3/5 Yaakov K. 3 months ago on Google New
B"H
As
I
embark
upon
the
task
of
encapsulating
the
essence
and
the
urgent
call
for
restoration
at
770
Eastern
Parkway,
it
feels
necessary
to
invoke
the
deep-rooted
yearnings
for
a
return
to
authentic
leadership
and
the
revival
of
the
law
and
order
that
once
hallmarked
this
sacred
edifice.
From
its
cornerstone
being
laid,
770
Eastern
Parkway
was
destined
to
become
more
than
a
mere
structure
of
bricks
and
mortar;
it
was
to
be
a
beacon
of
spiritual
leadership,
a
center
from
which
waves
of
Chabad
Chassidism
would
spread
throughout
the
world.
For
years,
it
stood
as
a
testament
to
the
vision
of
the
Lubavitcher
Rebbe,
Rabbi
Menachem
Mendel
Schneerson,
whose
presence
filled
its
halls
with
an
undeniable
aura
of
sanctity
and
purpose.
Yet,
since
the
Rebbe's
passing,
the
air
within
these
walls
has
become
heavy
with
contention.
The
divide
that
has
manifested
within
the
Chabad
movement
is
not
just
a
schism
of
ideology
but
is
palpably
felt
in
the
very
atmosphere
of
770.
The
once
unified
throng
of
Chassidim
now
stands
bifurcated,
with
two
hearts
beating
in
discordant
rhythms
under
one
roof.
On
one
side
are
those
who
continue
to
navigate
the
waters
of
their
faith
with
the
compass
the
Rebbe
left
them,
adhering
to
the
natural
order
of
succession
and
change.
On
the
other,
a
fervent
messianic
group
clings
to
a
reality
unseen,
maintaining
that
the
Rebbe's
physical
absence
is
but
a
veil
over
spiritual
constancy,
their
lapels
adorned
with
yellow
pins
as
emblems
of
unwavering
conviction.
The
disputes
have
not
been
confined
to
the
realm
of
the
spiritual
or
ideological
but
have
spilled
over
into
the
physical,
marred
by
altercations
and
legal
battles
over
the
very
grounds
of
770.
The
building,
once
a
symbol
of
unity
and
outreach,
has
been
sectioned
off
into
territories
marked
by
differing
allegiances.
Yet,
despite
the
turmoil,
the
essence—the
Awtsmoos—of
what
770
represents
remains
undiminished.
It
continues
to
be
the
place
where
the
eternal
light
of
the
Rebbe’s
teachings
can
be
rekindled,
where
every
act
of
learning
and
every
prayer
can
serve
as
a
conduit
to
refresh
the
universe
with
infinite
light.
The
urgent
need
of
the
hour
is
for
genuine
leadership
to
rise
from
within
the
ranks—a
leadership
that
can
transcend
personal
interests
and
see
beyond
the
opaque
clouds
of
current
strife.
This
leadership
must
steer
the
ship
back
to
its
intended
course,
one
that
is
inclusive,
that
honors
the
legacy
of
the
past,
and
is
courageous
enough
to
chart
a
path
into
the
future.
As
legal
proceedings
encroach
upon
the
spiritual
domain,
the
community
looks
on,
perhaps,
with
the
same
anticipation
as
the
Israelites
must
have
felt
in
the
desert,
yearning
for
a
sign,
for
a
guide
to
emerge.
It
is
a
longing
for
order,
for
the
presence
of
a
shepherd
to
gather
the
flock
once
more.
Let
this
then
be
a
clarion
call
to
the
hearts
and
minds
of
those
who
hold
770
dear—an
appeal
to
look
beyond
the
veil
of
differences,
to
let
the
greater
good
of
Chabad,
and
indeed
of
all
Jewry,
be
the
guiding
light.
For
in
the
essence
of
unity,
in
the
striving
for
a
collective
purpose,
the
Awtsmoos
will
undoubtedly
reveal
itself
once
more,
not
only
within
the
revered
walls
of
770
but
in
the
far-reaching
corners
of
the
world
it
is
meant
to
illuminate.
May
the
redemption
of
this
hallowed
space
from
the
throes
of
division
be
swift,
may
it
be
a
harbinger
for
a
greater
redemption,
and
may
it
be
done
with
the
love
and
fear
that
is
due
to
such
a
noble
cause.
And
through
this,
may
the
presence
that
is
the
Awtsmoos,
which
is
beyond
form
yet
evident
in
every
act
of
holiness,
find
its
expression
in
the
most
profound
and
tangible
of
ways,
as
was
intended
from
its
inception,
for
all
time.
Imminent
reforms
are
needed
right
now.
Moshe
Altman
frequently
violently
chased
people
he
doesn't
like
out
(
which
could
be
considered
menacing
in
nyc
law),
who
aren't
committing
any
crimes.
Serious
change
of
"leadership"
is
needed.
Now,
it's
all
gang
rule.
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