What The Hell Was He Thinking?!

11 of the Eleventh Month 5767

I'll get to the point.

Last week's edition of the "b'Sheva," a leading newspaper of Israel's religious Zionist community carried a full-page ad on its page 7.

The ad reads as follows (translated from Hebrew):


To Our Honored One and Our Friend

General Ya'ir Naveh

(May the Lord preserve and keep him alive)

A blessing has been sent - Be Strong and Courageous!

We have not forgotten your sacrifices, your integrity, the strength of your spirit,
your correctness in offering up soul and body
for the sake of the Land of Israel, Torath Yisrael, and the Jewish People,
in every place at all times and in every hour.
We stand by your side during the uneasy times
you and your family are experiencing, we salute you
as those who know how deserving you are of appreciation
and at times our silence speaks.

Don't let it get you down.

In the name of loyal friends

Rabbi Aharon Binah
Rosh Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh
The Western Wall Plaza

Now, for those of you who do not know the above players, let me introduce them to you. Then you will know how it is that I am so incensed by the absolute absurdity of this full-page ad.

Maj. Gen. Ya'ir Naveh is commander of Israeli Defense Forces [IDF] in the Central Region. He holds ultimate responsibility for the administrative, restraining orders issued, without trial, to 20 Jews living in Yehudah & Shomron (Judea & Samaria) in the fall, 2006.

He holds the ultimate responsibility for other, similar actions.

His home in the city of Givat Shmu'el next to Tel-Aviv has served as the venue for on-going protests of his actions. He has also been called to task by the nascent Sanhedrin (Highest Rabbinical Court). His presence was requested to explain his actions, as their hallachic (Jewish legal) justification has eluded the Sanhedrin, based on the available information. On the contrary, his involvement in expelling Jews from their homes, appears to the Rabbinical Justices to be in violation of Hallachah.

Maj. Gen. Ya'ir Naveh refused to answer the summons to appear before the Rabbinical Court.

Oh, and did I mention that Maj. Gen. Ya'ir Naveh is a kippah-wearing, religious Jew and product of a yeshivah high school?

Enter "Rabbi" Aharon Bina...

"Rabbi" Aharon Bina took out a full-page ad not just supporting, but praising, Maj. Gen. Ya'ir Naveh who has refused to appear before a Beth din (rabbinical court), a serious offense in Jewish Law. Not only that, but the summons to appear was signed by hakhamim (Torah scholars) such as Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, Rabbi Re'uven Hass, Rabbi Yehudah Edri, Rabbi Ido Elba, and Rabbi Prof. Hillel Weiss.

This is the same "Rabbi" Aharon Bina who has honored the likes of Gen. Elazar Shtern, another religious Jew and chief of the IDF Personnel Branch, as well as being a highly out-spoken opponent of any soldier refusing orders to participate in the expulsion of Jews from their homes.

The opinion of many rabbis that such orders violate Hallacha, and thus compel soldiers to refuse them, has not appeared to move Gen. Shtern. Although, I could be mistaken....

After Gen. Shtern's appearance at a Yeshivath Netiv Aryeh event, he made his way down to the the Kotel (Western Wall), where he was chatsised and called some rather choice descriptive nouns, by at least one hakham, of whom I am aware.

So, when Aharon Bina invites Gen. Shtern to his yeshivah, what are we supposed to think?

We are supposed to judge Aharon Bina with kaf z'khuth (the benefit of the doubt). But this Jewish blogger is finding that increasingly difficult to do.

What the hell Aharon Bina was thinking when he placed this ad, I have no idea.

But, I'm not surprised.

As it will said from here on out...

...ככה זאות ממלכתיות

Thus is loyalty to the state...

Related Stories:

Sanhedrin-Related Web Site Claims..., 4 Shevat 5767/Jan 23, '07

Expelled Yesha Jews Invited to Kenesseth, 18 Marheshwan 5767/Nov 8, '06
Twenty Handed Administrative Orders Without Trial, 27 Tishrei 5767/Oct 19, '06
IDF Manpower Chief Harassed at the Kotel, 13 Tishrei 5766/Oct 16, '05

Haveil Havalim #101

18 of the Tenth Month 5767

Well, this is my first time hosting the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival. I'm actually not nervous about it. I'll just do the best I can,...then stand by and await your scrutiny and [hopefully constructive] criticism. What's the worst thing that could happen? I'll just be banned by Soccer Dad from hosting it ever again....

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 Soccer Dad. 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, 'vanities.'

So, I was thinking about what theme I should make for the 101st edition:

Haveil Havalim 101 (Alla a college course like Psych. 101 or Poly Sci. 101)
Post Hanukkah Blues (Nah, too late)
Preparing For Tu b'Sh'vat (Nah, too early)

After the snow fall in Israel a week and a half ago, I thought seriously about...

Only 73 Days Left Until Spring (Nah, I'm sure the snow-lovers will outnumber and overpower this "don't know from snow," native San Diegan)

Of course, there's always...

The First Haveil Havalim of the New Year

But HaZa"L (Our Sages, may their memories be for a blessing) only mention four new years (Mishnah Rosh HaShannah 1:1):

1 Nissan - the New Year of Kings
1 Ellul - the New Year for the tithing of the beasts
1 Tishrei - the New Year of the "Years," sabbatical and Jubilee years
15 Sh'vat - the New Year of the Trees (Beth Hillel)

January 1 isn't one of them. Here in Israel, I am sure you will not be surprised to hear that a bit, well, more than a bit, of European culture has snuck in through the back door. The day celebrated here with wild parties of drunken debauchery is called Sylvester, after the day dedicated to a leader of the catholic church of the same name. But, I seriously doubt that's what the catholic church had in mind. Yet, it does ring true to the reputation of Roman culture, located in what is now greater Europe (Read: New Roman Empire).

I don't know about you, but the only Sylvester I knew as a kid was Sylvester the Cat. I thought that I would call this edition of Haveil Havalim the Un-New Year's Edition, as Sylvester is not one of the afore-mentioned new years. Nah! Too obtuse....

OK, so then I thought I'd be clever and look up the 101st pasuq of Qoheleth, the book of origin of the the phrase "haveil havalim," and see what theme could be developed:

ה,יט כִּי לֹא הַרְבֵּה, יִזְכֹּר אֶת-יְמֵי חַיָּיו: כִּי הָאֱלֹהִים מַעֲנֶה, בְּשִׂמְחַת לִבּוֹ

5:19 For let him remember the days of his life that they are not many; for God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Nah. Too bitter-sweet. So, I'll just leave it to you, then, and see if any particular theme develops out of the posts you send in.... OK. So, now that you've sent in your entries, I see that the theme is...

"Stop Messing Around with Themes, Ya'aqov, and Get it Done Already!"

Enjoy...

Torah:

Let us begin with Torah...

Backing up a bit in time, Avromi at Daf Notes Discussion provides us with Reb Oizer Alport's comments on last week's Parshath Wayigash. He also provides us with his notes on Mesekheth Rosh HaShannah (Bavli), daf 29 in "Power Of Tefillah."

Rafi at Life In Israel also reminds us of the important concept that dinim (legal stati) are not based on "feelings," or for that matter hashqafah (point of view),...whether I like it or not. In his entry Teddy Kollek's Legacy, he sets a good example for us by bringing in sources to back up his position.

Tradition:

Sheynah Galyan at Books and Beliefs has a question with which she would like some assistance concerning Rebbetzins.

Israel:

The Israel section begins with Dag who opines on the latest controversy in Israel, a decision regarding women's education in Haredi communities. A summary of this decision appears in the Ha'Aretz newspaper. And Batya sends us an additional opinion post on the matter, this one by Liel Liebowitz, posted at Holy Heresy.

Rafi updates us on another controversy, as he defends Rabbi Nosson Slifkin.

And speaking of controversy, Carl in Jerusalem updates us on the state of the State, and it doesn't seem to be doing so well:...the IDF searches for more options to defend the Negev, as the governemt won't really let it do its job, even though a think tank encourages the government to attack Azza. So, overall, the government isn't a terribly successful one, but reather a spineless one. But, if Prime Minister Olmert were to vacate his position, who would be there to take his place, do you think? None other than... And, don't miss the great photo on this post, courtesy of The Muqata, reminding us not to let the Orthodox Union of America [OU] off the hook! (Whew!)

Meanwhile, yet another scandal is brewing, or rather another tangled web is being woven: This one is related to taxes!

Nu? Who knew? Well, in Getting Closer, Batya at Shilo Musings didn't seem too surprised by the scandal. She also notes some criticism of the IDF command's handling of last summer's war. (That's right; it was a war.) She also takes time to reflect on life in her town of Shiloh, with "Not Even A Month?" and "From A Different Perspective." on Me-ander.

And speaking of taxes, Rafi reports on the new strategy being taken by the residents of S'deroth, who have been bombarded by rockets for the past two and a half years. They're "suing the state for backtaxes." Carl and Batya chime in on this one, too.

Yisrael at My Right Word suggests we learn from America's fence faux pas, and apply it to our own impending, idiotic fence disaster in Fence Overrunning; I've Told You So. He then exposes more idiocy in Throwing Good Money After Bad. He also sets the historical record straight in Finkelstein Flunks. Check out his cap off, or rather night cap, photo from Absolut.

And while we're busy dealings with our own issues, Glenn has to remind us with whom we're dealing on the outside.

But there are some important, non-political endeavors going in the Negev as well, Andy at Cozy Corner reports on Fishing In The Desert, covering one of my favorite topics -- Jews getting back in touch with the Land. Andy's entry combines two of Israel's crucial fields, agriculture and aquaculture.

Another important endeavor taking place in Israel is the repair work up in the North, where residents are still trying to recover from last summer's war with Hizbollah YSh"W. (Let's call it what it was, People,...it was a war.)

Some of you may not yet know Ben Baruch, creator of the Shabot 6000 comic strip. So, it's my pleasure to introduce you to him. Ben Baruch started a blog just over a year ago, and it's worth checking out. He covers every thing from the trendy, Jewish entertainment scene in New York to this week's post on a mission to the North of Israel to help in the recovery process. Shelter Life illustrates one of the projects, Jewish artists brightening up some of those dismal bomb shelter interiors. Check out his January, 2007 archive for more on this mission.

Marty Peretz at The New Republic provides his take on Teddy Kollek's legacy.

Now, moving from Israel to outside of Israel, Elder Of Zion provides us with evidence which suggests that a certain country has more of a chance of collapsing before Israel does. Can you guess which country that could be?

But, before we leave Israel, the Hedgehog Report updates us on the US Government's stalling the move of its embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. Batya notes the segregation of smokers,...finally, at the airport, as well as what the new arrivals are wearing on their feet, even though it's freezing!

From Outside of the Homeland:

Rondi at Wonkitties provides us two pieces of evidence as to why Jews really ARE in control of everything: Exhibit A & Exhibit B.

Erica tells us the intriguing, page-turner story of her first-hand encounter with a terrorist,... in New York!

Bagel Blogger brings us a very special story of his families' appreciation for Shabbath.

The Town Crier proudly gives us some Hanukkah highlights from the Munkatsh Yeshivah Choir. Yet, he doesn't deem like a happy camper, when it comes to the prospects of a John McCain Republican presidential candidacy. You'd better check out the honorable senator's views on Israel here before you cast your vote. The Town Crier also introduces us to Dr. Mandy Ganchrow's blog with his post "Morality/Populism and the Anti-Semites are at it again."

Sadly, Baleboosteh must report on Australia's Increase In Violent Anti-Semetic Attacks. And, according to Bagel Blogger, Australia also has its connection to Islamic terrorisim.

Also sadly, the Jewish Blogmeister reports on a tragic incident resulting from mixing alcohol and American New Year's celebrations, confirming my comments above. And, he has more bad news for us on the West Coast of the US with Self-Hating Jew trying to Kill other Jews in Iran.

Yet another suspicious element is the US is reported by Soccer Dad. Is it the Council For National Interest, or is the Council For Self Interest.

Dag uses January, 2007 to mark his "No Feminists..." Best Posts of the Year.

Even though this one's from a month ago, I'm posting Lisa's take on the not-so-Conservative Movement. I just wanted to make sure you knew about her fantastic blog, Lamrot Hakol (Despite Everything). Perhaps her background will allow you to accept her political-incorrectness, more so than from others!

Media Watch:

Snoopy the Goon at Simply Jews shoots a blast of reality into the fantasy world of the "international community," with "Another slip of a double tongue."

Health:

Linda at "Everyone Needs Therapy" takes a look at kids "Skipping School," how and why, and provides some suggestions to parents as to how to respond. She also includes some great diagrams which illustrate and help us to understand some of our family dynamics.

I chose to put this post by Smooth Stone under Health. Check out how the US is safeguarding its water supply, and you'll know why.

I'm putting this under Health, too. Neil Harris at Modern Uberdox shares with us a technique which has helped him to decrease the frequency of an undesired behavior in "Stretching my own Bechira Point."

Even as your "open-minded" (uh-hem!) blog host for this week, I still must exercise my professonal responsibility by mentioning that this technique will not work for every one, and will not work in every situation. We are all different, and our issues are all different. In addition, please bear in mind that if an issue causes you pain and/or anxiety, then it's up to you to decide its importance. Others may perceive your issue to be innocuous or serious, but they're not the ones who have to live with it. Follow Neil's example, and give yourself permission to seek help and support, professional or otherwise.

I guess I'll put Elie's post from Elie's Explosion here, too, as catharsis can be healing,...and so can people connecting wth each other. Please read "Uplifting."

Visual Arts:

These photos by A Simple Jew remind us that a picture truly is worth 1,000 words, and most certainly warrant their own topic heading. I would like to encourage other visual artists to join A Simple Jew in next week's edition.

Music:

Mottel at Letters of Thought gives his take on Jewish Reggae sensation Matisiyahu Has No Place To Be. (Those of you who know me know that I'm just itching to spell his name Matithiyahu. But, hey, it's his name, so I'll let go...this time!) And, I can't help but chime in here with my own Esser Agaroth (two cents). I think that raises up reggae music through the content of songs, and perhaps even provides Rashafarians with a tiqun. But that's just my Esser Agaroth.

Chaim at Life Of Rubin reviews Matisiyahu's recent appearance on the Tonight Show.

Humor:

Israelly Cool livens things up a bit with Top 10 Separated At Births.

Bagel Blogger reports on the current "cease fire" between Israel and the Arabs. And, his caption contest continues, so don't forget to send in your entries!

Misc.:

Snoopy the Goon at Simply Jews takes us on a unique, yet crucial journey, enlightening us as to the fate of a particular famous person's foreskin. (eyebrows raised!)

Pragmatician begins a series of marketing lessons. Part 1 involves studying your child.

Well, I am sure I will "get it" from those of of you on both the right AND left of the political and/or religous spectrum, but no I am NOT making a Saddam Hussein YSh"W section. Those of you who posted on his recent esecution are getting relegated to HH's "Misc." section. And, although I must admit, these posts were interesting, this guy is just not getting his own topic heading. Here are the links to Mottel's, Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov's, and Carl's #1 and #2 respective posts. And, of course, I can't resist posting a link to a video of the Saddam Is Dead Party, held in Jerusalem this week.

But, an execution wasn't the only surprise in Baghdad. Check out Judeosphere's discovery in "Heir Apparent."

Ya'akov Ben-Moshe at Breath Of The Beast sends us a horror story, "My First Encounter with the Beast." Please pay close attention, and you'll realize just how scarey this story really is!

And, last but not least....I'd like to introduce a new term, which, of course, is not really new...

Meta-Blogging:
(blogging about blogging)

Jack at Random Thoughts writes about How Personal Should A Blog Be.

Batya wonders about what makes a good blog post.

And you can help Bagel Blogger "re-evolve" back into a flappy bird at "Life Is Too Cruel." It's all about ratings!

Well, as we say in Israel, v'zehu nigmar! (That's it; it's finished!)

Please send your posts for next week's edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. Plus, it doesn't look like we have a host for next week, so there wouldn't be any other place to send your links to. If you're interested in hosting please contact Soccer Dad at dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.

And, finally I 'd like to thank Batya, Soccer Dad, and Bagel Blogger for their assistance and support in getting through my first Haveil Havalim!

I await your scrutiny.....

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

5 of the Tenth Month 5767

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Day After Hanukkah....

Mossa'ei Hanukkah 5767

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great-Grandmother Lilly's z"l Latkes

חנוכה/ראש חודש העשירי תשס"ז

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[pause]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May her name be for a blessing.

Take That Sukkah Down Already!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remembering Nahshon Walls z"l

Mossa'ei Shabbth Qodesh Hanukkah/Parshath Wayeshev 5767

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Nahshon Walls, May his memory be for a blessing.

Hilchoth Festivus: Festivus shehal b'Shabbath Hanukkah

ב׳ לחודש התשיעי תשס״ו

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

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

Airing Of Grievances 

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

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

  

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

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

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

Macho Settler Sandal Shitah

Mossa'ei Shabbath Parshath Hayyei Sarah 5767

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

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

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

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

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

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

But, I digress....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'll let you know....

The New Eged Schedule: A sign of the next expulsion

21 of the Eighth Month 5767

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

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

So, what's the big deal you ask?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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