Does Dov Lipman have foot in mouth disease - or "let them eat cake!"

The following was posted today by Dov Lipman on his Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/dov.lipman   See Kikar Shabbat concerning reaction to his comment. One obvious question is why he hasn't volunteered to sweep the streets yet? He did offer clarification which didn't help. If he simply wanted to suggest that people who have extra time on their hands should do chesed - he didn't have to refer to yeshiva students. Also please explain why he suggested that student volunteers do jobs for those who are paid to do the work. In short - his message was a classic example of misspeaking. This is especially misfortunate for a politician and one who is trying to convince chareidi world that he is not out "to get them"

His explanation of his words simply made no sense
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By Dov Lipman

רציתי לשתף אתכם במחשבה שעברה לי הבוקר בזמן ריצה ברחובות בית שמש. ראיתי 3 מטאטאי רחוב - כולם בני 70 ולמעלה. חשבתי לעצמי - למה בחורי ישיבה מתוך עזרה לזולת לא יכולים בחודש חופש שלהם בניסן (בין הזמנים) לעזור להם בהתנדבות כדי לתת לקשישים הללו מעט חופש, או לפחות להקל עליהם מעט? סתם מחשבה...
I want to share a thought I had this morning as a I jogged through the streets of Bet Shemesh. I saw 2 street cleaners working - all over the age of 70. Why aren't yeshiva students, who are on their month long vacation during Nissan, volunteering to provide these older men with some vacation or to at least make their jobs a bit easier? Just a thought

Schlissel Challah – An Analysis by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Five Towns Jewish Times   The custom of Schlissel Challah has become very widespread, not only in the Chassidish world but in many other communities as well.  Two years ago, an article written by Shelomo Alfassa appeared (http://www.mesora.org/Shlissel.html) that attempted to connect the custom known as Schlissel Challah to Christian or pagan sources. The Alfassa article, entitled “The Loaf of Idolatry?” stated that fulfilling this custom was, in fact, a Torah violation of following in the ways of the gentiles.   In this article, an attempt will be made to trace the origins of the custom and to examine the alleged connection to non-Jewish sources that appeared in the Alfassa article.  With due respect to Mr. Alfassa, it is this author’s contention that the allegations are quite spurious, error-filled and misleading, and have no connection whatsoever to this Chassidic custom. [...]

While Alfassa is correct in his assertion that the custom is not found in the writings of the Rishonim or earlier, for some reason he fails to point out the Chassidic origin of Schlissel Challah.  As a general rule, we do not find Chassidish customs in the Rishonim because the movement itself only began in 1740.  We, however, do find mention of the custom to bake Challah in the shape of a key in many, many Chassidish Seforim.  These Seforim were written by genuine Torah scholars, and it is difficult to propose that a Christian practice somehow entered into their literary oeuvre.  The Klausenberger Rebbe, the Satmar Rebbe, the Belzer Rebbe, Rav Moshe Aryeh Freund, and numerous Chassidishe Rebbes and Poskim all punctiliously observed this custom. [...]

In conclusion, there is no evidence whatsoever that this Chasidic custom was derived from or influenced by Christian practice.  The scholarship behind this allegation is faulty and error-filled.  This is a custom that has been practiced by the greatest of our Chasidic brethren and it is wrong to cast such aspersions on their practice.

Sources that it is permitted to rebuke a major talmid chachom

 Just received the following question

Do you have a sources on this. That if someone is m'zalzel in the Torah, Kavod HaTorah, Limud Torah, etc that one may "rebuke" such a person (perhaps a bad word, however at least point out that perhaps they are doing the wrong thing.) Even if this person is a "zakan" or "chacham"?

===================================

I replied:

Don't understand your question?

סנהדרין ו:

רבי יהושע בן קרחה אומר: מניין לתלמיד שיושב לפני רבו וראה זכות לעני וחובה לעשיר, מניין שלא ישתוק - שנאמר לא תגורו מפני איש, רבי חנין אומר: לא תכניס דבריך מפני איש.

בבא מציעא לא

אמר ליה ההוא מדרבנן לרבא: ואימא +ויקרא י"ט+ הוכח - חדא זימנא, תוכיח - תרי זמני? - אמר ליה: הוכח - אפילו מאה פעמים משמע, תוכיח - אין לי אלא הרב לתלמיד, תלמיד לרב מנין - תלמוד לומר הוכח תוכיח, מכל מקום.

ברכות יט:
אמר רב יהודה אמר רב: המוצא כלאים בבגדו פושטן אפילו בשוק, מאי טעמא +משלי כ"א+ - אין חכמה ואין תבונה ואין עצה לנגד ה' - כל מקום שיש חלול השם אין חולקין כבוד לרב. 

רמב"ם כלאים י:כט

הרואה כלאים של תורה על חבירו אפילו היה מהלך בשוק קופץ לו וקורעו עליו מיד, ואפילו היה רבו שלמדו חכמה, שאין כבוד הבריות דוחה איסור לא תעשה המפורש בתורה, ולמה נדחה בהשב אבדה מפני שהוא לאו של ממון, ולמה נדחה בטומאת מת הואיל ופרט הכתוב ולאחותו, מפי השמועה למדו לאחותו אינו מטמא אבל מטמא הוא למת מצוה, אבל דבר שאיסורו מדבריהם הרי הוא נדחה מפני כבוד הבריות בכל מקום, ואף על פי שכתוב בתורה לא תסור מן הדבר הרי לאו זה נדחה מפני כבוד הבריות, לפיכך אם היה עליו שעטנז של דבריהם אינו קורעו עליו בשוק ואינו פושטו בשוק עד שמגיע לביתו ואם היה של תורה פושטו מיד. 

רמב"ם דעות ו:ז

הרואה חבירו שחטא או שהלך בדרך לא טובה מצוה להחזירו למוטב ולהודיעו שהוא חוטא על עצמו במעשיו הרעים שנאמר הוכח תוכיח את עמיתך, המוכיח את חבירו בין בדברים שבינו לבינו, בין בדברים שבינו לבין המקום, צריך להוכיחו בינו לבין עצמו, וידבר לו בנחת ובלשון רכה ויודיעו שאינו אומר לו אלא לטובתו להביאו לחיי העולם הבא, אם קיבל ממנו מוטב ואם לאו יוכיחנו פעם שניה ושלישית, וכן תמיד חייב אדם להוכיחו עד שיכהו החוטא ויאמר לו איני שומע, וכל שאפשר בידו למחות ואינו מוחה הוא נתפש בעון אלו כיון שאפשר לו למחות בהם.

רמב"ם סנהדרין כב:ב

וכן תלמיד שהיה יושב לפני רבו וראה זכות לעני וחובה לעשיר אם שתק הרי זה עובר משום לא תגורו מפני איש ועל זה נאמר מדבר שקר תרחק, ומנין לדיין שלא יושיב תלמיד בור לפניו תלמוד לומר מדבר שקר תרחק.

שולחן ערוך חושן משפט הלכות דיינים סימן ט סעיף ז

תלמיד היושב בפני רבו ורואה זכות לעני, והרב רוצה לחייבו, חייב ללמד עליו זכות, ואם שותק עובר משום מדבר שקר תרחק (שמות כג, ז).

שולחן ערוך יורה דעה הלכות כבוד רבו ותלמיד חכם סימן רמב סעיף כב

ראה רבו עובר על דברי תורה, אומר לו: למדתני רבינו כך וכך. הגה: ואם רצה לעבור רק על איסור דרבנן, אפילו הכי צריך למחות בידו. (ת"ה סימן מ"ג). הרואה רבו עושה מעשה, ויש לו להקשות על זה, אם הוא איסור דאורייתא יקשה לו קודם המעשה, ואם הוא איסור דרבנן, יניחו לעשות המעשה ואח"כ יקשה לו, הואיל ואינו יודע ודאי שעובר, אלא שיש לו להקשות על זה (תא"ו נתיב ב').

Lashon HaRah: Repeating allegations from newspapers

Just received the following email from one of the readers of my blog:

I posted a comment to the article about rav berland and realized after that it had the email from the computer I was using.  I did not want that email address published because it was not mine. I do have a question. The article you put up was from Haaretz. There was no proof and no case. How could you post an article like that without it being lashon hora?  Thank you

I replied the following

The issue of lashon harah has already been discussed a number of times. Among the reasons that I publish it is 1) it is public knowledge already 2) there is a warning on the blog that comments on not necessarily true and must be further researched 3) Maharal states that something which is public knowledge if communicated in a way that you clearly are not concealing the transmission from the person being talked about is permitted 4) a person being a accused of such a crime is a possible danger to others and therefore it is necessary to warn others to at least be aware of the accusations.

You might also want to read Rabbi Menashe Klein's misguided and mistaken teshuva about not dealing with accusation of child abuse unless you have two witnesses as well as Rav Sternbuch's teshuva criticizing a principal who refuses to listen to accusations regarding teachers mistreating students because it is lashon harah.

here are some of the relevant links


http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2012/06/saving-kids-lashon-harah-high-price-to.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/12/lashon-harah-chofetz-chaim-permits-for.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/11/chofetz-chaim-accused-of-lashon-harah.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/05/lashon-harah-fear-of-reporting-abuse.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2008/07/child-abuse-lashon-harahharav-moshe.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/05/sin-of-not-saying-lashon-harah-rav.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2011/04/halachasizing-of-lashon-harah-mussar.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2008/09/foolish-piety-lashon-harah-protecting.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/12/lashon-harah-against-troublemakers-and.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/12/lashon-harah-as-public-chastisement-is.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/08/circumstantial-evidence-lashon-harah.html

Authorities that pasken that it is not lashon harah if it is public knowledge and you are publicly repeating the negative information

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/11/maharal-public-derogatory-speech-is-not.html


http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/11/meiriif-talked-about-person-is-sure-to.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/11/tosfos-public-knowledge-is-not-lashon.html

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2009/11/avodas-hamelech-public-knowledge-lashon.html

Thousands of paroled CA sex offenders, felons easily disable GPS monitors

ArsTechnica  A February 2013 investigation by the Los Angeles Times showed that “thousands” of high-risk sex offenders and parolees were routinely removing or disabling their GPS tracking devices. And these individuals have little risk of being caught because California's jails are apparently too full to hold them.

On Saturday, the Times revealed significant portions of previously-redacted documents from state reports on two rival GPS tracking device manufacturers (3M and Satellite Tracking of People [STOP], based in Houston). Last year, California judges concealed significant sections of these after state officials argued publicizing such information could inform potential violators and "erode public trust" in the system. The newly released information shows just how problematic the tracking anklets made by 3M were.

California began this statewide monitoring program in 2008, splitting the device contracts between 3M and STOP. More than a year ago, California began testing the monitors currently in place on the nearly 8,000 convicted-but-now-released sex offenders, parolees, and felons within the state. As the Times reported regarding the 3M devices, “Corrections officials found the devices used in half the state were so inaccurate and unreliable that the public was ‘in imminent danger.’” State officials immediately ordered a mass replacement of all 3M ankle monitors in use, opting instead for the STOP products.[...]

Faith in L.A. kosher butcher is shaken in wake of video

LA Times   For five decades, Doheny Glatt Kosher meat market has been one of California's preeminent suppliers of food that meets the requirements of Jewish law, offering staples such as brisket and chicken as well as bison, prime steak and grass-fed beef.

But on Friday, the esteemed butcher was at the center of an angry debate that had spread across L.A.'s Jewish community. The owner of Doheny faces accusations of selling meat that was not properly certified under kosher rules. Longtime customers doing their shopping before Shabbat were forced to decide how much they trusted their butcher.

Earlier this week, a council of rabbis pulled Doheny's kosher certification and, in a statement Friday, raised the possibility of "legal action," a recourse to secular courts that would be rare. Other prominent rabbis have stood by the meat shop.

Charges of fraud on the one side have been met with accusations of favoritism on the other, with some of Doheny's defenders suggesting that the shop has been under attack by disgruntled competitors.

In a letter emailed to congregants Friday, the chief rabbi of one of the city's largest synagogues, Rabbi Adam Kligfeld of Temple Beth Am, urged continued patronage of Doheny "because by doing so we can make a statement that kashrut" — Jewish dietary law — "should be about kashrut ... and not monopolies or power plays or raising suspicions." [...]

The controversy started Sunday when a video taken by a private investigator surfaced, purporting to show Doheny workers bringing in boxes of meat late at night without the required supervision of the independent inspector, known as a mashgiach, tasked with overseeing the store. The video later aired on KTLA-TV Channel 5.

After viewing the videotape, the Rabbinical Council of California pulled Doheny's kosher certification.

A group of rabbis also met with Michael Engelman, Doheny's owner. According to the council, Engelman initially denied any wrongdoing but later "admitted to bringing unauthorized products to the store on two to three occasions."

Only for G-d: Inside Hasidism - National Geographic

FBI arrests Gershon Barkany for $50 million Ponzi scheme

FBI  Earlier today, FBI agents arrested Gershon Barkany based on a criminal complaint alleging that the Far Rockaway man defrauded investors by promising to use their money in “risk-free” deals to purchase and then immediately re-sell at a profit large real estate properties located in New York City and New Jersey. In fact, the complaint alleges that no such deals existed and the defendant defrauded victims of more than $50 million.

The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York Field Office. The defendant’s initial appearance is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson at the United States Courthouse in Central Islip, New York.

According to the criminal complaint that was unsealed this morning, Barkany induced at least five investors to wire transfer large sums of money supposedly to purchase real estate in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Atlantic City, New Jersey. According to one of the investor victims, Barkany claimed that the sellers of these properties would only close on the real estate sales contracts after Barkany had located a purchaser who would be willing to buy the property from Barkany at a higher price. In that way, Barkany assured the victim that the real estate deals would be “risk free.” [...]

Shavei Israel appoints emissary to discover 'hidden Jews' in Italy

Arutz 7   Rabbi Pinchas Punturello, 36, has been appointed to serve as the new emissary for the Shavei Israel organization in southern Italy and Sicily. In his new position, Rabbi Punturello will serve as the area’s chief rabbi, and will work to strengthen the local Jewish community in regions such as Puglia, Campania, Sicily, and Calabria, while also reaching out to the Bnei Anousim (whom historians refer to by the derogatory term Marranos) throughout the area, many of whom are looking to reconnect with the Jewish people.

Shavei Israel, which reaches out to communities of “hidden Jews” and helps them to reconnect with the Jewish People and State of Israel, is undertaking this project in conjunction with the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, the official umbrella organization of Italian Jewry. It marks the first time that a rabbi has been appointed to work specifically with the Bnei Anousim of southern Italy and Sicily.

“We are pleased that Rabbi Pinchas Punturello has joined the ranks of Shavei Israel. This is a direct result of the expansion of our activity throughout southern Italy in light of the growing desire of Bnei Anousim to reconnect with Jewish life,” said Shavei Israel Chairman Michael Freund. “In recent years, a growing number of Bnei Anousim in southern Italy have begun rediscovering their Jewish roots and expressing a desire to draw closer to Israel and the Jewish people. It is incumbent upon us to reach out to them and help them to do so,” he said.

Chol haMoed: Rav Meir Triebitz will discuss Empathy & Yiddishkeit

 Reminder - We are meeting tonight


update: Date is Thursday March 28 at 9 p.m. in Har Nof. At home of Dr. Baruch Shulem.  Those who will wish to attend send me an email and I'll send you the address and material that we will be discussing.  

Also read the previous posting here

http://daattorah.blogspot.co.il/2013/03/has-psychology-created-oversensitivity.html
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I was discussing the issue of my post on Empathy and Yiddishkeit today with Rav Meir Triebitz and he agreed with me. When I mentioned that this issue has been a major point of contention on my blog, he said he would like to lead a group discussion on this topic during Chol haMoed Pesach.

If  you will be in Jerusalem and would like to participate - please send me an email regarding day and time you would be available. The location has not been finalized except that it will be in Jerusalem perhaps in Har Nof. Group will be limited to about 10 participants.

contact me at yadmoshe@gmail.com

Rav Moshe Sternbuch: Concerning the dreadful draft decree

Rav Moshe Sternbuch recently wrote the following letter criticizing the Israeli government's decrees against Chareidi Jews.  I have verified that it is genuine and it was posted on  the blog   בעולמם של  חרדים
 Update March 25: I posted Rav Sternbuch's letter after receiving the following criticism. Donniel, the person who criticized me just requested that I add our exchange to the post

Rav Eidensohn,
I find it hard to believe that you have not published on your blog your Rav's recent comments on the coalition agreement. I believe the comments expose Rav Sternboch as being highly unreasonable and even intellectually dishonest by claiming that the agreement punishes chareidim when it explicitly does not. there are no criminal consequences for evading the draft -  only  a withdrawal of unearned state subsidies for housing and child care.

Further , he  calls people who are supporting the agreement "total goyim" which is not only completely halachically inaccurate and s perversion of halacha but such verbiage is mean spirited and creates its own chillul hashem [DT - this is a gross mistranslation. Rav Sternbuch never said such a thing. The goyim he was referring to are converts who don't accept the obligation of mitzvos. Before opening ones mouth to strongly criticize someone - especially of the stature of Rav Sternbuch -  it is important to get the facts straight]. I would have thought that you had enough integrity to let your readers make their own decision. I suspect that you believe many readers would agree with me which is why you've omitted any post about Rav Sternbochs comments. I think you should let readers decide for themselves. I also think your ravs hashkafas are not befitting of your own hashkafas and it may be time to consider finding a new Rav.  I would really appreciate a response. most importantly,i think you should publish his comments and let your readers decide for themselves.

appreciate a themselves.

thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns.

To which I replied:

I have not seen Rav Sternbuch's views on the matter nor have I discussed the issue with him. If you have the comments in the original language I would be interested in seeing them.

You seem to assume a lot about Rav Sternbuch and myself which perhaps would be better worded as questions about what you heard second hand or conjecture.

Rav Sternbuch is not  my Rav  in the sense of him being my only and final authority on all matters. He is someone who I greatly respect and have consulted with him on many matters. I usually agree with his views - but not always. Something which isn't surprising or unusual. There are other rabbinical authorities I consult with.

Most of what Rav Sternbuch says or writes is not included on this blog. I am not Rav Sternbuch's spokesman. It is true concerning the Tropper affair he gave me specific guidance which I followed. He also strongly encouraged me regarding writing about child abuse. There was also a time where I was sent articles of his which had been published in the Yated to be republished - but that stopped several years ago.

It is important to be careful with hasty judgments - and I appreciate that you took the time to clarify the matter.

Donniel replied:

 I greatly appreciate your thoughtful response. My apologies for assumptions that I made that proved to be inaccurate. Thank you for posting our exchange. I would like to add that your response was honorable, articulate,&well thought out. I agree with you that I made assumptions that proved not to be accurate. I apologize for doing so and request Mechila. Thank you for your transparency and integrity in how you conduct the dialogue with myself and others. If you want to post the above, I think it befitting your honor to do so, but obviously that is your judgment call.

   ==================================================
 Translation by RaP    Rav Moshe Sternbuch: Concerning the dreadful draft decree” (March 24, 2013)

Da’as Torah from the Ra’avad of the “Eidah HaChareidis” – Jerusalem

The Gaon, Rebbi Moshe Shternbuch, SHLIT``A

BS”D                                                                                                                                      7 Nisan 5773  [March 18, `13]

Concerning the terrible decree to conscript yeshiva students [bnai hayeshivos], it calls for Da’as Torah about the severity of the matter.

And the matter is clear that their goal is not just to decrease the number of Torah scholars, G-d forbid [chas vesholom], but to uproot and change [the Jewish] faith and its adherents in Eretz Yisroel. And since they have announced that they intend to mix into our educational systems, into Jewish religious courts [batei din], and to insert into the Jewish nation converts who do not accept upon themselves the yoke of Torah and of its commandments [mitzvos] who by virtue of Torah law are pure gentiles [goyim gemurim] , and to increase Sabbath desecration in the cities of Israel, and other decrees, all mainly to damage the world of Torah [olam haTorah] to bring about a decrease in those who study Torah and observe it.

According to the Halachah it is forbidden to conscript the Bnai Torah because they are the “army [tz’va] of Hashem” and in all the generations were always a large community [tzibbur]  among the Jewish nation, for they are the “Tribe of Levi” and likewise all those that have accepted upon themselves the yoke of Torah were not conscripted and they thereby provided [Divine] protection for the Jewish nation as a shield with their Torah, as explained by the RAMBAM [Maimonides] at the end of the laws of Shmittah and Yovel [in the Mishneh Torah]. Those who dare to decrease the Torah scholars place into danger the entire settlement [of Jews] in Eretz Yisroel.

And in the army here [i.e. the Israeli army], they defile with what the Torah regards as [forbidden] mingling [between men and women], and with [forbidden] lusts, and those who are in it regularly hear heretical talk and use of foul language, and those in charge over there constantly try to cause religious soldiers in it to transgress the Jewish faith, as is known. And from experience it is proven that many [religious soldiers] have rejected the entire yoke [of Torah and Mitzvah observance], so that their goal is obvious: To ruin the Chareidim from their observances of their religion and faith [midasam ve’emunasam].

Eretz Yisroel is the Holy Land and many have come here to live a life of holiness and purity in the “Palace of the King” [paltron shel melech], to raise sons and daughters in the paths of Torah and fear [of God], and davka [precisely] here the authorities want to interfere in the pure Torah educational systems and [with those who wish] to live a Torah lifestyle, while in all the countries of the world it is accepted that theological students are free from conscription, yet here they want to force upon the Chareidim weaknesses to educate their sons and daughters against their pure will.

We view the decree of conscription as one more [link] in the twisted chain of their attempts to change the Chareidim and to thereby cause them to reject their Jewish faith [leh’avirim al das], but it is impossible to force us to do this even by means of punishments and increased penalties, and even if they try to [and do] hurt us and our children, they will never succeed in making us transgress from the faith of the Holy Torah.

And it is fitting to publicize that the [government] authorities in Eretz Yisroel who have guaranteed freedom of religion [to all] are instead actively forcing us to transgress our Jewish faith, and that the only place in the world that [Chareidi] Jews are hated and persecuted on account of their religion is in Eretz Yisroel. And we hope that they will be ashamed in front of all the nations of the world, and that they will leave us alone. And we will thereby save all the inhabitants of Eretz Yisroel from the dangers of God’s fury [charon af Hashem].

Let us strengthen each other and be strengthened. And our Father Who Is In Heaven [Avinu shebashamayim] when He sees our protests on behalf of the Honor of His Name, and as we strengthen ourselves in Torah learning and prayer, will hasten our Redemption, and we will shortly be able to greet our righteous Moshiach.

MOSHE  SHTERNBUCH

Bitul Chometz – A Brief History by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

Five Towns Jewish Times  According to Torah law, we can dispose of our Chometz before Pesach either by Biur—destruction or by Bitul—negation. By Rabbinic law, we must do both. We are all familiar with the text, we recite it in the evening after the search for Chometz, and again in the morning while we burn it.

What is perhaps shocking is that no where in the Babylonian Talmud is this formulation found. There is certainly an obligation to annul the Chometz, but it seems from the Gemorah (See Psachim 6b) that this is a thinking process that did not necessarily have to be verbalized. The Ramban actually rules that one does not require a verbal declaration (See Ramban, Psachim 7a, 31b^[1]). The Jerusalem Talmud (Psachim 2:2), however, states just the opposite. There, Rav is quoted as ruling that one must recite the formula “All Chometz that is in my house that I am not aware of shall be annulled.”

The Rosh and the Rif, however, explain our Gemorah as stating that the annulment does require an actual verbal formulation. They differ slightly as to the verbal formula. There are actually four changes: [...]

Another question that exists in regard to the annulment is whether the Bitul can be annulled through a Shliach, through a messenger^[3]. The Baal HaIttur holds that since a messenger is like the person throughout the entire Torah, a messenger can annul the Chometz of someone who sent him. The Rashba, the Ritva and the Nimukei Yoseph disagree and write that the actual owner of the Chometz must be the one who annuls it. The TaZ rules in accordance with the lenient opinion and states that someone who does utlize a messenger to annul, in all probability, has a reason for it. He is concerned that he may become busy or simply forget to annul it. His father-in-law, the Bach, however, was stringent. [...]

Breslover leader R' Eliezer Berland: Allegations of sexual assault

Haaretz  Nonetheless, the testimony against Berland that is now coming to light has the Haredi world, and in particular the Shuvu Banim community, in an uproar. No less shocking than the criminal aspect of the matter is the fact that sexual asceticism is one of the main spiritual foundations that Berland preaches - and in this case he was apparently caught red-handed. 

This scandal comes on the heels of a stormy series of events that has been ongoing since late 2010; indeed, it turns out that allegations of sexual assault by him were already being made back then. Berland previously staged a sort of "coup" against his wife, son and members of his court, when he allowed publication of his claim that they were confining him against his will, seeking to have him committed, and denying him contact with his disciples. 

The rabbi, as part of his revolt, managed to elude, with the aid of a handful of loyalists, the security guards keeping watch over his house, and announced that he had escaped from captivity. Meanwhile, video clips came to light in which his son and grandson are documented in conversations acknowledging that they were exploiting him. A while later, the rabbi reconciled with his family, but the community was left traumatized and divided. Many left, the rabbi fell into debt, and about a year ago several of his senior disciples, including businessman Eran Hochberg (a former youth chess champion ) and Binyamin Ze'evi (son of the late politician and government minister Rehavam Ze'evi ), also jumped ship. 

The speculation within the community is that the allegations of sexual harassment reached his wife, Tehila Berland, and son Nachman even before they became public knowledge. For that reason, sources say, the pair sought to keep him out of the public eye, as Eliezer Berland himself has charged.

At what age is a child obligated in mitzvos or Can you sell your Chametz to a child?

Five Towns JewishTimes  by Rabbi Yair Hoffman

The Sefer HaChinuch explains that these seven laws are, in fact, categories of laws. These categories are the injunctions against murder, stealing, worshiping false gods, engaging in forbidden liaisons, eating the flesh of a live animal, and cursing Hashem, as well as the responsibility of setting up a system of justice whereby these laws are enforced.

Why then don’t they have bar mitzvah and bas mitzvah ceremonies?

Not a bad question, in fact. Jewish boys and girls have bar and bas mitzvahs when they reach the age at which they are obligated in observing the 613 mitzvos. What about their non-Jewish contemporaries, Chris and Kathy, for example? Perhaps the most pressing question is, when exactly is a gentile obligated in his or her mitzvos? And, more to our point, can the rabbi theoretically sell the community chametz to a mature eleven-year-old gentile?

It seems that there are three opinions among the Acharonim as to when our theoretical gentile would celebrate this milestone. The Chelkas Yoav (Vol. 1, s.v. “Aval”) indicates that the designated age would be the same as the age at which a Jewish child becomes a bar mitzvah. Thus, according to the Chelkas Yoav, “Chris” would celebrate his bar mitzvah at thirteen, while “Kathy” would celebrate hers at twelve. [...]

This brings us, however, to another question. Where did the age of thirteen come from in the first place? Also, is this figure a d’Oraisah (Biblical) ruling or is it a rabbinic ruling? If it is rabbinic in nature, then would it also apply to gentiles? (Gentiles, we recall, generally do not have to follow rabbinic laws.) [...]