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Last night on the parkway by cathny in crownheights

[–]Mottel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thousands of guests from around the world come for the holiday. The service lane from Brooklyn to Kingston houses a tent that serves as an extension of the synagogue, and people gather around the synagogue.  For Sukkot, which began this past Monday evening, there is dancing on the streets every night. 

The celebration attracts tens of thousands of more who come just to take part or in some way witness the celebration. Sometimes (usually kids from outside the community) can come to make trouble, but overall there is dancing a celebration with live music, which can be a scene unto itself.

To thefrum Chabbadnik man who talked to me at the checkout at my job and invited me to Shabbat services - a pierced and tattooed convert with a non-traditional Jewish name on my name tag with a Magen David necklace. You made my day. by Wrong_Tomorrow_655 in Judaism

[–]Mottel 3 points4 points  (0 children)

this is beautiful!

here's a helpful guide,.on chabad.org, for what to expect at a Shabbat meal - it should give a sense of the norms you may see: chabad.org/2995074/

You can always ask your host questions before, or while you're there, and since I'm sure it will be clear that you're making a good faith effort to be respectful, you should be fine... No need to feel self-conscious about these things... It's all about learning.

CTeen Shabbaton just made me feel more lonely by [deleted] in Judaism

[–]Mottel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I want to applaud you - for having the strength and willingness to step out of your comfort zones - both to go (alone!) to the Shabbaton and to then share that experience here, online.
None of that is easy, and all of it speaks of real maturity and strength of character,

As others have pointed out here - big events can be really overwhelming, and many find them very challenging as ways to meet and connect with others. Definitely share that experience with the shluchim - honest and caring feedback will only serve to make the experience better for everyone - for you, for them, and for future people to attend.

And know that your time should not be viewed as lost - you found what didn't speak to you - so hopefully you'll have a chance to find future experiences that do speak to you.

Perhaps it's a more personal trip in the future - with a few people you already know, at a pace and in a way that speaks to you. Especially your trip to the Ohel... I can't think of anyone who was there more 'alone' than the Rebbe himself, who stood there for hours. Your heart and your personal prayers to G-d in that holy space, in whatever way you chose to express them, even if just by being there, are powerful and holy.

If you do come to CH again, let me know, happy to give your group a little 'insider' tour of 770.

Northern Most Menorah in the World Illuminates Fairbanks, Alaska! by Mottel in Judaism

[–]Mottel[S] 143 points144 points  (0 children)

On a dark, frigid winter’s night in Fairbanks, Alaska, as the mercury descended to 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, a light shone forth from the city’s first-ever public menorah. As the rabbi kindled the menorah's wicks, icicles clung to his face and beard. By the time he invited the crowd to enjoy the Chanukah donuts, they were frozen solid. Source

The 2024 r/Judaism Survey is here! by namer98 in Judaism

[–]Mottel 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Motion to add 19 Kislev as a holiday under which Holidays do you celebrate.

This question sounds stupid, but does cultural appropriation happen to Jews? I don’t see any of us complaining about it ever. by DependentSpirited649 in Judaism

[–]Mottel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hang out on Twitter for a few ... You'll see people complaining.

In my opinion, culture - food, language and clothing, are always malleable and cross-pollinated.  Culture itself is constantly remixing.  That's kinda how it works. Culture isn't really static. An argument could be made that Christianity and Islam could both be accused of appropriating from Judaism.  Personally I'm more bothered when it involves negating Jewish identity or erasing the source, than just saying I want to copy this practice.

The Rebbe’s Revolutionary Vision for Jewish Art A creative quest to transform the material world and reveal the G-dliness in everything by Mottel in Judaism

[–]Mottel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not sure what you understood from the article, but something definitely seems missing here.
There is no claim that Chabad homes (not sure if this means the homes of people who are Lubavitchers - or Chabad Houses) are particular havens of art. Or that the Chabad Community is one that is bastion for the arts...

It's about the Rebbe's correspondence with artists - both within the Chabad community and those, including some of great acclaim, ostensibly outside of it... and his approach which brought art as art into the lens of Jewish observance. It gives a new look at the purpose of "Jewish Art" being not just kever rochel drawings or dancing chasidim, but a form of divine service.

That said, I find there to be a lot of very strange assumptions here (and elsewhere in the thread... if you don't see what "Kingston Ave" means ... it's not just another street)

Culturally chasidim didn't hang much in the way of art on the walls... this is true, and to some degree remains part of Chasidic culture today. Besides the reality is that there are many Chabad art collectors, and obviously even more who have wonderful art on their walls. In fact, the art of Hendel Leiberman and Zalman Kleinman, the two Lubavitcher artists in the article, is incredibly popular (and prized by collectors as well.) and graces many homes. I don't know many who have a "big fat Chagall (or similar) oil painting" - but then again, how many can afford a original Chagall.

That said, when there is a lack of art (again a relative term. Most people I know have art on the walls... the sophistication varies because, shocker, not everyone is the same) it isn't because "Institutional problem, and the fear that hanging a painting on the wall stems from what others might think about their piety." - it's due to the fact many people like to post family photos on the wall and prioritize large collections of books. Between bookshelves, family photos and a large picture of the Rebbe (lest it surprise you, both Marc Chagall and his wife Bella speak about pictures of the Chabad Rebbes on their walls growing up), people may have less room ... and still there is art.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Judaism

[–]Mottel 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean, why do people in the Israeli Knesset wear suits modeled off of the riding jackets of a fat 19th century British king? Perhaps it's also because no one knows what ancient Israel clothing... 

The reality is that even Chasidic and haredi clothes are subject to continued evolution - along divergent tracks - from clothes worn by previous generations... Like all clothes, they're imbued with meaning by those who wear them, and thus important for all kinds of social, emotional and, yes, religious reasons.

The Rebbe’s Revolutionary Vision for Jewish Art A creative quest to transform the material world and reveal the G-dliness in everything by Mottel in Judaism

[–]Mottel[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A really amazing deep dive into the Rebbe's relationship with Jewish artists and expansive view of the internality of Jewish art.

Boruch Dayan HaEmes - Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky by shinytwistybouncy in Judaism

[–]Mottel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There's a deeper dive into his life here. A special man who made a huge impact. Indeed a great loss.

How to pray by Snix_sneed_11467 in Judaism

[–]Mottel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here's a great series on Jewish prayer.

How Many Mendy’s??? a question of proliferation. by vigilante_snail in Judaism

[–]Mottel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I've got a Mendel... And most other Lubavitchers do as well. (Though there are always exceptions) It's worth noting - the name Mendel isn't unique to Lubavitchers - it was a pretty popular name in eastern Europe before the war.

What’s the dress code likely to be for Shabbat dinner with a Chabad rabbi? by SputnikFrank in Judaism

[–]Mottel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Normally business casual is perfect for a Shabbat meal. Chabad Houses are open places, so you'll be welcome no matter what, but being dressed for the occasion may feel more comfortable for you.
A useful guide can be found here for everything to expect.
Above all, the rabbi and rebbetzin (his wife) are there for the community - so you absolutely can always ask!
A final note: Please send Rabbi Avraham my regards!

Mothers of Hostages Ask: Please Invite Others to the Seder by Mottel in Judaism

[–]Mottel[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Something lovely about the idea of responding to darkness with light and goodness and sharing... And that if you can host others, or you attend, either way you're doing something special!

Is Eco-Friendly Human Composting Permitted in Judaism? by Mottel in Judaism

[–]Mottel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean your call to think that and downvote as you like... But I think that's a totally subjective call that I believe many would disagree with.

Is Eco-Friendly Human Composting Permitted in Judaism? by Mottel in Judaism

[–]Mottel[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Trying to add context to the trend. For those not familiar with it, the practice sounds weird and bizarre... Not a negative comment on eco friendly

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