ד׳ לחודש השישי תשע״ה
Yeah, I know I am very critical of Jews remaining in Galuth (exile). Not only that, but his video is from 2013.
I am also against having to justify our laws and customs to goyim and to nonobservant Jews. Nevertheless, I thought it was cute, and nice to see this religious Jew show the world that although we take our beliefs and practices seriously, that does not mean that we always have to take ourselves so seriously. Who knows, maybe one more Jew will become less resistant to exploring his or her, Torah-true heritage because of it?
Plus, I thought that he was pretty funny.
I shamelessly
In the meantime, this comedian is welcome for the free publicity.
Once found, though, I will gladly taken down and/or use his embed code for this video, if he so requests.
Update:
The video and name of the comic has been removed, but the post remains for those who would like to continue the discussion.
David Finkelstein
ReplyDeleteFirst, it was the skin wars and now this. I'm beginning to wonder about your value system. It seems to be in decline. The only thing "frum" about this guy is his costume. There is no way to discuss nudity and dropping his pants on the subway in a "modest" way in front of a comedy club (no-doubt-mixed) audience.
ReplyDeleteYonatan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your help! I have updated the post.
Devash,
Thanks for writing.
When it comes to Qiruv, there are many different approaches.
Rabbi Meir Kahane hy"d, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach z"l, Chabba"d, Karliner Hassiduth, Aish HaTorah, Machon Meir, the Sha"S radio station which talks about punishment, and R' Amnon Yitzhaq all attract different kinds of Jews (with some overlap). Rav A. Y. Kook ztz"l engaged in qiruv as well, through B'nei Aqiva (which is the only reason I used to tolerate B"A, and still do barely under rare circumstances).
Whether I like it or not, there are many Jews out there who will be reached using this kind of material, than with the Torah truth in their face. We are living in a difficult and confusing time. Just think how it is for those numbed-out and/or clueless Jews.
On one hand, I feel that this endeavor is fruitless, and that I am just repeating the same mistake believing that it might turn out differently this time.
On the other hand, I don't want to give up on even one Jew stuck in galuth, spiritually and/or physically.
In the Olam Ha'emes, I really don't think HKB"H is happy that this video is now more public. It is a disgrace to Shomer Shabbos / Mitzva Observing Jews, to have a 'Black Hatter' talking about nudity and private parts. The Roshei Yeshiva of generations past would loudly condemn someone who represents the Yeshivish world, participating in the entertainment of the Umos Ha'olam. How does this help us stand tall with modesty and morals? Isn't he down in the dirt at the same level of the other comedians? I don't see any Kiruv here. Just a big Chillul Hashem. If his material was CLEAN and still funny, then I could laud his presence on the world stage.
ReplyDeleteMoshe,
ReplyDeleteI have much to say in response. But, instead, I will simply say thanks for commenting, and that you make some good points.
The qiruv was my use of the video, not necessarily from him.
This being said, without expecting you to change you perspective, perhaps you will see my comment above differently, though.
I still stand by this comment.
Greetings Mr. Esser .. Do yourself a favor delete this post . What a disgrace and Hillul Hashem . Love to laugh but this is totally impure !!! Now I "chap" why the gemora says jokers will not merit seeing the return of the divine providence... Ketiva vchatima tova .. Yehuda Richter
ReplyDeleteI think you need to ask yourself what you're bringing people closer to with this. It's not holiness, it's not Hashem, it's not true Yiddishkeit. Instead it's that mixture of holy and profane that is expressed by the current form of Hellenism, something you used to be dead set against. What changed?
ReplyDeleteI can take this post down.
ReplyDeleteTo me, it is neither here nor there, just the click of a button.
It's already up all over the place, and two years old.
I have taken it, and gave some commentary, and the forum to criticize it.
Where else will such people who watch such videos ever see the Torah that you and Moshe have written? Probably no place, and thus an opportunity to think twice.
Sure there are other ways to do this, I suppose. But, Esser Agaroth's audience is not just you and the rabbi who will hopefully contact me. The audience is those who are confused about what it means to be Jewish.
Think I'm just confusing them even further? I don't think so.
A kid with long hair and earrings who doesn't give a darn about HaShem or Yahaduth, only his smart phone, and everything which comes with it, can be dealt with harshly. That might work. But, it's not the only way to deal with him.
He can be met half, and be brought out of the muck.
Guess what. This kid puts tefillin on and cut his hair and took his earrings out on his own.
If this particular kid had been dealt with differently, I guarantee you he would be out on Allenby Street doing who knows what.
This kid is real. I know him and taught him. He's not the only one I know in this situation, and in even much worse situations, who was successfully brought out of the shmutz by being met half way.
As you can see, the video, as well as his name has been removed. See? No big deal.
This post remains to give those who want to, to continue the discussion. I think that there is a lot which can be said, so feel free to say it here.