Unfortunately these people are "serfs" and purposefully put in that unenviable position by their so called "Gedolim." who ensure that these people have no education nor skills to be able to work or even function in the real world. So no possibility to leave except rare situations.
If these groups had their own financial means and support it could perhaps be considered ok like the many cults in other parts of the world. BUT the fact that they literally "steal"huge amounts of taxpayer monies makes it toally unacceptable (except of course in israel where they can sell their collective"vote.")
I have been told that,decades ago, someone approached my Rav, a respected Chassidic rabbi, and asked him whether he should buy a Ford or a Chevrolet. The Rav looked at the man and replied, ”A decision can be a difficult place to be,” and walked out of the room. He would advise on decisions, provide thought provoking responses, and leave decisions up to individuals.
I contrast this to a relative who wanted to get married . As was his community’s practice, they sent a letter to their rebbe. Getting no reply, they decided it meant they should not marry. ( I asked why they didn’t send a second letter. Response; “It’s not done that way. The lack of an answer is the answer.”)
They both went on, this time with the same rabbi’s written approval, to marry different people.
Her husband beat her, it ended in divorce. His wife cheated on him, it ended in divorce.
Regarding the second rebbe in your comment, I wonder if his Chasidim also ask such important questions such as "should I look both ways before crossing the street?" And if there is no answer (so the answer is 'no') then if the guy gets hit by a car I guess it too is a test from Hashem.
> "One of the great attractions of living in a Daas Torah community is that you don’t have to take any responsibility in life."
Very important point, underrated. Something a lot of people psychologically struggle with when leaving the community
Unfortunately these people are "serfs" and purposefully put in that unenviable position by their so called "Gedolim." who ensure that these people have no education nor skills to be able to work or even function in the real world. So no possibility to leave except rare situations.
If these groups had their own financial means and support it could perhaps be considered ok like the many cults in other parts of the world. BUT the fact that they literally "steal"huge amounts of taxpayer monies makes it toally unacceptable (except of course in israel where they can sell their collective"vote.")
I have been told that,decades ago, someone approached my Rav, a respected Chassidic rabbi, and asked him whether he should buy a Ford or a Chevrolet. The Rav looked at the man and replied, ”A decision can be a difficult place to be,” and walked out of the room. He would advise on decisions, provide thought provoking responses, and leave decisions up to individuals.
I contrast this to a relative who wanted to get married . As was his community’s practice, they sent a letter to their rebbe. Getting no reply, they decided it meant they should not marry. ( I asked why they didn’t send a second letter. Response; “It’s not done that way. The lack of an answer is the answer.”)
They both went on, this time with the same rabbi’s written approval, to marry different people.
Her husband beat her, it ended in divorce. His wife cheated on him, it ended in divorce.
It was obviously a test from Hashem…
Regarding the second rebbe in your comment, I wonder if his Chasidim also ask such important questions such as "should I look both ways before crossing the street?" And if there is no answer (so the answer is 'no') then if the guy gets hit by a car I guess it too is a test from Hashem.
And you die doing God’s will!
Straight to the Beit Midrash in the Sky.
Shout be required reading. Unfortunately perhaps the”Gedolim” need more humility and real-life experience.
It must be great not to have to make decisions (and be responsible for consequences). Where do I sign up?