By ELISSA GOOTMAN, New York Times Blogs
In the Hasidic enclave of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, there are many things that women can’t or just don’t do: Be counted as one of the 10 people needed to make up a minyan, or prayer quorum. Walk around in pants. But vote?
According to the bylaws of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, a social service agency and community pillar that has received millions of dollars in government grants over the years, only those who meet the following requirements can vote for its leadership:
* Jewish and religiously observant residents of Crown Heights
* Married, previously married or at least 30 years old
* Male
Now Eliyahu Federman, a Crown Heights resident and recent law school graduate, is challenging that last requirement, saying he believes it to be unconstitutional.
In Crown Heights, religion and life are inextricably interwoven. But the council itself is not a religious organization, Mr. Federman argues. And in 2008, according to the most recent tax filings available, the council received $1.9 million in government grants.
“Women, especially widows and divorcees, are gravely impacted by decisions regarding the distribution of food stamps, housing subsidies and other vital social services” that the council handles, Mr. Federman, 26, wrote in an April 7 letter to the council and the local rabbinical court. “It should hurt us to see religion being misapplied to wrongfully subjugate women in a context that has no basis under Jewish law and is probably unconstitutional.”
Since Mr. Federman first raised the issue, in 2009, he has heard several explanations for the policy: that voting is immodest, that this is how it’s always been done — and that allotting women votes could sow discord among married couples, working against the ideal of “Shalom Bayit,” or marital tranquillity.
Mr. Federman argues that women are encouraged to vote in secular elections — and that true marital harmony comes from “a couple appreciating and accepting each other’s viewpoints.”
“If there is one vote per household, then the husband and wife have to fight over that one vote!” he wrote. “If they each get a vote, then let them vote for whomever they each want. It’s just common sense.”
His wife, Shainy, 21, agrees, saying, “Judaism empowers women to have a voice.”
Rabbi Eli Cohen, the council’s executive director, said the entire structure of the council was being reconsidered, with the voting policy “definitely in the mix of issues.” The next election is scheduled for the summer of 2013.
In an e-mail to Mr. Federman on April 6, Isaac Tamir, a lawyer known as Zaki who is the council’s chairman, mentioned the possibility of a “hybrid vote” on community matters, with one vote per household — giving a say to widows and unmarried women over 30.
In a telephone interview, Mr. Tamir said the council’s bylaws were being reworked, and that he was confident that all adult women would be able to vote in the next election. Mr. Federman said that would be welcome news — which he looked forward to seeing in writing.
Marc D. Stern, the associate general counsel at the American Jewish Committee, said it was not at all clear whether the voting policy was unconstitutional, and that the only way to find out would be to litigate it.
“There is a crazy quilt pattern of anti-discrimination provisions and funding provisions,” said Mr. Stern, a lawyer who has specialized in religious liberty and civil rights for more than 30 years. “They are in a constitutional gray area. The government is in a constitutional gray area.” Were government financing not involved, he said, the policy would be “plainly legal.”
On the one hand, he said, the Supreme Court has in several cases ruled that organizations receiving most of their money from the government should not be held to the same standards as government agencies on matters including hiring and firing — so “merely having taken government money doesn’t make it unconstitutional for them to discriminate.”
On the other hand: “If the government, by some neutral rule, decided it wasn’t going to fund organizations whose boards were picked in a discriminatory way, that would probably pass constitutional muster.” Such a decision, however, would have major ramifications for the debate over faith-based initiatives.
Mr. Federman said he decided to speak with The New York Times only after his behind-the-scenes efforts were unsuccessful, saying, “I believe this discussion belongs in the public forum, not behind closed doors.”
“The topic of women’s suffrage in Crown Heights is apropos considering that Passover, a celebration of liberation from slavery, is around the corner,” he said. “According to tradition, the women are credited for redeeming the Jewish people from slavery by defying Pharaoh’s orders to kill their newborn children.”
Thank you, #104, for bringing a spiritual reminder to this apparent hot topic. I think you make more sense than anyone else! What have we come to, if under the guise of religious pursuit ,we approach such matters with hate, insults, assumptions, ill wishes, requests to evacuate, mean-spiritedness,sarcasm, intolerance, on and on? The last I heard, the Rebbe’s plea was for kindness, kindness, and more kindness. How about stopping to find it within ourselves before spewing in basically unyidishkite ways.
I’m not sure what is worse, running to the press or asking for a Cherem on another Jew?( Especially when the circumstances are not Shayach) It is obvious that you don’t know the laws of Cherem and when it’s right to put a Cherem. Most Rabbis are staying away from such thing, because G”F they should wrongly put a Cherem… I would assume that you are very emotional about the whole thing, maybe even very close to the “plate” of the chjcc. I understand your frustration, though I completely disagree with your thought of venue, the same way I disagree… Read more »
The original piece read: “While many Crown Heights Jews affiliate with the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, Rabbi Zalman Shmotkin, a Chabad spokesman, said the movement was “as separate from the civic affairs of the Crown Heights Jewish community as the White House is from Washington, D.C., civic affairs.” – This was later removed but realty is that this is not a “Chabad” issue. It’s local community politics. Federman has a well thought out and rational viewpoint. The responses are mostly vitriolic attacks not sensible responses.
I don’t know what the Rebbe sais on the issue of woman voting in Jewish community elections. I don’t know what our Rabbonim say of this mater. What I do know is pretty simple: the ones who set the tone for a religious and Chassidic community is the spiritual leaders of the community. The Rabbonim. To go to religious-Jew hating secular press and to publicly belittle the way of life of this Chassidic community with the hope to “pressure” the spiritual leaders of the community to make a decision based on FEAR of the broader public, the government or the… Read more »
federman must feel like such a dork right now …. if you have an issue deal with it without going to teh papers and making Lubavitch, that you represent as well, look bad.
shame on you Federman.
You make it sound like ppl really care about voting for some stupid crown heights community counsel. You made all this just to promote yourself.
Super uncool dude. If you are bored and have nothing better to do, try doing some good like make another civil rights ralley, but please, this crossed the line and made you look really foolish and pathetic
No CLASS Federman. Self promotion much?
The issue is GOING TO THE COURTS, GOING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES.
The issue is MESIRAH.
The issue is giving anti-Jewish, anti-Frum people SOMETHING TO KVELL AND TALK ABOUT…
The issue is SELLING OUT YOUR BROS AND SISTER FOR 15 MINUTES OF FAME.
Signed,
A disgusted Jewish woman.
This is what your doing Eli! Your bashing CHJCC for your own fame being that you are still young and even new to law and want the modern world to know your opinion. Y ou are therefore ready to make a huge Chillul Hashem for your selfish motives and I understand that you are immature and therefore excited to get out there! I advise you to apoligize to The Rebbe for causing such pain. I am shocked how you are the brother of those federmans that are fighting for the Rebbes honor and helping the Rebbes shluchim and I wonder… Read more »
He is lucky he is doing this to Lubavitch. I want to see what would have happened if this guy pulled a similar one in Satmer, Bobov or Beltz
oy vey
gut in himmel
have you read the comments on the NYT blog?
what a sad sad sad chilul Hashem 🙁 🙁
great job eli and shainy
”In the Hasidic enclave of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, there are many things that women can’t or just don’t do: Be counted as one of the 10 people needed to make up a minyan, or prayer quorum. Walk around in pants. But vote?” It says it all in their disgusting intention. The vote is not the only issue for them: they want women to be counted in a minyan, they want women to carry the torahs, they want women to wear pants, they want women to become rabbis, they want women to sing publicly, they want women to wear whatever untzniusdike… Read more »
Benny= a self made man who uses his hard earned money for good.
Eli = a young punk who will do anything for attention.
First of all- although it might not have been the most appropriate medium to use a nationally known paper as a launch to the issue- but REGARDING THE ISSUE ITSELF- of course it is always hard to say how the ways of the past are applicable to today’s world- the reality is – regarding the SECULAR situations in Crown Heights including food stamps and other financial issues- if woman do work and provde an income than it is a kal vachomer that they should have say regarding that issue- this does not interrupt any matters concerning a male and female… Read more »
How can eli rule the last requirement (male) unconstitutional if it is a private orginiztion!?
With private schools (they get government funds) no one says anything about a school only being for boys or just for girls. Its alowed!!!
I’m not saying women having a say in the vote is right or wrong but the approach was definitely wrong!!!
It caused a BIG chilul hashem!!!
The guy just graduated law school.
trying to promote his own name.
provoking hatred for orthodox Jews
more fuel for the fires of anti-semitism
thank you federman, you selfish man!
and next some secular lawyer is going to protest that our shuls are (gasp) not mixed and then (oh my) our bais din has no women- there are no women studying for smicha – there are no women in our kollel- our children are not in a mixed school- we forbid our children to engage in the “normal” secular past-time of dating (etc) ….its not healthy screams the secular psychologists- after-all in this day and age if you are a doctor or a lawyer you know more about everything and anything… Our Rabbaim have been following our law that was… Read more »
wow every word is true! and nice poem!!
So, let’s say women CAN vote. what exactly will they be voting about? What votes occur within our little playground here> who shoud be the community council, Community Rabbis… any other imprtant matters? Pray tell, what iimpact do any elected person in this community on your life? Better to focus on your or your children’s future (or present) as far as what exactly a resident of Crown Heights, a lubavitcvher, a chosid is or should be without a walking and talking rebbe. How are you andthey being educated? What’s the game plan? Whether women can vote is a deflection. Whether… Read more »
ok, i rly dont care if you agree or not with this voting article.
but seriously be respectful, ahavas yisroel is not based on opinion and especially in lubavitch were ahavas yisroel is a priority. stop for a minute before writing anything,, think cud this coment be a little mor respectful? cud i say my point without the disgusting words??? will i get my point across even if it dosent put the other person down??
please! be more aware of your sorounding, be nice to oyur fellow lubavitcher and bring moshiach now!
To bad the rebbe allowed women to live in slavery in his comunity or mabe eli is mistaken. After running to the times he should do teshuvah.
sickening
how low can you go
I am a reseident of CH for 20 + years. Did you consult w/ me, my wife, my neighbors before going to NYTimes? Who elected you to speak on behalf of CH?
Mr. Federman, thanks for presenting such an important issue objectively and intelligently.
For those out there who feel the need to attack the writer, the forum, etc. keep in mind that your opinion loses all credence when you don’t stick to the topic at hand…
The article should read: “Couple Wants Attention” Really? The New York Times? This was the hot button issue about the frum community you just couldn’t “get past.” Please. You sold your soul to the libs who would eat it up. Former Frum Jews bashing Frum Jews on Women’s Issues–SCORE! Don’t worry, when they come for the schita bans and and the bris bans they wont exclude you either no matter how low your neckline and tight your skirt is. There are plenty of news sources in the frum world that would publish this story–going straight to the NY times reeks… Read more »
I think there is a central point which is missing in this entire discussion: Who designs the communal life of a Jewish community? Who sets the standards as to what is appropriate (“vos past zich”) and what is not appropriate? Are there different facets and parts to a Jewish community and life? Is there the ‘religious’ and ‘spiritual’ aspects of our lives [the shul, kashrus, taharas hamishpocho] which is in the domain of Torah and Rabbonim and a separate part of our life [-the rest of the day] which is governed my lawyers, courts, the ‘norms’ of society? OR, is… Read more »
If I’m not mistaken, the name of the organization is: Crown Heights Jewish Community Council. With emphasis on the word JEWISH. If federman wants, he is free to start his own Community Council and run it how he wants. A JEWISH community runes according to the guidance and instructions of Rabbonim – NOT law students, the NYT or courts! If he has a problem, let him bring it to the Rabbonim and ask what they think. But to use the threat of legal and political pressure to coerce a JEWISH community to conform to the “norms” of the imagination of… Read more »
Seems like your typical rabble rouser who transplants himself into an era/comunity just to make a commotion and steer up controversy. Do the Federmans even live in Crown Heights? Do they feel they were “discriminated” against? (If they live here, it’s that they just got an apartment several days ago… just to be able to say they lve here? (I believe they live in queens)). What is their motivation? Can it be that he is a law student, maybe he just graduated law school and is looking for a way to launch a legal / advocacy / political career? Does… Read more »
To my humble opinion and from what I know of Mr. Eli Federman… Eli is a man who always searching for fairness and justice, doing it all with passion. Though I disagree with the approach, I’m almost confident that it was NOT done out of evil act and not for his fame either. I know Mr Eli Federman and I knew his father OB”M who was also a man of justice, humble and good man. In addition, Eli has helped in the past, and helping this days, many young boys in C”H to stay away from drugs. Bailed some C”H… Read more »
Federman and Toron get a life! you think you are a law graduate and therefore have a stronger say than the people that have lived in CH for years. If we wanted your opinion than we woud have asked for it. I will laugh at you as I walk by you on the street and I will never foget this. You have imbaressed your family and community. Shame on you for slandering us to the antisemite jew haters. you are one of us even though u went to law school.
WE will never forget this
Contrary to Ms. Gootman’s unresearched assertions, women are not forced to either do or not do anything. Women choose their religion and are proud of what they do or do not do. A woman who does not wear pants does so because she has made a choice not to do so and Ms Gootman’s feelings on the matter do not weigh with her at all. Just as a woman has the right to wear pants or join a synagogue where she can be part of the quorum, she also has a right to live a life according to Jewish law.… Read more »
Even if we were to stop right there at the very first words of this ‘New York Times’ article, we would have in a nutshell the whole distorted angle of this relentlessly prejudiced tabloid. A neighborhood of decent, law abiding, peaceful people who exercise their rights to live according to their own decent, peaceful religion cannot be called a ‘community’. First and foremost they must be presented with strange, cult-like connotations. These editors satisfy their own unresolved religious issues and fantasies at the expense of decent, peaceful people who they know are too.. decent to react aggressively to their gross… Read more »
how can we keep claiming, as we do, to our mekuravim and even our daughters that “judaism does not consider women second class, women are equally valued and counted”, when their basic right of suffrage is denied.
Unless it’s against halacha, which it’s not, then why not let it be?
This article is ridiculous to say the least. If he doesn’t like the rules of the shchunah, he can move in a modern orthodox or reform shchunah. If it was really an issue, the Rebbe would have dealt with it. Our Rebbe’s attitude on that question says it all. We all know the respect the Rebbe had for
We all know what your agenda is. Nobody’s impressed.
A real moiser
maybe they should also be able to run for gabbai or rov you have to treat them equaly
woman never in the past had any opinion in bes din or anything or any position in comunity matters dont change halacha
If women vote…why not women candidates? Maybe a woman Rov (or Raba)? Maybe as chassidim we need a Rebbe-tzin!
I wholeheartedly agree. I know the couple — they’re doing it for the attention. I can guarantee that Toron doesn’t care… at all.
i agree! women should vote! I am so sick of religious male chauvinistic pigs making all the decisions! and all of you who are against it, you are ignorant and closed minded! they shouldn’t be the ones moving, all of you should move to Iran!
Wow. Some of these comments are crazy and belong back in the nineteenth century. The role of woman has definitely moved from being only inside the home to being a part of the workforce/political system, despite many Crown Heightser’s denials. People, get used to it. How many households depend completely on or partially the wives parnassah nowadays? This is not a religious council as the article states – and it gets $1.9 million in funding from the government. Eli seems to be a mover and shaker – just what Crownheights needs. By all means, cling to your angry old ways… Read more »
It took guts for the 2 of u to make so public the inequality happening in crown heights – this issue bothers more ppl then u can imagine. I’ve spoken about it many times with friends in the neighborhood but apparently no one wanted to make a deal about it and just let this continue…
I’m glad you finally brought it out in the open and the fact that u put it in the paper will mean that ppl will finally listen and hear what ur saying. On behalf of many crown heights residents – I thank you.
he is right. by the last gabbi election my husband voted for yossel A and I so wanted to vote for Yossel B. & I had no say whatsoever. we need our women’s rights back in crown heights.
I agree with you
are we reform or Chabad?
if you have nothing normal to say then shut your mouth. btw according to tanya you are lower than a mosquito
Back in the early nineties Harold and Mimi Furst tried to have this implemented thru the court system. Thank G-D the idea was moved out of the area and them with it. Women voting was opposed by the Rabbonim , against the by-laws of the council and Vaad Hakahol, and although I cannot cite at this point where, it was definitely opposed by the Rebbe. Who You- who is this young couple that from what is stated above don’t even live in Crown Heights and are obviously just seeking to have thier names in the paper. What right do they… Read more »
Who decides how a Chassidic community should be run? Pop opinion? Law school graduates? Or the Torah, Chassidus and Rabbonim?
Eli, do you even live in Crown Heights? I dont belive so. Why are you making trouyble for our comunitty?
Are there ANY red lines in our community that if you cross it you would be shunned by the community?
Is going to the New York Times to challenge the parameters of the conduct of the Jewish community, is that the way frum yiden operate? I don’t think so…
I have one simple question: who is supposed to be the ones to decide the standards by which a chassisishe community should be run?
Is it Chssisishe Rabbonim and Mashpim? Or lawyers, tabloids and liberal activists?
Please share your opionion.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/the-key-to-marital-harmony-one-vote-per-couple/?scp=2&sq=eli%20&st=cse
Did we turn into a jungle where every hot-head can go to the media, courts, radical liberals to get their help to force liberal change in a chassidishe community – against the will of the vast majority of the members of the community and especially against the directives and opinion of the spiritual leaders of the community?
He lives in queens! What a fraud and fake! Hey chabad should be nice and have Ahavas yisroel. But when a little boy who doesn’t even live in the schuna and is new to the Chaabd community should go do such a thing and bring this to the newspaper?!?!
Imagine this I just came to a community and I will now tell you how to run your community, because it stays so in the constitution! Listen up ELi you should be very careful with what you do!
Why try to change the moral and ethical makeup of this community? You are much more liberal and feel uncomfortable here? Why force us to change our standards? You would probably be much happier living in a liberal community. Shabbat Shalom!
There are many comments claiming that the Rebbe said that women shouldn’t vote, can anybody back it up with a source?
Mr. Federman, did you consult with the Rabbonim on this issue?
The conduct of a frum, Chassidic community is to be governed and guided by Rabbonim – NOT by secular courts.
One who turns to secular courts to force his/her will on the community and it’s rabbonim…… vd”l
We need to publicly eschew and repudiate this type of behavior!!!!!!!!!
Is this a secular issue??? The way a Jewish community is run, it’s standards, guidelines and way of life is a purely “secular” issue? I believe this was the thought of the Maskilim/Reform. (be a jew at home and a man outside….). is Judaism only in shul and shabbos and every other aspect of our life is secular??? No way! As Jewish people, EVERY aspect of our life – whether we are awake or sleeping – is governed by ONLY one rule book.. The Torah (Halacha, Chassidus). The ones to tell us what is the way of the Torah? Practicing,… Read more »
Did we become a reform or conservative community, where we settle our problem (moral, ethical, halachic etc.) differences in the court of public opinion? Do we enlist the assistance of extreme left elements/radicals (secular and goishe (New York Times, feminists etc. etc.) to further our political agenda’s and goals? Last I checked, we are an orthodox (actually Ultra orthodox) Chassidishe community. The one who sets the tone, guidelines and way of life is ONLY OUR HOLY TORAH as understood and explained by our REAL, ehliche rabbonim! Go to the NEW YORK TIMES? Get the help from the FEMISINST movement? Sue… Read more »
From a cursory look at these letters, it seems that the arguments are very similar (exact?) to clams made in in the shomrim-backed blogs. in my opinion, this website, and all associated with it are the epitome of Mosrim. Are they associated?
Mr. Federman, Really? Is this the way it works in jewish community’s? A young ‘shnuk’ writes a letter to the community Beis Din “demanding” that they take action and if not – “threatening” to sue the community in court? Go and publicly ‘bashmutz’ the community as a whole to the entire world (via the NYT)? I thought it works the other way around. When “we” have moral questions, it is “we” who turn to our Rabbomin (the elected community Rabbonim and Chassidishe Rabonim) for guidance and clarity. It’s pretty shameful to how low our community has stooped… gut shabbos to… Read more »
to comment # 36, that the dates don’t match up. is clear, that the young (inexperienced couple) have things messed up. to #36, it seem very obvious that the Federman’s are seeking something else.
To # 36. You have a point there. It seems that the CHJCC and B’D did not get the letter sent by Eli until the 11th, 12th or 13th of April, that making it impossible to get to the NY Times onetime for an article to print on the 15th of April. What’s going on here?
to #10 that why he when to a news paper
Okay I totally agree with them, women get to have a say!!! You people that are opposed to it are so chauvenist. I can’t believe Crown Heights is so behind in womens’ rights.
And the people that oppose to women voting in Crown Heights, you didn’t state any opinion, and definitely no reasonable one.
all I have to say is that was RUDE!
Eli i agree with you that women should vote! But the rebbe said that they should not so its a no!
Last i heard you are not a resident in CH and the word on the street is that you are moving to FL!
what happened to the 19th amendment!!?!?!?!?!?
eli nice home you got there
where do you live?
1) why go to the NY times out of all newspapers 2) I think its weired that some guy who doesn’t live in Crown heights bringing up inside community issues 3) the issue is clearly much bigger then the simple question of if Women should or shouldn’t vote
tragedies hapennin
but wats on peoples mind?
to post a slanderous coment
and put someone on the line
so, this is the new crownheights
people speakin without usin their brains
outrageus comments
but who really cares?
so please tell whats goin on?
to the area called crowheights that i used to love
I’m glad you changed tge headline but you are still missing tge point. Did you even read it? He says that the home should vote together. 1 vote per household. Not the man or the woman. It’s a vote together by a united family unit.
And the Times got their opportunity to portray us as backwards… Win win!
The Rebbe says to accept everyone, not to turn away any Jew.
But the Rebbe never said that someone who just arrived on the scene should (or could) immediately impose his/her opinions on how a Chabad community should be run.
It seems like most cementers here are pretty young. This was on the BALLOT in the past. We had troublemakers attempting to implement things that were against the will of the spiritual leaders of the community, they went to court and try to force the issue. It ended up on the ballot, and the overwhelming majority of Crown Highs woman voted to adhere to the opinion (daas tora) of the spiritual leaders of the community. If voting make these women feel free, I pity their freedom – REAL freedom runs much deeper then these shallow manifestation (by the way, the… Read more »
Was Eli thinking straight before he went to the New York Times? Is this the appropriate forum to discuss this? Do need them to discuss over the pages of the NYT about woman “ENSLAVEMENT” in Crown Heights? This is strange. ”In the Hasidic enclave of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, there are many things that women can’t or just don’t do: Be counted as one of the 10 people needed to make up a minyan, or prayer quorum. Walk around in pants. But vote?” “The topic of women’s suffrage in Crown Heights is apropos considering that Passover, a celebration of liberation from… Read more »
to go outside the jewish community and then using outside means to be able to stab it is just low and nefarious
an exposed collarbone and elbows are not appropriate for someone who calls themselves lubavitch
What is wrong with speaking about this issue to any media outlet. This issue is already very public because the voting policies are public. The forward even wrote about it.
R”l that this has been brought up Mr. Federman you are totaally wrong when these rules were set up they were set up with the approval of The Rabbonim Of The Rebbe etc. You indeed are flawed maybe he wanst to change portions of Halacha next & Zaki tamir once again you are disappointing everyone How can you even think such a thing> Evrything the mesiras Nefesh of which you know nor seem to care anything about that went in to setting up these by laws. The woman’s job is being the Akeres Habayis in charge of the house the… Read more »
Thanks, Eli, for generating all those heartwarming comments on the New York Times blog. This is the kind of thing you should be doing more frequently.
maybe the rabbis will have to sit together to discuss this ( not )
We don’t need you or your ilk poisoning our neighborhood.
Maybe he has a point, but trust me, he is 26 and his wife is 21.. neither can vote anyways
cant stand these people that run to the ny times for everything. Federman you and your wife are a disgrace! get a life
is that open book harry potter??
cool, i love harry potter too
Eli stated, that “only after his behind-the-scenes efforts were unsuccessful.” Just looking at the information posted here, it seems pretty clear, that you sent the Beis Din and CHJCC a letter, dated: April 10th, 2011 (SUNDAY). The letters Eli sent was dated “Thursday, April 7th AND Thursday, April 10th.) PLEASE CLARIFY! 1. When was is written? When was it delivered?
It’s about time! I’m not pleased this was taken to the Times – for obvious reasons (no, not the ‘shanda’ of it – rather the setback for hafotza)…but it’s an issue that has been festering for a long time, one that disrespects women in our community. One vote per household means just that…and if there are one or more single men over 30 living in that household, they don’t get to vote. One vote per household means just that. And it won’t cause shalom bayis problems anymore than buying a new house causes shalom bayis problems -it’s an issue that… Read more »
so so so wrong of you eli and shainy
this makes me sick
He was?? Or did you just decide he was…..
Weird title: THE REBBE WAS OPPOSED TO WOMEN VOTING!!!!! What is wrong with people in crown heights,,, u want the modern way of life,, get out of here,,
Can anyone explain why women cant vote for this organization.
Where do the millions go to?
I dont think this deserves any attention.
The community council is the rebbes project and therefore is run by the rebbes rules. One of them being that only married males can vote.
AHHHHHHH! MY BRAIN IS MELTING!
He may be right, but what is his REAL motive?
I’m in total agreement, and glad Mr. Federman is taking initiative.
i like this guy too he has passion
Interesting, interesting… I am curious about this… sounds like a good idea… nu? Chevra?
What did the Rebbe say, exactly, #1?
The Federmans should be treated the way the Neturei Karta are treated in Manchester. You do NOT go to our enemies when you have a disagreement. That’s what the Nuttery Kartel do. Therefore, stores should refuse to serve this couple, and no shul should give Mr Federman an aliya. (If a reformed tembel wants to give Mrs Federman an aliya that’s another story). No member of the community should retain him as an attorney if he is in private practice. And no one should so much as give either of them the time of day. Let them move to some… Read more »
I’m unable to see the point in going to the New York Times, an Anti-Semitic newspaper, just to get some fame! Does this guy REALLY care that much?!?!
To Number 1 please show proof from a letter or a sicha or a video or and source where the Rebbe was opposed to women voting. If you can not provide evidence, the Rebbe never said it and you are lying. To misuse the Rebbe’s name to promote your agenda is spitting in the Rebbe face. There is no basis in halacha for not allowing women to vote in Vaad ha Kol elections, it is a form of government so it is no different than women voting in regular elections. Frankly, even if we say it is a 1 vote… Read more »
Why are you using her picture against her point? I think its valid and many ppl think and feel this way-women should vote! theres absolutely no reason why they shouldnt besides being chovonist.
You write a very well thought through argument advocating change that is needed to have an equal society not only for women but also for singles. I would challenge anyone who is opposed to these changes to write a clear and concise challenge to the points that have been made about all the above issues.
Thank you for advocating a very just cause
People like Eli have way too much time on their hands.
We need to find these young unemployed people decent jobs for them to use their talents.
Eli is right. Doesn’t need to be mixed polling places. But women are entitled to vote. THeir opinion matters as well.
As long as the women didn’t say anything and were okay with it it was fine now that they’ve spoken up we have to reconsider.
I would suggest that they have many women sign a petition so that it doesn’t look like just a few individuals, I am sure that if there is a letter with 500 or more womens signatures it won’t be able to be ignored.
So, this is the New Crown Heights Have no fear Everyone is a maven Went to school for a couple of years Oh, the community needs savin’ Publicity seeking people Suing our foundation Running to the Times To Defame our Nation So this is the New Crown Heights Gasp, do you know, its really true, then A woman cant be counted in A minyan of 10 men? And ..wearing pants is sin? I know ‘cause I read it in The New York Times So, this is the new Crown Heights Besmirch my way In the lady Grey Be sure to… Read more »
the rebbe did not comment on women voting
Last I heard, Eli lives in Kew Garden Hills…
who gave him a right to go to the ny times or any newspaper. i cant believe that this is happening . alot of the young generation has lost the way of lubavitch .sad sad sad .
their is nothing wrong with the picture.
an surely the rebbe was oppose to telling people to go.
the rebbe would have nicely explaind why women should or should not vote. but NEVER send somone away.
you are judging by the way thay look???????????????
i think you ont belong to chabad or have just joind, you have no idea what we are about, so you go find out. but never send a jew away.
Please refrain from judging other people it’s people like you go are chasing our youth away from our core beliefs. Try some ahavas Yisroel and we can all do our part to bring moshiach.
He (she) speaks the truth
I personally am not against his opinion, but bringing it too the outside world ?!?! WHY MUST HE DO IT ?!?! is he looking for more attention ???
It is sad what opinionated ignorance looks like.
Mr. Federman may have a valid point, however his approach is flawed. Using the New York Times as a medium to propel his agenda is wrong. Debate within the community is good. Crown Heights is not monolithic, there are a variety of opinions on many issues. The question of governance of the CHJCC and voting is very important. He can advocate this perspective to the CJCC, the Rabbonim, make a petition and speak his mind within the community.. Instead he went to the Times, they did come to him. He created a Chilul Hashem in a newspaper who time and… Read more »
Shame on you, that is a terrible thing to say! What, they don’t fit your ‘typical’ image of a Lubavitch couple? Go out on Kingston, most people these days dress like them, and yes, it may not be a wonderful thing, but who are you to say it makes you ‘modern orthodox’?
Trust me, I live in Cedarhurst. This is NOT modern orthodox, not even close!
don’t these people realize this was already “put on the table” and there was an election where women voted and one of the things they voted on was whether women should vote in future elections and 95% voted no!
P.S. the Rebbe did not want women to vote.
i like this guy (i am a married male). i would vote for him.
No he wants women to have a say in where government money goes. Women who are married and have their own opinions, divorced, widowed women, and EVEN single women who are not underage how bout that one.
Move to cedarhurst, their Rebbe never was opposed to this. Ours was. Anyhow, judging from ur inappropriate picture, u look like u belong by the modern ortho crowd,, not ours…. GO!!