keep office hours, which will be announced after tonight's meeting with the Vaad Hakohol.

He has wisely chosen not to interview with any of our neighborhood blog sites. It doesn't appear that these requests will be honored any time in the near future.

From the Comments...

Q: If we are going all the way towards transparency, will the vaad hakashrus publish financial statements for the community, as proper stewardship would require?
A: The Vaad Hakashrus will be transparent and accounting will be presented to netzigim once per month pursuant to the by-laws.

Q: You and our Rov should work this out privately [meaning the smichah documents].
A: These matters are not private. There is nothing private about public service.

The Smichah Issue

Big, Fat Correction: Rabbi Rosenberg will verify the status of the smichos, not Zaki. Please note the minor corrections in this post.

I pulled Zaki out of his (well-deserved) sleep to ask him about Rabbi Braun's smichah.

Apparently, the psak does not demand that any further documentation be submitted in order for Rabbi Braun to assume his position. Nevertheless, Zaki met with Rabbi Braun today and inquired after the status of Rabbi Braun's smichah.

The Ksav Rabbonus

Someone from the comments asked that I post the Ksav Rabbonus that was presented to Rabbi Braun.

It will be scanned and posted on this blog in the next day or two.

The Price Tag

The combined salaries of the three rabbonim come to $200k.

Motzoe Shabbos Vaera, I attended a meeting with members of the Rabbonim Committee. At this impromptu meeting (attended by some 20 people), I was offered $50,000 by to bring Rabbi Braun and install him as Rov. This was clearly insufficient.

After much negotiation it was agreed that the Rabbonim Committee and the Vaad Hakohol would split the costs of the Beis Din. The Rabbonim Committee obligated themselves to give $100,000 (half of that to be given upfront) with the Vaad responsible for raising the remainder.

Meeting With the Vaad

UPDATE:  This meeting is being rescheduled for Tues, 1/18 9:30 PM. 


Horav Yosef Braun is scheduled to meet with the members of the Vaad Hakohol tonight at 7:15.
Among the items on the agenda: Meeting the roshei mosdos in Crown Heights before returning to Australia (next week).

Ksav Rabbonus sample

For those who are interested, here is a SAMPLE (ONLY) of what the ksav rabbonus that will be presented to Rabbi Braun will look like.

Update on Rabbi Osdoba and the Hachtarah

A group of yungerleit committed to seeing peace and closure in the community waited for Rabbi Osdoba to arrive in 770. Rabbi Osdoba did not appear in 770 as expected, but rather went to his home. He refused to meet with our group, however he did agree to meet with me privately.
We met in his home, and the following things were brought out at the meeting:

An Appeal to Rabbi Osdoba

A small group gathered at 392 Kingston at about 11 AM.
We are making our way to Rabbi Osdoba to ask him (his opposition to the psak not withstanding) appear at the hachtarah.