Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto: Difference between revisions

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In December 2010, Pinto condemned an [[December 2010 Rabbi Letter Controversies|open letter endorsed by 50 Israeli rabbis]] which encouraged Jewish community members to avoid renting or selling property to non-Jews.<ref name="openletter">{{cite web|first=Yair|last=Ettinger|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-based-rabbi-edict-against-renting-to-arabs-endangers-jews-abroad-1.331369|author = Ettinger, Yair|title=U.S.-based rabbi: Edict against renting to Arabs endangers Jews abroad
In December 2010, Pinto condemned an [[December 2010 Rabbi Letter Controversies|open letter endorsed by 50 Israeli rabbis]] which encouraged Jewish community members to avoid renting or selling property to non-Jews.<ref name="openletter">{{cite web|first=Yair|last=Ettinger|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/u-s-based-rabbi-edict-against-renting-to-arabs-endangers-jews-abroad-1.331369|author = Ettinger, Yair|title=U.S.-based rabbi: Edict against renting to Arabs endangers Jews abroad
|date=December 19, 2010|accessdate=December 20, 2010|work=Haaretz}}</ref><ref name="dontrent">{{cite web|first=Sara|last=Hussein|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101207/wl_mideast_afp/societyisraelarabsreligiondiscrimination_20101207174944|title='Don't rent to non-Jews,' Israeli rabbis warn|date=December 7, 2010|accessdate=December 20, 2010|work=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref> Pinto believed that the letter would provoke racism against Jews both abroad and domestically, making it difficult for them "to live in New York or anywhere else in the world."<ref name="openletter"/> The letter has also been condemned by the [[Association for Civil Rights in Israel]].<ref name="dontrent"/>
|date=December 19, 2010|accessdate=December 20, 2010|work=Haaretz}}</ref><ref name="dontrent">{{cite web|first=Sara|last=Hussein|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101207/wl_mideast_afp/societyisraelarabsreligiondiscrimination_20101207174944|title='Don't rent to non-Jews,' Israeli rabbis warn|date=December 7, 2010|accessdate=December 20, 2010|work=[[Yahoo!]]}}</ref> Pinto believed that the letter would provoke racism against Jews both abroad and domestically, making it difficult for them "to live in New York or anywhere else in the world."<ref name="openletter"/> The letter has also been condemned by the [[Association for Civil Rights in Israel]].<ref name="dontrent"/>

==Finances==
Considerable questions have risen regarding Pinto’s organizations finances. A report by The Forward, a New York Jewish newspaper has revealed a “contrast between the rabbi’s lifestyle and his reputation for modest living, and questions about the rabbi’s image as a business guru when his own not-for-profit faces financial problems.” The Forward stated: “The business troubles at Mosdot Shuva Israel could be seen as ironic, given Rabbi Pinto’s reputation as an adviser to businessmen, and particularly to real estate brokers.”

Pinto’s home, a $6.5 million Manhattan townhouse faces foreclosure, where mortgage installments haven't been paid in nearly 2 years. A senior Mosdot Shuva Israel official estimated the budget runs on $50 million to $60 million a year, however, officials were unable to state how many employees worked for the organization, nor how many students study in the yeshiva. Former donors to Mosdot Shuva Israel described “insistent and unusual” courting by Pinto’s fundraisers. <ref>http://forward.com/articles/136250/</ref>


===Work within the business community===
===Work within the business community===


Although Pinto has no formal business background,<ref name="realdeal"/> a number of prominent Israeli and [[American Jews|Jewish-American]] businessmen have visited him for consultation on business and personal matters,<ref name="dailyfinance">{{cite web|last=Berkovici|first=Jeff|url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/the-mysterious-rabbi-who-gave-lebron-james-business-advice/19588376/|title=The Mysterious Rabbi Who Gave LeBron James Business Advice|date=August 1, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=[[AOL]]: DailyFinance}}</ref> including the Israeli owner of the [[Plaza Hotel]] Yitzhak Tshuva, talk-show host [[Donny Deutsch]], jeweler [[Jacob Arabo]] ("Jacob the Jeweler"), and Congressman [[Anthony Weiner]].<ref name="dailyfinance"/> Politicians and businessmen who have visited Pinto in Israel include attorney (and former Justice Minister) [[Yaakov Neeman]], former Bank of Israel governor [[Jacob Frenkel]],<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/> and Israeli soccer star [[Guy Levy]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Moshe|last=Boker|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/sports/soccer-luzon-won-t-let-coach-bolt-u21s-1.228403|title=Soccer/Luzon won't let coach bolt U21s|date=August 29, 2007|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=Haaretz}}</ref> Because of Pinto's influence, he has been called the "rabbi to the business stars".<ref>{{cite web|author=Yanez, Luisa; Kaleem, Jaweed|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/11/1769784/tmz-miami-heats-lebron-james-hires.html|title=Report: LeBron James hires rabbi|date=August 11, 2010|accessdate=November 10, 2010|work=[[Miami Herald]]}}</ref> Pinto had an ongoing feud with deceased real estate mogul Solomon Obstfeld regarding Pinto's lease of Obstfeld's apartments at the post NYC [[Essex House]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/questions-raised-about-brooklyn-investor-s-suicide-at-essex-house|title=Questions raised about Brooklyn investor's suicide at Essex House|date=June 18, 2010|publisher=The Real Deal.com|accessdate=February 20, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forward.com/articles/128944/|title=Charismatic Moroccan Kabbalist Draws Crowds And Questions|author=Nathan-Kazis, Jsoh|work=The Real Deal.com|accessdate=February 20, 2011}}</ref>
Although Pinto has no formal business background,<ref name="realdeal"/> a number of prominent Israeli and [[American Jews|Jewish-American]] businessmen have visited him for consultation on business and personal matters,<ref name="dailyfinance">{{cite web|last=Berkovici|first=Jeff|url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/the-mysterious-rabbi-who-gave-lebron-james-business-advice/19588376/|title=The Mysterious Rabbi Who Gave LeBron James Business Advice|date=August 1, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=[[AOL]]: DailyFinance}}</ref> including the Israeli owner of the [[Plaza Hotel]] Yitzhak Tshuva, talk-show host [[Donny Deutsch]], jeweler [[Jacob Arabo]] ("Jacob the Jeweler"), and Congressman [[Anthony Weiner]].<ref name="dailyfinance"/> Pinto claims not to give business advice, stating he gives blessings.
<ref>http://forward.com/articles/136250/</ref>
Politicians and businessmen who have visited Pinto in Israel include attorney (and former Justice Minister) [[Yaakov Neeman]], former Bank of Israel governor [[Jacob Frenkel]],<ref name="sageofmanhattan"/> and Israeli soccer star [[Guy Levy]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Moshe|last=Boker|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/sports/soccer-luzon-won-t-let-coach-bolt-u21s-1.228403|title=Soccer/Luzon won't let coach bolt U21s|date=August 29, 2007|accessdate=September 27, 2010|work=Haaretz}}</ref> Because of Pinto's influence, he has been called the "rabbi to the business stars".<ref>{{cite web|author=Yanez, Luisa; Kaleem, Jaweed|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/11/1769784/tmz-miami-heats-lebron-james-hires.html|title=Report: LeBron James hires rabbi|date=August 11, 2010|accessdate=November 10, 2010|work=[[Miami Herald]]}}</ref> Pinto had an ongoing feud with deceased real estate mogul Solomon Obstfeld regarding Pinto's lease of Obstfeld's apartments at the post NYC [[Essex House]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/questions-raised-about-brooklyn-investor-s-suicide-at-essex-house|title=Questions raised about Brooklyn investor's suicide at Essex House|date=June 18, 2010|publisher=The Real Deal.com|accessdate=February 20, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forward.com/articles/128944/|title=Charismatic Moroccan Kabbalist Draws Crowds And Questions|author=Nathan-Kazis, Jsoh|work=The Real Deal.com|accessdate=February 20, 2011}}</ref>


In 2008 real estate broker Ilan Bracha and his partner developer Haim Binstock paid $1.65 million for the ground floor at the Heritage at Trump Place condominium.<ref name="WSJcheck">{{cite web|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989504576128211750098504.html?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=A Rabbi Gets a Helping Hand |author= Karmin, Craig; Frangos, Alex|date= February 9, 2011|publisher= ''Wall Street Journal'' Online|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref> Bracha and Binstock had planned to open a synagogue in the 2,700-square-foot space for Pinto’s use,<ref>{{cite web|last=Elkies|first=Lauren|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/hoyda-levy-nello-and-rabbi-to-the-real-estate-community-gather-at-15-central-park-west-to-raise-funds-for-new-uws-synagogue|title=Hoyda, Levy and rabbi-to-the-real estate community gather at 15 CPW to raise funds for new UWS synagogue|work=[[The Real Deal]]|date=March 15, 2010|accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref> and the rabbi has been involved in fundraising efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/uws-synagogue-in-danger-of-foreclosure|title=UWS synagogue in danger of foreclosure|publisher=therealdeal.com|date=February 9, 2011|accessdate=February 12, 2011}}</ref> In early in 2009, the partners defaulted by failing to pay their share of the building's common charges, according to the foreclosure action brought by the condo board in New York State. In February 2011 the site was saved from foreclosure proceedings by a $56,000 personal check from Binstock's wife.<ref name="WSJcheck"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Arak|first=Joey|url=http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2011/02/09/uws_building_in_holy_foreclosure_war_with_lebrons_rabbi.php|title=UWS Building in Holy Foreclosure War With LeBron's Rabbi|work=[[Curbed]]|date=February 9, 2011|accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref>
In 2008 real estate broker Ilan Bracha and his partner developer Haim Binstock paid $1.65 million for the ground floor at the Heritage at Trump Place condominium.<ref name="WSJcheck">{{cite web|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989504576128211750098504.html?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=A Rabbi Gets a Helping Hand |author= Karmin, Craig; Frangos, Alex|date= February 9, 2011|publisher= ''Wall Street Journal'' Online|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref> Bracha and Binstock had planned to open a synagogue in the 2,700-square-foot space for Pinto’s use,<ref>{{cite web|last=Elkies|first=Lauren|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/hoyda-levy-nello-and-rabbi-to-the-real-estate-community-gather-at-15-central-park-west-to-raise-funds-for-new-uws-synagogue|title=Hoyda, Levy and rabbi-to-the-real estate community gather at 15 CPW to raise funds for new UWS synagogue|work=[[The Real Deal]]|date=March 15, 2010|accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref> and the rabbi has been involved in fundraising efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/uws-synagogue-in-danger-of-foreclosure|title=UWS synagogue in danger of foreclosure|publisher=therealdeal.com|date=February 9, 2011|accessdate=February 12, 2011}}</ref> In early in 2009, the partners defaulted by failing to pay their share of the building's common charges, according to the foreclosure action brought by the condo board in New York State. In February 2011 the site was saved from foreclosure proceedings by a $56,000 personal check from Binstock's wife.<ref name="WSJcheck"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Arak|first=Joey|url=http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2011/02/09/uws_building_in_holy_foreclosure_war_with_lebrons_rabbi.php|title=UWS Building in Holy Foreclosure War With LeBron's Rabbi|work=[[Curbed]]|date=February 9, 2011|accessdate=February 10, 2011}}</ref>

Revision as of 11:26, 17 March 2011

Rabbi
Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto
Personal
Born1973
ReligionJudaism
NationalityIsraeli
ParentHaim Pinto (father)
PositionFounder and head
OrganisationMosdot Shuva Israel
ResidenceNew York City

Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto (born 1973) is an Israeli Jewish spiritual leader and Kabbalist[1] who lives in New York City.[2][3][4][5]

Family life

Pinto descends from a centuries-old, Hebrew-speaking rabbinic family from Morocco.[1] On his father's side, he is the great-grandson of Chaim Pinto, a Moroccan sage;[6][4] on his mother's side, he is the grandson of Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, who is also known as Baba Sali.[6]

Career

In his early 20s, Pinto founded the Shuva Israel yeshiva in Ashdod, Israel.[5] The center has four synagogues that serve more than 1,200 worshippers, a yeshiva with over 300 full-time students, and a soup kitchen that provides 3,000 meals a day.[5] Pinto has also established a network of yeshivas in Israel, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.[4][6] In October 2010, Pinto led thousands of individuals to Silistra, Bulgaria, for an annual pilgrimage in homage of Eliezer Papo, who is honored among Jews for his book Pele Yoetz,[5] and revered in Silistra for giving his life to save the town from a plague in 1826.[5] During his stay in Silistra, Pinto held a closed meeting with 80 Jewish American businessmen, asking them to invest $5 billion in the Israeli economy.[7]

In December 2010, Pinto condemned an open letter endorsed by 50 Israeli rabbis which encouraged Jewish community members to avoid renting or selling property to non-Jews.[8][9] Pinto believed that the letter would provoke racism against Jews both abroad and domestically, making it difficult for them "to live in New York or anywhere else in the world."[8] The letter has also been condemned by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel.[9]

Finances

Considerable questions have risen regarding Pinto’s organizations finances. A report by The Forward, a New York Jewish newspaper has revealed a “contrast between the rabbi’s lifestyle and his reputation for modest living, and questions about the rabbi’s image as a business guru when his own not-for-profit faces financial problems.” The Forward stated: “The business troubles at Mosdot Shuva Israel could be seen as ironic, given Rabbi Pinto’s reputation as an adviser to businessmen, and particularly to real estate brokers.”

Pinto’s home, a $6.5 million Manhattan townhouse faces foreclosure, where mortgage installments haven't been paid in nearly 2 years. A senior Mosdot Shuva Israel official estimated the budget runs on $50 million to $60 million a year, however, officials were unable to state how many employees worked for the organization, nor how many students study in the yeshiva. Former donors to Mosdot Shuva Israel described “insistent and unusual” courting by Pinto’s fundraisers. [10]

Work within the business community

Although Pinto has no formal business background,[2] a number of prominent Israeli and Jewish-American businessmen have visited him for consultation on business and personal matters,[11] including the Israeli owner of the Plaza Hotel Yitzhak Tshuva, talk-show host Donny Deutsch, jeweler Jacob Arabo ("Jacob the Jeweler"), and Congressman Anthony Weiner.[11] Pinto claims not to give business advice, stating he gives blessings. [12]

Politicians and businessmen who have visited Pinto in Israel include attorney (and former Justice Minister) Yaakov Neeman, former Bank of Israel governor Jacob Frenkel,[6] and Israeli soccer star Guy Levy.[13] Because of Pinto's influence, he has been called the "rabbi to the business stars".[14] Pinto had an ongoing feud with deceased real estate mogul Solomon Obstfeld regarding Pinto's lease of Obstfeld's apartments at the post NYC Essex House.[15][16]

In 2008 real estate broker Ilan Bracha and his partner developer Haim Binstock paid $1.65 million for the ground floor at the Heritage at Trump Place condominium.[17] Bracha and Binstock had planned to open a synagogue in the 2,700-square-foot space for Pinto’s use,[18] and the rabbi has been involved in fundraising efforts.[19] In early in 2009, the partners defaulted by failing to pay their share of the building's common charges, according to the foreclosure action brought by the condo board in New York State. In February 2011 the site was saved from foreclosure proceedings by a $56,000 personal check from Binstock's wife.[17][20]

In August 2010, LeBron James was reported to have met with Pinto for business consultations, for which he made a "six-figure payment" to Pinto's organization, Shuva Israel.[11] Jimmy Kimmel mocked James' meeting with Pinto on Jimmy Kimmel Live, pretending to get advice from Pinto. "Apparently, [Pinto is] a very high-paid consultant when it comes to business matters," stated Kimmel when introducing the spoof, "One time, I actually consulted with the rabbi myself".[21]

References

  1. ^ a b Nathan-Kazis, Josh (June 23, 2010). "Charismatic Moroccan Kabbalist Draws Crowds And Questions". The Jewish Daily Forward. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  2. ^ a b Elkies, Lauren (April 30, 2008). "Rabbi Pinto Blesses the Deal". The Real Deal. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  3. ^ Bercovici, Jeff (August 10, 2010). "The Mysterious Rabbi Who Gave Lebron James Business Advice". DailyFinance. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c Ettinger, Yair (March 29, 2010). "A rabbi not afraid to deviate". Haaretz. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d e Mandel, Jonah (October 1, 2010). "Celestial Celebrity". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
  6. ^ a b c d Handwerker, Haim (December 4, 2006). "The Sage of Manhattan". balintlaw.com. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  7. ^ Weiss, Reuven (September 5, 2010). "Rabbi asks businessmen to invest in Israel". ynetnews. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  8. ^ a b Ettinger, Yair (December 19, 2010). "U.S.-based rabbi: Edict against renting to Arabs endangers Jews abroad". Haaretz. Retrieved December 20, 2010. {{cite web}}: More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  9. ^ a b Hussein, Sara (December 7, 2010). "'Don't rent to non-Jews,' Israeli rabbis warn". Yahoo!. Retrieved December 20, 2010.
  10. ^ http://forward.com/articles/136250/
  11. ^ a b c Berkovici, Jeff (August 1, 2010). "The Mysterious Rabbi Who Gave LeBron James Business Advice". AOL: DailyFinance. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  12. ^ http://forward.com/articles/136250/
  13. ^ Boker, Moshe (August 29, 2007). "Soccer/Luzon won't let coach bolt U21s". Haaretz. Retrieved September 27, 2010.
  14. ^ Yanez, Luisa; Kaleem, Jaweed (August 11, 2010). "Report: LeBron James hires rabbi". Miami Herald. Retrieved November 10, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ "Questions raised about Brooklyn investor's suicide at Essex House". The Real Deal.com. June 18, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  16. ^ Nathan-Kazis, Jsoh. "Charismatic Moroccan Kabbalist Draws Crowds And Questions". The Real Deal.com. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
  17. ^ a b Karmin, Craig; Frangos, Alex (February 9, 2011). "A Rabbi Gets a Helping Hand". Wall Street Journal Online. Retrieved February 9, 2011. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Elkies, Lauren (March 15, 2010). "Hoyda, Levy and rabbi-to-the-real estate community gather at 15 CPW to raise funds for new UWS synagogue". The Real Deal. Retrieved February 10, 2011.
  19. ^ "UWS synagogue in danger of foreclosure". therealdeal.com. February 9, 2011. Retrieved February 12, 2011.
  20. ^ Arak, Joey (February 9, 2011). "UWS Building in Holy Foreclosure War With LeBron's Rabbi". Curbed. Retrieved February 10, 2011.
  21. ^ Gorta, William J. (December 14, 2010). "Joke's on Jimmy: Batty 'rabbi' in skit suit vs. Kimmel". New York Post. Retrieved December 14, 2010.

Further reading

External links

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