The following is a statement from the Lakewood Vaad:
We are saddened beyond words by the arrests of seven couples in our town. As firm believers in the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ we suspend judgment until the disposition of these charges, and are comforted knowing that our judicial system is an able arbiter of justice.
Regardless of the outcomes of these cases, we have, in our view, a valuable teaching moment that cannot be wasted.
There is no such a thing as “justified” theft. Federal and State social safety-net programs are meant for those in need, even those in need have rules and criteria that must be strictly followed. To deliberately bend a safety-net eligibility rule is stealing, no different than stealing from your friend or neighbor.
We would all do well to redouble and triple our efforts in our communities, reminding each and every one of us that there is never any excuse for dishonesty in any form. Let us take this moment to speak openly of these matters, from the pulpit, in the classroom, and by parents at the dinner table, so that this tragic but necessary learning moment is not lost.
In the days ahead we will help launch a set of intensive educational programs that can ensure that such does not happen again, and will invite the public to participate in these timely programs.
Rabbi Moshe Zev Weisberg on behalf of The Lakewood Vaad
Commendable announcement and initiative but it's pretty funny that we need the Vaad to tell us that stealing and lying is not allowed and also no mention of Halacha and Aseres Hadibros.
ReplyDeleteYou know
ReplyDeleteIf theirs 10 theirs 1000
You know why
Because you tell your kids theyll be taken care of and not to worry.
And even if they get a good livelihood they still have the survivor mentality.
I don know this whole thing makes me sick.
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ReplyDeleteI don't know if i should laugh or cry,the VAAD is giving MUSSAR on the sin of stealing from the government? are you kidding me'have they no shame? this farce is exactly like if the Mafia would start lecturing against thievery and corruption, V'HAMAIVIN YOVAN
ReplyDeleteIn Hebrew it is written Al shlosho dvorim haolam omade : auf yiddish auf 3 sachen shteit der welt but also au drain (things diverted) Sachen shteit der wel
ReplyDeleteTime to reinvent the wheel. You're not wanted. Spread Torah in other areas of NY,NJ, etc.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, these were sophisticated schemes involving setting up LLCs and phony bank transactions. This wasn't just a couple people milking the system a bit. Some serious jail time is needed.
ReplyDeletedan lekaf zcoos everybody,its only an arrest not a verdict
ReplyDelete4:13, Correct! If only others would say and think that.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you stop your idiotic comments
DeleteDon't you even have the IQ of a peanut