Religious Zionists, Make Up Your Minds!

Erev Shabbath Qodesh B'ha'aloth'kha 5769

Yesha Rabbis Advise Soldiers Not To Help Destroy Outposts
Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, Erev Shavu'oth 5769/May 28, 2009

(IsraelNN.com) Leading national religious rabbis called on soldiers Wednesday night to refuse orders that involve them in the destruction of Jewish hilltop communities and the expulsion of those living there.

Their call sparked a protest in the mass media and among several political leaders, similar to the storm that raged over the same issue during the period of the expulsions from Gaza and northern Samaria in 2005 and in Amona two years ago.

Kiryat Arba-Hevron Chief Rabbi Dov Lior and Beit El Chief Rabbi Zalman Melamed were among those who wrote a statement that said “the holy Torah prohibits taking part in any act of uprooting Jews from any part of “our sacred land.” (Read more...)

This issue or whether to refuse orders violating Torah Law is nothing new. I have no doubt that some of you will start referring to me as "Chicken Little." Others will try to turn off my "broken record." The truth is that you are all numbed-out, and blinded like deer by the oncoming headlights of the next Arab tractor attack. It's not an Arab driving, though, no, not this time. It a Yassamnik (riot police officer) named Igor or Samir or possibly even...Yossi.

Whether to refuse orders from ones IDF commander, if those orders are deemed to be in violation of Torah Law is not the real issue. Whether to let Russian Orthodox Igor into the country in the first place, and to grant him citizenship, simply because he MAY have had one Jewish grandparent, is not the issue either.

The issue is two-fold:

1. What justifies Jewish sovereignty over the Land of Israel.
2. The Eruv Rav, truly in control of the State of Israel, is running scared.

The mamlachtim (undying State loyalists) will try to convince you that "it's more complicated than that," and that "you couldn't possibly understand halachah (Jewish Law) if you think there is ever a stirah (conflict) between the Torah and State law."

Well, I assure that Rabbi Yisrael Ariel understands perfectly, having been arrested for teaching halachoth, no, discussing halachoth, which are contrary to Israeli law.

Rabbi Yossi Palleh of the Od Yosef Chai Yeshivah in Yitzhar understands perfectly. He was detained for the same reason. (This, of course, begs the question, how do the "powers that be" know what's being taught in this rabbi's class?)

Rabbi Dov Lior (Hevron-Qiriyath Arba), Rabbi Zalman Melamed (Beth El) understand this perfectly. Rabbi Avraham Shapira ztz"l, the late Rosh Yeshivath Merkaz HaRav Kook and former Chief Rabbi of Israel, understood this perfectly, showing NO hesitation about telling soldiers to refuse orders contrary to Torah, showing NO hesitation in criticizing those "rabbis" who insisted that soldiers should not refuse orders contradicting the Torah.

Soldiers like in this story are heroes, not criminals.

Be wary of the mamlakhtim, who will tell you that crossing the street on a red light in Israel is "meridah bamalkhuth" (rebellion against the monarchy).

The Monarchy? What Monarchy? You mean the Kenesseth, the majority of which is filled with those who are pasul (disqualified) from holding such Jewish leadership positions?

OK. I'll bite. Let's say for the sake of argument that the Israeli government does have the same din (status) as a malkhuth,...even though it most certainly does not. But, let's just say that it does.

רמב"ם: הלכות מלכים ומלחמות

ג,י [ט] המבטל גזירת המלך בשביל שנתעסק במצוות, אפילו במצוה קלה--הרי זה פטור: דברי הרב ודברי העבד, דברי הרב קודמין. ואין צריך לומר אם גזר המלך לבטל מצוה, שאין שומעין לו.

Ramba"m: Laws of Kings and Wars

3:10 [9] One who nullifies a decree of the king for the sake of being involved with misswoth, even a lesser misswah -- is exempt [from punishment]. The words of a rabbi, the words of a servant, the words of the rabbi take precedence. And one does not need to say that if the decree of the king nullifies a misswah, that one does not listen to him.

There are clearly stiroth between Torah and Israeli law. Anyone who does not see this has been brainwashed by the Israeli government's indoctrination process, brain-damaged by the galuth (diaspora), or is a collaborator.

The un-Jewish/Eruv Rav leadership is running scared. That is also clear. They fear losing their control to the only possible entity which can wrest it from them, HaShem. They fear His Torah, and attempt battle it at every turn.

The only question which remains is to what degree are the mamlakhti "rabbis" and educators in the Mechinah (pre-IDF preparation) programs and mamlakhti schools are dupes or collaborators.

Torah, not history, not who was here first, not who has the biggest army, but Torah, the spelled out Will of HaQadosh Barukh Hu (The Holy One Blessed Be He), is our ONLY justification for asserting control and maintaining sovereignty over the Land Of Israel.

The time has come when Religious Zionists finally have to make up their minds.

Follow the Torah, or lose the Land; blindly follow the State, and lose the Torah.

I'm No Terrorist

Erev Shabbath Qodesh B'ha'aloth'kha 5769

Below is a link to my neighbor Yekutiel's response to being Banned From Britain!. The report is just "OK," but still worth reading this summary of Torah Zionist beliefs. Unfortunately, the article contains some careless mistakes like reporting the K'far Tapu'ah was close to Hevron geographically, when they are actually quite far away from each other.

One would hope that a "Jewish" newspaper would take the time to check it's Jewish facts about Jewish geography, not mention taking the time to proof for Jewish spelling.

That's K'far Tapu'ah, not K'far Pitu'ah



The page is too large to embed here for comfortable reading, so please click the image to read the article on-line or to download it.

Thanks to Rafi and Shmu'el for introducing me to Scribd.

Summer Is Here!

Erev Shabbath Qodesh B'ha'aloth'kha 5769

If you're in the U. S., the official start of the summer season began two weeks ago with Memorial Day weekend. If you're in Israel, you know that the summer season fades in very gradually, in several stages. Then all of sudden, it's hotter than heck, and there's no denying that summer is here. This year it took it's own sweet time to get here.

The onset of summer to me, and countless other Israelis, means it's time to hit the beach. Whether you live in Tel-Aviv, and can walk to the beach, or live farther inland and have to tremp or bus it in, those of us of with tanorexia have already begun working on our tans. I got a late start this year. I usually begin as early as March. Here is a tip from yours truly, a former California lifeguard:

When applying sunscreen, do not forget your nose, ears (how many of you thought of your ears?), under your eyes, cheekbones, shoulders, and collarbones, areas receiving direct sunlight. If you're sitting in a chair at the beach all day, don't forget the tops of your thighs and knees. Wear a hat, and apply lip balm. After sun exposure, shower with soap, to keep your skin clean. After patting dry, apply (color-free, scent-free) body lotion. I suggest something with aloe. Consult your dermatologist, dermatological nurse, pharmacist, or herbalist (preferably those who live in beach cities) about the right skin products for you.

Also, don't forget your UVA/B protective sunglasses, and for goodness sakes, drink plenty of water, adult men at least five liters on beach days.

Here's another friendly beach tip/reminder, wherever you live.

Don't just clean up after yourselves. Pick up two of three extra pieces of trash, and if you see that that trashcan is overflowing, pack up your trash and take it with you. Dump your old charcoal into an appropriate receptacle. Don't just bury them. Someone still might end up burning his feet on your coals.

If you're an artsy, nerdy environmentalist like me, you'll also be on the look out for sea glass, to line the bottom of your fish tank or Shabbath candle holders or what have you.

Also...

NEVER go into the water without someone with you or watching you from the beach. It doesn't matter how strong a swimmer you are, or think you are, or how well you know how to navigate currents. All it takes is a bump on the head or getting tangled up in seaweed, for your strength and know-how to become virtually useless.

And, here in Israel...

Watch out for meduzoth.

Enjoy the summer, and stay safe!

Towards A Jewish Mindset

Towards a Jewish Mindset

There are no shortcuts.

Yoel Meltzer
11 Sivan 5769/June 3, 2009

For more than 15 years Israel has been plagued by the "Oslo mindset". This way of thinking, which did not appear out of a vacuum but slowly evolved over the course of years, is still alive and kicking despite all that has transpired. Its current outward manifestation, the much talked about "two-state solution", is gaining momentum every day despite the obvious danger that undertaking such a measure would entail to the state of Israel.

Although the "Oslo mindset" has had many opponents, most have invested their energy in opposing the various outward manifestations of the mindset, rather than focusing on the faulty mindset itself. The result of this has been that Oslo opponents simply gained a reputation of always "opposing", like a group of pessimistic naysayers, without ever proffering any alternative of their own. Moreover, by constantly focusing on the outward manifestation, they repeatedly engaged the Oslo proponents in a battle they were sure to lose, since who can appear victorious when arguing against measures allegedly designed to bring "peace" or "improved security"?

Unfortunately, the Oslo opponents continue to make the same mistake. The real battle should have been, and still needs to be, against the mindset. Moreover, rather than simply wasting negative energy attacking a certain way of thinking, positive energy should be invested in promulgating a different way of thinking. This point is crucial, since changes in the way one thinks, be it as an individual or a nation, are frequently the catalyst for changes in the physical realm. Obviously, it would have been preferable if such an approach had begun 15 years ago, but nonetheless it's never too late to start. Therefore, I would like to briefly present some key points of what can hopefully become the cornerstone of a proper and healthy "Jewish mindset".

Although the following is certainly not an all-encompassing list and many of the points are not new, it is my firm belief that these ideas need to first be outlined in a clear and concise manner in order for them to be easily disseminated, discussed and internalized by as many Jews as possible.

The 18-point list, the basics for a healthy "Jewish mindset", is as follows:

1. There is a purpose to the unfolding events of history and there is a purpose to life. It's not all random.

2. Real, authentic Judaism is much more than what it has been reduced to, to a black and white system of "do's and don'ts". The halachic side, although very important, is only part of the picture.

3. The Jewish people have been chosen for a special role in the world.

4. This role can only be fulfilled by the collective Jewish nation living in the Land of Israel.

5. Establishing complete sovereignty in the Land of Israel and creating a model society, from top to bottom, according to the ideals and morality of Judaism, is essential for fulfilling this role. However, the nationalistic aspect of Judaism is not an end-goal in and of itself, but rather a platform that will enable us fulfill our lofty "international role" of being a "light unto nations".

6. Israel must interact with the world in order to have an influence, but at the same time must remain separate and independent, in order not to be further confused and fragmented by the assimilation of non-Jewish ideas and values.

7. Israel can and must sever the dependency on US economic aid.

8. The real goal of the Jewish state must be alive in our hearts and minds in order to affect our daily lives.

9. Without internalizing these ideas and changing our mindset, and eventually our lives, the endless killing in this region, as well as in the world, will continue.

10. The future of the world is dependent on the Jewish people getting their act together.

11. Properly understood, the real goal of the Jewish state is the most idealistic undertaking in the history of mankind.

12. Continuing along on the same path, functioning within our individual and collective "comfort zones", will not lead us out of the mess. We must, as individuals and as a nation, constantly strive to expand and stretch our comfort zones.

13. Every Jew should feel proud, yet humbled, in the role he has been given, and totally motivated and inspired to do his part.

14. Complaining will not change a thing and it is a waste of precious energy.

15. A positive, vision-oriented way of thinking is essential.

16. The Arab and Iranian threat are serious problems facing the Jewish state and, like any problem, they must certainly be dealt with. However, they are not the source of our problems, but the outward manifestation of our own internal problems. Thus, dealing with them alone will not bring us the desired harmony and salvation. The real problem is internally, within the Jewish people themselves, and stems from a lack of clarity as to our true purpose in the world. This problem, which is largely the result of a non-Jewish mindset prevalent amongst the Jewish people, is the real obstacle that stands in the way of ultimate salvation.

17. There are no shortcuts.

18. The world is waiting.


Yoel Meltzer has an MA in Middle Eastern Studies and lives in Israel.

Israeli English Book Exchange

11 of the Third Month 5769

One of the first things I noticed upon arriving in Israel was how much I took certain things in the U. S. for granted, even with my rose-colored glasses focused on my new home of Israel. One of those things was easy access to novels in English. How precious they quickly became.

Where were all of Israel's library's? Did we really have to pay a huge fee to join a university library, or sneak into one and only be able to read books there? Was I going to have to buy everything new, and at new prices?

A few of the 20 or so English-speakers in the merkaz qelitah (absorbtion center) where I lived in Tel-Aviv, found a used bookstore, and would buy a few books pass them around, then sell them back. That was in addition to what each of us had brought with us from the U. S., Canada, and the U. K. I survived for two years, thanks to this local book exchange.

About a year ago, I started the Israeli Book Exchange on the social networking site dedicated to books, GoodReads.com. Credit goes to Irina of Ignoble Experiment for introducing me to this site in the first place. (Don't forget to wish Irina a Mazal Tov for graduating law school!)

After forgetting about this group for a year, I received an e-mail from fellow oleh (immigrant) in Haifa, asking if the group was still active. I had no idea. I thought that I would receive e-mail notifications about the group's activity. Apparently not. I have to check into adjusting the notification settings.

Anyway, now that I have been visiting the group more regularly, I see that we're up to 12 members, including at least four JBloggers you will undoubtedly recognize.

So far, members have been discussing their tastes in literature and helping each other find the best used bookstores in their areas (Jerusalem, Modi'in, Beth Shemesh, Petah Tiqwah, Nahariah, etc.)

Plus, if you join GoodReads, you will be able one of their cool widgets (see above) to your site!

So, if you live in Israel, or are coming to visit, please join this group, and meet others who share your taste in books, and who may even live around the corner.

Please help spread the word, too!

Competition Creeping Into Israel?

9 of the Third Month 5769

Yesterday at the Tel-Aviv central bus station, I noticed that my transportation to Netanyah would be handled by a company other than Egged, Netiv Express (Hebrew). It seems that this company is now handling traffic in and out of Tzfat, Nahariah, Ma'aloth, Haderah and Karmi'el, among others. It has been handling the Tel-Aviv - Netanyah traffic since March 15, but has actually been in operation since 2001, beginning with Tzfat - Netanyah and Haderah - Netanyah routes.

Does the added competition make a difference? Are these other companies any better? Is Egged shaping up its service, so that it does not lose anymore tenders, or are all of the bus companies just wheeling and dealing, and conducting business as usual?

Rafi at Life In Israel has already told us about the handling of much of the traffic in and out of Beth Shemesh by Superbus, and the service it provides.

The first thing I noticed about Netiv Express was that it was early. Well, my regular 148 Egged bus also arrives consistently early. But, the next thing I noticed was that my trip was cheaper than before, four sheqqels ($1.00) cheaper. Everything else seemed about the same as Egged, except that I have yet to see an old Netiv Express bus. The lower price seemed to be the only difference.

Cellular phone companies have had competition for years. Have you found that to make a difference in service? Some of the companies have tried to reach out to specific communities, such as Cellcom to Haredim, and Orange and MIRS to "settlers." Now that we Israelis are able to keep our phone numbers, even if we change companies, we have one less obstacle to change cell phone companies. For my part, I am just too lazy. But, plenty of friends have already gone back and forth between companies, doing research and trying to get their current companies to beat competing offers. (Of course, some will tell you that there is secret regulation among the various companies. I don't have proof of that one way or another.)

With the HOT cable company offering ground line phone and Internet services, in addition to cable TV, some have reported improved service,... when they have switched over from Bezeq, that is. The Bezeq phone company still does not seem to have its capitalistic act together. Although it is running around trying to do so. With HOT half-way through the Shomron, several of my neighbors have received calls from Bezeq offering them special rates if they sign a commitment plan of a year and a half to three years. The smart ones have said no to Bezeq's crappy antenna-based service, and waiting for HOT which should arrive to Tapu'ah within a year. (Additional towns? I don't know.)

When I bought fan at a factory style store, a couple of years ago in Jerusalem, I noticed something odd. The saleslady, who had excellent product knowledge, gave her employee number to the cashier. I asked her if she got a commission on my fan. She said yes, to which I responded that it was about time. She told me that it was about year since she had heard about such a thing, elaborating that it boosts employee motivation by offering an incentive. She was acting as if this was some great new economic invention. I didn't have the heart to tell her that it was nothing new, and that any American "fresh off the plane" could have have explained the benefits of offering commissions.

So, there is competition among the phone companies, between some workers, and increasingly more competition among the bus companies. Does it really make much of a difference in price or in service?

Haveil Havalim #219 Is Up!

9 of the Third Month 5769

Haveil Havalim #219 is up at DovBear....

"Havel Havelim... Hakol Havel"

I am hosting next week's edition. So, please start sending in your posts (not more than three, please) via the on-line submission form.

Tremping: "The Hours Of Mercy"

Erev Hag HaShavu'oth 5769

There is an expression in the tremping (Israeli hitchhiking) world, שעות הרחמים (The Hours Of Mercy). It refers to the hours just before the onset of Shabbath, when it is generally considered not a good idea to set out on a journey, lest one should get stuck in some town unexpectedly, or worse, in the middle of nowhere, and then "poof," it's Shabbath.

Yet, Jews set out a couple hours before Shabbath anyway. We do not do this intentionally. I have only done this if I am traveling to the next town or two. Even though Shabbath has been coming in later and later, I will sometimes glance at the clock on Erev Shabbath, and wonder where the time has gone. I have a shower, assuming I won't make it to the miqweh when I get to where I'm going, dress in my Shabbath clothes, throw a few essentials into a shopping bag, and then it's out the door!

Generally speaking, we also have contingency plans. Boys can crash at a yeshiva, if they get stuck along the way. From Elon Moreh and Shavei Shomron in the north, to Jerusalem, all the way down to Susya, south of Hevron, there are many yeshivoth in Yehudah and Shomron (Judea and Samaria). Likewise, girls know where the girls' schools are along the way. Teen-aged men and women from Yehudah and Shomron, generally seasoned trempistim, after their first couple of years of high school, have a networking system all their own. They can also call their parents for suggestions of who they know in particular towns where they've gotten stuck, so that they can show up to their houses as a "surprise Shabbath guest."

If I am on my way to Jerusalem, for example, I happen to know people in Eli, Shiloh, and Ofra where I could theoretically crash, if it didn't look like I was going to make it to my intended destination. If I am still stuck at Tapu'ah Junction, I can always just walk back up the hill, and spend Shabbath at home.

For some reason, though, there always seem to be tremps. Once, on my way to Shiloh, I got a ride from someone from Beth El, an hour and half before sheqi'ah (sunset). Another time, I received a ride to Eli with about the same time to spare.

The reason this time period shortly before Shabbath is called "The Hours Of Mercy" is actually two-fold. I have reports of tremps appearing out of nowhere, as well as drivers stopping for trempistim when they, themselves are in a hurry, and may not even have any room. They find a way to make room, knowing the urgency of the situation, whether the trempist was acting irresponsibly or not.

I have heard various stories of Jews who have not been so fortunate. One man who was waiting for a tremp in front of a town in the Shomron. He realized he was not going to make it to his destination. So he started walkin up the hill to the town, stowed away his muqtze (items forbidden on Shabbath) at the guarding booth, and found a family to take him in after tefillath aravith (evening prayer).

There is also the story of a certain, fellow blogger, who shall remain nameless, who just showed up in Yitzhar one Erev Shabbath. Sounds kind of hutzpadik [AND intentional], huh? Well, apparently not everyone in Yitzhar thought so, as this fellow blogger claimed he had a great time there.

So, yet another reason why the hours just before Shabbath are known as "The Hours Of Mercy," to those of us who travel the roads by the hesed (kindness) of strangers is the mercy shown by the Jews who open up their homes to their fellow, unexpectedly "stuck" Jews, perhaps doubling the power of their misswah of Hakhnasath Orhim (the taking in of guests).

*********

Photos taken from my bedroom window in K'far Tapu'ah, NOT on Shabbath.

Don't forget to check out my comprehensive guide to Tremping.

Ramat Aviv

Erev Hag HaShavu'oth 5769

Rafi G. at Life In Israel commented on the Israeli media's back and forth on the issue of Haredim moving into the secular, upper/upper middle class neighborhood of Ramat Aviv in north Tel-Aviv: Le-SheeTascha Criticism.

I took the opportunity to comment, focusing on the neighborhood itself:

I lived in one of the absorption centers in Ramat Aviv several years ago. I remember the ruckus caused by 20 Chabbad yeshiva bochurim coming to live in the neighborhood.

I remember praying tefillath minhah by them in their unmarked, second floor apartment yeshiva.

I remember the ruckus when Chabba"d opened a men's miqweh.

I remember the secular Ramat Aviv table set up next to the Chabbad tefillin table, the nasty things they yelled at them, and printing of "Secular Ramat Aviv" posters as shiva announcements and posting them all over.

I remember when Ramat Aviv residents protested the then new mall being closed on Shabbath. They later realized how noisy it would be and stopped their fight against the frum mall owner.

Remember the brief protest against the Azza expulsion by sleeping in Ramat Aviv streets? They would have none of that. They protesters were quickly forced to "move along."

It's a nutty, and apparently paranoid place.

At least one resident, a certain former MK Michael Kleiner, is not anti-religious, and is proud of his frum son. May he be an influence to them all.

To Ramat Aviv residents:

We're coming whether you like it or not.

Only The Likud Can?

5 of the Third Month 5769

Unlike the sometimes boring and sometimes Christian-loving, English version of Arutz 7 (Israel National News), the Hebrew weekly "b'Sheva" sometimes has an interesting headline worth mentioning.

(Click To Enlarge)

"Yamit, Gush Qatif, Strongholds
Only The Likud Can?"

The headline refers to the Jewish strongholds, recently demolished, such as Ma'oz Esther near Kokhav HaShahar, Mitzpeh Avihai and Federman's Farm near Hevron, or set for demolition, such as Havath Gil'ad, not too far away from Qarnei Shomron.

Menahem Begin was in power when Yamit was destroyed. Ari'el Sharon was behind the destruction of Gush Qatif and the rest of Azza. And now, Binyamin Netanyahu is at the plate. What will the extent of his damage be?

Of course, the underlying message from this Nation Union Party cheerleader is...

"We're still angry that enough residents of Judea and Samaria voted for the Likud to rob us of one or two seats in Kenesseth. So, we're going to rub their noses in it ever chance we get!"

And speaking of the National Union Party...

MK Aryeh Eldad announced that Jordan already is a palestinian state, calling to mind his former colleague Rabbi Benny Elon's The Right Road To Peace plan.

Yet, his current colleague MK Michael Ben-Ari corrected him, stating that Jordan is actually part of Israel:

“The people of Israel have no right to give up our claim to any part of the Land of Israel,” he said, adding, “Both banks of the Jordan River are ours.”

MK Aryeh Eldad should take a lesson from the Jewish strongholds in Judea and Samaria. One of their underestimated uses was pointed out to me today: While the focus is on them, the focus is off all the other building taking place within established towns, albeit much of it was approved years ago.

If the world thinks that we are getting ready to take control of the ancestral territories of Re'uven and Gad, the western portion of modern day Jordan, perhaps the focus will be taken off of Judea and Samaria,...a strategy not very likely to be adopted anytime soon, not even by the Nation Union Party.

After all, like the headline says, "Only The Likud Can?" Here's a snippet from the Likud Party Platform:

The Jordan River as a Permanent Border

The Jordan Valley and the territories that dominate it shall be under Israeli sovereignty. The Jordan river will be the permanent eastern border of the State of Israel. The Kingdom of Jordan is a desirable partner in the permanent status arrangement between Israel and the Palestinians in matters that will be agreed upon.

Either PM Netanyahu is playing games with the U. S., or the Likud's platform will be changed or just ignored, just like former PM Sharon ignored the voice of his constituents.

Of course, if you believe that Netanyahu is really in charge, then I have some swampland to sell you in Salfit.

Shifty Shimmy is the one really calling the shots....