By COLlive reporter
Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba, the senior member of the Crown Heights Beis Din (Badatz), issued a second letter on Monday clarifying his stance on building a local Eruv.
Titled “Clarification,” this letter follows a previous one in which he said construction of an Eruv must be done in consultation with the neighborhood’s rabbis.
In the new letter, Rabbi Osdoba writes: “It is forbidden for anyone to help or support in any way whatsoever, the building of an eruv in our neighborhood.”
He wrote this ruling after “I’ve received a detailed letter from HaRav Yehuda Leib Groner, the Rebbe‘s secretary for more than 40 years.”
Rabbi Groner related to him the Rebbe’s words: “Ich vel nit derlozin machin an eruv in unzer shechuna” (I will not allow an eruv to be made in our neighborhood.”
“It’s self-understood that the Rebbe’s decision is final,” Rabbi Osdoba wrote in his new letter.
He added that since his first letter was being “interpreted as a form of support” for the Eruv, he stated that “I have never considered building an Eruv in our neighbrohood.”
Rabbi Osdoba now explained that “this is not halachically possible, not only for those who follow the Alter Rebbe, but also according to other poskim.”
His words are echoed in a halachic responsa written by Rabbi Shalom Ber Levine, the chief librarian of the Library of Agudas Chassidei Chabad and elucidator of the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch.
An English translation by Rabbi Eli Tauger of his 10-page explanation was provided to COLlive. Download Here
the answer is the rebbes shchuna and the rebbe was against the eiruv regardless of your nusach or reasoning there should be no eiruv what soever if you do not like it you can move
i cant believe that people have a chutzpah to go against the rebbe on something he felt so strongly about
#1 – ALL 3 members of the beis din paskened no eiruv = no eiruv!! #2 – ALL who think otherwise although there’s a psak from all 3 members of beis din are going against Halacha #3 – ALL who want to go ahead and build an eiruv anyway, might as well save their time money and energy and just go ahead carrying on shabbos WITHOUT an eiruv – what’s the difference after all… No one can force their opinion on you… Just come out and say it already – ur not frum. But it is never too late to… Read more »
you write:
CH is bigger now then just Chabad. If a group/committee of peoples wants to make an eiruv here using another Rav from another neighborhood so be it.
I say,just because this “rav” isfrom another neighborhood, he can not do it.woder who this “rav” can be to go against the elected rabonim of the shechuna
It seems that if any city or borough, in the case of New York, has 600,000 people or with its population and highways, 600,000 people, then it cannot set up an eruv. Also if its streets, as most are, are bigger than 16 amos by 16 amos, about 24 feet?, and connect to a street where people shop, you cannot make an eruv on those streets. Does that exclude all of New York boroughs and most cities from having an eruv?
I regret donating to the Eruv fund now that the Rabbonim are all unanimously against it. When are the organizers going to give every one the donated money back?
Are you truly unaware of the concept of “macha’ah” – protesting when others are doing something that goes against the Torah? (Yes, an eruv is an enactment of Chazal, but in this case – for the reasons outlined in this and previous articles – it can’t be done in a halachically valid way.) There’s a world of difference between “you don’t like it” and “it is prohibited by halachah.”
You want an Eiruv? Build one! Who asked the opposers for their opinion? They CANT stop you from making and using one.
It’s exactly like food. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean other people can’t like or eat it.
A Rov that has the chutzpah and audacity to go ahead and build an eiruv without any rabbonims approval is posul. He cannot be trusted and his eiruv is posul
One of the reasons a Beis Din was set up in crown heights though there was already Vaad Rabonei Lubavitch, is becuse the point of the Beis is for the community not necessarily for Lubavitch. In elections anyone living in the community can vote not only Lubavitchers. When you have a Beis Din set up in a place one is NOT allowed to go against it. Here all Rabbonim agree on this issue and therefore it makes no difference if you are or not Lubavitch you must adhere to the Rabbonim of the community.
What about organizing a Chessed organization of girls volunteering to help mothers who are home with young children on Shabbos? There are many ways this can be done. Either purely on a volunteer basis, or girls can be paid but will accept a reduced fee, or they can be paid fully but the organization raises funds to help cover the costs. If this is organized and run professionally this can be an excellent solution. Certainly all of the time, work, and big money that is being raised towards building and maintaining an Eiruv can be instead used towards such a… Read more »
The decision to build or not to build an Eruv in Crown Heights must rest with the Beit Din Tzedek and it’s ruling must be respected and upheld.
The Israeli Government did not listen to what the Rebbe said about shlemos haaretz…and just look what happened.
Rabbi Krasniansky reprinted Reb Moshe’s letter, (followed by a similar announcement signed by 36 Rabonim from many varied comunities ), stating that an eiruv can NOT be made in Brooklyn. He added that AN EIRUV MADE IN BROOKLYN IS NOT AN EIRUV for both adults and children under bar/bas mitzvah. He adds that one that uses such an eiruv is mechalel Shabbos. Ramana litzlan, May Hashem protect us. The reasoning is explained (in addition to in his sefer Igros Moshe ) in both Rabbi Levin and Rabbi Krasnianky sheyichyu, essays. Links to their essay have been provided in the articles… Read more »
Doesn’t this sound familiar? “Why do I have to listen to those old Rabbis?” “Times change – people change”. “Don’t you know that what I read on the internet changes everything?” Yes- welcome to conservative 101 folks. As I baalas tshuvah I get these arguments from my folks ALL the time. “Can’t you get special dispensation from your Rabbi? Pigs aren’t dirty anymore. Kosher food is just too expensive.” Once we decide that we know more than our elected Rabbonim then we are lost. Then our yetzer can have us shoo everything out the window. The question here has gone… Read more »
Bubby says:
Great ideas, reasonably expressed, and with cooperation, they could work. Another idea is in apartment buildings, have a couple of ladies babysit everyone’s kids on a rota system so the other moms can go out.
When my children were young, no one thought anything different. We stayed home, alone with the kids, all Shabbos because our husbands stayed for farbrengens. It was what it was. Today. everything is changing, but here is a practical solution to the problem.
זאלסט די אלע ציונים וכו’ ימ”ש גיין צום אן אנדערע פלאץ! מדארף דיך נישט
You took the words out of my mouth!
My friend you clearly don’t know halacha if the beis din of the community rulled it out then halachikly you may not put up an eruv!
You could respect the Rabbe and still want an Eruv, and you don’t have to be Chabad to live in Crown Heights,
if most of Rabbis say that the Rebbe was against ,plus the 3 Rabbonim BD members confirm this
then please, don’t push an Eruv to have a big fight
I am reading these post and r amazed . Even shocked . But in a way this is a culmination of over 20 years of living after gimmul tammuz and no real united voice as to the Rebbes type of community he desired in CH . Of course the Rebbe is here and it is his community exclusively but there is a fear to speak up about what he wanted . Hence a vacuum was created where anything goes . So the people who want the erev look at how 770 749 and other issues r free for people to… Read more »
I think it’s terrible the way everyone is saying that mothers “feel trapped at home because of their babies and toddlers.” Do our blessings “trap” us!? Do you know how many women who can not have children would love to have the privilege of spending their Shabbos with their little treasures!?
I truly feel sorry for all those women stuck at home.
I come back from shachris every shabbos right away, spend time with my wife and kids, then I go back out and farbreng while they rest, and come spend more time with them and wife goes out to daven etc.
I truly feel sorry for women who are trapped at home by their inconsiderate husbands. But it is the husbands doing the trapping, not the Rebbe, not the Rabonim, and not the lack of an eruv.
It it well known the Rebbe opinion regarding an eruv in Melbourne. It makes no sense to think that the Rebbe was against an eruv in Melbourne, which isn’t only a chabad community, but was all for one in crown heights
Another thing about the community is why they want an Aireiv?!
Beilla and I both never used am airaiv throughly the 70’s 80’s and 90’s -EVEN RAV BRACH FROM MONSEY does not. HE DOES NOT.!!
So why can’t we?!
And another thing about the community. And this is something close to my heart. Are we sure the bread is bishul yisroel???
To 35 thanks to people like you that think this message of hate will work that is why you have a earuv we are chabad like you but rejected your hatful why it’s you who choose when the rebbe is relvent in your life get help fast I will not use the earuv and I remember the rebbe very little like most of the new generation let us follow the rebbe Ahavas yisreal you are not a chabad chosid if you rejected the rebbe’s Ahavas yisreal moshich new
If someone says they are not Chabad, they get offended, now they are coming out saying we are not Chabad, we are “nusach ari”, but I bet they will still pretend to get offended and call you judgmental if you say, “oh, so your Ari, that means your not chabad”.
People wake up!the rebbe said no,is no!!!the rebbe also said, those who are playing games with the rabanim are playing with fire rl!!!!r you serious? ???is this what you want? ???!!!!
Why did you move to Crown heights if you don’t respect the rebbe.do you only hold as your rebbe when you need his Brochos but do as you please and go against his wish.
It’s time for a reality check.
Where did you get this new idea that C.H. is not only a chabbad community.are you referring to yuppies, blacks Spanish as the other members of the community.i don’t see them using the Eiruv. Please clarify.who you’re talking about.
People who only have in common the nusach they use for davening. They don’t have their own rabbonim…they just do what they think is ok
There should only be 1 reason and 1 reason ONLY, Why No Eruv….
THIS IS THE REBBE’S DALED AMOS……
THE REBBE SAYS NO IS NO.
PERIOD……….
Plz don’t drag the arizal into this….. Call a spade a spade.. .until now this group still wanted to b identified with chabad- ‘ chabad- lite’ but it has reached a point where they had to give themselves a new title as a heter to do whatever they want. So they have officially proclaimed themselves as not chabad-…. They are not frum This has nothing to do with the arizal If u don’t keep halacha – it’s called not frum, it’s not called nusach ari- sorry…that title won’t stick Now since the non frum are residing in our midst, and… Read more »
May I ask who is standing up delcaring that they are not Chabad, and are totally unafiliated with Chabad, and consider themselves random Modern Orthodox people in Crown Heights? I’m living here 11 years and I have yet to meet a single person who straight out says they are not at all Chabad.
Second – and most important, how does anyone who DOES consider themselves have the ability to ask
“Why can’t there be one besides for the fact that the Rebbe said not?”
What do you mean besides the Rebbe? Is this real life?
My sister is modern orthodox. If she has a question, she asks her rav and if he says no, she doesn’t do it! She doesn’t go out looking for other rabbis until she finds one that says yes. That isn’t orthodox at all!
who are the rabbonim of the nussach ari people?
aderaba, tell us. if the support it, why dont they tell us who they are…
until then, we shall consider then non existent….
For those who suggest that there is somehow another community here besides the Rebbe’s. There could be nothing further from the truth. The Rebbe was moser nefesh to keep the community, he gets all the credit from a practical and physical perspective. Without the Rebbe there would be no community today in Crown Heights. Therefore, this community must be based upon the Rebbes views.
I think the women who feel trapped at home on Shabbos have a valid concern and shouldn’t be undermined or mocked. Maybe a group of baalei batim could make a roster of staying home to allow their wives a little breathing space on Shabbos. Another option could be to hire babysitters to watch the children for a little while to make things easier. Another idea could be to have Shabbos Farbrengens before mincha instead of right after shacharis, so husbands can return home to their families earlier in the day and there won’t be such a long stretch of time… Read more »
CH is bigger now then just Chabad. If a group/committee of peoples wants to make an eiruv here using another Rav from another neighborhood so be it.
You don’t have to use it.
I fail to understand why so many are getting bent out of shape here.
Obviously it seems the Rebbe was against it – so I won’t use it but loz leben shoyn. Many of these new neighbors are not from the old school..understood?
Let’s face it CH is made of all types of people chabad or MO and anywhere in between, we have 3 hashgocho in the community we have many different rabbonim, there is no reason one of these groups can’t make a eruv. Nobody is forced to use it but don’t force people not to use it. If you feel as a chabad chossid that it’s not appropriate to use it that’s fine but why can’t a non chabad person be able to use it just like anywhere else in the world?
If RABBIS BRAUN, SCHWEI, OSDOBA & BOGOMILSKY all agree on something, it shows
1 moshiach should come for that alone!!!
2 since unfortunately the Rabbonims opinions Often differ, and here they all have the same answer, goes to show that this is the TRUTH! CROWN HEIGHTS = LUBAVITCHER/REBBES SCHUNA!
Take it easy! till now ppl thought Rabbi Osdoba allows it. Now we know.
What sort of rov has the chutzpah to build an eruv in a community where EVERY rov opposes it?
Rabbi Bogimilsky made clear in a discussion this past Shabbos that he cannot understand why anyone would go against the Rebbe on this, when the latter gave his opinion there should be no Eruv in the Schuna. In addition, he discussed the opinion of the Rabbanim on the matter that they do not approve of this. A member of his Shul.
Those that are behind his push should take good look in the mirror I truly believe they are playing with fire..
Its impossible to make a eruv.
1. you can’t make a pole every 10 amos.
2.it would go through trees.
3.the Rebbe was against it.
If the self described “modern orthodox Nusach Ari” community hadn’t been so stupid to separate the community into several camps the eruv would have likely been more widely supported. It’s disgusting that such selfish people decided to self identify and ruin it for the lubavitchers who would have otherwise supported an initiative as such.
B”H
BH! This was a challenge to see our Emunah and Bitachon in our Melech. Ain Melech BiLoh Am. The Rebbe is here with us more than ever.. and giving us the Kochos to fulfill our Shlichus given to us LiKabel Pnai Moshiach Tzidkainu!
Even when we don’t physically see the Rebbe yet.
BH with this strengthening our Hiskashrus to the Rebbe and to EVERY teaching and guidance we are given, we will be zoche to be reunited at the Ultimate Hakhel in the Bais HaMikdosh HaShlishi Taykef UMiYaD MaMoSh Now!
I was so surprised when I heard R. Osdoba somewhat supports the eiruv. Boruch Hashem now he shows he knows his stuff
Here we go again, mixing the Rebbe’s shitos regarding eruvin, with some who have an agenda. The Rebbe did not uphold that the issue is a reshus harabbim. I will b”n demonstrate the fallacies in Rabbi Tauger arguments (which in turn will do away with Rabbi Levin’s personal opinions). I will prove that they omitted many important facts and that they are incorrect in their understanding of the inyan. Stay tuned.
Thats what the Rebbe wants!!!!!
HaRav Osdoba is a true leader. We are Blessed to have him.
Good this will keep the Untznios yente ladies home where they belong not roaming the streets and gatting into trouble this will undoubtedly keep klal Yisroel in better shape!
What’s the problem with an Eiruv in CH?
Why can’t there be one besides for the fact that the Rebbe said not?
If it’s kosher it’s kosher! no two ways about it!
CH is not only chabad there are many other communities that live in CH if they would like to make a Eruv with their rabboim they should be allowed to do it and Chabad does not need to use it.
Politics again got in the way of Halachah
B”h, That At Least On One Thing The Entire Beis Din Of Crown Heights Can Agree… Zol Zain A Hascholo Toivo Oif Vaiter.
Like or not, they are the mara de atra.
Nice try.
Those who have an issue with the carrying should move to a place with eruv.
We had enough machlokes here, we dont need more.
No one of any stature is supporting this eruv. its an halachic thing. we haven’t heard a name…. one name….
Even in the little shtetel of lubavitch there was no eiruv.
This is The Rebbes Shchuna. leave it alone
Choshen Mishpat 26, 1
This is the final battleground for the soul of Crown Heights, as Kan Tziva, the shchuna …. Because of the Ahavas Yisroel we have, as ingrained into us by the Rebbe, we have let a segment of our community go unchecked for very long. We are not here to admonish or judge. but this is a battle we can’t sit by idly. It’s clear that the Rebbe did not want this, and this is the Rebbe’s community. People are free to live anywhere, and other communities where an Erev is allowed or used. Please. If nothing else, out of respect… Read more »
Let us unite to strengthen our connection to the rebbe by making sure his will is fulfilled in every way possible. As it is supposed to be that the rebbe is the one who dictates what our lives should look like, as well as our community!
ונזכה זעהן זיך מיט’ן רבי’ן דא למטה מעשרה טפחים אין א גוף והוא יגאלנו.
And may the rebbe be proud of what Crown Heights – his own שכונה looks like
Never thought he meant otherwise