30 of the Eleventh Month 5769
Haveil Havalim #205 is up at Sarah's View! It's the From Down Under edition.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Code Name: White Bird
22 of the Eleventh Month 5769
I brought FoxNews.com this evening, as is my custom upon returning home, and what should I find but the following headline:
It accompanied a photo of Israeli Foreign Minster and Prime Ministerial candidate Tzippy Livni running her fingers through her hair. The story, albeit potentially interesting, seemed to be a bit of a red herring. What was it doing there on the front page of FoxNews.com? The story included on a passing mention of the elections, and the probability that Binyamin Netanyahu, and not Livni, will be leading the next Israeli government.
I remember a while back, hearing pieces of Livni's story. I have no doubt there are several events and tidbits of information which she will never be allowed to reveal. However, what was published made her look like a glorified house-sitter.
Keeping safe houses, headquarters, and the like occupied is apparently an important part of any location's cover. An empty house with different people coming in and out all of the time would raise too many eyebrows.
The placement of this story still begs the question, "Why now?" Why does "pro-Livni" newspaper finally decide to run an old story, we have so far only received bits and pieces of, in its entirety now?
Is this supposed to be the deciding factor in whether Livni forms the next government or not? No. That decision is in the hands of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
When I first read the story, the following thought immediately popped into my mind: TV Movie of the Week,...or perhaps an HBO mini-series.
If Tzippy Livni tires of politics, she has the material for a potentially best-selling autobiography, or a spy novel of her own.
I can see it now.
Tzippy Livni steps down from her Kadima Party leadership role, citing the desire to spend more time with her family.
Then thing we will see is her new book in the windows of Steinmetzky's Books across the country.
Two years later, the headline will read "Tzippy Livni signs TV film deal, will co-write the teleplay."
She can call it Code Name: White Bird, just like her own name, Tzipporah Livni.
Tzippor = bird
Lavan = white
I brought FoxNews.com this evening, as is my custom upon returning home, and what should I find but the following headline:The Lonely Life Of A Spy
It accompanied a photo of Israeli Foreign Minster and Prime Ministerial candidate Tzippy Livni running her fingers through her hair. The story, albeit potentially interesting, seemed to be a bit of a red herring. What was it doing there on the front page of FoxNews.com? The story included on a passing mention of the elections, and the probability that Binyamin Netanyahu, and not Livni, will be leading the next Israeli government.
I remember a while back, hearing pieces of Livni's story. I have no doubt there are several events and tidbits of information which she will never be allowed to reveal. However, what was published made her look like a glorified house-sitter.
(FoxNews.com) Livni said she had been unable to reveal to even her closest family that she was a spy. When her father visited her in Paris, he could not understand why a woman who had been a brilliant law student “was wasting her time in Europe doing nothing."One story is that's exactly what she was. On the surface, this reminded me of a minor character in the Jason Bourne spy novels by Robert Ludlum, fully trained, yet having to pay her dues and drag herself up the professional totem pole like everyone else.
Keeping safe houses, headquarters, and the like occupied is apparently an important part of any location's cover. An empty house with different people coming in and out all of the time would raise too many eyebrows.
The placement of this story still begs the question, "Why now?" Why does "pro-Livni" newspaper finally decide to run an old story, we have so far only received bits and pieces of, in its entirety now?
Is this supposed to be the deciding factor in whether Livni forms the next government or not? No. That decision is in the hands of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
When I first read the story, the following thought immediately popped into my mind: TV Movie of the Week,...or perhaps an HBO mini-series.
If Tzippy Livni tires of politics, she has the material for a potentially best-selling autobiography, or a spy novel of her own.
I can see it now.
Tzippy Livni steps down from her Kadima Party leadership role, citing the desire to spend more time with her family.
Then thing we will see is her new book in the windows of Steinmetzky's Books across the country.
Two years later, the headline will read "Tzippy Livni signs TV film deal, will co-write the teleplay."
She can call it Code Name: White Bird, just like her own name, Tzipporah Livni.
*********
Tzippor = bird
Lavan = white
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Typical Left-Wing Rant And Rave
22 of the Eleventh Month 5769
This morning on the bus, I was held hostage by the bus driver's choice of radio listening pleasure.
I don't know who it was. All of the leftists in Israel pretty much sound the same.
The host was ranting and raving about the elections, and how horrible the results were, and how much worse the country is going to be under a right-wing, nationalist government.
"Don't worry," he began sarcastically. "Katzeleh (National Union leader Ya'akov Ka"tz) will make sure that the government will implement what the Torah says, keeping all lands under Israeli control," all the while, making degrading distortions of the MK-elect's nickname.
He really made it sound like this was such a grave and horrible thing. It's one thing not to know what the hell you're talking about. It's another to know what the Torah says, and then to fight against it actively.
Amaleq knew the power of HaQadosh Baruch Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) They knew of his actions for the sake of Israel, and at the expense of the Egyptians. They knew of the parting of the Red Sea. Yet, they attacked nonetheless. In a way Amaleq's role is to attempt to undo the work of The Almighty, regardless of the impossibility of such a task.
Later on in the program, the host continued his rant.
"Now we have Baruch Marzel and Itamar Ben-Gvir, KAHANISTS, as advisers to a member of Kenesseth [Dr. Micha'el Ben-Ari]! KAHANISTS! KAHANISM is illegal! Look what's happening!"
The fact that Ya'akov Ka"tz and Micha'el Ben-Ari were democratically elected, that Baruch Marzel was deemed "kasher" years ago by the leftist, Israeli high courts, are unimportant.
In the words of The Kalashnikover Rebbe,
"You are allowed to vote, but only from the options they allow you to choose from."
I think that sums up the left-wing in Israel, and elsewhere, pretty well.
This morning on the bus, I was held hostage by the bus driver's choice of radio listening pleasure.
I don't know who it was. All of the leftists in Israel pretty much sound the same.
The host was ranting and raving about the elections, and how horrible the results were, and how much worse the country is going to be under a right-wing, nationalist government.
"Don't worry," he began sarcastically. "Katzeleh (National Union leader Ya'akov Ka"tz) will make sure that the government will implement what the Torah says, keeping all lands under Israeli control," all the while, making degrading distortions of the MK-elect's nickname.
He really made it sound like this was such a grave and horrible thing. It's one thing not to know what the hell you're talking about. It's another to know what the Torah says, and then to fight against it actively.
Amaleq knew the power of HaQadosh Baruch Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) They knew of his actions for the sake of Israel, and at the expense of the Egyptians. They knew of the parting of the Red Sea. Yet, they attacked nonetheless. In a way Amaleq's role is to attempt to undo the work of The Almighty, regardless of the impossibility of such a task.
Later on in the program, the host continued his rant.
"Now we have Baruch Marzel and Itamar Ben-Gvir, KAHANISTS, as advisers to a member of Kenesseth [Dr. Micha'el Ben-Ari]! KAHANISTS! KAHANISM is illegal! Look what's happening!"
The fact that Ya'akov Ka"tz and Micha'el Ben-Ari were democratically elected, that Baruch Marzel was deemed "kasher" years ago by the leftist, Israeli high courts, are unimportant.
In the words of The Kalashnikover Rebbe,
"You are allowed to vote, but only from the options they allow you to choose from."
I think that sums up the left-wing in Israel, and elsewhere, pretty well.
Spiderman Sighting
22 of the Eleveth Month 5769
Haaretz: Rosh-Ha'ayin Police Arrest Man in Spiderman Costume Harassing Commuters, Yuval Goren, 15/02/2009
Israel Police have grown accustomed to strange sights on Israel's highways, but nothing could have prepared them for the sight of a man in a Spiderman costume jumping on top of cars and throwing ropes at the startled commuters' vehicles. (Read more...)
(Tip credit: The Kalashnikover Rebbe)
Now, there's something you don't see everyday.
Apparently, I past through the scene of the crime, on my way home in the Shomron (Samaria) from Tel-Aviv, only a short time before Spiderman's appearance. Rosh-Ha'Ayin sits a few cities away from Tel-Aviv to the east.
The man in custody is from Ari'el in heart of the Shomron.
The above image is Copyright © 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc., and is placed here only to assist readers in identifying the character in question to readers.
Haaretz: Rosh-Ha'ayin Police Arrest Man in Spiderman Costume Harassing Commuters, Yuval Goren, 15/02/2009
Israel Police have grown accustomed to strange sights on Israel's highways, but nothing could have prepared them for the sight of a man in a Spiderman costume jumping on top of cars and throwing ropes at the startled commuters' vehicles. (Read more...)(Tip credit: The Kalashnikover Rebbe)
Now, there's something you don't see everyday.
Apparently, I past through the scene of the crime, on my way home in the Shomron (Samaria) from Tel-Aviv, only a short time before Spiderman's appearance. Rosh-Ha'Ayin sits a few cities away from Tel-Aviv to the east.
The man in custody is from Ari'el in heart of the Shomron.
*********
The above image is Copyright © 2008 Marvel Characters, Inc., and is placed here only to assist readers in identifying the character in question to readers.
Haveil Havalim #204 Is Up!
22 of the Eleventh Month 57679
Haveil Havalim #204 is now up at Here In HP!
Last week I fixed the edition number, so now we ALL know that it's #204.
Don't we, Jack?
Haveil Havalim #204 is now up at Here In HP!
Last week I fixed the edition number, so now we ALL know that it's #204.
Don't we, Jack?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Maj. Gen. Avi Mizrahi Is Right
Mossa'ei Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Yithro 5769
No, it wasn't very diplomatic. No, it wasn't his role to make such comments. And, yes, he may have hurt his career. But, he's right.
What happened to Jews going out of their way to defend the rights every people treated unfairly but themselves?
Oh, I guess that doesn't apply when upsets the diplomatic balance, when it upsets one of the few Muslim countries which tolerate us,...barely, and throws Europeans into a tizzy of cognitive dissonance.
Did Maj.-Gen. Avi Mizrahi think before he spoke? Was this an "Oops, I forgot there were journalists here" faux pas? Did he walk into a trap? Or was this a well-thought out publicity-grabber.
I'll go with Door #1 for now, but you never know.
Look up Gen. Mizrahi on Wikipedia, and you will find that his page is available in three different languages: Hebrew, English, and, of all things, Turkish.
I kid you not. A certain general is no longer flying under the radar.
YNET: IDF Renounces General's Comments
Hanan Greenberg, 02.14.09, 20:20
Remarks made by Maj. Gen. Avi Mizrahi alluding to Turkish oppression of Kurds, Armenians were rejected by army in statement. The comments were in reaction to Ankara criticism of Israel's Gaza operation. (Read more...)
No, it wasn't very diplomatic. No, it wasn't his role to make such comments. And, yes, he may have hurt his career. But, he's right.
What happened to Jews going out of their way to defend the rights every people treated unfairly but themselves?
Oh, I guess that doesn't apply when upsets the diplomatic balance, when it upsets one of the few Muslim countries which tolerate us,...barely, and throws Europeans into a tizzy of cognitive dissonance.
Did Maj.-Gen. Avi Mizrahi think before he spoke? Was this an "Oops, I forgot there were journalists here" faux pas? Did he walk into a trap? Or was this a well-thought out publicity-grabber.
I'll go with Door #1 for now, but you never know.
Look up Gen. Mizrahi on Wikipedia, and you will find that his page is available in three different languages: Hebrew, English, and, of all things, Turkish.
I kid you not. A certain general is no longer flying under the radar.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Their Secret Lair
Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Yithro 5769
After the two years of taunting I have incurred regarding waffles, and how everyone, blogger and non-blogger alike, seems to be entitled to receive them from Jameel Rashid but me, I have had enough.
Waffles this, waffles that, waffles this and that....
Jameel and his sidekick in crime Jack Be Nimble will now have to go on the run, as I pursue them to the ends of the earth. No longer will I have waffles waved in my face, and then moments later have them violently withdrawn, receiving only raspberries,...and not the kind you can eat either.
The taunting, the teasing, the shame, the embarrassment....
I have tried everything to make them stop and leave me alone. I have tried exposing their racket. I have tried stalking them. I have tried exposing Jameel's secret identity. I have even tried ignoring them. Nothing works.
So now I must resort to espionage, sabotage. and all sorts of other clever things. I will be the bane of the existence. I will foil their plans at every turn. When I am finished with them, they will never be able to enjoy another waffle again!!
I will begin by revealing the location of their secret lair, the Waffle Bar. My spies have revealed that Jameel Rashid frequents The Waffle Bar in Jerusalem, not the "cool" location on Shlomtzion Street, but the tacky one in Talpiyoth. My spies have revealed that Jameel must periodically feed in futile attempt to satisfy his insatiable waffle addiction.
He meets up with Jack via video conferencing in order to plan their next set of foul deeds.
But now, they will have to find a new, secret lair, thus postponing their evil plans for another day.
I'll get you Jameel! Just you wait!
Up next...
What happens when Jameel tries to make waffles with his organic, whole-wheat flour that I stealthily replaced with disgusting soybean flour, replete with female hormones!
After the two years of taunting I have incurred regarding waffles, and how everyone, blogger and non-blogger alike, seems to be entitled to receive them from Jameel Rashid but me, I have had enough.Waffles this, waffles that, waffles this and that....
Jameel and his sidekick in crime Jack Be Nimble will now have to go on the run, as I pursue them to the ends of the earth. No longer will I have waffles waved in my face, and then moments later have them violently withdrawn, receiving only raspberries,...and not the kind you can eat either.
The taunting, the teasing, the shame, the embarrassment....
I have tried everything to make them stop and leave me alone. I have tried exposing their racket. I have tried stalking them. I have tried exposing Jameel's secret identity. I have even tried ignoring them. Nothing works.
So now I must resort to espionage, sabotage. and all sorts of other clever things. I will be the bane of the existence. I will foil their plans at every turn. When I am finished with them, they will never be able to enjoy another waffle again!!
NYA-HA-HA-HA!!!!!!!!!
I will begin by revealing the location of their secret lair, the Waffle Bar. My spies have revealed that Jameel Rashid frequents The Waffle Bar in Jerusalem, not the "cool" location on Shlomtzion Street, but the tacky one in Talpiyoth. My spies have revealed that Jameel must periodically feed in futile attempt to satisfy his insatiable waffle addiction.He meets up with Jack via video conferencing in order to plan their next set of foul deeds.
But now, they will have to find a new, secret lair, thus postponing their evil plans for another day.
I'll get you Jameel! Just you wait!
Up next...
What happens when Jameel tries to make waffles with his organic, whole-wheat flour that I stealthily replaced with disgusting soybean flour, replete with female hormones!
Monday, February 09, 2009
The "Jewish" Home Party And Rabbis
16 of the Eleventh Month 5769
Around six years ago, representatives from the National Religious Party [NRP] met with former Chief Sephardi Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu shlit"a. They ask Rav Eliyahu whether they could include women on the party's list of candidates.
When asked why they went against one of the major rabbinical figures of our time, the response was that...
I mean if you're going to do what you want anyway, then at least don't ask a rabbi in the first place. There wasn't even any attempt, that I recall, to say that they asked him only hypothetically.
Ironically, Member of Kenesseth [MK] Gila Finkelstein (NRP), the woman in question who was elected that year, was, in my humble opinion, the best MK the party had.
How does a party call itself "religious" when they leave religion out of the equation?
It's really no wonder that Rav Eliyahu has not endorsed the Jewish Home Party (NRP redoux). He has endorsed the National Union, which even includes secular candidates. So have Rabbi Dov Lior (Hevron-Qiriyath Arba), Rabbi Zalman Melamed (Beth-El). Even another prominent Religious Zionist Rabbi Shlomo Aviner (Beth-El) has refrained from endorsing either party.
I suppose that the members of the Jewish Home Party aren't concerned, as they have "other rabbis."
Around six years ago, representatives from the National Religious Party [NRP] met with former Chief Sephardi Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu shlit"a. They ask Rav Eliyahu whether they could include women on the party's list of candidates.He said no.
When asked why they went against one of the major rabbinical figures of our time, the response was that...
We have other rabbis.
I mean if you're going to do what you want anyway, then at least don't ask a rabbi in the first place. There wasn't even any attempt, that I recall, to say that they asked him only hypothetically.
Ironically, Member of Kenesseth [MK] Gila Finkelstein (NRP), the woman in question who was elected that year, was, in my humble opinion, the best MK the party had.
How does a party call itself "religious" when they leave religion out of the equation?
It's really no wonder that Rav Eliyahu has not endorsed the Jewish Home Party (NRP redoux). He has endorsed the National Union, which even includes secular candidates. So have Rabbi Dov Lior (Hevron-Qiriyath Arba), Rabbi Zalman Melamed (Beth-El). Even another prominent Religious Zionist Rabbi Shlomo Aviner (Beth-El) has refrained from endorsing either party.
I suppose that the members of the Jewish Home Party aren't concerned, as they have "other rabbis."
YeSh"A Council Non-Political? Yeah, Right!
16 of the Eleventh Month 5769
You may recall that Pinhas wallerstein was a long time council member, and Head of the Binyamin Regional Council, before "retiring." He then mysteriously popped back on the scene as executive director. I wonder if they had to beg him to come back.
When the YeSh"A Council's Head and its executive director publicly endorse political parties, how can it get away with making such an outrageous statement like "it is a non-political body?"
And why shouldn't it be a political body?
The YeSh"A Council is supposed to be encouraging settlement of Yehudah and Shomron, and for that matter Azza (Judea, Samaria and Gaza), not making deals to give up or trade this piece for that, and certainly not collaborating with the [almighty] State to expel Jews from their homes in these areas. Respecting authority is one thing; actively helping is another.
There is no question that the YeSh"A Council should be endorsing the Ihud Le’umi (National Union), the ONLY party which has been clear that it is against land giveaways to our enemies (The Jewish Home Party is not.), thus the only party which comes even close to supporting the YeSh"A Council's supposed goals.
But, what do you expect from a "non-political body" which received its budget directly from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Yesha Council Remains Non-PoliticalUm,...yeah, like "elements" which violate Torah Law.
February 9, 2009
(IsraelNN.com) The Judea and Samaria Council emphasized Monday that it is a non-political body and will not endorse specific parties in Tuesday’s elections. The council also explained that although some council members have made their personal views public, they do not reflect an official council policy....Maybe not technically, but c'mon! YeSh"A Council head Danny Dayan is a candidate on the Jewish home Party list.
And then, of course,...
...Last week Council CEO Pinhas Wallerstein publicly endorsed the Jewish Home party. He explained that he could not vote for the Ichud Le’umi (National Union) party since it contained elements which did not respect the authority of the state.
You may recall that Pinhas wallerstein was a long time council member, and Head of the Binyamin Regional Council, before "retiring." He then mysteriously popped back on the scene as executive director. I wonder if they had to beg him to come back.
(Click to enlarge)
When the YeSh"A Council's Head and its executive director publicly endorse political parties, how can it get away with making such an outrageous statement like "it is a non-political body?"
And why shouldn't it be a political body?
The YeSh"A Council is supposed to be encouraging settlement of Yehudah and Shomron, and for that matter Azza (Judea, Samaria and Gaza), not making deals to give up or trade this piece for that, and certainly not collaborating with the [almighty] State to expel Jews from their homes in these areas. Respecting authority is one thing; actively helping is another.
There is no question that the YeSh"A Council should be endorsing the Ihud Le’umi (National Union), the ONLY party which has been clear that it is against land giveaways to our enemies (The Jewish Home Party is not.), thus the only party which comes even close to supporting the YeSh"A Council's supposed goals.
But, what do you expect from a "non-political body" which received its budget directly from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Haveil Havalim #203 - The Real 203rd Edition
Erev Rosh HaShannah la'Illanoth 5769
This edition may be too long, I don't know. However, I have hopefully provided enough annotation, to that you will save in the long-run by clicking only those posts which seem of interest to you. What can I say? Sometimes I have difficulties saying no.
Of course, there are those of you gritting your teeth, and muttering under your breath, "I'm not going to get as many hits on my blog that way, gosh darn it" Well, my response to that is, offer to host. Not only will get to design and present Haveil Havalim your way, you will definitely get that boost in hits and exposure you were looking for. It's really not that hard,...once you have hosted a few times. If you have never hosted before, you can always try out the beta InstaCarnival function, to help you get started.
In the meantime, please enjoy this week's edition. Due the lack of sufficient explanation from Jack as to the edition numbering discrepancy which cropped up weeks ago, even after repeated inquiries from me, I have no choice but to entitle it The Real 203rd Edition. (No offense to Ima, who by no fault of her own, hosted the fake one last week.)
Everyone must click now to read I'll Call Baila's post Venezuela, Venezuela On My Mind. You can come back to Haveil Havalim later. I'm serious! Click!
Mike at It's Almost Supernatural elaborates on this attack in Kristallnacht In Caracas.
The Israel Situation wonders what was accomplished in Azza (Gaza) in Another Rocket Attack. Yitz at Judeopundit lets us know about all the "victory" in the news today with his Triumphant Round-up.
Cosmic X in Jerusalem posted a video in Know Thy Enemy. It's, shall we say, a bit of an I-Rant, which is kind of like a J-Rant, but for Islam. No, not really....
Daled Amos also posts some video footage. It was of that thing that happened between those guys at that place that one time, discussing Israel's fate without any input the Israeli public, of for that matter, The Almighty. Such meetings happen all the time. I can get them confused. This one had that guy who calls himself HaNassi, what's his name? Oh, yeah, Shimon Peres, telling it like it is. DA also blogs on the UN's Defense Of Islam, Which Makes Conyers's Resolution Look Good.
Debbie Schlussel tells us why it's Time for a Top Jewish Republican to GOOOOOO.
Atlas Shrugs reports that the Director of J Street (Judenrein Strasse) Eric Alterman has been threatening people. (Tip credit: Sultan Knish)
Sultan Knish reports that U. S. President Obama Falsely Promoted an Islamic Golden Rule at the National Prayer Breakfast. Robert at Seraphic Secret brings us "They Let Us Out," but presumably, Michelle, you are the "they." Hmmm....
Parshath HaShavu'a
Ari at Geulah Perspectives elaborates on the troubles we are currently experiencing, as birth pangs in Birthing Moshiach.
Yechezkel at Achas L'Maala v'Sheva L'Matta brings us The Miracle Of The Mahn - Then And Now. Through midrashim and an additional story, he explains how the miracle of the Mahn is still with us today. He also gives us 18 Ways To Find Your Beloved, found in Parshath Beshalah.
Ahava Ariel relates this week's parshah to where she sees herself currently in I Want The Direct Flight.
The Velveteen Rabbi combines this week's parshah, poetry, and current events in The Psalm I Sing, and transitions us into the poetry section.
Poetry
Ariel brings us "A Message" and "Mikvah" at The Edge Of Rain.
Brooklyln Habiru gives us my favorite post of this edition "Ata Ḥonen" at Secrets Of Redemption.
Family
Shorty's Adventure continues on with Interfaith Parenting - Initial Thoughts. As with the above poem, I would like to suggest that everyone read this post.
Paul posts Sibling Rivalry: Can't Kill 'em so Try to Love 'em on his Or Am I? blog, providing his take on "sibling rivalry and how to move our children toward partnership and love."
Lady-Light writes about her Kids in the IDF, and Thoughts on the War.
Who remembers this?
"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues."
-From The Lorax by Theodor "Dr. Suess" Geisel
Leora starts us off with A Holiday For Trees, posted at Here In HP.and Batya at Me-Ander brings us Ahhhh, TU b'Shevat.
Now, Batya is what? ...Preparing for Pesah already? Check out It's That Time Of Year, Again, and see what's up with that.
Jewish Thought
While The Occidental Israeli examines what it means to be Dati Or Torani, The Rebbetzin's Husband examines the components of Modern Orthodox Ideology.
Shira Salamone at On The Fringe is thoroughly disgusted by her shul's kashrut decision. She also examines Onan’s real sin and Kol Isha.
Good ol' Heshy at Frum Satire presents us with Ridiculous Halachic Questions.
In Letters Of Thought, Mottel reviews the book The Two Kings.
Lenny Ben-David of I*Consult updates us on the background and status of certain Vatican Manuscripts.
Schvach Yid treats us to a story,...well, there's a dog, some ducks, a catfish, and an alligator. Check out Fun And Games At Someone Else's Corral. He also comments on Jewish Bigotry and Jewish Pain.
Out With The Guys
The Real Shaliach reports on the Kinnus Hatmimim in Beis Rivka. Do you know what a "rocking farbie" is? Find out in What were they thinking?
Did anyone watch the Super Bowl? Benji at What War Zone? did. Hey, Lookee Here! recounts what happened when he innocently tried to "talkback" to a commentator.
The Struggle
Israelly Cool continues his Live Blogging of news items related to Azza. So does The Muqata. Both include video clips as well.
Tomer Devorah warns us that Everybody Wants Jerusalem. It looks like the Christians are still up to their old tricks.
Interference from the U. S. continues, but how will it be manifested next? Daled Amos suggests that Obama Is Being Advised To Pursue A Minimalist Approach In Israel-Palestinian Conflict.
Lady-Light posts part 3 of a 6 part video Interview With Joan Peters, in which she discusses the writing of her book From Time Immemorial (1984). This book reveals the truth about the geographical origins of the Arabs residing in Israel, among other things.
Jack posts The Inner Workings Of Hamas at Random Thoughts - Do they have any meaning?
The Occidental Israeli sums up the overall situation in Israel pretty well in Khaled Abu Toameh on “The Situation.”
's Everything Does Not Suck.
Elder Of Ziyon attempts to give everyone a history lesson in Jews and Arabs Living Peacefully Together. Unfortunately, I am afraid it will fall on death ears,...yet again. He also reports that the Arabs might want to learn how to live peacefully with each other first in Failing To Blow Up Israelis, Gazans Now Blow Up Each Other.
Yisrael at My Right Word reports on the "slimy behavior" of others who would prefer their own "truth" to the real truth in See How They Lie.
So sick of hearing about one blogger's Israeli "security fence" cheer leading, I decided to Unsubscribe from his e-mail notification list.
Hamas Officials Signal Willingness to Negotiate: Good news? Check out what Snoopy at Simply Jews has to say.
Life In Israel
West Bank Mama has compiled a round-up of posts about the Gaza War from olim hadashim (new immigrants), On The Outer Edges. Meanwhile, follow Israeli By Day, American By Night, for Danny's live-blogging of his experiences as a soldier in the IDF's Golani Brigade. Here's a sample of his Memorable Moments In The IDF.
Through Josh-Colored Glasses provides us with his first-hand experiences as a soldier in the Gaza War in Thoughts On The Operation.
Lady-Light at Tikkun Olam posts how LIBI Supports Our Kids--We Should Support LIBI (LIBI="For the Sake of Israel's Security"), and includes a video.
Before I read Mrs. S.'s Prepare For The Day Of Reckoning at Our Shiputzim, I never would have guessed what the post was about. Would you? I think a lot of olim will be able to identify with this post.
Ricki's Mom, writing at Beneath The Wings, describes how she handled a recent Shabbath, and mention of the word "Mongol." She also mentions a midrash in connection to teaching in Teaching Embroidery- Who Says That’s an “A”?
They're not all here, yet, but The Rebbetzin's Husband reports on Making Aliyah A Reality In Allentown. Maybe they'll want to live in the modern day town of Shiloh, adjacent to the site of the Mishkan. Shiloh just celebrated its 31st Anniversary. Yeah!
Israeli Elections
First off, if you did not get your voter information card, and just need to find out where your polling station is, visit the following website:
Jacob Richman has also created a comprehensive, web portal for the elections. It includes links to political parties and additional resources.
I post my highly biased, "right-wing extremist" (your words, not mine) Guide To Israeli Political Parties. Some of my comments might just surprise you. But, whatever you do, please do not vote for the Jewish Home Party!
Natan at Lines Writing Lines has taken his own 2009 Knesset Straw Poll of the teen-agers he has encountered distributing campaign literature in Tel-Aviv.
Joe Settler posts an Imaginary Story, which includes a photo of Likud head Bibi Netanyahu and National Union head Ya'akov Ka"tz, and the potential conversation which might or might not go with it. Cosmic X points us to a Great Article About National Union Leader Ketzelah. Rafi at Life In Israel interviews National Union candidate Uri Bank., and coordinates a debate between representatives of the Likud and Israel Our Home Parties.
The Torat Yisrael Blog posts the National Union Party's Official Comic Book. I bet you didn't know they had one of those, huh?
Batya posts A Vote For Likud Is A Vote For Kadima.on Shiloh Musings. Avi at Tel-Chai Nation has some disturbing things to share about Kadima prime ministerial candidate Tzippy Livni.
If you intend to vote for a party considered to be "right-wing," then I believe the best Election Anayses For Voting are pointed out by Yisrael at My Right Word, and by Yoel Meltzer's Confusion On The Right.
A Voice Of Reason From Zion tells us why he has endorsed Avigdor Lieberman's Israel Our Home Party. Ya'ir Shalev, posting at Shiloh Musings, tells us why we should Beware Of Avigdor Lieberman, and his party.
Asher In Israland explains why he is Using His Vote Constructively by voting for The Greens.
Tomer Devorah tells us why she's not voting in The Dream Of Zion. Or is she? Check out her Last Word About The Elections.
Soccer Dad examines a disturbing article in Israeli Electorate Wants To See More Dead Civilians.
Sports
For those of you who still didn't know, American football is alive and well in Israel. According to the IFL Blog, "It’s not Football Unless it’s American Football." Follow this blog to receive updates and commentary about the current season. What DID ever happen to the Israeli Baseball League? Nya ha ha ha!
Personal Experience and Observations
Fearless Leader Jack at Random Thoughts - Do they have any meaning? writes on how to Be A Better Blogger- Write More Frequently.
Cosmic X asks Are Most Israeli Bloggers Leftists?
Bloggers Beware
Gila at My Shrapnel would like to know if these things have happened to any of you in A Minor Rant.
And, according to A Soldier's Mother Anonymous Strikes Again.
Team Blogging
You already know about The Muqata, and Batya has recently expanded Shiloh Musings to include writer Ellen Horowitz, as well as several residents of the south to report on events there.
Do you write on a team blog? How is that going? How have you enjoyed it? Positives? Negatives? Let your fellow bloggers know through meta-blogging (blogging about blogging).
OK. I'll go first by making a shameless plug for the Stop Raping Israel blog, which was founded by veteran blogger Smooth Stone. Contributors include Planck's Constant, GrEaT sAtAn'S gIrLfRiEnD, Bar-Kokhba, and myself. I like writing for this as every contributes, and although we have a lot of similar points of view, we are actually a fairly diverse group of bloggers. Check it out!
If you would like to plug your team blog, please feel free to leave a link and a description in the comments section below.
Ads And Accessories
Toby at A Time of the Signs wants to know what you see when you look at the ad she posted in Books What are those for?
Blog Carnivals
Don't forget to submit your posts for February's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival. If you are interested in hosting sometime, please contact shilohmusings (at) yahoo (dot) com.
JPix is looking for bloggers to host its carnivals for April, May, and June 2009. If you are available to host any one of these months, please contact jpixcarnival (at) gmail (dot) com! In the meantime, don't forget to send in your submissions for next month's edition. And, don't forget to check out this month's edition hosted by Ilana-Davita.
Wrap Up
Ages ago, Jack told me that he has been continuing Soccer Dad's policy of giving discretion to the host.
The wrath of my discretion came down hard on one spam submission and one Christian pastor expecting that I would include a plug for his "teaching the Bible" method (Yeah, right!), among others.
Leora at Here In HP will be hosting next week's edition. Please send your posts to her via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. Personally, I find this to be the most helpful way to organizing your posts for an edition. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow (at) sbcglobal (dot) net.
This edition may be too long, I don't know. However, I have hopefully provided enough annotation, to that you will save in the long-run by clicking only those posts which seem of interest to you. What can I say? Sometimes I have difficulties saying no.Of course, there are those of you gritting your teeth, and muttering under your breath, "I'm not going to get as many hits on my blog that way, gosh darn it" Well, my response to that is, offer to host. Not only will get to design and present Haveil Havalim your way, you will definitely get that boost in hits and exposure you were looking for. It's really not that hard,...once you have hosted a few times. If you have never hosted before, you can always try out the beta InstaCarnival function, to help you get started.
In the meantime, please enjoy this week's edition. Due the lack of sufficient explanation from Jack as to the edition numbering discrepancy which cropped up weeks ago, even after repeated inquiries from me, I have no choice but to entitle it The Real 203rd Edition. (No offense to Ima, who by no fault of her own, hosted the fake one last week.)
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.'
Jews' News
Everyone must click now to read I'll Call Baila's post Venezuela, Venezuela On My Mind. You can come back to Haveil Havalim later. I'm serious! Click!
Mike at It's Almost Supernatural elaborates on this attack in Kristallnacht In Caracas.
Now, take a deep breath or sigh, express some gratitude that you're not there. Enjoy the rest of Haveil Havalim. Then do some research and contemplation about how you can help our brethren in Venezuela.In other news, Ron at Likelihood Of Success mourns the loss of Rabbi No'ah Weinberg z"l.
The Israel Situation wonders what was accomplished in Azza (Gaza) in Another Rocket Attack. Yitz at Judeopundit lets us know about all the "victory" in the news today with his Triumphant Round-up.
Cosmic X in Jerusalem posted a video in Know Thy Enemy. It's, shall we say, a bit of an I-Rant, which is kind of like a J-Rant, but for Islam. No, not really....
Daled Amos also posts some video footage. It was of that thing that happened between those guys at that place that one time, discussing Israel's fate without any input the Israeli public, of for that matter, The Almighty. Such meetings happen all the time. I can get them confused. This one had that guy who calls himself HaNassi, what's his name? Oh, yeah, Shimon Peres, telling it like it is. DA also blogs on the UN's Defense Of Islam, Which Makes Conyers's Resolution Look Good.Debbie Schlussel tells us why it's Time for a Top Jewish Republican to GOOOOOO.
Atlas Shrugs reports that the Director of J Street (Judenrein Strasse) Eric Alterman has been threatening people. (Tip credit: Sultan Knish)
Sultan Knish reports that U. S. President Obama Falsely Promoted an Islamic Golden Rule at the National Prayer Breakfast. Robert at Seraphic Secret brings us "They Let Us Out," but presumably, Michelle, you are the "they." Hmmm....
In The Lives Of Jews
Parshath HaShavu'a
Ari at Geulah Perspectives elaborates on the troubles we are currently experiencing, as birth pangs in Birthing Moshiach.
Yechezkel at Achas L'Maala v'Sheva L'Matta brings us The Miracle Of The Mahn - Then And Now. Through midrashim and an additional story, he explains how the miracle of the Mahn is still with us today. He also gives us 18 Ways To Find Your Beloved, found in Parshath Beshalah.
Ahava Ariel relates this week's parshah to where she sees herself currently in I Want The Direct Flight.
The Velveteen Rabbi combines this week's parshah, poetry, and current events in The Psalm I Sing, and transitions us into the poetry section.
PoetryAriel brings us "A Message" and "Mikvah" at The Edge Of Rain.
Brooklyln Habiru gives us my favorite post of this edition "Ata Ḥonen" at Secrets Of Redemption.
Family
Shorty's Adventure continues on with Interfaith Parenting - Initial Thoughts. As with the above poem, I would like to suggest that everyone read this post.
Paul posts Sibling Rivalry: Can't Kill 'em so Try to Love 'em on his Or Am I? blog, providing his take on "sibling rivalry and how to move our children toward partnership and love."
Lady-Light writes about her Kids in the IDF, and Thoughts on the War.
Tu b'Shevat
Who remembers this?
"I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues." -From The Lorax by Theodor "Dr. Suess" Geisel
Leora starts us off with A Holiday For Trees, posted at Here In HP.and Batya at Me-Ander brings us Ahhhh, TU b'Shevat.
My guess is that there will more Tu b'Shevat-related posts in next week's edition. In the meantime, I have included a few pictures of the trees in this edition of Haveil Havalim, trees which I see in Israel on a daily basis. The almond trees really are in bloom right now,...and my neighbor's pomegranates turned out really good this past season. Don't YOU wish you lived in Israel???
Now, Batya is what? ...Preparing for Pesah already? Check out It's That Time Of Year, Again, and see what's up with that.
Jewish Thought
While The Occidental Israeli examines what it means to be Dati Or Torani, The Rebbetzin's Husband examines the components of Modern Orthodox Ideology.
Shira Salamone at On The Fringe is thoroughly disgusted by her shul's kashrut decision. She also examines Onan’s real sin and Kol Isha.
Good ol' Heshy at Frum Satire presents us with Ridiculous Halachic Questions.
In Letters Of Thought, Mottel reviews the book The Two Kings.
Lenny Ben-David of I*Consult updates us on the background and status of certain Vatican Manuscripts.
Schvach Yid treats us to a story,...well, there's a dog, some ducks, a catfish, and an alligator. Check out Fun And Games At Someone Else's Corral. He also comments on Jewish Bigotry and Jewish Pain.
Out With The Guys
The Real Shaliach reports on the Kinnus Hatmimim in Beis Rivka. Do you know what a "rocking farbie" is? Find out in What were they thinking?
Did anyone watch the Super Bowl? Benji at What War Zone? did. Hey, Lookee Here! recounts what happened when he innocently tried to "talkback" to a commentator.
Israel
The StruggleIsraelly Cool continues his Live Blogging of news items related to Azza. So does The Muqata. Both include video clips as well.
Tomer Devorah warns us that Everybody Wants Jerusalem. It looks like the Christians are still up to their old tricks.
Interference from the U. S. continues, but how will it be manifested next? Daled Amos suggests that Obama Is Being Advised To Pursue A Minimalist Approach In Israel-Palestinian Conflict.
Lady-Light posts part 3 of a 6 part video Interview With Joan Peters, in which she discusses the writing of her book From Time Immemorial (1984). This book reveals the truth about the geographical origins of the Arabs residing in Israel, among other things.
Jack posts The Inner Workings Of Hamas at Random Thoughts - Do they have any meaning?
The Occidental Israeli sums up the overall situation in Israel pretty well in Khaled Abu Toameh on “The Situation.”
's Everything Does Not Suck.
Elder Of Ziyon attempts to give everyone a history lesson in Jews and Arabs Living Peacefully Together. Unfortunately, I am afraid it will fall on death ears,...yet again. He also reports that the Arabs might want to learn how to live peacefully with each other first in Failing To Blow Up Israelis, Gazans Now Blow Up Each Other.
Yisrael at My Right Word reports on the "slimy behavior" of others who would prefer their own "truth" to the real truth in See How They Lie.
So sick of hearing about one blogger's Israeli "security fence" cheer leading, I decided to Unsubscribe from his e-mail notification list.
Hamas Officials Signal Willingness to Negotiate: Good news? Check out what Snoopy at Simply Jews has to say.
Life In Israel
West Bank Mama has compiled a round-up of posts about the Gaza War from olim hadashim (new immigrants), On The Outer Edges. Meanwhile, follow Israeli By Day, American By Night, for Danny's live-blogging of his experiences as a soldier in the IDF's Golani Brigade. Here's a sample of his Memorable Moments In The IDF.
Through Josh-Colored Glasses provides us with his first-hand experiences as a soldier in the Gaza War in Thoughts On The Operation.
Lady-Light at Tikkun Olam posts how LIBI Supports Our Kids--We Should Support LIBI (LIBI="For the Sake of Israel's Security"), and includes a video.
Before I read Mrs. S.'s Prepare For The Day Of Reckoning at Our Shiputzim, I never would have guessed what the post was about. Would you? I think a lot of olim will be able to identify with this post.
Ricki's Mom, writing at Beneath The Wings, describes how she handled a recent Shabbath, and mention of the word "Mongol." She also mentions a midrash in connection to teaching in Teaching Embroidery- Who Says That’s an “A”?
They're not all here, yet, but The Rebbetzin's Husband reports on Making Aliyah A Reality In Allentown. Maybe they'll want to live in the modern day town of Shiloh, adjacent to the site of the Mishkan. Shiloh just celebrated its 31st Anniversary. Yeah!
Israeli ElectionsFirst off, if you did not get your voter information card, and just need to find out where your polling station is, visit the following website:
Yes, it's in Hebrew. DO NOT PANIC! Scroll down a bit. You will see two empty lines to be filled in, the first with the numerical verification code found to the right, and the second with you te'udath zehuth (Israeli ID) number. Click the button to the immediate left. A new window will pop out and provide with the address of your polling location, and your polling station number.Next, for this pre-Israeli elections edition, I attempted to gather the endorsements of Israeli bloggers for the table I created at the bottom of this post. But, alas, of the 50 bloggers I sent a request to, only 17 responded. (sad face)
You always just call 1-800-300-059, too.
The answers to your frequently asked questions [FAQs] about Israeli Elections can be found in English by clicking here.
Jacob Richman has also created a comprehensive, web portal for the elections. It includes links to political parties and additional resources.
I post my highly biased, "right-wing extremist" (your words, not mine) Guide To Israeli Political Parties. Some of my comments might just surprise you. But, whatever you do, please do not vote for the Jewish Home Party!
Natan at Lines Writing Lines has taken his own 2009 Knesset Straw Poll of the teen-agers he has encountered distributing campaign literature in Tel-Aviv.
Joe Settler posts an Imaginary Story, which includes a photo of Likud head Bibi Netanyahu and National Union head Ya'akov Ka"tz, and the potential conversation which might or might not go with it. Cosmic X points us to a Great Article About National Union Leader Ketzelah. Rafi at Life In Israel interviews National Union candidate Uri Bank., and coordinates a debate between representatives of the Likud and Israel Our Home Parties.
The Torat Yisrael Blog posts the National Union Party's Official Comic Book. I bet you didn't know they had one of those, huh?
Batya posts A Vote For Likud Is A Vote For Kadima.on Shiloh Musings. Avi at Tel-Chai Nation has some disturbing things to share about Kadima prime ministerial candidate Tzippy Livni.
If you intend to vote for a party considered to be "right-wing," then I believe the best Election Anayses For Voting are pointed out by Yisrael at My Right Word, and by Yoel Meltzer's Confusion On The Right.
A Voice Of Reason From Zion tells us why he has endorsed Avigdor Lieberman's Israel Our Home Party. Ya'ir Shalev, posting at Shiloh Musings, tells us why we should Beware Of Avigdor Lieberman, and his party.
Asher In Israland explains why he is Using His Vote Constructively by voting for The Greens.
Tomer Devorah tells us why she's not voting in The Dream Of Zion. Or is she? Check out her Last Word About The Elections.
Soccer Dad examines a disturbing article in Israeli Electorate Wants To See More Dead Civilians.
Sports
For those of you who still didn't know, American football is alive and well in Israel. According to the IFL Blog, "It’s not Football Unless it’s American Football." Follow this blog to receive updates and commentary about the current season. What DID ever happen to the Israeli Baseball League? Nya ha ha ha!
Meta-Blogging
Personal Experience and Observations
Fearless Leader Jack at Random Thoughts - Do they have any meaning? writes on how to Be A Better Blogger- Write More Frequently.
Cosmic X asks Are Most Israeli Bloggers Leftists?
Bloggers Beware
Gila at My Shrapnel would like to know if these things have happened to any of you in A Minor Rant.
And, according to A Soldier's Mother Anonymous Strikes Again.
Team BloggingYou already know about The Muqata, and Batya has recently expanded Shiloh Musings to include writer Ellen Horowitz, as well as several residents of the south to report on events there.
Do you write on a team blog? How is that going? How have you enjoyed it? Positives? Negatives? Let your fellow bloggers know through meta-blogging (blogging about blogging).
OK. I'll go first by making a shameless plug for the Stop Raping Israel blog, which was founded by veteran blogger Smooth Stone. Contributors include Planck's Constant, GrEaT sAtAn'S gIrLfRiEnD, Bar-Kokhba, and myself. I like writing for this as every contributes, and although we have a lot of similar points of view, we are actually a fairly diverse group of bloggers. Check it out!
If you would like to plug your team blog, please feel free to leave a link and a description in the comments section below.
Ads And Accessories
Toby at A Time of the Signs wants to know what you see when you look at the ad she posted in Books What are those for?
Blog Carnivals
Don't forget to submit your posts for February's edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival. If you are interested in hosting sometime, please contact shilohmusings (at) yahoo (dot) com.JPix is looking for bloggers to host its carnivals for April, May, and June 2009. If you are available to host any one of these months, please contact jpixcarnival (at) gmail (dot) com! In the meantime, don't forget to send in your submissions for next month's edition. And, don't forget to check out this month's edition hosted by Ilana-Davita.
Wrap Up
Ages ago, Jack told me that he has been continuing Soccer Dad's policy of giving discretion to the host.
The wrath of my discretion came down hard on one spam submission and one Christian pastor expecting that I would include a plug for his "teaching the Bible" method (Yeah, right!), among others.
Leora at Here In HP will be hosting next week's edition. Please send your posts to her via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. Personally, I find this to be the most helpful way to organizing your posts for an edition. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow (at) sbcglobal (dot) net.
Israel Blogger Endorsements
| National Union Esser Agaroth Shiloh Musings Ze'ev Shemer Torat Yisrael Mr. Cosmic X Prof. Paul Eidelberg Bob Martin Avodah Ivrit Tomer Devorah Joe Settler Jacob Richman | Likud Life in Israel West Bank Mama Likud or NU Coffee And Chemo Israel Our Home A Voice Of Reason From Zion | The Greens Asher In Israland Green Movement-Meimad What War Zone? Not Voting The Torah Revolution |
Friday, February 06, 2009
The Jewish Home Party: A Lesson In Hypocrisy
Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Beshalah 5769
Unity and education appear to be at the top of the Jewish Home Party's list of priorities. This party's ideas regarding unity and education are exactly why you should not vote for them. In actuality, it is not unifying nor educating anyone.
Unity
MK Zevulun Orlev has accused the National Union of causing disunity and breaking apart the Religious Zionist camp. This claim was based on the resignations of factions from the nacent Jewish Home Party. MK Aryeh Eldad had already left to join HaTikvah. Later, Moledet and finally Tequmah left the party. (And, of course, no mention was ever made regarding Effie Eitom's Ach"i Party breaking away and joining up with the Likud.)
When the Jewish Home Party announced its list of candidates for Kenesseth, it was obvious that something was not kosher. Granted, the number 3 position was given to Tequmah's Uri Ariel, yet the next spot reserved for a Tequmah member was number 12. Worse yet, Moledet Party head Rabbi MK Benny Elon was "granted" spot number 17!
Which party in history has ever had such disparity amongst its equal faction partners? None.
Now you know why the Tequmah and Moledet factions took their leave.
Remember it was the National Religious Party [NRP] which was absorbed into the National Union, not vice-versa. NRP head Orlev was given a top level spot. MK's Smolienski and Yahalom were treated to spots higher than number 12. They had no complaints. Yet, how is it that the NRP gets away with shoving "equal" partners Tequmah and Moledet down to numbers 12 and 17?
Tequmah, Moledet (which includes some religious and traditional members), the Land Of Israel Is Ours, and HaTikvah factions are the unifying forces, bringing together religious, traditional, secular, and some Haredi Jews. The National Religious Party attempted the same thing (having the audacity to continue calling itself the National "Religious" Party), but failed miserably. The only Jews the National Union left out were the wishy-washy ones who refuse to address the increasing number of conflicts between Torah and Israeli law. Even so, they might have stuck with the Jewish Home Party, if their unfair treatment by the NRP chronies had not been so blatant. Look at the National Union list. It is relatively diverse. Now, look at the Jewish Home Party list. They are all clones. (Even four of the top ten on the list have mustaches!)
Now you tell me, which of these two parties is more reflective of the diverse population which is the nationalist camp, and the supporters of unity?
Here's the cover of this week's edition of the Religious Zionist [Hebrew] newspaper b'Sheva.
You know the old adage "A picture is worth a thousand words," right? Unfortunately, this reduced image of Rabbi Daniel Hershkovitz (Jewish Home) and Ya'akov Ka"tz (National Union) does not do justice to the sour face on Hershkovitz, easily apparent to all on the actual cover. How he allowed them to use this photo, in the age of digital "easy redo" cameras, I'll never know, unless he wants us to know that he doesn't really want to be there.
So much for "unity."
Education
That doesn't seem to matter to the so-called Jewish Home Party. How can it be Jewish without a clear allegiance to Torah over apikoursuth (gross distortions in Jewish belief) and kefirah (denial of various aspects of Jewish belief)? How can it be a home without Torah?
There is a mahloqeth (disagreement) in the Torah Zionist community. Is such undying State-loyalism amongst so-called Torah-observant Jews avodah zarah (foreign/inappropriate worship), like that of the Golden Calf, or just plain ol' fascism?
Take your pick. Either way, it's what the recycled National Religious Party (Jewish Home) supports in the so-called state religious schools. (Sounds like a contradiction to me....)
It's no wonder why members of the Torah Zionist community are sending more and more of their children to state religiou "Torani" schools, semi-private schools, and Haredi schools, such as Zilberman's, Sha"s, the Bostoner Talmud Torah, and others.
So much for "education."
Conclusion
More and more, religious Jews just aren't buying the State's agenda for them.
Years ago, Arutz 7 (Israel National Radio) was founded, as it was clear that Israeli State operated radio stations were insufficient for religious communities.
More and more, religious Jews have been waking up to the fact that what the State has in mind for us in other areas of life, such as diplomatic policy, "Israeli" Arab policy, army service, and public education are not sufficient for us either.
We are no longer willing to remain "numbed-out" and accept the status quo, which no matter how you slice it or call it, is exactly what the Jewish Home Party wants to maintain.
MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union) is right. The Jewish Home Party is just the Kadima Party with a kippah.
Unity and education appear to be at the top of the Jewish Home Party's list of priorities. This party's ideas regarding unity and education are exactly why you should not vote for them. In actuality, it is not unifying nor educating anyone.
Unity
MK Zevulun Orlev has accused the National Union of causing disunity and breaking apart the Religious Zionist camp. This claim was based on the resignations of factions from the nacent Jewish Home Party. MK Aryeh Eldad had already left to join HaTikvah. Later, Moledet and finally Tequmah left the party. (And, of course, no mention was ever made regarding Effie Eitom's Ach"i Party breaking away and joining up with the Likud.)
When the Jewish Home Party announced its list of candidates for Kenesseth, it was obvious that something was not kosher. Granted, the number 3 position was given to Tequmah's Uri Ariel, yet the next spot reserved for a Tequmah member was number 12. Worse yet, Moledet Party head Rabbi MK Benny Elon was "granted" spot number 17!
Which party in history has ever had such disparity amongst its equal faction partners? None.
Now you know why the Tequmah and Moledet factions took their leave.
Remember it was the National Religious Party [NRP] which was absorbed into the National Union, not vice-versa. NRP head Orlev was given a top level spot. MK's Smolienski and Yahalom were treated to spots higher than number 12. They had no complaints. Yet, how is it that the NRP gets away with shoving "equal" partners Tequmah and Moledet down to numbers 12 and 17?
Tequmah, Moledet (which includes some religious and traditional members), the Land Of Israel Is Ours, and HaTikvah factions are the unifying forces, bringing together religious, traditional, secular, and some Haredi Jews. The National Religious Party attempted the same thing (having the audacity to continue calling itself the National "Religious" Party), but failed miserably. The only Jews the National Union left out were the wishy-washy ones who refuse to address the increasing number of conflicts between Torah and Israeli law. Even so, they might have stuck with the Jewish Home Party, if their unfair treatment by the NRP chronies had not been so blatant. Look at the National Union list. It is relatively diverse. Now, look at the Jewish Home Party list. They are all clones. (Even four of the top ten on the list have mustaches!)
Now you tell me, which of these two parties is more reflective of the diverse population which is the nationalist camp, and the supporters of unity?
Here's the cover of this week's edition of the Religious Zionist [Hebrew] newspaper b'Sheva.
You know the old adage "A picture is worth a thousand words," right? Unfortunately, this reduced image of Rabbi Daniel Hershkovitz (Jewish Home) and Ya'akov Ka"tz (National Union) does not do justice to the sour face on Hershkovitz, easily apparent to all on the actual cover. How he allowed them to use this photo, in the age of digital "easy redo" cameras, I'll never know, unless he wants us to know that he doesn't really want to be there.So much for "unity."
Education
Education At The TopTranslation: pluralism. Where is pluralism to be found in the Torah? Nowhere. For that matter, neither is undying loyalty to the "almighty" State found in the Torah, especially when the State passes laws contradictory to Torah Law.
"Education is at the top of the list, as it is the most agreed-upon uniting common denominator of the multi-faceted religious-Zionist public and the broad traditionalist public.”
That doesn't seem to matter to the so-called Jewish Home Party. How can it be Jewish without a clear allegiance to Torah over apikoursuth (gross distortions in Jewish belief) and kefirah (denial of various aspects of Jewish belief)? How can it be a home without Torah?
There is a mahloqeth (disagreement) in the Torah Zionist community. Is such undying State-loyalism amongst so-called Torah-observant Jews avodah zarah (foreign/inappropriate worship), like that of the Golden Calf, or just plain ol' fascism?
Take your pick. Either way, it's what the recycled National Religious Party (Jewish Home) supports in the so-called state religious schools. (Sounds like a contradiction to me....)
It's no wonder why members of the Torah Zionist community are sending more and more of their children to state religiou "Torani" schools, semi-private schools, and Haredi schools, such as Zilberman's, Sha"s, the Bostoner Talmud Torah, and others.
So much for "education."
Conclusion
More and more, religious Jews just aren't buying the State's agenda for them.
Years ago, Arutz 7 (Israel National Radio) was founded, as it was clear that Israeli State operated radio stations were insufficient for religious communities.
More and more, religious Jews have been waking up to the fact that what the State has in mind for us in other areas of life, such as diplomatic policy, "Israeli" Arab policy, army service, and public education are not sufficient for us either.
We are no longer willing to remain "numbed-out" and accept the status quo, which no matter how you slice it or call it, is exactly what the Jewish Home Party wants to maintain.
MK Aryeh Eldad (National Union) is right. The Jewish Home Party is just the Kadima Party with a kippah.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Jewish Home Party: A Pro-Land Of Israel Party?
9 of the Eleventh Month 5769
An Open Letter to the Editors at Arutz 7 (Israel National News),
I recently discovered the graph Israel on your elections coverage page. I noticed that the Jewish Home Party was listed as one of two "Pro-Land of Israel" parties.
How is this the case, when Jewish Home Party Head Rabbi Daniel Hershkowitz has been quoted on your own news site as stating:
How does a party with a party head making such policy statements get to be classified as "pro-Land of Israel?" Has Rabbi Hershowitz recanted, and I missed it? If not, then he barely sounds just barely more "pro-Land of Israel" than Avigdor Lieberman (Israel Our Home), who also claims to be "pragmatic" when it comes to territorial concessions?
Thank you in advance for response.
An Open Letter to the Editors at Arutz 7 (Israel National News),
I recently discovered the graph Israel on your elections coverage page. I noticed that the Jewish Home Party was listed as one of two "Pro-Land of Israel" parties.
How is this the case, when Jewish Home Party Head Rabbi Daniel Hershkowitz has been quoted on your own news site as stating:
(IsraelNN.com) ...[Hershkowitz] also said that the party's Knesset members would enjoy freedom to vote according to their conscience on matters pertaining to the diplomatic process and that the question of territorial concessions is a 'pragmatic' one on which people have differing opinions.
How does a party with a party head making such policy statements get to be classified as "pro-Land of Israel?" Has Rabbi Hershowitz recanted, and I missed it? If not, then he barely sounds just barely more "pro-Land of Israel" than Avigdor Lieberman (Israel Our Home), who also claims to be "pragmatic" when it comes to territorial concessions?
Thank you in advance for response.
Unsubscribe
8 of the Eleventh Month 5769
I recently unsubscribed from a fellow blogger's e-mail list, notifying readers of new posts. There were a few reasons I unsubscribed, but the main reason was this keeping-wearing blogger's incessant and annoying support for Israel's so-called security fence. In response to my request to "Unsubscribe," I received the following:
We've been through this before.
It's called the Torah.
Milhemeth misswah dohah piqu'ah nefesh, so your support for the so-called "security fence" really goes out the window.
That fence is evil. Saves lives? The above already demonstrates that to be irrelevant.
What about the government systematically experimenting to find ways to remove us? Police harassment, encouraging Arabs to file "complaints," allowing leftists free reign to uproot our trees and burn our fields,... The list goes on.
All of Yehudah and Shomron belong to us. Now that it is in our hands it is forbidden to give it up.
At the very least, voluntarily giving up land would mesirah.
Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah (Kook) ztz"l wrote that one must do everything in order to prevent or at least delay the evacuation of any Jewish settlement.
Even the debate among his students was never about whether or not Israel should hang on to liberated Israeli territory. It was only about whether or not "everything" included soldiers refusing orders to remove Jews from their homes.
The security fence diminishes Israel's sovereignty over part of it land, in essence its heartland. We all now know that when former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon claimed that the security fence would never become a border, defacto or otherwise, he was lying.
If we really did what it takes to hold on to the land, and HaShem decided that we lose part of it (Has weHallilah), then that's a different story. But we're not.
Instead we're cow-towing to the wishes of the goyim, to Esau, and to Yishma'el. We are allowing the Eruv Rav to dictate our fate.
I generally like to keep an eye on various "points of view."
But I don't really see any point to following yours anymore.
There is a whole JEWISH world out there outside of ****** or ******, or wherever you are (I forgot).
Jews are on this Earth to live by Torah and Torah principles, not by Western principles.
I believe Rabbi Avraham Yitzhaq Kook ztz"l spoke about galuth p'nimith.
I would like recommend that you this look concept up.
May you and your family enjoy long, happy, and healthy lives.
...and may you wake up someday.
In the event that you will counter what I have to say with, "Ya'aqov, you are ignoring reality," my response to that may be found here: "Jewish Reality."
In the event that you and I are actually in more agreement than I was to believe, then you are dong a great disservice to Am Yisrael by not allowing that to be fully reflected in your public writing.
I hope that satisfactorily answers your question.
I recently unsubscribed from a fellow blogger's e-mail list, notifying readers of new posts. There were a few reasons I unsubscribed, but the main reason was this keeping-wearing blogger's incessant and annoying support for Israel's so-called security fence. In response to my request to "Unsubscribe," I received the following:
You're off. Sorry to see you leave after all these years. May I ask why?My reply was the following, with a few additions...
We've been through this before.
It's called the Torah.
Milhemeth misswah dohah piqu'ah nefesh, so your support for the so-called "security fence" really goes out the window.
That fence is evil. Saves lives? The above already demonstrates that to be irrelevant.
What about the lives of those of us on the other side?
What about the government systematically experimenting to find ways to remove us? Police harassment, encouraging Arabs to file "complaints," allowing leftists free reign to uproot our trees and burn our fields,... The list goes on.
All of Yehudah and Shomron belong to us. Now that it is in our hands it is forbidden to give it up.
At the very least, voluntarily giving up land would mesirah.
Rabbeinu Tzvi Yehudah (Kook) ztz"l wrote that one must do everything in order to prevent or at least delay the evacuation of any Jewish settlement.
Even the debate among his students was never about whether or not Israel should hang on to liberated Israeli territory. It was only about whether or not "everything" included soldiers refusing orders to remove Jews from their homes.
The security fence diminishes Israel's sovereignty over part of it land, in essence its heartland. We all now know that when former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon claimed that the security fence would never become a border, defacto or otherwise, he was lying.
Photo: Hizmah Border Crossing, entering the Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev
If we really did what it takes to hold on to the land, and HaShem decided that we lose part of it (Has weHallilah), then that's a different story. But we're not.
Instead we're cow-towing to the wishes of the goyim, to Esau, and to Yishma'el. We are allowing the Eruv Rav to dictate our fate.
I generally like to keep an eye on various "points of view."
But I don't really see any point to following yours anymore.
There is a whole JEWISH world out there outside of ****** or ******, or wherever you are (I forgot).
Jews are on this Earth to live by Torah and Torah principles, not by Western principles.
I hate to break it to you, but they are not one and the same.
I believe Rabbi Avraham Yitzhaq Kook ztz"l spoke about galuth p'nimith.
I would like recommend that you this look concept up.
May you and your family enjoy long, happy, and healthy lives.
...and may you wake up someday.
In the event that you will counter what I have to say with, "Ya'aqov, you are ignoring reality," my response to that may be found here: "Jewish Reality."
In the event that you and I are actually in more agreement than I was to believe, then you are dong a great disservice to Am Yisrael by not allowing that to be fully reflected in your public writing.
I hope that satisfactorily answers your question.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Haveil Havalim #202 [203] Is Up!
7 of the Eleventh Month 5769
Haveil Havalim #202 [203] is up at Ima's. It's the "Loving (or Not Loving) Leah Edition."
Haveil Havalim #202 [203] is up at Ima's. It's the "Loving (or Not Loving) Leah Edition."
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