Where was the source for that? Are we not still in galus? I cannot imagine a single chashuve talmid chochom, let alone a gadol, being impressed with such a way of performing shtadlonus. This is reminiscent of the hocker in the dorms in yeshiva – only a good deal older.

That’s as far as I got before I realized there was a very fundamental difference between the religion I practice and the one Rabbi Levin does.

What a hack.

Also, you have to understand, not everyone has to agree with Levin regarding Jewish music, we are not talking about singing his songs in a Yeshiva dining room.

“There are causes that are truly correct, but they are hampered by incorrect approaches.”

Also, unfortunately we are living in a time period where if you really want to know what a Gadol holds on any given topic you need to speak to him directly (and even then he may not give you his honest answer unless he knows you).

I personally heard out of the mouth of one of our biggest Gedolim today not to repeat his opinion about a certain Halacha outside the Yeshiva because he was worried about a certain organizational causing him trouble over it (he named the organization, but I’m not going to mention it here).

If you read my first comment I basically state that the Askanim are bossing the Gedolim around, not following them. You may want to feel different about this, but I’ve seen this with my own eyes.

I once was in a room with a very big Gadol when “Askanim” came in and tried to influence him to sign on something. B”H he politely smiled at them and refused to sign. They were there for at least another 5 – 10 minutes after his refusal trying to pressure him into signing. He just continued to smile and refused to say another word. They finally left.

There are Askanim and there are Askanim. Unfortunately there are too many that are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. The way to know who’s who is to examine their aidelkite. Those that are not adel are not the Gedolim’s askanim.

Let’s get our facts straight. Many, many Rabbonim signed the ban on the concert. Chassidish, Yeshivish, etc.

Obviously, they felt there is a very, very serious problem with our “Jewish” music.

R’ Levin is only repeating the obvious.

All the comments above belittling R’ Levin on a personal level, are missing the larger point.

He is merely stating the opinion of R’ Kamentzky, R’ Belsky, Skvere Rebbe, and many more.

I am saddened and embarrassed that Jews who consider themselves Frum could use R’ Levin as a punching bag for simply telling us the position of our Gedolim.

May Hashem help us all be chozer B’teshuvah.

Sincerely,

A yid who cares and truly believes.

#53 – Can you quote me where in the video he stated that “gedolim were signing their support without him even knowing about it!!!” I don’t recall him saying that. If you can point it out to me then I stand corrected. If not, then you stand corrected.

pooshetah yid- the video was posted on yeshiva world were the primary viewers are frum! this video was not meant for the non religious, it was meant for people like you!! too bad you wont realize that!!

softwords- he did not run after gadolim getting haskomos, he actually made it quite clear that gedolim were signing their support without him even knowing about it!!!

I dont listen to him at all & dont care what he has to say & by no means is he a Rabbi at any level & this is the first that i heard of a Rabbi running a Radio program.

he is no different than any of us & his opinion is meaningless as he is not a Rav or a Posek, he is just like any TOM, Dick or Harry walking down the street, but he has a radio program & nobody knows who he represents & he does not carry any authority at all & that Lipa decided to get onto his program in order to bolster his case & Lipa only made a fool out of himself, sorry i am no fan of Lipa but for goodness sake dont bow down to everybody & beg, as you will make a living with or without Levine as he is not mainstream.

Lets not forget when he went down to Atlanta in middle of the street with a TALIS to pray for Rain can anybody explain that to me please

Why don’t you interview me instead. I would come across a lot more interesting and meaningful than that bag of hot air.

Editors Response: We will be happy to interview you. Kindly contact us via email, and we will set it up.

Thank you for showing the video. This video very much confirms my belief that the Askanim of today are not the Askanim of yesteryear.

In the video Rabbi Levin does not mention even one incident in which a Gadol approach him to be their shliach. Yes, he did say that he had haskomos from Gedolim, but there is a very big difference between deciding what to do and finding haskomos for it and being approached to represent the Gedolim.

Now, let’s look at the Askamin of yesteryear. Let’s take for instance Elimelech Tress for example. He did not decide to become an Askan. Rather, the Gedolim turned to him and asked him to become an Askan representing them. I’m not sure who had more admoration for whom, he towards the Gedolim or the Gedolim towards him. Even the Satmar Rebbe had tremendous admiration for him.

Furthermore, I believe that he consulted the Rabbis and asked them what to do, not TOLD them what he feels should be done.

If a Gadol tells you, “who am I to sign a haskoma?” he is trying to hint to you that he doesn’t agree with you. If you have to convince Gedolim to give haskamos that in itself shows that there is a problem.

There have been several notices up in the last couple of years which I’ve questioned the logic and have seen haskomos from reputable rabbis I know. I’ve at times either approached them or spoke to people that already have and I consistantly received a reply that they were pushed into signing.

Unfortunately, I feel that a lot of people (the quite majority) have similar feelings to mine that haskomos are being cheapened by Askonim with agendas. This is truly hurting Klal Yisroel in my opinion.

I hope Rabbi Levin will consider my words: “There are causes that are truly correct, but they are hampered by incorrect approaches. Divrei Chachomim B’Nachas Nishma.”

May we all be zocha to uplift each other B’Ruchniyus with the proper love and affection! ..as we say, “Kol Yisroel Chaverim..”.