Another Leftist Demonstration: Different Code, Same Old Message

24 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

Last Saturday night in Kikar Tzion (Zion Square), Downtown Jerusalem, there was yet another hate demonstration.

The demonstration was supposedly Against Racism. Yet, that was simply another code phrase for "Anti-Torah/Anti-Religious." I say another, because there have been quite a few over the years. I reported on one last May, which proclaimed that "Zionists Are Not Settlers." This code phrase should be self-explanatory. About a year ago, there was one about "Religious Pluralism," the code phrase at that rally for "We hate Haredim."

These demonstrations conveniently begin, just barely after Shabbath goes out. Religious Jews could not possibly get there to counter protest. Often, they begin with an unofficial march, from here to there, on Shabbath itself, saying "Look at us! We're exercising our 'democratic right' not to desecrate Shabbath!"

There were several signs carried at the demonstration, including what appeared to be the primary one,the most representative of the demonstration.

כן לציונות ודמוקרטיה
לא לפאשיזם וגזענות

Yes To Zionism And Democracy
No To Fascism And Racism

Let's take these points one by one.

Zionism is about Israel being the homeland for the Jewish People, and for Jews to move from all over the world to live here, not Arabs, not goyim from the Ukraine, not Black Fake-Hebrews, not foreign workers and their children.

Zionism is actually a Torah idea, the ONLY justification for the Jewish claim to the Land of Israel, certainly not something invented out of the blue in the mind of Hertzl.

By the demonstrators own definition, this Torah concept is"racist." Thus, they are against at least one aspect of the Torah.

No surprises here.

Democracy, on the other hand, is not in the Torah. Sorry, Mamlakhtim (undying State loyalists) and Modern Orthodox, it's not. So, do yourselves a favor, and stop living in a fantasy world.

Besides that, we live in a Land controlled by those who believe in such "democratic" ideas as…

"Pluralism," which to them means accepting diverse opinions,…as long as they are not too divergent from ours.

"Free speech," which to them means freedom to express only those opinions which are similar to ours.

"Equality," which to them means "All animals are equal. But, some animals are more equal than others." (George Orwell, Animal Farm, Ch. 10)

We, here in Israel, do not live in a Democracy; we live in a DeMOCKracy.

Fascism? Well, I would certainly like to see a stop to fascism, too!

However, we live in a Land controlled by those who believe that the [almighty] State comes first, everyone must contribute to the State, be indoctrinated into serving the secular, Western acculturated State, even if you do not agree with its activities. After all, those in the Israeli government know better, and their activities are all for our own good.

Private, religious schools are considered dangerous, and rabbis getting detained for questioning, or even arrested, for teaching and writing about ideas, which challenge the authority of Israeli law. In other words, those who consider HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He), and his Torah to be a higher authority than the State are considered to be insurgents.

The government has replaced the centrality of HaQadosh Barukh Hu and his Torah, with its [holy] State. It even usurps the individual, and his individual pursuits.

Sounds like Fascism to me.

Racism Let's take a look at who the real racists are...

Iraqis who came in the 1950's lived in tents for many years, and were treated like crap.

Morroccans, on the other hand, were welcomed into Israel,...so that the could fight in the army. Iraqis were welcomed into the army, too, of course.

Rav Avraham Yitzhaq Kook ztz"l had previously warned the Yemenites who were already in Israel to stay in the small villages, because the Eruv Rav is coming, and they should avoid its influence. To whom was Rav Kook referring? The [secular] Russians (Oroth HaTorah, ch. 2). When those Eastern Europeans were in control of the young state, the Yemenites arriving were told they did not need religion anymore, because they were now in Israel. Their lack of college degrees did not do them any service, in the eyes of those in control. Their years of yeshiva study was certainly meaningless, as well. They were considered primitive, one of the code words for "not Western," "not like us."

In the 1980's and 1990's, Jews from the Former Soviet, and later non-Jews wanting better financial opportunities, lived in Absorption Centers, while Ethiopians, many of them religious, lived in trailers. (Meanwhile, back in Ethiopia, members from the so-called Reform Movement were causing problems by telling the Ethiopians that they did not have to, and thus, should not do. But, I digress…)

The [non] Jewish Agency sends representatives to recruit actively goyim in the Ukraine, who maybe have one Jewish grandparent,…maybe not (more votes in Israeli elections for the Left, that way). Of course, the [non] Jewish agency claims that it does not make policy; it carries out the policy of the government.

Jews in Yemen living lives of hell DO get rescued, but only when popular outrage rises to a point that even the government can no longer ignore.

The children of foreign workers get free education, and are now looking forward to special residency status, if not citizenship, (God forbid!)

The Left was outraged by the recent protests against Arabs dating Jewish women, even though many secular, and politically moderate, Jews participated. Yet, even the so-called Reform Movement came out against such dating practices. You see? Even they don't want their daughters to be hold up, without any contact with family, and beaten up by Arab husbands.

The good news is that this protest, relative to previous Saturday night protests, was not very well attended.

The bottom line is that these demonstrators are for Zionism and Democracy, when they get to define the terms.

Likewise, they are against Racism and Fascism, when they are the ones pointing the finger.

Hypocrisy and double standards as usual.

The bottom line is that it is the same old message, dressed up with rotating code words and phrases.

They were demonstrating against the Torah and against the Jews who observe it.

Haveil Havalim #306 Is Up!

24 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

Haveil Havalim, Edition #306 is up at Frume Sarah's World.

It's A MishMash Edition.

I'll be hosting next week's edition. Please use Haveil Havalim's Blog Carnival on-line submission form, which seems to be working right now. If that site goes down for some reason, which has been known to happen occasionally, please leave your submission link here, in the comments section.

Some Good News For Israel! Bye, Bye, Infiltrators!

19 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

There were several bits of good news in this new report from last night.

Number 1 was that the Sudanese migrants are leaving,...well, many of them, anyway. Additional bits of good news are numbered below.

YNET: Israel To Fly More Sudanese Migrants Back To Africa

Over 100 infiltrators set to board flight en route to homeland 'for fear of imprisonment.' Interior Ministry: They want to leave

Yael Branovsky, February 22, 2011

A flight carrying more than 100 Sudanese infiltrators is expected to depart from Ben-Gurion Airport Tuesday night en route to an unnamed country, from which the refugees will continue to their homeland.

A third of the migrants who are scheduled to be aboard the fight are children. "We are going back frustrated," one Sudanese refugee said, adding that the group agreed to leave Israel for fear of imprisonment.

The Interior Ministry said the infiltrators are leaving "of their own volition."

So, who's telling the truth? Eh. They're probably both lying. The Sudanese are just upset, and know they lost a good thing. I am disappointed by the government (as usual), which should have just said, "Not our problem. Let all those other Muslim countries worry about you." At the very least, it could have said, "The people do not want you."

Those are the next bits of good news...

2. The Israeli populace really did not want those refugees here. There were several protests around Israel, as well as complaints filed by various municipalities.

3. The Israeli Government actually followed the will of the people. Hey! How about that?!

The Sudanese refugees said Israeli officials have tried to convince them they are returning to a "more rose-colored reality." Some of the refugees were even given driving lessons ahead of their return home.

In a recent referendum, southern Sudan's residents voted to succeed from the north, which is ruled by dictator Omar al-Bashir.

One of the migrants, whose wife and two children will board the plane en route to Africa, said he was not sending them home out of patriotism. "My employer fired me when he discovered I was working illegally. I'll stay here and try to find work so I can send them money. My children don’t have anything to do here in Israel," he said.

So, he's just going to find another job, and work illegally? What does THAT tell you about these "refugees?"

How dare that Israeli fire him for that! (sarc.). Wait a minute! What was he doing hiring him in the first place??!!

4. Anyway, "his children don't have anything to do here," and...

5. Leftists have yet to find him, in order to help him enroll his children in school, and get them entrenched in the Land, like the children of foreign workers.

About two months ago 150 Sudanese infiltrators, including 49 children, returned to Africa on the third such flight in 2010.

6. YNET actually calls them "infiltrators." Kol HaKovod to YNET! You know when YNET has the guts to call them the politically-incorrect term "infiltrators," against the sensibilities of the EU, UN, and American ultra-Left, most Israeli citizens believe them to believe them to be the same.

The operation was organized by the Christian Embassy in cooperation with the Prime Minister's Office, Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry.

7. This is a mixed bit of news:

a. The Christians are good for something,... I suppose.
b. On the other hand, we shouldn't be taking any hand outs from those sneaky avodah zarah-ists.

Now, if we could only get the government to get rid of all the foreign workers, the Black Fake-Hebrews, and all the other undesirables.

Fat chance!

Still Have Faith In The U. N.?

19 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

IsraelNN.com: Libya Remains on UN Human Rights Panel as It Bombs Civilians

Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, 18 Adar A' 5771/22 February, 2011

Libya remains on the United Nations Human Rights Council as it continues to pay mercenaries and use tanks, planes and helicopters to massacre hundreds of protesters.

Well, I think that pretty much says it all. Don't you?

Arabs are animals AND liars, and the United Nations their collaborators.

Coming Out Of The Closet (It's not what you think...)

18 of the Twelfth Month 5771

Well, now that I have your attention, I will tell you that this post is much an experiment in the use of "shock value" to increase the hits on this blog, than anything else.

But, don't call me a publicity whore just yet.

We'll shall see....

Now, I have gathered all of you here today to "come out" as one with a fascination with Astrology.

What's the big deal? Well, let's just say that I am concerned that a few in my circle of friends might not remain so. I suppose that if that were the case, perhaps they were never really my friends to begin with.

That includes least at least one or two bloggers. On the other hand, a few other bloggers will be pleased that I finally wrote this post.

There are conflicting Jewish views on Astrology, which can essentially be summed up by two, diametrically opposed midrashim on B'reishith (Genesis).

בראשית טו ד וְהִנֵּה דְבַר-יְהוָה אֵלָיו לֵאמֹר, לֹא יִירָשְׁךָ זֶה: כִּי-אִם אֲשֶׁר יֵצֵא מִמֵּעֶיךָ, הוּא יִירָשֶׁךָ. ה וַיּוֹצֵא אֹתוֹ הַחוּצָה, וַיֹּאמֶר הַבֶּט-נָא הַשָּׁמַיְמָה וּסְפֹר הַכּוֹכָבִים--אִם-תּוּכַל, לִסְפֹּר אֹתָם; וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ, כֹּה יִהְיֶה זַרְעֶךָ.

Genesis 15

4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying: 'This man shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.' 5 And He brought him forth abroad, and said: 'Look now toward heaven, and count the stars, if thou be able to count them'; and He said unto him: 'So shall thy seed be.'

One midrash states that this was where HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) lifted Avraham Avinu above the stars, demonstrating that his fate, and the fate of his descendants, will not be tied to the stars (as long as we follow His way). Another suggests that this is where HaQadosh Barukh Hu is showing astrology to Avraham Avinu.

Most Jewish opinions I have heard concerning Astrology assert that both of the above midrashim apply. If we follow His path, his Torah, we are not bound by Astrology, and can rise above it, like Avraham Avinu. Those who do not, are [fated to be] bound by it.

I believe there is a balance here, yet one which may always be usurped by His Will.

But, like I said, I am interested in looking character and personality A Virgo who is judgmental and a perfectionist, does not have to remain so, if he works on these middoth (attributes). A Taurus can learn to use his stubbornness when called for, yet does not have to be imprisoned by it.

Here is a very good introductory video, a lecture by Rabbi Eliyahu Kin in Los Angeles. Lectures on each of the mazaloth (signs) can also be found, and downloaded, easily on Google Video, both in English and in Hebrew.

There is more than one approach to Astrology, including that of Rabbi Yitzhaq ben Shlomo (Luria), the Ariza"l. The focus of this video is on the adaption of the modern, Greek approach.

Any sort of divination, magic, summoning of spirits is forbidden by the Torah. The approach to Astrology here is the examination of the ofi (character) Jews are born with, and how Astrology can help one determine his tiqunim (what he needs to work on), personality wise.

Finding ones ideal mate can also be assisting here. Certain personality traits complement each other well, while others do not. Some combinations can even spell disaster for a marriage. Looking at ones astrological chart can provide some insight into a prospective couple's strengths and challenges.

Of course, everyone is more that just his mazal. There are several other factors in one's "chart" to be taken under consideration.

Take a look at Rabbi Eliyahu Kin has to say, for starters.

Additional Note:

Here is a point of interest I would like to make. Just for the heck of it, I made a table of good friends, listing each of them under their mazal. The number of friends with Earth and Fire signs more than doubled those with Water and Air. All of my friends from when I lived in the Shomron were either Earth or Fire signs. All five of those of us in the same roll at work are Earth signs. There are several more patterns I have found in my relationships over the years, which cannot be explain by simple matter of coincidence.

Should We Apply Israeli Law To Judea & Samaria?

18 of Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

JPost.com: Panel To Consider Applying Israeli Law To Settlements

Ron Friedman & Tovah Lazaroff, February 20, 2011

Removal of military law would make it near impossible, to impose a freeze on West Bank Jewish construction, approve construction.

The Ministerial Committee for Legislation is set on Sunday to debate a bill that would apply Israeli law to West Bank settlements which are now under military rule.

It would also make it difficult, if not impossible, to impose a freeze on West Bank Jewish construction.

Such a move would automatically strip Defense Minister Ehud Barak of the ability to authorize Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria, as such activity would then be determined by the Ministry of Housing and Construction in a manner no different from what happens with construction projects within the Green Line.

(Read the entire article...)

Sounds like a good idea, right? This is what settlers want, to enjoy the full rights of their Israeli citizenship, right? This would correct the current lack of fairness, and double standards involved here, right?

I wouldn't be too sure.

Many people, both in and outside of Israel, do not realize that those Jews living in Yehudah & Shomron (Judea & Samaria) do not enjoy the full rights of all other Israeli citizens. The fact that JPost.com mentions this, is a good thing.

Residents can be removed from their homes at any time by order from the IDF Central Command. At minimum, this is an annual event, during the fall, olive harvest.

Some in Yehudah & Shomron have entertained the idea of some form of autonomy. After all, many communities in Israel hold varying degrees of autonomy. The non-Jewish, Druze, Bedouin, and even the Black Non-Hebrews enjoy some forms of autonomy which Jewish communities do not.

The Israeli government even looks the other in regards to polygamy in the Bedouin and Black Non-Hebrew communities. The Black Non-Hebrews allow their men to marry up to seven wives. Black non-Hebrew also import members of their communities into Israel, from Chicago, New York, and elsewhere, at will, without ANY interference from the Israeli government. Visiting Jews can be deported from Israel for their religious and political beliefs. Yet, African-Americans, who have NO connection to Israel, are granted Israeli residency status, simply because this community threatened mass-suicide several years ago.

Secular Jews in Tel-Aviv sleep with whomever they want, whenever they want without fear of prosecution. But, if a Yeminite Jew were to apply for a marriage license with a second wife, he would not only be turned down, but brought in for evaluation and "re-education."

Even foreign workers, who happened to have given birth in Israel, are on the road to enjoying greater rights than settlers.

Settlers, even those who live in towns approved and supported as much as 30 years ago incur "stay-away" orders at the will of a military general, administrative detention (jail for up to six months without due process), and countless other forms of harassment, even though they are Israeli citizens.

The report on this bill continues to blabber away about its history of failures in the K'nesseth, its current support in the Likud and National Union parties, and about rights for all citizens.

What is buried between the lines of this pure, Jerusalem Post, right of center, anti-Torah report, is the pronouncement of support to the "moderate settlers" (of Ofra, Alon Sh'vut, and Elqana, etc.) , who know how great this new law would be for them, to be like, and to be treated like all other Israeli citizens.

Those settlers who hold to a higher authority had better tow the line, or lekh l'Azazel (go to hell).

The desire of any "settlers" to be the same as every other Israeli else is only a reflection of the Israeli Government's desire for Israel to be the same as every other country.

The article then brings in a few words from National Union Secretary Uri Bank (one of the few Israeli politcos to whom I still actually give the benefit of the doubt).

The bill regarding applying Israeli law to West Bank settlements is ... to guarantee its residents full rights under the law.

Assuming that Uri Bank, and others, really believe this, let me them, and you, what this really all about.

Allowing the settlers to believe in the illusion that they are "like everyone else," is just another part of the Eruv Rav-controlled government's on-going plan to indoctrinate all citizens into secular, Israeli society, and stamp out the Torah (and Israel's borders) once and for all.

Let's stop trying to be the same as everyone else. "Everyone else" believes in a unified, robotic, obedient, secular Israeli flock of sheep to be controlled.

Let's start trying to be a light unto our own people, by getting our priorities straight, setting a proper, Torah example, and being concerned about HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One, Blessed Be He) thinks, and not what our mamlakhti and secular neighbors think.

It does not look like we will have to worry about this bill anymore for now. Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared his lack of support for it. Say what you will about Netanyahu (I say plenty!). Unlike a lot of these so-called Religious/Torah-observant settlers, he is at least being consistent.

Guest Post: Living Outside Israel – Living Outside The Community

18 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

Living Outside Israel – Living Outside the Community

Question:

Rav Bar-Hayim,

I would like to hear your opinion on this matter, based on halakhah.

My family and I live in a small Jewish community in North America. We left jobs and family to move to an observant community and to live within an eruv. We have lived here for almost two years, and the cost is high. We are from a small town, and are much more accustomed to rural type living. We cannot afford to live in a house with even a small yard here in the community. We like the community, but don't feel happy living in the city in an apartment without even a yard for our kids to play in.

We are considering moving 30 mins. drive away, so we can still be involved in the community but live in a cheaper and more rural area. I discussed it with our local rabbi and he told me it would be harmful to our spiritual growth to do this.

What I want to know is this: do we have an obligation according to halachah to live in a Jewish community where we can walk to schul every Shabbat? We can still be involved in the community if we live outside the city, it will just mean that we won't be able to walk to schul on Shabbat and Yom Tov and that I will have to drive in for minyan on other days. We can possibly stay with friends within the community on an occasional Shabbat or for Yomim Tovim.

Answer:

1. The communal aspect of Judaism is very important; it is therefore proper to try to live in an area where a functioning Jewish community exists. It cannot be denied, however, that sometimes this is either not possible or problematic, whether it be for financial or other reasons.

2. I take it that you prefer living in a rural or semi-rural setting as opposed to a big city. Hazal apparently held a similar view, stating that living in a large city is “not conducive to good health” (TB K’thuboth 110b). On top of the physical health benefits of living outside the city, there are psychological and spiritual benefits as well. Some, and perhaps many, people feel that life in the big city is unnatural, disquieting and/or spiritually stifling. People who feel this way should know that their feelings are legitimate; they should not try to convince themselves that it is not so, and nor should others.

3. Rav Hirsch z’l in his Tora commentary (Wayiqra 25:34) expands upon the Tora ideal: a nation in which most of the population lives in towns (not cities) surrounded by agricultural land with which they maintain a connection. R. Yisshaq Abarbanel z’l (B’reshith Chap. 11) sharply criticizes industrialized living and goes as far as to claim that the sin of the people of Bavel was that they actively sought to create such a civilisation. Rav Kook too was keenly aware of the negative aspects of life in the modern city (Ma’amare HaR’aya pp. 183, 285).

4. One cannot claim that according to Halakha you must remain where you are, nor can it be denied that there are significant advantages associated with a move out of the city. But that’s now. What concerns me is your long-term plan. You have children. I am unfamiliar with the facts regarding Jewish education in your present location, but I wonder about your children’s long-term Jewish education.

5. Rambam z’l writes (MT M’lakhim uMilhamoth 5:7) that it is permissible for a Jew to live anywhere on earth with the exception of Egypt. Rambam (ibid. 5:15) goes on to say that a Jew should always do his utmost to live in the Jewish homeland, Eress Yisrael. This is not Rambam’s position; it is the Tora’s position. (I quote Rambam merely as a convenient reference work which is familiar and available to most people including over the internet, e.g. mechon-mamre.org). Some Jews, including many Orthodox Jews, prefer to ignore the plain and unambiguous intention of the Tora and the Hakhamim, adducing all sorts of arguments, mostly spurious, in order to justify themselves. I believe you know better.

6. Your long-term goal should be ‘aliya to EY. You need to plan ahead and work towards that goal. In the meantime, you should reside where you feel comfortable, where you can save money and lead a Jewish life even if it means not being able to attend schul every Shabath. May HASHEM bless you and grant you the wisdom to make the right choices so that you and your family may succeed in this great endeavour.

Rabbi David Bar-Hayim

Haveil Havalim #305 Is Up

17 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

Haveil Havalim, Edition #305 is up at To Kiss A Mezuzah.

What Are Jews Still Doing In Tunisia?

Purim Qatan 5771

Another article caught my eye, in which what is found between the lines is even more telling than what is on the lines themselves. But, isn't that always the case?

My comments can be found in blue italics.

YNET: Terror Threat: Number Of Israeli Embassies Closed

Heightened alert level apparently related to anniversary of Mughniyeh assassination; in Tunisia, Islamist rally outside synagogue, chant 'Allahu Akbar' and 'Muhammad's army will return'

Ynet Reporters, February 17, 2011

A number of Israeli embassies around the world have been temporarily closed due to what the Foreign Ministry called on Tuesday "irregular incidents against Israeli targets."

Irregular?? There is nothing irregular about them, just business as usual.

Israeli embassies abroad have also raised their alert level, while in Tunisia the Jewish community turned to the government for protection after Muslims rallied outside a synagogue in the capital.

They looked to whom, for what??!! That's like mice asking the "good cats" to protect them against the "bad cats." Both enjoy ripping mice apart. But, the "good cats" prefer to toy with their prey a little longer than the "bad cats."

The Foreign Ministry did not say which embassies were closed. It is estimate that the heightened alert level is connected to the third anniversary of top Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyeh's assassination.

Last week the Counter Terrorism Bureau warned that the threat against Israelis abroad had increased, with a special emphasis put on Egypt, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania and Venezuela.

The bureau also mentioned the elimination of former Hezbollah Secretary General Abbas Mousawi, who was killed by Israel in 1992. The bureau recommended that Israelis travelling abroad avoid places where large groups of Israelis can be found and obey local security forces' directives.

Hezbollah claims Israel was behind Mughniyeh's assassination in Damascus and has vowed to "avenge his death."

In Tunisia, radical Islamists gathered outside a synagogue in Tunis and chanted anti-Semitic slogans. Footage taken from the scene shows them chanting "Allahu Akbar" and "Khaybar, Khaybar. Oh Jews, Muhammad's army will return". They were referring to the Battle of Khaybar, which was fought in the year 629 between Muhammad and his followers against the Jews living in the oasis of Khaybar, located 150 kilometers (95 miles) from Medina in the modern-day Saudi Arabia.

Local Jews turned to the transitional government, which replaced the regime of deposed president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali last month, and expressed their concern over the apparent rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the country. "This incident can repeat itself; some groups want to take advantage of the political vacuum in the country," said Roger Bismuth, head of the local Jewish community.

Bismuth said Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi asked that local Jews remain alert.

Now, that's what you call a "good," Muslim Prime Minister! he actually gives the Jews residing in a country a heads-up to the impending violence against them!

In a statement on the official TAP news agency, the PM's office condemned acts of extremists at places of worship.

But, other places are OK, then??

“These people have no other motive than to attack the values of the republican regime based on the respect of freedom and belief, tolerance and peaceful co-existence ... and the guarantee of the exercise of civic rights,” it said.

The ministry said it would “spare no effort to safeguard these values and opposes all those who want to incite violence or discord between the Tunisian people and disturb public security.”

Of course, Jews are not considered to be "Tunisian people." No matter how hard Jews in Galuth (Diaspora) continue to try, they will never be considered to be "part of" their foreign countries of residence.

Muslim Tunisia is home to about 1,600 Jews, most of whom live on the southern island of Djerba where its most important synagogue, reputed to be the oldest in Africa, is based and draws thousands of pilgrims every year.

Pilgrims? We are supposed to make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, not to Djerba (or Germany, or Poland, or Brooklyn,...).

It is one of the largest Jewish communities in the Arab world but significantly down from a population of 100,000 at independence from France in 1956, after which the government promulgated anti-Jewish decrees.

So, what are the rest of the Jews still doing there? Waiting for the next pogrom?

True, the non-Jewish Agency is too busy bringing goyim into Israel from foreign countries, to be bothered with the plight of Jews living amongst the savage Yishma'elim (Arabs/Muslims) . Nonetheless, what are our brethren in Tunisia doing to make the effort to get out themselves?

In April 2002 a suicide bomber rammed the wall of the Djerba synagogue with a lorry (truck) laden with natural gas...

How many suicide bombings have to occur before the Jews get the message?

...in an attack claimed by Al-Qaeda that killed 14 German tourists, five Tunisians and two French visitors.

Of course, here, the news does not differentiate between Jews and non-Jews. It could have been a great tragedy, or a great miracle. But, we will never know from this news source.

Tunisia’s interim government is struggling to stabilize the country since the fall of president Ben Ali a month ago after a groundswell of street protests, and fears new violence.

Over the past several weeks with riots, protests, what have you, in Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, the West acts so surprised, as if violence and Yishma'elim have never been used in the same sentence before.

Then, when the can no longer deny the violence, they call it euphemisms like "revolution" and "pro-democracy demonstrations."

C'mon! This has all happened before, and it will happen again. "Democratic reform" is the farthest thing from these Arabs' minds!

The eventual outcome of all of these "revolutions" will be Islamic rule. Battles for control over the burgeoning, New Caliphate, are only years, if not months, away. The precursors, in the form of factional infighting, have already begun.

And everyone who is blind nor plagued by insanity knows it.

Message To Obama (Video Review)

13 of the Twelfth Month 5771



This video has already made the rounds of the Net several times. But, a friend of mine sent me the link, and asked me what I thought of it.

So, here's what I think.

The first thing I noticed was the channel it was posted on, the YouTube channel of the inaccurately named YeSh"A Council (AKA Pesha Council AKA Resha Council AKA Yesh"u Council), YeSh"A being an acronym for Yehudah, Shomron, & Azza (Judea, Samaria, & Gaza). It appears that the members of the YeSh"A Council have yet to realize that there isn't anymore "Azza."

You must see the video "Meraglim" ("Spies," as in the spies who forsook the Land). It is only 40 minutes, and in it you will see why it was very much the fault of the YeSh"A Council, that there are no longer Jews residing in Azza, among other nasty business this Council is responsible for.

That was the first thing I noticed about the link to the video my friend to me. This is a minor point in relation to the actual video. Nonetheless, the subversive activities of the so-called YeSh"A Council are always worth pointing out, when given the opportunity.

Overall, the video does not provide a bad message. There are several changes which could have been made to the message, without compromising its delivery to the broad I audience I believe the creative forces behind the video were intending to reach.

1. The statement "God gave us the Ten Commandments" should have been "God gave us the Torah, which includes the Ten Commandments" instead. Then "us" should have been defined. Who was "us?" "Us" was/is Am Yisra'el, the People of Israel, or something like that, the Jewish People being what is currently left.

2. The producers of the video seem to have alluded to the concept of "chosen-ness," just enough not to upset the goyim and assimilated Jews (who confuse Western culture and sensibilities with Jewish ones). I suppose that I can understand why they did this. Yet, since the Torah is the only justification for the Jewish People to inhabit the Land of Israel, whether we are talking of Hevron or Tel-Aviv, the video could have been a bit more pointed regarding this fact.

3. While moving quickly through the history of the Jewish People and its Eternal Homeland, more emphasis could have been made on the Hellenistic period, by mentioning the holiday of Hanukkah. Whether I like it or not, Hanukkah is probably the most recognized Jewish holiday, if not most recognized Jewish word, amongst goyim and assimilated Jews. I might even called many, if not most, of the assimilated, Jewish leadership Hellenists. So, this might have hit a nerve with them. On the other hand, they probably would never have seen the connection between themselves, and those Jews of history who preferred to assimilate into the culture of the non-Jewish rulers of the Land of Israel at that time.

4. More emphasis could also have been placed on the Roman name change of our Homeland from Judea/Israel to Syria-Palestine. More and more people on the street are becoming increasingly aware of international, American, and Israeli, news media bias, and revisionist history. This emphasis could have hit a crucial chord, and caused some "Hmm's" and "I see's."

5. This video did do a good job explaining the constant barrage of Arab attacks. And even though I, personally, could not give a rat's tuchus as to what the Esau-Yishma'el-controlled U. N. says or does, it was quite correct to point out that Jews accepted the U. N. mandate, while the Arabs did not. Years flashing on the screen would have given a nice perspective to the so-called Arab-Israeli conflict (ie. 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, etc.)

The last line flashed on the screen was also important to display:

Obama, Don't play God.

Israel is not yours to give away.

6. A Hebrew version should be done of this video, with this identical message at the end, directed toward the Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres, and Members of K'nesseth. After all, not all the blame can be placed on the U. S. (the UN, the EU, etc.). They may be the ones pressuring Israel, and propagating Arab lies. But it is the Torah-hating, un-Jewish collaborators in Israel who are succumbing to, if not welcoming, the foreign pressure.

Many of these un-Jews either do not believe in God, or believe that they ARE God. Nonetheless, I believe that attempts should be made to delivery this message.

Now, let me ask a question which I believe is more important:

When are American Jews finally going to get the message?

America (Am Reiqa = empty people) is not your home,

...neither is California (Qelipa ran yah = anti-spiritual shell singing of God. What does Hollywood know of God?! God is not a special effect!!),

...nor is New York (Noi Yoreq = spitting decoration).

And,...

Obama is not your president.

Remember when African-American men were told to "Get on the bus" for the so-called million man march?

Well, I'm telling Jews, just get on the plane!

Haveil Havalim #304 Is Up!

10 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

Haveil Havalim, Edition #304 is up at The Rebbetzin's Husband.

The State Continues Its Battle Against The Torah

5 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

My comments on this on-going issue are interspersed, and are in blue italics.

Rabbi Lior Supporters Protest Arrest Warrant

Kiryat Arba rabbi refuses to be questioned by police over his part in book calling for murder of gentiles, argues 'it is unacceptable that some Justice Ministry clerk will tell rabbis what to say'

Yair Altman, February 8, 2011

Some 1,000 people demonstrated outside the home of Rabbi Dov Lior in Kiryat Arba on Tuesday in protest of the arrest warrant issued against him for suspected incitement.

On Monday, police issued the warrant over the rabbi's refusal to be questioned in relation to the forward he wrote for the book "The King's Torah" which calls for the murder of non-Jews.

Now, wait a minute. How is it that IsraelNN.com reports...

...Rabbi Lior is wanted for writing an approbation for the new controversial book Torat HaMelech which states that it is within Jewish halacha to allow for collateral damage if it will save the lives of Jewish soldiers.

Granted, both news services are biased. But, that's a pretty big discrepancy between reports, don't you think? Collateral damage = Killing non-Jews??

The United States certainly does not think so. It has caused countless "collateral damage" in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other countries, without a second thought.

That being said, if IsraelNN.com is presenting the correct version, then that is a far cry from what some halakhic opinions allow. Check out the Ramba"m's Hil. Melakhim u'Milhamothehem for yourself.

Looks I might want to read this book, to see what it says for myself.
Now, back to the YNET story...

The protesters are claiming that the State is trying to silence the rabbi. Among the protesters were Knesset Member Michael Ben-Ari (National Union), members of the Kiryat Arba city council, Women in Green chairwoman Yehudit Katzover and the rabbi's supporters.

Rabbi Lior also attended the rally and slammed the Justice Ministry and State Prosecutor's Office for ordering copies of the books be cleared out of stores.

Once again, I have this to remind my brethren abroad that Israel does NOT allow the free speech which you enjoy in North America, and elsewhere. I just checked Amazon.com. Books such as The Turner Diaries are still available for purchase.

The truth is that is this were a piece of literature about attacking settlers, it would have garnered a much different reaction.

Hey, wait a minute! Such a piece has already been written, and it definitely received a completely different reaction than Derekh HaMelekh.

"It is unacceptable that some junior clerk will dictate the rabbis what to say," he said. "I believe the State of Israel does not have a policy aimed at silencing the rabbis and that is why we call on the prime minister to issue an unequivocal order to stop this stupid persecution."

He further added, "We do not rule out the State of Israel which is a divine miracle, but we have a problem with its conduct." Referring to the arrest warrant he said, "This is a humiliation of the Torah and an attempt to harm rabbis who express their opinions on relevant topics."

Inciting book
The book "The King's Torah", which was written by Rabbi Yitzhak Shapira, presents war-time conduct rules according to the Torah. Among other things, it noted that anyone who serves as "a human shield for our enemies" can be hurt.

OK. So, finally in this article, we have mention of "collateral damage." It sure took long enough.

Nonetheless, everyone seems to be missing the point, that "collateral damage" is not a Torah concept; it is a Western one. (See the above Ramba"m citation.)

Rabbi Lior wrote the forward for the book in which he agreed with the book's content.

Rabbi Lior said during the demonstration that he accepts the rule of law and is not trying to defy the state. "Rabbis are elected representatives who answer questions the public is concerned with. Clearly we do not engage in politics but these are important issues which concern us all directly and we must therefore respond. It is the rabbis' right and duty to express their opinions on these matters. They were elected on this basis until the State declares rabbis are banned from expressing their political opinions."

Rabbi Lior touches upon several, important points here:

1. There is a risk of a conflict of interest for State-appointed rabbis. How can they truly feel free to express their opinions regarding the actions of the State, when the State is paying their salaries?

2. Many issues which appear to the Western eye as political issues area really halakhic issues. (All aspects of Jewish life are guided by halakhic principles, including how to run a Jewish government and how fight a war, not just Shabbos and Kashrus shailos.)

3. The State would never ban rabbis from expressing opinions which are in line with the State's policies (...of kowtowing to the will of the West, etc.).

The Kiryat Arba protestors promised that this was just the beginning of their struggle. "We shall not let the rabbi be touched and will physically block any attempt to do so," Kiryat Arba councilman Bentzi Goffstein said. "This is defiance against the rule of Torah. Torah law precedes state law."

Bentzi Goffstein said a mouthful. He also stated the main focus of our day and age,...of our struggle.

This was not the first time Rabbi Lior, and others, were "questioned" (more like interrogated).The issue of supporting this book may be an extreme example. However, even the statement by Goffstein is considered "extreme" by the religious mamlakhtim (un-dying State loyalists).

I hope that these Jews do not have to learn that there are, indeed, many conflicts between Torah Law and Israeli State Law, and the number of these conflicts increase on a regular basis.

They must learn and acknowledge this fact, or they will surely lose their Heleq ba'Olam HaBa (portion in the World To Come).

Better they should stop, and think, and choose to become a real, Religious Zionist.

Kehila Blogging Carnival - Shevat/Adar Alef

3 of the Twelfth Month (Alef) 5771

Welcome to the latest edition of the Kehila Blogging Carnival!

Welcome to Kehila, the premier community of Jewish and Israel bloggers on the web. The idea of Kehila is simple: Sign up and promote others. If you do, others will end up promoting you! Founded by Eric @ The Israel Situation, Kehila Blogging is open to anyone with an active Jewish/Israel themed blog. It can be personal or professional. There are no big rules, you only have to be Jewish and write about a related topic. The community belongs jointly to each person who joins.

Here are links to some of our first editions from last fall:

The First Kehila Carnival Ever! by Eric @ The Israel Situation

The High Holy Days Edition by Ruti Mizrachi @ Hakol Nuchal!

I am sure that I am missing some editions. Please leave those links in the comments section.

The carnival, or round-up, aspect of Kehila Blogging has been revamped. Editions will be published monthly on or around Rosh Hodesh (the first day of each of the Hebrew months).

This edition is called the Shevat/Adar Alef Edition, as it is supposed to be made up of posts from Shevat, and then published on Rosh Hodesh Adar Alef. The name does not have to be the name of a month, though.

Stay in contact with your fellow Kehila Blogging members! When Eric approves your membership, he will place you on our e-mail group, and you will be able to add your blog to Kehila's Official Membership List, so that your fellow members will be able to check out, and help promote your blog. If you are a Kehila Blogging member, but are not yet receiving our periodic e-mails, let Eric know. He may be contacted by clicking on one of the images above, and leaving a message for him in the Kehila Blogging site's comments section.

Hosting is also a great way to increase traffic on your blog, and to meet fellow bloggers sharing similar interests. Let Eric know if you would like to host. Our membership currently includes 20 blogs, and even more bloggers. So, with a blogging carnival edition currently published only once every month, members would not even have to take a turn hosting more than once every couple of years! However, as we build momentum, no doubt our carnivals will increase in frequency!

Don't forget to join us on our Facebook Page, too!

Now, without further adieu, I am proud to present this month's Kehila Blogging Carnival!

Israel

News
I still do not know what to make of the UFO sighting over the Temple Mount last week. Eric @ The Israel Situation has all of the latest in one place in The Temple Mount UFO In Jerusalem Round Up. Meanwhile, Violence Sweeps The Arab World.

Independent Patriot writing at Liberty's Spirit comments on the state of affairs in various Arab countries in Cultural Relativism, Political Correctness, Elitist Racism and the Death of Freedom in the Arab Middle East.

Trying to get to the bottom it all, I ask the questions, and give my Esser Agaroth, on Just What Exactly Is The Muslim Brotherhood? and Is Jordan Next?

Eric @ The Israel Situation tells us how several countries are already Recognizing A "Palestinian" State.

Batya at Shiloh Musings asks What Happened To The "Free Jonathan Pollard" Campaign?

Life In Israel (Kehila = Community)
Isramom tells us about a program which helps the elderly, Aging In The Computer Age. But the elderly aren't the only ones who benefit from this program!

Ruti at Hakol Nuchal presents Food Prep And Jewish Meditation.

Rivkah at Bat Aliya relays here experiences of being an olah hadashah (new immigrant) in After Ulpan and It's Better To Buy It In Israel.

Can you guess what's happening in this photo, sent in by Batya at Me-Ander? Here's another photo of hers, which could only be found at a bus station in Israel,...or perhaps Borough Park?

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside of Israel)

Lady-Light at Tikkun Olam brings us What Do The Talmud And The Chinese Have In Common?

Ima 2 Seven shares a personal, family story with us in It Could Always Be Worse.

Susan Esther at To Kiss A Mezuzah shares a poignant piece with us, Life Is Fragile.

Judaism

Leah at Ingathered provides us with an interesting take on Jewish Feminism in Does Jewish Feminism Empower Women?

Yosefa at Life In The Married Lane is a relatively new immigrant to Israel. She also talks about Judaism, Feminism, and Marriage.

Here is a Tu b'Shevat related post by Minnesota Mamleh. It's called Let's Talk Going Green.

I disagree with some of Lady-Light's post Orthodoxy Or Secularism: Which Is More Fulfilling? at Tikkun Olam. But, she does may some good points.

Hadassah at In The Pink has an interesting Mikvah Question. Hmm... I had never thought of this one.

Check out Benzion's post at Izgad, G. K. Chesterton And Jewish Hats. What did you think a Jewish hat actually looked like?

Music

Isramom brings us One Melody - Two Renditions, and tells us a little about the Modzitz hassidic dynasty.

Food!

Miriyummy brings us Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates. In the beginning, she recounts for us some interesting Internet experiences, and concludes with a recipe, which I was thinking about recently. Spooky, huh? But, you'll have to go check out this post, to discover what this recipe if for!

Miriyummy gives us another recipe and story, as well, in No Awful Offal. This one is for a vegetarian chopped liver. I hope to try this one!

Hadassah at In The Pink has a message for Adam Richman in Man v Food.

This post at Cooking Outside The Box caught my attention, as I have an interest in survivalist strategies, finding food probably being the most crucial: Stinging Nettles Soup - Picking Edible Weeds.

Meta-Blogging

I'll Call Baila debates the fate of her blog in My Poor, Abandoned Blog. See, if you can give a boost of encouragement by visiting!

OK. Now comes the next main reason for being part of Kehila Blogging. The first was about getting your own blog publicized and gaining increased traffic. The next is to go forth and publicize each edition of our carnival or round-up (Let's decide together what to call it!). Remember, the more publicity and traffic Kelila Blogging gets, the more publicity and traffic you get for your blogs! So, go out and post this link on your blog, tweet it, share on Facebook, send it out on relevant e-lists and e-groups, post it on relevant forums, and anything else you can think of! Then when you decide to host, the rest of us will go out and do the same.

Another Arab "President" Bites The Dust!

29 of the Eleventh Month 5771

My comment follow the article.

YNET: Yemen President Says Won't Extend Presidential Term

Saleh vows not to pass on reins of government to his son, call on opposition to freeze all planned protests, rallies, sit-ins. 'Interests of the country come before our personal interests,' he says

Reuters, February 2, 2011

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, a key US ally against al Qaeda, said on Wednesday he will not seek to extend his presidency in a move that would end his three-decade rule when his current term expires in 2013.

Eyeing protests that brought down Tunisia's leader and threaten to topple Egypt's president, Saleh also vowed not to pass on the reins of government to his son, but asked the opposition to hold down on protests.

"I present these concessions in the interests of the country. The interests of the country come before our personal interests," Saleh told his parliament, Shoura Council and members of the military.

"No extension, no inheritance, no resetting the clock," he said, making reference to ruling party proposals to institute term limits that had been seen as allowing him to run again. (Read the entire article...)

Well, I guess another one bites the dust!

And, what do you know? Once again, we have support for the notion that "violence pays," at least Arab violence.

Just What Is The Muslim Brotherhood?

28 of the Eleventh Month 5771

My comments are in blue italics.

FoxNews.com: Just What Is The Muslim Brotherhood?

Catherine Herridge, January 31, 2011

While analysts ask who or what is behind the sustained protests in Egypt, one group is now seeking political legitimacy.

Technically banned under Egypt's constitution that forbids religious based parties, the Muslim Brotherhood is now throwing its support behind Mohammed el Baradei as an opposition leader.

Technically banned? In other words, banned in name only. This will be one of the "democratic" reforms everyone is talking about. Then, it will only be a matter of time before the Muslim Brotherhood is voted into Parliament,...just like Hamas was "democratically" voted in, and former U. S. President George Bush and others were shocked that such a thing would happen.

What did that tell you about the so-called "Palestinians?" And, what will it tell you about the Egyptians, when they "democratically" elect the Muslim Brotherhood into Parliament?

Is there anyone out there who canNOT see the pattern here???

But many fear that if Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak goes, the real replacement will be either the Muslim Brotherhood itself, or an Islamic fundamentalist group. El Baradei insisted on Sunday talk shows that the fear was unwarranted.

Anyone who believes El Baradei is an idiot, or has some kind of financial interest in seeing him get into power,...or both. Remember how "helpful" El Baradei was, inspecting the nuclear facilities? Puh-leaze!

“This is total bogus that the Muslim Brotherhood are religiously conservative,” El Baradei told ABC’s “This Week.” “They are no way extremists. They are no way using violence.” (Read the entire article...)

Gee. I suppose he's right. After all, it is the mainstream Muslim attitude to call for the destruction of Israel and the U. S., right? I guess that makes them "no way extremists,..." in the Muslim world that is.

"...no way using violence?" What?! Is he blind? Well, I suppose he's just not counting the Brotherhood's affiliates, such as Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Islamic Movement in Israel. And, of course, Jews who have been murdered, massacred, and otherwise harmed, must not count in his eyes.

Just for starters, here is a snippet from the Wikipedia Muslim Brotherhood entry:

'Abd al-Rahman al-Banna, brother of Muslim Brotherhood founder Hasan al-Banna, went to Palestine and established the Muslim Brotherhood there in 1935. A local nationalist, Al-Hajj Amin al-Husseini, eventually appointed by the British as Grand Mufti of Jerusalem in hopes of accommodating him, was the leader of the group in Palestine. Another important leader associated with the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine was 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam, an inspiration to Islamists because he had been the first to lead an armed resistance in the name of Palestine against the British in 1935. Under these leaders, many moderate local Arab leaders were assassinated, including King Abdullah I of Jordan, and, from 1921 on, numerous terrorist attacks were perpetrated against Jews, amongst which was the murder of 67 religious Jews, men, women and children, and wounding of many others, in the 1929 Hebron massacre. Al-Hajj Amin al-Husseini led a general uprising against the British from 1936 to 1939; as a Nazi ally he spent the Second World War in Nazi Germany and advocated for and aided their annihilation of the Jews. In 1945, the group established a branch in Jerusalem, and by 1947 twenty-five more branches had sprung up, in towns such as Jaffa, Lod, Haifa, Nablus, and Tulkarm, which total membership between 12,000 to 20,000.

Non-violent, eh?

Is Jordan Next?

28 of the Eleventh Month 5771

Before reading this post, you may want to go back and read the predictions I made in two recent posts, I'm Shocked That Hizbullah Is Taking Over Lebanon! and More Islamist Takeovers: I Told You So!

My comments here are in blue italics.

YNET: Jordan's King Sacks Government

After weeks of opposition protests inspired by regime ouster in Tunisia and turmoil in Egypt, Abdullah names his former ex-military adviser Marouf Bakhit as new prime minister with orders to carry out 'true political reforms'

News Agencies, February 1, 2011

After weeks of opposition protests demanding change, Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday sacked his government and asked his former ex-military advisor Marouf Bakhit to form a new cabinet, an official said.

According to the palace, the king named Bakhit as prime minister with orders to carry out "true political reforms".

Translation of "true political reforms:" Make speeches in Parliament, pass innocuous bills, set up photo opps for the King and new PM, so that the people think we are doing something, but don't do anything which would really diminish the king's power.

Bakhit's mission is to take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan's democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians."

...without giving away any true power, currently held by the king and the wealthy.

King Abdullah's move came after thousands of Jordanians took to the streets –inspired by the regime ouster in Tunisia and the turmoil in Egypt – and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Samir Rifai who is blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slowed political reforms.

The king had to blame someone, right? Who better than prime minister?

The king also stressed that economic reform was a "necessity to provide a better life for our people, but we won't be able to attain that without real political reforms, which must increase popular participation in the decision-making."

...make that the appearance of popular participation in the decision-making.

He asked al-Bakhit for a "comprehensive assessment ... to correct the mistakes of the past."

He did not elaborate. The statement said Abdullah also demanded an "immediate revision" of laws governing politics and public freedoms. Jordan's powerful Islamist opposition said on Monday that it had started a dialogue with the state, saying that unlike the situation in Egypt, it did not seek regime change.

Notice how it made a point of differentiating itself from Egypt? Anyway, why bother to change it,...now? Just become a part of the regime, and change it gradually from within.

Opposition demands included "the resignation of the government, the amendment of the electoral law and the formation of a national salvation government headed by an elected prime minister," a member of the Islamic Action Front's executive council, Zaki Bani Rsheid, told AFP.

Elected prime minister? Yeah, right! Making sure that a new prime minister acceptable to the Islamist opposition will be one of the necessary compromises the king will have to make to preserve peace in the streets.

Rifai formed a first government in December 2009, and reshuffled it in November 2010.

...which apparently wasn't good enough.

Bakhit, who was born in 1947, served as prime minister from 2005 to 2007.

Well, here I am in Israel, watching the turmoil all around me, and I still have no clue as to which country will be the next to become an Islamic state. Only time will tell.

Any bets?