Opinion Archives | Anash.org

Taking Support from the Frierdiker Rebbe’s Difficult Childhood

Mendel — Sun, 28 Jun 2026

Can childhood pain become a source of greatness? Rabbi Sholom Dovber Avtzon shares two striking stories from the Frierdiker Rebbe’s youth that carry a timely and powerful message for today.

I Would Vote Again for a Frum Candidate and Here’s Why

Anash — Fri, 26 Jun 2026

Article by Benny Rosenberger: "Losing an election is never easy. When you invest your time, energy, and hopes into a campaign, defeat hurts. But when things don't go your way, it doesn't mean you were wrong."

Stop Making Two Years in Kollel Sound Like Too Much

Mendel — Thu, 25 Jun 2026

"We have turned the Rebbe's vision on its head. Today, a yungerman who stays for three years is looked at like something went wrong. We have convinced ourselves this is the authentic Lubavitch position. It is not. And the Rebbe's own words make that unmistakably clear."

We Promise Zaidy We Will Carry Your Voice Forward

Mendel — Wed, 24 Jun 2026

"I’ll never forget the look you gave me a few days ago. You stared right through my soul with an expression that seemed to say: 'It’s not supposed to be easy. We are the Rebbe’s soldiers!' That was your life. You were always singing. That’s what soldiers do - they march forward and they keep singing." A tribute to Rabbi Berel Zaltman AH, by his grandson.

The World Is Starting to Give Away Its Secret

Anash — Sun, 21 Jun 2026

"Don’t you feel like science and religion are coming from two totally different worlds? Even when people try to reconcile science and religion, they often still seem like they’re both just talking at each other — never having the same conversation. But this year’s 35th Annual Moshiach & Science Conference enlightened me."

Why Someone Extinguished the Candles at 770

Anash — Fri, 19 Jun 2026

"On Gimmel Tammuz, I had the privilege of leading Mincha in the Rebbe’s shul at 770. During Chazoras Hashatz, something unexpected happened. Someone walked over and extinguished the candles that were burning near the amud. For a brief moment, I faced a choice. Should I respond?"

Let’s Prove That Crown Heights Shows Up

Anash — Wed, 17 Jun 2026

"Showing up is just as important as registering. Regardless of who you vote for—even if you leave the rest of the ballot blank—the message to politicians remains the same: Crown Heights votes."

A Post Gimmel Tammuz Chossid Doesn’t Mean a Lost Chossid

Anash — Tue, 16 Jun 2026

"As Chassidim living in the post-Gimmel Tammuz reality, there are many questions one may ask: 'How do we know the Rebbe is truly alive?' 'How can we remain connected to the Rebbe after the Histalkus?' What many Chassidim fail to realize, however, is that the Rebbe already addressed everything."

The Strength of the Simple Jew in the Seventh Generation

Mendel — Thu, 11 Jun 2026

"Yes, previous generations had many tzaddikim, but perhaps that was because they could not do without them. We cannot see or hear the Rebbe guiding every step in an open way. Yes, it is painful and difficult, but the Rebbe is giving us strength and telling us we can do it. We have been given the tools, and now it is our time to shine!"

Did You Know That Cunningham Signed to Defund the Police?

Anash — Wed, 10 Jun 2026

On June 1, 2020, just as BLM riots were wreaking havoc all over New York City, then-city council candidate Brian Cunningham signed onto a letter to Defund the NYPD and significantly reduce the New York Police Department’s budget.

When the Dollar Sign Becomes the New Hechsher

Anash — Wed, 10 Jun 2026

"It used to be that Kashrus was the ultimate boundary line. A Lubavitcher Chassid wouldn’t let a single morsel cross their lips without knowing exactly who stands behind the hechsher. Today? It seems the most powerful hechsher on the market is the dollar sign."

What May Come To Crown Heights

Anash — Tue, 09 Jun 2026

Does the hubris of having our own justify the risk?

Are All Jewish Story Tapes Kosher?

Anash — Tue, 09 Jun 2026

"I’m meticulous and careful B”H about the books and content I allow my kids to consume. And what’s this? A Jewish story tape feeding my children public school talk?!"

Does Your Child Have a ‘Kriah Brain’?

Anash — Mon, 08 Jun 2026

Why do some children seem to learn Kriah effortlessly, while others struggle even with repeated practice? Successful reading is not only about intelligence or effort; it requires a child to have developed a “Kriah Brain.”

Are You Giving Your Child a Deadly Weapon?

Anash — Mon, 08 Jun 2026

"I’ll get straight to the point. Our neighborhood has become more dangerous. We are facing a public safety emergency. And no, this isn’t about crime, although that’s worrisome too."

What the Rebbe Really Said About the Israel Day Parade

Anash — Sun, 07 Jun 2026

"In recent years, claims have circulated that the Mitzvah Tanks operating during the Israel Day Parade are acting against the Rebbe's instructions. Having been actively involved with the Mitzvah Tanks for several years, including mivtzoim during the Israel Day Parade, I felt it was important to investigate these claims and speak directly with individuals who were involved."

Why Crown Heights Political Activists and Voters Are Diverging

Anash — Fri, 05 Jun 2026

This upcoming primary election has exposed a growing tension in Crown Heights. While some in the political establishment have united behind an incumbent, many voters feel increasingly alienated. Former city council candidates Benny Rosenberger and Yehuda Shaffer speak out.

What Our Children Learn When We Criticize Their Schools

Anash — Thu, 04 Jun 2026

"The challenge is not merely what standards we teach our children. The challenge is what attitudes we teach them toward the people responsible for teaching those standards. If we wish to teach our children tznius and respect, those values should be reflected not only in school policies but also in the way we speak about our schools, our educators, and one another."

Leadership Is Sometimes Measured by What One Chooses Not to Do

Mendel — Wed, 03 Jun 2026

In public life, attention is usually given to those who show up, speak out, and make headlines. Far less attention is paid to those who quietly exercise restraint. The recent Gracie Mansion event provided such an example. The Vaad Hakohol of Crown Heights chose not to attend. The decision was made quietly, respectfully, and without fanfare.

Don’t Wait for ‘The System’ to Change

Mendel — Mon, 01 Jun 2026

"Don’t become that person who plops down on the couch with a phone, scrolling endlessly, blaming your wife and kids for not learning. You’re not learning because you’re on your phone. You can’t learn with your chavrusa because you’re busy trying to solve all the world’s problems. It’s the sefarim publishers’ fault that this sefer isn’t available, while an open sefer is sitting right in front of you."

Has Therapy Replaced Torah in the Tznius Conversation?

Mendel — Sun, 31 May 2026

There seems to be a growing tendency to discuss tznius almost entirely in psychological terms. Instead of speaking about kedusha, pnimius, and yiras Shamayim, the conversation shifts toward “feeling watched,” “feeling controlled,” “feeling shame,” or “feeling objectified.” At some point, Torah begins sounding like secular self-help literature dressed in frum vocabulary.

Shlichus Is More Than Just Another Year in Yeshiva

Anash — Thu, 28 May 2026

"To turn shlichus into basically just another year of seder feels like a disservice both to the shluchim and to the yeshivos. A lot of what I learned that year still helps me today in my own shlichus and family life."

Can Crown Heights Realistically Elect One of Its Own?

Anash — Wed, 27 May 2026

Supporters of increased civic engagement in Crown Heights believe the unusually low expected turnout this year creates a unique opening for the community to elect a representative more aligned with the community’s concerns and neighborhood priorities.

Why One Principal Drove Across Town for a Few Stickers

Mendel — Wed, 27 May 2026

My six-year-old niece, Sterna, proudly told me she collects stickers, and I promised to bring her special ones next time I came to Montreal. But before Shavuos, I forgot them in my classroom. A Toronto teacher shares her appreciation for her local school and the unexpected impact it had on a not frum Jewish woman.

They Are Called ‘Talmidim Hashluchim’ for a Reason

Mendel — Tue, 26 May 2026

"Towards the end of last year, a bochur on mivtzoim told a regular we visit for tefillin that next year he would be moving on. When asked, he said he would no longer be a student, but part of the yeshiva staff. This bochur seriously believed that the concept of shlichus is to be a program director."

Crown Heights Leaders Uncertain On Community’s Future

Anash — Sun, 24 May 2026

Unlike previous elections, in the upcoming Assembly race, 95% plus of Anash are in the district. Will the broader CH establishment do something different, or will they follow the lead of the small unelected divisive group?

Nova Victim’s Dream and the Rebbe’s Book on Joy

Mendel — Mon, 11 May 2026

Eden Naftali HYD, who was killed in the Nova massacre on October 7, appeared in a dream and asked that a certain book she owned be given to her mother. The book: "Joy as a Challenge" by Rabbi Shloma Majeski from the Rebbe's teachings.

Yvette Clarke’s Support for Hamas Has to Stop

MM — Sun, 10 May 2026

Less than one month after the horrific attack of October 7, Rep. Yvette Clarke voted against a bill that would state that it is U.S. policy to prevent Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, or the Lion’s Den from accessing their international support networks.

Reflections on Rabbi Wagner on His Third Yahrtzeit

Anash — Mon, 04 May 2026

Monday, 17 Iyar 5786, marks the third Yahrtzeit of my rosh yeshiva and personal mashpia - Harav Michoel Akiva Gershon a”h Wagner. I would like to share a deep understanding that I had a few years ago, which really changed the way I view myself as an educator.

‘We Became Sisters’: Three JNet Chavrusos Share Their Stories

Anash — Sun, 03 May 2026

From weekly phone calls to life-changing bonds, three JNet "couples" open up about how learning together led to lasting friendship, deepened Yiddishkeit, and journeys they never expected.