The Arabs don't want peace with Israel. They want to be without Israel. And when that's the case, there's nothing to negotiate. No matter what we "reluctantly" agree to, no matter what promises, urgings etc from international mediators, there's no way that there will or can be peace with people who want us dead and gone. Each concession we make just brings more and more dangerous demands.
These negotiations, direct, indirect,m proximity etc are like cancers. And we all know that cancers must be destroyed.
These negotiations must be stopped! Our very survival is at stake.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
G-d Shakes Up Washington DC
This morning's headlines tell of an earthquake in the Washington DC area, yes, the United States's Capital City. Hmm... can that be a message?
The east coast of the United States generally thinks itself immune to such natural disasters.
G-d likes to give us a chance to repent, so we shouldn't scoff at the relatively low magnitude of the earthquake. It may be barely noticed in California, but for the Washington DC area it's major. G-d customizes for each of us.
On the Jewish Calendar we're in the deepest days of mourning for our Holy Temple and Jewish Unity. Next month is Ellul, the month of repentance before our New Year, Rosh Hashannah, and Yom Kippur when we beg G-d to forgive us.
The United States Government, led by its President Barack Hussein Obama is the least sympathetic to the State of Israel and the Jewish People since Jimmy Carter. G-d's trying to shake us up a bit. Let's all listen and not dull the sensations with Prozac and Nobel Peace Prizes.
Shabbat Shalom from my temporary blogging spot in the USA...
The east coast of the United States generally thinks itself immune to such natural disasters.
G-d likes to give us a chance to repent, so we shouldn't scoff at the relatively low magnitude of the earthquake. It may be barely noticed in California, but for the Washington DC area it's major. G-d customizes for each of us.
On the Jewish Calendar we're in the deepest days of mourning for our Holy Temple and Jewish Unity. Next month is Ellul, the month of repentance before our New Year, Rosh Hashannah, and Yom Kippur when we beg G-d to forgive us.
The United States Government, led by its President Barack Hussein Obama is the least sympathetic to the State of Israel and the Jewish People since Jimmy Carter. G-d's trying to shake us up a bit. Let's all listen and not dull the sensations with Prozac and Nobel Peace Prizes.
Shabbat Shalom from my temporary blogging spot in the USA...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Winner Takes All, Losers Be Damned
Jameel at the Muqata has an interesting post about Israeli democracy. I sent a short comment:
Quite often there's abuse at the workplace, because the boss is considered a god-like king. "If you don't like it, leave."
When Yitzchak Rabin was elected Prime Minister, he made it clear that he considered himself Prime Minister to those who supported him. His followers made it clear that those who opposed his policies were thereby disloyal to the State of Israel. That's the mentality, culture here in Israel. It gets very frightening.
We're now in the "Nine Days" when we mourn the destruction of our Holy Temple in Jerusalem which happened in ancient times. Many of us also mourn the implementation of Disengagement which has many of the same dates though thousands of years later.
During the time leading up to Disengagement, its supporters insisted that the fact that it was passed in the Knesset gave it a "holiness" and refused to debate the moral pros and cons. To them the highest morality was that it was government policy, passed by law. The laws from the politicians in the Knesset mean/meant more to them than the laws G-d gave us.
The same people who have been lobbying for the children of illegal foreign workers to stay here, because it would be too traumatic to send them away from their birth places, the homes they know and schools they know etc even though their parents were breaking Israeli law for years, had absolutely no problem dragging Israeli citizens of all ages from their legal homes. They see/saw no contridiction, no moral dilemma in retroactively declaring legally bought and built Jewish homes illegal.
Chazal, our sages say that the great sin which caused the destruction of the Holy Temple was the dispicable behavior between Jews. We haven't learned the lesson yet.
There's something very dangerous in the "winner takes all" philosophy/mentality here in Israel. It's like the american electoral college. The majority rules by totally overriding the minority even if it's just a 51% to 49% vote.The winner or boss as dictator.
Quite often there's abuse at the workplace, because the boss is considered a god-like king. "If you don't like it, leave."
When Yitzchak Rabin was elected Prime Minister, he made it clear that he considered himself Prime Minister to those who supported him. His followers made it clear that those who opposed his policies were thereby disloyal to the State of Israel. That's the mentality, culture here in Israel. It gets very frightening.
We're now in the "Nine Days" when we mourn the destruction of our Holy Temple in Jerusalem which happened in ancient times. Many of us also mourn the implementation of Disengagement which has many of the same dates though thousands of years later.
During the time leading up to Disengagement, its supporters insisted that the fact that it was passed in the Knesset gave it a "holiness" and refused to debate the moral pros and cons. To them the highest morality was that it was government policy, passed by law. The laws from the politicians in the Knesset mean/meant more to them than the laws G-d gave us.
The same people who have been lobbying for the children of illegal foreign workers to stay here, because it would be too traumatic to send them away from their birth places, the homes they know and schools they know etc even though their parents were breaking Israeli law for years, had absolutely no problem dragging Israeli citizens of all ages from their legal homes. They see/saw no contridiction, no moral dilemma in retroactively declaring legally bought and built Jewish homes illegal.
Chazal, our sages say that the great sin which caused the destruction of the Holy Temple was the dispicable behavior between Jews. We haven't learned the lesson yet.
Events Commemorating Five Years Since Disengagement
AFSI Americans for a safe Israel
Tel: 212-828-2424; Fax: 212-828-1717; afsi@rcn.com ; www.afsi.org
Contact: Helen Freedman, Executive Director
Please see the updated list of events scheduled to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the expulsion from Gush Katif.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY AND ALL – FREE ADMISSION:
Brooklyn, New York -Sunday morning, July 18, 10 AM – Rubin Margules, Pres. Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, 60 West End Avenue, will be leading the commemorative event. It will include a presentation by Dror Vanunu, along with professional films about Gush Katif before and after the expulsion. Contact: 718-891-8700
New York City- Sunday, July 18, at 7 P.M., Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 W. 95th Street (off Amsterdam Ave.), a community-wide event will take place with Rabbi Allen Schwartz, spiritual leader of OZ, Dror Vanunu, International Liaison for Gush Katif, and films depicting life before and after the expulsion. Contact: Helen Freedman: 212-828-2424
Los Angeles - Sunday, July 18, 7 PM: Shaarey Zedek Congregation, 12800 Chandler, Blvd., Valley Village. There will be a screening of the documentary: “Withdrawal from Gaza,” presented by Joel Blasberg, director and co-producer of the film. Contact: Bonnie Kurnick - 818-769-0200
Chicago- Thursday, July 22, 7 P.M., Congregation KINS of West Rogers Park, 2800 W. North Shore Ave. Dror Vanunu will be the featured speaker, along with films depicting life before and after the expulsion. Contact: Cheryl Jacobs Lewin – 312-654-9955
Teaneck, New Jersey- July 23, 24 –, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Rabbi Steven Pruzansky will be hosting Dror Vanunu for Shabbat. Various events are planned for the weekend.
Miami- Sunday, July 25, 8:30 P.M., “K Space” – 170th & Collins Avenue – Films and speakers – Closed, members only event
In addition, many synagogues throughout the country are showing Gush Katif films during the day of Tisha B’Av. It is not too late to order your film. Contact: AFSI – 212-828-2424; afsi@rcn.com
Other events are planned in July, August, and into October, 2010 commemorating the expulsion. Donations are gratefully accepted. Send checks to: Friends of Gush Katif, POB 1184, Teaneck, NJ 07666 or by credit card through the secure website: www.gushkatif.org
Tel: 212-828-2424; Fax: 212-828-1717; afsi@rcn.com ; www.afsi.org
Contact: Helen Freedman, Executive Director
Please see the updated list of events scheduled to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the expulsion from Gush Katif.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY AND ALL – FREE ADMISSION:
Brooklyn, New York -Sunday morning, July 18, 10 AM – Rubin Margules, Pres. Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, 60 West End Avenue, will be leading the commemorative event. It will include a presentation by Dror Vanunu, along with professional films about Gush Katif before and after the expulsion. Contact: 718-891-8700
New York City- Sunday, July 18, at 7 P.M., Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 W. 95th Street (off Amsterdam Ave.), a community-wide event will take place with Rabbi Allen Schwartz, spiritual leader of OZ, Dror Vanunu, International Liaison for Gush Katif, and films depicting life before and after the expulsion. Contact: Helen Freedman: 212-828-2424
Los Angeles - Sunday, July 18, 7 PM: Shaarey Zedek Congregation, 12800 Chandler, Blvd., Valley Village. There will be a screening of the documentary: “Withdrawal from Gaza,” presented by Joel Blasberg, director and co-producer of the film. Contact: Bonnie Kurnick - 818-769-0200
Chicago- Thursday, July 22, 7 P.M., Congregation KINS of West Rogers Park, 2800 W. North Shore Ave. Dror Vanunu will be the featured speaker, along with films depicting life before and after the expulsion. Contact: Cheryl Jacobs Lewin – 312-654-9955
Teaneck, New Jersey- July 23, 24 –, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Rabbi Steven Pruzansky will be hosting Dror Vanunu for Shabbat. Various events are planned for the weekend.
Miami- Sunday, July 25, 8:30 P.M., “K Space” – 170th & Collins Avenue – Films and speakers – Closed, members only event
In addition, many synagogues throughout the country are showing Gush Katif films during the day of Tisha B’Av. It is not too late to order your film. Contact: AFSI – 212-828-2424; afsi@rcn.com
Other events are planned in July, August, and into October, 2010 commemorating the expulsion. Donations are gratefully accepted. Send checks to: Friends of Gush Katif, POB 1184, Teaneck, NJ 07666 or by credit card through the secure website: www.gushkatif.org
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
On The Other Side of The Gaza Fence
Another of those subjective, innacurate articles for the New York Times about Gaza. The world is brainwashed thinking that the Arabs in Gaza are so poor and suffering.
Nobody cared when innocent peaceful Jewish Israelis were forced from their homes, buisinesses, schools, communities in the name of Disengagement.
Disengagement was a unilateral, meaning that Israel got nothing positive for it, decision that wrecked havoc with the lives of countless thousands of law-abiding Jewish Israelis. It further endangered the Israeli south, including cities like Ashkelon and Netivot.
It is now five years since Disengagement, and even the Israeli public has been shockingly apathetic. That's the most frightening lesson of all.
Nobody cared when innocent peaceful Jewish Israelis were forced from their homes, buisinesses, schools, communities in the name of Disengagement.
Disengagement was a unilateral, meaning that Israel got nothing positive for it, decision that wrecked havoc with the lives of countless thousands of law-abiding Jewish Israelis. It further endangered the Israeli south, including cities like Ashkelon and Netivot.
It is now five years since Disengagement, and even the Israeli public has been shockingly apathetic. That's the most frightening lesson of all.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
"Pro-Israel," Are Labels Enough?
There's news of a new "pro-Israel" group in the states, Emergency Committee for Israel. Some people wonder if there aren't too many already, and others like myself consider most criminally misleading advertising.
During the Arizona part of my United States visit, I'm totally removed from current events, Israel's defense and politics. It's a stark reminder that aside from all the headlines in the press, your average American hasn't a clue and doesn't care about what happens in Israel. If they hear a two second clip on the news in between gossip about Mel Gibson abusing his lover and how much money some athlete has been promised for basketball, it's a lot. They care more about Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh than the real historical Shiloh in the Holy Land, where all the Bible stories and history happened. The magic in Harry Potter means more to most than actual religions. Most Jewish kids know more of that pretend religion than of Judaism. So who are these varied Jewish and Israel lobby groups?
Most are like "kosher style Jewish food," a Passover Seder in a traif (non-kosher) restaurant. Is this new group going to be any better?
During the Arizona part of my United States visit, I'm totally removed from current events, Israel's defense and politics. It's a stark reminder that aside from all the headlines in the press, your average American hasn't a clue and doesn't care about what happens in Israel. If they hear a two second clip on the news in between gossip about Mel Gibson abusing his lover and how much money some athlete has been promised for basketball, it's a lot. They care more about Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh than the real historical Shiloh in the Holy Land, where all the Bible stories and history happened. The magic in Harry Potter means more to most than actual religions. Most Jewish kids know more of that pretend religion than of Judaism. So who are these varied Jewish and Israel lobby groups?
Most are like "kosher style Jewish food," a Passover Seder in a traif (non-kosher) restaurant. Is this new group going to be any better?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Yearning
Just a quick post from me in AZ.
I hope you're enjoying the wonerful posts my guests have been posting here. Maybe I should go away more often. They're invited to post more frequently.
I've been busy on a major Kibbud av v'em project, (honoring one's father and mother.) Last fall, I took my father to Shiloh on aliyah. The plan was for my mother to join him a few months later in Israel. What can I say other than, planning is easy, but following the plan is a different story. My mother decided to move to my sister's area in Arizona.
Now, by taking care of and observing my father all these months (read more here and in me-ander of this saga) I've learned something about the Jewish yearning for Jerusalem to be rebuilt and the Bait HaMikdash, Holy Temple.
When he first came to Shiloh he was confident that my mother would soon join him "in Yerushalayim." Then slowly, he began to deteriorate. He became weaker, less walking, less communicating. He was shutting down. It's like our mourning customs for the Beit HaMikdash versus for death. With time my father got worse, but the Jewish customs for death go in the opposite direction, getting lighter. Because my father knew that my mother was alive he suffered more.
When we mourn the Jerusalem of Old, our mourning gets more intense, because we know that we can have it again.
Yesterday I brought my father to my mother. The last few days before we flew to Arizona he perked up, becoming more alive, active than he had been for months. He was totally joyful to be reunited with the woman he has loved for seventy years, since he first saw her.
May we, the Jewish People be reunited in a rebuilt Jerusalem, bimhaira b'yamainu, speedily in our days.
I hope you're enjoying the wonerful posts my guests have been posting here. Maybe I should go away more often. They're invited to post more frequently.
I've been busy on a major Kibbud av v'em project, (honoring one's father and mother.) Last fall, I took my father to Shiloh on aliyah. The plan was for my mother to join him a few months later in Israel. What can I say other than, planning is easy, but following the plan is a different story. My mother decided to move to my sister's area in Arizona.
Now, by taking care of and observing my father all these months (read more here and in me-ander of this saga) I've learned something about the Jewish yearning for Jerusalem to be rebuilt and the Bait HaMikdash, Holy Temple.
When he first came to Shiloh he was confident that my mother would soon join him "in Yerushalayim." Then slowly, he began to deteriorate. He became weaker, less walking, less communicating. He was shutting down. It's like our mourning customs for the Beit HaMikdash versus for death. With time my father got worse, but the Jewish customs for death go in the opposite direction, getting lighter. Because my father knew that my mother was alive he suffered more.
When we mourn the Jerusalem of Old, our mourning gets more intense, because we know that we can have it again.
Yesterday I brought my father to my mother. The last few days before we flew to Arizona he perked up, becoming more alive, active than he had been for months. He was totally joyful to be reunited with the woman he has loved for seventy years, since he first saw her.
May we, the Jewish People be reunited in a rebuilt Jerusalem, bimhaira b'yamainu, speedily in our days.
The 9 days: Page 2
Welcome to Page 2. If you missed Page 1, scroll down.
We concluded Page 1 with:
Let us look first at the reasons that are shared by the Sages of Israel that G-D's House was destroyed not once, but twice.
One learns that the House that King Soloman built was destroyed because the Nation of Israel turned away from the laws that G-D gave regarding proper behavior in the area dealing with physical relations, intimate relations.
The House that Cyrus and Herod built was destroyed because of baseless hatred among the Children of Israel.
Let us think about both of these reasons.
Page 2:
What is interesting to note, is; the United States has seen a crumbling of moral standards along with its foundation of religious freedom. July 4, 1776, Independence Day coincided with 17th of Jewish Lunar month of Tammuz, the same day that the 3 weeks begins on. That day is a day of Fasting and introspection because that was the day the walls surrounding Jerusalem were breached.
The USA has lead the world in the blending or bending of the lines between what is proper/normal behavior. The women's movements, burn the bra movements, gay movements have all grown up in the petri dish of freedom that the USA has allowed. Many of these movements were spearheaded by those of Jewish birth.
We have seen a large number of cases of child sexual abuse, while it is a tragedy that has happened for a millennium or two, the freedoms of the USA has nurtured this tragedy which has implicated the clergy of many different religions.
So the USA is currently the embodiment of this breakdown of moral/intimate standards.
Ancient Egypt, from which only 20% of the Children of Israel were redeemed also was a cesspool of moral lacking. The 10th plague, the slaying of the first born son was a very scary decree, since there was so much promiscuity that often the husband was not the father or rather, the father was often not the husband.
Now lets turn to this idea of baseless hatred. This came out in the form of noticing differences between each other and focusing on the similarities.
As I said by way of introduction, I am a LISTER. A number of my lists have shared with me and their other readers the 'Halachot' Laws of the 3 weeks and the 9 Days. They have let me know what is restricted, what is forbidden, what Jews from European background do, and what Jew from Oriental/Eastern background do.
Some of my lists have posted specials for the 9 Days (when most don't eat meat or drink wine), some of my lists posted queries about get away resorts/retreats.
So, here is my challenge: what do either the Halachot or 9 day specials or vacations have to do with the destruction of G-D's House(s)
Stay tuned for page 3. In the mean time, please post comments here and share directly with me at: hillel.leib@gmail.com
We concluded Page 1 with:
Let us look first at the reasons that are shared by the Sages of Israel that G-D's House was destroyed not once, but twice.
One learns that the House that King Soloman built was destroyed because the Nation of Israel turned away from the laws that G-D gave regarding proper behavior in the area dealing with physical relations, intimate relations.
The House that Cyrus and Herod built was destroyed because of baseless hatred among the Children of Israel.
Let us think about both of these reasons.
Page 2:
What is interesting to note, is; the United States has seen a crumbling of moral standards along with its foundation of religious freedom. July 4, 1776, Independence Day coincided with 17th of Jewish Lunar month of Tammuz, the same day that the 3 weeks begins on. That day is a day of Fasting and introspection because that was the day the walls surrounding Jerusalem were breached.
The USA has lead the world in the blending or bending of the lines between what is proper/normal behavior. The women's movements, burn the bra movements, gay movements have all grown up in the petri dish of freedom that the USA has allowed. Many of these movements were spearheaded by those of Jewish birth.
We have seen a large number of cases of child sexual abuse, while it is a tragedy that has happened for a millennium or two, the freedoms of the USA has nurtured this tragedy which has implicated the clergy of many different religions.
So the USA is currently the embodiment of this breakdown of moral/intimate standards.
Ancient Egypt, from which only 20% of the Children of Israel were redeemed also was a cesspool of moral lacking. The 10th plague, the slaying of the first born son was a very scary decree, since there was so much promiscuity that often the husband was not the father or rather, the father was often not the husband.
Now lets turn to this idea of baseless hatred. This came out in the form of noticing differences between each other and focusing on the similarities.
As I said by way of introduction, I am a LISTER. A number of my lists have shared with me and their other readers the 'Halachot' Laws of the 3 weeks and the 9 Days. They have let me know what is restricted, what is forbidden, what Jews from European background do, and what Jew from Oriental/Eastern background do.
Some of my lists have posted specials for the 9 Days (when most don't eat meat or drink wine), some of my lists posted queries about get away resorts/retreats.
So, here is my challenge: what do either the Halachot or 9 day specials or vacations have to do with the destruction of G-D's House(s)
Stay tuned for page 3. In the mean time, please post comments here and share directly with me at: hillel.leib@gmail.com
The 9 Days: Page 1
Shalom,
My name is Hillel Levin. I am a neighbor of Batya's here in Shiloh. Batya is taking her father, Sidney to to his new home in Arizona. If you would like to read about my parting with Sidney, check out Batya's other blog: ShilohMuse.
By way of introduction, I am a LISTER. What I mean is that I am a member of and post on over 200 Yahoo/Google Groups for Jewish Communities, Israel Action, Jewish and Zionist Groups on 6 continents.
I post for the various chessed (loving kindness) projects that I am involved in. I also receive digests from on average 100 groups per day. I admit that I do not succeed in reading them all, but I do read a broad cross-section.
Before we made Aliyah the fall of 2006, I focused in on my Tafkid, Mission in Life, that is to connect with my brothers and sisters worldwide.
I guess that one of the benefits of having the Hyper-Focus of Adult ADD is my ability to have so much stimuli coming at me all the time.
Anyway, to get to my post about The 9 Days:
This is the nine day period, from Rosh Chodesh Av until the 9th of Av. The first of the Jewish Lunar month of Av through the 9th day of Av. Today is Rosh Chodesh Av, it is in the middle of the period referred to as the 3 weeks. A period of remember-ation of the destruction of the walls of Jerusalem through the destruction of G-D's House (the Temple) on the Temple Mount.
Now G-D's House was destroyed twice. The first was the House that King Soloman Built, about 3000 years ago and it stood for about 1000 years and the second, which construction was started by Cyrus, Queen Esther's son and later re-fitted by King Herod, which was destroyed in the year 70 of the Common Era.
Two interesting things to note:
First, both of G-D's Houses were built ling before the prophet Muhammad was even a glimmer in his grandfathers' eyes. The 1st over 1600 years before, the 2nd over 600 years before. There has be at least a remnant of Jews living in the Holy Land of Israel for over 3000 years. So these facts fly in the face of any claim that Jews have stolen The Holy Land from arabs.
Second, both of G-D's Houses were destroyed on the same day of the calendar: 9 Av.
Let us look first at the reasons that are shared by the Sages of Israel that G-D's House was destroyed not once, but twice.
One learns that the House that King Soloman built was destroyed because the Nation of Israel turned away from the laws that G-D gave regarding proper behavior in the area dealing with physical relations, intimate relations.
The House that Cyrus and Herod built was destroyed because of baseless hatred among the Children of Israel.
Let us think about both of these reasons.
While I am not Paul Harvey, please look forward to Page 2.
Please leave your comments here, in addition, I would appreciate it if you would connect with me at: hillel.leib@gmail.com.
My name is Hillel Levin. I am a neighbor of Batya's here in Shiloh. Batya is taking her father, Sidney to to his new home in Arizona. If you would like to read about my parting with Sidney, check out Batya's other blog: ShilohMuse.
By way of introduction, I am a LISTER. What I mean is that I am a member of and post on over 200 Yahoo/Google Groups for Jewish Communities, Israel Action, Jewish and Zionist Groups on 6 continents.
I post for the various chessed (loving kindness) projects that I am involved in. I also receive digests from on average 100 groups per day. I admit that I do not succeed in reading them all, but I do read a broad cross-section.
Before we made Aliyah the fall of 2006, I focused in on my Tafkid, Mission in Life, that is to connect with my brothers and sisters worldwide.
I guess that one of the benefits of having the Hyper-Focus of Adult ADD is my ability to have so much stimuli coming at me all the time.
Anyway, to get to my post about The 9 Days:
This is the nine day period, from Rosh Chodesh Av until the 9th of Av. The first of the Jewish Lunar month of Av through the 9th day of Av. Today is Rosh Chodesh Av, it is in the middle of the period referred to as the 3 weeks. A period of remember-ation of the destruction of the walls of Jerusalem through the destruction of G-D's House (the Temple) on the Temple Mount.
Now G-D's House was destroyed twice. The first was the House that King Soloman Built, about 3000 years ago and it stood for about 1000 years and the second, which construction was started by Cyrus, Queen Esther's son and later re-fitted by King Herod, which was destroyed in the year 70 of the Common Era.
Two interesting things to note:
First, both of G-D's Houses were built ling before the prophet Muhammad was even a glimmer in his grandfathers' eyes. The 1st over 1600 years before, the 2nd over 600 years before. There has be at least a remnant of Jews living in the Holy Land of Israel for over 3000 years. So these facts fly in the face of any claim that Jews have stolen The Holy Land from arabs.
Second, both of G-D's Houses were destroyed on the same day of the calendar: 9 Av.
Let us look first at the reasons that are shared by the Sages of Israel that G-D's House was destroyed not once, but twice.
One learns that the House that King Soloman built was destroyed because the Nation of Israel turned away from the laws that G-D gave regarding proper behavior in the area dealing with physical relations, intimate relations.
The House that Cyrus and Herod built was destroyed because of baseless hatred among the Children of Israel.
Let us think about both of these reasons.
While I am not Paul Harvey, please look forward to Page 2.
Please leave your comments here, in addition, I would appreciate it if you would connect with me at: hillel.leib@gmail.com.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Legacy of Rav Mordechai Eliahu zt"l
A little more than a month has passed by since the passing of the great former Sefardi Chief Rabbi, the Rishon LeZion Rav Mordecha Eliahu zt"l. I cannot tell you how great he was because who am I? I had very small connections with him personally, mostly when he gave his support to the idea of the Sheva Mitzvot Bnei Noach twenty years ago. As a result of this backing Rav Menachem Burstin, a talmid of his and later the founder and head of Machon Puah, went to the Bnei Noach conference in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and I had the honor to accompany him and translate some of his speeches there. Rav Burstin has also been involved in study of the areas of Torah relating to the restoration of the Temple and most significantly in Machon Puah, regarding the connection between Halacha and reproductive biology. Most recently he has become intensively involved in issues of marriage and the family as a natural outgrowth of fertility and family planning issues.
Rav Burstin, like many of those who considered Rav Eliahu "their" gadol, their Torah leader, is an Ashkenazi. This points up one of the unique points in the personality and phenomenon which was Rav Mordechai Eliahu zt"l. You can find not a few Sefardic Jews who consider a great Ashkenazi Rav their teacher or rebbe, the person they go to or follow on major issues. You do not normally find the opposite happening. Rav Eliahu's edition of the Kitzur Shulhan Aruch, with comments both for Ashkenazim and Sefaradim, as well popular sefer on family purity, Darkei Tahara, which is also a guide for both Ashkenazim and Sefaradim in this important area, is exceptional.
This is the generation of Kibbutz Galuyot, the Ingathering of the Exiles. If anyone could be said to be the rabbi who epitomizes this generation, it is Rav Mordechai Eliahu. I only said the bare introduction to the subject. Commenters are free to expand on it. The rest is commentary, go and learn.
Rav Burstin, like many of those who considered Rav Eliahu "their" gadol, their Torah leader, is an Ashkenazi. This points up one of the unique points in the personality and phenomenon which was Rav Mordechai Eliahu zt"l. You can find not a few Sefardic Jews who consider a great Ashkenazi Rav their teacher or rebbe, the person they go to or follow on major issues. You do not normally find the opposite happening. Rav Eliahu's edition of the Kitzur Shulhan Aruch, with comments both for Ashkenazim and Sefaradim, as well popular sefer on family purity, Darkei Tahara, which is also a guide for both Ashkenazim and Sefaradim in this important area, is exceptional.
This is the generation of Kibbutz Galuyot, the Ingathering of the Exiles. If anyone could be said to be the rabbi who epitomizes this generation, it is Rav Mordechai Eliahu. I only said the bare introduction to the subject. Commenters are free to expand on it. The rest is commentary, go and learn.
Gush Katif 5th Commemoration Round-up
Gush Katif 5th Commemoration Round-up
by Sara Layah Shomron
This time of year is hard for me, as it has been for the past five years. We're approaching the commemoration of the uprooting from Gush Katif and its destruction. Gush Katif is at the forefront of my mind as memories shadow me, yet time passes and we've tried to progress despite the almost unimaginable loss.
My family is part of the new Neve Dekalim community at Nitzan, not the caravilla site, which we were glad to leave, rather the new Neve Dekalim community adjoining the pre-existing dati-leumi (national religious) Nitzan community. This video (featuring my daughter Nechama!) updates on the various Gush Katif community building projects. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdxv3I6vww0
I'll be doing a few things to commemorate the uprooting. From July 13th - 15th I'll be attending the International English Teachers' summer conference at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem where, as official publicist, I'll promote my daughter Shifra Shomron's book, "Grains of Sand: The Fall of Neve Dekalim" at a display table in the exhibition hall. The book will also be featured in the conference's July 13th poster session, "Teenager's Voice-Grains of Sand: The Fall of Neve Dekalim." I'll give a brief presentation and then Shifra will take the floor. For a sneak preview, please click on the link to our poster session's handout: http://www.slideshare.net/ETAI2010/teenagers-voice-grains-of-sand-the-fall-of-neve Click on zoom+ (directly below the bottom of the handout page) to enlarge the print. It is especially exciting to see that Gush Katif is represented at this very important international conference.
My family will also be participating in some of the 70 Gush Katif commemoration events planned throughout the country. We invite you to join us. Please mark your calendar and look to attend. For a memorial event near you, contact the Gush Katif Committee, tel. (08) 973-8000, or the new English language website, www.gushkatif.org which is worth a look even after the events are over.
The last two items below are posted on the INN Facebook discussion section. I encourage you to let people know what you are doing to mark the 5th commemoration:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=102510354100&topic=15332
1) Monday, 12 July, at 20:00, at the Petach Tikva Sharet Hall, next to the Municipality of Petah Tikva:
The program is in Hebrew. Rabbi Raffi Peretz of the Atzmona Mechina and Anita Tucker from Netzer Hazani.
2) Thursday, 15 July, from 19:30-21:15, at the OU Center, Jerusalem.
(22 Keren Hayesod Street):
A program especially created for English speakers will take place next week, Thursday, 15 July, from 19:30-21:15, at the OU Center, Jerusalem. It will feature speakers Dror Vanunu, International Coordinator of the Gush Katif Fund and Rachel Saperstein, Director of Operation Dignity. An exclusive film produced by the Gush Katif Committee will be shown. This is one of 70 such events taking place across the country.
3) Thursday, 22 July, from 15:00-21:00, at the OU Center, Jerusalem:
Exactly one week later at the same venue, a special event SALUTING YESHA ARTISTS will take place, G-d willing, with the majority of the artists participating being former residents of GUSH KATIF. The occasion will also serve as a benefit for the organization HONENU which provides support and legal counseling for Jews who run afoul of the authorities while defending Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. Come to the Israel Center ( Keren Hayesod Street 22) between 15:00-21:00 on Thursday, 11 Av (22 July) to give support. This is a social, cultural, civil rights activity open to all at no charge. Not to be missed! (bli neder I’ll be there promoting Shifra’s book, and hope to see you there!).
Because the spirit of Gush Katif has not been broken... Katif Od Chai!
by Sara Layah Shomron
This time of year is hard for me, as it has been for the past five years. We're approaching the commemoration of the uprooting from Gush Katif and its destruction. Gush Katif is at the forefront of my mind as memories shadow me, yet time passes and we've tried to progress despite the almost unimaginable loss.
My family is part of the new Neve Dekalim community at Nitzan, not the caravilla site, which we were glad to leave, rather the new Neve Dekalim community adjoining the pre-existing dati-leumi (national religious) Nitzan community. This video (featuring my daughter Nechama!) updates on the various Gush Katif community building projects. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdxv3I6vww0
I'll be doing a few things to commemorate the uprooting. From July 13th - 15th I'll be attending the International English Teachers' summer conference at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem where, as official publicist, I'll promote my daughter Shifra Shomron's book, "Grains of Sand: The Fall of Neve Dekalim" at a display table in the exhibition hall. The book will also be featured in the conference's July 13th poster session, "Teenager's Voice-Grains of Sand: The Fall of Neve Dekalim." I'll give a brief presentation and then Shifra will take the floor. For a sneak preview, please click on the link to our poster session's handout: http://www.slideshare.net/ETAI2010/teenagers-voice-grains-of-sand-the-fall-of-neve Click on zoom+ (directly below the bottom of the handout page) to enlarge the print. It is especially exciting to see that Gush Katif is represented at this very important international conference.
My family will also be participating in some of the 70 Gush Katif commemoration events planned throughout the country. We invite you to join us. Please mark your calendar and look to attend. For a memorial event near you, contact the Gush Katif Committee, tel. (08) 973-8000, or the new English language website, www.gushkatif.org which is worth a look even after the events are over.
The last two items below are posted on the INN Facebook discussion section. I encourage you to let people know what you are doing to mark the 5th commemoration:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=102510354100&topic=15332
1) Monday, 12 July, at 20:00, at the Petach Tikva Sharet Hall, next to the Municipality of Petah Tikva:
The program is in Hebrew. Rabbi Raffi Peretz of the Atzmona Mechina and Anita Tucker from Netzer Hazani.
2) Thursday, 15 July, from 19:30-21:15, at the OU Center, Jerusalem.
(22 Keren Hayesod Street):
A program especially created for English speakers will take place next week, Thursday, 15 July, from 19:30-21:15, at the OU Center, Jerusalem. It will feature speakers Dror Vanunu, International Coordinator of the Gush Katif Fund and Rachel Saperstein, Director of Operation Dignity. An exclusive film produced by the Gush Katif Committee will be shown. This is one of 70 such events taking place across the country.
3) Thursday, 22 July, from 15:00-21:00, at the OU Center, Jerusalem:
Exactly one week later at the same venue, a special event SALUTING YESHA ARTISTS will take place, G-d willing, with the majority of the artists participating being former residents of GUSH KATIF. The occasion will also serve as a benefit for the organization HONENU which provides support and legal counseling for Jews who run afoul of the authorities while defending Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel. Come to the Israel Center ( Keren Hayesod Street 22) between 15:00-21:00 on Thursday, 11 Av (22 July) to give support. This is a social, cultural, civil rights activity open to all at no charge. Not to be missed! (bli neder I’ll be there promoting Shifra’s book, and hope to see you there!).
Because the spirit of Gush Katif has not been broken... Katif Od Chai!
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