Editorial

Dear Readers,

Sensationalism: it sells. That’s one thing everyone in the media knows for sure. Chassidim in the media? That’s sure to catch everyone’s eye. Unfortunately, there’s been a new trend in that regard in the last couple of years: tell-alls and documentaries of people who “broke free,” tales of secrets and lies and all sorts of scandal. Most recently, there have been waves made by a new documentary that follows several people who “leave the fold.” Some discount the unflattering portrayal of the Chassidic community as biased and untrue; as one who spent much of my youth in Boro Park, and having witnessed so much good in those around me, I am inclined to discount it as well. In truth, every community has its good and its bad, its virtues and its problems. Certainly, those who have been hurt or who have a bone to pick for whatever reason, will paint things in the worst possible way. However, this new trend of “exposing” the overall community is disastrous. Obviously, running to the media with a “tell-all” that documents the myriad chessed organizations (there is literally a gemach and service for anything you can possibly need), minyanim, and righteous individuals will not pique the interest of many. But all that exists,and it’s being overshadowed to the faceless public by the more sinister tales being told.

Who will tell this side to the public? Who will stand up and say, what you are seeing is not the full story? Who will defend an insular, media-shy community to the greater world?

There are no easy answers. There are real problems that exist and they need to be addressed. But as a proud Jew I cannot sit passively while the cruel portrayal of an entire segment of our faith is paraded past society.

When people feel that their pain is unheard, they feel the need to scream. I feel that as members of Klal Yisrael, we must do all we can to make sure each of our brothers feels loved, accepted, and connected. A few days ago, a massive mother-daughter challah bake was organized here at the JCCMP. The atmosphere in that room, as 500 mothers and daughters were inspired while performing a most special mitzvah, was indescribably beautiful. It’s moments like that that we need to share and publicize with the greater world, and with those who feel ostracized or hurt. There are beautiful moments inherent in every mitzvah, in every chessed, and in every stage that color our lives as Jews. Let’s make it our business to share them as much as we can.

Warm regards,

Shea Rubenstein

Shea@TheJewishEcho.con