Sunday, October 25, 2009

Can There Be Any Doubt About The YeSh"A Council?

8 of the Eighth Month 5770

This article from Israel National News (italics) is interspersed with my comments.
Barak Lauds Wallerstein on Mutiny
Gil Ronen, October 25, 2009

Pinhas Wallerstein(IsraelNN.com) Defense Minister Ehud Barak reacted Sunday to the “Kotel mutiny” in which soldiers at a swearing-in ceremony protested the IDF's eviction policy, saying that he viewed it “very gravely.”

"However,” he added, “Yesh"a Council Director Pinchas Wallerstein's sharp reaction against the deed was in my eyes the right voice of the settlers in Yehudah (Judea) and Shomron (Samaria).”
One compliment from Ehud Barak says it all....
In an interview on Voice of Israel government radio, Wallerstein called the soldiers' action “unforgivable.”
Can there now be any doubt in anyone's minds where Wallerstein's priorities are? Can there be any doubt about his conflicts of interest? Can there be any doubt about his being a government collaborator?

The so-called YeSh"A Council is suppose to encourage the settlement of Yehudah and Shomron, not discourage it, and certainly not support any enterprise which discourages it or, worse, destroys it.

Because of such soldiers, some Jewish strongholds still stand. Why would Wallerstein want to put them down? If he secretly supports them, why would this want to bury the truth? The truth is that Pinhas Wallerstein cares first and foremost for Pinhas Wallerstein, second for Pinhas Wallerstein, and third for Ofra, the town in which he resides.
Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Head of the Hesder Yeshiva at Elon Moreh and a member of the Judea and Samaria Council, voiced support Saturday for the soldiers and demanded that Wallerstein resign his post.

Rabbi Levanon is one of the rabbis who knows which takes precedence, Torah Law or man-made laws, and is not ashamed to express it. Barukh HaShem we have [real] rabbis like him.
"I call upon every soldier to reveal his views in public,” Levanon urged. “Clear value-oriented statements by soldiers are a clear sign of the general public feeling against the eviction of any Jews from their home.”

Encouraging freedom of speech? See how dangerous such truth-bearing rabbis are?
The Yesh"a Council is made up of local government chiefs in Yehudah and Shomron and claims to represent the Jewish population in those regions.

So true is the manner in which Gil Ronen phrases this last sentence. The YeSh"A Council is self-chartered, self-perpetuating, and self-serving. The rare, decent members, like Rabbi Levanon, stick around only in an attempt to facilitate positive change. Unfortunately, they spend most of their time doing damage control.

*********

Don't forget to watch the documentary "Meraglim"
(Spies) if you haven't already done so. This 40 minute video exposes the collaboration of the YeSh"A Council with the Israeli government during the Expulsion from Azza in the summer, 2005.

Anyone Thinking About Going Back To America?

8 of the Eighth Month 5770

If anyone is thinking about going back to America, then all you have to do is check out the collection of photos presented on the following website:

People Of Walmart

*Tzni'us Alert,...I think,...sort of....

(Tip Credit: Our Man In Qiriyath Sefer)

It'll make you want to stay in Israel, by reminding you of some of the "culture" we were trying to get away from in the first place.

Those of you still in America, this site should make you run (not walk) to go and buy your one-way ticket.

Here's just one (very mild) example of what you'll find there.



Yeah, on second thought, I should issue a major Tzni'us Alert for this site. Enter at your own risk! I am referring you to this site ONLY to encourage you to get the hell out of there!

I await your "That's offensive!" comments....

The Price Of "Arab" Olives

7 of the Eighth Month 5770

I have written about Jews getting pushed around over the masiq (olive harvest) so many times, I have decided to add an "Olive Harvest" label to Esser Agaroth.

Each fall, Jews are kicked out of their homes, have their movements restricted, separated from their families and jobs, for fear of interference in the Yishma'eli (Arab) harvest of olives on Land which is not even theirs.
Army Bans Land of Israel Activists From Home
Hillel Fendel 24 Tishrei 5770/12 October 09 04:41

(IsraelNN.com) In response to the abrupt announcement that three activists may not return to their homes in Samaria for six months, residents say leftists have taken over the army’s Central Command.

Early Monday morning, IDF Central District Commander Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni issued orders banning two prominent Land of Israel activists from returning to their homes, or anywhere in the Shomron (Samaria), for the next six months. The two are Ariel Gruner and Akiva HaCohen, both fathers of four children and residents of Yitzhar in the Shomron.

This is not the first time for either of them: In July 2006, Gruner - whose youngest son is now ten days old - was placed in prison for seven weeks under administrative detention orders generally employed against Arab terrorists. He was then placed under “caravan arrest” in a small Jordan Valley community for three months, followed by a three-month ban on entering Judea and Samaria. In August 2008, HaCohen was banned from the Shomron, where he lives, for four months.

A Third Expellee
Several hours later, Shamni issued similar orders against a third Yitzhar resident, Eliav Eliyahu, 19, who has been married for less than a year.

The official explanation for the latest orders: “Information has been received of their involvement in violent and illegal activity… and in light of the genuine danger foreseen from them to security and public order.” (Read more...)

"Information?" What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?! Where's the "evidence?" Oh, that's right they don't have any, and they don't need any.
MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) criticized what he called the “thought police,” and asked why it is that pro-Arab activists and anarchists in the Bil’in and Naalin protests “who throw rocks at soldiers” never receive such orders.

MK Ben-Ari, I believe have the answer to that. "They" (the Israeli Government) side with Yishme'el (Arabs) and Esau (The West/Christians), and have forsaken the Land of Israel, for they have no connection to it. "They" are Erev Rav.

"They" have no clue and no connection with the Torah, which clearly predicts...
דברים ו
י
וְהָיָה כִּי יְבִיאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, אֶל-הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב--לָתֶת לָךְ: עָרִים גְּדֹלֹת וְטֹבֹת, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-בָנִיתָ. יא וּבָתִּים מְלֵאִים כָּל-טוּב, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-מִלֵּאתָ, וּבֹרֹת חֲצוּבִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא-חָצַבְתָּ, כְּרָמִים וְזֵיתִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא-נָטָעְתָּ; וְאָכַלְתָּ, וְשָׂבָעְתָּ.

Deuteronomy 6
10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land which He swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee--great and goodly cities, which thou didst not build, 11 and houses full of all good things, which thou didst not fill, and cisterns hewn out, which thou didst not hew, vineyards and olive-trees, which thou didst not plant, and thou shalt eat and be satisfied--
No, we are prevented from fulfilling our destiny, not only to take full possession of the heart of our homeland, but also to reap its benefits.

After living in Binyamin and the Shomron, I can attest to the fact that 100 percent of the olives never get picked. Even if I approved of sharing with the Yishma'elim, which I most certainly do not, there are plenty of olives to go around.

Ideally, Jews would go into the groves in full force, harvest everything, and have an amazing stockpile of organic olive oil for food, medicinal purposes, cosmetics, and for export.

Instead Jews are removed from their homes, families, land, and jobs, while Yishma'elim are given free reign to harvest the olives on our Land, in contradiction to countless sources in Jewish Law.

*********

Ariel at The Torah Revolution has this to say: Just Look At Him.

*********
It has been suggested that if you think there's something wrong here, then contact every Israeli politician you know, including Ehud Barak, Minister of Defense: (dover@mod.gov.il) fax: 011 972- 2-649-6545; Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu: memshala@it.pmo.gov.il, Fax: 011 972 -2- 563-2580; the Israeli Embassy in Washington: Tel: 202-364-5500; Deputy Chief of Mission: Dan Arbell, Fax: (202) 364-5560; Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Major General Benjamin Gantz Tel: (202) 364-5403 Fax: (202) 364-5503.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Shivi Keller In Concert Mossa'ei Shabbath No'ah

3 of the Eighth Month 5770

K'far Tapu'ah combination Melaweh Malkah Concerts have returned!

Shivi Keller kicks the fall season off this Mossa'ei Shabbath at 7:30!

Save room for Yekuti'el's special chollent, the best in the Shomron!
(Click to enlarge)


Call 052-7521159 for more information.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Haveil Havalim #239 Is Up!

30 of the Seventh Month 5770

Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival #239 is up at Ima's!

It's the The Post-Chagim Edition.

Apartment Hunting In Jerusalem,...Again

Mossa'ei Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Bereishith 5770

The following is an adaption of the sign I have been posting around town. Please let me know if you have any ideas.

בחורים דתיים

אני מחפש דירה להשכרה בקרית משה, גבעת שאול, או באיזור, ורוצה להיכנס בי”ד חשוון 01/11/09 או לפני זה. אם יש לכם כבר דירה ואתם צריכים שותף – צרו איתי קשר. עובד ולומד. לא מעשן. יעקב


Religious Men:

I am looking for an apartment to rent in Qiryat Moshe, Givat Shaul, or in the surrounding area by Nov. 1, possibly sooner. If you have an apartment, and need another roommate, please contact me. I work and learn, am reliable, and do not smoke. Ya'aqov
As far as neighborhoods go, I am pretty open at this point. I have to be. Still I am happy to live in any number of neighborhoods in the right apartment with the right people.

I have been looking in Nahla'oth, Giv'ath Mordechai, Qatamon, Baq'ah, Beth HaKerem, you name it.

I'm not going to post my phone number here on this post. My e-mail address is yaaqov.ben.yehudah@gmail.com.


Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Friday, October 16, 2009

CAIR Caught?

28 of the Seventh Month 5770

Rep. Sue Myrick (NC-R) talks with Alison Camoratta of Fox News about acquiring an internal memo circulating at Council of American-Islamic Relations [CAIR].

If not caught conspiring to infiltrate the body of Congressional interns, then certainly CAIR has some questions to answer regarding its lobbying efforts. CAIR's 501(c)(3) status prohibits the organization from lobbying.

CAIR was an unindicted co-conspirator in the "Holy Land" trial, with ties to Hamas.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Haveil Havalim #238 Is Up!

24 of the Seventh Month 5770

Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival #238 is up at Jack's Place (Random Thoughts - Do they have any meaning?)!

It's the We Love The Dodgers/Angels Edition.

Of course, I do not.

But, check it out anyway!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Good News: And Bo'az Begat...

24 of the Seventh Month 5770
רות ד,כא
...ובעז הוליד
Ruth 4:21
...and Bo'az begat...
Some good news for once...
Triplets for Father Who Lost Three Sons to Terrorism
Hillel Fendel, 24 Tishrei 5770/October 11, 2009

(IsraelNN.com) Seven years after Boaz Shabo lost his wife and three of his seven children in a terrorist attack [in Itamar], he and his second wife are the proud parents of new-born triplets.

The babies, two boys and a girl, are currently hospitalized in the preemie ward of Tel HaShomer Hospital.

The murderous attack occurred in June 2002 – ending a tragic week in which no fewer than 38 Israelis were murdered by Palestinian terrorists, including 19 on a bus outside the Gilo neighborhood of Jerusalem and seven in a French Hill bus stop bombing. (Read more...)

Nothing could possibly "replace" Bo'az's wife Rahel and sons Avishai, Tzvika and Neria (May HaShem avenge their blood!). However, HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) saw fit to give Bo'az a new wife and three more children (May they live long, healthy, and happy lives!). I defy anyone to call this a coincidence!

The attack on the Shabo Family and Yosef Twito took place the day after the attack I survived. Three weeks beforehand, I met Bo'az. He gave me a ride from Ofra to Jerusalem on Erev Shabbath. He was on his way to spend Shabbath on duty as a medic in a hospital emergency room. I remember how friendly he was, encouraging me to come visit Itamar, and telling me about his goats. Because of Bo'az, I knew that my desire to be closer to Jews working in agriculture could become a reality. Because of Bo'az, my spirits were raised that day.

On the way, we saw a bale of hay tumble off a Yishma'eli (Arab) truck.

Needless to say, we followed the halacha (Jewish law) regarding this matter.

מי שמבין יבין

He who understands, will understand....

I had only known him for an hour, yet I was able to witness him carry out several misswoth.

Mazal Tov to Bo'az and his family!

Sukkoth Wrap-Up: No Karliner YouTube Channel Yet

24 of the Seventh Month 5770

When I go out for Simhath Beth HaSho'evah, I always try to make it to Karlin-Stolen. in the Beis Yisroel neighborhood in Jerusalem (...conveniently located a block away from the cheapest, least worst, pizza place in Israel. But, I digress....).

Unlike Vizhnitz-B'nei Braq, I was unable to find a Karlin-Stolen YouTube Channel. Perhaps there's one on another video service. I don't know.

You see, I didn't make it to Karlin this year. It's always leibadik, and absent both of the food-fressing balaganim of some locales, and of the cliquishness of some yeshivas,...which shall remain nameless.

Karlin's Simhath Beth HaSho'evah is very no-nonsense, with nice, live music, dancing, and soft drinks to quell the heat. Here's a clip from two years ago. Notice the mix of hassidim, Litvaks, and religious Zionist types,...all dancing together? Karlin is known for its very welcoming atmosphere, in the true spirit of Ahduth Yisra'el (Jewish Unity).

It has even been criticized for this, as some secular Jews drive on Shabbath to get to the Rebbe's tish. (If they're going to drive anyway, better to a rebbe's tish than to a night club, no?)

Don't tell anyone, though. We're not allowed to point out anything positive about hassidim, let alone haredim as a whole.

Whoops. I almost forgot. I'm not a member of the "mainstream" (leftist and/or anti-haredi) news media, so, I don't have to hold by that rule.

Don't hold your breath. I hardly see myself becoming a Karliner Hassid. Still, I like to give credit where credit is due.

Enjoy!



Holding A Lulav During Prayer

23 of the Seventh Month/Isru Hag 5770
משנה תורה הלכות תפילה ה,ה
...ובכל מקום, לא יאחוז תפילין בידו או ספר תורה בזרועו, מפני שליבו טרוד בהן; ולא יאחוז מעות וכלים בידו.
אבל מתפלל הוא בלולב בידו בימות החג, מפני שהיא מצות היום

Mishnah Torah Laws of Prayer 5:5
...one does not hold Tefillin in his hands or a Sefer Torah in his arms, because they will worry him; and one does not hold coins or vessels in his hands. But one who is praying has a lulav in his hand during the Hag [HaSukkoth], because it is the misswah of the day.
This was how prayed during Sukkoth.

Of course, I also wore Tefillin during Hol HaMo'ed:
(Machon Shilo) Both Talmudhim indicate that one is to wear Tefillin during Hol HaMo'edh.

The Rif, Ramba"m, Rosh and Tur all agree that the misswah applies even during Sukkoth and Pesah. The Shulhan Arukh says otherwise, contrary to his own rule of thumb. He was influenced by the Zohar, classic and telling example of the influence of Qabbalah on Halakhic practice. (Click the link above for audio shi'urim on this topic.)

Jew Encouraging Ascension To The Temple Mount Incurs Intimidation From Police

23 of the Seventh Month/Isru Hag 5770

From Yosef Meir, Hoshana Rabba, 7:46 AM (edited)
Before dawn I was standing outside the entrance to the Kotel
(Western Wall) area calling upon the masses of Jews flowing into the are, to go up in purity to the Temple Mount. As I prepared to enter the security checkpoint to get into the Kotel to daven shachrit (pray the morning prayers), I was detained by the police for about 20 minutes and they only let me enter the Kotel plaza on condition that I not speak about the Temple Mount to anyone. They told me if I was caught speaking about Jewish ascent to the Mount I would be immediately arrested.

During the detention the police told me that if masses of Jews would be attempting to go up to the Temple Mount it would change the situation in our favor. The greater the pressure on police to open the Temple Mount to Jews, the greater the chance it will be open. Facts on the ground.

We must start a worldwide pressure campaign. We need serious activists from all over the world to come forward and help.

Let me know if you want to help and what area you are in.

Double standards on free speech, double standards on the Holiest site to the Jewish People, police intimidation... Still think Israel is a democracy?

It's a deMOCKracy.

Join the תפילת יהודית על הר הבית - עצומה- Jewish Prayer on Temple Mount Petition group on Facebook.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Why Obama?

Mossa'ei Shabbath Qodesh/Shemini Assereth 5770

President Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

"for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples"

Huh? When did he do this?

You can read the full press release here. Then please let me where my question is answered. Because I sure as heck can't figure it out. After all, the deadline for nominations was in February, only a couple of weeks after Obama was inaugurated.

So, what on earth did President Obama really do to be nominated? He gave speeches about what he wanted to do? He visited Iraq?

Nope. All he did to be nominated was that he was elected, a symbolic defeat and potential reversal of President Bush's foreign policy, America's Christmas present to Europe.
Nobel Shocker!
Ellen Ratner, FOXNews.com, October 9, 2009

...He [Obama] is just beginning his presidency and although he has moved in the direction of talking to pretty much everyone on the world stage he does not yet have a feather in his cap to show for his vision and dreams.

This morning's announcement is even more shocking on the eve of the president's important decision about whether or not to send more troops to Afghanistan. In fact, he is scheduled to meet with his war council later today! -- Perhaps the Nobel committee wanted to nudge him in the direction of adding more schools and hospitals to the region rather than more troops.

Ratner goes on to use the word "encourage," and cites several examples of winners, which support her notion of Nobel Committee nudging.

I agree with her completely.

Don't forget, that in addition to the high level of prestige which accompanies the prize, it also includes a cash award. In 2008, the amount was 10 million Swedish Kronor (about 1.4 million dollars). So, perhaps we can call Nobel Peace a bribe as well as a "nudge?" ...not that President Obama needs it.

Stay tuned for more of Obama pushing Europe's foreign policy agenda (ie. bad for Israel).

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Orthodox Jewish Boxer To Vie For Crown

5 d'Hol HaMo'ed Sukkoth 5770

Here is an example of the Jewish Warrior image and status we must regain, if we are to survive as a people....
Ha'Aretz: Orthodox Jewish boxer 'Star of David' to vie for crown
Oren Kessler, Oct. 7, 2009

Orthodox Jewish boxer Dmitriy Salita [age 27] will be the first to challenge Amir Khan for the WBA light-welterweight crown, as the unbeaten New Yorker takes on the defending champion December 5 in Newcastle, England....


(Tip Credit: The Kalashnikover Rebbe)
What the article doesn't say is that he will be fighting against a Muslim, albeit a non-Arab, Pakistani-British Muslim. I suppose we will see if this has any impact as we approach the date of the fight. Amir Kahn was the Olympic silver medalist in the lightweight category in Athens, 2004.

And, yes, as the article does say, Salita is Torah-observant. A survivor of violent, antisemitism in The Ukraine, he became interested in Torah as a teen, after moving to Brooklyn.
From Banginout.com:

Salita shrinks before no contender, but there is one line he said he simply won't cross - fighting on Shabbat.

"Anyone who wants a good whuppin' from me is just going to have to wait until sundown," he said.
I think that pretty much says it all.

Although December 5, 2009 is a Saturday, don't worry. Shabbath will be out in New Castle already by 4:44 pm, plenty of time to prepare for the fight later that evening.

There are several videos of Salita to be found on the Net. I selected this one to place here, even though it is four years old. It includes some music at the beginning by a surprise guest. Check out which famous, Jewish singer escorts him out to the ring.

You can also become a Dmitry Salita Fan on Facebook! (Log-in required)

Hag Same'ah!




Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Happy Sukkoth! Vizhnitz On YouTube!

4 d'Hol HaMo'ed Sukkoth 5770

This is the kind of post you would more likely see on Vos Iz Neias? or Yeshiva World News. than on Esser Agaroth. In fact, they have certainly covered issues related to the role of the Internet, and associated news and controversies, in Haredi communities.

When a Vizhnitzer friend of mine was over for Shabbath, in Tapu'ah several months ago, he showed me the Vizhnitzer YouTube Channel.


Nu? Who knew that there was a Vizhnitzer YouTube Channel? Isn't the Internet assur (forbidden)?

I should explain that my friend is from a major European city, and has an academic father, hardly the stereotypical hassid from an insulated community. The friends he brought with him, one from Borough Park and one from Europe as well, were also no strangers to the Internet. They were more interested in seeing the latest, music video from Lipa Shmeltzer than movies nor anything unseemly (has wehallilah!).

So, "What was Vizhnitz doing on YouTube?" I asked.

(I'm half Litvak, half Galicianer, with periodic delusions of being Yemenite. So, I don't know from Vizhnitz.)

He told me the story about the various mahloqoth (disagreements) which have plagued the Vizhnitz community the last couple of generations, and then came to the story of the current situation in Vizhnitz-B'nei B'raq. The Vizhnitzer-B'nei B'raq Rebbe (His brother is the Vizhnitzer-Monsey Rebbe, thus the additional of the city for clarification.) made shalom with his first son, after a long period of estrangement. Supporters of the rebbe's second son claimed that the decision to support the first son as "heir" was made after the rebbe started to become senile.

The Vizhnitzer YouTube Channel was started as a way to demonstrate to the public that the rebbe, indeed, had all of his faculties, and was making well-thought out decisions. Various videos were posted on line, for all to see, and to judge for oneself.

Now the channel includes everything, from speeches and simhas to a strong warning against dangerous activities on Purim. It is a good example of for how the Internet can be used constructive purposes, to disseminate information, to dispel rumors, and to spread simhah.

For some reason, I haven't been feeling very well this Sukkoth. I remembered my friend showing me the Vizhnitz Channel. So I decided to check it out. I haven't made it to any Simhath Beth HaSho'evah celebrations yet. But, with YouTube, I was able to bring them to into my apartment, and my spirits were immediately raised.

I'll share one of the videos from the channel here, in honor of Hag HaSukkoth. It's from Motza'ei Shabbath.and a includes a good sampling of nigunim (melodies). (Don't worry. The sound is fixed after the first 30 seconds.)

Hag Same'ah!



Tuesday, October 06, 2009

B'nei No'ah?

3 d'Hol HaMo'ed Sukkoth 5770

Tomer Devorah pointed me to this story and video.
Four New Noahides Welcomed into the Fold in Jerusalem
17 Tishrei 5770/October 5, 2009 10:31 PM

(IsraelNN.com) The nascent Sanhedrin’s court for Noahides - Torah-believing non-Jews - held a ceremony this week in which four Gentiles declared their acceptance of the Seven Laws of Noah....





I have a number of questions I would like to have answered.

First of all, here is one for Israel National News: Into what "fold" are you referring?

And now, for the "Sanhedrin" and recent "inductees:"
*Video time markers are in (blue italics).
Did anyone explicitly tell them that Christianity is a forbidden belief and practice? (Mishnah Torah, Hil. Avodah Zarah 9:4)

What does this guy mean when he says he's a "believer?" A believer in what? (0:47, See Tomer Devorah's take on this.)

He also said he was declared a "righteous gentile." Who said they were righteous? Simply because they are doing what they are supposed to be doing, and most gentiles are not? (1:08)

He also said that all Christians should do this. (1:12) Do what? Get declared as a Ben No'ah? As a Christian? The two things are NOT compatible.

They were not declared Ger Toshav.

Did anyone tell them they are not allowed to live here?

Who says the laws aren't good anymore? (2:01)

Ben No'ah is a denomination now? Denomination of what? (2:18, 3:31)

The Torah is for everyone? (3:26) Certainly NOT the Oral Torah.

Perhaps you think I am being mean? Well, any true Ben No'ah will not mind the scrutiny, and even welcome it.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Haveil Havalim #237 - The Sukkoth 5770 Edition

Hol HaMo'ed Sukkoth 5770

Just when you thought you've seen everything....


What no introduction?? Wasn't that photo enough of an introduction??

For some reason, my Sukkoth is turning out to be a bit unusual. I've really been letting the massive influx of Christians get to me. The only issue about which I believe leftists are on target is the threat of these people. (Actually, we "extremist" settlers can be stricter than leftists when it comes to protecting the environment, but ssshhhh, don't tell anyone.) Why, one Christian even tried to something into this edition,...about Hallah, of all things. Fortunately, I got suspicious, and decided to do a search for the name of his false deity, and sure enough....

But, I digress....

This is supposed to be a happy pappy holiday edition. Or is it? Who said I have to make this a holiday edition? Hosts get to use their discretion, right?

The truth is that this is a holiday edition. But, don't forget, we're Jews. Missiles, anti-Semitism, and for that matter cancer (see below) do not take time off on our holidays, not to mention the insipid illness know as Tishrei Depression. That last one is kind of like December Depression, but for Jews, and completely unrelated to freezing weather.

But, because it is a holiday, this edition is being published, only after Yom Tov goes out completely, for the vast majority of Jews in the world. Besides next week, this will be the last time a situation like this one, Haveil Havalim coinciding with Yom Tov, until Shavu'oth 5772 (2012), at which time I encourage the Fearless Carnival Leader to cancel it for that week, or postpone its release date until Tuesday, 8 Sivan. We don't officially publish editions on Yom Tov in Israel. Why should we when it's still Yom Tov outside of Israel? (Pesah 5772 will fall on Shabbath, as well as Sunday for those in hutz laAretz. HH can released that Sunday night, if hosted by a hutznik.)

Food for thought...

Hag Same'ah.
Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'
Torah

The Rabbi On The Beach comments on Parashath Ha'azinu in An Elephant Never Forgets, But People Do.

Ge'ulah Girl at also comments on Parashath Ha'azinu on The Key To Redemption blog. Will we listen to her warning? Or will we let it fall on deaf ears?

Yechezkel's The Nefesh (keshura) B'Nefesh Proposal - Is her "I Do" a Done Deal? posted at Achas L'Maala V'Sheva L'Matta gets my vote this week for hidden gem. Yechezkel reminds us that there are differences between Jewish and non-Jewish ways of doing things, even though we forget sometimes.

The Rebbetzin's Husband presents Teaching Torah - It And About It.

Allison Josephs, the Jew In The City, reminds us why You Gotta Have Faith, Faith, Faith....

Haggim
(Holidays)

Hag HaSukkoth

First and foremost, the First JBloggers Jerusalem Picnic! starts in only a few hours in Gan Sackar, a park which is only a 15 minute walk from the central bus station. Click the link for more information from RivkA at Coffee And Chemo.

Ari Goldwag at Geulah Perspectives presents Succos, Willows, and Water. Haven't you ever wondered about the "water libation ceremony," the water drawing festival, the willow ceremony that was done in the Temple, and what these have to do with Succoth? Check out this post to find out the answer. (podcast)

The Velveteen Rabbi presents Permeable: A Poem For Sukkot. (includes an audio version)

Jacob Richman provides us with Educational Resources for Sukkot at his Good News from Israel blog.

"An etrog with a gartel and a pedigree?" Find out what Isramom means by this in No Such Thing As Coincidence!

Here's the link to the cute video of Heshy "Frum Satire" Fried Lulav And Etrog Shopping In Crown Heights. Before you watch, please note that I paid only NIS 115 ($30.73) for everything. $250 for an ethrog in Crown Heights? Try only $13.36 in Jerusalem,...yet another reason to make aliyah.

David at Israelity warns of the influx Gazan Lulavs into Israel to cover the "shortage."

Yom HaKippurim

David at The Reform Shuckle shares his Yom Kippur experience praying in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in his High Holiday Sampler Plate Adventure? series.

Shira at On The Fringe shares her experience in Near Tears At Morning Minyan.

Morey Altman at Solid Rock Writing gives us his Yom Kippur thoughts in the form of a poetical essay entitled Atonement.

Homeschuling teaches her first-grader about The Book Of Life.

Benji Lovitt at What War Zone??? spent part of his Yom Kippur being interrogated by the Israeli prime minister's security service. I kid you not.

Israel

In The News

Batya at Shiloh Musings brings us Pretty Dumb Deal, in which she comments on the deal made which includes the releasing of female terrorists for information regarding whether Gil'ad Shalit is still alive or not.

Eric
at The Israel Situation has the details posted in 20 Prisoners For A Video.

Debbie Schussel give her perspective on the situation in Shut Up: Stop Calling for Gilad Shalit’s (& a Gazillion Terrorists’) Release.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution comments on the riots on the Temple Mount.

The Hashmonean gives us the run down on how Iranians and Arabs marked Yom Kippur in Unrepentant Jew.

Shmu'el at Torat Yisrael reports on the Destruction Of Giv'at Sefer.

Current Events


Daniel Ben-Shmu'el
at The Jewish Fist tires to warn us about an infiltration in Israel in Reflections On "Black [Non] Hebrews." (podcast) We will listen? Or will his warning also fall on deaf ears?

Jewish Israel exposes the missionary activities behind the International Christian Embassy's [ICEJ] Tabernacles celebrations in Israel in A Guide For Those Perplexed Over ICEJ's Feast.

Tomer Devorah wants us to Wake Up Seek The Rofeh Holim. With the continued Christian infiltration into the Land, and duping of the "settlers," so do I.

Yisrael at My Right Word has one of the only posts I have seen on the "Goldstone Report" worth posting. Everyone's talking about this stupid thing, which tells me that the majority of Am Yisrael is still way too worried about what the goyim think. I mean, who cares already? Still, you should check out Yisrael's New Word: Goldstoned.

Here's the other one: Senate Fights Goldstone Report, from Eric at The Israel Situation.

Also, here's his letter correcting a false portrayal of history in the Jerusalem Post, concerning the Chaim Arlosoroff Affair.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution lets the Jewish Telegraph Agency have it about its lying about Jewish "settlers," in his open Letter To JTA.

Schvach Yid doesn't sound too optimistic about a possible attack on Iran. Ask him what his alternative is to Taking The Bait Again. (Don't get me wrong. He makes some good points.)

Lady-Light at Tikkun Olam Banishes The Darkness With The Truth, as she reports on a previous contact between Prime Minster Netanyahu and the late Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Covering an unpleasant, yet important, topic, Rabbi Yosef Blau guest posts at Tzedek-Tzedek. In Rabbis Dealing With Abuse, Rabbi Blau questions the advisability of rabbis dealing with child abuse. As a mental health practitioner, I must disagree with him, albeit I am probably in the minority. Rabbi Blau makes excellent points which must be addressed, yet appears to deal with the symptoms of the problem, and not with the roots of the problems within the system.

Ricki's Mom , writing on Beneath The Wings demonstrates how to be pro-active in the prevention of child abuse and exploitation. She describes this in The Little Kid At The Door. (blogging in October for Down Syndrome Awareness)

Life In Israel

Benji at What War Zone??? brings us Israel is a Dangerous Place: Reason #82. He claims that there's a monster on the loose in Jerusalem! Plus, he makes a birthday request to all of us.

Elder Of Ziyon painstakingly (LOL) sifted through countless photos of Esti Ginzburg to cap off his piece on The IDF's Supermodel. (pritzus alert!)

Are you ready for some very different music at a Jewish wedding? Yisrael takes us for a ride in the "Wayback Machine," or so it seems. Yisrael, you're dating yourself.... "And you thought we weren't normal people beyond the Green Line." ;-)

David at Israelity takes us to the Leonard Cohen concert in Hallelujah!

Mrs. S. at Our Shiputzim gives us a tiyul suggestion (with photos) in National Parks: Ir David Edition.

Batya also brings us a photo at Me-Ander in Still Life In Action,...reflecting on renovations.

Toby at A Time Of The Signs reminds us about an important "Israeli" meal staple, which many Americans can relate to in That's The Way Uh-Huh Uh-Huh They Like It.

Babylonia
(That's what I'm calling anywhere outside of Israel these days. Here's why.)

Life Outside Of Israel

The Rebbetzin's Husband reviews Mitch Albom's book Have A Little Faith.

Check out who Just Call Me Chaviva met in A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words.

A Simple Jew hints to What Is Going On Behind The Scenes? (...of his blog)

Meir, posting at the B'nai Elim Blog, Exposes The Israel Haters At York University.

Alissa Altman at N: Aliyah presents the Pink For Pareve initiative with In The Pink. It's a cute idea to raise awareness about a serious issue. Don't forget, October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."

Mattias
(It's red and it's a herring. Get it? Just for the fun of it....)

Super Power Meme

Here's a list of some of the participants in the Super Power Meme which has been going around:

Wrap-Up
Well, that's a wrap for Edition #237!

Haveil Havalim Blog CarnivalDon't forget that you can already start submitting your posts for next week's edition which will be hosted by Jack. For your convenience, bookmark this link to Haveil Havalim's on-line submission form. See past editions and who is hosting future editions by clicking here. If you would like to host, contact Jack at talktojacknow (at) sbcglobal (dot) net.

Check out the latest edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival at Me-Ander. Batya hits a grand slam, having hosting all three Jewish Blog Carnivals in September. You can submit posts for the 9 Heshwan/Oct. 27 edition hosted by Miriam in her Israeli Kitchen, via the on-line submission form.

JPix Blog CarnivalAnd don't forget to submit your favorite photos to the JPix Blog Carnival. Yep. The current edition is hosted by Batya at Me-Ander. You may submit your photos for the 6 Teveth/Dec. 23 edition via the on-line submission form. It'll be hosted by Leora at Here In HP.
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