Schmelczer visiting burn victim Aron Rottenberg in WCMC (Credit:Lipa's Twitter)
Say what you want, say that he's doing it for PR, or that he's settling a score with Skver, but the fact remains that he's doing the right thing here - and that none of us even thought about doing what he did. We were content with being upset and talking about in shul. And it's not just Lipa per se' either. It's people like him - not necessarily entertainers - that help those in need and show as if they care that get "fans." Yes, I know, Rebbes also help people in need. But many of us never get to see that side of them, and often times that side of them only comes much later in life, when there are money issues. I also realize that Lipa may only speak to-for those who fall by the wayside, the kids at risk, if you will, but he's also only a risk to them in the first place - if at all! So why do we condemn him so? I don't necessarily care for his music, but that's mostly by choice. My taste in music differs from his radically. But I can tolerate his obsession with glasses and colorful Bekishes. Many of the Rebbes, unfortunately, don't seem to speak for those who are troubled or in despair. Those people see the Rebbes and their extended families as unproductive and selfish, like the nobleman of old, which is why they lose respect for them. Lipa works hard for his money and makes people smile. Those who oppose him are seen as trying to perpetuate misery and gloom.
