I have no intention to be goaded or seduced into machlochet to answer vitriol with more vitriol. Most who have answered me seem more interested in cultivating personal machlochet with me. This type of forum seems to invite behavior among normally frum who would never act thusly to their fellow when greeted personally face to face — another reason why I tend not to post in this type of venue. No, I have not posted until now b/c I was not so motivated until this avlah was committed in public which demands be’nei Torah stand against populist rhetorical complaining and murmuring. Those who have answered me have assumed much in both ignorance and error. However, this is not about me or my children. My true “feelings” which have been questioned? — I believe Mr. Rechnitz to be a very wonderful man who means well and only has love for k’lall Yisrael…He is one of few who who loves k’lall Yisrael enough to actually spend his own resources (time, money, and human energy) to accomplish real “building” — literally and figuratively. One the other hand, just b/c one has expressed sentiment harbored by “many” and “has some good points” does not make one qualified to express these sentiments in a kosher way in public. I have no doubt that Mr. Rechnitz regrets his words today. That is not to say that status-quo is good or even adequate or that much doesn’t need to be done. However, it would better serve the community by acting IN CONCERT WITH da’ath Torah under the guidance and direction of those qualified to direct movement that has goal to make repair rather than getting up in a public venue to express every frustration and sentiment that one harbors. More damage can be wrought by opening one’s mouth in a non-kosher way than remaining silent. Is not the damage already apparent just from the posts here which have pitted be’nei Torah/yeshivah community against Ba’alei battim, kollel against their fellow? Has this speech served to heal or motivate change or has it polarized a community already somewhat divided? Yes, better to remain silent…Alternatively, use the influence which HaShem has bequeathed IN GREAT MEASURE to JOIN FORCES with da’ath Torah to effect positive change rather than murmuring against it. Think of how this very nice man has squandered his hard gained influence and good will through poorly chosen verbal expression. Unfortunately, the feathers can not be re-gathered and placed back into the bag…Now, there is only to minimize the damage and heal the community.
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