To My Dear Friend…Greetings and Blessings [The Facts of the Matter]

This letter was written by one of the Directors  of Machne Menachem to a “concerned” resident of the Shchuna. [This director was also part of Spritzers viscous Mesira].

November 24, 1998

To my dear friend R’ Y. S;

Greeting and Blessing,

Approximately two weeks ago, you approached me in “770” and presented your concern and wish to end the long-time dispute in our neighborhood regarding Machne Menachem. You stated that you have already spoken to the “other side” and you feel that the time is right to begin negotiation. I usually do not write nevertheless, because I know you and I feel that you are a truthful person, I decided to write you my personal encounters in this important letter. A humans mind tends to possess a selective memory, consequently, the rumors and fabrications that have been circulating have surely affected you, as well as many others in the community. Through our brief correspondence from time to time, I understand that you have forgotten some major facts and therefore I will reiterate them.

Bear in mind that the following is only a taste of the big pie, however I present them to you, for the reason that, you should be aware of all the true facts and will not say “my hands did not spill this blood”

As you recall you mentioned that the “other side” is ready to make “peace”. I told you to present their proposal in writing and you stated that Mr. …. would like us to sign a written confirmation that we no longer have any claims of ownership in Camp Machne Menachem Inc. Thereupon, I quote; “ko omar Hashem- ha’ratzachta v’gom ya’rashta!! – you murdered and you also want to inherit! ! (Melachim 21;19). After a few days, you once again approached [another of the camps directors] proposing the same idea, and by Divine Providence, I passed and confirmed that I have already spoken to you and since that time you haven’t presented anything in writing, therefore you are not serious about the matter.

The following are proven facts:

1.         It is undeniable that the Hershkops have founded Camp Machne Menachem.

2.         It is indisputable that  Levi Hartman, found and handled all the negotiations regarding the purchase of the location in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania. I am sure you are aware that finding a property for a camp is not an easy task and it sure cost me much energy, health, and money.

3.         According to all Piskei Dinim from the Crown Heights Beis Din, we are currently directors and equal partners in Machne Menachem Inc.

4.         The Beis Din’s ruling states that we are to receive a copy of all money transactions and as of today- none have been presented. Their rulings have been ignored by Mr. Spritzer.

5.         In the ruling of Erev Rosh Chodesh Taamuz (06/17/96) the Rabbonim state:

…..2) There is only one who issues verdicts and therefore all the decisions must pass through the entire Vaad (and they should follow the majority).

Since then and until the final separation there have been no joint meetings. Mr. Spritzer refused all meetings and all decisions were made by Spritzer himself.

Just another example where the Rabbonim’s rulings are ignored.

6.         I have much more to write regarding the above but I don’t want to waste your precious time. I want to present just a few facts that have occurred.

7.         Following the assault of stealing us, robbing us, and shedding our blood- they decided to continue and added to this horrible attack- an invitation to Federal Court!!

8.         According to the Torah and all the Rabbonim, taking another Jew to Federal Court is critical and unjust. Taking seven (7) Jewish families is appalling!! The Chillul Hashem that this causes has no emend, especially when the banner they are carrying shouts Lubavitch, the Rebbe, and His Mosdos.

9.         Statistics show that in a given year, there is less then one (1%) percent “mafia” terror, and organized crime cases tried in the United States. Consequently, the Machne Menachem and Yacov Spritzer vs. Seven Crown Heights families are presented as a Federal Racketeering (Rico) Act Case. The most corrupted organized crime participants are tried under these acts.

10.       At the time of this letter writing, there have not been any written confirmation, by any of the Crown Heights Rabbonim or other Rabbonim, that they give permission for the above captioned court case.

11.       Out of respect for the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the presiding Judge (a Jewish Neshomo) numerously proposed that the two sides make peace. We graciously accepted.

12.       We explained to the judge that not only are we ready to go to Zabla, moreover, we are prepared to go back to the Crown Heights Beis Din to avoid further Chillul Hashem. At that conference Mr. Meir Schrieber stood up and proclaimed that he will not go to any Robbonim and that he wants to continue only in the secular court system.

13.       Your father-in-law, Rabbi Marlow, declared to R’ Yosef Goldman (one of seven defending families) that Spritzer and Schrieber have no permission to this Rico case. A taped recording of conversation is accessible.

14.       Many of our concerned acquaintances approached Rabbi’s Marlow and Mangel, separately, to inquire whether they gave the permission (that the plaintiffs claim they have) and both Rabbi Marlow and Rabbi Mangel confirmed that permission was never granted.

15.       In addition, many community activists tried to make peace, including in the vicinity of the Beis Din, and always Mr. Spritzer had last minute reasons why to refuse.

16.       During an attempt to make peace, the Beis Din suggested and encouraged that in order to strengthen the Torah learning and increase in positive deeds we should open up a new camp. Thus, Camp Ohr Menachem was founded.

17. The above (#16) does not proof or state that we waived our rights or claims to Machne Menachem Inc. or that we renounce compensation for damages and monies from Mr. Spritzer and Schreiber.

18. In middle of Shevat, January 1997, Rabbi Mangel called R’ Meir Hershkop, at home, in response to R’ Meir’s inquiry about one of the Piskai Dinim. The following is a partial free translation of the taped conversation:

a)         I am currently in a recess of five minutes in middle of a Din Torah at the Beis Din.

b)         It is known of the terrible situation of our Bochrim in Ruchinus.

c)         Therefore, I am asking of you, R’ Meir that you open a new camp for these boys.

d)         Only you, R’ Meir, could do such a thing as opening a new camp.

e)         Open up a camp and Hashem will help you and you will save these boys.

f)          In regard to the monies of Machne Menachem we will make a Din Torah.

19. The Din Torah regarding the money handling of Machne Menachem Inc. was never implemented. Nevertheless, Camp Ohr Menachem was on it’s way.

20.       In a further attempt to come to an agreement, Rabbi Heber and Rabbi Horowitz met together with Rabbis Marlow, Mangel and Osdoba together with Mr. Spritzer . Rabbi Heber suggested that Machne Menachem will accommodate the young boys and Ohr Menachem will accommodate Bochrim or visa versa. The three Rabbonim agreed and once again Spritzer disagreed.

21.       Back to the current situation: It is certain that the Federal Court does not add any Kovod to the Rabbonim.

22.       It is clear that this Rico Case can harm many in the community, yet, no one as stood up to stop Spritzer and Schrieber in their malicious act. Moreover, many activists claim that Spritzer and Schrieber are doing these acts under the banner of “Kovod Ha’Rabbonim”!!

23.       In the proceeding days, if Chas V’shalom it will not be withdrawn from the court system, the process of discovery will progress. As a husband and father I will have to do all in my power to defend myself. I do not want you to see this as a threat, Chas V’shalom, however, any one with minimal understanding can and must look forth and foresee the tragic happenings. In his affidavits, Mr. Spritzer, stated many claims which he will have to prove.

a)         The courts will force him to disclose all his money dealings.

b)         Money laundering is no secret in Mr. Spritzer’s dealings…

c)         Imagine the misfortune that will occur to our whole community. That who understands, understands…

24.       Mr. Spritzer and Schreiber’s court case is based on the Rabbonim. What will happen when the Courts will call on the Beis Din to testify whether his claims are true or false?? The Judiciary process will surely call on anyone that is mentioned in the affidavits.

25.       I only presented two (#23 & #24) harmful points that the court case will cause and unless they remove the case this will continue to cause to the Crown Heights Community much harm.

26.    I would like to reiterate that personally I am not afraid to stand witness and give my testimony. We as defendants are acting pro-se. This decision was made when we decided that the monies spent on lawyers can be better spent by helping and doing more good deeds in our community. I’yh when this court case will finally be over and we will receive our proper compensation from Mr. Spritzer and Mr. Schreiber, we will use the money to continue building and expanding our good work.

In summary:

A)        During this entire ordeal, we were the only ones that truly adhered to the Rabbonim’s words

B)        During this continuous ordeal, we were the only ones that were ready to negotiate and make peace.

In conclusion, I remind you that I have written in short and with many implications, much more can be elaborated upon the situation. Everything that is written on these pages can be backed up with solid documentation, witnesses, etc.

It is time – that some one stand up and stop this destruction and cold-blooded murder.

“Yafe sha’ha achat kodem!” This should be done before the train completely loses control and falls into the deep dark ditch. This is the moment before the final devastation. It is time we focus on building and stop this destruction.

“Ve’chol ha’mairim yad be’torat moshe nifra’im mimenu me’shamayim.” (Whoever raises his hand against the Torah of Moshe, he will be repaid from heaven.)

At the start of this court case, Rabbi Heller, member of the Beis Din, said to us “…..Elokim yivakesh tza’a’kat ha’nirdoff” (Hashem will seek the cry [and prayer] of the prosecuted.)

I really hope you will take this letter to heart (because I wrote it from the heart) and do something for our beautiful community. Thank you in advance.

[Signed,
Director of Machne Menachem]
Crown Heights

P.S. After concluding this letter, I have decided that it will benefit the community if our dear netzigin will be presented with this important information. In addition, I am enclosing some copies from the court. Your welcome to see the entire collection.

cc: all Crown Heights netzigim Enclosure