Simcha Frischling is the founder and executive director of “Call of the Shofar,” a training institute popular with some Lubavitchers that uses Jewish wisdom as a framework for personal growth.
He has been working with Jewish men for over 25 years developing and facilitating numerous programs, which promote healthy fulfilling lives and responsible caring relationships according to the Torah.
In this web interview with Berry Schwartz of HealthyJudaism.com, Frischling speaks about leading a better life and succeeding while not compromising on matters of faith and belief.
Here is a rough timeline breakdown of the interview so you can skip to a section that intrigues you:
6:00 What does it mean to get in touch with our real desires?
14:00 – Is bittul a misunderstood concept?
31:00 – What’s the framework for navigating a conflict between wellbeing and halacha?
35:00 – Can there be tension between halacha and wellbeing?
43:00 – People who feel they’re only worthy if they keep mitzvot.
46:00 – What to do if you’re only keeping mitzvot from a place of fear – is there value in that?
48:00 – Why does Call of the Shofar have the workshops in groups?
We learn in Tanya, chassidus etc. to feel batik compared to Hashem and others to davenport in length a time which you won’t be depressed last but not least it is the same way as the Lamark a Buddhist thing which is Avishag zorah and even if it does help someone in their avodas Hashem yo May still not use it like a animal meant for avodah zorah may not be used etc. bottom line even if it might “help” you now it is still against Halacha and chassidus
I’ve known Simcha for over 10 years and watched him grow and evolve as a human being and teacher. I’ve watched him invest thousands of hours of his life, unpaid, in helping men grow as Jews and human beings. After 12 years of mesirus nefesh for Jewish men, he’s starting to make a little money from shofar. Anyone who uses this or another public forum to imply that he is a scam artist, huckster, cult-leader, or otherwise manipulating people for personal gain is sorely misinformed and guilty of serious lashon hara. Those who make such comments are not only committing… Read more »
I got my computer fixed recently. I have known the guy who fixed my computer for about 6 years. He has always done a good job and at a very reasonlable price. But this time he gave me a price that I thought was high, but he said that it was because of the motherboard etc and because i trusted him and I dont really know any good computer fixers, I said ok. Afterwards I found out that he basicly ripped me off. Whats the point of the story? The point is that someone may do a very good service… Read more »
Many times I wondered if it was good or bad. I think th best way to understand it is like a drug. Drugs can be good or bad. Most people have a very strong black and white view of the world. Its either good or bad. So we usually think that if you buy drugs on the street its bad bbbut if you get it from the drug stor its good. And that is generaly the case. But what about if you need marewana for something you have and you get it from a frind and its legal in your… Read more »
100 comments and who did chitas rambam and some other sfarim today? Action is main thing. Go sit in the Beis Medrash and be a yid. The light of torah with bring you back.
that was a very well written piece, with good points. There is one thing that’s actually very important and that is halachik authorities have ruled that landmark is a cult…
Landmark Forum has had a very positive effect on my life similar to the effect described by many of those who have attended COTS – better relationship with others, less emotional overlay of negative emotions around relationship with Hashem, family and co workers. I feel that the sorting process of choosing to control thoughts as taught to me from Tanya is becoming something I am more capable of doing through practice. . I am more capable of acting decisively in making decisions based on my education as a bas Chabad. Intellectually the majority of Chabadniks have information about chassidus. How… Read more »
hello ppl, wake up we are chabad, we have a rebbe, we have chassidus, we have everything we need to succeed in life why do some feel the need to turn elsewhere to get in touch with concepts that chassidus teaches? the sad part is that this is such an explosive and sensitive subject/debate in lubavitch we know that all the good of everything and every theology in the world comes from torah so of course cots has some head on topics, but why go to the retailer when you can go to the wholesaler?-why not go to where those… Read more »
and sends ppl there all the time!
do u know better than the expert??
this guy learn befor in india.
he learned this shtusim from the tumah
Please answer this Question Call of Shofer charges 880 for a person to join the group a group is usually about 40 people 880 x 40 is about 35000 dollars where is this money going to.
Did the participants think of that you are being sucked out of your money.
Can you please tell me why the 2 other questions at the endwere cut out ?
to 251 Someone close to me went to the weekend, he came back and all he could say is “you gotta go….”. I got on the Tuesday call and I really wanted to throw up. Each guy talks and says, “I love you guys”, I’m all in. Really? You love? Its programmed talking and all end up sounding the same. It was painful to hear it. I was embarrassed for the guys on the call. Also, The interview…….If you know anything about body language…..this guy is shifty, cannot give a direct answer, is very nervous the whole time. So untrustworty.… Read more »
he say that 40:00 min in
do the right thing even if u dont yet it yet!
The Gemara in סנהדרין ק”ה states: מתוך שלא לשמה בא לשמה . this is a theme and a belief that is very prevalent in Halacha and very much emphasized in the Rebbe’s teachings. From cursory glance at this interview, it seems that they don’t put much emphasis on this angle… Yes, the most healthy relationship with Hashem – and indeed the goal – should be one of true love. But until we get there, we still need to follow all Halochos and our treasured Minhagim Mitoch Shelo Lishma, and hope to arrive at the Lishma very soon (and work very… Read more »
Sounds like the Jewish version of Werner Erhard (EST) cult. Resist the temptation to go there. Any time there is a “leader” who has the “solution” and charges money for it….run away.
When they see that outlets that are offered are mocked and create controversial debate, they may just give up on even asking for help. before everyone decides to fight and throw their “intelligent chassidish” persepctives, remember you may be tampering with people’s lives. State your opinions and say THIS IS MY OPINION and nonetheless seek guidance and help that RESONATES. G-d wants his children to stay alive and be happy. That’s the bottom line my friends.
They use cult-like methods and have sources from non-kosher places. Stay away
Ive spoken to Rabbi SHea Hecht who is an expert in cults.
And he firmly said to stay far away!
couldn’t have said it better!
thus is the Rebbe’s approach.
whoever denies that, is probably hurting even more!
if you care abt the public, Dont knock it, suggest modifications, to improve it!
To those who have benefitted and want ppl u care about to benefit too. that understandable! doesnt shofar teach u NOT to insist, if someone is closed minded to going, arent u taught to leave him alone?! whoever is pretending that Shofar promotes otherwise is probably anti-shofar and just trying to cast a bad shadow on those who went and are happy they did. To those who are against it, The approach of a Chossid on all matters of importance is “Aseh Lecha Rav…” did your Rav instruct you to go and write dozens of repetitious comments here to vilify… Read more »
GO BERRY! Real proud of you.
YET I AGREE W 225
MAKES A VALID POINT
ANSWER
TO HELP OTHERS.
Why r u recruiting people u don’t know even have issues ?! This repetitive behaviour you all seem to use is “you should all go. Do it for ur wife, do it for ur kids…”. My wife and I are happy & in a wonderful place. My children are BH Chassidishe, thriving, normal children and teens. Your alumni similar rhetoric is scaring me…some of u sound messed up & literally need to be deprogrammed than onto real therapy (which u may not have needed to begin with). Now I understand from this recent post that COTS participants were asked to… Read more »
ML in my oppinion meant share your own experience as opposed to people just bad mouthing it without having gone.
FYI he is not a master staff, he is simply am administrator in terms of enrollment scheduling and bookkeeping
In addition, M.L. Is not any sort of master at Shofar, and he does not necessarily represent the opinion of the organization.
You are mistaken. The email you received tonight was from ME, asking people to stop telling everyone to go to Shofar.
All M.L. Was saying was to tell people the truth about what goes on, instead of the bogus rumors which have been circulating.
זיי געבענטשט משיח נאו
I am a COTS alumni and I’m part of the Crown Heights Shofar group. I just received an email which caused me to be nauseated with the whole shofar thing and it made me realize how it’s all a fake. I got an email from a master (staff) at shofar, M. L. Which stated the following: “Please go to colive.com and set the record straight about Call of the Shofar. Moshe.” This got me to realize how we are brainwashed and we have a goal to brainwash other uch!! That’s really disgusting! If its true and it helps and it’s… Read more »
Oy vey we have been so open minded that our minds have fallen out and are being blasted with the call of the vudus
I went to Shofar recently,.
I enjoyed the info and understood the lessons
Yet wished it would be less cult-like
Maybe if they would take the cult style out, even the attendees who went would feel better about it.
MAYBE FROM ALL THESE COMMENTS – THEY WILL GET THE POINT to keep just the EMES as part of the weekend, and CUT THE SHTUSIM, and instead give more time for DAVENING AND AVODAS HASHEM on the weekend itself!
WHY IS BERRY ASKING THIS GUY A QUESTION ABOUT THE CHASIDIC VIEW OF BITUL HAYESH ?
THE GUY KNOWS ABOUT WELLBEING THERAPY, NOT ABOUT CHASIDISH HASKAFA !!!
AND IF THERE IS A CONTRADICTION, THEN A MASHPIA SHOULD ANSWER IT, NOT THIS GUYS OPINION AND BERRY’S HASKAMA.
This must be the shoifer gadol of moshiach!
Its saving thousands of lives!
i think moshiach cant come till every yid gets involved in the shofar gadol!
YIDDEN PICK YOURSELF UP & GO TO SHOFAR! WE NEED MOSHIACH ASAP!!!
What seem peculiar to me is that there are plenty comments that seem like they are planted here by Mr. Simcha himself but he made an error that blows his cover. That is all the commenters stating matter of factly that they know of numerous marriages saved by his outfit. Their PR spin is that they’re shrouded in secrecy due to “client privacy”, sounds good, BUT… how would the attendees know about the marriages of their fellow attendees that were “saved”? I thought client privacy is empirical? Are people announcing there that my marriage is on the rocks and then… Read more »
We are chassidim and we have rebeiyim which taught everything which is needed for us to become better people why in the world are Lubavitchers falling into such none sence when we have the truth. Shofar is NOT chassidus repackaged its eastern spirituality repackaged into chassidus terms in order to attract us Lubavitchers. Here are some points that bring this out: 1) did the Rebbe or any of the rebeiyim EVER make people start breathing in a specific way during farbrengens or at least mention this way of meditating any where in any of their teachings? No! If this whole… Read more »
This past weekend I attended a Call of the Shofar, Seasons of Transformation workshop, The program was a 3 day experiential, educational workshop which focused on learning and experiencing principles that lead to personal well-being, healthy relationships, and full, powerful, responsible living. The full benefit of what this program did for me is impossible for me to describe, but I want to share this experience with you, so I am inviting you to join me tomorrow night at 9PM Eastern on a teleconference where you can simply listen in and learn about the program and it’s results directly from the… Read more »
There’s nothing wrong with the program. Be open-minded and try it out. you just might become a happier and healthier person.
From all the comments I summarize: 1 ppl. Need authentic Farbrengens…there r some!! For free!!! Talk to a Mashpia to find them 2. I and others found this “Simch” creepy 3. The mere fact that ppl r encouraging me and everyone else to go seems like there’s some odd recruitment going on. While we can all use personal growth not everyone has major issues that need help. Please understand that while it did u good, I am happy working through learning Chassidus for personal growth. I am BH a good spouse, parent and friend! Sad to c Lubavitch has so… Read more »
the nay sayers true colors are revealed
Shofar is the answer to this emotional galus. Everyone has a nefesh habehamis which we try to control. Shofar merely equips you to react in a healthy way from a place of well being. Instead of people walking around feeling inhibited with no feelings of self worth, now they walk around feeling more open to people and less defensive.
I don’t understand why people are so opposed to that. Is it because of jealousy?
And has a positive outcome for many, it satisfies the Chabad litmus test
Look at how many people are spewing resentment, hate, and bitterness – while they are telling you that the solutions to your problems are in Chasidus!!! So who is the cult? These people have been brainwashed into believing they are nothing. So, naturally, the Call of the Shofar, a program meant to empower and uplift, must be the devil. They tell you learn Chasidus, Daven, Farbreng, read 39 volumes of Likutei Shichos, read all of Igros Kodesh and CERTAINLY by the time you’re done – youll be happier. UM… How do they know? Have they been through all of that?… Read more »
For decades now, the frum community has bemoaned “if only we can get all of the services, therapy, workshops etc. that are ‘out there’, filtered through frum people with Rabbinic input so that we too can benefit from them all in a Torah/Chassidisher way. Well, here you have it. Call of the Shofar is about the principles in Torah to live a life of empowerment, full potential, and happiness. It is facilitated by frum people, in a kosher, shomer shabbos environment and even has endorsements from Rabbonim such as Reb Michel Twerski and more. What else do we need? How… Read more »
You are missing something important. You are talking about “talk therapy” which has tremendous value. Call of the Shofar is an EXPERIENCAL workshop. That is altogether different. They both play powerful roles.
I have been to both:)
Yeah man! Say it again, and again. No need for new insight since your previous comment(s). Just say it over again. It works like a fresh comment;-)
No. In yiddishkiet its not only the results that matter. Was marginally involved in de-programming and can tell you that the cults gave some of these people self esteem! Helped them function better…Not everything that helps ppl in life is kosher or healthy…
Its a business its all about the money……and he uses cult like tactics for recruiting and promothion
Dear shofar ppl and dearest nay-sayer ppl, I love you all regardless of your opinion. From fine, ehrliche normal people who went, I found the following unofficial results*: 5% didn’t find the workshop helpful because they are b”h already living from a very healthy place and don’t really struggle with many common issues e.g. social, personal, true relationship with Hashem (they -for the most part- really appreciate doing torah/mitzvos not primarily out of fear/guilt (like me before shofar)). 90% found it transforming in a positive way. (of which 50% will commit to practice this in their lives and continue to… Read more »
I went to shofar during Iyar of last year. I have had several beautiful improvements since then. Many of which my friend and family (and myself) are very aware of and appreciate. One example: Pre-shofar: I spent between 30 min. to 2 hrs almost every day on “recreational” internet (col, vin, etc.) even though I have other priorities in my life (family time, shiurim etc). I was somewhat “addicted” to my internet fix. Post-shofar: I spend maybe 1 hour a week on “recreational” internet. And not out of need/compulsion as in the past. I’m always aware that like every avoida… Read more »
I had heard of the call of the shofar before, but really as people on this board have pointed out didn’t have much information about it at all.. it was a few close friends that had went. After reading this board, and seeing the arguments all i can say is something stinks about this. You don’t have to be a genious to know that where there is smoke there is fire. glad this interview was done, and this program was put on the autopsy table for all of COLLIVE to disect. I for one have smell something very very fishy… Read more »
For all those chiding the cost: the location is not free, the food is also not, there are facilitators to pay, handouts and other miscellaneous costs too. I’d suggest to everyone to ask your own Rav/Mashpia (if you don’t have one, get one. The Rebbe was very vocal in this) whether to attend or not. No one is being forced or coerced in going. There are and will always be (at least) 2 sides in every situation, one must not judge based on one side alone (either side). Objectivity is key in understanding the approach of Shofar, mainly due to… Read more »
Why is he so nervous if he is teaching emotianal welllbeing!
The fact that something works is NOT PROOF AT ALL that its okay al pi Chassidus etc. Many cults do things that work and seem to help people so PLEASE!
I think it would be a fantastic idea to organise block fabrengens and to ask for volunteers to lead the fabrengens … not to darshan away, but to lead in a way of allowing others to open up and share in a true Chassidic brotherly fashion. And guess what? It would be free!!!
The Other HALF of welbeing is = to do things for the RIGHT reasons, ie for H’ for whats needed of me by those who depend on me, (My children etc etc)
There is nothing healthy (of well-being) or jewish about encouraging someone to drop a good minhag, a good practice, (ie Staying up Lel Shavuos, or Dressing the way the Rebbe asked to) just bec his past motivation was not to do the right thing but was rather out of peer pressure. Just bec his “Motive was perverse and unhealthy” does not maen its “Heathy” to drop a deriable practice! isent the idea of well being, to YES do the right thing, however to do so from a PRINCIPLED (ie bec its the right thing to do) not bec your in… Read more »
as Berry explains it very well, 30:00 min in, they have not really changed who they were, they have merely, revealed to everyone that they have no personal appreciation for the Rebbe’s horaos, they were all along ignorant or apathetic towards these horaos, and shofar allowed them to become honest and aware of their inner (wrong/unhealthy) motives, That awareness, is step one to acknowledging that there is a problem, and now with that clarity, if he wishes to grow and give nachas to the Rebbe, and Hashem, he can now choose to approach his mashpia and discuss his current apathy… Read more »
Hi to all. Some people know me other people don’t! But let me tell u all: I just got back from a super duper weekend with other brave & courageous men. It was was a most unbelievable humbling experience. I had an awesome first time staffing and participating in the numerous workshops. BH It’s NOT my first time going and hopefully not my last. It’s a Family! It’s a community! Its the real deal! I wish and yearn that’s others take a grip in their lifes & takepart in it. Do it for ur YOURSELF! Do it for ur WIFE!… Read more »
Because the internet.
Go uncle berry
Allow me to sum it up! Its amazing! Its worth every penny! ==Its shtus! its a cult! its A”Z!! oy meh hoyu lanu! its sanctioned by many chaisidm, mashpiyim, shluchim! no rabbonim came out against it! ==Its all about making money! its not really helpful he just brainwashes u that it is Its helped me be a better everything in my life!!! thats the bottom line litmus test! it must be mitzad hakdusha! ==Its very similar to eastern spiritualism, its A”Z! Its using neutral tools, also found in other systems. ==Its a dangerous cult your just bitter, there’s nothing against… Read more »
Mr #211, I don’t like dealing with faceless nameless people. Tell me who you are and we can continue this conversation.
In general, it’s quite shocking the level of anonymity going on here.
fpr now, till something better comes along, (halevai!) this is worth every cent, and every cultish stigma and shtick
those who have any doubt, talk to your mashpia!
Speaking such deep concepts you wonder where’s the Yorei Malka??
1. Brotherhood and belonging, by a strong and loyal bond, reminiscent of the chasidim of yesteryear 2. Deep and intense introspection and self awareness, reminiscent of the Ch.H”N of chasidim of yesteryear 3. Self improvement, Goals to work towards, in the areas of Middos, Family duties, Avoda im hazulas etc ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE LEGITIMATE NEEDS, AND VERY MUCH ESSENTIAL TO AUTHENTIC CHABAD PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES. I hope that the right people come together to do this right, since theres obviousely a great need and benefit for our (poen-minded) community members. just imagine how the Tznius (self esteem) issues… Read more »
man, you are angry 🙂
does it perhaps look a bit odd that youre reacting this way?
you have some serious issues to work out…
as the saying goes,
Az gut iz gut, iz besser nisht besser??
Lets do this, and lets do this right!
Myusad Beharerei Koidesh!
The cost for 1 weekend at shofar can get you 5 sessions with a reputable psychologist. If you are struggling with issues, please, please seek professional help with a psychologist who is licensed and trained for many years to help you.
The Call of the Shofar’s philosophy can be found in any basic introductory psychology textbook. Please don’t waste your money on some guru who is repackaging Psychology 101.
Use your brain, don’t fall for the hype.
Chabad has the answers but there must be volunteers to put it foreward. I believe the answer is an annual Kinus Anash to take place in a hotel that can accommodate 1,000-2,000 people. A weekend of immersive farbrengens, workshops etc. Why an annual Nshei convention and nothing for the men? I acknowledge it will cost a fortune but we need a yungerman with vision to undertake this. It can be partially fundraised by our own Anash gvirim and partly covered by charging a fee for attendees. Chassidim are STARVING to belong. So far that need goes unanswered.
The underlying rulenof COTS is “go spread our light and get me new sucker clients…. To go spread the light so that they can influence the 3rd group in this pyramid scheme” If people went and kept their moths shut about not would be best. But no…. When you sign up you are commiting to bring another few people into the cots fold. Remember all those phone company schemes that didn’t pay for advertising… All they did was got bunch of suckers to pay them few hundred dollars to get a kit to spread the light? That’s what this cots… Read more »
I know people who have greatly benefited from the program, for them the fee was well worth it, even a bargain. People should not judge by others comments. Investigate this for yourself. If it helps people lead healthier, more balanced more productive lives, then all the power to the program; people should be encouraged to go, not discouraged. My only beef with the program is the aspect of ‘breaking down’ the person. I can’t understand how this could be beneficial to anyone, let alone someone who already struggles with one thing or another. We do need chabad retreats, maybe this… Read more »
A sensible approach With $700 per head x 40 = sounds like a good buisness modle as for the product itself, seem obviouse that it does offer value to 497 of the 500 Lubavichers who already attended Is it loony or cultish definitly has that vibe, is that a bad thing? To most it seems to be a worthwile price to pay for the experience! Are the truisms similar to budhism? In some ways yes! …kabala? In some ways yes! …chasidus? In many ways yes! How is that possible? The frierdikeh rebbe said it best, All man made ISMs are… Read more »
if you want to look into it, get in touch with alumni and someone via @calloftheshofar.org
if you are just a closed-minded, ignorant, afraid of the unknown bystander, post negative comments to assuage your guilt for not looking into something that may stretch your comfort zone
if your are someone who went and did not accomplish, you only have yourself to blame. just as those who accomplished can take credit for their hard work.
seriously people. get a life!
BUT why does it cost 700$ ?
whats wrong with making money?
The Rebbe told your father ‘it’s as if your sins never happened, because you didn’t have enough time from the day you turned 13 to figure out all the things which are forbidden, so just totally forget about it, and feel no need to rectify it in any way’, and your father had a conventional frum chinuch (and didn’t suffer from some unhealthy form of anxiety)? If yes, please specify what sort of transgression your father was reporting, or at least the equivalent; blanket statements really won’t do.
Simcha rocks!
It started at $500 a weekend
Moved on to $600 a weekend
Is currently at $750 a weekend
Rumor has it – it already did or will move up to $800
The women’s weekend is $1000
There is also “follow up” calls for a fee which is “highly recommended”
There is also an “advanced weekend”
But of course its “only ONE weekend to change your life”.
Only one…
Simcha is the best!
Most participants are average healthy normal ppl who want to live a more fuller life as husbands, fathers yidden chasidim ovdei Hashem etc
There are so many yiden/ lubavitchers that are really hurting. whether it be emotionally, in their marriage, or in any other way. This may be the right method for them to alleviate their pain and start living a happier more fulfilling life…
Please do not comment negatively just for the fun of it. Do you want your comment to be the one responsible for stopping a fellow yid in pain from reaching out for help?!?!
Ty
It is quite obvious why many people who went, whether Rabonim, Shluchim, Mashpiim, teachers, etc., are not comfortable with posting their name on this spewing and deriding forum. I don’t think anyone is looking for extra harassment and plain ole loshon Hara.
If you’d really like to talk to someone (Mashpia, Rov Shliach, etc. )who went, I highly suggest you contact [email protected] and ask to be put in touch with someone in our community who is willing to talk about their experience. I am sure that there are many who are. Make an informed conclusion!
Not only do I think that the Rebbe did that many times, in fact, it occurred with my father!
1. at the end of the day, as chossid, if you want to make the right decision (in any situation) u do not take a pol on collive, rather you present ALL concerns pros and cons (to the best of your ability) to your “Aseh Lecha Rav” (yedid mavin), according to the Rebbe, this process Davka via this procces can one get the right answer for him, (milmaalah, as though the Rebbe himself gave his brocha and haskama). 2. About the igros where the Rebbe clearly encourages the development of a Kosher retreat for those who can benefit or would… Read more »
Nichnas bsholom Yaitzai bsholom
For those who are seeking to grow in Torah and Darchei hachasidus, to them this is clearly chasidus or at least hechsher mitzvah
To those who came in just for themselves… To them they left with more of themselves Vidal
For most at least in my group of forty (including kids off the derech) it sure seemed to help many grow less resentful and thereby more open to avodas H
There are so many yiden/ lubavitchers that are really hurting. whether it be emotionally, in their marriage, or in any other way. This may be the right method for them to alleviate their pain and start living a happier more fulfilling life…
Please do not comment negatively just for the fun of it. Do you want your comment to be the one responsible for stopping a fellow yid in pain from reaching out for help?!?!
someone asked shea hecht and he said it fits all the characteristics of a cult. he did not say that it is neccecarily wrong to go but it is a cult.
Thats what the Rebbe taught
Tae the good
Man Behind “Call of the Shofar”
Yes “Man” not G-D.
“ECP geared for frum Jewish men”
not “Shofar” based on chassidus kabbala bla bla …it’s Not!
it is:
Emotional Clearing Process (ECP):
Based on An EAST/WEST inner-directed method.
Don’t make like its chassiduss.
Please…
Gime a break!
Its not an either or
Kots IS ONE COMPONANT OF CHASIDUS
FARBRENGEN
something here stinks.
is clearly not jewish yiddishkeit.
they only use torah lingo as a tactic.
Go farbreg: with a mashpia that works on himself.
learn chassidus regulary! and understand it.
Share and discuss it with others.
daven beavoidah.
your in a what?
Chasidus authentically applied works!
It took this unsuspecting messager to slip passed our sinical deffensive mechanisms when a regular mashpia verbalizes instructions from the book
Here we tasted the real thing bec we did not realize where he was going with it, this allowed us to have the REAL experience of what a real chasidisheh farby was always intended to be
Water is Nogah aka nuetral
What technique used on this weekend which is necissarily of the domain of Avoda zara?
Dancing?
Relaxation breathing?
Nature walking?
Stretching?
Visiualizations?
Sharring with a group confidential fears? Struggles? Past trauma?
If you want to claim Abold claim such as A”Z u be ready to back it up with specifics, otherwise your attacks look like insecurity on your part.
You’re seriously misreading the sicha. It’s only a theoretical discussion about mitzvas chinuch m’d’oraisa, and only from the child’s perspective! This is serious m’galeh panim ba’torah shelo ka’halacha. Do you really think a bachur ever came to the Rebbe for a tikkun and the Rebbe said, ‘nah, it’s fine, you were in your post-bar-mitzvah sinful grace period’?!
There is a reason why this concept resenates soo well Davka with lubavichers Bec we always longed to experience a real farbrengen, like the ones described in likutei diburim etc etc Finally when someone designs a weekend in a way that facilitates all the key elements present in an autentic chasidisheh farbrengen, its no wonder that it has such a pull and soo much positive power for soo many. Our community needs more not less of this… It can go a long way towards directly and indirectly solving many of the crisis which have resulted from a lack of chasidus… Read more »
seems like eastern non- torah philosophy delivered in chassidus lingo
I do defend what is clearly good within the program = ie a real chasidisheh farbrengen the way it was always meant to be.
What’s with all the shifty eyes of this guy? Why does he give off such, a creepy, smug, know-it-all feeling? Why would reasonable people subject themselves to this opportunist? How much CA$H does he walk away with at the end of each session? Why does he feign ignorance about how to register? Really? And finally, finally, what is in the Crown Heights water that makes so many people gullible to very questionable rehabilitative tactics? This man is not a rabbi and not a trained psychologist? Who is he? Is his “Call of the Shofar” a personal therapy for a messed… Read more »
Its the POWER OF A CHASIDISHEH FARBRENGEN THAT MAKES THIS HAVE ANY VALUE
it is unfortunate that it took this weekend to REINTRODUCE WHAT A GENUINE AUTHENTIC CHASIDISHE FARBY IS REALLY ALL ABOUT
being real, being there for eachother, forcing eachother to take responsibility for our selves and our circlenof influence
1. Its avodah zara
2. Its run by a manipulator who is taking advantage of ppl
Re 1. Let a Rav/Expert in (a”z and halacha) pasken that,
Re 2. Who cares what his motives are!! Does the system (aka authentic chasidisheh farby) work?
From Wikipedia …Stockholm syndrome can be seen as a form of traumatic bonding, which does not necessarily require a hostage scenario, but which describes “strong emotional ties that develop between two persons where one person intermittently harasses,…. abuses, or intimidates the other. One commonly used hypothesis to explain the effect of Stockholm syndrome is based on Freudian theory. It suggests that the bonding is the individual’s response to trauma in becoming a victim. Identifying with the aggressor is one way that the ego defends itself. When a victim believes the same values as the aggressor, they cease to be a… Read more »
U can attack frishlig’s integrity, that does not negate the value herein of the chasidisheh farbrengem component which (to me its obviouse) is where the power and effectiveness results from,
Even if he’s insicere and just for the money, the techniques he uses still work to get the group to the point where they are all being REAL with eachother, THAT is the power of that I believe produces such profound benefit for soo many.
Rabbis should not give advice as if they were psychologists.
Psychologists should not give advice as if they were Rabbis.
if You need Psycho therapy go to a Psychologists.
if You need chassiduss go to a Rav Mashpia.
Toras Chassiduss Chabad = Source of pure water.
Shofar = Not a source of pure water.
psychology is psychology, but torah is like water.
Advisory: Drink Clean Water!
—
Since this is a forum for chabadniks,
Please frame future comments and opinions from a frame work of sources, Halacha, Igros, Sichos etc
Anyone can claim anything here, for the sake of those who wish to discover clarity from a Torah perspective, please backup any claim with concrete Torah source.
Thank you!
(Especially claims such as, such n such practice is avodah zara)
Then I do sympathize for u!
U did not get ur monies worth, go get a refund! Better yet, go to another weekend and ask that he (that arogant) staff member not be in ur group.
Please dont just anonymousely post a dozen comments claiminh its all bad.
At the end of the interview, The Call of the Shofar director, claims he doesn’t really know how people register???????????????????????????
Claims, he doesnt know about pini whomever e-mail address?????????
Wow, is that man’s dishonesty transparent$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Listen, a Jew has to make a living. Free publicity on COL doesn’t hurt….
Techniques are just that, techniques!
Tools, klipas Nogah, neutral tools, if imployed for the good ten its elevated to kedusha, if used for the worship of avoda zara Budhism etc then its klipa
The sicha I referenced is in likkutei sichos chelek 35 pages 65 to 69. Duk vetimtza nachas.
The rebbes Torah is vast and complex. It’s not accurate to think you know it all even after decades of learning it. That’s our Rebbe so carry that around with pride.
Hisbodedus, hisbonenus techniqes are part of jewish spirituality and practice and are not to be construed as necissarily only usable for Tuma cha”v
The Rebbe’s letter makes it clear how creating a Kosher alternative is ideal! So long as it does not include any of the actual avodah zarah To whoever claims that it includes any avodah zarah 1. Meditation exists first in kedusha then in leumas zeh 2. The ice breaking techniques of singing, dancing, with closed eyes… that has been used by chasidim of the past with authentic farbrengens to get everyone loosened up and the egos abit suspended. 3. Walking in the woods, aka Going into nature (hisbodedus) a practice many chasidim did to set their mind ready for deep… Read more »
Most of what is soo powerful is the fact that ppl (via the techniques used) open up, share and express their real thaughts feelings and fears! And they do so in an atmosphare of genuine brotherly love and acceptance devoid of judgemnt or fear of mockery
It is abit eckeledik to sit through simcha’s know it all persona.
The program will work just as well if you only participate with the actual group activities and exersizes, minus simcha’s imrei beten.
Chasidim are taught to sift and extract the good from any situation (as long as it’s not against Halacha)
I have found plenty of good and zero aspects against Halacha!
Granted some of techniques are very unusual, and even disturbing, so what! I wanted my monies worth so I went along with it!
I’m glad I did!
As an alum of cots, I can speak from my personal experience
It was essentially the first ever AUTHENTIC chasidishe farbrengen experience I’ve ever had!
(+some time on thorough cheshbin hanefesh)
As for the cultish shtick, non of it violated Halacha!
Remember:
Vus a chasidisheh farbrengen ken oiftun…
This is it!!!!
With my pre-frum experience and being a Buddhist and a person involved with eastern spirituality, I found it shocking and horrible that so many ideas and exercises from shofar are directly from eastern religions and spirituality which stems from klipah and Avoda Zarah R”l. Shofar is clearly inspired by non pure sources the man behind shofar works for an organization which purifies people with a fusion of eastern spirituality and western psychology. The organization is called emclear you can search them on google. The man behind shofar is actually an official counselor of this avoda Zara based program he does… Read more »
If you go somewhere where someone humiliates you and tears down your self-esteem and worth and then builds it back up, he, in essence, “re-designs” how you think about yourself and you become dependant on him for how you feel, and greatly appreciative that he “allows” you to be be seen in a positive light. That sounds very dangerous. I would never hand over my mind or my sense of self-worth to someone else. Period. Its dangerous. In my opinion, reading the comments pro and con, I strongly feel that this exercise of “tearing down” is extremely detrimental and is… Read more »
So far I count three people who identified themselves and said they are open to discussing why shofer is overall a positive thing.
Conversely no one claiming it’s a cult or that it’s a waste of time has identified themselves.
Looks like the cultlike behavior is more on the detractors…
#134. Good point. Did anyone speak with Shea Hecht first hand? Eveyone knows what the Rebbe said about going to experts.
#158. If what you say is correct. I’m not doubting you, I just haven’t gone myself. Just based on the comments posted here it seems that what you say is correct. Then I totaly agree woth you!
1 long lectures set in a monologue setting A. Baloney. 2 discussion outside of lectures with peers discouraged A. in the beginning, to keep you focused and inward bound 3 bathroom breaks highly discouraged A. Baloney 4 calling people highly discouraged A. Not true. Forbidden. The idea is to focus on yourself. 5 an oath of secrecy “for the security of the group” is made A. Only about who was there. Hilchos Lashon hora 101 6 none of the ideologies are publicly offered by the organisors A. Huh?? 7 people who are “skeptik” are coerced to leave in the beggining… Read more »
I was there, there were 3 other Shluchim in my group, most of who who went because they were encouraged to go by other Shluchim and Chabad Rabonim.
It was an amazing experience. It helps me to be a better Yid, Chossid, Shliach, Husband, Father, Fundraiser, Friend……
It is not a cult!
It is all based on Chassidus.
I highly recommend it for everyone, you have nothing to loose!!
Keep in mind that they do NO ADVERTISING it is all word of mouth. That says something about customer satisfaction.
Most of the people who are against this haven’t gone!!
A friend of mine went and it had such a negative influence on him. It took him a long time to recover. This is pure brainwash.
It is clear that the shofar is a cult like 1 long lectures set in a monologue setting 2 discussion outside of lectures with peers discouraged 3 bathroom breaks highly discouraged 4 calling people highly discouraged 5 an oath of secrecy “for the security of the group” is made 6 none of the ideologies are publicly offered by the organisors 7 people who are “skeptik” are coerced to leave in the beggining leaving only people that “want” to be there %100 8 there is an emphasis made at the end on “sharing” a.k.a “recruiting” 9 there is a large fee… Read more »
Please write names of mashpim that have gone. I would like to discuss it with them, perhaps.
In the world, Judaism is not understood and derided, within Judaism, Chassidism is not understood and derided. Within Chassidism, Chabad is not understood and derided and called a cult. All of this derision stems from lack of knowledge about what it’s really about or just plain jealousy, intolerance, disrespect, etc. Now, Shofar is not being understood and is being derided. I am proud to be one of the torch bearers in yet another facet of truth.
I have to agree! I did witness a insincere, somewhat arrogant staff member needlessely mistreat and disrespect an otherwise very decent and sincere participant!
Now that participant feels that the whole thing must be a waste, simcha should investigate…
Simcha does not have all the answers!! Not even close! It is true that his issues may have him pretend that he does! That being said, I did still hold my noes and because I did I gained much mainly from the proccess and participants Not soo much from simcha ‘s know it all ideas! He really wasnt mechadesh any chidushim! He merely allowed us chasidim an oppertunity to have a real farbrengen and a real cheshbon hanfesh! If not for some of his shtick, it would have taken 10 three day weekends to accomplish the same introspection and open… Read more »
I dont either know of a source from the rebbe
However, hirshil fried from bp has a makor, I believe from a posek that maturity today may take as late as 17 before lemaalah he/she will be punished for transgressions
Idk if that is relivant to the discussion
Has this program increased or decreased your Ability for Avodas Hashem, Avodah im hazulas, Avoda im atzmo (tikun hamiddos)? I know of only 2 cases where the outcome was negitive 1. The paricipant is still very selfish, closer minded and insecure. 2. Another friend who was part of my group was misteated by a staff member, (who had his own issues get in the way) that was unfortunate, and I have found that staff member o be in need of some humility and further work himself before he turns off more (otherwise sincere) participants! The program itself needs to be… Read more »
I have been to both landmark and call of the shofar, and in my experience, I would recommend Landmark 1000% over call of the shofar. First off, it’s much more effective and professional. Secondly, it’s not runned by one per it’s who everyone is looking towards for “guidance” which automatically makes it less cultist. Thirdly, and most importantly, landmark has nothing to do with religion, and therefore is not in anyway an alternative to chassidus or Yiddish kite. My experience of simcha is that he’s a well meaning person, but he comes across like someone who has all the answers.… Read more »
I listened to the entire interview, and would like to ask the interviewer berry shwartz, who quotes the rebbe asking how can torah/Hashem expect every bar mitzvah boy to fulfill the entire torah if he’s not obligated before bm? and that the rebbe supposedly answered that the torah doesn’t expect that, on the contrary the torah takes this into account that obviously the bm boy will transgress and grow with time, as it is impossible. please provide a source for this! the rebbe asked this a few times, and the answer which i saw in likutei sichos is that from… Read more »
This is the type of overview I as an outsider needed to read.
It claims that simcha programs participants to be pro…
He did not do a very good job, read 123 is proof
You have got talent
I’m Dan lekav zechus
Those pro, genuinely care for others who may gain much, if not scared off by the few but vocal nay sayers.
Those anti, genuinely are worried that this cannot be chuck full of authentic chabad practices (such as real idea of farbrengen) real achdus, real emphasis on hisbodedus, real emphasis on giving for the sake of duty and not from a place of selfish need for approval.
Wouldn’t the same apply for all the negative comments? I.e. They could all be the same person!
1. Ask your personal Rav, he has sayaata dshmaya to guide u in the direction that is right for u (such is our mesorah!)
2. Look at the outcome for those u bhashgacha pratis now went, if their experience was positive or negetive.
As the Rambam says: any endeavour approached with a sincere prayer and quest for truth will lead u to the answer (hashem wants for u)truth. Aka Shomer psaim H
WELL FROM COMMENT 20, WE SEE THAT THEIR IS SOMONE FROM “CALL OF THE SHOFAR” COMMENTING HERE (ON COLLIVE)!!!!!
SO WHO SAID HE DIDN’T WRITE MANY OF THE OTHER POSITIVE COMMENTS WRITTEN HERE TO MAKE IT SOUND GOOD!
IF YOU WERE THERE AND THINK IT WAS GOOD, THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN BE TRUSTED IS IF YOU WRITE YOUR FULL NAME (AND MAYBE ALSO A WAY FOR PEOPLE TO CONTACT YOU AND ASK YOU SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE).
I wasn’t there so I have no opinion. But, what’s with all this obsession with whether every opinion of director is in line with chassidus? And if it’s not? Are all AA coordinators in line with Chabad Hashkafah? No! I guess Lubavitcher alchaholics should stay away. And internet asifa? Chas vesholom for a Lubavitcher to attend. Besides for the fact that there isn’t a lubavitcher on the planet that would need such an asifa, not all the organizers shitos are aligned with the Rebbe’s… Or maybe not all problems in life have to be solved by a Lubavitcher, perhaps you… Read more »
This was the most bizarre conversation I have ever experienced
It is abundantly clear that we are at an impasse here and thus, we need the guidance of Eli Federman.
Based on all the pro post here. It looks like all of you who went are just trying to save face and are afraid of being wrong. If this is about becoming a better person shouldn’t you be open to the fact that maybe you made a mistake?
I think a big reason why some people may feel that Shofar is cult-like is because guys don’t talk about the weekend too much because they don’t want to say who was there as they took an oath of confidentiality. Just as a therapist is legally bound to keep his patient’s issues private, so too in the groups, every guy undertook to not speak about others’ experience. So for example, if I went to a farbraingin that was only shofar guys (where by the way, guys open up and talk about REAL ISSUES instead of the modern version of farbraingin… Read more »
what are you expecting to gain??
good to read this article on col. ive been to landmark, ive been to call of the shofar, my issues dragged with me.
hired a coach that is chabad, that is a master and really good, i have changed with working with the coach for two months now.
Go for a weekend and see for yourself! Forget all these comments. We have many Mashpiyim in Crown Heights to ask for advice. Some have been there and expirienced what Call Of The Shofar is about. I’m IN!
Look at the bottom line. How many lives have been changed for the better? How much has it improved Sholom Bayis issues? Has it improved relationships parents have with their children? Are the children in my classroom happier coming to school everyday? To all these questions, and many more of my daily interactions with people, the answer is a resounding YES! I want to improve my life! I want a better quality of life for myself, my family, my students and my friends! From my knowledge of Chassidus, I believe it works together. From the Mashpiyim and Shluchim who spent… Read more »
There have been a number of posts calling this group a cult. I for one don’t know. But in these kind of things the Rebbe always said, ask the expert. And we do have an expert in our community in this area. He wrote a book about it. The book was recently republished. Yes, I’m talking about Rabbi Shea Hecht. Did anyone ask him about this?
Of course there are aspects of this group that attendees will feel were helpful, or maybe even extremely helpful. However, from what I have heard from some who have attended is this program sounds dangerous. It is all about me, myself and I. It certainly seems to lure its attendees in a direction that is hepach of yidishkeit/chassidus. If there is even a RISK this is tumah I think one should stay far away from it.
I would like to correct some errors in my prior comment – #43 (please see there). I usually use “all CAPS” when writing on the internet and when my comment was published by COL Live, almost everything was rendered in “small letters”, including for example, “Hashem” and “G-d”…please know that I did not intend this to happend and am hereby retroactively asking His forgiveness and asking you to “read” my comment again making those mental corrections for yourself. Thank You and Gut Vork!
In addition to Davening and good meals: there are several goals and methods used. the basic goal is to become aware of how we think, that we tend to color things with lenses we got as children. For example: did you ever say that someone got you angry? Is it true that someone can get you angry (making you a victim of circumstances) or are you angry because of the way you perceive and interpret the facts. There are objective data and then the subjective interpretation. There are exercises to help you appreciate the difference between issues and your issue… Read more »
Meant to say I agree with 121
Kabolas Ol is doing what needs to be IRELEVANT of our feelings. Choosing bitul. Sorry, thats the opposite of Chassidus.
Why don’t those who went to Shofar share what it’s all about instead of just saying “wow, you should go!” ? Why are they afraid of writing a comment explaining the schedule and what is done and and how it’s done and why it’s okay, instead of saying – “you want to know? contact me pesonaly…” And why are they so insistent on getting everyone else to go too? Do they want to prove to themselves that they’re not the only ones with problems who “needed their lives to be fixed”? Or maybe they won’t feel so guilty for going… Read more »
A few points! A. The yisod of Chabad Chassidus is dirah bitachtonim – his whole shtick is based on being a healthy Other as in Lihetiv libruav…as in their cannot be a healthy relationship if your wellbeing is not taken care of. B. His vort about the Aibshter first making us free and then giving us the Torah (we need to choose ourselves etc.) Seens to be the opposite of what the Rebbe says that true kabbolos Hatorah was by Purim because there was no I involved in the decision…like many sichos on Nase b4 nishma…davka bc of the Infinite… Read more »
Great line!
For anyone that has learnt chassidus knows that most of the things he says are completely negating ideas to what chassidus says. So lubavitcher chassidim first go learn chassidus!
It was worth going to a weekend just to meet Simcha! A sincere real honest opened minded person. I’ve been at two weekends and almost everybody there experienced very positive changes. A Mashpia who I was with, recommended every Mechanech to participate in these programs. Please reserve comment on Call Of The Shofar till you’ve thoroughly researched the subject responsibly. Many lifes have been changed for the better so please be cautious with anything not positive. Again, thanks Simcha and all the leaders for giving it your all. Thanks Berry for the interview and thanks all Shofar alumni for ongoing… Read more »
“I would like to make a further point, though entirely not in my domain, namely, in reference to hypnosis as one of the techniques used in psychotherapy, as mentioned in your letter. I have always been wary of any method that deprives a person of the free exercise of his will, and which puts him in the power of another person, even temporarily – except, of course, in case of pikuach nefesh [saving a life]. Certainly I would not favor the use of such a method on a wider scale, least of all to encourage psychologists and psychiatrists enrolled in… Read more »
It’s actually scary that so many pple are falling for this bs. Heaven help us
At 18 minutes into it, he talks about bittul, meaning i choose who I want to be bittul to, be it my family, an organisation or G-d. I have a major problem with that statement. it says in chassidus that a Jew cannot and does not want to ever be separated from Hashem. …….. for that reason I’m out!
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
– Plato
“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”
– Winston Churchill
I think most – if not all – of the negative posts here belong to the “ignorant” group. Get your facts right! If you haven’t gone to a weekend or thoroughly spoken to someone who has, it is not honest to give an opinion!
“Any publicity is good publicity”.
Any of you un-positive commenters, ask yourself: What exactly about this program, which is helping so many, causes you to react so strongly? What are you taking personally here?
The answer is the reason you need to go!
Do you know that one one of the main criticism on the Rebbe and the Chabad of today is it’s “cultishness”?
It is simply a borrowed term used to describe a group/community of people who are really commited to something they know is true and real, are willing to live by it in a powerful way, and get other people to experience it as well – even at the risk of others thinking its weird.
I have not been to their weekend however I have several friends who have been. All are frum lubavitchers and all came back from this experience with only positive things to say. One guy reconnected with his family and now dedicates himself to yiddishkeit and torah. I’m not sure how these “enlightened” individuals wanting to share their positive experience with a friend or relative would be considered “cult like” any more than me sharing info on a good deal or a good restaurant with a friend. If I experience something good, I’d like my friend to be able to experience… Read more »
here is my observation: contains some CULTISH SHTICK, for sure! is it AGAINST HALACHA? 100% not! is it very very MODNEH? absolutely yes! is it (for most) enlightening and transformational for the good? yes! should one go? The Rebbe says that with any important life decission, in order to attract maximum sayaata dshmaya, one should consult and follow a Yedid-Mavin (aka Aseh Lecha Rav). If you get a clear green light from your personal Rav, then (for u at least) this is mitzad hakdush, and it will be iy”h worth your while. If you decide to join (or for that… Read more »
Say who you are if you want to make such statements. Anyone can say that they went and that it’s a cult. Tell us WHY it’ say cult. What is your definition of a cult. Then let people decide for themselves if they think so too.
iMatter
myself and 37 others had a very intense and positive experience! my wife and children gained the most from that weekend, it has helped me be more focused and present and giving! from a place of love and inner peace, no longer out of guilt or pressure. for me at least, it was worth every penny! if it helps me be a better husband, father and friend (which it definitely has) its surely mitzad hakdush! re Cult, Yes it has many Weird Cultish shtick, so what, how else do u get ppl, to go soo deep in such a short… Read more »
sorry that you went because you had to.
thats part of your problem. doing things that other people did the thinking about…
your conclusion that it is a cult is puny and infantile.
your only salvation to not having made the most of it is putting others down.
how sad.
I truly feel sad for you.
I know this guy, he’s a real piece of work, he went and guess what…. he’s still a jerk!! so i don’t think want to go
Feel free to email me ([email protected]) any concerns or fears you may have with Shofar.
The only thing I expect from you is being open to being wrong about your concerns.
And I will be very honest with you: it is a cult. I regret ever going but I am also happy I went so that now I know the truth. I was persuaded to go by someone who I really respect (and still do respect, ss) but just feel that he, and many other people have been badly brainwashed. Call of the sshofar is a dangourus cult.
Ha!
It’s like saying every song in the world is another song repackaged.
HELLO!!!
There are notes on the scale that can be played in any way you like… but they are always the same notes…
Truth is universal.
Anyone who tunes into the truth can present it in whichever way they want.
much of what goes on is more understood by someone who learned chasidus.
I’m loving watching this thread!
three types of comments:
1. positive (open minded people, or successful past participants)
2. complainers (closed minded people, failure past participants)
3. ignorant (talking from hearsay and/or insecurity)
Like?
For heaven’s sake, stop complaining about the money! they offer you 100% money back if you’re not happy.
Ask for it back!
But your pride and empty ego won’t let you. because you know you are at fault for not maximizing on this experience…
I personally know many alumni… only 3 of which came back and complained.
Common denominator?
They had a lot more to work on themselves that this weekend could have done for them. Yet, they were locked in their issues, cynical, and unwilling to have faith in something other than their bitterness and issues.
I have pity on them, because they have not moved on in life. not one inch. they are still stuck and bitter. and still complaining…
I’m really sorry for you, talk to a Yedid Maven! The Rebbe ‘s breaches cmendavka via this proccess.
Hatzlacha
From the Tzemach Tzedek’s answer at yechidus: It is written, “Let the wicked leave his path and the man of sin his thoughts etc.”1 Aven (sin) is the same as on,2 meaning power and strength. Just as it is imperative that the “wicked leave his path,” for without teshuva it is impossible to approach the Sacred,3 so must the “man of strength,” one with unshakeable confidence in his reasoning, “leave his thoughts.” He is not to insist, “I say so. This is what I think;” every “I”, ego, is a source of evil, a cause of divisiveness.
The best test is Lemaaseh, does it translate into an increase in-Torah and Smiles chasadim??
I do wish for the day, that chabad has its own in house shofar program, so that it can be even more saturated with the timeless truths of Torah and chasidus
Btw
Those saying, many of these rid
Most ppl do gain from it.
I live in Crown Heights, and I can tell you that this weekend really changed my life for the BEST. I am more present for my Children, and I am a much happier person since I have gone. that doesn’t mean that I never get angry, but now I deal with my anger in a MUCH healthier way. Yes, it is expensive but it is worth every cent. I am also a better Yid since I came back, I daven and learn better and serve Hasehm with more Joy. Please, if you were not there, GO! do it for yourself… Read more »
Any one who calls Call of the Shofar a ponzi scheme- is completely financially illiterate and had absolutly no idea of what the word means- and are just using it becuase its associated with something bad- and they dont know Shofar and are therefore scared of something thats new and they find threatening. let me clear up the definition of a ponzi scheme so people can stop calling it that. 1) a ponzi scheme is when you are offered an investment with a very good return. 2) The person offering the investment has actually not invested the money in anything.… Read more »
Excellent
Very clear that the Rebbe was for using what we can to improve ourselves on a kosher setting etc sounds like shofar to me
I am another attendee of this program and have only the BEST, POSITIVE things to say. I am one of 99% of alumni who agree that it is AWESOME because I have experienced it and I know. I’ve read the comments from those who have NOT yet had the opportunity to go say things from a place of the unknown. Before I went to the SHOFAR I too was very hesitant and doubtful what I will experience, but I went open minded and… SHOFAR CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER Here are a couple points, proofs and experiences HALACHA – Shofar is… Read more »
are happier, but those around them suffer the consequences of having a ‘careless’ atitude towards important things. be careful.
I went to this workshop and it did wonders for me…. if anyone wants to know anything about it FB me
I would rather attend a seminar by the chosid doing the interview than the artsy guy with the black shirt. We do not have to understand everything Hashem asks us to do. Would you want to believe in a G-d you fully understood. First do it and then you will understand it later. If I had to understand everything fully and philosophically why I am doing all the mitzot I do I would make no progress or have to live 1000 years.
From the inteview with this guy, Simcha: He sounds like he is talking gibberish, not making even one clear point, throwing in a “holy” word here and there, maybe even a “chassidic” term, to make him sound “genuine”, and knowledgable…when in fact nothing of what he is saying is clear, understood or even makes sense at all. Obviously, he doesn’t reveal much, because this way you will “run” to pay your 750 dollars to find out “who you really are and how much you count and matter! Then you keep paying more and more again to find out again that… Read more »
11 Sivan, 5738 [1978] Greeting and Blessing: Thank you for your letter of the 2nd of Sivan upon your return from Eretz Yisroel [the Land of Israel] and previous communication. I am pleased to note that you and your wife enjoyed your visit in Eretz Yisroel and were impressed with the activities of Chabad there. As I have remarked on similar occasions, it is customary to bring back souvenirs from the lands one visits that are characteristics of native features and products, etc. I trust therefore, that you, too, brought back with you the measure of holiness, which will serve… Read more »
B.H. 21 Adar II, 5738 Brooklyn, NY Dr. — Palo Alto, CA Sholom uBrocho: Thank you for your letter of 13 Adar II. I appreciate your comprehensive response to my letter and memorandum on the need to organize widespread use of T.M. and similar techniques in psychotherapy compatible with the Torah with the double objective of making such therapy available to Jewish patients in a kosher way and at the same time saving numerous Jews from getting involved with avoda zora [idolatry] as now commonly practiced in the USA. Needless to say, I noticed your suggestions and observations in this… Read more »
To Citizen Berel or anyone else:
If you have questions regarding Call of the Shofar and what they teach, feel free to contact me.
[email protected]
.Oh really? How do u know? Some people need this help….u can’t just say what the rebbe would say…
To #83 yes yes of course, all those that went and gained, and now have better relationships, better teachers…they are all very very selfish now, right right,very selfish…o please
The Rebe Rashab gave us a golden rule: if you want to know where something comes from, does it add to Avoidas Hashem or not? I personally know of people who their Shalom Bayis was impacted more then any therapy that they have attended before, I know of people who have finally given up on their addictions to … and more. We are currently living in a society that we hide our feelings and pretend everything is ok, therefore we don’t rally know the hardships of others, as well as we hide from others our problems. Many of us believe… Read more »
The glowing reports are all the proof you need that this is A CULT.
Common
Opportunistic
Thievery
Society
wHY IS A TWERSKI BOOK OK? AND COTS NOT?
ppl who havr gone are happier because they have become more selfish and taught to take care of themselves before others. dont worry about the world, do it the way you feel you should. this is not a good attitude for one who has responsibilty to others as a teacher, husband, father., etc. i have NOT gone- but have observed this change on others who HAVE gone- and wont admit any negative change cuz THEY are happier.
i’ve yet to meet someone who went, who does NOT reccommend it
That bothered me
Let there be someone that has gone that spent the 3 days say it is a Ponza scheme. I went to the program. I know what it is about. Many of my friends and fellow shul members. Everyone that i spoke to has told me their lives were changed for the better. Out of 3000 that have gone through the program almost all if not everyone will say it is a must that will make your life better. If you do not agree or think that this may be a cult then maybe you need to break out of your… Read more »
Aside from impossible claims or illusions of grandeur CALL OF THE SHOFAR is very, very special. The most special thing about CALL OF THE SHOFAR is that there is literally not one published document of any substance laying out its doctrines, approach or anything about it really. The organization website is an infomercial. “Shush! dont tell anyone… “shofar” is really repackaged “chasidus”” (A supporter’s flash of brilliance, up-thread) Really? Who is the AUTHENTIC chosid there who has grasped chasidus and repackaged it for us unwashed masses? Simcha Frischling? Who was his MENTOR a.k.a MASHPIA? He doesn’t need one because he… Read more »
The way start off it seems like you have a question, but the way you finish off it can be seen that you have the answer already. Regardless of mr you, for people out there who really want the answer to that question, here it goes: The program is not about the speeches, you can gain pretty much everything without listening to the speeches, the speeches is less the than half of the time, the guy giving the speech says straight out “it’s fine not to listen its not the point”. So how do you gain? A group of people… Read more »
if this program helps build up ppl’s sense of value and inner dignity and adequacy, i say lets get the whole shchuna in there.
if it improves other departments too, mah tov!
tznius brings soo much blessings from above, according to the Rebbe
I hear people who did not attend the call of the shofar passing all sorts of judgments.
Is there anyone out there who DID ATTEND and DID NOT HAVE a positive experience?
Speak now!
as i have told many in leadership positions in crown Heights and lubavitch. until someone opens a Chabad based program (and i don’t mean a copy but run by a so called lubavitcher) there will continue to be hundreds of bochrim, yubgerleit and some shluchim who will go to shofar and landmark. all this success of programs like shofar point to A the need for a Chabad program and B that Bh the drive to the ‘OLD FASHIONED’ avodas hashem is alive and well. so rather than shouting down those who went to shofar realise that they deserve a pat… Read more »
Wow!! You have obviously not gone to the COTS. There are no drawn out lectures etc. There are many exercises and you have not read previous posts of how people were genuinely effected. It is really sad when I see comments like yours because you are speaking from such pain. Its hard for you to see others improve their lives and who have had the courage to do it. I think deep down you want to change and be a happy person but you are very scared. And that feeling is normal, we all have it, so if you want… Read more »
Results is the best indicator
Find out which teachers/principals went and see if your child is happier.
why are some post shofars so positive and some so negative?
those who are positive went in with an open mind and got something out of it.
those who went in forcibly or were pushed in or did not have open mind are still complaining about their money… 🙂
They are upset that they were duped so they are putting down the whole program. As a post shofar myself I am laughing at the clarity of this distinction.
shame on your pettiness and dishonesty and I truly pity you and your story.
and I still love you! and your story!
No. I won’t continue any further.
Actually well known mashpiim ARE recommending to go to this workshop.
If someone has a toothache, it is simple and self understood that he must see a dentist. To suggest that perhaps he should learn Chassidus instead, is obviously and clearly absurd. The same principle is true regarding Shofar. We are dealing with a “toothache of the heart”. Hashem created illness and he created Doctors who heal. Just as there is bodily illness and healing so too is there emotional and mental imbalances (illness is a bit to extreme of a word for this context) and healing. Chassidus is not a medical or healing manual. It’s a manual of Avodas Hashem!… Read more »
It must be made clear that Shofar, although grounded in Judaism, is not an alternative option of Avodas Hashem, and therefore is not replacing or diminishing from Chassidus. It is more about the context I serve Hashem from. Shofar has taught me how to learn and practice Chassidus from a place of love, worthiness and joy.
Context is very important here. Call of the Shofar in it’s most basic form, is a business. Simcha Frischling is a salesman, selling his ideas. Call of the Shofar espouses secular ideas about health and packages it for frum people. It does have cult-like vibes, and attracts people who are constantly looking for “the answer”, this is a great place for them to get their “drug”. The problem is there is no “answer”, and salvation won’t come in the form of a bald quasi-frum modern jew telling you what is healthy and what is not. For the short term it… Read more »
for a Lubavitcher, someone raised ffb in chabad, to choose shave is a massive RED FLAG, it the equivalent of a women dressing untznius (both rob a family of many blessings) so i do get your fear, and shock, re How is it possible for someone without a beard to have soo many valid concepts from his own research and experience?! i get that, i had to put aside my own pre-conceived notions, and be “Mekabel HoEmems mimisheomro” besides, its the proccess not soo much the details that allows one to walk out better able to have a relationship with… Read more »
the Rebbe gave ys a useful litmus test…
to evaluate any program or activity, to discover if its mitzad Hakdusha or the opposite RL
Look at the results,
for those who fear that it will make them less frum, less kind, less friendly, less compassionate, less tznius, less joyful, then you are probably right! dont go! for you its a waste of yidishe gelt and time,
stick to whatever works for you, and brings out the best in you!
For me My Mashpia gave me the go ahead after investigating the impact it had on those who went.
Im ok attending any program, even if its strange, wierd or cultish seeming.
as long as its NOT AGAINST HALACHA and enhances my ability to serve Hashem better, and be a better human being inter-personally.
Nothing in this world (man developed) is PURE GOOD!
What i can confidently vouch for is that, for the vast majority of participants it is very positive and makes them better in all areas of life!
Bein adam Lamakom, Leatzmo, Lachavero!
i do admit that the program and some of its personnel are not perfect, yet i still made the most from it, it did not stop me me from extracting the good within it, and there is plenty of applied chasidus there, especially in the area of Ahavas Yisroel, How to view others etc etc
True,, Lots of the techniques and concepts ARE IN FACT “REPACAGED” chasidus
thats the only way this and programs similar have any Hatzlacha!
P.S.
for most human beings, this program will help you apply and internalize chasidus, Tanya, Sichos etc
Great job Simcha. I’m in. I matter. I’m feeling very real and present. What’s your issue with the issue? If only you would understand that it’s Klal, Prat and Klal…. I’m very impressed with all the work you are doing with cult of the shofar. You really have a tight grip on a naive audience and are helping yourself to their hard earned money. It takes a lot of talent. Yes it is 100% copied and based on Landmark Fourm. Even though everyone will try and convince you that it is based on Chassidus. It doesn’t take much to sprinkle… Read more »
What you are saying is absolute GIBBERISH!
I went to Call of the Shofar, and we were given plenty of time to sleep(8-9 hours), were free to go to the bathroom as we pleased,and the reason talking Devorim biteilim is discouraged(for part of the weekend) is very logical. It takes people away from the matter at hand, i.e. working on themselves.
The day starts with Davening(ample time is given)and there are plenty of breaks given as needed including large breaks for mealtimes.
(btw…yeshiva schedule is 730am-930pm)
It is well known and documented that Landmark forum, and the call of the shofar are the same style and baloney. the intent is to affect detrimentally ones self esteem, which will cause a small hype in the person, but cause more damage then one could believe. The answer to those who feel they could use the call of the shofar, is to do some autobibliotherapy, instead! Read a twerski book, on self esteem. (pretty much any of them) who-ever can seriously think that living in a cult like setting for 3 days, yes cult! Where classes start at 8-9am… Read more »
Most ppl do gain from it.
The Chassidim would say, “this piece of bread that I have is YOURS LIKE MINE..”. The yours came fist then mine… Is this the approach of kol hshofar?
This is precisely what the alter Rebbe wanted from chasidim
True authentic brotherly fellowship!
Interesting how those who n
Know less are thrones most worried,
How can i reassure you that this enables a chasid to absorbed and be mamchish chasidus bpnimiyus
I do understand your hang up about the beared,
I admit, at first it was surprising to me, how a “beardless” Jew knew soo much of chasidus, especially in such a down to earth way
Not a single claim that they make which sent beneficial or as claimed
For me, your need to condescend is very sad, saying “many aren’t smart enough to realize that they haven’t gained” that theyre being tricked, taken advantage of?
Please backup your claims with at least a shred of specificity.
Do you know someone who has a broken self esteem bec of shofar?
Before the call if there was one cup at the water fountain, i would let someone else be the one take it. After the call of the shofar i learnt to stick up for myself. now i am the first one to take the cup! My life was instantaneously changed. i love myself, like i never did before. call of the shofar gave me another great acheivement! we were told we can make as much money as we want if we put ourselves to it! i took out a mortgage on my house, and put the money in stocks. i… Read more »
Every successful retreat with any longer benefit must in some way sell Tanya (repackaged ofcorse)
Nothing man made is pure good,
Take the good and leave the good2% of the stick behind
The good within this is clearly found within our rebbeims writings long before Landmark, COTS etc were hatched
Just because you are a teacher doesn’t mean you are a “somebody”. It especially doesn’t take away from anyone else’s ability, to analyze even critically, this program. In fact, because you went, you are subjective. “Name dropping” by saying “shluchim went” doesn’t say anything either. In the end, if it is a ponzi scheme or not, if it is a cult, or not, if it is connected to avodah zora or not, is either TRUE, or NOT. it doesn’t depend on who went or not. To honestly know if this program is good, is to have it analyzed from an… Read more »
Many principles are from Landmamk. Some of the instructors are Landmark educated.
Landmark is a cult. COT is one too.
Because it uses concepts streak out of that book called Tanya
Aguch has a good lawsuits on hits hands
Had you really gone
You wouldn’t that the virtually all of the virtually all of the ideas are chasidus!
No one claims that all yournproblems will be solved,
That was the give away that you obviously hadn’t yet attended
for all those that have a little bit of objective analytical skills, you will find that this is a copy of LANDMARK FORUM. landmark, is a ponzi scheme and cult. though it would be nice to be able to have a “chassidus” workshop where you pay $800 for a 3 day chassidus group therapy program that could help you redirect your life! in the case of the shofar, the idea is to reduce ones self esteem. it would be nice to have a real good program which would help people create healthy self respect and attitude. Call of the shofar… Read more »
For me COTS (call of th…) has made it very easy to view others more in accordance with Torah (Chasidus) 1. Im less interested in the negativity of others (LH, Moitzi Shemra, Rchilus). 2. It helped me be less quick to judge others “l’Kaf coiv”… Im allot more inclined to be ‘dan l’Kaf zechus’. 3. Im happier within my self, and am focused on growth and being a positive influence on those around me. (i know, really weired stuff!) It helped me apply the Sicha P/Noach/3: That when something (supposed bad you see in others) triggers within you ire and… Read more »
the frierdiker rebbe writes in tof shin פאר א חסיד פאסט ניט אז ער האחט זיך גרעסער פון די גרעסטן classic shofar line “how can I be upset at what he did who’s he that I should care abt what he says I’m gonna let someone else affect my temperament?! Its all focused on me not focusing on יענערס גוטס hrs only an afterthought
for all those that need a tekiah gedolah go! not everyone needs it so dont drive the healthy ppl crazy all day with your issue with the issue garbage if it helps and makes you happy awesome! just stop being so loud and insistent….. i like the sound you make when you shut up shofar goers
I have personally participated in this program and have actively participated in almost all of the programs that have been given by call of the shofar during the last two years. I have witnessed, time and time again, the deep and authentic committment the leadership of this organization has to each participant translate into astounding and positive results in the well-being and healthy relationships experienced by the participants, including myself. Most of all, in my view, the ultimate goal of this work is the consciously co-created experience of d’vakus with hashem; and, humility and gratefulness for the priviledge to be… Read more »
1. Its a cult!
2.its all based on self worth which is great and all but the person walks out with very self centered values etc. it becomes an attitude of thinking about myself first and if it fits in to my perfect shofar ill help you (so i dont get taken advantage of) this mind set is היפך חסידות ממש! די אלטערע רביהאט געזעצן אין תפיסה צו זען צי די חסידים האבן אהבת רעים און יעצט קומט איימיצן אן א בארד און לייגט עס אלץ אין די ערד ח’ו ה
Having gone there myself, i can say, Post #5 is spot on!
The reason this program has any value is precisely BECAUSE OF the chabad principles that are incorporated and put into practice!
i’m confused. either 1) this guy isn’t religious because he hasn’t learnt about yiddishkeit (and mitzad dan lechaf zechus i will say this is the case) or 2) he himself with all his answers needs help to as he suffers from a low self-esteem and is scared of change (which to me seems like the more realistic option) and if that is the case and he is the one telling us all the answers, then there is something wrong with this picture here.
2 points 1. The bais hamikdash was destroyed because of Sinas chinam and for me “call of the shofar” has been the cure. I grew up in a very anti chassidish home and my exposure to “call of the shofar” has enabled me to see chassidim as people who maybe different than me but who just want to be happy and get the most out of life. In the past without realizing I would relate to them from my fear and uncomfortably as they did to me. 2. Something I’ve heard stressed at these weekends is my relationship to HaShem,… Read more »
Does anyone know what any mashpiyim have to say about this?
I have heard much about this and as helpful as it may be I would have to ask myself if the Rebbe would agree that I should go to improve in avodas hashem in a place that utilizes non-Jewish music, foul language, techniques taken from the cult of Scientology and rushes through davening. It is up to everyone’s personal mashpia to guide them in what is proper for them. It is completely out of place to say that this is a must for anyone – maybe if no one said that, no one would think that this was a cult.
While I won’t say anything about call of the shofar having never been to any of their sessions. I would however like to comment on this that some of the previous commentors seem to realizeq that chassidus is missing something. Chassidus is the long short way meaning that you have to work hard but if you do you get there and it’s real and lasting. I wonder {again I am not familiar with call of the shofar} how many of them learn a hour a hour chassidus and nigleh daily and daven b’avodah{chassidus says that davening causes simchah no wonder… Read more »
Sounds like some $$ making ploy.
ed achad naman besurin and it gos against the view chasidus why: the point of chasedus is that we all have problems and we need to take care of them so we learn tanya….and they help us over come them not that we take them a way bec that will never happen the point of life is to fight with are yatzer hara and to win the more we learn the more we win thay want to say we can take out all are problems if you pay $750 and you say all you fillings in public and come again… Read more »
Chasidus + Guru = “MIND BLOWN”
We don’t have problems because we recognize that we have problems. We don’t go to Doctors we just breathe, eat, and sleep, literally and figuratively to stay vital.
It sounds like you’re scared to join us:)
It is scary. I don’t blame you.
Actually Judaism IS about pursing self-help.
It’s about refining yourself as a person and becoming a better father/mother, husband/wife etc. Its about “changing” yourself to love G-d, the Torah and your fellow man.
All of you must have problems in your life go to doctors don’t make a public forum for everybody get a real life
I am a teacher in CH and ever since i’ve attended the shofar weekend, i’ve become a more loving, husband, father, teacher and found myself walking around with no judgement on people, regardless how chssidish/frum they are.
Ve’ahavta Leray’acha Komocha begins with loving “komocha” – myself first. i began loving and accepting myself and consequently everyone around me.
yes! it’s like i changed the lenses of my glasses and see chassidus and yiddishkiet and all yidden in a better light.
I feel truly liberated. i believe this is a taste of Moshiach Days.
Thank God for Call of the Shofar, it has really changed my life and helped me be a better husband.
Any person who wants to get the most of his/her life must go.
It’s life changing in a very positive way. I know many people who went and have a NEW life!
#1 – do you even know what a ponzi scheme is? what are you basing your judgments on? #2for a community that has a “leader” and hundreds of talks the brokenness and dysfunctionality that I have witnessed in Chabad is uncanny. people aren’t flocking to this guy. While there are parallels to Chabad chassidus the intention is not to make anybody more or less religious and/or more or less Chabad. there are principles that are taught for a person to generate their lives from a place of wellbeing security and vitality. Principles by definition are universal and simple and not… Read more »
Judaism is not about pursing self-help. It is about pleasing G-d. Period.
#1 – do you even know what a ponzi scheme is? what are you basing your judgments on? #2for a community that has a “leader” and hundreds of talks the brokenness and dysfunctionality that I have witnessed in Chabad is uncanny. people aren’t flocking to this guy. While there are parallels to Chabad chassidus the intention is not to make anybody more or less religious and/or more or less Chabad. there are principles that are taught for a person to generate their lives from a place of wellbeing security and vitality. Principles by definition are universal and simple and not… Read more »
I have benefited from the Call of the Shofer weekend. I think people should speak to the knowledgeable mashpim in Lubavitch to see whether they should go or not. Anyone who says anything negative should at least put your name down and advise what authority you have to make the negative comments. If people feel they benefit, why would you stop that. Also, this is no way a cult, I went for the weekend and was never never never pressured to go back. It is totaly voluntary whether you wished to continue with the meetings, etc. Simcha is an amazing… Read more »
Call of the shofar is an unbelievable program. it’s very simple, I don’t understand what people are against exactly it’s a program where people get together and open up about their feelings, And realize that their feelings is the same as everybody else is feelings. What are you against???
When you mix Torah with shofar then I don’t like it. It’s a great program to make yourself a happier person but nothing to do with yidishkite in particular.
As a Lubavitch and a shliach who has been to several call of the shofar workshops I can assure you that either you have no idea about this program at all or you have no idea what constitutes avoda zora or a ponzi.
To see the schedule of our upcoming workshops go here: https://calloftheshofar.org/Programs. Contact us if you have questions or concerns.
First of all, Berry I am so proud of all the awesome work that you are doing, please keep it up!! To all the negative comments….. It is so abundantly clear to me that the concepts from the call of the shofar weekend are not intended to replace chassidus, but to start interacting with it from a healthier and deeper standpoint. If you are messed up emotionally, don’t really know how to love yourself, or basically find all the service of being a frume Jew taxing and a burn out, then you can learn 100 sicha’s and mamurim but not… Read more »
I could not read my Sefer Tanya, because the lenses on my glasses were in very bad shape,
i went to AN EYE-GLASSES STORE, and the guy who was not a chasid gave me a new fresh pair.
i began reading and appreciating the Tanya so much more.
If you were not there yet, and you jump to judgement, then, your EYEGLASSES might need some “adjustment”.
I’ve been to shofar, I know many mechanchim who’ve been there.
In my life I have never had such an appreciation for Chassidus and for davening. My relationship with my wife is stronger and more real than before.
Its been almost a year since I first went, and Baruch Hashem with hard work, the effect is growing on me day by day.
The one who benefit most of course are my students, with whom I have a deeper and more meaningful relationship.
It takes a lubavitcher to truly appreciate the full depth of the call of the Shofar!
People can talk whatever they want. I can say that it changed my life. I’m more frum, meaning I serve hashem because I want to. Im there for my family in a much more powerful way. There is nothing bad to say about this organization. The only ones talking bad are the ones that didn’t go….. they are the ones with the issues, I’m happy. (And yes I’m not angry at them I feel bad for them,)
You know what? All the Misnagdim were convinced that Chassidus was a cult as well…
I’m glad we stuck to Chassidus and I’m glad I went to Shofar!!!
Tremendous opportunity and a great way to really begin on path of positive change. Chassidus begins to take on much more meaning after going through some shofar work.
I smell a flame bait
move over mania, move over Jamie, this guy will answer all our questions from an open minded state of “wellbeing” ( financially, that is. After he suckers you out of your money.
To #1:
You sound neurotic. You need help.
To #2:
If you were so permeated with Chassidus you wouldn’t be so territorial about it. Who cares where one gets the message from?
Many Rabonim and Head Shluchim attended the seminar and reported amazing reviews.
Many hundreds were inspired, many marriages saved
this is a timely asset in out times.
but you sound articulate, intelligent, and thoughtful
why is it ok for OUR mechanchim from OUR mosdos, who will educate OUR children (hopefully), to have workshops with fremdeh? isnt it all in klolei chinuch vehadracha??? Wake up people! You are stuck in the muck, here’s a golden opportunity to REALLY live like a chosid BPNIMIYUS. people who maximized on this experience have only good to say!!! those who went to the workshop and have negative comments have obviously not been completely honest and open to learning something new. they were closed and therefore did not allow the experience to penetrate their being, oh well, I love you… Read more »
people, you are sooooo stuck if you think you will get your life in order just from reading tanya straight out of the book.
IT WAS MEANT TO BE GIVEN TO YOU BY A MENTOR!!!
chabad people are rational! they flock to this guy because he has what to offer…
its only a matter of time before it becomes obvious that those shunning this are the ones to be pitied…!!!
Use common sense before posting uneducated, negative comments
And no mechanech should be allowed in the classroom without getting clear on these issues!!!
Maybe we should make this mandatory for all teachers!!!
The reason this is soo successful for soo many (and especially appreciated by Lubavitchers) is perhaps bec IT IS CHABAD! (chabad’s very own traditional concepts and techniques! albeit repackaged and CAMOUFLAGED in a fresh unfamiliar jargon and presentation) Here are just a few examples of “shofar” elements taken from our Chabad tradition: 1. Simcha Poretz… = Chasidim were dubbed di Frailicheh… 2. You matter… = Your soul is Chelek Elokah… of absolute infinite and intrinsic value, interact from a healthy secure state of wellbeing. Oisim Nafshom Ikar… = Accept your true nature (G-dliness) your of infinite value YOU MATTER! Connect… Read more »
These are questions for a mashpia-that is lubavitch. i have seen several who have become slightly more relaxed in their Avodas Hashem from this. please beware. look into Chassidus for your answers-they’re all there. im not chas vshalom bashing this because it may emotionally be a wonderful program but dont let it relax your yiddishkeit.
Berryyyy! When did you grow up? Very impressive interview really so proud of you!
Why in the world are people flocking to this guy? We have chassidus and hundreds of farbrengens from the Rebbe, thousands of letters etc. Etc. To tell us how to lead our life’s. Such programs are not meant for every person, and if someone has issues they should definitely take care of it, but don’t make this into something everyone should go to.
Avoidah Zoroh and a Ponzi fraud.
Stay away.
“Ushmartem Me’Od Lnafshoseichem”.
Dont become a part of this cult… Your brain will be twisted and you will start pushing your messed up ways on all your friends and family who will hopeful be smarter then you. In the end you will loose everyone and everything… Be very careful … Hashem Yeracheim….