What is the standard for “normal” these days? Given some of the other craziness going on in the frum velt, the Chabadniks… seem quite normal. I’d be more concerned about some of the fringe elements of other chassidus and the Litvishshe tzibur…
Listen, every community has its crazies. That’s how Hashem created the world.
Even here in the CR, there are many posters whom I may disagree with on many issues, yet I consider them very normal and bright.
There are some other posters (I have one recent poster particularly in mind) whom I consider completely nuts (at least they provide comic relief).
Reb Mendel Futerfas would tell a story:
In the town of Lubavitch, there was a “meshugener fun shtot”.
He always tried to approach the Rebbe Maharash, but the gabbaim stopped him. Once, he saw the Rebbe passing in his carriage, so he jumped in.
After conversing with the Rebbe, he jumped out, and was met by a group of chassidim who inquired what they spoke about.
He said: “My colleague, the meshugener of Vitebsk, invited me to join him. Since Vitebsk is a large city, there’s enough “business” for both of us.
First, of course, I had to consult with the Rebbe. The Rebbe said that I should stay since Lubavitch needs its own meshugener.”
When asked what made him ask the Rebbe for advice, the meshugener responded:
משוגע משוגע, אבער שכל דארף מען האבן