תמונת מצב - חצה"ק "איירמאנט" - הושע"ר תשע"ב לפ"ק

 
It seems like Airmont (i.e. Lipa Schmeltzer) has made a hard left turn. We're used to his concerts pushing the envelope every time just a little bit more, but this surprised even a pretty Liberal guy like myself. If I didn't know better I'd say that this was a Purim Shpiel in the CCCP, circa 1926. I've defended Reb Lipa here several times, so you can trust that I have no agenda when it comes to Mr. Schmeltzer. I suppose he's trying to be the new Shlomo Carlebach, but even Shlomo didn't make a mockery of davenen. The things you saw were the natural sentiments of some of the people attending services, not some kind of joke. Yes,I don't think the pictures were taken during the actual davening,but it is supposed to DEPICT it. Shlomo would not allow any talking during tefillos in his shul, and he most definitely wouldn't have it turn into some kind of performance. I'm not sure what Mr. Berrry Weber is trying to show with that wrapped Esrog he's holding, but it's crass. Lipa: we appreciate what you do when it comes to helping Jews in need, both spiritual and physical, but you don't need to do this. Stick to what you do best, which is to make Jews happy. Stay out of the Rebbe business.

Please.

Mr. Berri Weber and his Esrog...

Why Lipa gains fans and Rebbes lose them

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.