By Rabbi Gershon Avtzon
I had the privilege of growing up in Crown Heights, the Shchuna and daled Amos of the Rebbe. While my father would bring me every Shabbos to the Rebbe’s Farbrengen and seder niggunim, we would not Daven in 770 Friday night and shabbas day. Instead, we would daven in a small Shteeble called the “Sosnowitz Shteeble” located (at the time) on Crown St. We would come to 770 for Tekios on Rosh Hashana and for Napoleon’s March on Yom Kippur.
When I was very young, I asked my father the obvious question: If we live right near the Rebbe’s Shul, and we are always being told how important it is to spend as much time as we could in the presence of the Rebbe, why are we davening in the Sosnowitz Shteeble and not 770? My father gave me an illuminating answer: The Rebbe does not want any shul in Crown Heights to close!
He elaborated: While today, Crown Heights is known as a place where Lubavitcher Chassidim live, it was not always that way. Just a few decades earlier, there were many different chassidic, and non-chassidic, groups that had centers in Crown Heights. As some non-jewish people started coming into Crown Heights, these groups – against the wishes of the Rebbe – left Crown Heights for other communities. This caused a risk that the small shuls around Crown Heights would close and the Rebbe did not want that to happen. Thus many local balebatim gave up on the opportunity to Daven with the Rebbe in order to fulfill the Rebbe’s desire. It was their shlichus in Crown Heights.
With this education and mindset, it was always clear to me that – while we have the responsibility to strengthen the existing shuls in Crown Heights – nobody would ever willingly and voluntarily open a new shul in Crown Heights. Why would any group of Chassidim choose on their own not to daven in 770?!
It was therefore very shocking to me, as the years went by, to see the phenomenon of “class-shuls” opening up on every block of Crown Heights. It seems that every age group has in recent years created their own oasis and community and seems to ignore the treasure – 770 – that is in their midst. It really “got to me” when a friend of mine, who lives in Crown Heights and attends one of these shuls, commented to me that it has been months since he stepped foot into 770!
Being open and transparent: For quite a number of years, this bothered me tremendously and I attributed this concept to the darkness of Galus and the general apathy of many young people today. It was recently that I realized the tremendous benefit of these small shuls: In addition to the fact that the Crown Heights community has expanded so much geographically, and it is also difficult for a father to daven with a bunch of sons in 770; more importantly: It gives a young man – and woman – a sense of belonging and community.
Every person has an inner need to feel needed and that they matter and can contribute. This need is very difficult to fill in well-established shuls and institutions. By being part of a small community shul – especially with people your age – gives each person the feeling that they are an essential part of a community.
On a simple and practical level: One person serves as the Gabai, the other is the Baal Koreh and the other is on the board. If someone does not come for a shabbas, there are people that will notice and show care and concern. This sense of community actually encourages more young people to participate in Tefillos, farbrengens and shul events. This is in addition to the social life that is afforded to people. This realization and perception has changed the way that I view these small shuls and communities.
Together with the above, I would like to call out to all of the young leaders and members of these wonderful and important young congregations: Do not forget the Beis Rabbeinu Shebebavel that is in your midst! Don’t forget the tremendous zechus – that people Pay thousands of dollars and much travel time – to daven in the Rebbe’s Shul – the Beis Hamikdash in our time!As Dovid Hamelech writes in Tehillim (137): “אִם־אֶשְׁכָּחֵ֥ךְ יְ֜רֽוּשָׁלִָ֗ם תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח יְמִינִֽי” – If I forget you, Yerushalayim, may my right hand forget [its skill].
On a practical note: I would strongly encourage and recommend that every “class shul” should designate one tefilla a month that they all daven in 770 as a community. It doesn’t matter which Tefilla it is, as it is the inner-statement and mindset that we are establishing: We are are not Chas-Veshalom running from 770, we are “expanding 770” and bringing the Kedusha of 770 to our own little shul and community. It is so vital that we, and our wives and children, internalize this very important mindset of our everlasting attachment to 770.
Ps – Today, 28 Shevat, is my Yom Holedes BH. With the Koach of “Mazalo Gover”, I bless everyone with Hatzlacha in all aspects of their lives B’Ruchnius and Gashmius. May we merit the Hisgalus of the Rebbe and the rebuilding of the third Beis Hamikdash – now!
Please feel free to share your thoughts on the above with me by sending me a personal email: rabbiavtzon@gmail.com
The authors is ignoring the primary reason most people in Crown Heights don’t step foot in 770: The fact that it has been taken over by a band of crazies who control every aspect of the premises. Only a complete reset and eviction will help return 770 to what it was — a home for every chossid.
Read the entire article. He is pro class shuls.
You go there no matter what. Everyone can find a time if the day that they can go
I did read the whole article. Sure, he justifies the existence of class shuls, but he completely ignores the disaster that is 770 today.
Everything is fine. Just loshon Hora.
See Likutei Sichos vol. 32, p. 24-25.
No one can take that away.
Expand 770 Legally
every morning i daven in 770 (for over 10 years now, maybe 15); there is no shortage of room; every morning from 600 am to 800 am, anyway.
With all due respect, these class shuls are the best thing that has happened in crown heights. How nice is it that people have a shul to go to with people their age, for shabbos, farbrengans and just frum guys socializing. It’s a beautiful thing.
Also, 770 is full every shabbos. If all class shuls shut down, there would be no space.
Did you read the ENTIRE article?
That is exactly what he wrote…
you obviously just assumed the article on the title
The article is in support of the beautiful concept of the class shuls.
bro, did you reed the artical???
Seemingly not…
I share similar sentiments,
Thank you Rabbi Avtzon for sharing your thoughts. Always an inspiration!
the shidduch crisis
He’s spoken about every other topic under the sun except the most significant of them all
Write one yourself then, if it’s so important.
I have!
The community has grown exponentially since the those days, b”h. 770 is not large enough to fit the CH community.
Maybe if it was expanded people would not feel the need to open Class Shuls in the first place?
Maybe if 770 was run properly, and the “heads” of the community got their act together, it would have been expanded…
Welcome to the CH reality.
Let’s lament about where people daven on shabbos…
I could not disagree more! You write that women have a place to feel part of the community yet that is untrue! Young women and girls are not welcome in most class shuls and therefore are left out of the whole shul scene to begin with. They are at home with their babies or friends and have no place to go! Painfully, it is only contributing to the furtherance of the divide in Crown Heights. Is this really. the solution??
We woman with young babies are home by ourselves all Shabbos!
I’d like to introduce you to Chevra Ahavas Yisroel Shul with a booming women’s section. Try it out. (Before you judge)
To be frank, this is the most delusional post I have read in a long time. The author, as I read from his previous post is an apologist for the tunnel diggers or as others call it wall bangers. These misguided and unwell youth have been desecrating Beis Rabeinu for 30 years. Turning 770 into their own personal playground with giant yellow flags as if it’s a circus show, creating imaginary “shvills” physically assaulting chassidim in the Rebbe’s shul. The Gaboim of the shull who have been dragging the Rebbe in court for years have been perpetuating this behavior. The… Read more »
I’m not so sure the gaboim initiated the court case.
But were forced to countersue.
If Merkoz would agree to speak to the gaboim 770 would be expanded.
Did you read my comment or just the headline?
did you read the article or just the headline?
i read it. you wrote opinions not facts.
Maybe if…
1. 770 would be a functional spacious place, that…
2. Would not be run by a bunch of violent crazies.
More people would feel inclined to visit?
This article is so out of touch from reality it’s scary!
You’re holding on to hergeishim from 30+ years ago and demanding that ppl who never experienced that to have the same feeling you’re desperately clinging to.
You gotta acclimate bru
did you?
If you learn and internalize Kuntres Rabeinu Shebibavel, it’s very real stuff
It’s quite surprising to see an individual from outside the Crown Heights area offering advice on local matters. It might be more beneficial to focus on concerns within their own communities. 770 became a place infested with very very dysfunctional people.. wake up
Until 770 is normal nobody wants to go there it’s a zoo
i daven every weekday shacharis, I am starting to see shovel lapel pins now
And for you too. Lovely article!
Sadly many in 770 talk between Mincha & Mariv, On both Friday night and on Shabbos afternoon. In most class shuls there are organized shiurim. This is extremely important.
I’ve been in 770 for many years now, and i’ve come to realize that on Shabbos afternoon after mincha, there is a massive Seder Niggunim followed by Chazoras Dach – which by the way has been going on since before Gimmel Tammuz.
If you haven’t realized it yet, then it just shows that R’ Avtzon has been correct and that YOU have not been in 770…
This is probably one of the most underappreciated things that happens on a weekly basis
This article surprised me in the direction it went. It could have been blaming and condescending, which often happens.
However, it went down the path of open mindedness and understanding. Thank you for that.
A question which needs to be addressed:
Are there perhaps more reasons why people are avoiding 770?
When will the next election be for gabboim in 770? Each candidate should state how he plans on brining order to the shul and making it comfortable for everyone to attend. Actually practical methods and rules that will be enforced. And serious consequences for those who break them.. Not just jokes. In any institute in the world.. if there are rules and people attend your institute and publicly disrespect authority and break the rules, they are barred from entry and disturbing . There are many big beautiful shuls locally and worldwide which run in an ordered way. Why should the… Read more »
The Rebbe never wanted the Gabboim to have the control of 770! Aguch is the ones the Rebbe entrusted to have the control! Maybe we tell the Gabboim to go home and stop wasting thousands of dollars on legal fees, and have Aguch step in and clean up this mess that has been going on for 30 years. And frankly the author of this article isn’t so innocent of harboring those animals in 770, just take a look at this post: https://staging.collive.com/is-it-time-to-talk-about-expanding-770/ I don’t think much more needs to be said. It’s time the crown heights community stands up and… Read more »
I do have to say that when i read the headline i thought finally someone will talk the truth and scold this insane concept of ” class shuls ” and how they need to be done and away with, but i guess i was wrong. there is a certain concept of a child growing up among elders and among people who have more experience and knowledge. davening with older chassidim , fabrengeing with older chassidim, not like we have now , big bullshov sessions and starting davening at 11 and ” chilling ” with friends in shul. shortly after my… Read more »
If you identify as old school, stick to the traditions, but don’t try to dictate to us “new schoolers” how to live.
So not factual. Not all class Shul’s are like this fellow wants to suggest. Anshei Lubavitch and Nosson’s Shul are 2 examples of class Shul’s that evolved into community centers. These Shuls have Shiurim, Weekday Minyanim. These Shul’s start at 10:00 every Shabbos. They host plenty of Farbrengens and gatherings for men, woman, and children individually.
we should not forget that 770 is the rebbes shul.
This would need to be coordinated with someone at 770.
Is there anyone to talk to?
Maybe the gabboim can help arrange a exclusive time for a Rebbe video or maariv elusive to class shuls?
similar to how they make rally’s for kids.
Why can’t the shul just daven a maariv in 770 ? what do you need gabbaim for?
Wake up people! Remember what happened 3 weeks ago? They broke through the wall! Destroying part of the Rebbe’s shul! And causing the greatest Chilul Hashem! The Gabboim have done NOTHING to prevent this from happening! In fact they themselves saw the Bochurim which they “prohibited” from entering the shul, inside the shul, and did nothing to remove them. We aren’t dealing with a normal situation, we are dealing with a problem that is 30 years old! And for some reason the Gabboim as well as the Rabbonim cannot get their act together. What a Shame! Time to go home!… Read more »
By having a class shul u deprive u & ur children from learning from the older generation of chassidem & passing on the torch of knowledge & Gefill !
Happy birthday rabbi
This should be the top voted comment
Since I moved away from CH a number of years ago however when I return to CH I have no desire to go 770. The community have allowed a total disaster to a shul we once knew. You shall write a letter to the people in charge and supporters of the gang who bullied there way to take over 770. Not to the normal peaceful Yung community who want a normal shaboss davaning and farbrengan
Lets go guys, lets expand so we can all Davven there together!
To the Author, About going to 770, There’s a reason why people avoid it. Fix the problem, and people will come. The behavior of the Tzfatiban, beating the lives of erliche yungerlite, and doing as they please, thus taking away the level of security, and community a shul should offer. Look at the shuls and shtiblach in other Kehilos. They are stunning, well kept, and well run, as a shul ought to be, no nonsense. I wish I could say that about 770. As for going once a month, maybe fly-in your yeshiva 1 a month, and have us in… Read more »
All he is saying that someone in Crown Heights should daven in 770 at least once a month…what could be wrong with that?
This person is suggesting that people avoid 770 at all because of the Marzav. He’s sorta right !
I grew up in Crown Heights in the early 70s. Haven’t set foot in 770 in nearly 30 years even though I visit CH frequently. Too painful for many reasons. I would rather remember it the way it was. My class and friends will tell you the same.
Sad and painful to hear, on many levels
Now we need a Shul besides 770 that accommodates us similarly. Even if we’re not married.
May you be zoche to a year with overflowing brachos!!
YL
There are a few older Shuls in Crown Heights that have a low attendance.
A win win situation would be for class shuls to expand into those Shul buildings.
There’s a beautiful Shul building on NY Ave between Empire & Montgomery right by the start of Malbone St.
Some of the hospitals in south Crown Heights have Shuls in them.
And a few more Shuls.
With class shuls expanding into existing Shuls that have a low attendance, this can be not just for Shabbos but also to make daily minyonim during the week.
The Shul you refer to here would have no interest in accommodating a new crowd. the fellow who runs it wats tp keep to the original Minhagim of the Shul’s heyday, which was not Chabad.
One thing that bothers me about class shuls and it has for a very long time. Even though my husband goes to a class shul (one of the first). There are no elders. Also there are no grown children. So lets picture simchas torah, who is dancing…the mother is watching her husband dance with any young children you have. The older children are in their class shuls. I want my family together. I also am very happy this shul has one main Rabbi who is older. But in general I think a wide array of ages, is something that helps… Read more »
This is shul still exists and is struggling to get a minyan
for shabbos. Gershon avtzon father who was a steadfast member who used to help the Minyan greatly. Sosnowitz shteeble still needs your help!!
The rebbes directive still stands today and we need young people instead of going class shuls and getting drunk, go help these small shuls have a minyan!!
Where is this Shul?
Crown Street and what?
534 Crown Street, between Albany & Kingston
There is the famous story of the person who after many years finally went to Beis Hamikdash and was shocked at what he saw. Animals, blood – phew, THIS is the holy Beis Hamidash everyone is talking about?
Same with 770!
The more Kedusha the more stumbling blocks.
Focus on the positive.
There is plenty!
A shul is to be kept clean, and orderly, period.
Do not make a fool of yourself with your “positive outlook”.
We have an issue, and we need to fix it !
And a rule of thumb: “treat 770 with the same respect you’d except someone to have for your home. And even more so.
770 guys is the place to be the place is always rocking!! 770 is a place to take chayus from because the Rebbe is there bgashmius even now after gimmel Tammuz! Nothing has changed, just to our physical eyes that don’t see. But hey we need emuna, and simcha and bitachon and hey,where good to go! From 770 where marching out! This song was ingraved in my head in gan yisroel parksville, yes indeed from 770 where marching out to victory without a doubt! Yes 770 is the place to be, and yes the Rebbe edited the sicha of beis… Read more »
“it is also difficult for a father to daven with a bunch of sons in 770; more importantly: It gives a young man – and woman – a sense of belonging and community“
Woman? What are you taking about?
Class Shuls are the best thing that happened to Crown Heights. We need smaller communities in the big community. It’s a support system, we celebrate others simchas together, farbrengans and everlasting friendships. Many Chassidus and nigleh classes are organized. For some members, if they didn’t have a class shul, they wouldn’t go to any shul.
Happy birthday, Gershon. To answer your headline, no, it’s not time to talk about the importance of stepping into 770 today. First address the proverbial elephant in there. And no, I don’t refer specifically to shvils, bullying, hooliganism, vandalism or lack of space. I refer to referring to 770 as the Rebbe’s shul. What’s the point of going there today? Shul is to daven and perhaps learn. If one can accomplish a better quality of that in a smaller space with folks curated to my comfort, that’s where I daven and learn and farbreng. Yeh yeh, kdusha lo zaza mimkoma.… Read more »
First of all, he wrote an article already that addresses your point
Second, learn Kuntres Rabeinu ShebiBavel
And third, lubavitch lebt, with or without you. You have the opportunity to enhance your life/service of your creator, by being part of it
During the week there is enough room usually, and many people that daven in class shuls daven on 770 during the week. In Shabbos however there isn’t enough room for all the people who daven in class shuls. 770 needs to be expanded. Also going to shul with kids is easier in class shuls than 770.
There is a maaleh of class shuls and 770. The best is to go to both