15 of the Tenth Month 5771
Last night at work, a woman ask if she could correct something I said in Hebrew. I could see it coming by the look on her face, when I finished speaking.
It turns out that this woman is a teacher in Ulpan, Israeli, Hebrew language program, designed for the oleh hadash (new immigrant).
She first asked me if I minded if she corrected me. I said no. I explained that as a teacher myself, I often have people trying to get a free English lesson out of me. I tell them that I take NIS 75 an hour for a private English lesson, so they might want to consider speaking to me in Hebrew.
If this professional teacher wanted to correct my Hebrew, I would gladly accept her “freebie.”
She pointed out while giving her some information regarding tonight's activities, I said הלילה. She explained that in this form actually signifies in the middle of the night. When this all took place, it was 8:30 pm, in which case, she said that one should say הערב this evening.
Normally, she told me, she does not mix in this, and does not approach people to correct their Hebrew. However, in this case, she felt that it was חשוב מאוד very important.
Why?
Well, her reasoning was that if I ever asked a woman if she was available “tonight,” I should make sure to say הערב, because הלילה would have a significantly different meaning.
Did you get it?
It was kind of odd hearing this from a woman in a sheitel. Nonetheless, she smiled and raised an eyebrow, and I laughed.
But, then she started to recount this incident to her colleagues walking in. I lightly objected by letting her know that she did not have to tell everybody the story. We all laughed, and I just took it in stride, remembering one of the first things taught to me, shortly after getting off the plane at Ben-Gurion Airport 13 years ago.
You simply can not be embarrassed in Israel.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Rain Song (Teaching Tool)
14 of the Tenth Month 5771
This is something I wrote while teaching elementary school English as a Foreign Language [EFL].
Often, EFL teachers write their own songs, chants, poems, and stories. Regardless of how good the available teaching materials are, this is done in order to fine tune the focus of the materials to the needs of students.
I introduce the above in the fall, as this is the time for Jewish prayers for rain.
I then remind the students of this song around Tu b'Sh'vat, the New Year of the Trees.
Reading and spelling wise, the words of this song contain several vowel pairs, and vowel-consonant pairs (e. g. ai, ay, ie, ow), including pairs which have different possible pronunciations and different pairs which have the same pronunciation.
One kind find many other examples in this song for reading and spelling words which are unique.
Most teachers do not like to explain grammar, especially at the lower levels. They do not see it to be terribly helpful.
However, one rule I find very helpful to tell students is the following:
May our prayers for rain be answered, and may we succeed in passing on the importance of all prayers to our children.
Rain, rain, come and play.
Rain, rain, come to stay.
Come to water the fields, and so
All the trees and flowers will grow.
This is something I wrote while teaching elementary school English as a Foreign Language [EFL].Often, EFL teachers write their own songs, chants, poems, and stories. Regardless of how good the available teaching materials are, this is done in order to fine tune the focus of the materials to the needs of students.
I introduce the above in the fall, as this is the time for Jewish prayers for rain.
I then remind the students of this song around Tu b'Sh'vat, the New Year of the Trees.
Reading and spelling wise, the words of this song contain several vowel pairs, and vowel-consonant pairs (e. g. ai, ay, ie, ow), including pairs which have different possible pronunciations and different pairs which have the same pronunciation.
One kind find many other examples in this song for reading and spelling words which are unique.
Most teachers do not like to explain grammar, especially at the lower levels. They do not see it to be terribly helpful.
However, one rule I find very helpful to tell students is the following:
יש הרבה כללים באנגלית. אבל יש גם הרבה פעמים כשאגלית לא הולכת לפי הכללים!
There are many rules in English. But there are also many times when English does not go according to the rules!
May our prayers for rain be answered, and may we succeed in passing on the importance of all prayers to our children.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Rabbis' Free-Speech Immunity Bill
13 of the Tenth Month 5771
My comments follow the article...
I actually have mixed feelings about this proposal.
My experience among "Kahanists" has taught me that sometimes these issues are raised, in order to raise awareness, without any hope of actually changing an Israeli law. For that, and his defense of rabbis who are interested in discovering truth about how we Jews are supposed to live our lives, MK Ben-Ari gets points in my book.
However, it must be pointed out that, in actuality, democracy has very little, in anything, to do with the ultimate, Torah-based government. Likewise, there is no place for "free speech" under halacha (Jewish Law). For example, I cannot call "Levi" a nasty name just because he angered me. Even more so, I certainly cannot do so in public. The point here is that there are several contradictions within what MK Ben-Ari saying. Torah vs. democracy, free-speech vs. halacha. They just don't jive together.
I know that many of my friends with only one or two "degrees of separation" from MK Ben-Ari would prefer that he either rephrase the bill to demand that the K'nesseth equate halacha with Israeli law, and to set up a search committee to re-establish a Sanhedrin to make such determinations,...or for him to dissociate himself with the K'nesseth, and speak on these issues from the outside (which I do not believe he would ever do).
Nonetheless, MK Ben-Ari gets more points in my bood, every time he points out the increasing number of contradictions between Jewish Law and Israeli law.
My comments follow the article...
IsraelNN.com: Bill Would Grant Immunity To Rabbis Regarding Freedom Of Speech
Gil Ronen, Tevet 5771 / December 2010
National Union Knesset Member Michael Ben-Ari is proposing a bill that would give rabbis who work for the state immunity from prosecution regarding actions and pronouncements that are part of their leadership duties, or over pronouncements of Jewish law (Halacha). The bill would grant the rabbis immunity similar to that of Knesset members, as far as their freedom of speech is concerned.
MK Michael Ben-Ari
The bill is a response to the public debate around a decree signed by an estimated 300 rabbis, calling upon citizens not to sell or rent out homes to Arabs.
The bill was originally drafted by former MK Shmuel Halpert of Agudat Yisrael.
The explanatory notes to the bill note that since Israel's laws grant immunity to “negative elements” like Arab MKs Ahmed Tibi and Hanin Zouabi – who openly side with Israel's foes – it is only proper to give immunity to Israel's chief rabbis and to the rabbis of cities, towns and neighborhoods. Rabbis must not be made to refrain from publishing Halachic rulings – or to twist the true meaning of Jewish law – because they fear the Prosecution, the notes explain.
In a separate statement, MK Ben Ari added that “the Left in Israel must remember that freedom of speech is the heart and soul of democracy and we must ensure that a rabbi should have no fear of publishing Torah opinion in the letter and spirit of Halacha.”
I actually have mixed feelings about this proposal.
My experience among "Kahanists" has taught me that sometimes these issues are raised, in order to raise awareness, without any hope of actually changing an Israeli law. For that, and his defense of rabbis who are interested in discovering truth about how we Jews are supposed to live our lives, MK Ben-Ari gets points in my book.
However, it must be pointed out that, in actuality, democracy has very little, in anything, to do with the ultimate, Torah-based government. Likewise, there is no place for "free speech" under halacha (Jewish Law). For example, I cannot call "Levi" a nasty name just because he angered me. Even more so, I certainly cannot do so in public. The point here is that there are several contradictions within what MK Ben-Ari saying. Torah vs. democracy, free-speech vs. halacha. They just don't jive together.
I know that many of my friends with only one or two "degrees of separation" from MK Ben-Ari would prefer that he either rephrase the bill to demand that the K'nesseth equate halacha with Israeli law, and to set up a search committee to re-establish a Sanhedrin to make such determinations,...or for him to dissociate himself with the K'nesseth, and speak on these issues from the outside (which I do not believe he would ever do).
Nonetheless, MK Ben-Ari gets more points in my bood, every time he points out the increasing number of contradictions between Jewish Law and Israeli law.
Christians Attacked On A Hike In Israel
13 of the Tenth Month 5771
My comments follow the article...
What the FoxNews.com story does not mention is that is Wilson is a so-called "messianic Jew," and that her friend Luken, who was killed was an American Christian.
I received this information via the Eretz Yisrael Undivided E-Group, from someone quoting from a so-called "messianic Jewish" website, which I will not cite here, y'makh shemam wezikhram!
Of course, any Jew, even remotely knowledgeable with halacha (Jewish Law) will know that there is no such thing. One who truly believes in such Christian nonsense, is either an oved avodah zarah (practicioner of foreign, and thus forbidden worship), or a tinoq she'nishba (like a Jewish child captured by goyim), and thus does not know any better.
How did this "messianic" Luken became a "naturalized Israeli?" That's what I would like to know.
In any event, I will not be shedding any tears over this.
Neither should you.
My comments follow the article...
FoxNews.com: Stabbed American Tourist's Body Found Near Jerusalem
December 19, 2010
JERUSALEM – The body of a female American tourist, bound and with multiple stab wounds, was found Sunday near a road outside Jerusalem, police said.
The woman's friend, a naturalized Israeli originally from the U.K., had reported her missing a day earlier after the two were attacked. She, too, had been bound and stabbed, but managed to escape her assailants, according to police. (Read the whole story...)
What the FoxNews.com story does not mention is that is Wilson is a so-called "messianic Jew," and that her friend Luken, who was killed was an American Christian.
I received this information via the Eretz Yisrael Undivided E-Group, from someone quoting from a so-called "messianic Jewish" website, which I will not cite here, y'makh shemam wezikhram!
Of course, any Jew, even remotely knowledgeable with halacha (Jewish Law) will know that there is no such thing. One who truly believes in such Christian nonsense, is either an oved avodah zarah (practicioner of foreign, and thus forbidden worship), or a tinoq she'nishba (like a Jewish child captured by goyim), and thus does not know any better.
How did this "messianic" Luken became a "naturalized Israeli?" That's what I would like to know.
In any event, I will not be shedding any tears over this.
Neither should you.
*********
Thank you to Tomer Devorah for assistance with this piece.
For more on how dangerous these people are to Jews, please read The Kiss Of Esau.
For more on how dangerous these people are to Jews, please read The Kiss Of Esau.
Good News! Building On The Mount Of Olives
13 of the Tenth Month 5771
My comments are in blue italics.
Good! The U. S. and Europe will have yet another opportunity to show their true colors. Actually, they have many times, but we Israelis never seem to get it.
In any event, the Netanyahu government will invariably feel guilty about upsetting our goyshe "friends," and give up something else in return,…assuming, of course, that Netanyahu has not already planned out this very strategy. It seems that he has been banking on maintaining broad support from the people, by making a united Jerusalem the actual "red line" he is not willing to cross, as opposed to so-called "settlement blocks."
My comments are in blue italics.
YNET: Construction of Jewish Neighborhood in East Jerusalem Underway
Year after building project approved, bulldozers begin infrastructure work atop Mount of Olives Ridge; housing units to serve married students attending nearby yeshiva. Rabbi: Project strengthens Jewish presence in united Jerusalem
Ronen Medzini, Kobi Nahshoni, December 2010
Construction commenced on Wednesday on a new residential Jewish neighborhood atop the Mount of Olives Ridge in east Jerusalem, near Hebrew University.
The neighborhood will be an extension of the Irving Moskowitz Yeshiva & Campus - Yeshivat Beit Orot – named after the Jewish-American millionaire who purchases land with the purpose of "Judaizing" the eastern part of the capital. In early 2010, the Jerusalem Municipal Planning and Construction Committee authorized the construction of 24 housing units at the site. The project is likely to draw harsh condemnation from the US and Europe.
Good! The U. S. and Europe will have yet another opportunity to show their true colors. Actually, they have many times, but we Israelis never seem to get it.
In any event, the Netanyahu government will invariably feel guilty about upsetting our goyshe "friends," and give up something else in return,…assuming, of course, that Netanyahu has not already planned out this very strategy. It seems that he has been banking on maintaining broad support from the people, by making a united Jerusalem the actual "red line" he is not willing to cross, as opposed to so-called "settlement blocks."
The Beit Orot website said the building project, which will include 3 new residential buildings, each 3 stories high, is intended to "provide housing for married (yeshiva) students and to enhance the development of the educational complex. Heavy equipment began excavation and infrastructure work this morning and construction is expected to be complete in one year."Furthermore, a Jewish presence in this area may eventually serve to stem to increasing number of incidents of vandalism, vandalism of Jewish tombstones. An increased Jewish presence may help deter Arabs from vandalism. However, the newly increased, Jewish presence will undoubtedly be tested by the Arabs. Hopefully, this will then lead to an increase in formal, Jewish patrolling of the area.
The website quoted the head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Dani Isaac, as saying, "We are joyful and honored to commence the construction of our new neighborhood which strengthens the Jewish presence in united Jerusalem and stresses the fact that Jerusalem is the home of every Jew in Israel and throughout the world."
Shlomo Zwickler, executive director of Beit Orot, said, "These new residential buildings are an anchor to connect all areas of Jerusalem together. One of the goals of Beit Orot is to reconnect people to the historic areas of Jerusalem, including the Mount of Olives Ridge and Mount Scopus. This new construction makes major headway toward this goal."
Haveil Havalim #296 Is Up!
13 of the Tenth Month 5771
Haveil Havelim, the largest Jewish and Israel-related blog carnival, is being hosted this week by Mordechai at Letters Of Thought.
It's The Cold Of Tevet Edition.
Haveil Havelim, the largest Jewish and Israel-related blog carnival, is being hosted this week by Mordechai at Letters Of Thought.
It's The Cold Of Tevet Edition.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Two More Opinions On Renting To Arabs, Etc.
Fast of the Tenth Month
Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parashath Wayehi 5771
Yeah, I know that these articles are from last week. But, I believe this topic will continue to make its way into the Israeli news media, as rabbis will continue to debate the issue.
My comments are interspersed among pertinent snippets of the following two opinion pieces. The articles are indented.
Second, what does democracy have to do with the proper way to run a Jewish government? Absolutely nothing. Democracy is a Greek (ie. Hellenist) concept. Yeah, we're not there, yet. Nonetheless, it is frustrating when a particular segment of the Erev Rav wants to distort what it means to be and to act Jewish. They want to convince us that how we lived in "enlightened," Western galuth, is the ideal way in which Jews should conduct their lives.
It is not. An un-censored, un-abridged, non-distorted Torah way of life is the ideal for the Jewish People.
See the above. (major eye rolling)
Yeah,... some people,... like me. Intolerance of our enemies, intolerance of Jew-killers, intolerance of denial and/or distortions of Torah sheb'al Peh (Oral Torah), intolerance of Hellenism, intolerance of un-Jewish values.
Let's face it. Hanukkah is a very politically-incorrect holiday.
Fortunately for me, I don't give a damn about political-correctness; I do care about halachah.
Both.
Hatred of evil, hatred of our enemies, hatred of avodah zarah, hatred of Hellenization.
Hope for Am Yisra'el, hope for completely reclaiming our homeland, hope for complete t'shuvah.
(sigh) I am beginning to sound like a broken record!
Good. See above.
How is it wrong? Oh, whoops! I forgot. You do not seem to care much about Torah (ie. halachic) values and reasoning, just about Western (Hellenist) values and sensibilities. Sorry, Michael, but the idea that Western values and sensibilities are automatically compatible with Torah is a result of 2,000 years of residing in galuth (diaspora), succumbing to the very assimilation, we fought against over 2,000 years ago, and the desires of people like you to distort the Torah to fit your "feelings."
This is NOT Judaism.
Yeah,... as in anti-Torah tools!
Let's face it. The goal of Michael Marmur's "movement" is to destroy Torah by purporting to have the same, if not greater, status as HaZa"L, when is comes to authority to interpret the Torah, forgetting that much of HaZa"L's work was actually already handed down to us through the Avoth, Moshe Rabbeinu, and Nevi'im (Prophets).
This is another example of how Michael Marmur's perspective is not a Torah one; it is an anti-Torah one, denying, distorting, and otherwise profaning Torah sheb'al Peh (Oral Torah).
We have seen this throughout history,...the Tzadoqim, the early Christians,...and the so-called "movement" of Michael Marmur. (Movement of what? That's what I would like to know.)
And, now, on to number two....
This one comes from a Jew who is seen sporting a kippah, and his articles appear regularly on Israel National News.
I only have two questions for Yitzchak Klein...
1. Just exactly where in the Torah is there ANY mention of Democracy? (Hint: There isn't any.)
2. If by "Orthodox" you mean Torah-believing/Torah-observant, are there any other legitimate opinions, which are not in line with Torah? (Hint: No, there are not.)
And, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, two more opinions on Arabs, democracy, racism, and everything else in between,...Torah being completely absent.
Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parashath Wayehi 5771
Yeah, I know that these articles are from last week. But, I believe this topic will continue to make its way into the Israeli news media, as rabbis will continue to debate the issue.
My comments are interspersed among pertinent snippets of the following two opinion pieces. The articles are indented.
This Fire Is Still Burning: Racism Is Spreading (JPost.com)First off, Israel is not even a true democracy, otherwise we would have true representation of the people in government, true free speech, and no, or at least very little in the way of, double standards.
Michael Marmur, Dec. 7, 2010
Rabbis' ban on the rental or sale of property to non-Jews demonstrates lack of understanding for the basic currency of life in a liberal democracy.
Second, what does democracy have to do with the proper way to run a Jewish government? Absolutely nothing. Democracy is a Greek (ie. Hellenist) concept. Yeah, we're not there, yet. Nonetheless, it is frustrating when a particular segment of the Erev Rav wants to distort what it means to be and to act Jewish. They want to convince us that how we lived in "enlightened," Western galuth, is the ideal way in which Jews should conduct their lives.
It is not. An un-censored, un-abridged, non-distorted Torah way of life is the ideal for the Jewish People.
Judaism should never add fuel to our basest prejudices and lowest emotions. It is meant to give form to our highest aspirations and deepest yearnings.
See the above. (major eye rolling)
WE ARE coming to the end of Hanukka, our fire festival. Some see it as a mandate for intolerance.
Yeah,... some people,... like me. Intolerance of our enemies, intolerance of Jew-killers, intolerance of denial and/or distortions of Torah sheb'al Peh (Oral Torah), intolerance of Hellenism, intolerance of un-Jewish values.
After all, Mattathias lashed out against the Hellenizing assimilators.Um,...yeah,...at people like Michael Marmur. Let us also not forget that Mattithiyahu lashed out at practicioners of avodah zarah (foreign, thus forbidden, worship).
Let's face it. Hanukkah is a very politically-incorrect holiday.
Fortunately for me, I don't give a damn about political-correctness; I do care about halachah.
Here again, the question at stake is how you understand Judaism. Are the candles symbols of bigotry or of boundary maintenance, of hatred or of hope?
Both.
Hatred of evil, hatred of our enemies, hatred of avodah zarah, hatred of Hellenization.
Hope for Am Yisra'el, hope for completely reclaiming our homeland, hope for complete t'shuvah.
(sigh) I am beginning to sound like a broken record!
The fire in the Carmel is finally out. The fire of racism and intolerance is still burning.
Good. See above.
Indeed, it is spreading. If you are a Jew who cares about Judaism and Israel, regardless of your denominational affiliation, you need to stand up and say: This rabbinic ruling is wrong.
How is it wrong? Oh, whoops! I forgot. You do not seem to care much about Torah (ie. halachic) values and reasoning, just about Western (Hellenist) values and sensibilities. Sorry, Michael, but the idea that Western values and sensibilities are automatically compatible with Torah is a result of 2,000 years of residing in galuth (diaspora), succumbing to the very assimilation, we fought against over 2,000 years ago, and the desires of people like you to distort the Torah to fit your "feelings."
This is NOT Judaism.
Those within the four ells of halachic discourse will conduct the struggle from their vantage point. Those outside will use the tools available to them.
Yeah,... as in anti-Torah tools!
Let's face it. The goal of Michael Marmur's "movement" is to destroy Torah by purporting to have the same, if not greater, status as HaZa"L, when is comes to authority to interpret the Torah, forgetting that much of HaZa"L's work was actually already handed down to us through the Avoth, Moshe Rabbeinu, and Nevi'im (Prophets).
This is another example of how Michael Marmur's perspective is not a Torah one; it is an anti-Torah one, denying, distorting, and otherwise profaning Torah sheb'al Peh (Oral Torah).
We have seen this throughout history,...the Tzadoqim, the early Christians,...and the so-called "movement" of Michael Marmur. (Movement of what? That's what I would like to know.)
And, now, on to number two....
This one comes from a Jew who is seen sporting a kippah, and his articles appear regularly on Israel National News.
The State Of Israel's Democracy (JPost.com)
Yitzchak Klein, Dec. 7, 2010
The real motive behind the Loyalty oath proposal is to exclude political opponents from the ballot, dressed up though it may be in patriotic flummery.
The Israel Democracy Institute’s latest Democracy Index reports that 54 percent of Israelis favor requiring citizens to take an oath of loyalty to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic state” as a condition for being allowed to vote. This bad idea should be opposed on principled and pragmatic grounds alike.
Freedom means that society may not coerce the expression of an opinion.
Society is not free if government may impose sanctions upon those who refuse to express orthodox opinions....
I only have two questions for Yitzchak Klein...
1. Just exactly where in the Torah is there ANY mention of Democracy? (Hint: There isn't any.)
2. If by "Orthodox" you mean Torah-believing/Torah-observant, are there any other legitimate opinions, which are not in line with Torah? (Hint: No, there are not.)
And, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen, two more opinions on Arabs, democracy, racism, and everything else in between,...Torah being completely absent.
MK Danny Danon's Apology to Turkey
9 of the Tenth Month 5771
Many of you must be wondering why I am not praising MK Danon for his initiative, his hutzpah, his courage, his blah, blah, blah....
Well, I'll tell ya'...
Yeah, sure, there is some good stuff in his "apology" (giggle), and, yeah, I appreciate satire, sarcasm, or whatever you want to call it, and, yeah, he gets credit for telling it like it is.
But,...
Meanwhile, he is chummy with the Christians, and he just doesn't get (like most of the "right-wing" doesn't get) how they are just as much our enemy as the Muslims are.
The ONLY differences are their targets.
Read here, how the World Likud, headed by Danon, formed an alliance with the group of Christians, calling themselves Ephraimites, toward the goal of "Christian Aliyah" (May The Almighty forbid!).
With all of the "right-wing's" concern about the Land, isn't it ironic that they are selling it out from under us anyway!
To one side of us, literally on the left, we have Yishma'el, the Arabs, and Muslims in general, want to kill us physically. On the other side of us, literally on the right, we have Esau, the Christians, who just want to steal our souls.
Like it or not, that's just as severe.
MK Danny Danon, isn't your soul as important to you as your physical body?
Apparently, not....
IsraelNN.com: Parliamentarian Sends 'Apology' to Turkey
Maayana Miskin, 9 Teveth 5771 / December 15, 2010In wake of renewed Turkish demands that Israel apologize for the deaths of nine pro-terror activists killed in a maritime clash with the IDF, MK Danny Danon of Likud offered his own “apology” in a letter he read aloud in the Knesset Tuesday.
Danon's speech was as follows:
To the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
(by way of the Turkish ambassador to Israel)
Regarding: The request for an apology to the government of Turkey for the events aboard the Mavi Marmara of the Gaza flotilla.
I would like to apologize to you in the name of the entire state of Israel for the fact that the state of Israel did not take sufficient care to check the terrorist ship Marmara before it left Turkey. That would have prevented the ship from being armed with guns and other weapons, and from transporting terrorist activists under the patronage of the Turkish government.
Because of our excellent relationship, and your great respect for the state of Israel and the Zionist enterprise, I must apologize for the fact that the naval commandos who, when they reached the ship, were greeted by armed terrorist resistance that aimed to murder them did not immediately defend themselves with gunfire, and instead acted with restraint toward the pretend “peace activists” who sought to kill them. (blah, blah, blah...)
(Read the rest of Danon's speech & Miskin's article...)
Many of you must be wondering why I am not praising MK Danon for his initiative, his hutzpah, his courage, his blah, blah, blah....
Well, I'll tell ya'...
Yeah, sure, there is some good stuff in his "apology" (giggle), and, yeah, I appreciate satire, sarcasm, or whatever you want to call it, and, yeah, he gets credit for telling it like it is.
But,...
Meanwhile, he is chummy with the Christians, and he just doesn't get (like most of the "right-wing" doesn't get) how they are just as much our enemy as the Muslims are.
The ONLY differences are their targets.
Read here, how the World Likud, headed by Danon, formed an alliance with the group of Christians, calling themselves Ephraimites, toward the goal of "Christian Aliyah" (May The Almighty forbid!).
With all of the "right-wing's" concern about the Land, isn't it ironic that they are selling it out from under us anyway!
To one side of us, literally on the left, we have Yishma'el, the Arabs, and Muslims in general, want to kill us physically. On the other side of us, literally on the right, we have Esau, the Christians, who just want to steal our souls.
Like it or not, that's just as severe.
MK Danny Danon, isn't your soul as important to you as your physical body?
Apparently, not....
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Jews Are Still Not Getting The Message
8 of the Tenth Month 5771
This story is bittersweet.
First off, Mazal Tov to the family of this baby, Jewish boy.
Second, Kol HaKavod to the father for risking his and his family's safety to perform this very important misswah (commandment).
We learn that B'rith Milah (entrance into the Covenant with circumcision) is such an important misswah, that besides the bringing of the Qorban Pesah (Passover lamb or goat kid), it is the only positive commandment which requires kareth (being cut off from Am Yisra'el) as a punishment for not fulfilling it.
Unfortunately, this man, along with his Jewish neighbors, do not have much of a Jewish life; they do not have much of a life.
Thirteen years ago, many of the young Turkish Jews I met in Israel ended up back in Istanbul. Life in Istanbul, with all of its creature comforts and business opportunities were much too attractive to them. American Jews often fall into the same trap, and thus, can relate.
However, the situation in Antalya is much different, much more frightening, that Istanbul of 13 years ago. Nonetheless, these Jews are not imprisoned by a Soviet government, nor are they that far away from Israel.
So, why don't they just pack up and come? Do they not have the financial resources to do so?
What is the local Chabba"d rabbi doing about this? Is he encouraging them to make aliyah?
Where is the Jewish Agency in all this?
Too many details seem to be missing here.
Let us pray that these Jews, as well as Jews all over the world, will be able to find their ways here, no matter what the obstacles, be they internal or external.
In the meantime, I would to issue a challenge to the Jewish Agency, to Nefesh b'Nefesh, and other similar, Jewish organizations to investigate the situation of these Jews in Antalya, and to see what can be done about expediting their aliyah process.
IsraelNN.com: The Secret Circumcision in Turkey
Tzvi Ben Gedalyah, 7 Teveth 5771 / December 14, 2010u
Antalya Turkey was home to about 50 Jews – until last week when a father overcame his fears of Antisemitism and allowed a secret circumcision on Chanukah of his 30-day-old baby boy, the city's newest Jew.
Antalya is a Mediterranean coastal city of approximately one million people, mostly Muslims, and located near Syria. The father, whose identity cannot be revealed, is a “secret” Jew but was afraid his neighbors would discover his religion if he allowed his new-born baby boy to be circumcised, one of the most ancient and sacred Jewish rites. (Read more...)
This story is bittersweet.
First off, Mazal Tov to the family of this baby, Jewish boy.
Second, Kol HaKavod to the father for risking his and his family's safety to perform this very important misswah (commandment).
We learn that B'rith Milah (entrance into the Covenant with circumcision) is such an important misswah, that besides the bringing of the Qorban Pesah (Passover lamb or goat kid), it is the only positive commandment which requires kareth (being cut off from Am Yisra'el) as a punishment for not fulfilling it.
Unfortunately, this man, along with his Jewish neighbors, do not have much of a Jewish life; they do not have much of a life.
Thirteen years ago, many of the young Turkish Jews I met in Israel ended up back in Istanbul. Life in Istanbul, with all of its creature comforts and business opportunities were much too attractive to them. American Jews often fall into the same trap, and thus, can relate.
However, the situation in Antalya is much different, much more frightening, that Istanbul of 13 years ago. Nonetheless, these Jews are not imprisoned by a Soviet government, nor are they that far away from Israel.
So, why don't they just pack up and come? Do they not have the financial resources to do so?
What is the local Chabba"d rabbi doing about this? Is he encouraging them to make aliyah?
Where is the Jewish Agency in all this?
Too many details seem to be missing here.
Let us pray that these Jews, as well as Jews all over the world, will be able to find their ways here, no matter what the obstacles, be they internal or external.
In the meantime, I would to issue a challenge to the Jewish Agency, to Nefesh b'Nefesh, and other similar, Jewish organizations to investigate the situation of these Jews in Antalya, and to see what can be done about expediting their aliyah process.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Scandinavians Get What's Comin' To 'Em?
8 of the Tenth Month 5771
So, is Scandinavia getting punished for all of its nastiness against Israel? I don't know, especially in that Norway is the bigger culprit, as they have been major financial supporters of Peace Now, and played host to the evil, and illegal, Oslo Accords.
Nonetheless, Scandinavia is behi9nd quite a bit of "mixing-in" to Israel's affairs, causing problems for us, left and right.
Malmo, on Sweden's southern tip, is already a hotbed of Muslim activity. So, who knows what is in the works for Scandinavia's future.
On the other hand, maybe Swedish Jews are just being warned to get out already.
Only time will tell, but Sweden and Scandinavia, in general, are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
FoxNews.com: FBI Sends 'Small Team' of Investigators to Stockholm
FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said the request by Swedish authorities was made through the U.S. Embassy for assistance in the ongoing probe into suspect Taimour Abdulwahab, a 28-year-old Swedish citizen who had lived in Britain for the past ten years.
Read more: The FBI has sent a "small team of experts" to assist Swedish authorities in the investigation into Saturday's botched suicide bombing in Stockholm, FoxNews.com has learned.
FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said the request by Swedish authorities was made through the U.S. Embassy for assistance in the ongoing probe into suspect Taimour Abdulwahab, a 28-year-old Swedish citizen who had lived in Britain for the past ten years. (Read more...)
So, is Scandinavia getting punished for all of its nastiness against Israel? I don't know, especially in that Norway is the bigger culprit, as they have been major financial supporters of Peace Now, and played host to the evil, and illegal, Oslo Accords.
Nonetheless, Scandinavia is behi9nd quite a bit of "mixing-in" to Israel's affairs, causing problems for us, left and right.
Malmo, on Sweden's southern tip, is already a hotbed of Muslim activity. So, who knows what is in the works for Scandinavia's future.
On the other hand, maybe Swedish Jews are just being warned to get out already.
Only time will tell, but Sweden and Scandinavia, in general, are definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)