Rabbis Stop Hasidic Concert at Madison Square Garden

An influential group of rabbis have put the kibosh on a concert planned for next Sunday at MSG’s WaMu theater. Billed as The Big Event, the show was to be headlined by popular Hasidic pop singer Lipa Schmeltzer and raise money for an Israeli charity that finances weddings for orphans. But after an edict was issued against the event, Schmeltzer dropped out, saying, “I have to get out of the fire.”

Two Brooklyn community leaders, Asher Friedman and Rabbi Avraham Shor, mobilized opposition to the concert late last month, warning that the concert would promote “ribaldry and lightheadedness… [and] strip the youth of every shred of fear of heaven.” Some Hasidim criticize Friedman for corrupting Jewish youth with secular musical styles, others warn his popularity might eclipse the authority of the rabbis.

Schmeltzer had agreed to sing only traditional Hasidic songs; gender segregated entrances and seating had also been arranged. But this was not enough for the 33 rabbis who signed the edict, and promoters estimate their losses at $700,000. (Ticket holders had paid between $50 and $500.) Promoter Sheya Mendlowitz says "In the end it narrowed down to two people that went and obtained signatures in a very slimy and shady way, two very dangerous people."

For an illuminating peek into the controversy surrounding Lipa Schmeltzer, take a scroll through the 350-plus comments on this Yeshiva World article. Here’s commenter #91: “We have now banned sporting events, concerts, amusement parks, the circus & malls among other things. Of course I don’t argue with the p’sak on these. But what in heavens name do we want people to do realistically for recreation?”

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By John Del Signore in News on March 3, 2008 5:51 PM

Comments [rss]

Mymymichl

The Hasidim I know believe in living life and celebrating its many joys. Happily there is a younger generation which will not tolerate the dictatorship of a bunch of old, frustrated rabbis. The harder they squeeze, the more followers they lose. I'm truly sad the performer bent down to these bullys.

(signed),

A recovering Jew

CR

#15 -

Yet every member of every ethnic group regardless of nation of origin, religion, color, or background doesn't want to express themselves unless it's during a happy ending with one of the millions of prostitutes they frequent.

Many of my friends that work in the adult industry will attest to this fact. Hypocrites to the MAX.

Nick S

#14 - good bv reference.

grooverider

I imagine MSG smelled worse than after a Ringling Brothers performance.

grooverider

I imagine MSG smelled worse than after a Ringling Brothers performance.

David

15 is right on the money.

Sanctimonious, judgmental hypocrites who are doing very great harm to the reputation of non-maniacal Jews everywhere, including right here in NYC.

johnieBK

Backwards religion/culture.

ribaldry

Yet the Hasidim don't want to express themselves unless it's during a happy ending with one of the millions of prostitutes they frequent.

Many of my friends that work in the adult industry will attest to this fact. Hypocrites to the MAX.

CR

What time was Daft Punk supposed to go on?

bxGagger

what to do for recreation?

some some kosher crack.

duh!

babyhitler

what would matisyahu say about this? king without a crown indeed.

blablanyc

Hasidim but I don't believe 'em.

MFer

Please keep these types of news items coming. They are a laugh a minute.

But what in heavens name do we want people to do realistically for recreation?

Procreation?

Joclyn

Boring.

HughGass

edict? is that like a fatwah?

slappy

Repressive religious crap on both sides.

ed_Extinct

what happened to freedom of speech?

his name is:

Elazar Lipa Schmelczer is an American Hasidic entertainer, singer, actor, and composer, popular in Israel and worldwide