A culture clash can occur when there is a dichotomy of beliefs or systems. A major tenet of Chassidic philosophy stresses that this world and all in it are created by a supernal Almighty and the world is truly not clashing with G-dliness but a place where G-d can and must be revealed through our actions.

We believe that this country is G-dly blessed and that its helpful and democratic role in religious life will enhance the practice of religion in general and Judaism in particular.

There is no real conflict in the different schools of Chabssidic thought, other than the differing stress on certain areas of study. In fact, many Chassidic sects study Chabad-Lubavitch texts as an adjunct and beneficial part of their own Chassidic teachings.

There are individuals in any community that look to create strife for a number of reasons. The majority of the citizens of Crown Heights live side by side and in harmony with their neighbors.

The importance of the Rebbe is historically one which dates to biblical days. We believe that Moses was the first Rebbe. All generations have had authentic leaders that were "Rebbes" of their time. This would include the era of our prophets and of the Talmud. The innovation of the Chassidic world is in essence a continued mode which dates from many Kabbalists and codifiers of law to biblical times.

You are not the only one with this type of feeling. You are just more open and honest that the average.

Don't let this mar your feelings for wanting to be  connected to the 'upstairs' in the coming days. Simply do as much as you are comfortable with.

B"H

Hi, did you see my facebook friendship request? How did we live before facebook??

Anyway, I read your letter with great interest and am responding as quickly as I can.

Firstly, let me share with you that as a rabbi, I am always happy to hear that a college student wishes to connect with his or her heritage and background.  As a Jew, it is absolutely something that a spiritual person would seek.  And your letter reflects the desire of your soul to connect in the most meaningful manner to your spiritual source. Can't wait to meet you!

With the aforementioned in mind, let me respectfully tell you that a tattoo is something that we as a nation have not endorsed in any fashion from our very beginning.  Moreover, marking our body in a permanent way is proscribed in our Torah in rather powerfully negative terms.  Our history and heritage has been guided for three millennia by the Torah.  I invite to inquire and see for yourself how our ancestors and leaders found ways of connecting with the Jewish heritage in varied methods, and always kept within the framework of our beautiful Torah.  Our religion and heritage believes that our bodies are truly holy and we treat this holiness with respect and according to the G-d given six hundred and thirteen precepts of the Torah.  One of these precepts is simply not to have a tattoo.

I invite you to allow me, my wife Sarah (she's sooooo nice - wait 'til you meet her!) and any other people that care to help you in searching for an avenue that will engage you totally and spiritually.  I can promise that if you agree, you will not be disappointed, not now nor in a matter of days and years.

I sincerely hope you will take our offer. I see that you're returning soon to the good ol' USA, so when you get back, let's get together and talk more about this. My phone is 732 296-1800 ext. 3 and I'm on campus every day.  We also have really fun and popular, traditional Friday night dinner parties each and every Friday night at sundown with tons of great people and plenty of good food! All the best, very excited to meet you and thanks so much for writing me.

Rabbi Goodman

Hi Irwin,

I would advise looking at www.jewishvenice.org , they have all the info regarding tours, kosher food, etc. in Venice.

All the best and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Rabbi Mendy Carlebach

Lubavitchers generally believe that the Rebbe is the Moshiach, based on the Talmud Sanhedrin - which discusses how disciples of great leads identified their Rebbe as the Moshiach.

Lubavitch has not found any conflict in this belief and Lubavitch believes that any true scholar can find ample Torah sources to support this belief.

How come you only ask the easy question?

Your point of allowing man to freely decide the basic issues of life is well taken.  However we recognize that man on his own can easily rationalize and justify almost any decision, right or wrong.

The first reason for G-d's commandment to us is to simply create a relationship.  How can a creation have any thing with creator?  The Torah tells us that G-d implemented a method that enables man to be G-d like, and that is the way of life prescribed in the Torah.   So more than anything, the mitzvot-Commandments serve as a link between finite and infinite.  We 'need' Shabbat far more than Shabbat needs us.

In addition, man can look for ways to 'lighten' any commitment, no matter how critical.  Look at a family unit making a decision that can have ramifications for a life time and beyond.  The first generation many be completely dedicated to the adherence to the family's principles.  But as time progresses, generations following may decide that the previous ancestors were 'old-fashioned' etc.  The only guarantee to continue the mission is to see it and practice it as a commitment to G-d.  This is the only time-tested and honored method of ensuring its constant adherence.

All the best