Lessons From The Rav Bina Story
Hundreds of responses speak to insecurity in Modern Orthodox community.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Editor and Publisher
In the wake of the article he and I co-authored (Jan. 27) on Rav Aharon Bina of Netiv Aryeh, a yeshiva for American students in the Old City of Jerusalem, Yedidya Gorsetman received a message on Facebook from Rabbi Ari Fuld.
“I don’t know who you are and I am not trying to threaten you in any way,” the rabbi began. “I see that you are friends on FB [Facebook] with many Netiv guys and I hope they come to their senses and drop you like a dead fish.
“I truly believe you are an evil person” for “trying to murder Rav Bina with your pen,” the rabbi continued, speculating that Yedidya, a senior at Yeshiva University and an editor of the school newspaper, “is not frum [observant]” and that he wrote the article because “you hate the fact that Rav Bina has such a positive effect on his kids [students].
“You are an evil immoral individual” whose intention “wasn’t the safety of the kids but how you can hurt Rav Bina.”
Rabbi Fuld wrote that he hopes one day Yedidya will have sons who will realize how “sick and immoral” their father is and run away to Rav Bina, who will take them in.
I cite Rabbi Fuld’s comments here because he is a rebbe at Netiv Aryeh, headed by Rav Bina, and which has the largest group of American boys spending their post-high school gap year in an Israeli yeshiva.
And while I suspect defenders of the yeshiva will rationalize Rabbi Fuld’s deeply disturbing comments as an aberration, as they do decades’ worth of complaints about Rav Bina’s treatment of some students, I worry that this rebbe’s comments reflect, at the very least, the antithesis not only of rabbinic behavior, but of the foremost Torah value of seeing each and every person as created in God’s image.
Yet Rabbi Fuld’s inflammatory words resonate with a large number of the comments posted online on our website from defenders of Rav Bina, who tend either to describe him in reverential terms and deny any wrongdoing on his part, or insist that his unique form of pedagogy — which includes publicly humiliating students, cursing them and expelling them without warning — is a misunderstood act of love for the good of the targeted students, who deserve his disapproval and often benefit from it.
I urge you to take the time to scroll through and read some of the literally hundreds of comments posted online on our website in response to the Rav Bina article — more than 55 printed pages worth, at last count — confirming the polarizing effect he has on students and parents who view the 63-year-old rabbi as either an extraordinarily compassionate, warm and insightful rebbe or a man using the power of his position to break down a minority of students emotionally, sometimes with long-lasting and disturbing effect.
As I read through the comments, many of them deeply personal, with a kind of morbid fascination, I worried for the health and stability of an insecure Modern Orthodox community that, consciously or not, seems to have struck a Faustian bargain with the Rav Binas of the world: do what you have to do to ensure that our sons remain observant, even at the risk of losing a few along the way to emotional distress.
As one woman whose son attended Rav Bina’s yeshiva wrote on our site: “Take the facts — we have a Rav who sometimes abuses his students and that’s OK? If we had babysitters that only behaved with one of our children that way, we would be OK? I don’t think so. … The question becomes, can we look at ourselves in the mirror when tolerating only a little abuse?”
Steven Bayme, national director of contemporary American Jewish life at the American Jewish Committee, notes that “Orthodox leaders intent on justifying Rav Bina’s approach and behavior are saying ‘what works, works.’ That is the moral equivalent of saying ‘the ends justifies the means.’ That’s Machiavelli, not Orthodox Judaism.”
Bayme wonders why Modern Orthodox parents and institutions “encourage day school graduates to attend institutions that not only are unsympathetic to Modern Orthodoxy but determined to undermine it.”
Michael Salamon, an Orthodox clinical psychologist and author of the book, “Abuse in the Jewish Community,” applies the term “cognitive dissonance” in observing how some Modern Orthodox Jews send their children to schools that offer a more rigid worldview, often teaching students to avoid intellectual encounters with modernity.
Salamon says that, consciously or subconsciously, these parents see a society around them with increasingly lax morals and feel it is better to put their children in an environment with fewer choices, even with the attendant risks.
“They’re looking for magic,” he says, expecting the year in Israel to suddenly transform their child into an adult firm in his or her religious beliefs.
Therapist colleagues in Israel complain to Salamon that American parents expect them “to fix all of their kids’ problems,” he said.
Salamon also applies cognitive dissonance to Rav Bina students who passively observe classmates humiliated in public, and rabbis and other defenders of Rav Bina who focus on his many good deeds rather than acknowledge the harm done to a significant minority of young men.
The psychologist suggests that it may be healthier emotionally for young Orthodox Jews to attend yeshivas in Israel after a year or two of college rather than right after high school. But he notes that the Israeli yeshivas “want them when they are malleable.”
In my conversations with a number of rabbis and others I respect in the community I found a willful ignorance on their part in discussing Rav Bina. They either didn’t want to believe the many stories over the years of young men who say they were emotionally scarred from the experience or suggested that everyone should know by now that Netiv Aryeh was a kind of Talmudic boot camp where “tough love” is doled out for the good of the students.
If that’s the case, maybe Netiv Aryeh should let visitors to its website know its methodology rather than trumpet its “warm diverse staff,” which includes Rabbi Ari Fuld.
In the wake of the Jan. 27 article and the hundreds of letters and posted comments we received, it should be noted that Yeshiva University chose not to comment on whether it would review its association with Netiv Aryeh, one of its largest feeder schools from Israel.
The issue is bigger than Rav Bina. It’s about parents taking greater responsibility for their children’s emotional as well as spiritual growth, and it’s about a community determining whether it wants to create strong, independent and morally confident young men and women willing and able to grapple with the complexity of blending tradition and modernity. Or not.
E-mail: Gary@jewishweek.org
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The hateful and psychotic comments of “Rabbi Ari Fuld” only confirm the abusive and dysfunctional “educational” environment that young men are being subjected to at “Yeshiva Netiv Aryeh” by “Rav Aharon Bina” and his staff. I cannot conceive of parents who would incarcerate their precious children in this so-called school. Shame on Yeshiva University, Jewish day schools that promote Netiv, students and faculty who stand by and are therefore complicit in the abuse, and the Orthodox Jewish community that closes its eyes to this behavior. Thank you, Gary Rosenblatt, for your excellent article and editorial.
It's unfortunate you had to continue with the lashon hara. You could have stated all the value in this article in the final paragraph only.
1 Question:
Why did you feel the need to divulge what Rabbi Fuld said to you for all to see? As conflicted as I am about this whole article and about the responses to it in its wake I do know one thing:
That was definitely lashon hara, and had no place being mentioned. You would have gotten your point across just fine without using people's names.
Thanks.
You clearly seemed confused because now you realize that Rav Bina isn't the monster that you tried to make of of him. The overflow of support that Netiv Aryeh has received in the last few weeks and the 55 pages of support on your previous article only comes to show how committed and dedicated his students are to him.
The article was only written as an attempt to ruin Rav Bina's success and reputation during recruiting season for next year.
Where is the link to the original article?
And to the author of this article I sincerely wish you a deep Refuah Sheleima. And to Rav Bina I wish the continuation of successful Chinuch for many blessed years to come.
Your recent article "lesson from the Rav Bina" does not seem to be journalism. it seems to be a personal vendetta that you used your free hand of the press. WHY????????
you should consider writing an article" the danger of the pen were, personal agendas cross with Journalism.
this was bad Journalism
As a former alumnus who went to HaKotel for 2 and a half years (not consecutively) and was very close with Rav Bina, I can personally testify to some amazing things that Rav Bina has done for Klal Yisroel.
And while I do feel the article was written with an agenda rather than a desire for truth, I do think the article has a beneficial purpose.
Rav Bina has saved many a soul. But however many yidden he has saved (and there are lots, including myself), is it worth it if even one person was abused and told that God may punish him for not doing mitzvos?
Should we sit still when boys who come from homes without torah are told that it is an absolute obligation for them to learn torah? What will they think of their parents? True, Rav Bina always stresses honoring your parents, but what is the real message when you are taught that everything you grew up with is false?
I personally have a lot of hakaras hatov to Rav Bina for all that he did for me both in gashmiyus and ruchniyus, but its time that he be put to a stop. We can't have anymore jewish kids feeling guilty about doing aveiros. People in this day and age need to be b'simcha and Rav Bina telling them that they have to learn torah EVERY single day for the rest of their lives isn't gonna do it.
They should put Bina in Cherem. Rosenblatt for President!
Rav Bina is the worst educator out there. He made me room with an Israeli for 6 months. Trust me, that's cruel and unusual punishment. And I also was told that it's better to eat pig than talk during chazaras hashas. Ridiculous! He and Rav Nebhenzal should be officially retired. Its the best thing they can do for Klal Yisrael.
BTW i happen to know "Andrew" and his family and he'd be "off the derech" without Rav Bina.
Anyone know how its possible for the Yankees to be up 3-0 to the Red Sox and lose? Because Rav Bina cursed them. He caught me and a couple other guys out watching the 3rd game (in a kosher bar not on Ben Yehuda) and he cursed them. I laugheed it off at the time but look what happened. Using curses on people we don't like? Is this the way of the torah? And by the way, the Yankees have Derek Jeter who gives a ton of charity and never commits adultery and the Red Sox had Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz who are both convicted steroid users.
After they lost, I was depressed for six weeks. I didn't fully recover until 2 years ago when they won it.
Eli M
No worry, those of you who bash on Rav Bina will perish in the fires of Gehenom... let us not forget who replaced Rav Bina in Hakotel. That is right, Rav Alon, the man accused of molesting students. Well done! Maybe you should focus your attention on real issues in the Yeshiva world rather than bash a man who has helped hundreds if not thousands of students and their families. Go on keep bashing that person!
Haha! I posted that facebook posting claiming to be Ari Fuld. (Found his name on the school's website). I did it for a little fun, playing the role of all these Bina cult members. Didn't realize that you'd make an article out of it, although its pretty funny that you did. Better check your sources next time, JW.
Down with Bina!
Point 1: Both the original article and this update refer to Netiv Aryeh as a "boot camp." Boot camps are also known for forceful leaders doling out "tough love" for the good of the cadets (See Full Metal Jacket). It would be interesting to bring in some parallels from psychological studies of actual military boot camp and debates that have gone on regarding drill sergeants that do effectively train hundreds of soldiers while at the same time allowing a minority of cadets to fail spectacularly due to emotional abuse. Have these same issues of the good of the majority vs. the protection of the minority been debated? I am sure they have been.
Point 2: Also, with respect to the question of what do we do with Rav Bina now, it appears to me that once these articles have been published and publicized, there's no more action that needs to be done. If parents were unaware of what went on in that yeshiva, that would be a problem, but it's all transparent now (and probably was before too). Parents and students have heard the legends and do know what environment they are entering into, and I believe it is inappropriate for the Jewish Week to start admonishing parents for doing what they believe is best for their children, as Gary is doing in this article.
Dear Mr. Rosenblatt,
From an innocent bystanders perspective: I want to warn you about attacking a great Rabbi. The last person to do so is now ashamed and embarressed and his school's reputation has been damaged. G-d has a funny way of paying back people who spend their days attacking Rabbis and other great men who spend their lives with complete dedication to helping people.
Gary...I give you a blessing that one day you have more happiness and purpose in your life so that you don't have to spend your days attacking a Rabbi and his staff. It seems to me that you are just a sad soul looking for your place in life. Based upon your picture in the article, I assume that you were tormented and ridiculed for many years in Elementary/High School and that the abuse and name calling/lack of friends was difficult to deal with. Don't take your anger out on Rav Bina because you were most definitely the subject of much abuse and torment.
Best of luck to you Gary as it appears you're going to need it to save you from hell for slanderous articles about a great rabbi and father to many thousands of people.
All the best,
Ethan
Rav Fuld is and always will be an extreme person who's life is the millitary and often sports an M16 ready to use it on anyone in his way. He in no way speaks for the yeshiva and anything he says does not reflect Netiv Aryeh or anything it stands for. He is merely someone who came back from the army and had nothing better to do than be a "rabbi" in netiv areyh by default. Please do not attribute any of his extremist philosphy to the Rav Bina or the yeshiva.
There is no perfect Yeshiva or Seminary program. You have to find the right fit for your child even if "it's only for a year". I personally know people verbally and emotionally abused by Rav Bina as well as those who love him. But as one reader commented--is even "a little" abuse ok? How can we as a community tolerate it? It is shocking to see some of the comments that have been written in response to this article. How do prominent NY Rabbi's and YU continue to support this Rabbi? How would you feel if the abused child was yours? I believe in the adage that "where there's smoke, there's fire." Netiv Aryeh is not on the list of schools my 18 year old son is applying to. Fellow parents, do your homework and make an informed decision. As we have seen time after time, in our religion and in others, we can no longer afford to assume that because one has a religious title they are to be trusted any more than you or I.
The Talmud comments that Lashon Hara is considered a form of murder because of the severe embarassment caused to the recipient even under the best intentions of the person dispensing the same. Yet, one sees no regret about an article that was rooted in anonymous and hearsay sources, which blamed Netiv Aryeh for deep rooted issues with Judaism, and which was rooted in assertions that probably neither were admissible either before a Bet Din or a secular court.The only persons willing to be quoted on the record can fairly be stated to be critics of Modern Orthodoxy's perceived "slide to the right." Furthermore, the author's response to the letters defending Rav Bina ignored the reasons why parents send their sons and daughters for a year or more of study in Israeli yeshivos and seminaries-the education that they received for 12 years simply allowed Torah education to compete with secular education and extracurricular activities, to the point that it takes a year or more of intensive study, for a student, to begin to realize the profundity of Torah study and observance, as not merely an option, but rather an all encompassing value. Baruch HaShem, Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh has many talmidim, past and present, who realize this value in their lives, accord Rav Bina a major role in their lives for doing so, and who accord Rav Bina the appropriate level of Kavod HaTorah and Morah Rabecha KMora Shmayim in doing so.
Like it or not, R Aharon Lichtenstein himself has bemoaned a Modern Orthodox culture that produces far too many young people with intimate knowledge of sports figures and celebrities, but whose knowledge level of Torah pales by comparison. Contrary to the views voiced in the above article, far too many Modern Orthodox young men and women have matriculated through a system whereby Torah subjects compete with secular subjects and extracurricular activities for prioritization in their lives. Anyone on the staff of any "gap year"program for Americans will tell you that it takes at least a year or two, at the least, for a student to realize that Torah is not merely a collection of tests to take and pass, but rather an all encompassing 24/7 way of life that offers profound messages on how to live a moral life. Quotes from public figures who do not appreciate these facts cannot change that equation or the fact that Rav Bina has loyal talmidim.
To Whoever Takes the Time to Read This,
These articles keep on popping up on my newsfeed and nobody seems to have commented to my liking so if nothing else I think its important to have my opinion on record.
If the great rabbeim who paved the way for modern orthodoxy could see it now, I'm pretty sure they would not be happy. 'Modern' has become synonymous with 'not so' as if those who practice it wish to say "I'm orthodox.. but not crazy"
These 'hebrew day schools' that parents entrust with the religious well being of their children are just that-- 'day schools' . They feel no religous obligation to teach their children the Jewish truths of the world. I remember I asked a teacher at my school once, if tznius is so important then why are the mekorot never taught. She replied that the last time a teacher tried telling the girls in her class to try wearing a skirt for a week to see how it made them feel, she was scolded by the administration, as this was not her place. A yeshivah should be teaching their students that halachot are meant to be kept and those who follow these laws of G-d should be praised not labeled as a 'crazy' or 'religious extremists'. (Which IS NOT to say that throwing things at eight year olds is ok, and doing so is NOT halachically accepatable)
The aftermath of many of my friends' 'yeshivah' education was just felt by me this winter break as I found that many of them are barely practicing, some dating non-jews and others have no intention of living in a Jewish world and raising their children religious.
Now I am a girl, and the only interactions I have with netiv is when I meet students who went there for the year. I hear all kinds of Rav Bina stories usually those with a smirk as if to say 'it sucks to be that kid', but I could tell you that all these guys I know that went there are not the same guys that came back. They are generally straight laced and serious about Judaism. Even those who held Rav Bina in contempt have since come around and now appreciate he was doing what he thought was in his children's best interest.
Is the fact that I appreciate the outcome of Rav Bina's "abuse" make it ok?>
I can't say I know enough. Mostly i find that the people I know posting these articles have issues with religious Judaism general. ( As a side note there are "abuses" that are acceptable halachically for chenuch puposes, such as embarrassing someone and I am a little sick of people bringing up 'the spirit of Judaism' without knowing any halacha-- so another side note Judaism and Christianity are different religions with different values)
All that being said, I think, if you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. This school is clearly not for everyone... but honestly there are 'sheeveem paneem la torah"
Justifying these "abuses" by noting the precarious position that modern orthodox Judaism is in, seems juvenile but a rabbi who cares for his students Judaism enough to tell them that their lifestyle is not one that is halachically acceptable is a rabbi at least I could respect.
AND THAT IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR ;)
Well said. Why are parents so insecure about their own role modeling and ability to teach and convey to their children the value of a Torah observant life? So insecure that they are willing to risk sending their kids to "Rav Bina" for pos...sible psychological manipulation, emotional and even physical abuse? And, if Rav Bina and his supporters are so convinced of the value of his pedagogical approach, perhaps they ought to advertise it - and not hide it only to tout it when there is a complaint. It ought to be on their website and stated very clearly at parlor meetings so parents can make an informed decision. Kudos to The Jewish Week.
This article has wandered from the point. Netiv Aryeh and its head, Rav Binah, are not at all involved in undermining Modern Orthodoxy. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Rav Binah is adamant that the students who come to the yeshiva from their community, stay within the community they came from and not "flip out". They are encouraged to return to the USA after their time in yeshiva and attend institutions of higher secular learning. Any staff member who challenges this direction is swiftly terminated.
The brutal approach and high demands that he places on the students is not due to his fear or concern of them leaving the fold. It is not done out of any religious ideal.
It is his personality, plain and simple.
And that same personality aggressively drives him to turn over every stone to aid and assist the well-being of the students.
It's not a contradiction.
He doesn't hide it. Everyone knows it, and judging from the makeup of the students who fight their way to be accepted into the yeshiva, there are many fine students who are willing to put up with it.
He's not likely to change. Those too sensitive to tolerate abuse should beware and not enter the yeshiva in the first place.
Please don't blame the approach of Rav Binah on religion or the agendas of rabbis in general.
He alone is responsible for the treatment he doles out to his students.
Just to help you understand the term cognitive dissonance, adapted from proper psychological resources is the following:
simply defined: one's actions contradict one's beliefs.
Point one: If a child aligns their actions with their belief system which they fashion in Israel, the term cognitive dissonance is inappropriate. They believe in their behaviour, plain and simple. So please use correct terminology when you are trying to present a concept.
Point two: acknowledgment of someone's mistakes does not undo the harm which is caused. expecting students who had a positive experience apologize for someone else's mistakes is unrealistic and doesn't seem to really drive home any point.
Point three: Students who represent a positive sounding board for an individual they have looked up to, gained much from, and respect, is not relevant to your articles. That is their directive and their acclaim of someone they love. Nor does it idealize a character even if it is merely their opinion. They would not share their positive feelings to rationalize their experience, if they were not genuine. Let's simplify what they are doing and break it down to one simple word- support. You support someone who has been there for you.
Point four: Someone who is unwilling to a single mistake of their public criticism, should not be trusted. Because how can you know if they are really being honest with you. And if they are being honest with you, then they are quite conceited.
Sounds like you would be the PERFECT candidate for Rav Bina's yeshiva.
Wow. Why is it only in Ashkenaz communities that this stuff happens?! I really don't get it. You guys really need to look deep in your hearts and accept the fact that Rabbis who have been in their position for a long time with a positive outcome of their students have something GOOD and HOLY behind them. Yes, no one is perfect; but you don't see the entire Sephardic Global community going against even A SINGLE RABBI! We are Jewish, we have more things to worry about like the entire world hating us and the large percentage of anti-semetism in the world than to run around yelling and bickering about a Rabbi thousands of miles away from us.
We might be using fancy shmancy words on fancy shmancy websites, but sometimes we just act like children (and we don't even realize it).
Deal with your own problems and work on yourself, then go around giving Mussar to others. And then when you mastered your own Middot (characteristics) AND OTHERS, then go on to Rabbis. And who are you to even attack a Rabbi?
Disgusting.
I am a recent Netiv graduate. I could not agree more with what you say in this article. I can't even fathom how anyone could deny the stories you related in the first article (most Netiv graduates would readily admit their apparent accuracy), I find it disturbing the nearly cult-like defending of Rabbi Bina by people like Rabbi Fuld. I much prefer the approach of those who have the confidence to admit that even their greatest heroes, as Rav Bina is no doubt to some people, can make grave mistakes.
Did not Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik publicly embarrass students who asked foolish questions in shiur? Where is the article against him?
I am a Yeshivat Hakotel alum (from when R' Bina was running their American program), and it boils down to one of Gary's last lines:
"The issue is bigger than Rav Bina. It’s about parents taking greater responsibility for their children’s emotional as well as spiritual growth..."
No matter what one thinks about R' Bina or anyone else at N"A, if Netiv Aryeh is not the right place for your son, don't send him there.
Rav Bina aside, the yeshiva does have amazing and warm staff. You shouldn't assume that all of them are like Fuld. You should know that is wrong and unfair and questioning the fact in the article without much proof or basing it off one individual is intellectually dishonest. I went to the yeshiva and it does indeed have one of the most friendly and diverse staffs with rabbis coming from all sorts of different philosophical perspectives. Try to remember that the yeshiva isn't only made up of Rav Bina, and don't mislead readers.
I thank the Jewish Week for the publication of a difficult but necessary article to protect some individuals who would be hurt by educational methodologies that promote abuse of some , while others thrive.
At least there is now a caveat emptor, a warning!
If saving a single Jew is akin to saving a world, can the loss of 1 boy every year or two be cavalierly dismissed by the pro-Bina group.
Gary only posted apart from rabbi fuld's full comment. which means that gary not only imbbarssed him self but twisted that words as well as bring a new meaning to the comment that was not there before. (i.e. a threating letter to himself.) i feel that gary is insecure with himself and his yiddishkit this is the only reason that has to write a article blameing sush amazing jews (rabbis)!!! for really beleaving and trusting in hashem and his ways. because if hashem knew (which he does) what happens here and he thinks it bad from us he would stop it. no?
For those who might want to e mail Rabbi Ari Fuld directly - his email is toradojo@gmail.com. His comments to the writers of the Jewish Week article are disgusting and show exactly the type of people Netiv Aryeh hires. Being a Jew is not all about Torah learning- it's about ACTING as a Jew. Rabbis like Bina and Fuld are a disgrace.
mr Rosenbalt - please publish Ari Fulds original letter, because what you wrote is so far from the truth from what Ari wrote. Stop hiding behind your Pen, go out and see what goes on, not from your desk. AKA andrew had or has a drinking problem. it probably better that Rav Bina threw him out of yeshiva then sending him home in a body bag because of drinking. What a common thread that i have seen threw lot of the negative response, is drinking, RAV binas rule you walk in to a bar you are out. Seems reasonable???? Mr Rosenblat its simple for you to Judge, from an ivory tower then being on the battle field.
if i was Ari, i would visit my lawyer.
There is an organization in Israel called Takana , Honest people who are made up of professionals rabbinic, social works, Teachers and lawyer, who Handel abuse. who are very effective. What is your goal, if its truth then use there services. If your truth is incorrect you have smeared an innocent person. There are many people with agendas out there that are confusing our children, mr Bayme, what is the rate of kids giving up there Judaism not religion with your approach? Start focusing on the failings of the modern orthodox, not to discredit, but to repair and build.
Rav Soloveitchik aka "THE RAV" was not modern orthodox, he was the lonely man of faith in a modern world. He was Orthodox in the modern world, big diffrence.
The one thing that stands out to me the most is how the "Rav" Bina supporters speak - Just like him. Their language is abusive, childish, aggressive and completely devoid of any logical thought.
Anyone who speaks the way this "Rabbi" Fuld did, is by definition a bad Jew (and much worse than someone who isn't "frum") - they are forgetting the most basic essential and beautiful parts of Judiasm - treating your fellow human with dignity and respect. If you sum up the Torah in one sentance, it says "veahavta lereiacha kamocha" - not how long your skirt should be or how many hours a day you should study.
People sending their kids to Rav Bina, and worshipping him because he has the title "Rabbi" (which all you need for is a test - a goy could do it if he studies) in his name, are forgetting the fundementals of Judaism and are providing their children with a role model who preaches abuse, disrespect and a horrible personality disorder.
Thank you to the authors who brought this to the attention of the Jewish world, who too often would prefer to have children abused as long as they can ensure that they are in the "right" schools.
For those supporting Rav Bina (and now Rabbi Fuld), ask yourselves why there are so many people with negative things to say about them. Do you know of any other roshei yeshiva who have such a strong opposition toward their character? The bottom line is that a Torah observant Jew must behave with proper middos at all times. It is common knowledge that Rav Bina doesn't adhere to these standards of behavior with everyone he comes in contact with. So what if he has produced many b'nei Torah? There are many other yeshivos that are run by roshei yeshiva who have proper middos that are equally as successful at producing b'nei Torah. There are so many options of yeshivos, why would anyone choose the one that is run by someone who might abuse you?
I was unfortunate to be in Bina's 'shiur' over 20 years ago at Hakotel and it was an awful experience. He was abusive and demeaning with a wild unpredictable temper. He made fun of different Jews and made sexist and rude remarks constantly. I am still religious today DESPITE Bina. The people defending him saying that he is giving 'tough love' are deluding themselves because they feel attacked by the choices they or their parents have made. Bina should be removed from his position - plain and simple. Thanks for having the courage to bring this out as our religious leadership have failed to do so.
great honest response
see the website www.binabuse.wordpress.com
Gary deserves an award for being the watchdog for the Orthodox Jewish community. Without Gary, think of how many sick demented immoral perverts would be running around calling themselves rabbis, Lanner, Bina, etc.
Ari Fuld wrote his comments publicly... It is his own doing that his vitriol is out there for the world to see....
Personally, I think it's a good thing. Now we know what the abusive language looks and sounds like. Gary Rosenblatt is merely holding up the mirror.
You clearly have a lot to say but enjoy hiding behind the anonymous tag. I feel you miss the point of this article completely. Stop hiding
I am so sick of both sides hiding behind fake names and insulting each other back and forth. We live in an open society. Stop hiding if you feel so strongly attach your real name to it. Abuse happens in every community (even the Sephardic Jews).
I am glad this is all finally out there. Does Bina work for some people yes for a lot no. I have a fair share of run ins with "rabbis" and religious leaders and my bet is this if people do not have backing at home they will more likely leave the fold. Abuse or down talking only send people away and have them question more.
a fantastic point. i especially like how you ignore the positive impact Rav Elon had on hundreds of students as well. And since when is physical and emotional abuse not a real issue? wake up. stop being blinded by the previous beliefs that you had, and maybe its time for some self introspection and critical thinking coupled with some intellectual honesty.
To all of those who criticized those who hid behind a veil of anonymity in this article and in the previous one:
Are you crazy? Why would someone want death threats emailed to them as a consequence of posting something critical of Bina using their real name? Those who know the truth about Bina and want to publicize it face a dilemma, namely should we muster up a tremendous amount of courage and post something using our real names for the sake of increased legitimacy OR should we have have a reduced level of legitimacy yet avoid getting death threats sent to us by the brainwashed masses of employees and alumni of Netiv Aryeh? Thankfully, most people that I know that were hurt by the disgusting behavior of Bina were able to move on with their lives and fortunately or unfortunately have higher priorities in their lives that seeing the (inevitable) early ending of this animal's career.
I encourage those of you who have stories to tell about this monster and who have wives and children to post anonymously so that your 6 year old does not have a brick fly through their window at 3 am one night. Is this far fetched? Not really. It seems to be a pretty logical extension of the "dead fish" threat made by Bina's henchman above and therefore something that Bina's detractors should genuinely worry about.
Rav Bina is crazy! As former student I can tell you FROM FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE that he is nuts. Did he embarrass me in public? Yes. Did he call me out in front of the entire yeshiva? Yes. Did he throw a chair at me? Yes. But here's the deal... I'm not scarred for life b/c of his shenanigans. I had a good year in Israel and learned that in life sometimes you are going to be dealt with irrational/crazy people. You must have thick skin to get through a year with Bina. Personally he is not my cup of tea. It’s no secret; to all parents Netiv/Hakotel is not for every child... chose wisely! Enough said!
I read in the article and in the responses many disturbing abuses. How come no one takes legal action against the yeshiva and or against the Rav? Either he did / doing wrong so take legal action and proof your case and put such people behind bars or stop the bashing and probably Hilul Hashem
It seems to me a large number of students of Rav Bina have way too much free time on your hands and not let this issue go…does that not speak loud for his yeshiva……
If you need a lawyer…I can recommend some websites…
In the original article about Rav Aharon Bina, Joel Moscowitz and the young man under the pseudonym of Andrew were both quoted as saying that they turned away from Jewish observance after being emotionally and physically abused by Rav Bina.
This was distressing to read in that it suggests that what was problematic about the incidents was the outcome, rather than the actions themselves. It also implies that if none of Rav Bina's students were swayed away from observance, then it would be OK to physically and emotionally abuse students.
I don't know if the allegations about Rav Bina are true or false, but the description of the abuse of which he is accused is uncalled for in any situation, regardless of whether it brings students closer or further away from observance.
The ends don't justify the means.
Is this the same "Rav Bina" as from Bina's Audi in Great Neck?
I was talking about the people bashing the writer for having the guts to stand up for his beliefs. If you attack him show yourself. It is scary that death threats are all too real.
Since this article was brought to my attention I find it my obligation to protest!
I personally know R Ari Fuld and he's one of the most honest, Emmes seeking and authentic religous jews I've ever met!!
This article is pure de'oryssa loshon horo at best. Moytzie shem ra is more like it.
No need to repeat what the Chofetz Chaim writes about that.
Mr./Mrs. Anonymous at 1:26 PM on Thursday:
If someone put out an article bashing your father or closest friend, making claims you know to be extremely exaggerated and/or false -- would you be so quick to "let the issue go?" Does it not "speak loud" for Rav Bina's yeshiva that his past and present talmidim took this as a personal insult, as if to a close relative or friend, and therefore feel the need to defend their Rav?
And then there are comments calling us a brainwashed cult -- because we disagree with the claims of those bashing someone we feel close to. I'm not sure why that makes us brainwashed or part of a cult -- maybe we just have tremendous hakarat hatov to our Rav and feel an obligation to come to his defense when we feel he is getting unfair treatment.
Its chazal who say you have to learn Torah EVERY single day, not Rav Bina...
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