article about prof. Menachem Friedman, with some rehashed stuff about the Rebbe

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spa...ges/ 864748.html
old timer | 05.30.07 - 8:05 am | #

Lazar is correct here and more power to him. The Russians have brought many of these so called minhogim to American jewish cemetaries and in my opinion it hurts the authenticity of the cemetary.
Schneur | 05.30.07 - 1:02 pm | #

"These and other Russian practices are not part of Jewish tradition."

Hmmm. That cremation is a foreign practice is a strange complaint for "Chassidim" to employ. Chassidim have embraced all manner of foreign practice. How much you wanna bet the Rambam never extolled the virtues of getting drunk on vodka? Ditto for strange fur hats (tall ones, wide ones, etc.) that "Chassidim" insist on wearing in Bnei Brak's high-humidity 100 degree heat.

All kinds of strange foreign practices have been "sanctified" by "Chassidim". It's actually kinda funny.

I don't approve of cremation. Nor do I support the Shtreimelach, Mashke and other narishkeiten that Chassidim have made fundamental to their lifestyles and identities. But sometimes it's just too funny.
Jake in Jerusalem | 05.31.07 - 6:50 am | #