In a special report, Anash.org brings you the full responses by candidates for the upcoming Vaad Hakohol election, in which they elaborate on their credentials, the issues they hope to address, and their plans for addressing them.
In a special report, Anash.org brings you the full responses by candidates for the upcoming Vaad Hakohol election, in which they elaborate on their credentials, the issues they hope to address, and their plans for addressing them.
The current candidates are: Berel Hildeshaim, Dovid Halon, Shmuel Rosenstein, Zalman Friedman, Meir New, Yitzie Kamman, Pinchos Woolstone, and Yankel Goldstein.
The election is scheduled for Sunday, 25 Iyar, June 2nd.
What do you think our community needs? Add your thoughts to the discussion below.
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Berel Hildeshaim
Age: 31
Shul: Tzeirei Anash
Occupation: Online Retail
Educational background: Oholei Torah, Yeshivas Chabad Cholon
Professional background: Small business owner
Why do you want to serve on the Vaad HaKahal/JCC Board of Directors?
To advocate for the needs of the community.
What do you consider the three biggest problems facing our community?
Affordability. Physical safety. Mental health.
What would you do to solve those problems?
Affordability: Streamline whatever grants and government funding that are currently being offered, and bring in new sources, making them accessible to every eligible member of the community.
Physical safety: Advocate for the safety of the community through elected officials, and securing pertaining grants.
Mental health: Streamline grants, and bring awareness and availability of the readily available services.
What is your plan for restoring Achdus/Unity to our community?
Based on where we, as a community, are coming from, we are BH currently in a very good place. As a collective community, we need to cultivate virtues of empathy towards one another, being “soft like a reed and not hard like a cedar, which will enable true and lasting unity.
If you have not already included it as part of your answers to the above, please list any special qualifications and/or experience you have that will help you in the position.
I have experience with streamlining processes through the use of technology, I intend to bring this attitude, to enable efficiency and maximum funding to all eligible community members.
Specific issues you may include whatever you feel is important to you.
Bring awareness of what services are offered by the CHJCC, and make it a quick, easy, and comfortable process from beginning to end.
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Dovid Halon
Age: 33
Shul: Anshei Lubavitch
Occuation: Special Education, Counseling
Educational Background: Cheder and Mesivta In Crown Heights. Yeshiva: Toronto, Morristown, Buenos Aires, 770. College: Excelsior College, Touro College.
Professional Background: 5th grade Rebbi. Manager for Social Service program. Psychotherapist. Special Education Provider.
Why Serve on Vaad Hakahal?
It’s not something that I ever thought I would do. However at this point in time there is a very motivated group of young people coming together to offer the best support possible for the Lubavitch community in Crown Heights. It’s time for the next generation to step up and shape what kind of community they live in, and that’s something I want to be a part of.
Three biggest community issues:
1) Housing Prices: It’s very hard for most people to be able to buy a house.
2) Intergenerational communication: As the community’s leadership and population age, there are concerns about passing on traditions, values, and leadership roles to the next generation.
3) Lack of proper representation of our communities needs to local officials and governments.
Solutions:
1) Design a home purchase program for young families who commit to living in Crown Heights.
2) Design and encourage for the use of pathways of communication between the older and younger generations.
3) Gather accurate information from all members of the Crown Heights Jewish community regarding our need, and present them as they are to local officials and governments. The young generation who are raising their families here are dealing with issues the older one did not, it’s time for us to focus all possible resources on tackling them.
Restoring Achdus:
Baruch Hashem there is a great deal of unity in our community at the present time. The most important question now is not how to restore achdus, but how to build for the future so that no family or child is left behind.
Qualifications and experience:
A degree in social work and many years of working with and B”H helping children, young adults and parents in the community.
Other issues:
1) Level of popularity (or lack thereof) of casual Torah learning:
It’s not a given that when someone has a free moment he or she will sit down to learn. This too is a very important part of who we are as a community, as the Rebbe’s neighborhood, and it’s something we need to focus our attention on.
2) Alternate Side Parking and parking in general. We need community parking lots or other solutions to the current parking problem.
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Shmuel Rosenstein
Age: 36
Shul: Anshei Lubavitch
Occupation: Clinical supervisor of special education services for Yeled V’yalda at Oholei Torah.
Educational Background: I graduated from Yeshivas Lubavitch Morristown and Oholei Torah. I received smicha from Rav Ashkenazi of Kfar Chabad. I received a BA in Psychology from Touro University. I received a MS in Education/Special ed from Touro University.
Professional Background: I’ve worked in education for over 10 years as a Title I teacher, p3 provider, and as a SEIT. Since 2021 I’ve worked as the clinical supervisor of special education services for Yeled V’yalda at Oholei Torah. I also serve as the Gabai of Anshei Lubavitch.
Why do you want to serve on the vaad hakohol?
Crown Heights is the Rebbe’s shchuna and sits at the center of the Lubavitch world. B”H, there are thousands of Lubavitcher families who live here, and many more thousands of guests that visit each year.
We have amazing mosdos, organizations, and programs, but we can’t be satisfied with what we already have. It is time to bring in the next generation of leadership to this community to take things to the next level. B”H Crown Heights has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. As the community grows and branches into smaller communities, class shuls, etc., it has become more difficult for everyone to feel that they are part of one big community. One of the most important things is to bring back the sense of community to Crown Heights, for everyone to feel like they are part of one community, the Rebbe’s shchuna.
One vital aspect of this is making sure families who make up this community are not left behind. We need to make sure we have affordable and adequate housing, are maximizing all available government funding, helping families in need, and making sure our streets are safe and clean. My ultimate goal is to bring kavod to the Rebbe and Lubavitch.
What do you see as the three biggest issues facing our community?
(1) The housing crisis and high cost of living. It’s no secret that for many people, and for many reasons, housing in Crown Heights is unaffordable. There is an inadequate amount of existing apartments and homes, and much of what is being built is not geared at our community. This is all on top of high tuition rates and the extremely high price of food.
(2) Our youth and teenagers are struggling to find their place in our community. Many of our pre-teens and teenagers are struggling with real issues such as loneliness, depression, and addiction.
(3) The safety of Crown Heights. Although it has gotten better over the years, we’ve recently backslided and we must make sure that every person feels safe to walk down the streets.
What would you do to solve them?
(1) To make sure we are using all tools at our disposal to get government-subsidized and affordable housing. As well as working with local askanim and businesses people to make sure there are adequate rentals available, and new, family-friendly developments can get off the ground.
(2) We must get funding to create healthy outlets where young people can express themselves. Such as sports leagues, chess tournaments, music, exercise, and more. We should also have a mentor/mentee program set up to help our youth.
(3) We must cultivate and strengthen our relationship with the NYPD and with local politicians in order to provide protection to our streets. We must also hold them accountable when people don’t feel safe or when incidents happen.
What is your plan for restoring achdus in the community?
For those that are in a machlokes, I don’t think these are insurmountable issues. I think if we can get all sides together and discuss our differences and our similarities and come to a compromise. At the end of the day, we all want to do what the Rebbe wants, and we must follow Shulchan Aruch.
The truth is though I believe that for the most part and for most people, there is B”H already achdus in the community. I truly believe that for the vast majority of young people, the fights of old don’t interest them. We’re looking to build and grow.
If you have not already included it as part of your answers to the above, please list any special qualifications and/or experience you have that will help you in the position.
I co-supervise a department that has over 20 special education providers and serves over 100 children. I try to accommodate and help everyone I work with, but they also know that the work must be done. I try to give every one of the students what they need on an individual level. I always remember that a smile is free but can go a long way.
Specific issues: You may include whatever you feel is important to you.
I would love to see our streets nice and clean without garbage all over. We have alternate side parking 4 or 5 days a week in Crown Heights and there is still garbage all over. We must think of other solutions: such as putting garbage cans on every street corner and having people doing community service or being paid by the city to clean up the garbage.
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Zalman Friedman
Age: 37
Shul: Anshei Lubavitch
Occupation: Program director
Educational background: Rabbinical College of America and 770 Semicha
Professional background: Helped build it’s good to know to an organization that helps thousands daily.
Why do you want to serve on the Vaad HaKahal/JCC Board of Directors?
I want to give back to the community that I love.
We want to minimize the shortcomings of Crown Heights
What do you consider the three biggest problems facing our community?
Affordability, and cohesiveness. We are here together but alone and that has to change.
What would you do to solve those problems?
Work with the amazing people working towards these goals and support them in this work.
What is your plan for restoring Achdus/Unity to our community?
Make sound decisions and communicate well with the members of the community.
If you have not already included it as part of your answers to the above, please list any special qualifications and/or experience you have that will help you in the position.
Helped grow its good to Know into the envy of people around the world, and did the same with Anshei Lubavitch community.
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Meir New
Age: 37
Shul: Beis Gimpel
Occupation: Rabbi, Office Admin and Program Coordinator
Educational Background: Oholei Torah – Oholei Menachem, Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim – Brunoy, France; Machon Chaim Semicha Academy, Melbourne Australia, Central Lubavitch Yeshiva;
Professional Background: Administrator and Program Director at Neshamos, Inc. since 2017; Founder, President and Rabbi at Aliyah Girls since 2011
Why do you want to serve on the Vaad Hakahal/JCC Board of Directors?
The Crown Heights community, renowned for its exceptional spirit and dedication, is fueled by the hard work and passion of its people. Each member is committed to the prosperity of their families, our community, and beyond. It would be a privilege to serve on the Vaad Hakohol, standing alongside these inspiring individuals, and together, we’ll introduce initiatives that amplify the brilliance and uniqueness of our beloved community.
What do you consider the three biggest problems facing our community?
1. Cost of Living
2. Loneliness
3. Disillusionment of the Youth
What would you do to solve those problems?
1. Establish a grant seeking/writing office to identify and go after any and every grant available to the community. The office would also assist individuals/orgs in applying for grants available to individuals/orgs.
2. Create buying groups which can negotiate lower rates on basic living items.
3. Support programs in the shuls that encourage a stronger sense of community and shared responsibility for each other. Train people in basic mental health first aid.
4. Support existing programs and shiurim for woman and initiate new ones.
5. Open up robust youth centers for Boys and Girls.
What is your plan for restoring Achdus/Unity in our community?
There is a deep achdus already latent in the community, we all want to be close to hashem, feel love and closeness to my fellow jew, Do things that would make the Rebbe proud and to reveal Moshiach. By prioritizing these matters personally and at the Vaad Hakohol I hope to set the tone for others to follow.
Special Qualifications/Experience:
As a lifelong resident of Crown Heights, I’ve grown intimately familiar with our community’s essence and the unique hurdles it faces. Through my involvement with Aliyah Girls over the past decade, I’ve centered my efforts on supporting young women, gaining insights into our community’s dynamics and the complexities of effecting change.
My journey continued with Neshamos, where I expanded my focus to serve our broader community. Along the way, I’ve learned to navigate within modest budgets, striving to shift perspectives and open doors to brighter futures.
Specific Issues:
Rising Prices, Torah Relevancy, Support for Women, Support for Youth, Marriage Support, Parental Support, Abuse Prevention and Education
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Yitzie Kamman
Age: 46
Shul Bais Shmuel
Occupation: Corporate Vice President, New York Life Insurance Co.
Educational background: ULY – High School Diploma, Chovevi Torah, Ohoeli Torah Zal, American College – CLU, ChFC, CASL, CLF Accreditations.
Professional background:
For the past 22 years I’ve been working in various roles at NYL, starting as an agent in 2002, managing and developing agents in 2004-2010, leading training and development for Investment Advisors 2011-2015: Responsibility for advancing product development and developing sales strategies 2016-2024.
Why do you want to serve on the Vaad HaKahal/JCC Board of Directors?
I want to make a positive change in the community by improving the overall quality of life. We have not had a functioning board of directors for a long time and I think I can contribute to a new team of people who share the same vision and can help to achieve stability and progress for the entire community.
What do you consider the three biggest problems facing our community?
1. Insufficient housing for young and low-income families
2. Weak ties within the CH Jewish community. We rarely collaborate as a single group for the good of the community.
3. A rise in religious dis-involvement and a rise in the number of mental health problems
What would you do to solve those problems?
Learn more about the underlying reasons for these problems, how they are currently managed, and then work together to design a strategy to solve these issues: including using available funding possibilities and finding new ones, encouraging the advantages of community and group involvement; create a solid network and knowledge between the CHJCC and other state/city agencies that have the skills and funding.
What is your plan for restoring Achdus/Unity to our community?
By collaborating with all parties who have an interest and a positive mindset and listening to how we can work together as a team.
If you have not already included it as part of your answers to the above, please list any special qualifications and/or experience you have that will help you in the position.
I have extensive professional experience in collaborating across different departments (or groups), managing projects, and achieving consensus among diverse and conflicting views to ensure a project’s success.
Specific issues: You may include whatever you feel is important to you
Making Crown Heights a livable place for our community to remain and reside in and that people don’t have to constantly search for other places to live to have a quality of life, both materially and spiritually.
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Rabbi Pinchos Eliyahu Woolstone
Age: 68
Shul: Getzels
Occupation: Company Director
Educational background: University of Sydney + Hebrew University, Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch & Smicha
Professional background: Co-founder & CEO The Jewish House Crisis Center, Sydney Australia; Presently, Director CTC Green Project being built in the Northern Territory Australia – a major Hydrogen Project to supply Green energy to Asia & Europe.
Why do you want to serve on the Vaad HaKahal/JCC Board of Directors?
Services as the main fundraiser.
As a person who ran a social agency for over 22 years, I believe my experience & expertise will lend value to the mandate of the Vaad & Board of Diredor’s future
What do you consider the three biggest problems facing our community?
1) The need for much more money in the “communal purse” to help & assist those in the community in need.
2) To address the challenge of affordable housing In Crown Heights
3) The need for vocational and professional training to enable families to earn the salaries needed to support themselves independently & with dignity.
What would you do to solve those problems?
Develop new & expanded existing fundraising projects and establish long term community, trusts financial.
What is your plan for restoring Achdus/Unity to our community?
Encourage dialogue among those of Anash virtue hitherto have not been in meaningful communication
If you have not already included it as part of your answers to the above, please list any special qualifications and/or experience you have that will help you in the position.
25 years of experience as a communal counselor/mediator bringing people in dispute into meaningful dialogue and ultimately resolution of their differences, & experienced / successful fundraiser ability to advise how best to run a well oiled & transparent communal set of financials.
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Jacob Z Goldstein
Age: 77
Shul: Empire Shteibel
Occupation: Government – Department of Housing
Educational Background: Masters Degree – US Army War College, Smicha- 770 Eastern Pkwy, 3 yrs Yeshiva TTL Montreal Canada, ULY- High School.
Professional Background: Various State and City Government positions, at present Assistant Commissioner in the Department of Housing.
Why do you want to serve on the Vaad Hakahal/JCC Board of Directors?
I wish to serve on the Vaad Hakahal/JCC Board of Directors because I feel that with my fifty-two years of government experience, I can create good, positive change for the residents of our Schuna.
What do you consider the three biggest problems facing our community?
The three biggest problems facing our community are as follows:
- Lack of affordable housing.
- Overparking of commercial vehicles on our shopping streets, which do not move and block parking for the stores, which causes financial damage to the store owners.
- Job output and tie-ins with commercial businesses.
What would you do to solve these problems?
To solve these problems, I would:
- I would prepare a plan and meet with landlords so that we can have regular rates and special negotiated rental reductions as a policy. This can be done legally and is accepted by the State Government of Housing, and is known as “Existing Rates” and “Preferred Rates”.
- I would work to secure an empty lot where commercial vehicles could park, and reduce truck parking on our streets.
- I would use my knowledge and background to secure jobs in government and the private sector for people that qualify.
What is your plan for restoring Achdus/Unity to our community?
My plan to restore Achdus in the community would be to open lines of communication between the council and the community so no one is left in the dark regarding matters that affect them. This would achieve Achdus as everyone would be on the same page, with the same knowledge of the situation.
If you have not already included it as part of your answers to the above, please list any special qualifications and/or experience you have that will help you in the position.
My fifty-two years of government experience, including thirty-eight in housing, and twelve in government operations, would be well suited to this position.
It’s really important to vote. Although I think all 8 are good, we need to next generation of leadership to step up.
I’ll be voting for Zalman Friedman, Shmuel Rosenstein, Yitzie Kamman, Dovid Halon, Meir New, and Berel Hildeshaim.
I think that its important to have a good vision of unity for the community, and thats why i was most impressed with what berel hildeshaim said.
I think he has the right attitude, and can do good for the community.