What's the Significance of July 4th Falling on 17 Tammuz this Year?

ערב שבת קודש פר׳ בלק תשע״ה
The day before the [regular date of the] Fast of the Fourth Month

Leeba on asked me on Facebook, what I believed to be the significance of July 4, 1776 falling on 17 Tammuz, especially since as far as she knows,...

"July 2 [was] the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress"

Maier, Pauline, August 7, 1997, "Making Sense of the Fourth of July," American Heritage

Well, first off, 17 Tammuz, the "Fast of the Fourth Month" (Zech. 8:19), has historically not been a good day for the Jewish People...

משנה תענית ד,ו

חמישה דברים אירעו את אבותינו בשבעה עשר בתמוז, וחמישה בתשעה באב. בשבעה עשר בתמוז--נשתברו הלוחות, ובטל התמיד, והובקעה העיר, ושרף אפסטמוס את התורה, והעמיד צלם בהיכל...;

Mishnah Ta'anith 4:6
"Five things happened to our 'forefathers' on 17 b'Tammuz, and five on 9 b'Av. On 17 b'Tammuz--the tablets were broken, and the Tamid [offering] ceased, and the city [of Jerusalem] was breached, and Apastimos burned the Torah [scroll], and he set up an image (statue) in the Temple....."

Since the Destruction of the Second Temple, several other calamities have also occurred on the 17 b'Tammuz, and have included:

ד׳תתקצ״ט/1239 Pope Gregory IX ordered the confiscation of all manuscripts of the Talmud. (See Miriam's post at Shearim, elaborating on this, "The Church and the Talmud")

קנ״א/1391 More than 4,000 Jews were massacred in Toledo and Jaen, Spain

שי״ט/1559 The Jewish Quarter of Prague was burned and looted.

תש״ד/1944 The Kovno ghetto was liquidated.

5730/תש״ל Libya ordered the confiscation of Jewish property.

Here is my Esser Agaroth (2¢) response...


Regardless of when the U. S. Declaration of Independence was ratified, signed, publicized, what have you, the thoughts, feelings, and energies, if you will, are focused on the 4th of July.

As I state above, 17 b'Tammuz has not been a good day for the Jewish People, and thus, I would like to suggest that the 4th of July is not a good day for the Jewish People either.

In my opinion, living in the U. S. has given the Jews there as false sense of security, gross materialism, and other spiritual challenges.

The U. S. is a target destination for many Jews around the world, instead of the only true home of the Jewish People, Eretz Yisra'el (Land of Israel). The "American Dream" has caused a great many Jews to be detoured from their only proper destination, now that its gates have been opened to us.

Even now, I see on a daily basis, evidence of how difficult it is for Jews from the U. S. to adapt to life in Israel.

Three gifts were given to the Jews, but only through suffering: Torah, Eretz Yisra'el, and the World To Come.

Life in the U. S. has made them too comfortable, and too used to materialistic comforts which stand in the way of being more open-minded to the fact that not everything, nor everyone, operates in the way they are used from their lives in Galuth (exile).

It is so powerful, in fact, that many Jews do not remember, or do not want to remember, that the U. S., just like any other country in this world, is only to serve as a temporary dwelling place for us, until we are able to return to Eretz Yisra'el, just like Egypt was for us before the first Pesah (Passover) celebration, and subsequent exodus.

This year, we will not fast on 17 b'Tammuz, but rather on the 18 b'Tammuz, as 17 b'Tammuz falls on Shabbath.

While Americans are celebrating their Independence, we will be celebrating Shabbath. Then on they day after that, we will be fasting.

Let's hope that this year, Jews still in the U. S. will wake up to the fact that they do not belong there.

Let's also hope and pray that their realization will not come at the cost of a kick in the pants too difficult to recover from.

July 4 - 17 Tammuz

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Pinhas 5767

משנה תענית

ד,ו חמישה דברים אירעו את אבותינו בשבעה עשר בתמוז, וחמישה בתשעה באב. בשבעה עשר בתמוז--נשתברו הלוחות, ובטל התמיד, והובקעה העיר, ושרף אפסטמוס את התורה, והעמיד צלם בהיכל...;

Mishnah Ta'anith
"4:6 Five things happened to our 'forefathers' on 17 b'Tammuz, and five on 9 b'Av. On 17 b'Tammuz--the tablets were broken, and the Tamid [offering] ceased, and the city [of Jerusalem] was breached, and Apastimos burned the Torah [scroll], and he set up an image (statue) in the Temple....."

All in all, the 17 of the Fourth Month (Tammuz) has been an unhappy day for Am Yisrael (the Jewish People), to say the least. So, perhaps you will be surprised then to learn that July 4, 1776, the day the United States of America declared its independence from England, fell on 17 Tammuz 5536.

In the short-term, the founding of the USA could be seen as something positive for Am Yisrael. After all, many Jews have benefited from the extensive educational and financial opportunities, made available by living in the USA. Many Jews have even found refuge there, a reprieve from suffering, persecution, and even death. My parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and I have all certainly benefited. And for that, I am grateful.

When I lived in the US, of course, I celebrated the Fourth of July. It was a lot of fun, and after all, it's not a "religious" holiday, but a national one, far from offensive to the diverse, American population, right? For most Jews, the Fourth of July was considered "kosher."

But this world can be deceiving. With the exception of a few Torah-enriched neighborhoods, what has living in America done for Am Yisrael spiritually? Assimilation, intermarriage, materialism, confusion of "western" values with Torah values.... Many Jews have turned to the false, spiritual band-aids, of so-called "liberal Judaism." Just like morphine, it's never enough. Give me more.... Water Judaism down some more.... Make my spouse Jewish.... Tell me my spouse doesn't even have to be Jewish....

Sure, Israel's certainly not immune. Tel-Aviv looks more like a European city than a Mid-Eastern one. And I defy you to locate a Hebrew, neon sign in Hertzliyah from the freeway. (They're all in English.) But, for those of you who continue to sing the praises of the Almighty America (lehavdil) and its accompanying angels, the dollar and the military, wake up already before it's too late. If being Jewish has any importance to you whatsoever, and you don't want to lose what you still have, then get on the plane....

You can still have your barbeque. It'll just be on the Fifth Of Iyyar instead. Then you can have your watermelon in the summer as usual. It's supposedly good to eat before a fast.

For Your "Three Weeks" Entertainment: A Dialog with a Rabbi

ג' לחודש החמישי תשע"ה

I recently engaged in the following back-and-forth on a Facebook thread. My concluding thoughts on this experience follow the transcribed dialog.

Friend: O No! I forgot to cut my hair again.... ‪#‎3Weeks‬ 

10ag: So? Cut it now. The Ramba"m says it's OK.

10ag: Nope. No mention of the 3 Weeks... 

רמב"ם, משנה תורה, הלכות תענייות ה,ו
ו משייכנס אב, ממעטין בשמחה. ושבת שחל תשעה באב להיות בתוכה, אסור לספר ולכבס וללבוש כלי מגוהץ, אפילו כלי פשתן, עד שיעבור התענית; ואפילו לכבס ולהניח לאחר התענית, אסור. וכבר נהגו ישראל, שלא לאכול בשר בשבת זו, ולא ייכנסו למרחץ, עד שיעבור התענית; ויש מקומות שנהגו לבטל השחיטה מראש החודש, עד התענית.

Ramba"m, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Fasts, 5:6
One who enters the month of Av lessens in happiness. And the week in which Tisha b'Av falls, it is forbidden to cut ones hair, to wash clothing, and to dress in ironed garments, even linen ones (undergarments), until after the fast passes; and it is even forbidden to wash clothes and put them aside for after the fast. And Israel has already had the custom of not eating meat during this week, and going to the bathhouse, until the fast has passed; and there are places which have the custom to stop shehitah (slaughter for meat) from the first of Av. 

Beth HaMiqdash HaSheni
Illustration of the Second Temple

Rabbi: Friend is a vus-vus, he doesn't follow strange minhagim from the east  

10ag: "Vus-vus" and "Dossi" and the like are offensive terms. How can minhagim older than yours be "strange?"  

Rabbi: "Older"? Seems to me they're roughly the same age.  

10ag: How so?  

Rabbi: Rashi was the same generation as Rambam and he kept minhag Ashkenaz, cause btw, he was Ashkenazi. Do we really have to demonstrate that Ashkenzai minhagim have just as great authority and longevity as do Sfardi? Spare us...  

10ag: 1. I would be interested in seeing the source that Rashi kept customs associated with the 3 weeks, which are kept today, or even close. 

2. The Ro"sh and Ba'al HaTurim were Askenazim extraordinaire. Did they keep such customs? 

3. Of all people, I would not have expected you to use "Sfardi" to mean non-Ashkenazi. If you didn't mean this, then you left out a lot of other Jews. 

4. Although the Ramba"m was from Spain, it is well known that his work has had great influence on other Jews, such as Teimanim. 

Rabbi: 1-2) Habub, where did the custom come from if not from Rashi and the Ashekenazi Rishonim? Someone made it up out of thin air? 

Rabbi: 3-4) It's well known that Rambam's psak is based upon Rif, with a few exceptions and that he is considered authoritative among Sfardim, or if you will, "Eidot haMizrach." If you want to include other Jews such as Teimanim, that's fine, but Rambam's main influence was over "Eidot Hamizrach."  

10ag: You may have missed my point. There are more Jews in the world than Ashkenazim and Sepharadim. 

Rabbi: So what?  

10ag: To use Sepharadi to mean "non-Ashkenazi," is not only inaccurate, but completely leaves out many Jews from a Klal Yisrael with only "Sepharadim" and "Ashkenazim."  

Rabbi: Like I said, "so what?" Rambam poskins for Sfardim, for Eidot Hamizrach. What's your point?  

For all you Rambam fans, you should know that the Chida (R' Chaim David Azoulai) says in Avodat Hakodesh, in the customs/laws of chodesh Tammuz, "Be very careful during the days of Beyn Hameitzarim to minimize laughter, and pleasure and to say Tikun Chatzot." That's BEFORE hodesh Av, wise guys...  

Hauling away the Temple vessels to Rome after the Second Temple's destruction.

10ag: Um,...1. Not sure where the smarmy comments like "spare us" and "wise guys" are coming from, especially in public, and from a rabbi. 

2. I'm posing some legitimate questions, none of which have been answered with halakhic sources. Asking if something come out of thin air is not only not a halakhic response, but also inductive reasoning,...very poor inductive reasoning.  

Rabbi: What's your problem, "spare us" and "wise guys" is some kind of nivul peh? It's a straightforward response to guys who are making offhand remarks just because you can't find something in halacha, therefore dismissing it as if it has no source. That's called a "wise guy." You are correct that it is hard to find where the early rishonim kept the entire three weeks. It's not mentioned in the Tur. But it is brought in Shulchan Aruch, so I would not draw any conclusions from the fact that it's not in the Tur. Just be patient and keep looking. And btw I already pointed out that it's not straighforward that Rambam only held from Rosh HOdesh Av. Take a look at the source that I brought from the Chidah...
missed word 

10ag: nivul peh? It definitely [could] be conceived that way, especially in e-communication and and without emoicons or < >'s or something else to indicate kewana? 

Off handed remarks? One who asks a halakhic question is not entitled to a halakhic response? 

If something's not in halakha, then yeah, that's a problem, not satisfied by "da'as torah" (how it's misused today) or "Rabbi so and so said so, " or the like. These are not halakhic responses. 

Sorry, but I guess I missed something. How did you point out that it's not straighforward that Rambam only held from Rosh Hodesh Av? (There are hints to this, but explicitly he relates to the week in which 9 b'Av falls.) How does the Chidah support this? You're the one trying to show that I'm mistaken or that I've somehow missed the boat. I'm not the one who has to look anything up. 

Rabbi: Well, if you want to claim that there is no source for keeping the three weeks from 17 b'Tammuz, then you better be willing to support it. Rambam by himself is not sufficient. And if what you want to do is indicate that he is influential for a certain group of people, such as Eidot Hamizrach and others then the Chidah is also very influential and a later posek for the same population. And he poskins that bein hametzarim starts from 17 b'Tammuz.

10ag: I'm not trying to force my customs on anyone. All I was saying is that the Ramba"m does not mention the three weeks. That's it. 

Rabbi: If that were truly the case, you would have mentioned "According to the Rambam." You didn't - you just wrote, "Nope no mention of the 3 weeks," as if there is no need to consider it. So I pointed out that may or may not be true acc to Rambam and acc to the Sfardi custom, but there happen to be other poskim and other customs. That's all...for a friend of [name of our mutual friend] you seem to be over-sensitive to terms like "vus-vus" and "wise guy." Anyone who comments on [name of our mutual friend]'s threads knows that a lot of terms get thrown around loosely. Anyway, thanks for pointing out something interesting - that it's hard to find the source for the three weeks in the Ashkenzai tradition. But I guarantee you that it just needs more research. Magen Avraham already mentions it so it comes from somewhere...

Esser Agaroth (2¢) Conclusion:
I am posting this not for the purposes of offending those who hold to mourning customs during the three week period between 17 b'Tammuz and 9 b'Av. but rather to provide an example of reasoning, which is not in the least bit reasonable, yet employed by rabbis, all of the time.

So much of what he says is irrelevant to a halakhic (Jewish legal) discussion.

The rabbi misses the point of the additions made by later posqim. However, I was not clear about this myself in my inquiries. He never answered the age question. The Magen Avraham lived 400 years after the Ramba"m. The Hid"a? Over 500 years.

He never answered the age question. The Magen Avraham lived 400 years after the Ramba"m. The Hid"a? Over 500 years.

"Had to come from somewhere?"

What kind of response is that?

I never even questioned the existence of these customs, during the "Three Weeks."

He never provided a source that Rashi kept such customs during "Three Weeks."

In face, he did not provide any reasonable explanation at all, regarding their development.

In all fairness to this rabbi, this an off the cuff conversation, sources not in front of him. But, still, how about at least a "I need to look into it" response?

He also never provided a satisfactory answer regarding his [at the very least] imprecise use of the term Sepharadi.

His end of the dialog just seems to be the same ol' boring, galuth (exile) oriented responses to me.

The only criticism I could possibly accept from this rabbi was that I neglected to add the phrase "According to the Rambam." So, I owned up it.

For more information on customs related to the period of the "Three Weeks," the "Nine Days," and the Fast of the Ninth of Av, see Machon Shilo's A Brief Guide to the Three Weeks and the Nine Days.

Some Thoughts On The Fast Of The Fourth Month (17 Tammuz)

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Balaq 5770

משנה תענית
ד,ו חמישה דברים אירעו את אבותינו בשבעה עשר בתמוז, וחמישה בתשעה באב. בשבעה עשר בתמוז--נשתברו הלוחות, ובטל התמיד, והובקעה העיר, ושרף אפסטמוס את התורה, והעמיד צלם בהיכל...;

Mishnah Ta'anith
4:6 "Five things happened to our 'forefathers' on 17 b'Tammuz, and five on 9 b'Av. On 17 b'Tammuz--the tablets were broken, and the Tamid [offering] ceased, and the city [of Jerusalem] was breached, and Apastimos burned the Torah [scroll], and he set up an image (statue) in the Temple....."

A few years ago, I wrote about how significant I thought it was that 234 years ago, the Fast of the Fourth Month fell on July 4. It was in 1776, the day the United States of America declared its independence from England, its birthday as it were.

In a nutshell, I wrote that the founding of the U. S. A. was bad for the Jews. Even with the countless times the U. S. provided a haven for Jews, and to a degree, religious freedom, I concluded that the U. S. A. was not a good place for us,...spiritually. Eretz Yisra'el is the homeland of Am Yisra'el, not the U. S.

Recently, I mentioned this coinciding of dates to the friend of a friend. This friend of a friend happens to be a Chabbad Messianic, and you all must know by now how I feel about them!

Nevertheless, I mentioned this coinciding of dates specifically to him, as he is one of these Jews who seems to know everything there is about the Hebrew calendar. Mention any Hebrew date to him, and he will tell you whose death or birth or brith milah, or other significant event occurred on that date, whether it be from Biblical times, Modern times, or any date in between.

His take on the birth of the U. S. falling on the Fast of the Fourth Month was that it does not indicate an inherent "bad thing for the Jews." Rather, we Jews made it a bad thing for ourselves, and in particular, through assimilation.

His argument was based on the lack of free choice amongst the goyim. The goyim are just "doing their job," so to speak, and everything is dependent upon Jews and Torah observance.

I don't have much argument with this. I am all for us Jews accepting responsibility for our actions, and moving as far away as possible from our communal mentality of victimization.

However, Jews¹ who not only take on customs, names, clothing, and mentality of the goyim, and actually believe that these are Jewish or at least compatible with being Jewish are one thing. But Jews who go above and beyond the call of assimilation by accepting a foreign land as their own?

This Chabbabnik leaves this out of his argument. Even though Chabbadniks are referred to in Me'ah She'arim, for example, as being "more Zionist than the Zionists," they are still quick to make excuses for Jews to continue to reside outside of Eretz Yisra'el.

Hey, wait a minute! So do many Mamlakhtim (undying State-loyalists, yet "Zionist")!

At least Chabbad has a consistent hashqafah to rely upon, and thus, are at least being consistent.

But, I digress....

To emphasize the severity of the rejection of our Promised Homeland, I will mention some words of HaZa"L: A Jew living outside of Israel is likened to one who is doing avodah zarah (foreign worship) or to one who is God-less. Certainly, then, Jews who have the power to come and reside in Israel, yet do not, are rejecting a fundamental principle of Jewish identity, and are some of the guiltiest of assimilation.

The Yossi Beilins² of the world go as far as proclaiming to us that we no longer need a Jewish State. After all, things are so good for us throughout the world! Yeah, right! Just look at England, France, Belgium, and Germany! Of course, what does Yossi Beilin care about the spiritual effects of Galuth (exile), let alone Torah? Or perhaps his belief is that the ideal state of the Jewish People IS to be fully assimilated amongst the goyim. Ya' think?

The Avraham Burgs³ of the world tell us to acquire a foreign passport. He got out while he could. He now proudly resides in his eternal Homeland of Am Yisra'el,...France. Don't let the kippah fool you! He is not, I repeat, not living the Homeland of the Jewish People!

Money, cars, a high standard of living, they have really got you hooked, don't they?

Can't handle it in Israel?

Three things are acquired through suffering: Torah, Eretz Yisra'el, and Ha'Olam Ha Ba (Bereshit Rabba).

It's not supposed to be a picnic. We are supposed to work at it, to show that we are worthy. It is only through such an investment that we truly learn to care for not only this Land of ours, but for the truly Holy gift of HaQadosh Barukh Hu, that it truly is.

*********

¹I leave out the super-assimilated Jews here, the intermarried, the ones who do not care to investigate their heritage, deny or are ashamed of it. It's mostly not their fault; as condescending as it may seem, they just don't know any better.

²Yossi Beilin (Meretz-Yachad) is a former minister in the Israeli government, and self-identified "post-Zionist."

³Avraham Burg is a kippah-wearing (still?), former Speaker of the K'nesseth (Labor), as well as former head of the Jewish Agency. His father Yosef was a leader in the National Religious Party [NRP], famous for leaving Torah out, when asked about his vision for the state of Israel. Thus, how "religious" could the NRP have been?

Restricting Entrance Into The Shomron?

26 of the Fourth Month 5768

When I first saw this Arutz 7 news flash sent to me by Tomer Devorah, I was alarmed:

"Apartheid Against Jews" in Samaria
24 Tammuz 5768, July 27, '08, 19:11

(IsraelNN.com) Jews who are not residents of Samaria are not allowed to enter the area as of Sunday, according to an order issued by the new Shomeron Brigade Commander, Col. Itzik Bar.

Land of Israel pioneers said the new order was "an arbitrary and illegal order" and called it "apartheid against Jews."

The order reads: "No person shall pass the roadblock unless he has permission from me or from someone whom I have authorized. This is required for security purposes and for maintaining public order." The Jinsafoot roadblock was closed off Sunday morning and the Tapuach roadblock was closed in the same way in the afternoon.

At first, I thought it was a response to the protests in and around the Shilo Area communities. Needless to say I made sure I had my te'udath zehuth (identification card) on me before leaving my house today.

On the way to work in Jerusalem, I asked a source of mine, an officer in the IDF posted in the area, about the above report. He didn't make much of it, and thought that it may have something to do with the hike this week from Homesh in the Northern Shomron to Rekhes Ma'on in Yehudah. I asked him if he thought that was because those in authority suspected that hikers might "try something." He just chuckled and said he didn't know.



I saw no indication of any restriction of movement today nor tonight, not between Jerusalem and Tapu'ah Junction anyway. Further north and west, I have no clue.

I have not seen any news on this in English or Hebrew, nor have the sponsors of the hike reported any news on this issue. This morning's news flash on the Eretz Yisrael Continuing Proudly site suggests that today's stage of the hike as planned, save for one suggestion that the IDF was roaming around areas they are not usually found, at least not during the day.

Please post a comment with any news.

Update:
IDF Restricts Jewish Travel in Judea and Samaria
26 Tammuz 5768, July 29, '08, 8:22 AM

(Update thanks to Tomer Devorah)

The Real Issue Behind The Emmanuel School Protests

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Huqath 5770

Thursday was marked by massive protests against the recent Israeli Supreme Court ruling forcing the integration of Askenazy and Sefardi students in a religious school in the town of Emmanuel in the Shomron (Samaria).

Israel National News: 100,000 Accompany Hassidim To Jail
Hillel Fendel, 6 Tammuz 5770, June 17, 2010

...Though the Supreme Court based its ruling forcing school integration in the Shomron town of Emanuel on the principle of opposition to racist segregation, many say that the separation is not rooted in ethnic differences at all. Rather, they say, the Slonim Hassidim wish to continue the religious traditions of their fathers and rabbis, and educate their children in a school that adheres to particularly stringent religious standards.

I have been confused about this issue since it began, years ago.

I have heard compelling arguments on both sides. Most recently, I have heard that Sefardi Rabbis Ya'aqov Yosef and David Batzri were now involved, suggesting that the Ashkenazy arguments regarding religiosity and minhagim (customs) were weak. Rabbi Batzri's grandchildren weren't religious enough to attend the school in question? I think not.

On the other hand, I have heard that Sefardi parents themselves wanted their children to remain in a homogeneous, cultural environment, and thus supported the so-called "segregation." Irregardless, I do not think most people realize just many Sefardim participated in the protests: A lot!

So, which side is right? They both are.

Sound like a cop out? I'll explain.

The real conflict here is not between Sefardim and [Slonimer] Hassidim. We have seen this countless times before. The anti-Torah Erev Rav*, including judges and other government officials relish in any conflict between groups of religious Jews, be they Sefardi and Askenazy, or Haredi and Zionist.

Divide and conquer. It's quite simple, and it's all part of their desperate strategy to maintain its control.

They actively search out such conflicts, and feed their fires by any means necessary.

At the bottom of all this, the real issue was revealed by Justice Edmond Levy himself:

JPost: Emmanuel Parents Ordered To Jail
Jonah Mandel, 5 Tammuz 5770/June 16, 2010

...The parents’ attorney, Mordechai Green, then consulted with rabbis, presumably including Barazovsky (The Slonimer Rebbe), and told the court that in a conflict between the laws of Torah and those of men, the divine decrees must prevail.

The response raised Levy’s ire.

“I don’t know of any legal obligation for court rulings to receive the approval of some rabbi or another,” said Levy, who is himself religious. “I’m terrified by the fact that a rabbi instructs his community to act against a court verdict.”

In the ruling on imprisonment later in the day, the justices alluded to the fact that the parents gave precedence to their rabbis over the court, and repeated what they had said more than once during the hearing: “There is no need to note that our verdict is not subject to, or stipulated by, the approval of any exterior factor.”

In other words, not even the Almighty himself can overrule Justice Levy?

This conflict between Torah and the State is the real issue.

We had to confront it before the expulsion from Azza. Rabbi Avraham Shapira ztz"l, Rosh Yeshivath Merkaz HaRav Kook told soldiers to refuse orders which were in contradiction to the halacha, such as orders to remove Jews from their homes and land and hand their land over to goyim. Other rabbis disagreed, failing to acknowledge that such a conflict even existed.

But this was not the first conflict between Torah and State.

Not too long ago, the Israeli Supreme Court attempted to order the Chief Rabbinate to certify various products kasher, even though the Rabbinate had ruled otherwise. One of the issues was regarding a particular frozen meat, and another was a bakery owned by an apostate in Ashdod.

Even though I still do not know all of the details of the case in Emmanuel, I don't have to in order to know that the real issue isn't in Emmanuel.

Many have cried warnings to avoid a mihemeth ahim (civil war). Yet, do these same individuals know what the sides to the conflict even are?

It's not Sefardi vs. Ashkenazy, not Haredi vs. Zionist, nor even religious vs. secular.

It is Jew vs. Erev Rav.

In the words of the Kol HaTor (2:2)...

Anyone who does not participate in the war against the Erev Rav, is actually becoming a partner of the “layer” of the Erev Rav. Whoever he is, he would have been better off had he not been born.

The mamlachtim (Religious, un-dying State loyalists) are going to have to acknowledge the increasing number of conflicts between the Torah and State, and make up their minds as to which side they are on.

It seems that non-mamlachti Rabbi Zalman Melamed of Beth El has.

Sefardim standing with Ashkenazim...

Zionists standing with Haredim...
Chalk one up for Jewish unity (Ahduth Yisra'el),...real Jewish unity...

...against the Erev Rav.

*********

Erev Rav - descendants of the mixed multitude/false converts who accompanied us out of Egypt.

Haveil Havalim #321 - Better Late Than Never

10 of the Fourth Month 5771

Introduction
Welcome to Haveil Havalim Edition #321!

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.'

Something seems to be up with Blog Carnival's on-line submission system OR no one is interested in being included in this week's edition (besides The Rebbetzin's Husband) OR everyone is boycotting HH when I host. How's that for paranoid, self-centered grandiosity?

I did not receive any submissions, save for the two from TRH left as a comment on this blog.

What's going on?

Under the circumstances, I did the best that I could, searching for pieces from regular contributors and hosts, as well as from my usual reads.

Regardless of any problems from the Blog Carnival on-line system, WE NEED HOSTS. Please consider hosting an edition. As you can see, this week's edition is very short, and late. Whatever you are able to produce will be welcomed. Many of the previous hosts, myself included, would be happy to give you assistance and support. Thank you for considering the opportunity!

Today (9 Tammuz) was the ninth anniversary of [one of] the French Hill bomb attacks. As a survivor of this attack, I feel a certain obligation to keep the memory of this event alive. This edition is dedicated to the memories of those Jews murdered in the attack:

Gila Sara Kessler HY"D

Hadasa Jungreis HY"D

Michal Franklin HY"D

Shmuel Efraim Yerushalmi HY"D

Noa Alon HY"D

Gal Eisenman HY"D

Tatiana Igelsky HY"D

Haveil Havalim #321 - Better Late Than Never Edition

Israel

The Rebbetzin's Husband opines on Israel's Chief Rabbinate in Part I - Our Love For The Chief Rabbinate of Israel and in Part II - Our Disappointment In the Chief Rabbinate Of Israel.

And speaking of rabbis and the State of Israel, Tzippora Pinner investigates The King's Torah: A Clash Of Values. What was behind the arrests of two prominent rabbis in Israel, Rabbi Dov Lior (Hevron-Qiriyath Arba) and Rabbi Ya'aqov (ben Ovadiah) Yosef (Givath Moshe)?

Rafi at Life In Israel reports on Jews Returning To Jericho. He also has several videos on his blog this week, including one from Shlock Rock and one from Leonard Cohen.

Rafi also reports on Suing To Give Out Free Food At The Kotel.

Mr. Cosmic X In Jerusalem writes about Social Stratification In The Orthodox Jewish World.

Joe Settler @ The Muqata reports on the controversy surrounding a video comparing Israeli military and police with Nazis, the Jewish "N-word."

Ariel at The Torah Revolution wants you to Keep Your Hands Off His Shabbat!

Ruti Mizrachi at Ki HaKol Nuchal! asks How Much Can You Buy With 100 Sheks?

I took my first shot at live blogging when I reported on the Demonstration For Nahla'oth Families.

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside of Israel)

This story really bothered me when I saw it. Jewish Orthodox Woman Faces Jail Time For Vegetable Garden. Where are the environmental activists? Where are the healthy eating advocates? Why aren't they rallying to her side? If you have more information on this story, please leave a comment.

Frume Sarah thinks back to her love of The Brady Bunch in There's A Story....

Ima On The Bima reports her experiences from camp this year in A Little Bit Artsy and Skipping Away.

To Kiss A Mezuzah tells us about how she Was Trying To Do The Right Thing this week.

Wrap-Up
Don't forget to check out the Tammuz edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival at Cooking Outside Of The Box.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah will be the host of next week's Haveil Havalim. Please send her your posts via the on-line carnival submission form.

If you would like to host an edition of Haveil Havalim, please contact Jack directly at talktojacknow@gmail.com.

Intermarriage: Great Mourning Among The Jews

21 of the Fourth Month 5769

No, the title is not a reference to the recently invented concept of mourning practices during the "Three Weeks" between the Fast of the Fourth Month (17 b'Tammuz) and the Fast of the Fifth Month (9 b'Av).

Clinton’s Top Muslim Aide to Wed Jewish Congressman
Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, 21 Tammuz 5769/July 13, 2009

(IsraelNN.com) Brooklyn, New York Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner will marry outside the Jewish religion to Huma Abedin, a Muslim woman who is considered one of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s top aides, the New York Daily News reported.

The intermarriage rate in the United States is estimated to be approximately 50 percent and has been one of the strongest forces that has diluted Jewish identity and support of a strong Israel.

This report immediately brought to mind a verse from Megillath Esther. During the chanting of the this megillah on Purim, many Ashkinazim have the custom of chanting the last part of this verse using the mournful ta'amei hamiqra* (music) used to chant Eikhah (Lamentations) on the Fast of the Fifth Month, to emphasize the gravity of what is taking place at this point in the story.

אסתר ד,ג
אֵבֶל גָּדוֹל לַיְּהוּדִים, וְצוֹם וּבְכִי וּמִסְפֵּד; שַׂק וָאֵפֶר, יֻצַּע לָרַבִּים...

Esther 4:3
...there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

It is truly a day of mourning, when one of our own goes off to "marry" a non-Jew. How many more Jewish babies will NOT be born, due to intermarriage?

I have come under fire for daring to call intermarriage the "Second Holocaust."

But, that's essentially what it is.

The above IsraelNN.com article continues with a list of Rep. Weiner's "pro-Israel" stances and actions.

1. Rep. Weiner introduced the "Saudi Arabia Accountability Act" in Congress (2007). (Big deal. Has it helped curb secret Saudi funding to terrorist organizations?)

2. He tried to ban the PA delegation from entering the United Nations (2006). (Big deal. He should have led the charge in the U. S. to leave the U. N.)

3. Rep. Weiner is considered a “defender of Israel” and is a supporter of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), but has not recently taken a strong stand in favor of a Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria. (Surprised?)

4. He did say that U.S. President Barack Obama went “too far" in opposing building for Jewish “natural growth” in Judea and Samaria. (eyes rolling - I really feel bad for this guy. He REALLY thinks he's trying to help us. But does he consider "us" to be even remotely related to him?)

5. However, Rep. Weiner also justified the president’s position. "President Obama said that part of his mission was to speak the truth to friends," he said. "Well I think that I'm doing that with President Obama--being truthful in saying that he got it wrong when he went as far as he did on settlements. That doesn't mean that I don't support him and that he's not a friend to Israel.” (Are you as confused by this doublespeak as I am? More consequences of assimilated "American Jewish education.")

6. He also said that he thinks President Obama’s stand against a Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria is designed to help PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. (Translation: Let's care about keeping a terrorist in power, so that worse terrorists don't get control,...even though that's what these people want.)

If this is "pro-Israel," then I would hate to go back and look at the statements of those members of congress who are considered anti-Israel.

I believe that he believes that he is "pro-Israel," and that he is trying to do the right thing,...even though he obvious is not. Israel is the homeland promised to Am Yisrael, and to no other. Being "pro-Israel" means believing that this cannot be compromised.

Do I blame Rep. Weiner for his marriage to a non-Jew and his distorted views on Israel? No. How can I, considering the spiritual state of the Jewish People residing in the U. S.?

"Once there was a television program which centered on the theme of intermarriage. The heroes of the piece were named Bernie and Bridget. The American Jewish Establishment put great pressure on the network that televised the series and the program was ultimately dropped. Bernie and Bridget were no longer. They had been canceled…

"How relatively simple it was to cancel Bernie and Bridget on television and how much more difficult to struggle against the intermarriage and assimilation that exist in real American Jewish life...

"...Now, Bernie, you know the tragedy, the bankruptcy of the false “Judaism” you were fed. You know it without having to open this book and read these pages. You lived it, and, I say with a sad heart, you have been twisted and crippled by it. You were robbed by all the good people who gave you everything in life except the most important things – truth, meaning, identity.

"But never think that what you have seen is the real Judaism. Far from it. The Judaism that you never saw, and never were given to properly understand exists and awaits you. Stop for a moment and consider it. Forget about trying to escape from your people, your heritage, and your destiny. Forget all the nonsense that poses as “Judaism” – the mausoleums that pass for temples; the rabbis who preach salvation for all causes except the Jewish one; the people who created G-d in their own image, making Him emerge in the form of a UJA Israel Bond, Bar Mitzvah caterer and bagels and lox. Let me help you understand who you are, who your people are, what the times we live in mean for you for them, what the future holds for you, your people, and Israel. Forget the tragedy and consider the glory.

I wish that I could quote this entire chapter here.

In another book, by the same author, the scenario is presented of Jewish parents who tell their children they must marry Jews. The children ask why. But, all their parents can do is repeat their insistence that their children should marry Jews.

They do not know how to answer their children's question. This is the tragedy.

The above chapter is entitled "Intermarriage, Assimilation, And Alienation,"** and comes from the book Why Be Jewish? (1977) by Rabbi Meir Kahane hy"d. The scenario which follows in from the first chapter of the book Listen World, Listen Jew (1980).

I mention the author only now, as for some reason, the mention of Rabbi Kahane's name tends to scare people off, people who have never read any of his work, that is.

Even though I feel like I am talking to a brick wall here, I will conclude by reminding you of the last couple of weekly Torah portions

Is Rep. Weiner familiar with these Torah portions? And, if so, how many thousands of other Jews are not?

When these portions are taught, just how much distortion is needed to ease the assimilated Jewish mind into thinking that everything he does is alright, including marrying non-Jewish women, living in a foreign land, and collaborating in the grave Torah prohibition of mesirah (handing over) of Jewish lands to its enemies?

Probably not much distorted "interpretation" is necessary.

This is the tragedy.

Rep. Weiner,...Anthony,...it's still not too late.

*********

*I would like to encourage people to remove the bastardized word "trope" from your vocabulary, and replace it with the correct term "ta'amei hamiqra."

**Special thanks to Barabara Ginsburg for making excerpts of Rabbi Kahane's writings available online.

Rosh Hodesh Tammuz Edition of Haveil Havalim Is Up!

מוצש״ק פר׳ חקת/ראש החודש הרביעי תשע״ד

This week's edition of the Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up is hosted by Batya at Shiloh Musings. It's the Praying for The Safe Return of Eyal, Naftali and Gil-Ad, Chodesh Tammuz Tov Havel Havelim edition.

Haveil Havalim #174

צום הרביעי תשס״ח

How many of you knew that July 4, 1776 fell on the "Fast of the Fourth Month" (17 Tammuz)? Since a lot of nasty things happened to Israel on this date, what does this mean?

משנה תענית

ד,ו ...חמישה דברים אירעו את אבותינו בשבעה עשר בתמוז, וחמישה בתשעה באב. בשבעה עשר בתמוז--נשתברו הלוחות, ובטל התמיד, והובקעה העיר, ושרף אפסטמוס את התורה, והעמיד צלם בהיכל

Mishnah Ta'anith

4:6 ...Five things happened to our ancestors on the 17 of Tammuz, and five on the 9 of Av. On the 17 of Tammuz--the Tablets were destroyed, and the eternal flame was extinguished [in the Temple], and the city [of Jerusalem] was breached, and Epostemos burned the Torah, and a graven image was set up in the Temple....

Since the Destruction of the Second Temple, several other calamities have also occurred on the 17 of the Fourth Month, and have included:

4999 (1239) Pope Gregory IX ordered the confiscation of all manuscripts of the Talmud. (See Miriam's post at Shearim, elaborating on this, "The Church and the Talmud")

5151 (1391) More than 4,000 Jews were massacred in Toledo and Jaen, Spain

5319 (1559) The Jewish Quarter of Prague was burned and looted.

5704 (1944) The Kovno ghetto was liquidated.

5730 (1970) Libya ordered the confiscation of Jewish property.

So what about 5536 (1776)? Most all of us who grew up in the U. S. are grateful for the opportunities we received. The Jewish People has certainly fulfilled its "Light Unto the Nations" role, through its various successes and contributions to American society. The Jewish People has experienced freedoms in the U. S. unimaginable in some countries. Much Torah has been learned while in the U. S., and many Talmidei Hachamim have come out of American Yeshivas. American Jews have learned a great deal of wisdom of the nations while in the U. S., no doubt of great help to fellow Jews in Israel and around the world.

But has the Jewish People really done that well spiritually in recent years while in this neighborhood of Galuth?

Make aliyah,...now.

Food for thought....

(I await the onslaught of your comments....)

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.'

You will notice in this week's edition of Haveil Havalim, that there were a few main topics, covered by many bloggers, not the least of which being the arrival home of the bodies of Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser HY"D, and the "deal" made by the Israeli deMOCKratic government which brought them home.

Perhaps today, I should refer to it as the Israeli DEMONcratic government, as it is obviously possessed.

It was impossible to include every single post on this issue. Please feel free to leave additional post links in the comments section.

In spite of the focus of many hearts and minds on our brothers' return, I must still insist on opening this edition with the Torah section, for it is the source for how we are to live.

Torah

Parshath haShavu'a

Meanwhile, Velveteen Rabbi shares her feelings about Pinchas.

In stark contrast, Tomer Devorah shares hers. Batya at Shilo Musings gives us Pinhas -- The Not PC Torah Hero and Rabbi Akiva.

New to blogging, but not to activism, Ariel at The Torah Revolution shows how Parshat Pinchas argues against democracy as Torah concept.

And, finally, David Bedein of Israel Resource Review makes a connection between recent Parshath Balaq and today's events in Funerals End One Stage Of Israel, Lebanon War As Next One Begins.

There is a relatively new Torah blog on the scene. Although you have seen the Torat Yisrael parshah sheet around Israel off and on for a while now, the Torat Yisrael Blog made its on-line debut only a month ago. Here's a snippet from the blog's introduction by editor Shmu'el Tzvi Sokol:

For those of you in the know, this is the second incarnation of Torat Yisrael. A bi-weekly national-religious (Dati-Chareidi Leumi) publication in English is such a novel concept that we wanted to test the waters before starting up full time work on this project. In order to do so we decided to publish a test run to see how the community in Israel would accept an "alon shvu'i" such as this. The response from our readers was phenomenal and we decided to go ahead and publish on a regular basis. (Read more...)

Here are two more examples: "Can a gentile live in Jerusalem?" and "From Botzra To Basra."

I was supposed to write a post introducing it to the Blogosphere, but never got around to it. I am hoping that this billboard plug will make up for that.

Hashqafah, History, and Opinion...

The Rebbetzin's Husband takes issue with some pesuqim from Tehillim, Praised is the one who will grab and smash… (Psalms 137:8-9).

Understanding Secular Zionism in the Eyes of Rav Kook- In His Generation and Today is offered by Ari Shvat posting at Tzipiyah.

Also at Tzipiyah, Dan writes about the History of Eretz Yisrael from Creation until the Flood, and Ari Faust continues his series The All-Spiritual Afterlife, the Torah and Me, part 6.

Today, of course, is the Fast of the Fourth Month. To Batya, It's Not Fasting Weather, But...

Israel

Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser HY"D

I was hesitant to make a list and leave it at that. However, the titles really do speak for themselves, and thus do not require any commentary....

Lovers Of Peace Shira bat Sarah Rest In Peace Simply Jews

Coffins Something & Half Of Something What Price Morality? Super Raizy

More on the Release of Terrorists

Israel's Treason Sultan Knish A Very Bad Deal Cosmic X Prisoner Release: Huge Disgrace Lemon Lime Moon Captured Alive, Returned Dead Yid With Lid

Another Terrorist Giveaway Debbie Schlussel Swap Teaches Us To Kidnap More Seraphic Secret U. N. Soldiers Salute Hezbollah Terrorists Atlas Shrugged Giving Kuntar to the Terrorists The Torah Revolution

More On Terrorism

Danny at Israeli By Day, American By Night shows us how Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas is a Coward, and Elder Of Ziyon reports that the "peace dividend" spawns a new Fatah terrorist group.

Rafi at Life In Israel believes that the trade could still have been made even.

(Feel free to use this graphic.)

Meanwhile, Gazans will hold a mock trial to convict Gilad Shalit, reported by Elder Of Ziyon.

Cosmic X In Jerusalem provides us with some inside information about police department guidelines and the recent terrorist bulldozer attack in Bad Laws Promote Terrorism.

Tel-Chai Nation has the scoop on an Al-Qaeda Cell at Hebrew University.

In Can Israel Learn Anything From the Northern Ireland Peace Process?, Yid With Lid debunks some irrational ideas.

Planck's Constant has a solution to combat terror in Jerusalem. But does his idea go far enough?

Maybe Rubicon 3's does: Just bomb the living crap out of them and get it over with.

Israel vs. Persia

Reb Akiva reveals a telling midrash about the King of Persia which may be manifesting in front of our very eyes. Tomer Devorah does a Follow-up to the King of Persia.

Yitzchak at Judeopundit brings us Military Might and the Iranian Imagination.

Soccer Dad asks, Will the barn door be closed in time?

Israel vs. Edom

Yisrael juxtaposed to Yishma'el was covered a great deal this week, for obvious reasons. Yet, what about Esau/Edom?

In LIKUD SHOCKER!, Tomer Devorah reveals the collaboration between the Likud and Christians, and what the Christians are saying about it.

The Key To Redemption provides a detailed background of Christians' designs on the Land of Israel, and their plans in Ephraimites (Xtian Zionists) Form Alliance with Likud to Work Towards the Goal of Xtian Aliyah.

Politics

My Right Word is a bit upset at the inter-fighting going on in Yesha (Judea & Samaria). In "Zambish Defended; A House Divided?" he gives us the latest on the on-going poster-rhetoric battles. In my [not so] humble opinion, this is the latest evidence supporting the existence of two, not just one, Religious Zionist community.

Media Watch

Aussie Dave at Israeli Cool provides a time line of reports on the release of the child killer. Pay close attention to the descriptions by Arabs in The Lives He Took.

Elder Of Ziyon gets to the bottom of Arab news media in Israel. They seem to have "issues" with Nefarious Zionists.

Always on the look out for examples of media bias, My Right Word displays one highlighted by Ze'ev Jabotinsky from 1922 concerning Haaretz newspaper.

Life In Israel

Rafi at Life In Israel reports some good news with the Train Minyan Introduces New Torah Scroll.

I would like to conclude this week's rather heavy and sorrowful Israel section with some more joyful news in Isramom's heartfelt post "My Baby's Baby."

Galuth

News

Life Of Rubin gives Some Thoughts on the Kiryas Yoel, NY MAG Article. Jack chimes in, too, with Fleeing From Holiness.

Daled Amos scrutinizes the Saudi Arabian Inter-Faith Conference in Madrid.

On a more positive note, Daled Amos reports that A New Pro-Israel Group Takes Campuses By Storm.

U. S. Election-Related

Obama's Disdain For Israel and the Jewish Community from Yid With Lid is self-explanatory.

Personal

A Simple Jew explores the issue of prayer in There But Nor Really There.

Frume Sara explores the issue of God In The Blink of an Eye, and On The Fringe explores Faith.

The Rebbetzin's Husband brings us more on his take as a rabbi in The Synagogue's Four Letter Word: RSVP.

Batya shares her synagogue experience while in traveling in galuth in Closed For The Holidays."

Super Raizy gives some important parenting tips in Teenagers Are Lazy.

Slices Of Life

Child Ish Behavior shares 30 Odd Blocks on the Not Just Typical blog. More on Jewish life in New York comes from On The Fringe in "...Not A Drop o Drink," Redux.

Jacob Da Jew did what many of us would like to do. Find out what he did in "I'm Done."

Whoever said nothing is free? Soccer Dad found this: 11 free books on Judaism to first taker.

History

Daled Amos reveals Jewish Secrets of the Sistine Chapel and reminds us of our Jewish brethren in China. Are the Olympics a Missed Opportunity for Israel to Renew Ties with Them?

Soccer Dad provides us with The Army's Top 10 Inventions and the Legacy of Harry Diamond.

Music

The Life Of Rubin presents a very extensive review Lipa Schmeltzer's new CD "A Poshiter Yid."

In contrast, Teru'ah reports on Heeb Magazine's Jewish Music Bashing. Quite frankly, I don't know why HM is given the time of day. But, I'm glad Teru'ah is around to keep tabs on them,...so I don't have to.

Sports

I guess I'm a little slow here, but did you know there is a contact football league in Israel? Rafi did, and reported on this ages ago. Who knew? Does this mean I have really left Galuth, now that I am totally clueless the American encroachments? I am sure some of you will call American Football "hachmah," and thus acceptable to bring to Israel. Well, I don't know about that. But since a certain player from a certain IFL team used to be my next door neighbor, I suppose I might just have to drag Rafi and Mark to a game.

Jacob can also come. But he'll have to lose the wedding band, learn how to belch, and ride on a Mehadrin bus to get there.

OK, fine! Jameel can come, too. (eyes rolling)

OK. Wait. Jack can come, too,...when he's not training for the Ironman -- Staving Off Old Age.

(Note: If you're not listing above, I did not intentionally try to hurt your feelings,...honest.)

In Pictures

Speaking of Galuth, Batya just got back, and she took pictures. Check them out on The Eye of the Storm Blog.

Meanwhile, Yisrael Medad turns photographer with a picture in Meah Shearim.

Batya also gives us a another look at the "deal" for the return of our soldiers in Pictures Speak.

Meta-Blogging

Blogging In The News

Akiva at Mystical Paths and Daled Amos tipped me off to the case of Harry's Place being sued by Hamas U. K. (YSh"W). The support banner comes courtesy of NeoConstant which has started a blog roll of supporters including Haveil Havalim contributors:


Barabara's Tchatzkes Stop Raping Israel Soccer Dad My Right Word

Fiery Spirited Zionist Atlas Shrugged Daled Amos Israel Matzav

If you would like to add your name to the Support Harry's Place Blogroll, and may get the code by contacting NeoConstant.


Bloggers Social

Shira at On The Fringe is planning a NYC Area Bloggers' Picnic.

Sounds like a great idea! Let us know how it turns out. Our planning for a bloggers' get together last summer here in Israel never seemed to get off the ground. (Unless, of course, you had one behind my back!)

Other Carnivals

Don't forget to check out this month's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival, which should be up at Soccer Dad's soon. Send your submissions for next month's edition via the on-line submission form.


Wrap Up

Ages ago, Jack told me that he has been continuing Soccer Dad's policy of giving discretion to the host.

I included almost every post submitted. The only exceptions were multiple submissions from the same blogger and spam.

I only received one spam item this time around. Are any other hosts receiving spam? Or is it just me?

Frume Sarah's World will hopefully let me know. She is hosting the 175th edition on Sunday, 24 Tammuz/July 27. Stay tuned!

As far as the 174th edition goes, that's a wrap, as they say.

Please send your posts for the next edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. Plus, it doesn't look like we have a host for next week, so there wouldn't be any other place to send your links to. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow-at-sbcglobal-dot-net.