Aug 25, 2021

Quote of the Day

If the Admors play for an hour or more with the cotton, it draws the whole thing out, the young people stand around and watch, it becomes interesting. If they come out and light the match, the whole thing takes a minute or two, so how many people will stop and watch? 500? But if it takes an hour, 5000 people gather. It was never before like this in Meron. There was the holy bonfire lighting, but what are all these performances? What are these platforms filled with "achamim" (ie important people form the community)? this should not be allowed to happen, as every year we nearly have a tragedy. All the lightings should be cancelled except for the traditional one on the roof of the structure, and it should not take more than 2 minutes. The Admor can stay in hsi room in hitbodedut for an hour and talk to the angels, I don't care all is good. But wen he comes out, he comes out with the stick and fire and it takes two minutes and it is over. With a stopwatch in hand.

   -- Rav Avraham Freuilich, one of the Committee of Five members, testifying before the investigative committee for the Meron tragedy

Freulich said some harsh things about what goes on there, but dont mistake what he said for thinking he is of the opinion there should be major changes. he wants to retain control as is held today but the State should just give more support. he does not even want the money, or the lions share of it, from the State, but wants it to come form private donations so that the state cannot tell him what to do



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2 comments:

  1. Everyone's blaming everyone but themselves.

    Well, they've got it half right: They're *all* to blame.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's hard to envision that any changes can or will be made. The in-fighting, competitive tzedakah groups, chassidic dynasties are not going to be able to confer, compromise or establish any safety procedures. The only main thrust is "Keep the government out" of Meron and Lag Bomer traditions.

    ReplyDelete