NCSY Heads to Uman

NCSY is a well known youth movement in the Modern Orthodox community, which has brought many young people closer to Judaism and Torah for decades. It has also garnered support from segments of the more right wing "Yeshiva World" at times as well.

Lately, however, they evidently are increasingly under the influence of the neo-Hasidic segment of Modern Orthodoxy. This recently became more prominent, front and center, with the appointment of neo-Chasidus leader Rabbi Judah Mischel as Mashpia (a Chasidic title/position seemingly created there for him, as was created for his mentor, neo-Chasidus leader Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, at YU-RIETS a few years back) of NCSY (see also here).

It is important to understand that this is not just some low level appointment. Rather, it is a pivotal new development, as it is reported that he will be working closely with all levels of NCSY staff and dispensing guidance.

Surprisingly though (or perhaps not surprisingly), the OU doesn't mention explicitly, or detail his neo-Chasidism in their announcements of it. It seems that they are trying to hide it, flying under the radar, to make it like he is just some neutral inspirational mainstream Orthodox figure, rather than one of the top neo-Chasidic leaders.

Who is Rabbi Judah Mischel?

Rabbi Judah Mischel is a person who has transformed Camp HASC (where he is executive director) in the last few years into a major platform for the promotion of neo-Chasidus among young people, and now, with his elevation at NCSY, is in position to do more of the same there, this time with the reach, prestige and influence of the O-U behind him. He is someone who regularly goes to Uman for Rosh Hashanah and promotes that to others as well. He also has significant personal, as well as family, ties to Lubavitch. He founded an organization called Tzama Nafshi, which works to spread neo-Chasidus among the Modern Orthodox, by means such as a special tour to graves of famous Chasidic Rebbes in Europe.

This a significant departure from the O-U and NCSY's past. Is NCSY, the National Council of Synagogue Youth, becoming NCSY, Neo Chasidic Synagogue Youth? This is something worthy of examination, discussion, and thought.

This great shift at NCSY should be taken into account by OU members and officials, parents, donors, young people, people connected to NCSY, and any concerned community member. Is the OU now willingly becoming a vehicle to lead young people, the future of the community, away, in a different direction, to neo-Chasidus?

To get an idea of the mentality involved, a relevant illustration is a statement Rabbi Mischel made a few months ago - "There are three places that attract and unite Jews from all walks of life" he said, "Uman on Rosh Hashana, Meron on Lag Baomer, and Camp HASC."

Wait, you may say, what about the Kosel Maaravi? ירושלים עיה"ק, the city that Chazal said unites Yidden? No. He says the three places are Uman, Meron, and Camp HASC.

Well, if you want to try something new, what can I do, but personally, I am old-fashioned, and choose ירושלים.

Reb Mischel is known for stunts and merrymaking. But what may be popular in a summer camp environment is not necessarily what is desirable year round for searching youth.

How did Mischel get his new job? I am not privy to all the deliberations, but it is known that O-U Executive VP Allen Fagin is close to and has a very warm relationship with neo-Chasidus leader (the man Mischel calls his captain) Rabbi Moshe Weinberger (we have discussed Rabbi Weinberger and some of his controversial statements here in the past). A few months ago when Rabbi Weinberger had a special breakfast for his new Emek Hamelech institute, Fagin was there, sat on the dais, and exchanged kisses with Weinberger after the program. Weinberger gave effusive recognition and thanks to him for coming then, as well as being available when called in general, despite his busy schedule, in the beginning of his talk. It is not just Allen Fagin himself, however, it is a deeper, more extensive, family connection. Fagin's son is a longtime neo-Hasid and congregant of Rabbi Weinberger. In a video from the recent first selichos pre-Rosh Hashanah 5779 at Aish Kodesh, for example, Fagin family members can be clearly seen in the foreground (some in Hasidic garb, Mr. Allen Fagin himself in a light blue shirt, at the left of his son) extensively (he/they can be seen in some previous similar videos as well). So there is a deep relationship there. Hence it is quite logical to wonder if Mr. Fagin himself is lending a hand to the promotion of neo-Chasidus at the O-U/NCSY (of course, there are some others there as well under that influence, such as R. Bashevkin of NCSY, but he doesn't seem to be into Uman as R. Muschel is, or as extreme. Additionally, there is a difference between if there is one or few neo-Chasidic leaders in an organization, and if there are multiple such individuals).

Be that as it may or may not be, the point is that major change is under way at NCSY, and people should be made aware of it. An unacknowledged stealthy major change in orientation breeds suspicion and does not inspire trust. We don't want parents complaining in the future that Rabbi Mischel and NCSY made their children into neo-Chasidim.

Let us have some honesty, transparency, and forthrightness about the situation, rather than obfuscation and euphemisms.

The O-U Kashrus division is an industry leader due to its great staff of dedicated Torah scholars in the mainstream of the community. It would be logical for other divisions of the O-U, such as NCSY, to proceed in such a path as well, taking advantage of wise counsel of established senior תלמידי חכמים, rather than going בעצת נערים, with the fads of the youth, even if the latter are more popular on social media. Social media is not, and should not be, our guiding light.

May Hashem help us proceed on the right path and avoid pitfalls.