שוב פעם הסוכנות הלא יהודית פועל לרע! / The Non-Jewish Agency Strikes Again!

מוצש״ק פר׳ פינחס תשפ"ב

English follows the Hebrew.

YNET: ראשי הארגונים היהודיים לראש הממשלה: "דאג שיהודים מכל הזרמים ירגישו בטוחים בכותל"
בפנייה חריגה התאגדו ראשי המוסדות הלאומיים וארגונים יהודיים בינלאומיים, בקריאה ללפיד להבטיח את ביטחון המבקרים, על רקע התפרעויות של מפגינים חרדים ברחבה השוויונית. "אין די במילות תמיכה", כתבו. "נער חגג בר מצווה בזמן שצרחו עליו וקראו לו 'נוצרי' ו'נאצי', ואף קרעו סידורים. זו התנהגות שצריכה להביך כל יהודי"
איתמר אייכנר | 07.07.22

עשר אגורות (2¢):

זה לא יפה להפגין , למחות, ולצעק על ילד בן 13. עם זאת, כולנו צריכים לדעת כבר שכל מה שמדווח על ידי YNET... או הארץ או מעריב וכו' צריך להיות חשוד. הכוונה הטובה [מדי פעם] של [כמה מ]הכתבים לא מחסנים את המאמרים שלהם מפני כל כוונה רעה של העורכים.

הנקודה הכי חשובה לקחת מהפרשה הוא הפיל בחדר שאף אחד לא רוצה לדבר עליו. אז, אני אעשה זאת. כמה חברי תנועת הקונסרבטיבים יהודים בכלל? כמה מהם בספק יהודים? כמה מהם גוים גמורים? ולמה הסוכנות היהודית כביכול מגנה על ארגונים ואנשים כאלה המעודדים פירוק אוכלוסיה יהודית והשמדה סופית של העם היהודי באמצעות גיור שווא?

דרך ההרס של התנועה הקונסרבטיבית עבורנו איטית יותר מזו של התנועה הרפורמית, שמנהיגיה הם משתתפים בשואה השנייה, נשואין תערובת. השם ישמור!

אני אפילו לא מעיר כאן על כל מה שהאנשים האלה עושים כדי לנסות להרוס את התורה, חלק חלק, הכל למען רגשותיהם. 

כך נהג עשיו אב עולם המערב (ולכן הלא יהודי), מונחה על ידי הרגשותיו, עשה את מה שהוא רצה, והצדיק את זה בהמשך, אם בכלל. לעומת זאת, אחיו יעקב אבינו, השתדל כפי יכולתו לעשות מה שהקב"ה רוצה.

הרב אריה חסיד אמר:

"אני, לעומת זאת, שבור. יש אנשים ששונאים אותי. שמוכנים לפגוע בי כי היהדות שלי היא שונה מהיהדות שלהם...״

אריה, לא שונאים אותך אלא פשוט שונאים את מה שאתה עושה. ואף אחד לא מוכן לפגוע בך כי היהדות שלך שונה משלו. זה בלתי אפשרי. כי מה שאתה מאמין ומה שאתה עושה, בפשטות, זה לא יהדות.

יזהר הס מנכ"ל התנועה המסורתית בישראל (קונסרבטיבים) טוען שהתקרית הזו היא אנטישמית.

יזהר, מה שקרה לא יכולה להיות אנטישמית. הטקס לא היה טקס יהודי אלא הוא נראה קצת במשהו יהודי. וכמה מהמשתתפים שמה היו יהודים בכלל? (לא כולל ספק יהודי)

לפיד השמיץ בפריז: ‘ישראל היחידה בעולם שבה אין חופש דת ליהודים’

לראש הממשלה המעבר יאיר לפיד אני שואל את השאלה "היכן כתוב בתורה 'חופש דת ליהודים'"?

נו. עזוב. לא משנה. מה אכפת לך ממה שכתוב בתורה?

אם הסוכנות היהודית רוצה לבקר את השיטה והפעילויות של החרדים אז היא יכולה לבקר. אבל אם הסוכנות היהודית באמת פועלת למען כל עם ישראל אז לפחות מנהיגיה חייבים להבין ולקבל את הכוונה והתסכולים של הצעירים החרדים האלה.

אישית אני עדיין לא משוכנע שהסוכנות היהודית באמת פועלת למען כל עם ישראל.  

לקרוא על כמה אכפת לסוכנות [הלא] יהודית מיהודים ב"Jewish Agency, If You Really Want to Help, Then Don't Help!"

ראש הממשלה המעבר יאיר לפיד
Caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid

YNET: Jewish Agency urges security for non-Orthodox worship at Western Wall
After Conservative and Reform worshipers were violently accosted by ultra-Orthodox Jews at the egalitarian section of the Western Wall, the Jewish Agency plans to discuss the situation with Israeli officials to 'make sure all Jews are welcomed'
i24NEWS | 07.14.22

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Although this report states that the ceremony and participants were targeted, the Hebrew version claims that the bar mitzvah himself was specifically targeted. (Yes, a "bar mitzvah" is, in fact a person, and not an event nor a verb...) Sure. It doesn't sound very nice, hearing about anyone yelling at a 13-year-old. Even if the bar mitzvah is consider an adult in some ways. Hmm... I wonder if his parents even know this. I wonder if his "spiritual teacher" knows this.

However, we should all know by now that anything reported by YNET... or HaAretz or Ma'ariv, etc. should be suspect. Even if their reporters occasionally mean well, this does not grant their articles immunity from the almighty editors.

But, I digress...

The real issue at hand is the elephant in the room no one wants to discuss. So, I will. How many of these so-called "Conservatives" around the world even Jewish still? And why is the so-called Jewish Agency defending organizations and people who are encouraging Jewish de-population and the ultimate destruction of the Jewish People through false conversions?

The Conservative Movement's path of destruction for us is slower that that of the Reform Movement, whose members are unknowing participants in the Second Holocaust. (May The Almighty grant them guidance! May The Almighty protect us!) Nevertheless...

I am not even bringing up everything else these people are doing to chip away at the Torah, one piece at a time, all for the sake of their Edomite (Western) feelings.

This is how Esau operated, following his feelings, doing whatever he wanted, and justifying it later on, if ever at all. His brother Jacob our forefather, on the other hand, did his best to do what The Almighty wanted.

Rabbi Arieh Hassid, the Conservative Movement Head and "officiant" of the ceremony in question was reported to say in Hebrew:

“Some people hate me. Who are willing to hurt me. Because my Judaism is different from their Judaism...”

No, Arieh. We don't hate you. We just hate what you are doing. 

And no one is willing to hurt you because your Judaism is different from theirs. That's impossible. Because what you believe and what you are doing, simply put, is not Judaism.

Yizhar Hess, Executive Director of the Masorati (Conservative) Movement in Israel suggested that...

״...if they (the actions) had occurred anywhere else in the world, it would be called antisemitism." (TOI)

Yizhar, how could this be considered antiSemitic? The ceremony wasn't Jewish, just something which looked Jewish,... a little bit.

Not surprisingly, Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid issued a condemnation of the incident. While in France, he stated said that... 

"Israel is the only [country] in the world where there is no religious freedom for Jews." (Haredi 10)

To caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid I pose the question, "Where in the Torah does it mention 'religious freedom for Jews?'" 

Never mind. What do you care about what's mentioned in the Torah?

If the Jewish Agency want to criticize the approach and the activities of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) youth in question, then criticize. But if the Jewish Agency really operates for the sake of all Jews,  then its leaders must at least understand and accept the intention and frustrations of these Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) youth.

Personally, I am still not convinced that the Jewish Agency is truly working for the sake of all Jews.

You can read about just how much the [Non] Jewish Agency cares about Jews in "Jewish Agency, If You Really Want to Help, Then Don't Help!"

The Western Wall's Blocked Compromise

כ׳ לחודש הרביעי תשע״ז

YNET Op-Ed: A state denying its own people
Op-ed: The government took a historic agreement on the Western Wall and threw it in the faces of millions of Jews around the world. In an anti-Zionist move, it proved to its people—and to its enemies—that Israel is no longer the Jewish people’s state. 

Yizhar Hess, 26.06.17 

We made a mistake. We believed the government, we believed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we believed that we must finally stop this quarrel between us over the Western Wall, and we accepted a compromise agreement. But the government’s decision on Sunday, a cynical—even vicious—decision, took this historic agreement and threw it in the faces of millions of Jews around the world, adding a slap.

Listen carefully, Jews of the diaspora: Not only will you have no share or claim to the Western Wall, but conversion in the Jewish state will be performed exclusively according to the Orthodox Judaism. 

We made a mistake. We wanted to make Jerusalem a matter of consensus again, so that we Jews would finally stop fighting with each other over something that belongs to all of us. But we were deceived. The compromise agreement made us give up the right to pray in an egalitarian manner at the Western Wall that we know. We have been fighting for this for decades, but out of a sense of historical responsibility and—let’s admit it—the huge pressure we have been under, we acted against our natural instinct, and perhaps unwisely agreed to compromise. (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
All you need are the first, few paragraphs of this op-ed. You can read the rest of the above rant -- which is completely devoid of anything even remotely Jewish -- if you really want. Or you can go do something more productive with your time.

Now, let's go through first, few paragraphs, step by step, shall we?

In an anti-Zionist move...

Anti-Zionist?

First of all, what is Zionism?

Zionism is the concept that the Jewish People has an inherent connection to Eretz Yisra'el (the Land of Israel), and that it is ours, and no one else's. The concept of Zionism originated where, you may ask? Hertzl? The United Nothings United Nations? The Balfour Agreement?

None of the above.

Zionism originates from The Holy One, Blessed Be He, who promised us this Land, and transmitted this promised to us through His Holy Torah, given to Moshe Rabbenu.

The Torah is also the only justification for the Jewish People's claim to the Land, not because we were here first. We weren't. The Canaanites were, and they The Almighty took it away from them. Any declaration or law created by humans, which allows, encourages, proclaims, or enforces the Jewish People's connection, to Eretz Yisra'el, and any claim it has to settle and reside here can be revoked by humans, just as easily as it was created.

And we are seeing this happen right before our eyes: the Oslo Death Accords, the establishment of the Pseudostinian Authority [PA], selling and giving away land to Christian groups, preparation for man-made borders with a "security" fence, etc.

In a nutshell, these people seem to want to equate Zionism with Democracy, or in the State of Israel's case, deMOCKracy. But, more democracy later....

Listen carefully, Jews of the diaspora...

Jews of the diaspora? As if they should have any say in the matter? Why on earth should they have a say? Furthermore, these people go off on democracy and being a nation like are the other nations. Yet if that is the case, why on earth should those of us actually living here (on the front lines) allow them to be involved? Because of their financial support money? (shohad/bribe)

Democracy, or in the State of Israel's case, deMOCKracy (Yeah, I know I said that already.) is a Greek system of governance, Greek as in Hellenist, as in the assimilated, Hellenist Jews we fought against, and defeated, in the war which culminated with the re-dedication of Beth HaMiqdash (the Temple), and the creation of the holiday of Hanukkah.

These Jews, or rather "Jews," are running scared,...they know that t
Because of sham conversions, acceptance of "patralineal descent," and even intermarriage according to their own definition, how many of these "liberal Jews" are even Jews to begin with?

Listen carefully, Jews of the diaspora: Not only will you have no share or claim to the Western Wall, but conversion in the Jewish state will be performed exclusively according to the Orthodox Judaism.

Conversions? One may not convert to Judaism through bodies which are not Jewish, and even if they were, their "judges" are disqualified from serving in such positions, due to their various distortions and denials of the Torah, primarily the Oral Torah, and other heretical beliefs, not to mention their gender. In the recent list released by Israel's Chief Rabbinate, of those individuals whose statements of "proof of Jewishness" are no longer accepted, women were conspicuously absent. Why? No need. It is already a given that they are disqualified from providing such eiduth (testimony).

If one wants to "convert" to "Conservativism" or "Reformism," by all means, let them. After all, these religions are not Judaism. So, what do I care? Unfortunately, the Israeli government, as well as the [non-]Jewish Agency, accepts paperwork from these groups' clergy for the purposes of nationality.

Orthodox Judaism? As if there were any other kind... I think he means Torah-observant Judaism, which is, of course, redundant.

Fill the land up with those who actually think they are Jewish, so as to battle against the Torah from within.

Tantrums win out.

We made a mistake. We wanted to make Jerusalem a matter of consensus again, so that we Jews would finally stop fighting with each other over something that belongs to all of us.

Well, you see that's the whole point, isn't it? Does it really belong to you? Yet, again, I have to ask, just how many of you are Jewish?

The Ramba"m goes a step further suggesting that even if you are all really of Jewish matrilineal descent, it doesn't matter. I'll let you look this one up yourselves (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 3:14-27). Oh, and don't forget to look it up in an uncensored version.

Of course, this is just talking about many of your "leaders." Most of you do not know

I'm sorry to hurt your egos. But, Judaism is all about asking questions. If you have been turned off by rabbis who do not answer your questions, or cannot even say "I don't know the answer, but I can research it," then continue your search for someone who can provide you with sources to support his view, and who will not make you feel stupid or embarrassed. If you have encountered rabbis who have done this to you, they you were right not to bother with them.

But, if you really believe that Judaism is your heritage, and not just some wall, you owe it to yourselves to continued you search.

But, I digress...

While we were still in Egypt, the Erev Rav (mixed-multitude/false converts) cried when they were told that we were journeying to Eretz Yisra'el. Why? Because not being from any tribe, they would not inherit. They did not feel any connection to the Land. And ever since then, their descendants have been causing us problems, one of which has been not only to forsake the Land, but actively chop it up and give it away. After all, what do they care?

Whereas true converts accept the Will of HaShem.

We made a mistake.

Yeah, you made a mistake alright. Besides not truly investing your time and energy, blood, sweat and tears by actually residing in Israel, by intermarrying -- including marrying those with sham conversions -- is that unlike the "ultra-orthodox" and "settlers," as you call us, you are not having enough children.

The Left saw this coming ages ago, and so has actively had to recruit goyim from the Former Soviet Union, airlift Christians from Ethiopia, grant special status to foreign workers, and facilitate the flow of infiltrators into Israel from Africa, in order to counterbalance the population growth of Torah-observant Jews.

But, this has still not been enough. Neither has the indoctrination into diehard State loyalty through the State's educational system and IDF service. While the religious mamlakhtim (diehard State loyalists) continue to throw their kippahs off during army service, the Haredim and few [real] "settlers" allowed into the IDF do not.

Be careful what you pray wish for. Because if you want democracy, then  you will have to live with the results consequences. Most of the Haredim and residents of Yehudah and Shomron (Judea and Samaria) -- the proper names of these communities -- commit the greatest crime of all.

We vote.

Oh, and by the way, when will you finally wake up to the fact that Arabs consider Tel-Aviv to be a settlement, just as much as Hevron or Beth-El?

I would say that it is only a matter of time before we vote you out of power. However, history has shown that anytime we start winning, while playing by the rules that is, you simply change the rules.

You see, you are right when you say that...

Israel is no longer the Jewish people’s state. 

The State of Israel is not controlled by the Jewish People. מי שמבין יבין

I don't count the fading Shabbos and Kashruth laws, and the Prime Minister occasionally donning a kippah and reading from the Tana"kh (The Bible). Does he really mean it? I mean REALLY mean it?

And so, I guess this will force us to wait a little longer...

For you to intermarry some more and assimilate out of existence.

For those of you in Israel, for you to run away to Europe or to the U. S., when the situation gets too tough for them.

Or for you to wake up finally, do teshuvah (repentance), and join us.

Unfortunately, I am not optimistic about seeing too many take this last opinion, and so I am not holding my breath.

My only consolation is that these people are fighting over the parking lot a wall of Har HaBayith (Temple Mount), and so they are too busy to concern themselves with Har HaBayith itself.

האם הכותל המערבי בישראל? / Is the Western Wall in Israel?

יום ירושלים תשע״ז
50th Anniversary of the Re-Unification of Jerusalem

הכותל המערבי
The Western Wall

YNET: שגרירת ארה"ב באו"ם: "מאמינה שהכותל הוא חלק מישראל" 17.05.17
בעוד שאנשי ממשל טראמפ התחמקו כשנשאלו אם ארה"ב מכירה בכותל כחלק מישראל, הבהירה השגרירה האמריקנית באו"ם: "תמיד חשבנו שהכותל הוא בישראל - וכך אנו צריכים להתייחס לכך גם היום"

בזמן שאנשי הנשיא דונלד טראמפ התחמקו ביממה האחרונה מהשאלה אם הבית הלבן מכיר בכותל המערבי כחלק מישראל, הביעה הלילה (יום ד') שגרירת ארה"ב באו"ם ניקי היילי עמדה נחרצת בסוגיה בראיון לרשת CBN. לקראת ביקורו של הנשיא בארץ, אמרה: "אני לא יודע מה המדיניות של הממשל, אבל אני מאמינה שהכותל המערבי הוא חלק מישראל. אני חושבת שכך התייחסנו לעניין בעבר וכך אנחנו צריכים להתייחס לכך גם היום. תמיד חשבנו שהכותל המערבי הוא חלק מישראל". (המשך...)

עשר אגורות (2¢):

Yellow Poster: The Kotel is the parking lot.

The Mount is the House [Temple].

Purple Flag: HaShem is The King.

כולם דואגים על השאלה: האם ממשלת ארה"ב מתייחסת לכותל המערבי כחלק ארץ ישראל או לא?

כולנו יודעים את הדעה של הממשל הקודם של ארה"ב. אבל, האם אני היחיד המבין שאף אחד לא מדבר על השייכות של הר הבית, ושלא מדבר על השייכות של העיר העתיקה של ירושלים, ושלא מדבר על השייכות של העיר ירושלים בכלל?

השאלה עדיין לא נענה אם ממשל טראמפ יעביר את שגרירות ארה"ב מתל-אביב לירושלים. ואם כן יעביר את זה, ייבנה בניין שגרירות חדש? עלותו של פרויקט כזה מספיק למנוע את זה. אתם שואלים, "למה הם צריכים לבנות בניין חדש? למה לא פשוט יכולים להפוך את הקונסוליה בירושלים הנוכחית להיות השגרירות?

העיין הויכוח תחת איזה רשות "הקונסוליה" הנוכחית שוכנת' מפני שהיא שוכנת על קו הסכם שביתת הנשק של בתום מלחמת העצמאות (תראה את המפה למטה). האם "הקונסוליה" יושבת בתוך מדינת ישראל או בתוך רשות הערבים המזדהים כ"פליסטינאים?" יהיה קשה ל"הקהילה הבינלאומית" לקבל מצב כזה, שגרירות ארה"ב שיושב בירולשים ושקוראים לשטח השה חלק של ארץ ישראל.

העניין הכי חשוב הוא לא הכותל אלא הוא מדוע ממשלת ישראללא עושה שום דבר בעניין זה, להדגיש שהכל שלנו, ואפילו לכבוש את הר הבית סוף סוף?

הערה: אישית אני לא הייתי מצפה שממשלת מדינת ישראל תעשה משהו בקשר לכך.

YNET: Trump's UN envoy: 'Western Wall is part of Israel' 
May 17, 2017 

Speaking in an interview with CBN, Nikki Haley stresses that while she is unaware of official US policy, she firmly believes Kotel to be 'part of Israel'; mixed signals continue to flow out of the White House on Trump administration’s position, with national security advisor McMaster refusing to directly answer questions on the matter, and Sean Spicer only acknowledging the Kotel’s religious significance and geographic location.

Amid prevailing uncertainty as to where the US Trump administration stands on the status of the Western Wall (the Kotel), US Envoy to the UN Nikki Haley sought to clarify Tuesday night her own stance, saying in an interview that “I believe that the Western Wall is part of Israel.” (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Everyone seems to be up in arms about whether the U. S. Government considers the Kotel HaMa'aravi (Western Wall) to be part of Israel or not.

We all know how the previous U. S. administration held on this issue. A-hem! But, am I the one who has noticed that no one is talking about Jerusalem's Old City, let alone not making any mention Har HaBayith (Temple Mount)?

(Click to Enlarge)

Sure, debate over whether the Trump administration will move the U. S. Embassy to Jerusalem, or not, continues. But, has anyone even bothered to ask if they will build a new Embassy building? The cost of such an endeavor could quash any hopes of the move in and of itself. But, why would they need to build a new building, you ask? Why can't they just wave a magic wand pen and turn the current "consulate" into an embassy?

You see, there is still debate over under whose authority the current "consulate," in Jerusalem's East Talpiot neighborhood, resides. Is it within Israel? Or is it in the make-believe Pseudostinian Territories? For the so-called "international community," it is hard to tell, as it lies on the 1949 Armistice Agreement Line,...as if that should matter.

The issue isn't the Kotel; The issue is why isn't the Israeli Government doing anything about this, like making it clear that all of the Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish People, and to take over Har HaBayith once and for all.

Note: I personally would never expect the Israeli Government to do anything about this, or about half a dozen other things.

50 Years of a "Liberated" Jerusalem? / חמישים שנה לשיחרור ירושלים?

י' לחודש השנים עשר תשע"ז

English follows the Hebrew.

"A United, Unifying Jerusalem"

YNET: "מאוחדת, מאחדת" - הלוגו הרשמי ל-50 שנה לשחרור ירושלים
השרה רגב הציגה בישיבת הממשלה את הסמל שיעטר בשנה הקרובה את נייר המכתבים של משרדי הממשלה השונים. "עובדת שחרורה של ירושלים חייבת להיות מעל המחלוקות הפוליטיות" 

מורן אזולאי, 05.03.17 

שרת התרבות מירי רגב הציגה היום (א') בישיבת הממשלה את הלוגו הרשמי החדש לציון 50 שנה לשחרור ירושלים. "אם אנחנו לא מסוגלים לומר לעצמנו ששחררנו את ירושלים מדורות של כיבוש זר, אז איך אנחנו יכולים לבוא בטענות כלפי העולם", אמרה רגב שהתעקשה על שילוב המילה "שחרור".

הלוגו החדש יעטר מעתה את נייר המכתבים של משרדי הממשלה השונים וילווה את אירועי חגיגות היובל לכל אורך השנה והפרסומים אודותם. "הלוגו הזה מספר את הסיפור האמיתי של ירושלים", אמרה רגב.

"הבסיס של הספרה 5 הוא הנבל שמזכיר לנו את דוד מלך ישראל שקבע את ירושלים כבירה הנצחית שלנו לפני למעלה מ-3,000 שנה. והראש של הספרה זהו האריה - סמלה של העיר ירושלים עד היום. הספרה 5 מייצגת באופן סמלי את ציר הזמן של תולדות ירושלים - מדוד המלך ועד חטיבה 55 של הצנחנים, שנכנסה דרך שער האריות ושחררה את ירושלים במלחמת ששת הימים". 

בתוך הספרה 0 הוכנס דגל ישראל המופיע מעל חומות העיר העתיקה, הכותל והר הבית. הצבע הנבחר של הלוגו הוא זהב, לדברי רגב "כמו בשיר הכמעט-נבואי, של נעמי שמר 'ירושלים של זהב' אמרה רגב.
רגב התייחס גם לסלוגן "50 שנה לשחרור ירושלים. ירושלים מאוחדת ומאחדת" שנבחר ללוות את הלוגו. "עובדת שחרורה של ירושלים חייבת להיות מעל המחלוקות הפוליטיות", אמרה השרה מהליכוד. "ראיתי את התגובות בנוגע להתעקשות שלי על הלוגו הזה ועל המילה 'שחרור' והצטערתי מאוד. אני מצטערת על כל ישראלי, מימין או משמאל שמערער על ההגדרה הזו של ירושלים משוחררת".

עשר אגורות (2¢):
אני כבר ציינתי לכם לפני 10 שנים את הכישלון (אחד מתוך המון) של הממשלה לגבי הסמל על הפנים של חגיגת 40 שנים לשחרור ירושלים. הוא נראה כעכברוש, נכון? (ראה שמאלה)

ועכשיו שרת התרבות מירי רגב מציגה לנו את הסמל הרשמי החדש לציון 50 שנה לשחרור ירושלים. מה אתם חושבים על זה? הוא לא נראה כעכברוש, ב״ה. אבל הסמל הזה ממש יותר טוב מהסמל לשעבר?

קצת.

השרה רגב מזכירה לנו שאנחנו באמת שיחררו את ירושלים מידי האנשים שהארץ לא שייכת להם בכלל. והיא מודה שהבחירה שלה להשתמש במילה הזאת מאוד מפריעה לשמאלנים ואפילו לימינים.

וגם היא משתמשת בביטוי ״מאוחדת, מאחדת ירושלים.״ וביטוי הזה מודה לנו שעיר הבירה לנצח של עם ישראל עדיין לא מאוחדת לגמרי, אפילו שהעובדה הזאת לא נזכרת במאמר הזה של YNET, ויש עוד הרבה לעשות כדי לאחד את ירושלים, כולל לקחת שליטה על הר הבית, אחרי שמשה דיין מסר את זה לוואקף לפני 50 שנים. וזה הכי חשוב.

אבל, לדעתי, הסמל הזה כן נראה כמו אריה; הוא נראה כמו אריה שדוחף עגלה במכולת. הסמל צריך להיראות כאריה שעובד לאחד את ירושלים באמת. מי שמבין יבין.

YNET: Miri Regev presents the official logo marking 50 years since the liberation of Jerusalem
Minister Miri Regev presents the symbol that will adorn the official stationery of the various government ministries in the upcoming year; 'The liberation of Jerusalem must be above political disputes.' 

Moran Azulay, 05.03.17 

Culture Minister Miri Regev (Likud) presented the new official logo to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem on Sunday at a cabinet meeting. "If we are unable to say to ourselves that we liberated Jerusalem from generations of foreign occupation, how can we complain about the world," said Regev, insisting on the use of the word "liberation." 

The new logo will now adorn the official letterhead of the various ministries and accompany the Jubilee events throughout the year. "This logo tells the true story of Jerusalem," Regev said. 

"The basis of the number 5 is the harp that reminds us of David, King of Israel, who determined Jerusalem as our eternal capital over 3,000 years ago. The top is a lion's head—Jerusalem's symbol to this day. The number 5 symbolically represents the timeline of the history of Jerusalem—from King David to the IDF's 55th Paratroopers Brigade that entered through the Lion's gate and liberated Jerusalem during the Six Day War." 

Inside the 'zero,' the Israeli flag appears above the Old City, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. 

The logo's chosen color is gold, which according to Regev, represents the "near-prophetic Naomi Shemer lyrics depicting a 'Jerusalem of Gold.'" 

Regev also commented on the slogan—"50 years since the liberation of Jerusalem. A united and unifying Jerusalem"—chosen to accompany the logo. "The liberation of Jerusalem must be above political disputes," said Regev. 

"I saw the comments surrounding my insistence on this logo and the word 'liberation' and I was very sorry. I feel sorry for any Israeli, right-winger or left-winger, who undermines this definition of a liberated Jerusalem," she added.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
I already pointed out 10 years ago that the official symbol used to mark the 40th anniversary of the [beginning of the] liberation of Jerusalem,... looks like a rat. Doesn't it? (see above left)

And now, the Minister of Culture Miri Regev has presented us with the official symbol of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem. (top center) What do you think about it? It doesn't look like a rat, B"H. But, is it really any better than the last one?

A little bit.

Minister Regev reminds us that that Jerusalem was, indeed, "liberated," as it was taken back from out of the hands of those it did not belong to. And she acknowledges that there are those on the left and ever the right who take issue with her choice of words.

She also employs the motto "Unified, Unifying Jerusalem," acknowledging that the eternal Capital of the Jewish People is still not unified completely, even though this fact is not mentioned in the YNET article, and that there is still much work to do, including the taking back of Har HaBayith (the Temple Mount), since then Gen. Moshe Dayan turned its control over to the Wakf (Muslim Authority). This is most important.

Minister Regev is far from perfect, but far better regarding many issues than her fellow Members of Knesseth [MK's].

However, in my opinion, the symbol itself may look like a lion alright; it looks like a lion pushing a cart in a supermarket. It should be a lion actively unifying the city. מי שמבין יבין.

The Designated Mixed Prayer Area at the Western Wall

כ״ז לחודש השנים עשר ב׳ תשע״ו

YNET: Archeological council slams mixed-prayer area at Western Wall
The government's decision last January to expand the prayer area to include Conservative, Reform and mixed-gender prayer has raised the ire of archeologists who warn of great damage to a Jewish and world heritage site of primary importance. 

Itay Blumenthal, 04.04.16

Israel’s Archeological Council announced, in a letter that it sent on Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that it greatly opposes what it called "the major damage to the archeological park at the foot of the Western Wall", the place where the government decided last January to establish an expanded prayer area for Conservative, Reform and mixed-gender worship.

“Recently a prayer and events area consisting of an additional 500 square meters has been established, as one can see when visiting the site; these stages cause great damage to the site's appearance, in the site’s visiting path and the ability to explain the site to visitors - they should be removed as soon as possible," they determined. "The current plans to add and multiply the amount of prayer stages will only cause more damage to the site."

The Western Wall

The harsh message followed a hearing that was held on the subject two weeks ago, and the hearing’s head, Prof. Roni Reich, explained that "this is a Jewish and world heritage site of primary importance. Preservation of the ruins is a prime archeological, public, educational and cultural duty." 

The Archaeological Council explained that "the archaeological park at the southern tip of the Western Wall now extends over less than 60 meters of the total length of the Western Wall. Immediately after the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967, the area south of the Mughrabi Gate, known as Robinson’s Arch, was designated for uncovering and displaying the ruins of Jerusalem's past. This was done to distinguish it from the prayer area at the Western Wall. For decades Prof. Benjamin Mazar and others excavated here, and found very well preserved impressive artifacts from the Second Temple period."

Professor Mazar explainsed that "the highlight here is the entirely preserved cobblestone street along the Western Wall, flanked by shops that served the pilgrims to the Temple Mount. On the street and the shops a landslide of huge blocks of the Wall that was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD were revealed." (cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
The report concludes with...

“This is the only place you can see and can touch the remains of the destruction that befell the people of Israel, which is commemorated with the yearly fast on Tisha B'Av. The remains of this landslide have immense educational and historical value. " 

How apropos. The area designated for "Conservative, Reform and mixed-gender worship" is "the only place you can see and can touch the remains of the destruction that befell the people of Israel."

It is no coincidence that a location, filled with evidence of Israel's past, physical and spiritual downfall, was chosen as a`"worship" site for those posing the greatest threat of a repetition of this history.

Are You Prepared for Israel's Next Snow Storm?

ערב שבת קודש פר׳ בראשית תשע״ה

Last winter, when Israel was hit by one of the worst snow storms in its recent history, with about 19,000 homes losing electrical power. I was one of the lucky ones who did not. Yet, I think about what I would have done, if I had not been so lucky. Would I have been prepared to weather the storm? Will I be prepared for the next time snow or another surprise hits? Will you be prepared?

When I complain that Jerusalem winters are unbearable, my friends from New York, Chicago, Montreal, and northern domains, just laugh at me, and tell me that I don't not what real cold is like. When I tell you that I was born and raised in San Diego, where it is not unheard of to wear shorts during most of the winter, you will probably understand my point. I don't "do" cold. Give me one of these 35 C/95 F days anytime. You can keep the cold!

However, since I have chosen to live in Jerusalem, and not along Israel's Mediterranean coast, I have no choice but to "deal with" the cold of Jerusalem's winter.

View from my balcony:
The lights on the sukkah still haven't been taken down, and are collecting snow.

Last year's snow storm began on a Thursday morning, and continued through Shabbath. Travel within Jerusalem, on Sunday and Monday, was challenging, to say the least. Bus service was delayed during the early morning to avoid travel on iced over streets. Plus, just like every time it snows in Jerusalem, travel was always further complicated by everyone and his cousin coming into the city from Tel-Aviv, in order to see and enjoy the novelty of the snow.

While those of you living in New York, Chicago, or Montreal maybe rolling your eyes, I must emphasize that since snow is still a relatively rare occurrence in Jerusalem, the municipality does not see it as economically feasible to invest in the kind of equipment other cities around the world use daily throughout the winter. Instead, last year, we were told to stock up, and stay off of the streets. The city's economy might be stung, but accidents would be avoided.

Screen Shot: Live Kotel Cam
9 Teveth, 5774/December 12, 2013, 12:30 PM

My boss called me that fateful Thursday morning, and told me not to bother to come into work. Already out and about, I took the opportunity to stock up on food for the weekend and beyond, having in mind to purchase some food which would not require any cooking,...just in case.

However, if the power had gone out, I would have not have had any idea what I would do for heat. Even my awesome camping sleeping bag would leave me with a chill to keep me up most of the night. I had tried it out, so I already knew. Always test out your equipment!

Nevertheless, according to the chatter I heard after the storm had passed, I was much better prepared than most. I heard one man talking about how worried he was during the storm, that the food in his refrigerator would go bad, because thy did not have any power. Apparently, this man failed to notice all of the freezing cold white stuff laying around, which he could have shoveled into a bucket, and used to keep his perishables from perishing. Of course, he noticed the snow, but did not put two and two together.

Fortunately, one friend of mine who lives north of Jerusalem, thought to turn on all of the gas burners in his kitchen before Shabbath,* as they had lost electricity during the storm. He stationed his wife's bed there for her and their week-old newborn son. He and his daughters took every sweater, jacket, and blanket they owned, and camped out in another bedroom.

I have heard that a great many people become injured, or even die, from panic, and lack of preparation, than from the actual crisis or event itself. Even my friend who spent the night, this snowy Shabbath, had to remind me to fill up several bottles with water, from the faucet in the event that the freezing temperatures would cause pipes to burst, or affect our water supply in some other way.

One would think that such ideas would come to those of you in New York, Chicago, Canada, and Russia, quite naturally, just like knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake, and being prepared in advance for such an occasion is second hat to most Californians. However, that does not seem to be the case after all. Perhaps, we have become so dependent on technology, that our "thinking caps" have become impaired, when left without it.



Remember

Ask others with more experience that you. In mind case that mean learning about "layering," and the importance of wearing a hat, from a friend from Maryland. Likewise, during the summer months, I suggest to my roommate from upstate New York that he try jumping into the shower briefly, or just running the water on his neck for a few minutes.

Test Run
A few months ago, the power went out for a couple of hours. I was amazed that people did not know what to do with themselves, unless of course, they had a full battery on their computers and independent access to the Internet.

Lighting candles and reading a book, or going for a walk never would have occurred to them, except for maybe when their batteries ran out.

Recently, on a Friday, my power went out, while in the middle of cooking for Shabbath. I forgot where I heard this joke, but it is priceless:

Q: What does a 'prepper' call a power outage?

A: Practice.

Sure enough, I got some practice, as well as a friendly reminder to get my act in gear, and acquire what I have, so far, only been thinking about acquiring.

Truth be told, most of my cooking was done. I had only the meat left to prepare. As I knew that my local grocery store was open, I jaunted over to buy some charcoal, something which I really should have had on hand anyway. This experience also reminded me to get that gas canister I keep telling myself to get for cooking back-up, as well heating in an absolute pinch.

Well, once again, I lucked out. An electrician friend of mine was in the area, so he came over to sort everything out. My electric oven apparently was the culprit which tripped the electrical board. I would really prefer to have gas cooking appliances. But, as a renter, I have what I have.

For the coming winter, I hope to stop procrastinating, and buy a canister of gas to have on hand for back-up, if for nothing else. The gas canister can also be used for heat, in a pinch. Attachments can been bought which direct and diffuse the heat. But, I have been warned that it is not the heating system for use on Shabbath, without a proper gas heater hooked up to it.

I have even thought of the possibility of acquiring a wood burning stove, even just a small one for back up.

I have been, but must still confirm, that kerosene  heaters made for the indoors have been made illegal, for the populace's "own good." So, the option here would be finding a used one whose owner would be willing to part with. Kerosene  heaters made for outdoor use, are just that, made for outdoor use. As far as I understand, it is really not a good idea to use them indoors.

Jerusalem sits 800 plus meters in elevation. That is about 2,600 feet. It never gets within a few degrees below 0 C (32 F). If you are inside at night without heat during such temperatures, with all of your sweaters and jackets and blankets piled on, chances are that you will more likely than not, survive the night, Just like my friend and his family, I mentioned above did. But, what if you have small children or babies or elderly at home?


As part of my preparation for the coming winter, I have tried to talk about it with friends, particularly those with more experience than I when it comes to snowy winters. When I first moved to the East Coast, after living my entire life in California, a friend of mine who grew up in the Northeast, had to point out to me various things about living through the winter, I never would have thought of, everything from a hat, gloves, and thermal underwear, to layering clothing. I probably would have never thought of these things on my own.

Unforntunately, my experience, so far, has been that nobody wants to talk about the coming winter, let alone getting "prepped" for different case scenarios, such as power outages.

According to IsraelWeather.co.il, snow is expected in Jerusalem, this January. So, hopefully, as we get closer to Jerusalem, snow potential, my neighbors will become more amenable to such discussions.

Stay tuned!

*********

*The Torah forbids Jews from creating, transferring, and extinguishing of fire on Shabbath. The addition and subtraction of fuel is also forbidden to Jews on Shabbath.

Jewish-Israeli Blog Round-Up: "When you come into the Land..."

כ׳ לחודש השישי תשע״ד

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish and Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week, jointly coordinated through our Facebook Group. To find out how to submit your posts or to offer to host an edition, see the information provided on our Hosting Calendar. 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.' Submissions may be may through our on-line submission form on BlogCarnival.com, which requires you to log-in first.

Batya willing be hosting next week's edition both on Shiloh Musings and Me-Ander. Send her your submissions by e-mail: shilohmuse@gmail.com.

וְהָיָה, כִּי-תָבוֹא אֶל-הָאָרֶץ, אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, נֹתֵן לְךָ נַחֲלָה; וִירִשְׁתָּהּ, וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בָּהּ. -דברים כו,א

And it shall be, when you come to the land which the LORD your God has given to you for an inheritance, and possess it, and dwell there; -Deuteronomy 26:1

Well, so why aren't YOU here yet?

Written 20 days after the toppling of the World Trade Center, Moshe Feiglin tells us why American Already Lost.

Debbie Schlussel remembers 9/11 on 9/11: Who Did it and Who Celebrated The Best PR Move by Muslims Ever.

The Absolute Truth brings us The Absolute Truth that Nobody Believes (or even knows).

And speaking of truth, and attempts to suppress it, Jewish Israel Contributed a Presentation at "Cancelled" Counter-Missionary Event in the Shomron (Samaria). Find out why one hotel canceled a contract to hold this conference on its grounds.

Arlene Kushner claims that one of her well connected sources in the PA says that the proposal of Egyptian President Al-Sisi to grant land in the Sinai for the formation of a "Palestinian" State Never Happened.

Michael Snyder asks ‘ISIL Is Not Islamic’? Is Obama Completely Insane?

I ask if Israel Should Fear Islamic State [IS]?

We get a historical geography lesson from Yeranen Ya'akov in From Tifsah Until Aza.

Batya at Shiloh Musings shares some Facts About Palestine, as well as her belief that If Convicted Arab Terrorists Want to Kill Themselves, Don't Interfere!!

Ariel at The Torah Revolution writes about Zionism as a New Religion.

Tomer Devorah warns us of The Coming World Religion. See Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Meanwhile, she lets us know about a False Messiah.

Esav Exposed introduces us to The Groat Family, Hayovel Volunteers. I think that you had better meet them, too.

I examine Freedom of Religious Expression in Israel.

Donny Fuchs at The Jewish Press warns us about The Cult Of Uman.

Rafi at Life In Israel reports on what appears to be an odd form of kleptomania in Notes he did Not Take from the Kotel.

Sarah Chandler writes about Shmita in the Diaspora: Release and Sharing for All.

Batya at Me-Ander shares about Real Rosh HaShannah New Year's Cards!

Jacob Richman tells us about some New Israeli Educational Stamps.

#BringOurBoysHome: Torah and Strategy vs. State and Insanity

כ׳ לחודש השלישי תשע"ד

Self-identified, Right-wing, Jewish Blogger wrote to me with...

I don't think its appropriate to write that the #hashtag campaign is nebach. I have two sons in IDF combat units -- and there are multiple ways to fight this battle. It involves different playing fields. We each have to contribute where we can -- and there are thousands of IDF soldiers right now preparing for battle to bring back the boys. We need more unity now, not divisiveness.

To which I responded with the following Esser Agaroth (2¢)...

I have been quite patient with your somewhat disguised, State loyalism for quite sometime now. No more. I couldn't give a rat's tuchus as to how you "feel." If you think what I wrote is either against halakhah (Jewish Law) or the wrong strategy, and state your reasons why, like Shuqi and others have done (see below), then by all means, have a field day.

May HaShem protect your sons. You are a fool, though, if you think that the Israeli Government and IDF leadership actually give a hoot about the lives of any kid in IDF uniform wearing a kippah.

Better a kid with a kippah take a bullet than one of our precious elite, anti-Torah protestors in training from Ramath Aviv! (Some Jews are more equal than others, alla George Orwell's Animal Farm)

And now you know why Moroccan Jews were welcomed to Israel by the Ashkenazi, intellectual, anti-Torah elite. Better that the Moroccans take a bullet than their children.

Those are MY "feelings."

Unity, yes. Unity at the expense of truth, absolutely not. Been there, done that, doesn't work. Oh, and by the way, it distorts the truth. Oh, and yes, belonging to the IDF is not the only way to fulfill the misswoth of saving Jewish lives and protecting the borders of the Land of Israel, as many of the Statist "rabbis" would have you believe.

My point is (since you obviously didn't really read my post) is that the #hashtag campaign is designed to keep us thinking that we are actually doing something, even though we are not actually doing anything at all.

Hopefully, this is also so that the IDF can have everyone distracted so that they can do an effective job. But, only time will tell.

It is a distraction to prevent us from asking questions like:

1. Why can't boys hitchhike in such areas? Were they warned? 
2. Is the IDF really allowed by the Israeli government to fulfill its mandate of protecting the Jewish People? Is the Israeli Government sabotaging the IDF and it efforts? 
3.  Why do we care more about what the goyim think that what we think of ourselves.
4. Is the State of Israel in the least bit Jewish,...besides the cosmetics and window dressing?

(Then he asked me whether or not I had served in the IDF.)

Not that ol' canard. (eyes rolling)

So, that makes me have less of a right to be critical, because I don't have the experience? Remember, I have not been terribly critical of individual soldiers, and have defended them when they have followed there mamlakhti (undying State loyalist) "rabbis" and violated the Torah, believing that they themselves are not culpable. Brainwashing begins early in this country. IDF basic training is only one of the latter stages in the process.

Shuqi believes that...

[executing an imprisoned Arab murderer every hour the boys are not released is] unrealistic, the government needs to publish tenders for new neighborhoods for as long as the boys are not back home.

California Muscle Jew Boy said...

My dream response would be to blow up some f***ing mosques. That's the only thing they hold sacred

That's [executing an imprisoned Arab murderer every hour the boys are not released] not a good idea. They want us to kill theirs. I think its a stupid plan. Those minarets are their marks of power. You chop those towers down they will cry like babies.

Many Others have asked...

So you're saying the best approach according to Torah is to start killing off Arab prisoners? Why not just invade gaza directly?

Not necessarily, but we should not cower and be afraid to suggest that it is an option.

Despite the depth and scope of evil, there's still a distinction to be made between good Arabs and bad Arabs. 

Esser Agaroth (2¢):
Good vs. Bad Arabs. In an obligatory war, there is no distinction. Only those who make a declaration to their leaders that what they are doing to Israel is wrong are exampt from punishment.

Show me a "rabbi" employed by the State, suggesting that we are in the state of an obligatory war, and I'll show you a "rabbi" who just lost his job.

Sheeple

Then I put out a general call...

Why aren't we storming Har HaBayith (Temple Mount)? Instead we're being herded like sheeple into the Kotel (Western Wall) plaza, in order, so that we DON"T storm Har HaBayith.

The main point I wanted to make here in this post is that whether it is a good idea or a bad idea to kill prisoners, bomb Mosques, or wipe out Azza (Gaza), we should not be afraid nor be intimidated from discussing these scenarios as viable options. 

And now, when most so-called "rabbis" are reminded that there is a Torah imperative to Destroy Evil, will they really be able to come up with new and original excuses to convince why this is "not the case," or "not applicable to the current situation," or "only when Mashi'ah comes,..." etc.?
I am not so sure that such rabbis" will be able to.

We have already heard them all.

The Next in the On Going Battles Between the Torah and the State of Israel

תענית אסתר תשע"ד

Arutz 7: Rabbi Indicted for 'Inciting' Against IDF Expulsions
Rabbi Wolpo and Shabtai Weintraub indicted after giving money prize to soldiers refusing expulsion orders against Jews.

Ari Yashar, March 11, 2014

The Jerusalem District Attorney submitted an indictment against Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo and Shabtai Weintraub to the local Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The two were accused of inciting insubordination against IDF orders to expel Jews.

Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein certified the indictment, which centers on an incident from October 2009.

At an IDF training graduation ceremony of the Shimshon Brigade, which took place at the Kotel (Western Wall), two soldiers were given 20 days in military prison after waving a sign reading "Shimson Brigade doesn't expel Homesh," referring to a Samaria community destroyed in the 2005 "Disengagement."

19 days after the incident, at a nationalist conference in Jerusalem attended by hundreds of people, Rabbi Wolpo and Weintraub spoke, calling the two soldiers "heroes of Israel" and giving envelopes with money to their families for the days of incarceration. Behind the two was a sign reading "Citation Ceremony for Prisoners of Zion."

Weintraub announced at the event "every Hebrew mother should know that if her son waves the sign 'Shimshon Brigade doesn't expel Homesh,' he'll get 1,100 shekels ($315) for every day (of incarceration)."

Meanwhile, Rabbi Wolpo compared the self-sacrifice of the soldiers to the binding of Isaac from the Torah. He further addressed the IDF, saying "every soldier that gets jail for refusing an order, for this most illegal order to expel Jews from the land of Israel, he will get a prize...if a commander wants to give a prize to his soldiers, let him put them in jail."

During the public handing out of the cash prizes to the soldiers' families, Weintraub responded to a question about the amount being given, noting "there's according to the days. They sat (in jail) 18 days, 1,100 per night. 19,800 shekels ($5,695)."(cont.)

Esser Agaroth (2¢):

Rabbi Shalom Dov Wolpo

This report continues describing much of the same examples of how Rabbi Wolpo has been trying to re-educate soldiers of the IDF in the correct, Torah direction.

He should not have to offer prizes. However, I suppose that extreme situations call for extreme measures.

Rabbi Wolpo is one of the biggest Meshichistim of whom I know, referring to the late Lubavitcher Rebbe as "HaRebbe, Melech HaMashi'ah" (The Rebbe, King Messiah) without batting an eyelash, as if it is the most obvious fact in the universe.

This, I find to be quite disturbing to say the least.

Nevertheless, Rabbi Wolpo is correct on this matter of throwing Jews out of their homes, and handing over their lands to non-Jews [hostile to us or not]. It goes against the Torah, and if it violates the Torah, it does not matter in the least what the Israeli government has to say on the matter. It is wrong, and should not be carried out.

This is concept is so simple, I still cannot understand exactly how Jews, including many "rabbis," succeed in not only complicating the matter, but also succeeding in convincing their followers to do the same.

So, when an 18 year old kid in uniform is commanded to throw Jews out of their homes, what can we expect him to do, after having been indoctrinated into diehard State loyalty through the Israeli, "religious," public education system, and have "rabbis" with the financial support from the State and the unlimited platform from the Israeli news media, telling them?

Meanwhile, rabbis who hold The Almighty and His Torah in higher authority than the State's man made laws, have continued to be demonized, indicted, and jailed. These rabbis included Rabbi Shmu'el Eliyahu (Tzfath), Rabbi Yisra'el Ariel (Temple Institute), Rabbi Yitzhaq Shapira (Yitzhar), and Rabbi Dovid Drukman (Qiriyath Hayim). No doubt this trend will increase, as the State's laws have become increasingly anti-Torah.

Haveil Havalim, Parashath Tetzaveh 5774

י' לחודש השנים עשר תשע"ד

This coming week includes Purim Qatan and Shushan Purim Qatan. So I decided to share with you some of me recent toying with the photoshopping of photos to be used as visual aids in my posts. Actually, I do not use PhotoShop the program, but something much, much, more primitive, thus the horrid quality. I hope your eyes do not hurt from them too much.

But, first, what is this Jewish-Israeli (AKA: Haveil Havalim) thing?

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, jointly coordinated through our Facebook Group.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.' Submissions may be may through our on-line submission form on BlogCarnival.com, which requires you to log-in first.

This week's No. 1 pick:
Tomer Devorah exposes the un-Jewishness of the Anti-Defamation League [ADL] in The Torah Is Offensive.

(L-R) Catherine "Leather Mama" Ashton, Martin "In The Navy" Indyk, John "Ask me about Land for Peace" Kerry, Ban-Ki "Thumbs-Up Cowboy" Moon, Sergei "I'm bored. Give me something to hammer." Lavrov, and Tony "Always a cop around when don't need one" Blair.

Meet the Peace Negotiations Quartet AKA "The Village People"

Yoel Meltzer tells Naftali Bennet, Leave The Coalition Now! and also warns us of The Propaganda Game being employed to pressure PM Netanyahu into signing a treaty.

The Shiloh Muse seems to think that Bibi is Betting on the Wrong Horse.

Israel Unseen brings us Raw Video: Mass prayer rally at Western Wall against “John Kerry’s Decree”

Jameel Rashid @ The Muqata wants to know Why is US Ambassador Dan Shapiro's Boss Such a Moron?

Life In Israel reports that The U. S. State Department's feelings get hurt over John Kerry spoof.

MK Moshe Feiglin is More Awesome than I Thought! but Ariel at The Torah Revolution Disagrees

And here, MK Moshe Feiglin speaks for himself, offering an alternative to Netanyahu - Bennett bickering.

According to Elder Of Ziyon, a Jordanian Sheikh says that Israel belongs to the Jews. How 'bout that?

Meanwhile, Jewish Israel exposes the use by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem [ICEJ] of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin's Universal Message to promote false deity and Christian worship in Israel.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution is, shall we say, not pleased with the Red Cross Red Crescent Red Crystal organization.

Saeb "Pull My Finger!" Erakat
"The escalating escalations are escalating to escalations of escalations! Oh, yes! I almost forgot! Everything is Israel's fault!"

Elder Of Ziyon reports on the "Work Accidents" occurring in Gaza. Plus, how do you tell the difference between an Arab and a European anti-Semite?

By the way, Jews! France is not yours! 

Elder Of Ziyon reports on the Defaced Yiddish Cultural Mural in Los Angeles.

Daniel Greenfield has an interesting expose on the differences between Islamic and Jewish and Christian traditions of modesty.

Real Jerusalem Streets presents a very comprehensive photo essay of this past week's events (18 photos!), including the Jerusalem Conference, Rosh Hodesh at the Kotel, and the Mothers for Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria Vigil in Inspiration from the Story of Esther Today.

It's Just Something to Think About... shares a quintessential personal, Israel experience (my favorite kind!) in My Jewish Family. She then gets interviewed by Eitan at A Jewish Israel, a very interesting read.

Mama Bla Blah updates us on her roller coaster ride, battling cancer in Mania And My Happylanche.

A Soldier's Mother tells us about The Lull Before Shabbat.

Shiloh Musings celebrates NCSY At 60, Havdalah, What I'm Not Unique? and discovers that the Phoenix Botanical Gardens left out Israel.

Yael Shahar announces that the book A Damaged Mirror is now available for Kindle!
"This holocaust memoir is a gripping journey into the grey zone between right and wrong, freedom and slavery, and the hope the lies on the other side of despair." 

According to Israel Brews and Views, Shapira's is making Personal Beer for Purim.

Jewish Music

The Orthobox presents Beatboxing in Jerusalem's Old City - I wanted to post the video here, but did not want to take the traffic away from Israel Unseen. Please go check it out!

A Jewish Israel reports on the recent controversy in the Israeli Music Industry in Foreign Minister Liberman Harshly Critical of Left-Wing Capitulation.

It's Just Something to Think About... posted Saturday Night Nigun in Jerusalem.

That's a wrap for this edition. We still need a host for next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, and so on, and so on.

Join our Facebook Group for more details on how to host!

Israel's New and Improved Hellenist Rabbinical Courts! -Thought Police Included!

ט' לחודש השנים עשר תשע"ד

Arutz 7: Candidates Being Interviewed for Rabbinical Courts by Livni
January 29, 2014

This evening 15 candidates were interviewed for positions as judges in rabbinical courts.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said, "We have just finished interviewing the latest batch of candidates for judgeship in the Chief Rabbinical Court. We sat there for hours, all the members of the committee, and spoke with the 15 candidates. It was a long and tedious procedure, but we needed to find those best suited to the job, not those who would interpret (Jewish) law in its most rigid manner," Livni explained.

The following is a summary in English, and excellent commentary by Life In Israel on a proposed law, regulating the rabbinate on a local level.

Life In Israel: Proposed Law: what City Rabbis can and cannot say
Freedom of speech out the window, thought police front and center.. That's been the trend. Even when it sometimes makes some sort of sense, such as when it was proposed to make it illegal to call someone a Nazi, or when it does not make all that sense, such as when Yair Lapid threatened the Chief Rabbis for sticking to an opinion held by the Chief Rabbinate for 65 years.. either way the thought police are gaining more traction.

Now, they want to further legislate what can and cannot be said..

Minister of Justice Tzippi Livni and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Rabbi Eli Ben Dahan are cooperating to propose a law that would limit the freedom of expression for rabbis employed by the State of Israel as city rabbis.

The main part of the proposal is that it would be illegal for City Rabbis to express themselves in opposition to a position held by the government, by a government ministry or by the decision of any minister.

The proposal would also have a judge at the head of the disciplinary board for city rabbis, instead of the way it is today with a dayan at the head of the disciplinary board. This makes rabbis different than other State employees, in that others, such as judges, lawyers, accountants, and other State employees are judged by their professional peers.
source: NRG

Examples of the ramifications of this law proposals:
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against women being drafted to the army..
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against public transportation on Shabbos
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against some aspect of the peace process
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against the television tax
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against migrant policy
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against price regulation of milk and bread
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against gay rights
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against the drafting of yeshiva bochurim
* if a city or chief rabbi speaks out against forcing general education in the haredi school system

(regardless of my position on some of these issues, I do not believe people who think differently than me should not be allowed to express their opinion)

and so on and so forth. you get the point. Basically, if the rabbi says anything against government policy, if he expresses what he thinks the halacha or Jewish tradition should say in opposition to any government policy on anything, he will be brought for disciplinary hearings and possibly fired. If he appeals the decision of the disciplinary board, the case will be heard by the Supreme Court.

I can understand not letting a State employee, chief or city rabbi included, speak against government policy regarding issues not relevant to his job... but to not allow a rabbi to voice his opinion on halacha or Jewish tradition just because it goes against government policy? What's the point of the rabbinate of that's the case? If this becomes law, it is just another reason to cancel the State rabbinate - it is a meaningless office if their only mandate is to uphold any position held by any minister, no matter its position in regard to the Torah.

Esser Agaroth (2¢):

Israeli Supreme Court
How many Illuminati symbols
can you find in the photo?

The process of reducing the power and influence of the already castrated Israeli Rabbinate started eons ago.

• The Israeli Government and its courts have already asserted its power over Israel's Chief Rabbinate, if not  "overruled" it, on many occasions:
• Awarding a kashruth certificate to a meat company, not meeting the Rabbinate's standards.
• Deciding who should or should not be a kashruth supervisor.
• Deciding the prayer set up at the Kotel (Western Wall).
• Threatening the Chief Rabbis with removal, by the Finance Minister, for going against government policy.
• Arresting and detaining rabbis, such as Rabbi Yisrael Ariel (Temple Institute) and Rabbi David Drukman (Qiriyath Hayim), convicting Rabbi Elitzur Sege"l, and threatening others for daring to speak out against government policies, citing halakhah (Torah ie. Jewish Law). The list goes on.

How many "rabbis" can you find in this picture?

Mamlakhti (undying State loyalist) "rabbis" have even come out and said that certain other rabbis are unfit for the Chief Rabbinate, due to a lack of connection to the State and the Zionist Enterprise. Even though rabbis in question, such as Rabbi Shmu'el Eliyahu shlit"a are more "Zionist" than most, if not any, mamlakhtim.

These "rabbis" have also said that there is no conflict between halakhah and IDF policy.

Clearly, we are headed in a direction, not of rabbis becoming puppets, but of more "rabbis" being added to the State's army of de-Juification of Eretz Yisra'el (Land of Israel). I say "Land" because the State's Jewishness has pretty much been thrown out the window.

Do I sound harsh? Then let me be even harsher. Albeit, I believe that the Chief Rabbinate is a currently necessary evil, it is not even a Jewish institution.

The Rabbinate and the Anglican Church

לעברית ללחוץ כאן: הרבנות הראשית והכנסייה האנגליקנית

The Israeli Rabbinate is well on its way to becoming just like those "rabbanim mita'am," the rabbinic appointees of Czarist Russia, if it hasn't already.