JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A few months ago the Belzer Rebbe, realizing that a significant number of Chasidim have left the fold and gone OTD but still want some connection to their families, established the Ahavas Kedumim organization. The new organization does not attempt to bring the erstwhile chasidim back to their former customs but it does try to give them some of the warmth and joy which characterize the chasidim and to demonstrate that they are still loved wherever they are and however they behave.
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The response to the rebbe’s initiative has been gratifying, as many former chasidim attend events sponsored by the chasidus and relive their longing for the songs, atmosphere and spirit which they grew up with.
In the following clip a former chasid describes in glowing terms how Ahavas Kedumim helped merely by recognizing the existence of those who have left the chasidus and attempting to give them a sense of community.
תופעת היציאה מהחברה החרדית, הולכת ומתרחבת – אנחנו כבר לא חבורת יוצאים מגובשת, אלא תנועה מפוארת שהולכת וגדלה במספרים עצומים בשנים האחרונות.
בחברה החרדית הפנימו שאנחנו לא תופעת שוליים, ומדהים לראות כי האדמו”ר מבעלזא, כצעד חלוצי הקים את ארגון ‘אהבת קדומים’ עבור יוצאים מהחסידות>> pic.twitter.com/Kd7M4EuGdC
— יוצאים לשינוי (@leshinuy) September 5, 2023
The organization conducts trips to Kivrei Tzadikim, meetings and other activities for the OTD members, and the response has been positive from the former chasidim.
On Sukkos the rebbe invited the former chasidim to his Sukkah and even gave them front-row seats, demonstrating that he wishes to maintain the connection with them despite the differences in approach.
Great thing to do. Also, nice that they show up. There doesn’t have to be resentment. If they don’t return, maybe they won’t object if their children decide to.
Why the recent off the derech epidemic? The answer is simple: loss of purpose; in the past few decades our community has turned increasingly more into hype, schtick, and so-called “minhagim”. All of this comes at expense of emeskeit, emunah, and trying to figure out rotzon H’. Solution? Appoint rabbonim, roshei yeshivos, and chasidishe rebbes based on individual merit as opposed to genealogy. Stop flattening rich people, especially at community events. Learn more beiyun.
With all the talk about OTD people, let’s not lose sight of the ones who stay on the derech. It’s popular to do things for the OTD and the “not yet frum”; it makes for good stories and photo-ops (allowing all the machers and shvitzers to pose for pictures,etc); but many people stay on the derech and do the “hard work” of living day to day learning Torah, doing mitzvos and raising frum families. These “boring” people will not be featured on the cover of any of the magazines/newpapers but they are the ones who should be getting front row seats for the Rebbe’s tisch.
The Rebbe is an innovator with great insight. He has introduced secular studies in his yeshivot and has employed professional psychologists who can detect abuse. This is yet another example. There is more that will become known when the Rebbe deems it appropriate.
Smart be move rather then have them totally lost They still have a small attachment
As I noted below let’s not forget to do kiruv nerds too. There are many who are lost and or have dysfunctional lives among us. Some are sloppy and messy. Some maybe autistic or from troubled homes They aren’t cool. But they are lost. It isn’t fun to go on trips with them and it can drive you nuts at times. But they need help too.
To be crystal clear this should not detract from this wonderful work of helping OTD. BH there is enough money for both . Both causes are vital
B”H The Rebbe has the wisdom & Ahavas Yisorel to reach out to all. Instead of dengrating those who have gone OTD, He is showing them love and hopefully some comfort to those Mammas and Tattes whose children have chosen a life other than that of Torah Derech. As we bring together the Arba Minnim on Succos the Rebbe is bringing togeher those children who for what ever reaxon have lost their way. However within their Nesham a pintel Yiddiskeit burns bright. Let us all follow the Heilige Belzer Rebbe and do our part to reach out to those Children and show them Ahavas Yisroel. May HaShem continue Bless The Belzer Rebbe with wisdom and Arachas Yomim ad Meah Esreem.
Whole situation is very sad.
“SIGNIFICANT number of Chasidim have left the fold and gone OTD”
What in the world are you talking about??
Generally it is a family problem, not really a which group to belong to problem. But it is certainly nice of the Rebbe to open the doors to them.
“SIGNIFICANT number of Chasidim have left the fold and gone OTD” What in the world are you talking about???
No women OTD invited. That says it all.