Haveil Havalim #331 - The End Of תשע"א/5771 Edition

28 of the Sixth Month 5771

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.'

One of the reasons I like the Velveteen Rabbi is her creativity. Another reason is that she is consistent, an all too rare attribute found across the Jewish spectrum. Another reason I like her is that she challenges me (not personally), and keeps me on my toes.

Her piece Wise Voices On Middle East Politics And On Torah exemplifies how diverse our growing community here at Haveil Havalim can be, and is, with her on one side, and me on the polar opposite side, 99 percent of the time. But, at least we bother to wave at each other once in a while.

But, what's my point, you ask.

Unfortunately, our Haveil Havalim community is at risk of not continuing. We do not just need hosts. We need it to be much less of a struggle to convince, coerce, and beg each other to host.

This week's edition, the End Of תשע"א/5771 Edition really is a best of the best edition,...a euphemism for schvach.

It is Monday night in Israel already, so you can only imagine how difficult is was for me to throw this together,...I mean throw literally. I was very picky about the posts I included, even excluding some posts I particularly liked. Everyone also received only one spot this week.

If you have hosted Haveil Havalim before, then your posts were automatically included. This is not to discourage those bloggers new to our community from submitting posts. As you know, I am usually a very inclusive host. But, if I have to limit the number of posts I include, then why shouldn't I make a point of including those bloggers involved in keeping Haveil Havalim alive,...literally?

Consider this edition an appeal, a warning, a rebuke,...OK, maybe even a request.

Take a moment to take out our calendars, which most of you have already bought, and pick a week, just one week, and commit to host. If everyone of us were to commit to hosting during תשע"ב/5772, then we would be all set for the coming year, and would cease to be in such a struggle.

Even if only the core group of contributors were to commit to hosting twice each during the coming year, then we would be good to go.

I will be hosting again next week. I never intended to host this week. I believe that by now, you have gathered that. There wasn't anyone designated to host this week. But that did not stop the submissions from flowing in.

Susan Esther at To Kiss A Mezuzah is set to host on 20 Tishrei (October 16).

Who will step up to the plate, and host the week before that?

What about the week after that?

As this year comes to a close, please think about how you envision the future of Haveil Havalim, and then commit to contributing to make that future happen.

So,...if you would like to host, please contact our Fearless Leader Jack B. directly at talktojacknow@gmail.com.

Shannah Tovah.

Looking Toward Rosh HaShannah

Allison Josephs, our Jew In The City, starts us off with Impulse Control and the High Holidays.

Jacob Richman at Good News From Israel provides us with Educational Resources and Cool Videos for the New Year.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah asks, "Do Jews Believe In An Afterlife?" Well, I can't speak for all Jews, but I do. I could not resist adding this second post from her at TCJewfolk, Who's Eggs Are They Anyway? It is a fascinating ethical, halakhic, and relevant issue for us all.

Jennifer in Mama-Land shows us a Fun Tech Tool. Check out this Hebrew script tool!!

Israel

Sharon A at The Real Jerusalem Streets asks, "As Durban 3 approaches will it be all about Israeli racism again?" in Racist State.

Batya, our Shiloh Muse, takes a look at Pseudostinians, and the power of words.

Yoel Meltzer asks, "Why The Overreaction In Jordan?"

Daniel Pinner, guest posting at The Torah Revolution, wants you to take your Palestinian IQ Test.

Steve at IsraelSeen shares his time out on the town with us in Where’s the Beer?.
Rachel at Israelity reminds us that summer is at an end (sigh), with some beautiful photos by Shoshani.

Outside Of Israel

The Independent Patriot presents Irvine 11 Guilty Guilty Guilty. Who knew? I'm glad she was following this case.

Well, that's a wrap! I'll see you next week, after our long weekend and postponed Fast of Gedaliah!

May we all have a better year than the last one. If you had a good year this, then may you have an even better one!