We have written in the past about the big problem with the "every yid's a big tzadik" song and philosophy promoted by Neo-Chasidim (as well as some old Chasidim, as well as others), via a TYH song, and otherwise.
Now I know that some people thought, hey, what is he complaining about, it's cute, who cares, what's the difference, even if it is wrong, it's harmless, etc., etc.
But of course, in addition to the fundamental fact and commandment of מדבר שקר תרחק, that we are enjoined to stay far away from falsehood, that attitude is a clear and present existential danger to us. In addition to cases of physical harm, whether molestation or otherwise, that are perpetrated by bad apples "within the community" (fraudsters who pose as pious Jews), another serious internal problem is fraud in business, whether on a small scale, or large scale Ponzi schemes, and other scams that we hear or read about from time to time. Letting our guard down via delusional beliefs and attitudes makes us sitting ducks for such predators, ח"ו, something our holy Torah by no means prescribes.
While such things are exposed sometimes, and even reported in the media occasionally, usually it seems to be in regard to a single case, and doesn't address the problem more broadly. But now, in just the last day or so, surprisingly, I saw two big pieces on the subject, with a broader focus and scope, in some major frum media outlets. While long overdue, they are very welcome and necessary.
1) MAILBAG: Ponzi Schemes And Investors In Our Community: A Warning To All Involved - The Yeshiva World
2) Hot Deal or Hot Air? – Mishpacha Magazine
This type of affinity fraud is also related to the "Every Yid's a Big Tzadik" attitude promoted by people like the TYH group. Naive kids, newly converted to the neo-Chasidic faith, from posh suburbs, may harbor and buy such fantasies, but they are very dangerous and un-Jewish, and need to be called out.
No, every Yid is not a big tzadik (and not every talmid chacham is a gaon) Like those who proverbially wrap themselves in a flag can be scoundrels, those conspicuously wrapping themselves in "frumkeit", or "Chasidus", can be so too. As posted here in the past, the proper attitude our great rabbis taught toward strangers is respect and caution/suspicion. Trust must be earned. It is not granted by a song that some pre-1A teacher made up, sung by some youngster online.
May הקב"ה protect us from swindlers of various stripes who steal our money and innocence, as well as from those who peddle feel-good, but false, and anti-Torah theology, wrapped in Hasidic garb, who steal our minds, and falsify our faith.
