By COLlive reporter
The rabbinic body of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement in North America has issued a ruling that participation in the controversial self-help program “Call of the Shofar” is forbidden according to Jewish law.
The “Central Committee of Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbis in the United States and Canada,” also known as Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch, wrote in a letter dated Thursday, 22 Shevat 5774, that the decision was the result of an extensive investigation.
It was signed by its executive members (in order of appearance): Rabbi Dovid Schochet of Toronto, Canada; Rabbi Elimelech Zwiebel of Morristown, NJ; Rabbi Moshe Bogomilsky of Brooklyn, NY; Rabbi Zusha Winner of Brighton Beach, NY; Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld of Pittsburgh, PA.
Their letter in Hebrew reads (free translation):
“In response to the questions of many about participation in the program “Call of the Shofar,” we are informing that according to the testimony from a number of participants, and a number of knowledgeable experts, and after reading many documents, it is explicitly proven that the above mentioned program has in it things that were learned from foreign organizations, Heaven forbid.”
They write that they concluded that the program “includes exercises and speeches that not only are not according to the spirit of Torah and chassidus, but rather a peculiar way that has in it several prohibitive matters, and this isn’t the place to elaborate.”
They concluded: “Because of all of the above, we have concluded that this program is dangerous and it is forbidden to participate in it.”
A source at Vaad Rabbonei Lubavitch told COLlive.com that the ruling was done following “an accumulative 50 hours of extensive investigation that combed through documents, analyzed programs, interviewed participants and did endless research.”
He said that while some complained that the rabbinical body took its time to produce a ruling, the rabbis wanted to cover every possible aspect to reach a definitive and decisive conclusion.
COLlive.com was told that a “Kol Koreh” call is currently being signed by rabbis, roshei yeshiva and mashpiim offering a working plan to those that have participated in any of the weekend retreats, workshops, conference calls and other contact with the program.
FOLLOW UP TO OUTCRY
The Call of the Shofar has come under heavy fire since first being exposed on COLive.com in December 2013. The inroads it gained within the Crown Heights community and Chabad followers has enraged many, leading to an “urgent gathering” attended by some 2,000 people.
Simcha Frischling, founder of the “Call of the Shofar” who recently relocated to Australia, told a Jewish newspaper that of its 2,000 participants, mostly men, he estimates that “maybe 90 percent of them could be considered Lubavitch community members.”
The program has been openly recruiting participants in Chabad circles for around two years and held weekend retreats at a mansion owned by a Lubavitcher family in Morristown, NJ. A recent statement from Frischling showed the program’s mailing address to be a private home on Lefferts Avenue in Crown Heights.
Articles by mind-control and cult experts and admissions by the program’s past participants said that Shofar, also called by its initials, “COTS,” is a “cult” and uses “mind-controlling techniques.”
The hotly debated conversation also discussed the proper way to deal with life’s challenges. As a result, new shiurim were established in Crown Heights and schools are reporting that parents are taking greater interest in the education of their children.
Two new weekly webcasts on COLlive.com, presented by preeminent Chabad scholar Rabbi Yoel Kahn and best-selling author Rabbi Simon Jacobson, have been started, discussing timely matters and concerns and their application according to the teachings of chassidus.
These classes join the long-running programs “Shabbos Night Live” with Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Executive of Lubavitch Youth Organization, and insights into halacha by Rabbi Nachman Wilhelm, Dean of OnlineSmicha.com and ongoing broadcasts of farbrengens and lectures.
DEVELOPMENTS AT OHOLEI TORAH
The Oholei Torah educational institute for boys in Crown Heights reported this week that a number of staff members who have attended sessions of COTS were individually interviewed by Raphael Aron, Director of Cult Counseling of Melbourne, Australia.
“Mr. Aron has reported to the Oholei Torah board that he is satisfied that these staff members have since disassociated themselves from this organization and any of its practices,” said Rabbi Joseph Rosenfeld, Oholei Torah’s Executive Director.
“We also accepted the staff member’s assurances that they will continue to attend therapy as needed. Mr. Aron will be continuing to monitor the situation in the future as well,” Rosenfeld wrote, adding that the school is “looking to expand its many exciting and interesting approaches in presenting and dealing with the issues and questions in today’s environment.”
Rosenfeld said that he plans to incorporate professional, chassidishe and respected lecturers and guidance counselors to help the staff and students “better deal with and relate to everyday life struggling issues with a positive and happy attitude.”
THE COVERAGE ON COLlive:
+ Man Behind “Call of the Shofar”
+ Rabbi Hecht: “Call of the Shofar is a Cult
+ Rabbi Y Schochet: Call of the Void
+ What Really Happens at “Shofar”
+ Op-Ed: The Call Is Simply a Symptom
+ Rabbis Convene Urgent Gathering
+ 2000 at “Urgent Gathering”
+ R’ Yoel Kahn’s Full Speech
+ Cult Expert Explains Dangers
+ Oholei Torah Staff Issue Statement
+ Bochurim Protest School Firing
+ Confessions of a ‘Shofar’ Staffer
+ Oholei Torah Reinstates Teachers
+ How to Detox from ‘Shofar’
+ Comedy: The Call of the Puppet
To the author of the report. I am curious as to why you are remaining anonymous. As to your methodology, could you please be a bit more specific. How many people did you actually interview? How were they selected?
It’s sad that you are so unhappy. I too am terribly saddened that we have been leaderless for TOO many years. Keeping extremely involved and helping others is an excellent way to fill the void. If you reach out and find a way to get involved with chesed / community projects etc your whole attitude will change. It need not be huge involvements. After saying Moide Ani get busy with something other than your private affairs then your whole day will take on a different flavor. I am not suggesting you do not matter but it cannot be only about… Read more »
You make a good point. Chazal said it even better, though: Sur mei rah v’asei tov. First we must sur mei rah, which is what we’re seeing with this matter. But you are correct, the shleimus will come through tshuva, which means bringing ourselves and others closer to the Eibishter. Al shlosha d’varim ha’olam omeid: al a Torah, v’al ha’avoda, v’gemilus chasadim.
20 Years since gimmel Tammuz approaching, the pain for many of us is great. The words “Ossur, Ossur, Ossur” will not sooth this pain, this great cry from within. The way I see it, there are two groups of people, the cold and the warm people. The ones screaming ossur are the cold blooded people who can live with the status quo forever. The more emotional, warm, and caring people are hurting inside. COTS was a forum with which to open up and meet likeminded people with deep feelings for life, family, friends. Ossur this Ossur that will by far… Read more »
GREAT IDEA ! ! !
And L’Maase
To #65 Response to 38, 42, 55 To 55, 1. On point #1 I fully agree with you, Rabbonim will pasken what they need to according to Halacha, which also includes issues of medicine and Hashkafa based on the facts presented to them, and their assessment of these facts and the Halacha how it applies in this case. Clearly, the author of the report does not purport to represent the Rabbonim, nor does he attempt to explain the Psak of Rabbonim by claiming that his report is the reason. Perhaps he sent his report to the Rabbonim and it factored… Read more »
An approximately 5-hour 2-part meeting was recently held in Brooklyn. The meeting was attended by the founder/director of COTS, 4 esteemed rabbonim, and was chaired by Rabbi Dovid Cohen, a noted posek with a background in mental health. Rabbi Cohen’s reputation speaks for itself. At the meeting, documents were submitted by respected mental health professionals with the highest degree of credibility that COTS is both harmful and dangerous from a medical-mental-health perspective. Rabbonim spoke to numerous halachick problems with the COTS program. Testimony was submitted by former COTS attendees and staffers that gave highly detailed and alarming descriptions of so-called… Read more »
Pikuach Nefesh issues is really what is so problematic at COTS. Unprofessional and uncertified people can drive clients to suicide. Several individuals in CH are extremely embarrassed since some of their marital and family issues they had were displayed in public at COTS. Halacha states that Al Chet is recited quietly. At COTS, in a state of frenzy people talk and shout out their innermost problems and pains. In Yechidus, we conveyed to the Rebbe the innermost problems and issues we had. The Rebbe with his Neshoma Klolis, felt and experienced our pain and with his counsel and saintly blessing… Read more »
thanks for posting this – the average person cannot understand mind control and brainwashing. The persons who attend these type of programs are under some sort of spell caused by brainwashing – attendees all returned from the program with the same niggun. “you must go – it’s fantastic – I can’t describe it – you have to go and experience it yourself – it is just incredible – I’ll even pay for you” these were the exact same lines used by those that attended. They were all programmed r’l. It’s truly frightening! So difficult to believe and understand – yet… Read more »
To 55, I do commend you for making an effort to rationally and professionally assess COTS. However, there are a few issues that scream for attention. 1.Firstly, it is clear from your article that this is NOT an halachic or hashkofic issue at all!! Rather it is a debate if powerful short weekend psychology retreats are beneficial or not. This is purely an academic and professional issue and has nothing to do with the beis Din. The beis Din has never issues a pask against sugar, fat, or any other medical drug that has endless studies showing it to be… Read more »
R Kaminetzky sent his lawyers after SF. His endoresment was removed from site. BH.
How about teachers in Beis Rivka & LY Crown St. who went?
IT is a must to protect our children the hanholoh of mosdos have to do an extensive evaluation of the long term efects of the cots brainwashing of the mechanchim.These mechanchim were not just one time participants. They were preaching the cots mantra. Sending precious neshomos to the program.Of course if their job is on the line they will retract. Those people who pressured the mosdos to rehire these individuals were recless in thier actions.A thorough profesional deprograming is needede before they should be in any position to be mashpiim. A leave of absence would be a more level headed… Read more »
Maybe now is the time for mashpiim to start advertising their services on COL, so the ones seeking guidance will know where to go
be advised with a simple conversation with an actual facilitator of the program many of your issues can be resolved. What you are missing in the report is the other side of the coin. For a perspn maing an attempt on research, your research is simply inconclusive without an actual conversation with one of the senior facilitators. I respect your judgments and you are entitled to your opinion. The reality is that I think you are mistaken in some of your research methods. The methodology done on your psychological perspective is incomplete and doesn’t cut it. The same way COTS… Read more »
….what do you think was the intention the Alter Rebbe had in Tanya if not to provide ways for people to change themselves in a positive way..?.
Thats what coaching is, Helping and guiding to discard one’s old and destructive habits and create new positive habits that are based on logic and sechel, not middos based on bad habits.
Its not a new thing and much less self centred and self focused than therapy.
The allegations I made are true.
As a parent knowing what we know now about Cots, I have every right to demand that LY take action. Every responsible parent should do the same.
The information I mentioned is public knowledge, as these staff speak openly about their attendance. Yet, I did not mention their names and I therefore don’t feel that I need to mention my name.
Thank you to #43. We worked very hard to interview across a broad based spectrum, hire an excellent research investigator and spend many hours to put this report together.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to post.
Hello editor, Please be advised that I am the first author and psychologist of the report entitled: “A Psychological Perspective of Call of the Shofar”. I see in comments #38 and 42 that someone posted part of my report. In all fairness and in the spirit of understanding what is happening with COTS attendees, I have decided to release the report to your website. As requested by senior leaders, my original report was submitted to them. I hope that this submission will serve to further highlight the issues inherent in COTS and have it serve as a means to protect… Read more »
..i hope ALL staff is really deprogrammed;
ALL OTHER SCHOOLS MUST FOLLOW and deal with this!!
PARENTS dont sit back- YOUR sons rebbi/principal may very well still be under the effects…!
coaching is another naya sach that can be very damaging. a mashpia based on the ‘rebbe’s directives is not necessarily the same thing as a life coach.
Of course their is no mention, but the real thanks goes to a Woman in our community who with great courage removed this Magefa from our midst, Thank You Collive!
if a person has an issue he should go to a licensed therapist who has been trained to deal with psychological issues.
Its not an insult. Many people were saying that the original psak was done in haste without proper research, this is a follow up with professional research documents submited.
This is an insult to the Rabbanim of Crown Heights , who came out a month ago against it. As if we couldn’t take their word for it and needed these Rabbis statement.
a lot better to get a coach type of Mashpia to help figure things out, sort your life out and move forward in a new derech al pi chassidus without all these brainwashing techniques.
I would recommend you finding a frum coach / mashpia, such as Ilana at ilana.worldcoaching at gmail she will do a free 30 minute session via skype and see if she can help you.
The important thing for those who wish to move forward in life is to make changes in your actions.
Hatzlacha Rabbah !!
The damage cots has done is far reaching. It is not only mechanchim that are already known but many others. Im chas vsholom not calling for a witch hunt . However shluchim and rabonim who have attended still claim that the Vaad has got it wrong. To quote one Rav Cots has goten a bad rap the Rabonim realy dont understand, It has helped many people in my community.BH the psak will hopefully stop many from going. However those that have been brainwashed will believe in it despite the psak.Unfortunately I know of this attitude first hand in a chabad… Read more »
How about putting your name?
just purchased a raffle ticket – rabbifriedman.org/raffle to support the org of such good work.
You have the gall to incriminate Melamdim, but no courage to state your name?? Such lack of respect for our teachers is a big part of OUR problem!
Shame on YOU!
With love,
Someone who doesn’t work in ULY, currently, HM
There is a letter from the Rebbe from 15 Shvat 5709 to Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Keselman, who lived in Paris at that time, where he writes that the ikar of hafotzas hamaayonos is to be mekasher Iden with the Rebbe. I think your correct when you write that we need to dedicate time for hafotzas hamaayonos for our own people, to give they a true feeling of connection to the Rebbe through all of the ways which you write, and also, as the Rebbe writes in that letter, through maamad.
Thank you
#38 This well-written analysis speaks powerfully of the psychological dangers of COTS and lists extant case histories of damage already inflicted by this remarkably irresponsible program. It is my fervent hope that this information will be widely distributed and that includes to past participants in COTS programs as well as community leaders who may have unwittingly endorsed the group or its founder. The actions taken by Chabad-Lubovitch leaders is laudable and consoling. But much more needs to be done to undue the widespread damage this group may have caused to countless individuals and to prevent any similar group or individual… Read more »
There are many different techniques in the COTS weekend trainings where the individual is confronted with his weaknesses, inadequacies and poor internal psychological structures. There is a quick fix mentality where the individual is rapidly brought up to feel wonderful after their “breakdown”. COTS hones in on what they can do the tear down the participants self- esteem. One participant wrote the following: “When they do the shouting the scream: I matter, be there for me , love me, accept me for who I am, I’m good enough. Then the instructor screams at you to say it louder and louder.… Read more »
95% of people look up to leadership and need it. Every Shul in CH should have a Rav or Mashpia. This is what the Rebbe wanted.
Vaad Rabonai Lubavitch for addressing this issue and coming out with a clear psak.
We hope that you continue to deal with the core of this issue to work with the rabbonim of our kehilos and see why this happened in the first place, see the deep needs of our people and start implementing the Rebbes directives in making mashpiim in kehilos, encouraging asei lecho rav, truly not yotze tzu zain, mivtza torah, hafotzas hamaayonos also to our people who may be a bit chutza etc. etc.
As parent of children in LY, I am very concerned that they are not addressing the issue. My son’s melamed and the assistant principal were attendees at cots but I have yet to hear of any action on LY part to correct the problem and reassure the parents.
Rabbi Simpson, we are waiting for you to take action.
The real danger of COTS is if someone genuinely needs psychological help, he will seek COTS hoping for immediate relief from his emotional distress. In my interview of several attendees, they reported that they attended with some prior knowledge that they were depressed, anxious, moody and/or upset. Some of the COTS program activities involved hour long breathing and visualization techniques that are designed to break down the person. These strategies created observable psychological problems in some people: “I was throwing myself up against a wall”. “I saw a guy take his clothes off and run outside naked”, “The techniques made… Read more »
This was a gilui daas based on p’sak. The maarei mekomos would follow. It happens this way all of the time when rabbonim are trying to protect the community.
There are lines in there that are so appropriate to what really went on there. I very much enjoyed reading your little story. You have real talent.
why isn’t it in English for the non-hebrew readers?
Why Pasken a new Psak Din if you already Paskend it like a month before???
Once again, no details are provided as to exactly what about the program is assur.
Thank you for finishing this up.
you have questions??
rabbi manis friedman has answers
Great
This whole situation arose from the constant looking for something new and better which is pervasive in Chabad chinuch.Every so often there’s an all new and improved teaching program forced on us by the honholah because it turns out that up’ till now we were doing it all wrong.Yes we can all learn and improve but these programs aren’t Torah mi sinai;only Torah is mi sinai. Our rebeim gave us the best possible system for chinuch and life.Let’s stop looking elsewhere!!!
That we got out of this klipa
but i hope all participants do to a deep re-direction/teshuva… to those who say this was late..guess what? if paskened earlier ppl say “they didnt do enuf research…’ basically SF was found to be void of any yiras shomaim which is needed when giving others direction in Avodas Hashem. TO 6, if youre looking for avoda zara there are a lot of cheaper places, you dont need to spend so much $ thank you Rebbe for saving us from this machala but now we need your help to repair the damage that was done. may all those who need therapy… Read more »
23, you rock!!
2, pardon my ignorance but what language do you speak, didn’t get it
He/they should have a refuah sheleima…elsewhere.
And those who endorsed, supported, or “facilitated” this k’fira should to t’shuva, which should include speaking out loudly and clearly so that other false prophets of “self-awareness” and “releasing your true potential” can never again gain a foothold in Klall Yisrael. Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaacov, Mishkanosecha Yisrael.
Its over!!!:-)
can u put up the shiva info for COTS?:)
GLAD ITS OVER……
11213.org gave me a new lease on life.
Literally.
If u want to learn real Chassidus for ur practical everyday life check out 11213.org
me boro eileh
Yes, It’s great to see the Emes coming out!
All the 100s or 1000s of Unzerer Heiliker Neshamos, that went through the program, what do they do now? What do we do now with them?
I suggest, just as the were “Changed” in only three days, they CAN be reversed in only three days.
My detail plan will be exposed after Shabos Kodesh.
YES, they can be helped.
Code name “Min Hameitzar”
Not just oholei Torah pushing this, mamosh shluchim getting their community members to go. Is Mr. Aron evaluating them to see if they are fit to lead their communities now?
BS”D to to #13 & -one doesn’t joke about anothers tzuros, The comment was completely tasteless
Thank you Rabbis – We can enter this Shabbos with pride. The Aibishter is glad that his kinderlach are sanctifying His Name
todays Chumash: “And you shall worship the Lord, your God, and He will bless your food and your drink, and I will remove illness from your midst.” Shabat Shalom. Hoping to greet Moshiach now!!
The end of a sad parsha
We had plenty of others telling us until now that COTS is a disaster. What was needed was a through investigation by professionals – which takes time to do. If they had come out with this earlier it wouldnt have been complete research and might not have been correct!
Lol… you rock. your comment made my day 😀
I hope that next time someone’s life is hanging in the air, Vaad won’t take so long to give their input… Sad
What a relief, we have been waiting to hear from the Rabbonim on this matter.
Thank G-d those in charge and those who know did the proper research and finally put this horrible matter to rest. Now we can move on as a community in the right direction.
Hopefully those that were duped into this guy’s crazy schemes will be able to get the help they need to get back to their normal selves.
This is is laid to rest. I salute the Rabbonim who had the guts and courage to stand up to this movement who encroached on peoples lives in the name of openness and professionalism . This is also a time for action for community activists to provide assistance to families in need of professional intervention in a Kosher way.
The other 10% were invited by them. This was basically a chabad program that either flopped or imploded.
Rather than more therapists and lectures, ot should get a serious curriculum that teaches Tania and Chaya starting from earlier grades, rather than the fluff they give the kids all the way through school. Get a grip, kids need and want information, knowledge, and tools. Let them feel educated in a real and meaningful way, let them have knowledgeable teachers who care ( rather than the teachers and staff just making rules and computer generated reports) and we will go along way to avoid these kinds of situations. Time for oholei torah to get real.
It’s about time people actually did research on this before passing judgement.
Thank You for clarity!
Well I just signed up. Can’t wait
hook line and sinker! THE END!!!!
thanks col for stopping shofar
as usual the “vaad” is too little, too late…
Simcha was a fine little shofar. As Simcha grew, he became very proud of the noise that he could make. One day, Simcha was looking at the people around him as he was sounding his plaintive cry. Simcha did not like what he saw; not at all! The people stopped what they were doing, and grew very serious. Why, some people even had tears in their eyes! “This will not do!” thought Simcha. “I think people should enjoy freedom and be happy!” So Simcha began to travel the world in search of a better way. In one place he learned… Read more »
Vaad rabonei Lubavitch is a month late