Talansky's Teeth

Just when we were so confident that Talansky had gotten his teeth into Olmert, it has been revealed that he's being sued by his 84 year old dentist.

84 year old dentist

Would you feel safe with an 84 year old dentist?

Honestly, there are some very big holes in this story. The dentist claims that they are long-time buddies.

Barashick said he had been a friend of Talansky for 40 years, and they couldn't be "closer," adding that the dentist-patient relationship is the most "intimate" of all.
"In the hours that you have root canals done, you talk to your dentist," said Barashick.

Have you ever had root canal? Or even a regular filling? How much talking can you do when your mouth is clamped open and the dentist has it filled with tools?

Talansky's gifts/loans/? to Olmert are documented, at least according to the leaks to the press. So his alleged violence against the dentist shouldn't really affect the issue.

What's interesting is that the dentist claims that Talansky didn't want to pay, and in the Olmert case, Talansky complains that Olmert was supposed to return "loans."

Does anyone know the present state of Talansky's finances?

Robertson turns up the "heat" on the Jews

Posted by Ellen W. Horowitz

Note of Clarification (June 6th): I spoke to David Nekrutman of the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation in Efrat. David clarified the context of the ruling that Rav Riskin made several years ago regarding the missionary bible that was distributed into everybody's mailbox in Efrat - with the intent of converting Jews to Christianity. The ruling was to burn the entire bible which included both the Hebrew and New Testament Bible. A Bible which is written on a heretical basis is not considered sacred. The correction to the blog below has been made accordingly.
(Thanks to David and Rabbi Riskin for this important clarification)


Yes Virginia, there is anti-Semitism...

You must see this video of Pat Robertson attacking Orthodox Jews and promoting the messianics, and the change in the law of return (which was really not changed).
CBN Report: Turning Up the 'Heat' on Messianic Jews (June 4, 2008)

"Ultra Orthodox Jews in the Israeli town of Yehuda burned new testament bibles belonging to Messianic Jews... It's the latest in a series of incidents - in Israel - against Jesus...excuse me...Jews who believe in Jesus as the messiah."
---Pat Roberston on CBN NEWS

Ok. Pat...

a) the name of the town is Or Yehuda

b) the missionary material did not belong to Messianic Jews. It was given away as a deceptive little "gift". Which means that those who were, unfortunately, in possession of the material were free to dispose of it as they saw fit (see my previous blog on the proper disposal of missionary material)
BTW I met with Rabbi Riskin last week (it was a good meeting), and he mentioned that several years ago the residents of Efrat received missionary bibles in the mail - as part of a campaign to convert Jews - and he poskened that people should burn them ( the missionary materials, not the missionaries).

c) that little freudian slip about "a series of incidents - in Israel - against Jesus", is telling (should have edited it out, don't you think?)

d) Note: Victor Kalisher, who is interviewed, is not a Jew as he claims. He is a practicing Christian and prints missionary materials.

e) Although the report fingers the Orthodox community for the pre-Purim attack, no suspects have been detained and no arrests have been made, but there was a fatwa out on Ortiz, and The Al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombing according to the Bethlehem-based Maan news agency.

Pat Robertson is the founder of the the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). He received a special Zionist award from Benny Elon in 2004 for having "saved Israel's tourism from bankruptcy."

At the 2004 ICEJ sponsored Feast of the Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Robertson gave the cause of Messianic Judaism a big boost :
Jews need to begin to cry out for their Messiah, he said. "I've met wonderful Jews... here in Jerusalem, who are all saying 'Yes, Jesus you are our Messiah,'"

Pat Robertson's main man, Jay Sekulow, is the Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and a "Jew for Jesus" turned "messianic" who feels strongly about freedom of religion in Israel.

And CBN's President Michael Little sits on the Executive Board of CUFI (Christians United for Israel). I think Pastor Hagee would be far more successful in ridding the church of anti-Semitism, if he started in his own backyard. His publisher and CUFI regional director Stephen Strang is a signatory on the recent widely publicized World Evangelical Alliance statement endorsing efforts to evangelize the Jews (a full page ad appeared in the New York Times and other major papers).

From All Over To Tel Shiloh!

Yesterday we went to Tel Shiloh. We were women from Rechovot, the Golan, Jerusalem, Eli and Shiloh. We were born in Israel, Europe, North and South America.

Since it was Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the first day of the Jewish Month, we said the Hallel Prayer together and then each of us prayed privately, overlooking where Biblical Chana poured out her heart to G-d. The Jewish Laws of Prayer are derived from how Chana prayed, moving her lips but silently.

Chana prayed for a son who would be dedicated to G-d, trained to lead the Jewish People. We, too, pray for a leader.

Our country, today, is in need of wisdom, leadership to take us out of our dangerous situation.

There will be another Women's Rosh Chodesh at Tel Shiloh for Tammuz, in another month. Details to follow.

You don't have to wait for a special time. Shiloh is open and available for visitors, tourists, pilgrims etc. The Tel is open for visitors, prayers and special events at all times. For more information, call the Tourist Office of Tel Shiloh, 02-994-4019.

There is now, also, a Coffee Shop--Gallery. Snacks, art work and souvenirs are for sale. Meals for groups can be arranged.

Jerusalem Day Mobs

While I was waiting in Pisgat Zeev for the bus,

I saw kids walking back.

Kikar Tzahal,

the square between the Jerusalem Municipality and the Old City,

the former border,

still pock-marked from Arab bullets,

was full of flag-waving kids.

I made my way to the Old City and Ir David.

I don't know who/what planned it,

but the teens were separated, boys from girls.

I was in a rush, so I didn't have time to photograph faces.

At least many had flags draped as if they were "tallesim."

Actually, I believe that the flag was designed to resemble a "Tallit."

Not just teens were there.

Look Who's Re-Writing History!

Last night as we were entering Ir David for the Moskowitz Oz Tzion Zionism Ceremony, near Jerusalem's Old City Walls, we saw a demonstration across the street. It was one of those No Civil Rights For Jews Human Rights Groups.

Why are they only concerned with Arab rights and ignore Jewish Human/Civil Rights and Jewish History?

Actually, I agreed with one of their signs:

Yes, to Archeology

No, to Re-Writing History

The only difference is that I consider their approach blatant and perverse re-writing of history!

Real Life in Netivot by Esther Revivo

Life is made up of cycles, whether it be the seasons of the year, or less pleasant things. Take today, erev Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, when we reunited the city. Before 1967, the Jordanians refused entry to anyone but Muslims, unlike our government which welcomes and respects visitors of all faiths.

ANYWAY..... Last year, our Ulpana (school) bussed our Sederot pupils to our school's evening celebration. Ten minutes before the girls boarded the bus, (they were milling about around the area, about 15 meters away,) the siren 'color red' sounded. The hysterical girls did what they had been taught NOT to do. Instead of running to to crouch by the nearest building, they all ran onto the bus screaming and lay down. The kassam landed EXACTLY where they had been standing seconds before!!

On the way home after the program, once again the dreaded siren went off. The already traumatized girls had to get off the bus and stood near the wall next to the town's swimming pool into which another Kassam landed, just meters away. Thankfully the cement wall they stood behind shielded them from shrapnel. Needless to say, these girls' fathers all said the 'Ha'gomel' prayer (that one says when his life is saved) the following Shabbat at Shul.


Today, exactly one year later, these girls had a miserable morning. For, our Sederot pupils have seen until now, the 5-8 school hours spent at Ulpanat Tzvia Sedot Negev where I teach as a break from the tension filled hours they know at home. At about 8.30 during morning prayers, I was with my 8th graders, half of whom live in Sederot proper. The sirens in Netivot went off as they did last Shabbat. ALL the pupils were hysterical, but the girls from Sederot more than others. It broke my heart.

We all crouched down under the tables, and I was yelling out a perek of Tehillim (Psalms.) In the end, one rocket landed in Netivot and the other (for the first time,) landed in Moshav Ma'agalim. These rockets are steadily creeping to the south towards Beer Sheva. It took a long time for the girls to calm down, as this was a sad milestone. The end of safety during at least part of their day to day lives.

Esther Revivo
Ulpanat Tzvia
Sedot Negev
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NOW.... for those who have been extremely unsympathetic with my situation here in Netivot.
"MOVE!" I have been told quite unsympathetically.(In other words, shut up! Who told you to go live in Israel? You asked for it!!) Well, move to where? The entire northern section of Israel is within distance of the newly equipped Hizballa. By the way, did you know that in the Golan, such as at Gamla (Do a google search please!) when you dig into the ground, you find coins from over a thousand years ago with the word Jerusalem engraved on them? The entire Golan has revealed countless synagogues and Jewish settlements from post-Biblical times.

So, that's out. What about the center of Israel? Well, that entire area has for decades been a disaster area as far as bombs on buses, discos (not that yours truly goes to any,) shopping malls; and simply on the street are concerned. So, what do you suggest? Leave Israel? THIS is my home!!!!

Some of you probably agree with Mr. Olmert that of course we must give up more land for peace. Well, the "PEACE" yours truly now enjoys in her home and workplace is a result of the Gaza pull-out. If and When there is a sane entitiy which truly seeks peace, then and only then should Israel consider giving up any more land. And I for one am against that.

Why? Because I don't trust any of them. Whether it be Fatah, Hizballa, the El Axa Brigades or Chamas (did you know that the USA helped found Chamas as an effort to "get on Arafat's case," and break his monopoly years ago?) they are all the same: they want the entire country which is now called Israel (there has NEVER been a Palestinian people--- read up on it please; enough reading on the Obama/ Clinton/ McCain morass!!!! )

I am not afraid for my safety. I firmly believe that we all live in the palm of G-d's hand, so to speak. Should He wish to take anyone "upstairs," He does so. Abroad, by means of car accidents, illnesses, or maniacs that have assault rifles. Here, he does so occasionally through terror attacks. Was I uptight today? Yes, because I was responsible for over 35 hysterical teenagers. But just as I was not afraid to visit my friends that lived in the Gaza Strip settlements, I am not afraid to live where I do. THIS is my home and here I will stay. I will NOT conveniently jump into the Sea and give them the keys!

Praying for saner days-Esther Revivo

The Best of Zionism!

Whoever says that Zionism is "dead" and we're in the era of "Post Zionism" is wrong, totally and utterly wrong!

Last night, in Ir David, the City of David, near the Walls of Jerusalem, we attended the Moskowitz- Zionism Prize Giving Ceremony.

A few months ago, notices appeared in the media requesting nominations for those deserving to be awarded for their Zionist contributions. Within a very short time, hundreds and hundreds of nominations were sent in. Three winners were chosen.
They are:

Rabbi David Fendel, head of the Hesder yeshiva in Sderot, "for the values of community involvement and commitment to the nation and the Land that Rabbi Fendel has instilled in hundreds of his students; for his yeshiva serving as a source of strength for all of Sderot's residents especially in these most troubling of times; for his actions, which make him a role model and Zionism leader."
Mr. Moshe 'Moshko' Moshkowitz, visionary and builder of Gush Etzion communities, "for over sixty years of activity and dedication in the areas of education and settlement; for his personal role in the establishment of communities and educational institutions throughout Israel, and particularly for his central role in establishing and making the communities of Gush Etzion prosper."
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Ran Pecker-Ronen, a highly decorated former Israel Air Force pilot and founder of the 'Tzahala' project, "for epitomizing bravery, self-sacrifice and leadership, for his outstanding approach to the educational and societal challenges facing Zionism today, and for his successful project "Tzahala", based on the volunteerism of former army officers at the forefront of social involvement with Israel's youth."

It was a well-produced, thrilling ceremony, which included popular Israeli singer, Shlomo Gronich. I didn't enjoy some of his songs, which were about "Peace."

The Moskowitz Prize for Zionism was established by Dr. Irving and Cherna Moskowitz in recognition of the people who put Zionism into action in today's Israeli society – at times risking their own personal security, placing the collective before personal needs, and doing what it takes to ensure a strong, secure Jewish homeland.

Marching Memories

Leora has posted some great pictures from yesterday's Salute to Israel Parade. It brings back memories. I marched at the first and all those until and including 1970. Then we visited NY in 1977, just in time to march again.

This is from 1968. I was dancing/marching with NCSY. The Jewish Agency loved the picture so much, they used it in the following year's ad.

Obama, Aging, Maturing or Just Posing?

hat tip ajg

Even Obama's greatest fans can't deny that he's younger and less experienced than Hillary and McCain. This campaign has really been putting him through the ringer.

Obama has even had to quit his church and spout nasty things about his spiritual mentor. It was his membership in that church which he used to prove that he's a Christian, not a Muslim.

Considering that his wife, Michelle, has admitted a lack of pride in being American, this latest affront to their lives should be especially painful. Well, he is campaigning for "change." I highly doubt that these are the changes he was hoping for.

Hillary, of course, doesn't have to pose to show that she's no youngster. She looks tough and experienced. She's glowing and not willing to do the "proper thing" and quit before the campaign for the Democratic nomination is over. The Democratic Party is split, and she just won another victory.

This is the "dress rehearsal" for the actual fight, and it's not over 'till it's over. And even if Hillary doesn't win, she should be credited with toughening up Obama to give him a fighting chance against McCain.

McCain is the toughest and oldest of the candidates. At this point his nomination is as guaranteed as anything can be, though we must never forget John Lennon's famous words:

"Life is what happens to you
While you're busy making other plans."

Jerusalem Day?

This year Jerusalem Day feels different, sort of empty. I think making it a holiday was a mistake. It was established after the great, miraculous victory of the Six Days War.

Why a mistake?

Because it established a ranking, a division of importance between the Old Walled City of Jerusalem and all of the other Holy Land we liberated as the result of that war, that war which the Arabs planned as a means to destroy us, throw us into the sea. That's a critical, tragic, potentially fatal mistake; and I wrote that in present tense for a reason.

Today we're suffering for that mistake. Only the liberation of the Kotel area is celebrated, not the liberation of Hebron, Shiloh, Bethlehem, the Jordan Valley and Shechem. All the government wanted, at most, was the Kotel and enough of the Old City to give Jews access. That's why they are so confident that there's nothing wrong in offering our enemies our Land. The Zionist establishment never really wanted it. When perfectly healthy quadruplets are born to parents who wanted "just one," do they give the "extra three" to an orphanage?

I'm willing to celebrate a SIX DAYS WAR VICTORY DAY, but not Jerusalem Day.

I'm willing to celebrate our survival. An old friend whose son was murdered in a terror attack considers her children and grandchildren, ken yirbu--may there be many more, her revenge. This picture says it:

thanks to a.b.e

And this picture shows something special I saw recently in Jerusalem's Bus station, a Holy vending machine selling religious books.

Sounds Like The Olde Time "Stevie Wonder"

Way back in the mid-1960's, we were wowed by stories of a young rabbi, who grew up just about a mile away from my childhood home. He was already a legend, having convinced his first rabbinic congregation to get off its "conservadox" fence and go all the way to Torah Judaism. Everyone referred to him as "Stevie Wonder."

Over the decades, even though he had left his then enormously successful rabbinic post, taking along many congregants and followers to Israel, I became disenchanted by his strict adherence to certain Left-wing ideologies and fence-sitting.

I was beyond words, furious, that as the monstrous Disengagement approached, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin hadn't opposed it fully, without apologies. Then when I was waiting to speak at an anti-Disengagement Rally, in Times Square, NYC, I was shocked to hear him announced as a featured speaker.

• I wish I could write that since then he has taken a leadrship role in our struggle to settle, hold on to our precious Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel.
• I wish I could write that he has used his great leadership powers and talents in the political sphere to give us an alternative to the tired, selfish and corrupt politicians.

Just here and there, we hear a spark of "seichel," intelligence, common sense, from him. This Friday's column in the Jerusalem Post is one of those. Here are some excerpts:

I am ashamed of a government whose prime minister, former president, former finance minister, former government ministers of health and internal security - among others - have charges of moral turpitude hovering over their heads, making a bitter truth of Natan Sharansky's quip that the difference between him and other Israeli ministers of state is that he was imprisoned before he joined the government. I am ashamed of a Chief Rabbinate which can summarily nullify the conversions of thousands of Israelis (even though they were performed by a court of Torah scholars) with crass indifference to the lives they are destroying, and disregarding the manifold biblical directives of how we are to love the proselyte. I am ashamed of the religious court judges who, in the name of the "purity" of Israel, are impervious of the cries of abused women, captives to husbands who either refuse to grant a get or demand a high ransom for them. I am ashamed of a politically controlled, coalition-driven system of religious court judges who disregard the compassion of the Talmud and have made our divinely given and just laws a cruel laughingstock for Jews and gentiles alike. I am ashamed that our political and religious leaders answer to a party rather than a constituency, that many of our politicians are motivated by profits rather than prophets, and many religious court judges seek grace in the eyes of those to their Right rather than in the eyes of the One above.

Most of all, I am ashamed that these "leaders" are not ashamed, and that, in a presumed democracy, individuals in high office hold onto their seats despite many opinion polls crying for their resignation.

I must say that I am ashamed that a man of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin's great potential hasn't been the leader we're praying for.

That means that G-d willing there is someone else who will lead us, and I pray that we will hear his voice and begin the process to Geula shleimah, complete Redemption.

Shavua Tov U'Mevorach

May you have a good and blessed week.