"Indian Summer" Israeli/Jewish Blog Roundup

Once upon a time, there was a weekly Israeli/Jewish Blog Roundup called Havel Havelim... And for a shorter time there were monthly  JPIX and the Kosher Cooking Carnival. This was all during the heyday of independent blogging, when people all over the world took advantage of the internet to establish our own brand of journalism.

Our roundups aka "blog carnivals" floated from blog to blog. We took turns, since in those days hosting would bring new readers and fans. And the custom was also for the bloggers included in the roundup/carnival to mention the blog carnival in their own blogs. We were a community.

Mainstream newspapers and magazines noticed the unpaid talent free for the taking and added "blogs" to their internet versions. So, many people, including bloggers, became voluntary op-ed writers for those commercial publications.

Over the years, independent blogging has become less popular, though many people still blog, and blogs are used as inexpensive internet sites for services and advertising.

As you must know, since you're reading this, I do still blog. Actually I blog on two independent blogs, this one and A Jewish Grandmother, and occasionally on the Arutz 7 site. It's also possible that that the Jewish Press sometimes uses my posts in their blog section.

I blog pretty frequently, though not as obsessively, one on each blog daily, as I used to blog. In those days I'd set up articles to be posted on my blogs on days I wasn't to be home. Most bloggers blog no more than once a week or even less frequently.

After this long introduction, I'm going to list the titles (embedded with links of course) of a number of interesting blog posts. A few will be from my own blogs, but the vast majority are from other blogs. Please visit, comment and share. I hope that you enjoy them, find them thought provoking etc. And of course, I'm not responsible for the opinions of others.

Israeli Movie Day - 17/10 - 10 shekel movies!
EU admits violent riots in Gaza, but remains clueless still
A Torah Dedication that was a Disgrace
Trump Should Trash His "Peace Plan"
Parshas Noach: Do you see the man riding upon the donkey?
New "Space-Saving" Graves in Jerusalem
Antisemitic Sentence Examples in Oxford English Dictionary
Chocolate Lovers Truffle Brownies
Something to make me smile – Ethiopian Women Bus Drivers
Pishers' Guide to Jerusalem #30, Speedily Out of Order at New Train Station
Home-brews for the Ramot Forest: Thursday, October 18
Musings as a Frugal Entrepreneur
"Settler Racism"
Interesting Recent Links - Lech Lecha 5779 - Day 1
Art of Revelation: A Visual Encounter with the Jewish Bible, Stunning!

If you have any other Jewish/Israeli blogs to recommend, please tell me in the comments, thanks.

Havel Havelim at Homeshuling, Great Debut!

Homeshuling has joined the jblog carnival host club in hosting her first Havel Havelim.  Since she stuck to the "3 posts per blogger," rather than per blog (or unlimited,) I was curious as to which of my posts she'd include.  I have no idea at all how many I had submitted.  My practice is to send them in after posting if I consider them on a sufficiently suitable HH level.  And, no, I don't send in everything I post.  There are some excellent bloggers who barely post three times a week, so the three posts limit is very generous for them.  Between my two blogs I post a minimum of three times a day, almost never less than that.  Amy chose three very different posts from my blogs for which I thank her sincerely.

This edition of Havel Havelim includes a great variety of posts from the jblog world.  Take a look. 

Just a reminder that the next Kosher Cooking Carnival will soon be hosted by Mirj of Miriyummy.  Please don't forget to send in your kosher food posts, everything about kosher food will be on the KCC menu.

How can I leave out JPIX? Leora is hosting the next edition.  For most of us Chanukah is a very photographed holiday, so be sure to send your posts to JPIX.

Blog Signs In Our Times

There's hardly a thinking person out there who doesn't complain about the media.  Left, Right and Center we all would prefer that the media report things differently, more like the way we think, right?

In today's world anybody can become part of the international media, be instant experts even, quoted, linked and referred to.  For me, that's what blogging is all about.  I wimped out of trying a career as a mainstream journalist.  As a blogger, there are no rejection letters to deal with.  I have my very own public newspapers or magazines.  They are online, on the internet, and they are called "blogs."  I own them, edit them, invite whom I wish to contribute etc.  I just don't get paid in money.

As a blogger, I'm part of a "community" of bloggers, jbloggers, who blog about Jewish subjects and Israel.  I also blog about food, recipes, diet, family and whatever I want.  This isn't my only blog; I me-ander.  As I already wrote, I'm the boss, the Editor in Chief, owner and publisher.

Every week there's a big jblogger event, a floating internet magazine called Havel Havelim.  It "floats" from blog to blog as various jbloggers, weekly hosts, collect links to various posts (articles) and present them in the format of their choice.  This week's HH is hosted by A Time of the Signs.  To encourage one and all to visit a wide variety of blogs, only a summary or title, link-embedded, is listed.  I've used this sort of technique, too, and do prefer it.  To continue on that theme, click for details on how to participate.

Havel Havelim isn't the only jblog carnival.  There's JPIX and the Kosher Cooking Carnival.  Please visit them and learn more.  Promote and participate, too, please. 

Thanks and Shavua Tov
Have a Wonderful Week

JBlogging-- Visually

There's lots more to Jewish Blogging than Torah, Israel and lots of words.  We're blessed by G-d with many senses. 

Please check out the latest JPIX, the JBloggers' photo carnival.

Thanks!

So Much Going On

Jack's 9th Gaza Update opens with this great short movie.



I'm preparing a post about participating in packing "Packages from Home" to our IDF Israeli soldiers. It was thrilling plus. I took a lot of pictures and short movies besides filling dozens of bags, two at a time, with goodies for the guys doing the real work of making Israel safe for all of its citizens.

And last but not least, the very latest JPIX has been posted by Rafi G.

HH #194-- Start the countdown now!

The 194th Havel Havelim
Now, That Sounds Impressive!

The 200th Havel Havelim is getting closer.

Start the countdown now!

Havel Havelim is the most veteran of the jblogger carnivals and probably one of the longest running blog carnivals there is. Blog carnivals are like "floating" internet magazines. They float from blog to blog, like "floating crap games," l'havdil.

Havel Havelim, the international jblog carnival, was established by Soccer Dad, and is now run by Jack. The term “Havel Havelim” is from Kohelet, Ecclesiastes, which was written by King Solomon, who built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other “excesses” and finally realized that it was nothing but norishkeit, “havel” or in English “vanities.” I think that King Solomon and his father King David were the original "bloggers." The books they wrote, when you take them chapter by chapter, can easily be described as blog posts. The stones they used to write on made them last, so that we can read them now. I doubt if today's technology will preserve our words for so long.

This is due out on December 7th; . That's a date with bad vibes. In high school, I had a Social Studies Teacher named Robert Wagner. He used to say: "Think of me as the actor, not the mayor." Apropo to that, let's think of December 7th as in 1963, when videotaped instant replay was used for the first time, and not as in 1941, Pearl Harbour Day.

This has been quite a week. It's hard for many to think of peaceful, laid back India as the focus of Muslim terror. Soccer Dad sent a post by Red Tulips on about spending last Shabbat at a Chabad House in Oxford, England.

Treppenwitz's A tale of two engineers is a gem, a must read.

I agree with Soccer Dad that this picture says it all.

Lady-Light changed her blog plans and wrote Thanksgiving, and Atrocities. You'll agree.

Michael Danby of Australia asks: So Why Kill The Rabbi? A very good question indeed.

Bar Kochba contributes a lovely eulogy, Let it Shine.

Ricki's mom criticizes the critcs in What Beggers belief?!?

Aliyah 06 of Baka writes about Mumbai. And Cosmic X does, too.

Secular Girl tells us why she Observed Shabbat in honour of the victims in Mumbai.

Here is a detailed analysis of Islam terrorism attacks on India by Dr. Richard Benkin.

Leora explains her feelings about the attack in Modulate.

14 million people in Mumbai and they find the Chabad house Good point, Baila.

Seraphic Secrets posts the story of a young woman who had been a frequent guest of the Holtzbergs.

Schvach wishes us a Good Shabbat this week and writes about what happened in Mumbai.

Daled Amos writes that Mumbai Massacre of Chabad House is A Continuing Chain. He also tell us that an Islamist Suicide Bomber is Buried--In Minnesota, unlike the difficult time the Mumbai Muslim cemetery is giving to requests to bury the terrorists there.

The Pillage Idiot is bothered by Aish's Responding to Mumbai.

The Real Shliach provides Guest thoughts about what happened in Mumbai.

Life of Ruben is in Mourning. Hat tip on the video.


Israel
Joel Katz writes about Jerusalem's new Chareidi-less Municipal Coalition and other important religious issues in Israel.

My Right Word shows two pictures of the mountains near Shiloh taken about a hundred years apart.

Another "peace plan," this time by Likud wannabe MK, Yechiel Leiter.

The situation in Hebron probably isn't clear to most of you. For a comprehensive article about the subject, read what Arlene Kushner has to say.

Cosmic X expresses his feelings about the government's expulsion of Jews from the Peace House in Hebron.

Moshe Burt says: Peace House Eviction: “Shame on us, the Public, for Not Raising… to Prevent it.”

How can the kids learn respect when the government treats them as enemies?

Sammy Benoit gives lots of background about the Jewish History in Hebron in his post, Hebron -Purchased Twice-Becomes Occupied Territory AGAIN.

"I Dig Jerusalem" has a totally new meaning nowadays.

Here's a great post from Nadned about local democracy in Israel, Live: Parlor Meeting with a Candidate for Head of Our Regional Council.

There's definitely a drought. Instead of green, it's brown.

Daled Amos writes why Israel must remain heroic.

Read about what frightens Ya'aqov.

Yid with Lid reveals that Obama wants to appoint Daniel Kurzer as his special Mid-East advisor/troubleshooter.

Why don't the world's civil rights activists see the immorality of "transfer" in Olmert's words?

Yid with Lid gives his take on the chances that Olmert will sign a "peace treaty" before leaving office. And he also lets us know that Tony Blair's Message To Obama is--->Pressure Israel.

My husband posts his opinion about what's happening in Hebron.

Ya'aqov reports on some of the anti-Peace House expulsion demonstrations in the Shomron. Some pictures are here.

Torah
Read about Parshat Toldot by Shorty.

NY's Funniest Rabbi also posts about Toldot.

How conversant or knowledgable should women be about Torah learning? Asks Israel Chronicles. One thing she has noticed living in Israel is the surprising Torah knowledge found in just "ordinary" people.

The Rebbetzin's Husband teaches about Reward and Punishment as mentioned in Pirkei Avot

Ilana-Davita finds Toldot an Emotion-Packed Parshah.

Lion of Zion reveals his Leining Nightmares.

Schvach passes on a link for Parshat V'Yetzei.

Judaism
Rahel sent the Jewcy article about the twenty years of the women's prayer group, WOW, Women of the Wall.

The babysitter asks: Does Halacha Change?

The Rebbetzin's Husband gives us good advice, Choose a rabbi you can follow. And if I'm not mistaken, a rabbinic decision is also supposed to suit the abilities of the "asker."

On the Fringe writes of a very dangerous situation in a shul, where women were locked in so they wouldn't leave early. I've never heard anything like this. A few years ago, I was upset to read Rosh Hashannah instructions that said that the women should make sure they finish all the preparations before their husbands return to shul. This is the opposite attitude. I don't like either.

Antisemitism
Simply Jews challenges us to name a country where an act of Muslim terror has occurred which hasn’t somehow tied in with Jews and Israel.

Schvach tells us about an unpleasant experience with antisemitism.

Seraphic Secret is fed up with the euphemisms for "Terrorists." Call a "spade a spade," or as I like to say: "A rose by any other name still has thorns."

Learn about the History of Jews in France from Ilana-Davita, in two parts.

Atlas shruggs reports Jew Hatred in Norway.

History
If you think shul politics is bad today, read Ari's report of Rosh Hashannah violence in Albany over 150 years ago.

Culture
My Shtub loves ribbons and plans ribbon bookmarks for sforim.

Hubscubs tells us the connection between turkey and Thanksgiving.

For something very pretty, look at Carol Feldman's Flowers on Balfour and her gorgeous sketch of Savta Dotty.

Contrary to what some people think, there's a great variety of "off-beat," "underground" cultural activities in Jerusalem. Read about it on Jerusalemite.

Yechezkel posts about Preview to Book II - The Biblical Psychotherapist.

Jerusalemite's Ahuva presents A conversation with Rebel Sun, Coolooloosh frontman - Jerusalem Metro Blog - Jerusalemite.net.

Last week's host, Benji Lovit discovers some surprising cultural differences between Israel and his "old country."

Read about The Jewish Writing Project on West Bank Mama. It seems perfect for us jbloggers.

Personal
"I Never Thought…" by Ricki's Mom. HaMakom y'Nachem…

In the Pink wonders on which number date is the time to reveal and compare "baggage."

A Soldier's Mother reflects on the advantages of having the enemy nearby.

Wheels turn and mothers worry. Doesn't it go with the territory?

For something a little different, try Mottel's Thoughts in Threes.


Humor
Hesh, of Frum Satire fame, has some great kosher game ideas. Single female jbloggers, if you're interested in catching Hesh, don't wear black!

Soccer Dad sent the following question: How do you say "your maximum leader has no chin" in Arabic?" He said that it should be in the "Israel" category, but I'm putting it here. What do you think? Who's right? (I think that the word should be "supreme," not "maximum.")

Jacob da Jew put this in the Humor category, but there are some very serious points in this post about singles becoming marrieds. IMHO, in many cases, couples never would have stood under the chupah together if the female hadn't taken the initiative.

Benji, I know you catagorized this as "Israel," but I'm putting it in "Humor." I hope you don't mind. Actually his post is a combination of "computer tech," not one of the HH catagories, and PR, also not a category. Read the comments, too, please.

Maybe there should be a category, is there?, about olim chadashim, because that's where Benji's attempt at humor in Hebrew should be.

Misc.
Jack, who runs HH, asks a very important question: "What Is The Most Challenging Aspect of Blogging?"

Conversations in Klal brings up a very important point during marriage preparation: Heading off Trouble Before It Starts, because It Really All Adds Up.

And more about marriage, Frum House writes about Shidduch Dating the Second Time Around. The post has some extremely important points.

Refuah Shleimah to Toby, who got out of the sick bed to post Nice to know it's an international thing.
Keli Ata wonders about names.

Hesh, of Frum Satire, just discovered that his youtube account has vanished. It's not funny.

Old friends don't just party; they honor the dead.

Mazal Tov to Isramom!

Look at this interesting juxtaposition Fred posted.

My husband gives an example how not to deal with the press. Frequently, the less said, the better. And here he posts an article from the LA Times.

Mrs. S. sees the Israeli birthing experience as a Return to 34th and Lex. Since I had my first kids in Israel, I've always considered the Israeli way the normal way, but over the years things have changed here. ps I didn't realize that you, too, were a Stern Girl.

Since we're in the Jewish Month of Kislev, you can get ready for Chanukah with this funky rendition of "Dreidel."



And if you don't find that enjoyable, how about Don McClean's Dreidel Song. Hat tip Ben Bresky.



If you think that I left your post out, please let me know, so I can add it. And if you caught some typos, please let me know. Remember that the deadline was Friday, so if you sent it late, it may have gone to the next host.

This appears in the UberCarnival.

And now for a few reminders:
Please send in posts/links for: JPIX, Havel Havelim and the Kosher Cooking Carnival.

If you'd like to host a KCC, please let me know, shilohmuse at yahoo dot com And if you'd like to host a Havel Havelim, contact Jack, talktojacknow@sbcglobal.net. For JPIX, contact jpixcarnival@gmail.com .

If you're tempted to or have already volunteered host a blog carnival, but can't imagine how to do it, read: How to Host a Blog Carnival #1 and How To Host a Blog Carnival #2 They should help. Yes, there are hosts who cheat by relying on Blog Carnival's "InstaCarnival," but that way the host doesn't show any "personality." Please don't tell me that you'd rather see this "bland." And don't forget to please put up a blurb on your blog to encourage your fans to visit Havel Havelim and inform them of the other jblog carnivals. Also pass around the link to everyone, so others will be able to read this.

Thank you!

Shavua Tov U'Mevorach

May You Have A Good and Blessed Week!

PS this is also posted on me-ander.

Coming Attractions

My plans for the upcoming JPIX is to let the pictures do the talking. I will choose one picture from each post submitted and in it embed the link to the post.

Preparations have begun. G-d willing it will work. Here's a taste of what's to come.

Now, please, click the picture, and see where it takes you...




Join the carnival, and send in your links. Submit your articles for JPIX #19 here. Past posts and future hosts can be found on the blog carnival index page. If you would like to host a future edition of JPIX, or blog carnival is "down," email jpixcarnival@gmail.com.

JBlogger F2F Fest

Neighboring Ya'aqov of nearby Tapuach blogged a blog explaining why he's passing up on the chance to f2f at the NBN Jblogging event. There are lots of things that we agree about, but this isn't one of them. Here's the comment I sent:

Ya'aqov, you'll be missed. But it's not a requirement to attend...
Now, I don't do facebook to make friends; I prefer f2f. And I like the idea of f2f-ing with some jbloggers. I'm sure that some will be friendly and some will snub me, but nu, that's not new.
And I also don't agree with everything on the program, but big deal. I'm not paying for it.
Nothing's perfect. Nobody's perfect.
And I guess that if you're not there, I'll probably be the most radical right wing jblogger there. Can I take pride in that? And if you had been coming then I'd just be the most radical right wing female jblogger there. But I'm probably the most radical right wing female jblogger there is. Do you agree with me on that?

I think that Ya'aqov contributes a lot to the world of jblogging, and I fully respect his decision not to attend. His post explaining why is so "Ya'aqov." It's intelligent, well thought out and comes to conclusions that are contrary to the majority.

I trust you'll read his post to find out his reasons.

At the conference, I'll, G-d willing, have sign-up forms for two of the three jblogger carnivals, the Kosher Cooking Carnival and the newly revived, by little frumhouse, JPIX. You may reserve your month in advance, to get the one you want, by contacting us now. KCC is the third week of the month and JPIX is the first. And of course please send in your posts to both carnivals, KCC and JPIX.