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Matisyahu Makes a Break
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More in The ShmoozeHasidic reggae superstar Matisyahu told the Miami New Times last month that he no longer identifies with the Lubavitch sect. He said that “the more I’m learning about other types of Jews, I don’t want to exclude myself. I felt boxed in.”
His admission sparked discussion in the Chabad-Lubavitch community. And in comments on various Web sites and blogs, some expressed concern that Matisyahu will be a bad influence on impressionable frum youth. Matisyahu, however, maintains that he’s still “really religious,” and says that he prays and meditates before every performance. But some Lubavitchers have cited another reason to worry: After he davens, Matisyahu turns on Jay-Z and drinks wine to relax.
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deborah, get a life.... i hope you dont abuse anyone
What!?!?! I didn't know that you could leave the Lubavitch Movement! I thought it was a cult. How can someone just leave?
it is a cult, and he finnaly so the light!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anan:
My sympathies to you. Ignorance and stupidity don't always have to go together - but it looks like you got em both.
Lubavitch doesn't shoot people who leave. But for those born into the community, leaving is not simple - abandoning family, friends, language, structure... But Matisyahu wasn't born into Lubavitch - he's a recent convert, with a history of shopping around for a religion.
Chabad is not a cult in any sense. I know too many Lubavitchers who've left the fold with no consequences whatsoever. A Chabad rabbi friend of mine (and I am not a Chabadnik or even MO) used to say there are subways coming and going from Crown Heights many times each day.
Good, now he can marry a shiksa like all other showbusiness Jews. Good gimmick while it lasted.
Martin - that's a good one!
from what i heard, he's really still Lubavitch. this was some type of PR stunt.
well i guessed he used lubavitch as long as he needed it
just imagine mathew miller (his name before he joined lubavitch) with a pony tail singing regga ? would he make it in show biz?
no but a chassid with black hat now that is someting
I, for one, am glad that he's returning to Judaism
from what i heard, he's really still Lubavitch. this was some type of PR stunt.
The Lubavitchers are worried about someone who drinks wine to relax...HA, now that is funny. Maybe they think a little schnaps would be better.