The authors of the CTeen-Yeshiva editorial responded:Why should our youth turn to their favorite podcast platforms to learn about the richness and relevance of Taurus Ha Chasidus? ” Full text
Written by Raiser Khan
Some of the reactions to my first op-ed on COLlive.com were swift and sharp. Although many people seemed to agree with my general suggestions, many raised important and pertinent criticisms of my argument. In the following paragraphs we will try to address them in a concise and comprehensive manner.
First, I'll acknowledge the point that many people have made in different ways. It's not fair to compare the annual international CTeen Shabbaton to a regular Friday at the central Adar yeshiva. Teenagers certainly don't get this excited at local events on Shabbos Mevorchim Eyar, and many bochurim often find their inspiration heightened on Yud Tes Kislev and Yud Shevat. . Therefore, the “control group” in this comparison is skewed.
However, I still made the comparison because I think there is a kernel of truth there.
We do not do enough to teach our children to understand the inherent value of Eid and to cultivate the joy that comes from it, as we do for Idden, the mekalev. We always recognize the importance of doing more, but it seems like it comes at a high cost. This is reflected in many different ways, and this is just an (incomplete) anecdote that helps me clarify this observation.
To those who claim that the excitement of Baal Teshuvah will not last long, I say this. “That's right.” However, there is a certain level of passion that all Chosids can display. It doesn't look like it's marching through Kingston, chanting songs, but like a zombie-like bautur, wandering aimlessly through a colander, overwhelmed with everything there is to do and unsatisfied with any of it. I can't see it either.
To those who take my words as a criticism of the younger generation, I say: Chas Veshalom! The most inspirational figures in my own Avodas Hashem are not necessarily the Shluchim and Mashpim of the Memites, but the Shluchim, Bochurim, and Jungerites who grew up in the post-Gimmel Tammuz reality. These people are living proof of the power of Chassidus to give life to all people, whether they have seen the Rebbe or not.
My criticism (if you can frame it that way) is directed at the menahrim, principals, maggidei shurim, teachers, and many yeshivo mashupim. “Chasidus is an endless resource of meaning and inspiration, and it deserves to be shared” in a way that reflects that.
Why should our youth turn to their favorite podcast platforms to discover the richness and relevance of Toras Ha'Chassidus?
Some yeshivos seem to be aware of this problem and are actively working to create a positive and uplifting environment for bochurim. However, these yeshivos tend to be considered outside the “mainstream” (whatever that means…).
Additionally, “mainstream” yeshivos have many Hanhara members who ensure that positive messages are spread through lectures, farbrengen, and one-on-one conversations. But I think they are too rare, and the standard message of these yeshivos is more about demanding more from bochurim than about uplifting them.
To those who say that these very same bochurim will soon be guiding and inspiring these teenagers, I say this: “Yes, sometimes you need to become a leader to find your passion.” But the rules of Bhava Kama still apply. We must ensure that our children do not have to wait to become shluchim to experience the richness of Yiddishkeit. We have the tools, we just have to use them.
Finally, to those who claim that all criticism of the system is a malicious attack and that attempts to change the conversation about important issues are always harmful, I say this: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Our ultimate goal is Moshiach, and more than 30 years after the Rebbe implored us to complete the task, we still have not achieved it. Let us continue to pursue our goals in creative ways, adhering to the spirit of the Rebbe's letter and its words.
