Notice: Shabbos Hagadol

Mechiras Chometz

The Rabbonim are available for mechiras chometz at the following times:

Horav Osdoba shlita
Colel Tiferes Zekainim (Kingston Ave. entrance on th side of 770)
Thurs, 3 Nissan (Apr. 7th) 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sun, 6 Nissan (Apr. 10th) 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mon - Thurs, 7-10 Nissan (Apr. 11-14) 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sun, 13 Nissan (Apr. 17th) 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Beis Din (390a Kingston Ave.)
Mon - Thurs, 7-10 Nissan (Apr. 11-14) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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 letter from the Zabl"o

1. According to was stipulated on the shtar borrerus, that even if one or two dayonim remove themselves, the zabl"o is still able to pasken, and clearly the zabl"o is still in its full authority.

2. Also, authority is with the zabl"o to make judgements, even after the psak din, regarding conflicts that arise regarding the implementation of the psak and regarding any complaints about the psak.

3. The zabl"o (while still in its original membership) offered Horav Avrohom Osdoba shlita the opportunity to submit his complaints and appeals, and guaranteed that they would be considered. This indeed happened (e.g. the complaints and appeals have indeed been previously submitted to the attention of the Bais Din Zabl'o).

The Zabl"o Writes!

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!

The Clock is Ticking

I've been asked numerous times for information about the rabbonim I am going to for counsel now that Rabbi Rosenberg is retired from the zablo. 

In the interest of the rabbonim involved, that has to stay confidential for now. It's no secret that those who are involved in this Din Torah are subject to a shocking amount of harassment and manipulation, myself included.

Daas Torah

I learned of Rabbi Rosenberg's retirement from the zablo the same day I finally was forwarded a hazmonah from Rabbi Krauss. The "perfect timing" has left me under a bit of duress.

With regards to the Rabbonim, I'm proud to stand by everything I've said and done until now. This is because everything I've done has been according to Daas Torah and totally free of my personal opinions and aspirations. Depending upon an impartial Rov for guidance, someone who undertakes the achrayus of paskening halachah, was an incredible source of strength and confidence, I must say.

Hazmonah!

Let's Be Clear...

To clarify my previous remarks on the ikul issued by the beis din of Rabbi Krauss:

We have not been told by the zablo to ignore the ikul.

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.

The Beis Din

 

Changes are Coming

Erev Shabbos Parshas Mishpotim, a tremendous change took place in Crown Heights.

After years of maintaining two separate offices for the Beis Din, the office of Rabbi Aharon Yaakov Schwei, shlita was moved to the Badatz offices at 390 Kingston Ave.

An Interesting Problem

One of my personal priorities is to reinstate the Netzigim.

The Netzigim play a vital role in our community governance. They represent the interests of the people, run elections, ensure proper financial accountabiliy and disclosure, and even have the power to remove vaad members.

In short, they ensure that the Vaad Hakohol is accountable to the people.