Rav Binyamin and Talia Kahane HY"D: Six-Year Memorial

5 of the Tenth Month 5767

Six years ago, Rav Binyamin and Talia Kahane HY"D were gunned down next to the town of Ofra in the territory of Binyamin, in front of their five daughters... their son having just been dropped off at school.

The details of what really happened that morning six years ago are shady. A year after their murders some, but not all, of those close to them still wanted to believe that they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, those theories quickly faded away, though, making way for the more realistic understanding that they were intentionally targeted. Only one question remains: Who did it? Arabs? Un-Jews (ie. people who think they are Jews,...but couldn't possibly be)? Or a collaboration of the two?

Whoever killed Rav Binyamin and Talia, could not kill the idea, the Jewish Idea. In commemoration of the sixth anniversary of their deaths, a project Operation Multiply has been launched to distribute Six Million copies of Rav Binyamin Kahane's HY"D Last Letter (fall, 5761). Here is an exerpt:

"...Without the slightest doubt, the Arab denizens will be terrified merely at hearing this news: authority here will no longer rest with the shackled Army which has for so long been the punching-bag of Arab hooligans. Rather, those "monstrous settlers" (and, thank God, the Arab media portray us as the devil incarnate, if not worse) will now take charge.

Without the slightest shadow of doubt, such a step would clear the air here. There will be a complete about-face: this news will, for the first time in too many years, attract youths in their hundreds - at least! - who would come here to help. At long last there will be genuine yishuv ha-aretz (settling of the Land of Israel) and the beginning of Jewish sovereignty over the Land of Israel. This will put an end to the confused stammering and steadfast search for ways of handing over the land to the enemies of God, which have been the greatest obstacles to the Mitzvah which we are fulfilling here with our very being. Can we even begin to imagine the inspiration that this earth-shaking news would give to so many Jews, both 'secular' and 'religious', in Israel and abroad? It has been far too long since we experienced that deep and stirring feeling of Jewish national pride...."

I will add that today, it is clear that the mainstream, Israeli (un-Jewish) media portrays us in much the same way as the Arab media. The rose-colored picture the Mamlakhtim (state religious) Jews and the YeSh"A Council, want to paint of us "settlers" through public relations is absolutely worthless. No one believes them anyway, prefering to believe their PR approach is just a white-wash campaign to cover up what it believed by most Jews and non-Jews, that we're nut-job extremists.

The very fact that the YeSh"A Council (AKA Pesha - criminal; Resha - evil) receives its budget from the Office of the Prime Minister, delegitimizes everything they do, for the supposed "good" of the residents of Yehudah and Shomron.

Reaching out to Jews outside of Israel, informing them of what is really taking place here in their homeland, and providing them with hope and encouragement of Jewish life, with a positive Jewish identity in the [only] Jewish Homeland is positive and well-worth the effort.

Reaching out to the goyim, whether Christian Zionists or others in the so-called "international community" is nothing less than a demonstration of a severe lack of faith in HaShem.

With Women In Green's very dear friend, Jim Vineyard stating publicly that given the opportunity, he will testify of his "faith" to the Jews in Israel, it confirms that dealing with Christians has the potential to bring pollution into the Land, just as damaging as a so-called "gay pride" parade (ie. retzah, avodah zarah, gilu'i arawoth), which the same Women In Green and Ye'Sh"A Council recently protested. Even one Jewish soul lost to the likes of a Jim Vineyard, a "friend" of Israel in exchange for Christian support and validation of our existence, is a price I am not willing to pay.

The ONLY approach to dealing with Christians must be based on that of Rav Binyamin's father Rav Me'ir Kahane ZTz"L HY"D, a frequent guest on Christian talk radio shows:

...If you want to support us, support from afar....

This year, let us honor the memories of Rav Binyamin and Talia Kahane HY"D, advocates of taking pride in being Jewish, by increasing our own Jewish pride, self-esteem, and self-respect, and let us spread this message, which is crucial for the survival of the Jewish People.

Participate in Operation Multiply. Print out Rav Binyamin Kahane's HY"D Last Letter, and help in reaching the goal of distributing Six Million copies, corresponding to the Six Million HY"D of our People who perished at the hands of the Nazis YSh"W, and with the collaboration of both "christians" and Arabs.

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Last Year's Memorial Post:
The Fifth of the Tenth Month 5761

The Day After Hanukkah....

Mossa'ei Hanukkah 5767

Well, now that Hanukkah is over, stores in Israel will begin stocking up on dried fruits, various wines and grape juice, in the annual attempt to commercialize Tu biShvat (New Year of the the Trees) and profit from it.

I, on the other hand, will be preparing my Purim mishlo'ah manoth list (gifts sent to friends on Purim). Then, between now and Purim, I will be paying attention to who is being "naughty or nice." Those who are "naughty" will receive a nastly red line through his* name.

"Nya-ha-ha! YOU will not receive any manoth from me!"

...as if he really cares....

But, that's not the point. I will still get satisfaction in punishing him,...by crossing him off of my list with a big and nasty, red marking pen!

Oh,...yeah,...that's right. There's negative misswah "Lo Linqom" - You will not take revenge on another Jew (Lev. 19:18, Mishnah Torah Hil. De'oth 7:9).

Hmmm...I guess that throws a stick into the spokes of my evil plan.

Then, of course, there's that minhag (custom), every one wants to keep telling me about, of making a point of giving manoth Purim to those individuals with whom I am b'rogez (enraged; not on speaking terms).

Gee...I guess that means I should take the names I will have crossed out by, say, Erev Shabbath Parshath Zakhor (12 of the Eleventh Month this year), and put them at the top of my mishlo'ah manoth list.

I never was very good at implementing [terribly] evil plans....

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*It is most certainly NOT tzanu'a for a man to give or send manoth to a woman. Many have the opinion that there is a hashash (concern) over the making of a qinyan (in this case, an initiation of a betrothal). So, please do not waste your time and mine by sending me any silly accusations of being sexist.

Great-Grandmother Lilly's z"l Latkes

חנוכה/ראש חודש העשירי תשס"ז

Many years ago, while visiting my aunt (my mother's sister) in Los Angeles, I asked her for my Great-grandmother Lilly's z"l recipe for latkes (potato pancakes), the famous one brought over from Lithuania I had been hearing about ALL of my life. The last time I had asked my mother (the older sister) for the recipe, I was told that I was "...not old enough to receive this family heirloom of wisdom."

Like most poor, Jewish immigrants to the US, my great-grandparents did not have any lavish family heirlooms to pass down to their descendants, save for my great-grandfather's potato peeler and chopper, and countless pieces of intellectual and sentimental items. (He was a chef.) Thus, this venerable latke recipe was considered priceless.

My Great-grandmother Lilly was a slight woman, who when mother or aunt was sick, she would "just know." Getting on the bus to make the two-hour journey across the Los Angeles Basin to the Fairfax neighborhood, she carried with her a new pair of pajamas and a jar of homemade pickles.

My aunt's response to my request for the recipe was one of shock. She knew that the wrath of my mother would come down upon her, if she were to reveal the sacred latke recipe. Trying to maintain her smile, she offered an alternate plan of action. She would prepare latkes as a side dish for the evening's dinner, believing that would be enough to appease me. Only after several minutes of manipulation and coercion was I allowed to bear witness to the latke preparation.

As my aunt relaxed, and started to enjoy showing me the secret ingredients and sacred techniques of latke preparation, I quickly realized that there was one thing missing, the exact amount of the ingredients.

I stopped my aunt. "Wait a minute! How much grated potato? How much onion? How many eggs? How much...?"

The response I received was, "You know, how ever much it takes."

[pause]

"What?" (raised eyebrows) "How am I supposed to know how much it takes?"

My aunt responded, a matter of factly, "You know.... How ever much it takes...how ever much matzah meal it takes to hold the potatoes together, how ever many eggs it takes for the right consistency...."

"Well, wait a minute. What's the right consistency?"

"This," and my aunt showed me. "Stick your hand in, feel it, and memorize it."

I followed her instructions, tentatively at first, and began to relax. I began to "feel" what she was talking about. It didn't happen overnight, but I eventually internalized this traditional shitah (approach) to cooking, making it my own. Now, as I try to relay recipes to others, I find myself in the same position my aunt was with me that fateful night when I finally received my Great-grandmother Lilian's z"l latke recipe.

Recently, I had to go back and measure the ingredients for my chicken soup recipe, otherwise known as "Ya'aqov's Soup." Now that I have become accutom to my great-grandmother's shitah, it was actually pretty difficult. So with the exception of the size of the pot, I just didn't bother. Rather, I tried to convey what my aunt conveyed to me.

Well, by now you may have noticed that I have not actually provided you with any recipe, with the exception of some hints to the most obvious of the ingredients. I can't, of course. It really IS a family secret.

I will let you in on some of the tips my mother finally gave me, some time after she found out about her sister's "betrayal of the family code of secrecy:"

1) Even in this day and age, electronic appliances are not allowed in any way, shape or form, in the latke preparation, otherwise the latkes are pasul (invalid).

2) The tastiness of the latkes are inversely correlated with the extent of the disaster in the kitchen. In other words - the messier the kitchen, the better tasting the latkes are.

3) Thou shalt not fret over bits of your skin getting into the mixture, while employing the ribeisen (Yid.: grater). It's bound to happen.

With these, I conclude, and encourage you to ask your mother, or grandmother, or other relative, female or male, about your families secret recipes and precious heirlooms.

My sister has vowed to fight with me over my parents' record collection (yes,...vinyl), and has no interest in my great-grandfather's potato peeler nor chopper.

I will charish these family heirlooms, along with my Great-grandmother Lilian's z"l latke recipe.

May her name be for a blessing.

Take That Sukkah Down Already!

B' d'Rosh Hodesh Ha'Asiri/Ner Shvi'i shel Hanukkah 5767

In the US, I recall many non-Jews complain to their spouses... "When ARE you going to take the X-mas tree down?! It's already mid-January!" Usually, it was the wives complaining to the husbands, and usually that X-mas tree wouldn't get taken out for trash pick up* until Valentine's Day. By then the Fire Marshall had already started snooping around for the evil fire hazards that are those dried-out pine trees....

So, my question is... By when should the sukkah be taken down? Immediately after Shmini Assereth? Rosh Hodesh Marheshwan? Surely by Hanukkah, right?

Well, it was touch and go there for a while. My housemate, the one who bought and constructed the sukkah [so I wasn't going to complain], took it down just before Hanukkah. His custom is to keep his Hanukkiyah inside the house, and the sukkah was blocking the window. Personally, I wasn't so concerned with keeping the sukkah, as I'm not one to be concerned with the opinions of my neighbors. I was concerned about the wind and storm reports, and the potential damage the sukkah would incur.

Nowadays, people have permanent metal frames, usually on their balconies, so that only the walls and skhakh (sukkah roof) need to be taken down. Others have built a sukkah frame of vanished wood, which double for a patio area during the rest of the year.

So, other than those special, and easily disguised sukkoth, I wonder how many can be found still up on Tu biShvat or Purim.

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*As a[n environmentally-correct] Californian, many of my Irish, Italian, and Mexican (I'm allowed to say "Mexican," as they really were Mexican, and not Guatemalan, Panamanian, Colombian, etc.) neighbors would often have their trees reused (eg. firewood, sawdust, etc.), or they had potted trees which were later planted in their yards or at a park.

Remembering Nahshon Walls z"l

Mossa'ei Shabbth Qodesh Hanukkah/Parshath Wayeshev 5767

This Shabbath, the first day of Hanukkah, marked one year after Nahshon Walls z"l, succumbed to cancer.

In his memory, Qiddush Rabbah was held on the Tapu'ah West Hill, a community with which he had a special relationship, and a Mellaweh Malkah was held in the Kibbutz Galuyoth Beth Beth K'nesseth.

Last year on Erev Shabbath Wayeshev, the Shabbath just before Hanukkah, a close friend of Nahshon's asked of him, "Please just make it until Hanukkah."

Defying doctors' prognoses, Nahshon only left when he was damn good and ready to leave. On the first night of Hanukkah, after "amen" was said to the last of the three brachoth, and the first Hanukkah light was lit, Nahshon expelled his last breath, and passed on into the next world.

My favorite anicdote about Nahshon, I heard from him directly.

Nahshon designed and sewed various flags and traditional, Jewish four-cornered garments. His flags included those with Kahanist themes as well as the Medinath Yehudah flag.

While Nahshon was in prison, he took advantage of the "vocational" equipment available to him, such as sewing machines. Believe it or not, he actually made and sold via mail-order, Kahanist-related flags,...mind you,...using the equipment of the Israeli prison system. In order words, Nahshon used government-owned facilities and equipment to produce and to sell, the very materials which the Israeli government had been running around, trying to brand and confiscate.

And he did it right under the government's nose.

Nahshon Walls is remembered for his mesiruth nefesh (self-sacrifice), among other reasons.

I also remember Nahshon for his creativity and his innovation, which included the design of the state of Judea flag, and bigei tzitzith (four-cornered garments requiring tzitzith).

Nahshon was also a guide and roll model for some of the "hilltop youth."



But, one of his most significant contributions was the building of the beth-k'nesseth (synagogue) on the Tapu'ah West Hill, replacing the one destroyed by the Israeli Army, three years ago.

Nahshon Walls, May his memory be for a blessing.

Hilchoth Festivus: Festivus shehal b'Shabbath Hanukkah

ב׳ לחודש התשעי תשס״ו

Thirty days before a festival, it is traditional to review the associated hallachoth, in order to observe it properly. Festivus falls on Shabbath Hanukkah this year. The last time Festivus fell during Hanukkah was 5763, and the last time it fell on Shabbath Hanukkah was 5760, seven years ago! So, it is particularly crucial to review the hallachoth associated with this special occurrence. 

For those of you unfamiliar with this Jerry Seinfeld Show created holiday, I will refer you to the Wikipedia entry for some introductory information, and to the Festivus Book with a forward by Jerry Stiller (Festivus founder and patron Frank Costanza), for more detailed information. Now, I was originally concerned when I saw that Festivus, held on December 23, coincided with both Shabbath and Hanukkah this year. But, then I realized that the calculation of the beginning and end of Festivus is according to the lu'azi (goyshe) calendar. When Shabbath and Hanukkah go out on Saturday night, it is still December 23, and still Festivus. The Festivus Se'udah is traditionally held at night anyway. Thus, there are no immediately apparent conflicts between nor amongst these holiday observances. 

Airing Of Grievances 

The airing of grievances takes places during the se'udah, the Festivus meal. Now, it is very important that one keeps oneself occupied during the Shabbath preceding, so as not to interfere with the Shabbath atmosphere, and its joyous nature. One may also not make not of grievances during Hanukkah, for similar reasons. There is a mahloqeth as to whether one may write the grievances down, at all, even before Hanukkah. I hold to the opinion of the Kalashnokover Rebbe, who rules that if one must write a grievance down, then it is not a "real" grievance. 

Festivus Se'udah Recently a question came up as to what actually must be served at the se'udah. According to Seinfeld-fan.net the answer to this question is "whatever you want." However, there are those who follow the minhag of eating Paella, the kosher-adaption, of course, as this is both festive and Estelle Costanza's specialty. It is believed that this minhag is derived from the remez in Season 5, Episodes 82-83 when the Seinfelds avoid going to the Costanzas for Paella. A small minority hold to the minhag of including of a "big salad" at the table (Season 7, episode 116), in honor of Elaine. Although, these are mostly feminists who want to aggravate the situation by bring up one of George's biggest grievances, the one against the big-hairdoed, physical therapist character played by Michelle Forbes (That's Ens. Ro to you Star Trek: TNG fans.) who took credit for bringing Elaine the big salad, even though it was George who bought it for her. Others still, hold that soup is forbidden at the se'udah as it brings up images of George's traumatic experience with the Soup Nazi (Season 7, episode 116). There is no issue with the Festivus Se'udah serving additionally as Malaweh Malkah (lemavdil), as long as one has the appropriate kawannah (intent). 

  

Feats Of Strength The feats of strength may certainly NOT be performed on Shabbath (p'shita). This is not an issue this year. As previously stated, the night of December 23 falls on Mossa'ei Shabbath.

Festivus Pole One may not set up the Festivus Pole neither on Shabbath nor during the entire eight days of Hanukkah. Since the Festivus Pole is, according to patron Frank Costanza, "very low-maintenance," it should be easy to set up soon after Havdallah. It is assur to decorate the Festivus Pole. One who does so b'shogeg (mistakenly) must participate in the attempts to pin the ba'al habayith down. One who does decorates b'meizid (purposefully) is hayav to lashes. And, one who decorates the Festivus Pole with tinsel, which patron Frank "finds distracting,"...well,...let's just say, I'd watch my back if I were you! 

And with that Happy Festivus to all! And to all a good night!

Macho Settler Sandal Shitah

Mossa'ei Shabbath Parshath Hayyei Sarah 5767

It is the middle of fall. I have not seen any seasonal forecasts, yet, but it certainly feels like it's gonna be a much colder winter than last year. Last year, IMHO, was actually pretty mild, so much so that I wore sandals throughout the entire winter. The question is, will I be able to make through this year?

Recently at work, in Jerusalem, I was greeted with raised eyebrows when I mentioned that I only owned sandals. I do have a pair of slippers, as well as a pair of rain boots with a hole in one of the soles, but my primary footwear are sandals. I have a regular pair for the week and a nicer pair for Shabbath and Haggim. As my regular pair has pretty much fallen apart, my Shabbath pair has defaulted to my only pair. But, they're also falling apart.

So, the next question is, now that winter approaches, and I need some new shoes, will I break down and buy a pair of "real" shoes, as my colleagues might call them, or will I buy another pair of sandals?

My colleagues continued the now escalating confrontation, "What do mean you only own sandals?!"

Beginning to get a little annoyed, as work ended for the week, and I needed some serious sleep catch-up, I replied in a very sarcastic manner, "We 'settlers' wear sandals even in the winter."

I hate that word "settler," not because we're doing a misswah (ie. what we're supposed to be doing), but because our name-calling "brethren" in illustrious, limousine leftist communities like Ramath Aviv and K'far Shmaryahu refuse to wake up to the fact that they, too, are view as "settlers" by an increasing number of so-called, "international community" members, such as Muslims, their brainwashed, European lackeys, self-hating Jews, and other assorted self-destructive fools.

But, I digress....

My colleagues: "Oh, c'mon! Every one knows that all settlers own at least one pair of work boots! You can wear boots in the winter!"

This is obviously not true, as at least one "settler," myself, does not. However, his stereotype does have basis in truth. Work boots really are a necessity as a protection against nails, broken glass, and scorpions. That doesn't stop the kids in my neighborhood from running around with bare feet, though. Most every one involved in the building industry does own a pair of work boots.

Back to the set of questions at hand, to sandal, or not to sandal?

Certainly, it would assur (prohibited) to do anything which would be of detriment to my health. According to many, if not most, opinions, "Fashion Hallachah" dictates that I have reached an age at which it is mutar (permissible) for me to wear socks with my sandals. But, still....

Well, today, I suppose I was let off the hook from playing "macho sandalled-settler" this winter, as I saw my teen-aged, "Hilltop Youth" neighbors all wearing boots and other assorted close-toed footwear. Things change....

But, the bottom line is that between work, commuting back and forth from the Shomron to Jerusalem, and finding time to sleep a few measly hours per day, I have to find the time even to get to a shoe shore, regardless of my ultimate decision.

So, when it gets cold enough, and I can't take it anymore, I'll probably make the time to get to a shoe store.

I'll let you know....

The New Eged Schedule: A sign of the next expulsion

21 of the Eighth Month 5767

Last Sunday, 15 Marheshwan (Nov. 5), the new Eged bus schedule for the Shomron went into effect. Some buses were added; some service was cancelled. But, the main feature of the new schedule was the radical change in bus routes. Buses no longer travel the an unbroken trek from Jerusalem to the northern end of the Shomron, as previously covered by Line 473, ending in Netanyah and Line 474, ending in K'far Sabba. There is still one bus of the new Line 148 which makes the trek from Jerusalem to Immanuel at 6:30am, and Line 465 still connects Jerusalem with Qidumim, Karnei Shomron, and Immanu'el. However, the latter exits Jerusalem to the west, and travels north along the relatively new No. 6 expressway, avoiding the Binyamin Area and the heart of the Shomron entirely.

The new, Line 148 from Jerusalem to the various towns in the Shomron, such as Shilo, Eli, and Ma'aleh Levona, now ends in Ariel, instead of continuing on to Netanyah or K'far Sabba. Those desiring to arrive in Revava, Yaqir, Immanu'el, Etz Hayim, Einav, Karnei Shomron, and Qidumim must get on another bus, either the new, Line 73 to Netanyah or the new, Line 74 to K'far Sabba. There have already been reports of passengers to Qidumim missing their connecting 73 bus in Ariel by a few minutes, thus causing them an additional 1 1/2 wait.

So, what's the big deal you ask?

While strengthing the University of Yehudah and Shomron, recently upgraded in status from "college," the new bus routes are also in preparation for the the next expulsion of Jews from the Shomron, may God forbid. With a simple snap of the fingers, the new, Line 148 can disappear, cutting Shilo, Eli, Ma'aleh Levona, Rehalim, and K'far Tapu'ah off from public transpotation. A simple change in route along Expressay, No. 6 will facilitate transportation of students from Jerusalem to the university in Ariel, who now appear to make up a substantial percentage of morning passengers on the 148.

Service will then continue north from Ariel via the 73 and 74, which "conveniently" and "coincidentally" travel within that idiotic, so-called security fence. (I call it the Hillul HaShem Fence.)

I predict that the first victim, though, will be the still existing, Line 477 from Jerusalem to Elon Moreh, stopping in Itamar and at Tzometh Tapu'ah. It used to go to Ma'aleh Levonah, but not anymore. This will be the first step, to cut off Elon Moreh, Itamar, Yitzhar, Har Brachah, and then K'far Tapu'ah, preparing for the next round of expulsions, may God forbid.

Service to towns in Binyamin, such as Ofra and Beth-El will continue uninterrupted, until such time the government decides to pull the plug.

This is one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't situations. The Eged bus company is subsidized by the government. Many of us pay only 50% percent of what the fare is reported to cost. Yet, do due to our "grand discount," our precious, bullet-proof transportation is at the mercy of the government.

Far be it from the YeSh"A (AKA: Pesha or Resha) Council to intervene and continue its bus serivce, which just stopped, even for a price. These collaborators without any mandate from the people, and who receive their budgets from the Office of the Prime Minister (How many of you actually knew that?) can not be expected to compete with their fellow government lackies over at Eged.

I say let's contract with a religious bus service (You may call them "Haredi;" I call them religious). But no doubt, the mamlachtim from Ofra and other towns would make a stink about that, in an attempt to cover up the collaboration with the government in the area of education, as well as transportation. But, that's the topic for another blog entry....

The question remains: When we say bye-bye Eged, will it be because we will have found alternative transportation? Or because Eged has left us in the dust.

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Read more on ths issue from Batya at Me-Ander:

The Public Be Damned!
In Suspense -- The First Day

On Jewish Labor

Mossa'ei Shabbath Parshath No'ah 5767

Over the past month or so, I have been following the posts on Blogs Of Zion related to the relationship between Jews and non-Jews in Eress Yisrael:

Racism In Israel?
by Zachary Katowitz, 25 Oct., 2006

"All Citizens of Israel Deserve Our Support"
by Ariel Beery, 16 Oct., 2006

Helping Those Who Live Amongst Us - The Ger, along with the Widow and Orphan
by Ariel Beery, 12 Sept., 2006

Below I provide my "Esser Agaroth" on what is presented there, the original, primary purpose of this blog. I highly recommend that you check out Blogs Of Zion, and chime in....

It is true that Jews have always fought for the rights of others. It is ashame that we have not, fought for Jewish rights, not in a long, time. We all seem to be concerned about what the goyim think, than what we think of our own self-worth, let about what HaShem thinks. (Sure, there are those "hallacha according to feelings" types. But they will be addressed in the future.)

Few remember that it was the [politically-incorrect] Rabbi Meir Kahane ZTz"L HY"D who raised the issue of the Jews in the Soviet Union, their oppression and suffering, while the prim and proper Jewish rganizations in the U. S. sat by and did nothing, because they didn't want to rock the boat. In fact they did worse than nothing. They fought against his efforts.

Then when I was in college in the mid-80's, it was acceptable for us fight for the release of our brothers and sisters in the former Soviet Union. Rabbi Kahane didn't care about the credit; he cared about saving Jewish lives. It just gets me how easily, and "conveniently" people forget....

In a nutshell, Jews recall the pasuq in Parshath Shoftim:

"צדק צדק תרדוף"

"Justice, justice, you shall pursue..."

But, they always forget the continuation:

למען תחיה וירשת את-הארץ אשר ה' אלוהך נותן לך - דברים טז:כ

"...so that you may live and inherit the land that HaShem your God gave to you." - Deuteronomy 16:20

Bottom line, HaShem gave it to us (See RaSh"I on Genesis 1:1), and not to the Yishma'eim (Arabs) nor Edomim (Rome).

We pursue justice not so that we can get along with the goyim, in or out of the Land, but because HaShem commands us to do so. Incidentally, the goyim are also required to set up courts, and to pursue justice (Genesis 9, Mishnah Torah). Everyday that goes by when we refuse to accept the gift which can be so easily accepted, we are spitting in HaShem's face, Has we'Hallilah!

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Zachary has stated that he does not believe in justice for non-Jews for the above reasons, but because he believes it is the right thing to do. For this, I have to respect Zachary, not because I agree, or disagree, with him. But because he does not seem to make any bones about where he is coming from. He does not try to pretend that he believes this to be the Hallachah. At least he hasn't said so. I want to be careful not to put words in his mouth. But, so far he really seems to be consistent in his reasoning. So, I can't really argue with him, unless I get into "the Hallachic way of life is the proper way of life for all Jews" mode. And, although I do believe that, I do not believe it's always the best course of action. Call me selfish, but I am interested in meeting Jews from diverse backgrounds, as long as they (we) are willing to listen.

Another Blogger Of Zion is still searching for a non-existent source from the Ramba"m claiming that "ger" refers to a non-Jew. I have a "feeling" I know where that argument will lead...to "feelings."

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I responded to Zachary's response to my response to his piece (did that make any sense?) thusly...

I was providing you with my preception of the actions of the Jewish People. I have no doubt that their are many like you who believe that this is the proper course of action. However, I believe that as a people this is part of our cycle of attempting to assimilate, 2) not getting acceptance anyway, 3) then repeating the same mistake over again expecting different results.

I do not believe for a minute that this (the above) is the Torah (Read: Hallachic) perspective, but rather a Western (Edomi, New Roman Empire, European) one.

The hallachah regarding the status of Yishma'elim, or any group of people which lays claim to the land of Israel, is that they are to be treating as a threat, and are obligated to the punishment.

Now here's the REALLY politically-incorrect (Read: what "feels" weird to many because we've [Ashkinazim, anyway] been influenced by the Edomi/Roman/European mentality and culture for roughly 1,700-2,000 yrs.) part:

The common people have this same status as their leadership. This, I believe, many, if not most Jews in the World find problematic. I can't repeat enough the dictate that "feelings" do not [for the most part] play a role in determining the hallacha.

Now, in regard to Avodah Ivrith (Jewish Labor), there is another component to my personal perscetive with which you may even agree.

I happen to believe that we, Jews, need to take full responsibility for ourselves, and that includes cleaning up our own trash, building our own houses and streets, shepherding our own herds, and otherwise growing and raising our own food. So, my attitude anyway, is not just an anti-Arab attitude; it is a pro-Jewish, getting up off our proverbial tuchuses and doing for ourselves attitude. Our dependence on the Yishma'elim and other foreign workers is another component of our social psychological malaise.

Another component if the "if you're not a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, then you're nothing" attitude in much of American Jewish society, has filtered its way into Israel, too. Now the big thing is "high tech." I believe that is also a maskili/Western Jewish (& not terribly old) attitude which is unhealthy. (BTW, yes, I am willing to do these various jobs, and DO get my hands dirty in the fields when I can. For some reason, people in the comunity felt that I would be better suited to being an English teach. Go figure....)

This attitude put forth by the (mostly non-religious) Ashkinazy Jews in the 5700-5720's (40's & 50's) was responsible for the horrendous treatment of Sephardim, Iraqim and Temanim, as their cultures were not considered to be on par with their Ashkinazy counterparts.

Do you detect a little socialism? I hope so,...but no that much.

There is, also, a practical, hallachic matter here:

פיקוח נפש דוחה את כל המצוות כולן חוץ משלוש

The saving/protecting of Jewish life takes precedence over all other misswoth save for three (murder, forbidden sexual relations, and avodah zarah).

It only takes one Arab to kill one time, say by attempting to poison customers at Cafe Rimon. It doesn't matter [hallachicly] how many Arabs are inconvenienced or as you say "oppressed," as long as even one Jewish life is saved or protected from harm.

Politically incorrect? Perhaps. But, that is the perspective from where I am coming. Once again I realize that's not the perspective from which everyone approaches such issues on this blog (Blogs Of Zion).

Would you be pleased to hear that Adi Ginsburg, the big moser nefesh (self-sacraficer) behind much of the effort to get Jonathan Pollard released, was arrested and harrassed by the ,the universalist, globalizationist, Israeli [Erev Rav] police for a website encouraging support for Avodah Ivrith. Well, he was, and he was forced to take it down after threats, unrepeatable here.

You may not like the so-called "racial" implications here, but what about the additional clear evidence that rights to freedom of speech is not distributed equally in Israel? And all he was doing was to say "support such-and-such business...."

But, of course, that does not make the news like a goyah in the north supposedly not getting a job because she was not Jewish.

I'll end with some good news:

Arab Interest in Emigration Soars
by Gil Zohar, 4 Marheshwan 5767/26 Oct., 2006

The percentage of Arabs in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza (Yesha) willing to relocate abroad jumped to 32%, according to a Birzeit University survey last month....(click here for more)

Let's hope the leftist pons of the Erev Rav Israeli government do not block the emmigration lines, begging the Yishma'elim to stay,...like they did back in 5709 (1949).

Talk about trying to undo the work of HaShem!

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Notes:

1) A memorial event for Rabbbi Me'ir David be Yehezqail HaKohen Kahane ZTz"L HY"D will be held this Wednesday, 10 Marheshwan 5767/Nov. 1, 2006, 5:00pm at the Caesar Hotel in Jerusalem. A Hebrew shi'ur at 5:00pm will be followed by a brief concert by Dov Shurin at 6:00pm, and by speakers Yequti'el Ben-Ya'aqov, Shifrah Hoffman, and Atty. Barukh Ben-Yosef, and Shmu'el Cytryn in English at 7:00pm. Space is limited, please RSVP to mishallyisrael@yahoo.com.

2) I have it on high authority that the Avodah Ivrith blog will shortly be back up and running after a long hiatus.

Top Ten Words and Phrases of תשס"ו/5766

6 of the Seventh Month

The following is the long-awaited list of Top Ten Words and Phrases of תשס"ו/5766. This is an annual tradition. Yet, this is also the first time I am posting the list to my blog.

Most of you will have no clue what this is about; it's one of those inside jobs. You may surprise yourself, though, by understanding some of the items on the list. And so, you may laugh [& cry] along with us....

Shannah Tovah.

10. (tie) "That's offensive!"

10. (tie) Big Salad "It's like a small salad with lots of STUFF in it." - Elaine Benes

9. How did those Arabic posters ever get put up in Yaffo?

8. South Park (self-explanatory)

7. The Gedud (pronounced "juh-DUDE")

6. Liberated Olives (from SBD)

5. Ghettolicious (from DMR)

4. Blame Canada

3. Giv'ah (pronounced "jeev-AH")

2. Shfar'am (in honor of E HY"D, E, Y, & Y)

And the top word or phrase of תשס"ו/5766 is...

1. The Dirah (pronounced "DEE-rah")

Rosh HaShannah 5767: The Erev Rav is at it again....

4 of the Seventh Month 5767

Can you guess from where and from when the following news headlines came?

"Man Arrested for Blowing Shofar"

"Jews Told Not to Leave their Homes during Certain Hours"

Your first guess might be Germany of the 1930's.

Nope.

Perhaps present day Saudi Arabia or Iran.

Nope. Don't you remember? Saudi Arabia does not even allow Jews within its borders. And, former Iranian President Katami once even took the time to stage a visit to a synagogue at the end of Shabbath.

Perhaps Israel during the British Mandate.

Nope.

How about yesterday in Israel? Hard to believe? Not really.

I'll refer you to the following articles by Arutz 7's Hillel Fendel, Fast of the Seventh Month 5767/Sept. 25, 2006, for the background information:

Man Arrested for Blowing Shofar at Western Wall
Restrictions On Old City Jews During Ramadan

A student of Zilberman's Yeshivah in Jerusalem's Old City was attacked by police yesterday at the "Kotel HaQatan"for blowing the shofar (horn of a kosher animal other than a cow) and for not stopping his prayers at their command. Jewish Law forbids a Jew from interrupting his central shmonah esrei prayer except for reasons related to saving his or another Jew's life. One would think that a praying Jew does not have to fear death from the Israeli police. One would think.... Apparently, that was also one of the thoughts on the mind of Eliyahu Kleiman, while he ignored police demands, and continued to focus on his prayers on Rosh HaShannah.

One would also think that someone in the Israeli police force, especially in the Old City of Jerusalem would know this law. One would think....

My sources indicate that Eliyahu blew shofar during the musaf prayer, as is the custom. The police wanted him to stop. They attacked Eliyahu when they saw that he would not cease. They dragged him away, released him as they did not see him to be a threat, at which point Eliyahu returned to his prayer. The musaf prayer for Rosh HaShannah encompasses acknowledging the Sovereignty of the Almighty, asking the Almighty to recall his covenant with our ancestors, and the Shofar, calling upon the Jewish People to repent.

It is incumbent upon all Jews to hear the Shofar blown on Rosh HaShannah. Eliyahu was helping Jews to do that misswah (Torah commandment). The police were doing the opposite, preventing Jews from doing misswoth.

Why? My sources report that the police were concerned about upsetting the Arabs, thus plopping a riot into their hands.

The Erev Rav, the descendants of the false converts who came out of Egypt with us, strike again, preventing Jews from praying and blowing the Shofar, in the name of not wanting to anger the Yishma'elim (Arabs).

I thought that's one of the reasons we Jews fought to come to Israel in the first place, to have the freedom to be and act Jewish in a Jewish Homeland, and to have the relief of no longer fearing the oppression and cruelty of the goyim (non-Jew's). One would think....

Meanwhile,...

Elsewhere in the Old City, Jewish residents were instructed to stay inside their homes during certain evening hours. Once again this was to lessen any chance that Islamic extremists would get upset by the Jewish presence during their holy month of Ramadan, and "start something."

Where else have Jews had their movements restricted in their own cities of residence?

During Jewish holidays, in particular the one-day [in Israel, two outside of Israel] holiday of Shavu'oth, Jews make their way en masse to the Old City. Just like this Rosh HaShannah, Jews are prevented from entering through the Shkhem (Damascus) Gate on the north wall, yet Arab movements are not restricted. They open up shop as usual, conveniently placing piles of melon in the middle of the thoroughfare, or conveniently deciding to wash down the already slippery stone walk ways just when Jews are arriving for the early morning prayers.

Freedom of movement within the Jewish Homeland without fear of being forced back into ghettos,...and certainly not by others claiming to be Jewish. One would think....

More headlines:

ADL Slams MK Effie Eitam's Statements on Transfer of Arabs

The self-hating, ghetto-Jew words of the ADL are so abhorrent to me I find it difficult to place them on my blog. However, it is more important for these words to be in your face, thus I will place a few here. I'll refer you to the Arutz 7 article above for more.

ADL: "Such inflammatory statements are irresponsible and display an ugly and abhorrent bigotry against other peoples and leads to incitement...."

Although there is certainly hallachic precedent for trying to "get along" with the goyim outside of Eress Yisrael (See works by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ZTz"L), the ADL obviously knows nothing really substantial of Torah and its application in within Eress Yisrael (See Mishnah Torah Hil. Avodah Zarah & Hil. Melechim u'Milhamotheha).

The ADL would seem to have Jews in Eress Yisrael just sit by an be slaughtered, all in the name of "peace" with our neighbors.

The ADL's "write a letter, make it better" policy does exactly the opposite here. Either they have no clue as to the damage they are doing,...or they do. You be the judge.

MK Effie Eitam, I applaud your efforts. You have certainly woken up a bit to the current reality in Israel. May you soon merit the full understanding that Torah Law supersedes the Israeli secular law in Eress Yisrael, whenever they are in conflict.

But, so far, you seem to have gotten it only half right. You have finally woken up to the need [and hallachah] to throw out the non-Jewish hostile element from the Land. But, what about our [apparently] Jewish enemies, the Erev Rav?

Said in the name the name of the Vilna Gaon, he who does not fight against the Erev Rav, defends them (Kol HaTor).

May this year bring the completion of the Ge'ulah (Redemption),...however politically-incorrect it may seem.

An Israel South Park Moment

Mossa'ei Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Ki Thavo 5766

There I was on a Friday, sitting in a park in the neighborhood of Nahla'oth, a Jerusalem neighborhood where I can rarely be seen (long story for another time), when I was disturbed from my relatively pleasant, Nahla'oth experience.

In Israel, we do not have annoying, semi-tame squirrels and pigeons which harrass the humans for their scraps. No. We have annoying cats and doves. Even though I am a cat-lover, I must admit that I, too, am annoyed by the wild cats. I am even very careful not to touch them for fear of ring-worm or other such FTD's (Feline Transmitted Diseases).

So, while I was eating my not so Mid-Eastern breakfast and trying to read, this little, black kitten, which could not have been more than six weeks old, started to rub up against my leg, and me'ow.

Almost without thinking, and I say almost because I could see this coming, I started to raise my voice at the kitten:

"No, Kitty! Those are my borekkas!"

That did not deter him, so a little louder, I repeated:

"NO, KITTY! Those are MY borekkas!"

But he just continued to me'ow,...just like Eric Cartman's Kitty on the hit cartoon show "South Park."

I started to laugh, because of the absurdity of what happening. People passing by surely thought I crazy, both for laughing and for not chasing away the kitten more effectively. Nonetheless, I didn't want the episode to end. Afterall, we fans have been having to wait many moons for the next, new episode of "South Park" (Uh-hum), due to this bizarre break in the middle of the season (hint, hint). Go figure....

Thus, the episode continued....

"NO, KITTY! Those are MY borekkas and ice mocha!" "NO, KITTY!

But, this tiny kitten had such hutzpah (nerve/gaul), it started to climb onto the park bench where I was sitting. Imagine!

Soon after I scared the kitten away from its fifth attempt at climbing up onto the park bench, I got up to leave, believing that I had something more important to do.

Then it really hit me. There are two parks in Nahla'oth, one in the north, and one in the south.

You guessed it. I was in the park in the south, the "south park."

CNN Complicity? Or Parapraxisity?

Mossa'ei Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Ki Thesse 5766

So, there I was, minding my own busines,...well, sort of,...checking out something which Barry Zilberman suggested people check out, something about kids in Qiryath Sh'moneh collecting... and giving CNN an earfull about it, when I bumped into the following news item:


Israeli dies in rocket attack
A rocket attack near Nasariyah, Israel, killed one person. (August 2)


Is it me, or does Nasariyah sound just a little too much like Nasrallah YSh"W?

I mean, Netanyah was named for Natan (Strauss), right? And Hertzliyah was named for Hertzl, right?

Oh, I suppose some of you are worried about the missing "L"-sound from Nasariyah, and how that might poke a hole or two in my logic. So, let me remind you that the "allah" in Nasrallah simply means "God" or "of God" (leHavdil), just like, you guessed it, the Hebrew "yah." Get it now?

Now, of course, this simply could have been an innocent occurance of parapraxis (commonly referred to as a "Freudian slip"). It most definitely was not a typographical error, as we all know that CNN is incapable of such things. The only questions which remain are "Did CNN slip up in revealing the secret desires of Hizbollah YSh"W? Or did CNN slip up in revealing its own secret desires and interests?

Here in Israel, we are all familiar with those bumper stickers about CNN. So, I am sure it does not come as a surprise to any of us this latest "accident." But, are we now going to have to make new bumper stickers? And what should they say? "CNN slips?" "CNN routes for the Arabs?" Or how about "CNN Likes the Arabs?" That way we can do our part to protect the environment by reducing the amount of material produced. We'll just have to print the "K," cut the old bumper sticker, insert the the "K," and then add "the Arabs" at the bottom with a black marking pen.

Oh, and in case anyone wants to come after me with legal action for my hypothetical suggestions, please do. I could use the free publicity. Besides, I'll just say it was a [very extended] "Freudian slip."

All's fair in love and war,... and parapraxis.

Jewish Legion Zucchini Salad (story & recipe)

Mossa'ei Shabbat Qodesh Parshath Re'eh 5766

INTRODUCTION:

Two years ago, upon moving up in the world, north that is, from the town of Ofra in Binyamin (See Judges 6:11) to K'far Tapu'ah around the border between Efraim and Menashe (See Joshua 17:7-8), I was invited to eat Shabbath dinner with HaGedud HaIvri (the Jewish Legion). The Torah-based Jewish Legion, a resurection in spirit of its name-sake founded, through the efforts of Ze'ev Jabotinsky and Yosef Trumpeldor in August, 1918, was a group of Jewish volunteers who trained in self-defense, dog-handling, emergency medical response, and other security operations. Members came from Israel and from outside of Israel; some were "frum from birth," others only learning about their heritage. It was one of the only organizations or programs in Israel which was truly made up of a diverse group of Jews, building the kind of Jewish unity so-called pluralists only "talk" about.

Anyway, I was invited to join them for dinner. I could not arrive empty handed, could I?

I prepared the recipe below, and brought it over. Introductions were made. I had remembered several of the members from when I first visited K'far Tapu'ah, two years previously. Still, my eyes were fixed on my salad as it was passed around the table, making a mental note of who took, and who did not. I wanted to make a good, first impression. WHEW! Most of them took, AND finished what they took.

One of the members of the Gedud HaIvri, who liked this salad, asked if he could "claim" it, and put the Legion's name on it.

I said, "Sure. Why not?"

Thus was born the "Jewish Legion Zucchini Salad" (pictured below).



He soon left to go get some sleep. He had to take up his post at 2:00am. Even though exempt from service in the IDF, this Jew decided to give three years of his life in the service of his People and and his Land. So, for three years, seven days a week, from 2:00am to 8:00a, he was the only person standing between the western boundary of K'far Tapu'ah, Giv'ath Tapu'ah HaMa'aravith (Tapu'ah West Hill) and the Yishma'elite (Arab) village of Salfit, in so-called "Area A."

Another member, the Number 2 man in the Legion, later went out to his guarding post, overlooking the neighboring Yishma'elite village, Yassuf. He took up his position, armed only with a cellular phone and a plastic fork, having been unceremoniously denied his right to bear arms by the powers that be. That did not deter him from his mission. Somebody had to do it. His plastic fork, by the way was more of a symbolic protest weapon, than a functional one. Although, he did seem to be pretty resourceful.

Well, none of the dedication of these Jews seemed to matter to the IDF local command nor to the Israeli police, when on 8 Teveth 5766 (Jan. 8, 2006) they raided K'far Tapu'ah, confiscating everything from the dining room table and chairs to their specially trained, pedigreed Mallinois (Belgian Shepherd) guard dogs.

These are the same dogs which guarded towns throughout Yehudah, Shomron, & Azza (Judea, Samaria, & Gaza), deterring Yishma'elite infiltrations. These are the same dogs which (with their handlers) assisted the IDF in searching vehicles for bombs and bomb-making materials. These are the same dogs and handlers who spent their Saturday nights guarding hitchhiking locations during the recent kidnapping scare.

INGREDIENTS:

Qishu'im
(You know... that light green squash in Israel that's not really zucchini, but we sometimes call it that in Italian/English for lack of a better name.)





Garlic
(Fresh, not powered, for goodness sakes! - Gevaldt!)




Soy Sauce
(No, you don't have to make this from scratch. Although everyone knows that if you really loved your family, you'd make it from scratch! -- Just kidding. The only soy sauce requirement is that you are not allowed to use those thick Israeli versions of soy sauce! Telma used to have the best and cheapest, proper soy sauce, with an Eidah Haredis heksher, but it seems to have disappeared. Surprisingly you can find some American and Asian-made soy sauces in Shuq Mahaneh Yehudah, at reasonable prices. But, it depends on your preference in heksherim.)

Canola Oil
(Self-explanatory,...Um,...I hope.)





PREPARATION:

1. Wash, and leave un-skinned, 10 or so medium-sized qishu'im. Slice into circles about 4 mm wide (about 1/5 in.).

2. Whether deep-frying or frying in a regular frying pan, make sure to pre-heat the oil. Otherwise, the result will be a soggy mess.

3. Fry until the last piece of qishu'im begins to brown.

4. Remove, and allow oil to drip, or place on ripped-open, brown paper bag or paper towels to allow the excess oil to be soaked up. Repeat with with subsequently batches.

5. After all of the qishu'im have been prepared in the above manner, place four or five cloves of garlic, finely chopped, into the frying pan, with only a little oil, if not the oil which was dripped off from the deep-fryer, and reheat briefly.

6. Once the garlic begins to fry, add the qishu'im, and turn off the fire.

7. Immediately add the soy sauce, about three tablespoons. Additional soy sauce can always be added later according to taste.

8. With a spatula, gently flip over portions of qishu'im, allowing the soy sauce and garlic to mix in, without breaking up the shape of the qishu'im.

9. Allow to cool. Refrigerate. May be served cold, at room temperature, or be reheated for an additional side dish.

EPILOGUE:

On that fateful day in Teveth (January) of this year, I, myself, happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. All of my personal belongings were searched, and personal letters read. I was then taken in, "detained for questioning." I spent a few hours at the police departments "lovely" facility in the Russian Compound, Jerusalem.

During my "questioning," I was asked what my connection was to the Gedud HaIvri. I told the detective about once in a while making a salad to bring over to them for Shabbath dinner. That seemed to catch even him, a seasoned interrogator, off guard for a split second. I believe that that I was released, as he was certain that I could not possibly have made up such a thing.

It's just like the Erev Rav (decendants of the"mixed multitude") police not to concern itself with the power of misswoth (Toraah commandments) like Shabbath and Hakhnasath Orhim (welcoming and providing for guests).

Anyone interested in supporting a similar organization, with canine units manned by volunteers may send donations to:

K'levim leHaganath Yisrael
(Canines for the Defense of Israel)
P. O. Box 6592
Jerusalem
ISRAEL

israelidefenders@aol.com

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Don't forget to check out the other great recipes at the
Kosher Cooking Blog Carnival #9!

More Mistaken Photos (Photos Of Mistakes)

15 of the Fifth Month 5766 (Tu b'Av)

Speaking of mis-taken photos, these two, black & white photos have been circulating the Internet, a comparison which hardly challenges the imagination. Upon receiving these combined photos, a [Chinese?] proverb came to mind:

"A picture is worth a thousand words."
Each of these photos feature an accepted leader or representative of Edom shaking hands with his contemporary, who had vowed to destroy the Jewish People.





I suppose I can understand the oversight, neglecting to include the color photo above, which pictures the, then leader of the Erev Rav with his Yishma'elite counterpart, who was intent on destroying the Jewish People.

I side with those who include it with the first two, as all three photos are of evil people making huge and unconscionable mistakes.

Fire Phasers! On Lebanon?

14 of the Fifth Month 5766


Photos like this one have been popping up here and there, ever since the Reuters photo-doctoring scandal broke. Yes, I know it's shocking that anyone contributing to such a reputable institution as Reuters would do such a thing (sic.). Nonetheless....

One independent journalist (anonymity protected) was quoted as saying that this photo is an obvious fake due to the absence of a Star of David. That's pretty weak if you ask me. The Arabs would be the first to jump up and yell, "Zionist conspiracy! They purposely paint over their national insignia and jam their transponder frequencies in an attempt to escape identification."

As a Star Trek expert (ie "geek"), I feel it is my obligation to proclaim to you the irrefutable evidence that this is photo is a fake.

You see, the original USS Enterprise was a Constitution class starship, and thus unable to navigate through the earth's atmosphere. I know that it's very easy for you lay-people to get confused. Perhaps you recall witnessing the USS Voyager commanded by Capt. [now Admiral] Janeway, landing on the surface of various planets, and thought to yourself, "Hey, if the voyeur can land on an M-class planet, then so can the Enterprise. And, if the Enterprise can navigate through the earth's atmosphere, then maybe this photo isn't a fake after all." Wrong! These two space vessels are completely different classes of ship. The USS Voyager is an Intrepid class ship. It is a well-known fact the old Constitution class ship was not designed to navigate safely through planetary atmospheres.

Well, now that I've cleared that up for you, I must say that Sultan Knish and then Jameel @ The Muqata, among countless others I'm sure, beat me in posting this photo way before me. I, myself, received it from "Frodo" in Israel, via various middlemen.

(20 of the Fifth Month: This just in: It has been confirmed that Sultan Knish was indeed the creator of this mocked up photo. Apparently, in applying for a position at Reuters, the application asked for....)

But, hey, that's the whole point of this blog, to provide my infinitely invaluable and highly opinionated [I hope] "Esser Agaroth" on world events and life's little surprises. Of course, I'll probably be the only one to get sued for copyright infringement, or at the very least a nasty e-mail from StarTrek.com, canceling my subscription to its e-newsletter.

Stay tuned!

And, of course, may the almighty protect us, and grant us victory over our enemies. war is no laughing matter, but it often reveals some of those absurdities inherent in human behavior.

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Interested in contributing? E-mail me.

Another Divine Cancellation

13 of the Fifth Month 5766

Last week, while those in many religious communities, in and out of Israel, were celebrating the cancellation [for the second year in a row] of the so-called "pride parade" in Jerusalem, another cancellation may have squeeked by without your notice.

The Depeche Mode concert, scheduled for the night following Tisha b'Av in Tel-Aviv, was also cancelled.

Although I haven't been following Depeche Mode's journey through music and time that much for the past several years, I really have been a fan of theirs almost since their inception in 1980. At one point, I even had my ears pierced just like lead singer David Gahan. The earrings have long since been removed, and, well,...that's another story for another time....

Months ago, when I heard that Depeche Mode was coming to Israel, I debated as to whether I should go. Could I afford the NIS 300 ticket? (approx. $68) Should I go to a concert with mixed [gender] seating? Maybe I could stand outside, and just listen, like we sometimes did in California. Or, should I even go to such a concert at all?

Well, after many months of not even thinking about the Depeche Mode concert, I was walking around Jerusalem with friends who were visiting from LA. We turned up Hillel Street, in a neighborhood where I am almost never seen, and sure enough we ended up passing a ticket office. There in the window was a huge poster announcing the concert, with that blaring date: Aug. 3. My friends asked, "Hey isn't that Tisha b'Av?" What did I know? Back in Teveth (January-ish), I didn't think anything of the date. Other than the occasional form to be filled out at an Israeli government office, I hadn't been the position of having to be bothered by the Western date for a very long time.

My friends quickly checked their calendars. The decision as to whether to go to the concert had been made for me. The concert fell on the night following the Fast of the Fifth Month (Tisha b'Av - commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, among other things). Even on the night following this fast, I would be unable to attend the concert. Most Hallachic (Jewish legal)authorities rule that several of the fast's observances of mourning continue through noon of the next day, just as the Temple continued to burn.

As the soldier abductions and rocket-firing by Hizbollah YSh"W turned into a war, I thought it hardly appropriate to go to a concert anyway, while my brothers in the north were huddled together in bombshelters, getting bombarded with rockets.

A short-lived protest over the concert being held right after the fast was waged by Knesset Members Zevulun Orlev and Nissan Slomiansky (National Religious Party). But their protest was to no avail. Israeli civil law only protects the sanctity of this fast from sunset to sunset. Given the current make-up of the Knesset, I seriously doubt they had any chance of ammending the law, assuming they even thought of such a possibility. Of course, the concert was cancelled anyway.

According to DepecheMode.com, the band's official website, the concert was cancelled "following the latest developments."

Arutz 7 suggests that “'recent developments,' [are] possibly an allusion to the bombing of a populated Hizbullah position in Kana, Lebanon."

YNET reported that according to the band's manager Shuki Weiss, who has family in Israel, and was looking forward to coming, the cancellation began with "a problem [that] came up with the technical team which developed into the refusal of the entire team to get on a plane and come." The report also included the only indication I was able to find as to how the band members themselves felt, with the band's organizer Marek Lieberberg saying that they very much wanted to come to Israel.

Of course, I cannot say for certain how the Depeche Mode concert, inappropriately scheduled in the first place, for the night following Tisha b'Av, came to be cancelled. I will say this, that I do not believe in coincidences. Simply put, the Almighty took away the option from 40,000 people to bop-out at a concert. If they wanted to avoid focusing the on the past and current, sadness and destruction going on around us, they were going to have to find another way to it.

How?

The Fast of the Fifth Month 5766

On the Fast of the Fifth Month (Zekharyah 8:19), or Tisha b'Av as it is now commonly known, Torah study is forbidden. One of the few exceptions to this prohibition is the Book of Lamentations (Mishnah Torah, Hil. Ta'aniyoth 5:11), which is also publicly chanted on this day in many communities.

א אֵיכָה יָשְׁבָה בָדָד, הָעִיר רַבָּתִי עָם--הָיְתָה, כְּאַלְמָנָה; רַבָּתִי בַגּוֹיִם, שָׂרָתִי בַּמְּדִינוֹת--הָיְתָה, לָמַס ב בָּכוֹ תִבְכֶּה בַּלַּיְלָה, וְדִמְעָתָהּ עַל לֶחֱיָהּ--אֵין-לָהּ מְנַחֵם, מִכָּל-אהֲבֶיהָ: כָּל-רֵעֶיהָ בָּגְדוּ בָהּ, הָיוּ לָהּ לְאֹיְבִים

איכה א:א-ב

1 Oh, how she sits alone. The city* that was full of people has become like a widow. The great among the nations, the princess among the provinces, has become tributary! 2 Surely she weeps at night, her tears upon her cheeks; she has no comfort from her lovers; all her friends have betrayed her, they have become her enemies.

-Lamentations 1:1-2

*=Jerusalem

No comfort, even from those who love her? Friends betraying her? Becoming her enemies?

Sound familiar?

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Hebrew texts of the Tana"kh, Mishnah, Talmud Yerushalmi, Talmud Bavli, & Mishnah Torah are available on-line at Mechon Mamre.

Weren't They Warned?

27 of the Fourth Month 5766

Debbie Schlussel exposes the true nature of the so-called "Americans" requiring rescue from Lebanon in her article THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS IN LEBANON ARE HEZBOLLAH SUPPORTERS.

Here are my two aggaroth worth in an e-mail of support....

Dear Debbie (as you may know, we're very informal here in Israel),

I agree with ALL of the points you make in your article.

I have only one suggestion,...which admittedly comes both out of my naivite and my personal and religious investments in Israel:

Perhaps bringing the Hizbollah-supporting "Americans" back to the U. S. would make it significantly easier to keep a eye on them. Could this not lead to increased intelligence information and prevention of terrorist attacks?

So, no, I'm suggesting that they be "rescued." Well,...if they prefer that word over "detained" or "arrested," then so be it. But, what I am suggesting is that the U. S. keep them close by where they can be monitored more effectively.

It is, of course, a great embarrassment and waste, that this will run U. S. tax-payers $86 million, was it? For some reason many Democrats and Republicans still find it more of an embarrassment to buy "off the rack," let alone look at the price tag.

Like I said, I agree with the points you present. I only wanted to share with you these few thoughts.

Oh, and, by the way, didn't the U. S. State Department issue a travel warning regarding Lebanon way back in May?

I have lived in the Shomron (Samaria) for the past five years. Throughout this time, various "travel warnings" have been issued with regard to my neck of the woods. So, I certainly do not expect the the US to come running to the rescue at my whim. (On the contrary, may they stay far, far away!)

So, why should those "Americans" in Lebanon, who were warned, be "rescued" either?

Oh, yeah,...I forgot. There are double standards at work here.

Silly me.

*Writing from the "Third Front," almost in range of the Jenin rockets; definitely in range of the kidnappings....

May God have mercy on us...and defeat our enemies. We're certainly not going to, not as long as we care more about what others think about us, than what we think of ourselves.

What Were They Thinking?

22 of the Fourth Month 5766

Considering all of the deaths, all of the preventable deaths, and all of the self-sacrifice occurring in Israel on a minute-to-minute basis, I have no doubt that the following will be considered to be in VERY bad taste.

But I am here, and most of you are not. We are entitled to let off a little steam from time to time, don't you know?

War is not a laughing matter. It is even less of a laughing matter as to how this war might have been averted by having finished the job long ago.

Quite possiby those of you IN Israel will not find this so offensive.

The Yishma'elim (Arabs) have really crossed the line this time....

From The Muqata

"1:02 PM Roundup of past 14 minutes:
Rocket strikes Israel railroad trainyard in Haifa...again (Channel 2 TV)
Rocket strikes "Vered HaGalil" Chocolate factory in Tzefat (Channel 1 TV) [bastards!]
Rocket strike in Haifa -- one wounded by smoke inhalation, 3 in shell shock.
Rocket strike in Haifa causes fire in empty field."

I mean really...a chocolate factory?! What were they thinking?

The absurdity of war....

May The Almighty have mercy on us.

Writing from the "Third Front"
(Close to Jenin rocket range; and right in the middle of kidnapping range)

Avihai Levy & Aviad Mansour HY"D: One Year Later

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Balaq 5766

ויאמר מה עשית? קול דמי אחיך צועקים אלי מן-האדמה
בראשית ד:י


Then He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground."
Genesis 4:10

One year ago, Avihai Levy and Avi'ad Mansour were waiting to catch a ride by the town of Beth Haggai, Yehudah (Judea).

One year ago, Avihai Levy and Avi'ad Mansour were shot down by Yishma'elite terrorists (Arabs).

There are those in this world who have the audacity to call these Yishma'elim "freedom fighters," for goodness sakes!

There are Jews in this world who actually ALLOW them be called freedom fighters.

One year after the brutal murders of Avihai Levy and Avi'ad Mansour, May HaShem Avenge Their Blood! "What have we done?"

What did we do to prevent their murders?

One year after the brutal murders of these boys, these boys who could have been OUR sons, OUR brothers, OUR friends, OUR neighbors, OUR students....

Look into the eyes of these teen-agers, cut down in their youth, and ask yourselves:

"What did we do to try to prevent their murders?"

Did we just stand numbly and idly by, convincing myself that this time the Jew-hating majority in the Israeli government will finally become fed up, stop kowtowing to the goyim (eg EU, USA, UN, etc.), and do the right thing, ...do the ONLY thing which can be done in dealing with the Yishma'elim (Arabs)?

"What are we doing NOW to prevent the next murders of Jewish children?"

Yes, the p'shat (the simple interpretation) of the above verse is referring to what Qayn actively did to cause his brother Hevel's death.

ויאמר מה עשית? קול דמי אחיך צועקים אלי מן-האדמה - בראשית ד:י

Then He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground - Genesis 4:10

But, now, when the blood of our brothers cries out to HaShem from the ground, it is often because of negligence.

You ask yourself, "But, what can we do? We're powerless to do anything."

Yet, at the very least, we are commanded...

לא תעמד על-דם רעך, אני יהוה - ויקרא יט:טז

"...You shall not stand idly by, I am the Lord." - Leviticus 19:16b

(Literally: "...You shall not stand on the blood of your fellow...")

This past 17 Siwan and 19 Siwan I do not recall any mention of these boys in the news. Maybe the excuse is that there is not enough space to mention each and every Jew who has been murdered. But, that is just not good enough! That is not a valid excuse.

What we can do, the very least we can do, is to help keep the memories of our fallen Jews alive.

I wish their was enough room on this blog to recall every Jew killed, or even Jews killed in the past five years.

I simply cannot do it by myself.

I call upon YOU to go to the memorial site of the Israeli government, linked above to Avihai and Avi'ad's photographs, and browse the listings.

You can also go to the Gamla Memorial Site.

Choose one, just one murdered Jew, and remember that Jew on your blog, in your column, in your community newsletter, in an e-mail. If you can take five minutes to write an e-mail to your friends about one Jew, you can begin to be part of the solution, the solution which begins by waking up your fellow Jews to the current reality of our people's mass-suicide attempt. For most of us, we are carrying this out unconsciously. Others our volunteering their lives up to to the goyim (non-Jew) out of guilt, shame, lack of faith, or all of the above.

With each murdered Jew published on the Web, the murdered victims will begin to become real people to those of you out there who are numbed out by the media censors and the daily gear-grinding of the all important machine of materialism, making ends meat and furthering your careers, even if it is for the good of Am Yisrael (The Jewish People).

Take five minutes, face the reality of the mass-suicide we are commiting here in Israel, and help your friends to face this reality, too.

When HaShem asks...

ויאמר ה' אל-קין אי הבל אחיך - בראשית ד:ט

Then HaShem said to Qayn, "Where is your brother Hevel?" - Genesis 4:9a

Let us not be like Qayn, who responds...

ויאמר לא ידעתי השמר אחי אנכי - בראשית ד:ט

And he said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" - Genesis 4:9b

Rather, let us take to heart what our Sages Z"L teach us...

כל ישראל ערבים זה בזה -למוד בבלי סנהדרין כז:ב

Every Jew is responsible for every [other] Jew. - Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 27b

What have you done? What will you do?

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Note: In recent weeks we have seen there terrifying kinappings and attempting kidnappings of more young Jews. Gilad Shavit a young soldier is trapped in Azza, while kidnapped Eliyahu Pinhas Asheri HY"D of Itamar in Samaria, was burried, after his remains were recovered, burned and burried near Ramallah. Before that two young Jewish women escaped capture in Samaria. They fought valliantly until an Army jeep happened along.

על הנסים ליום ירושלים / "Al HaNissim" for Yom Yerushalayim

יום שחרור ירושלים תשס״ו
Yom Yerushalayim 5766

Here is the nusah of the Al HaNissim addition for birkath hamzon (Grace After Meals) and shmonah esrei (Amidah Prayer) on Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day). This segment of Nusah Eress Yisrael was adopted from the "Siddur HaMiqdash."

Yom Yerushalayim commemorates the reunification of the City of Jerusalem, including the entire Old City, during the "Six Day War" in the year 5727 (1967).

This year, Yom Yerushalayim falls on Thursday night/Friday day, May 25/26.

"על הנסים" ליום ירושלים
נוסח ארץ ישראל

וְעַל הַנִּסִּים, הַגְּבוּרוֹת, הַתְּשׁוּעוֹת, הַמִּלְחָמוֹת וְהַפְּדוּת שֶׁעָשִׂיתָ עִמָּנוּ וְעִם אֲבוֹתֵינוּ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה:

בִּימֵי חֵירוּתֵנוּ בְּקוּם עַמֵּי עֲרָב כְּאִישׁ אֶחָד עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל הַיּוֹשְׁבִים בָּטַח בְּאַרְצָם, אָמְרוּ: לְכוּ וְנֵכְחִידֵם מִגּוֹי וְלא יִזָכֵר שֵׁם יִשְׂרָאֵל עוֹד: וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶיךָ הָרַבִּים עָמַדְתָּ לָהֶם בְּעֵת צָרָתָם, נָתַתָּ בָּהֶם עז וּגְבוּרָה. בְּשִׁשָּׁה יָמִים הֵנִיסוּ אֶת צִבְאוֹת עֲרָב לְכָל רוּח. רְדָפוּם וְהִכְנִיעוּם. בְּדָלְקָם אַחֲרֵיהֶם בָּאוּ בָּנֶיךָ אֶל חֶבְלֵי אֶרֶץ נִרְחָבִים בָּאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתָּ לְאַבְרָהָם, יִצְחָק, וְיַעֲקב, וְעָלוּ לִיְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִירֶךָ, וּלְחַצְרוֹת קָדְשֶׁךָ בִּתְרוּעָה, כְּשֵׁם שֶׁגְּאַלְתָּנוּ וַהֲבֵאתָנוּ אֶל מְקוֹם מִקְדָּשֶׁךָ כָּךְ הָשֵׁב שְׁכִינָתְךָ לְצִיּוֹן עִירֶךָ, וּמִזְבֵּחַ חָדָשׁ בְּצִיּוֹן תָּכִין וּבַעֲבוֹדַת בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ נִשְׂמַח כֻּלָּנוּ. וְשָׁם נַעֲבָדְךָ בְּיִרְאָה כִימֵי עוֹלָם וּכְשָׁנִים קַדְמוֹנִיּוֹת, וְנוֹדֶה לְשִׁמְךָ לָנֶצַח

וְעַל כֻּלָּם.../ וְעַל הַכָּל...

For more information on Nusah Eress Yisrael, you may contact Rabbi David Bar-Hayim directly at: harav@machonshilo.org.

Please also visit his website: Machon Shilo.

Post-Lag ba'Omer

Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Behar-Behuqothai 5766

This letter was prompted by the article...

"If a Tree Falls in the Forest..." on Lag Ba'Omer
by Ze'ev Orenstein
May 16, '06 / 18 Iyar 5766

Ze'ev,

I like your work. I have to tell you, though, that there is little to no evidence
to support that the RaShB"I died on Lag baOmer. See the recent interview in Meqor Rishon and b'Qehillah with Rav Avraham Qosman, particularly in regard to the discovered error in interpreting the Ariza"l on this question.

Apparently, one of the few sources suggesting that the RaShB"I died on Lag ba'Omer is from the Ariza"l. In the predominant version, it says "shemeth RaShB"I" (that/when RaShB"I died) This actually came from the abbreviation "shin-mem/geresh".


The original work, obtained from the Vital Family (as in Rav Hayim Vital), reveals the latter "shin-mem/geresh" to stand for "simhato RaShB"I" (happiness of RaShB"I).

That being said, sure I guess it can be a positive experience of unity amongst Am Yisrael, especially when there are gender-segrated events and activities,...as there should be.

Yet, I was disturbed by the reports of drug use and drug access in Meron this year. And as always, I am disturbed by increased signs of [potential?] avodah zarah, both "praying" to the RaShB"I and Habbad Meshihistiyuth.

Thus, I have mixed feelings about the lack of media coverage.

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Additional source:

"Was RaShB"I niftar on Lab ba'Omer?" (shi'ur)
Rav David Bar-Hayim, Jerusalem, 17 Iyyar 5766