If you are like me you really don't know anything about Chabad. before continuing, I must tell you something about my Religious background, (nothing). However, Jewish I am, and Jewish I will always be. as so many others who think as I do, we go to High Holy Day Services and follow our own convenient way for the rest of the year.
The contrived attitude of the community towards Chabad is the same as it always has been; Fear of not knowing! I remember seeing them walk arm in arm through Boro Park, Brooklyn, wearing long black coats, black hats, and beards disguising their faces. They seemed to be very stern and never smiled in public. I now know I really was looking at myself in "FEAR" because they knew where "G-D" was within me, telling me what to say and what to do. Be righteous and helpful to your fellow man. These are "Godly Mitzvos.
I was very reluctant to go to the Chabad. I had a very stubborn and closed mind. I recalled how much they affected me when I was a young boy, and the same sense of fear still came over me even as a mature adult. Having found G-d within myself I became more secure and more curious as to who are the Chabadniks?
What part in all this did the Chabad play?
I don't know ! I do believe that I was put on this earth to help my fellow man this may have brought me to Chabad, whose basic philosophy is extending a helping hand to those in need and do it with joy.
The Orthodox I met but I was more inquisitive about the Chabad.
At the Chabad House I was greeted at the door by a very friendly smiling human being. This was the first time I saw the woman of the house. In one arm she was carrying a baby, I extended my hand in a sign of greeting. She never extended her hand-----CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT? This was earth shattering! I overcame my astonishment when she explained that men and women do not exhibit any affection to each other. They are also separated by a transparent curtain during services. Most women at the Chabad wear head coverings. These are just a few of the traditional laws that must be observed in public.
People who are non traditionalists think it is degrading and a stigma to all women who witness such behavior. Therefore, the Chabad MUST now change or lose their support. As an observer I found that they do not feel degraded nor stigmatized, IF ANYTHING THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE. They are the strength behind every man. This is the way it was and this is the way it always will be.!!
You must accept them for what they are; NO CHANGES, NO ASSIMILATION, only the continuation of the Jewish faith until eternity.
With "G-D"s help with a little nudge to his disciples "G-D" will see to it they will respond to the needs of Chabad. TOLERANCE and UNDERSTANDING will bring RESPECT to all people concerned.
There are many edicts that I don't understand, and I am not going to try. The Chabad has existed over a thousand years. They have been persecuted, lived through pogroms, the HOLOCAUST, and have survived to bring joy and support into Jewish life.
The introduction of song and dance in to their services has been on of the great factors in keeping the Jewish religion alive through these many centuries.
The Chabad families are ample in size, I cannot give any statistics as to the average, but I am sure it is substantial. I have not been with them long enough to know when it is enough. Whatever will be will be with "G-Ds guidance.
Now that I have attended Friday night services I enjoy watching the playful antics of the children. Firm discipline leaves once you enter the house of Chabad.
I join the standing, sitting, mouthing words, singing and dancing without anyone knowing or caring. They make me feel like a participlant, not a spectator, even though I don't know what is going on.
Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays sumptuous meals are provided after services. Songs ring out through the dining room, and a good time is had by all.
Chabad also offers sleeping quarters for those who do not ride on Jewish Holidays.
For those students away from home Chabad is like an extended family where they can celebrate Jewish customs together with familiar faces on Shabbat and holidays.
There is no membership, (all are welcome), no taxation of any kind. Chabad exists mainly on voluntary contributions without solicitation. There are Tzedakah coin boxes available to those who may request them. Funds they receive come primarily from the support of the social functions they run throughout the year. There is no support from the parent organization. THIS IS THE WAY CHABAD EXISTS FINANCIALLY.
Their current and most challenging project is the war on drugs. Although their budget is strained they feel they are a part of the U.T. campus and therefore contribute to this cause. The greater donations received the more they can contribute to the needy problems at hand; funds they receive are never squandered on inanimate objects. LIFE AND WHAT HAPPENS TO IT IS WHAT CHABAD IS ALL ABOUT.
I feel that we are on the right track together, although Rabbi Levertov and I are completely polarized in our religious rituals, I don't feel we are that far apart. A philosophic respect for each others ideologies is the key to a good friendly relationship. I will always remain a friend to Chabad, and with G-D's help I hope you too will become a friend.
Dr. Harry A. Krantz -Austin, Texas