In the past, when questions were raised about Neo-Chasidus, a response given was along the lines of we do things the same way you do, except that we also want to have a relationship with Hashem (as if regular Yidden don't have such a relationship ר"ל).
And perhaps in the past they were more careful not to innovate in the area of practice. But lately they seem to be more feeling more confident, and more questionable practices are being seen.
Two recent examples illustrate this point quite clearly.
Firstly, ט' אב services at a congregation on Long Island, NY.
In the previous post, before 9 Av, we discussed the advertised Tisha Be'Av kumzitz
I figured that I should check firsthand to see what was going on, בשעת מעשה, at the places I wrote about, after all, that is only proper, as Rashi brings in בראשית.
When I checked out the תשעה באב morning קינות at Congregation KMH, led by Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky, a close disciple (he is one of a few carefully chosen founding members of Rabbi Weinberger's new Kollel Emek Hamelech) of Yeshiva University Mashpia and Rabbi of Congregation Aish Kodesh of Woodmere, NY, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, with assistance from talented singer Joey Newcomb, I discovered even more than I was expecting.
The abbreviated קינות service was accompanied by a significant amount of singing. And that does not mean that they just sang בצאתי ממצרים and אלי ציון a little more than in other places. Rather there were actual distinct songs between קינות. You don't have to take my word for it, you can see for yourself, via the links below.
Selections eight, nine, and ten.
Definitely very different than typical ט' אב services at both Non-Chasidic and Chasidic congregations.
The second example is the recent extensive singing (for almost an hour) at the funeral of the well known Lubavitcher scholar and writer, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz. Perhaps it could even be called a funeral farbrengen.
As with the first example, this is something that is not typically seen at such events, whether typical Chasidic or Non Chasidic ones. Neo-Chasidus is doing its own thing.
I like the idea of doing things with more כוונה, and making observances more meaningful. But does that give an unlimited carte blanche license for innovation? I don't think so.
May הקב"ה give us the wisdom to infuse our observances with meaning and passion without transforming them excessively.
You are too kind
ReplyDeleteThey go מדחי אל דחי
LB
The current Neo movement seems very similar to the original Chassidic movement, prior to it being opposed and ultimately modified.
ReplyDeleteI think that the bigger problem is not neo Chassidus but the Kiruv Movement. There's a Rabbi who makes Carlebach Havdalah at the shul I attend. No big deal except that he does so even during the 3 Weeks. When challenged he answered,"It's done
ReplyDeleteL'Shem Kiruv." There seems to be a prevailing attitude that if you can make the religion more appealing to the disenfranchised then you do whatever comes to mind.
Old Litwak is comparing the current movement to the original Chassidic movement, but that's entirely unfair. The great Chassidic masters were Yirei Shamayim to the nth degree. The same can't be said for those who present themselves as Rabbis today. Pnei Hador Pnei Hakelev. It's nearly impossible to give anyone Mussar, because everyone thinks they know it all.
I did not mention the early masters of chassidus, who needless to say were great men in every regard. They do not need our adulation.
DeleteMy comparison was merely with regard to the barriers that the movement was breaking and the general direction it was hurtling before being opposed. Ultimately it was brought under control in part by its own aforementioned leaders . They recognized the legitimacy of the Misnagdims' bitter opposition and took measures to reign in the extreme elements .
Inasmuch as they are sincere, the Neos are also headed down a slippery slope. It needs to be opposed.
Thank you for clarifying your position. I'm also not a fan of neo Chassidus.
Delete