When I was a kid, there was a television game show which featured people putting on stupid costumes screaming "pick me pick me!" The show was a hit, because people loved seeing how stupid people can behave.
As I was older, I would listen to the Bob Grant show. You had supposed adult people begging Grant to come on the air, to call the Governor a lowlife in Italian. Grant would be calling the listeners "gabones," or morons in Italian.
About 2 years ago on Thanksgiving, these college honor students were arrested for throwing frozen turkeys at drivers from an overpass on the Northern State Parkway. One driver was paralyzed for life.
Recently, there was a huge blizzard in the area. People in mass were abandoning their vehicles in the middle of the street preventing the streets from being plowed and emergency vehicles from reaching victims.
How many people want to injure or kill people? Not many. Usually it is as a result of people acting stupidly like the turkey incident. For decades, there have been drinking and driving laws, yet people continue to drink and drive. The drunk driver who kills someone says "I didn't mean to do it." Is that any consolation to the victim?
Why do people act real stupid on New Years Eve. They should ban that night! People get totally drunk. Normally intelligent women will spread their legs for a total stranger or a homeless bum on the subway. People scream out "Happy New Year!" Their actions during that night frequently condemn them to an unhappy period throughout the new year.
Today I came close to an utter act of total stupidity, which could have had tragic consequences. I smelled smoke in my apartment. I checked with a neighbor, and learned that a car had exploded outside. I went outside to see. These Russian woman were talking about a young woman, who while holding a child, attempted to have the child light up a tower of garbage (left from the blizzard). The firecracker hit a parked car just as the driver, an elderly Israeli woman, was trying to start the Buick LeSabre. The car exploded, and fortunately the Israeli woman was able to get out. Had the firecracker exploded in the pile of garbage, my home and the Yeshiva would have been lit up. The pre school Yeshiva was in session, and there would have been scores of dead 5-12 year old children.
Please take the time to consider what I am saying. Please act with common sense!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Rashi Commentary of Exodus 1
Rashi starts his commentary of the Torah with a question, Why did the Torah begin with the book of Genesis? Rashi answers by saying there will be a future time that the nations of world will call Israel "bandits," for stealing the land. The Jews then will reply that the world "belongs" to the Almighty. He "created the world," and He "gave us The Land."
This is a great and prophetic statement! The only problem is that:
1. Most of the Christian nations of the world do not believe in G-d. Their Biblical scriptures mean nothing to them.
2. The Muslims believe that the Bible is a falsification.
Proof is only good when it is presented to believers, otherwise it is just good commentary with no meaning. My other thoughts about this parsha is that this is a great outline of human vices and sins. There is no fear of the heavens. Man (and woman) did not even wait 1 day before committing the ultimate sin. They were created on a Friday, and before Shabbat...oops! To make matters worse, neither showed too much remorse, and like Obama, found others to blame. Later in this chapter, there was violence and dispersions. One day went bad, and the future thousands of years did not go much better. The year just started, keep clean, and make this a better year!
This is a great and prophetic statement! The only problem is that:
1. Most of the Christian nations of the world do not believe in G-d. Their Biblical scriptures mean nothing to them.
2. The Muslims believe that the Bible is a falsification.
Proof is only good when it is presented to believers, otherwise it is just good commentary with no meaning. My other thoughts about this parsha is that this is a great outline of human vices and sins. There is no fear of the heavens. Man (and woman) did not even wait 1 day before committing the ultimate sin. They were created on a Friday, and before Shabbat...oops! To make matters worse, neither showed too much remorse, and like Obama, found others to blame. Later in this chapter, there was violence and dispersions. One day went bad, and the future thousands of years did not go much better. The year just started, keep clean, and make this a better year!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Translated from a Greek Magazine Article
In Israel I met during my doctoral studies. Metevika there as a criminologist to study the phenomenon of women suicide vomvistrion (female suicide bombers).The inquiry extremely sensitive, but it gave me the opportunity three years to meet the area's problems two peoples over half a century, still not able to find peace.
In contrast to what many believe Greeks for Israel (and even more without ever having visited the country), I would like to illustrate and the following aspects of the country is very interesting.
1. Israel is a participatory democracy and state single type.The citizens take an active part in civic life and to solve problems is everyone. There is very socially conscious and caring for the needs and addressing them. The kibbutz-in community of property types to varying degrees, is a good example.Also remember that I learned with surprise that one day may not be illegal to join anyone on a farm, but he wants to eat the fruits and leaves, enough to not get off him.This measure, which stems from the principles of the Bible, is an example of an effort to avoid any exathlionetai if nothing else it can cover the basic need of food.
2.After military service (which they do and women) are reservists men regularly employed and used to posts that have to do with their skills .. So for example, lawyers who met certain days a month serving as military judges.The reservists citizens continue to climb in the military hierarchy and even at the highest grades, which is not the monopoly of military officials.This system ensures democratic army and prevent the militarization as the fear of the modern states, since it allows to create watertight and sacrosanct in the military (making it almost impossible for such a military coup).
3.At the same time a religious minority to avoid looking and the eyes follow a woman and burdensome formalism, the state and society in Israel is very tolerant. Freedom to practice, sexual orientation etc.If you do not bother the person next to you (usually not bothered with anything), nothing is forbidden. Events for the legalization of marijuana, gay clubs and events (and participation and the army) is common.
4.Few know about the judicial system of the country which gives legal protection to citizens of Israel, but also to Palestinians affected.The Supreme Court of Israel puts brakes Often the implementation of measures and policies deemed to violate the human rights of Palestinians (thereby earning the title of "obstruction" by some for the effective protection and security of the country).It is worth mentioning the Landau Commission which led to the prohibition of inhuman treatment and torture in questioning terrorism suspects.This option is particularly useful when countries in the west every day without the fear of terrorist attack, a long time, unfortunately, have begun discussions about the legitimacy of torture as an investigative method.
5.Unlike other countries ... where ever prime ministers do not sit in the dock and Liability Act to ensure that ministers get away with high members of the political life that damages the state ... in Israel are persecuted and put prison ministers, former prime ministers, presidents ....
6.The country has excellent health system with well-equipped hospitals, where nurses and Palestinians on the ground that enter with special permission. Unfortunately there have been cases of exploitation of entry permit to organize an attack.In general, medical and research centers conducting cutting edge research to treat diseases and patients from many countries (and Greece) are fleeing to Israel to deal with very difficult circumstances.
7. Academic freedom is protected.When I completed my dissertation, the third describing circumstances surrounding the death and socialization to violence in Gaza and the West Bank because of armed conflict.I mentioned reports and complaints about the Palestinian plight, problems children face serious problems in the psyche and the emotional world of their experiences as victims of a hard war with brutal conditions. We never have accepted any role and no control over what I wrote.Indeed, the supervisor me (I was set and Israeli supervisor) commented on the relevant chapter in «suberb» ...
8. Israel is a state of war. Well protected and does not inhibit the rights and freedoms of citizens. Even when they contradict the official state policy.At the same time took place the last conflict in Lebanon who disagreed demonstrating freely in the streets, accusing the then government involvement.Israeli organizations, directors, artists, academics at times are highly critical of the choices the country in relation to Palestine and beyond. And all this without incurring a penalty.Israel is neither Turkey nor Iran, which have seen writers and directors to be jailed because they have other opinions and raise through their works.
The purpose of what I said is not to present Israel as perfect and overlooked mistakes and bad or inappropriate policies and measures. Simply:All Arabs are not terrorists, all activists are not terrorists, but all Israel is wrong. The Israeli-Arab conflict in general and the Israeli-Palestinians in particular is a complex issue with no room for black and white.The roots are deep and issues related to historical, religious, economic, political requiring much attention.
As for the deliberate use of violence against civilians, children and society, should be ordered by anyone to exercise, Israeli and Palestinian.Suicide bombings aimed at pizzerias, restaurants, school buses are tragic phenomenon and have nothing to do with the right resistance to the military. When we see children victimized by a rocket directly condemn it because we think our child is in place.It is not surprising because we identify with the image of our children to be blasted and pieces while laughing and playing carefree in the school bus. Why are not we shocked the 16-year old child of an immigrant from Russia who goes have fun at the beach klampaki and suddenly torn to pieces.Innocent people are innocent ... and the two sides.
In Israel I met people who want peace, determined to live with a neighbor in two countries.My friends, my acquaintances, people I've worked scientifically moderates are people who love their country but do not want no trouble, or extermination of Palestinians. React even disapprove of the suffering. Seek security and are ready for compromises.Resist the voices of a few fanatics (which yes, they exist). The bad news however is that the contents of those few voices and so weaken the voices of people who want to go ahead and join hands with the other side.For example, few and hardliners warn that any concessions are exploited on the other hand, do not ensure peace. They bring such attacks by Hamas from Gaza with rockets now.The argument is "neither a forum nor a retreat" finds ground and vindicated.
Here lies our responsibility as Greek and international community. We welcomed Israel never positive.In solidarity with the Palestinians, should have welcomed the departure from Gaza and condemn outright fanatical views of type "to annihilate the State of Israel, who just Polish and render impossible any dialogue and a possible solution.Moreover should we support the progressive forces in Palestinian society.Why is society does not deserve poverty, violence and poverty, nor the fans that if prevail in the future will bring to persecute women's rights, religious tolerance, diversity, choice of life away from the Islamist doctrines .Rights as progressives and liberals want the Greeks for our friends with the Palestinians their freedom ....
In contrast to what many believe Greeks for Israel (and even more without ever having visited the country), I would like to illustrate and the following aspects of the country is very interesting.
1. Israel is a participatory democracy and state single type.The citizens take an active part in civic life and to solve problems is everyone. There is very socially conscious and caring for the needs and addressing them. The kibbutz-in community of property types to varying degrees, is a good example.Also remember that I learned with surprise that one day may not be illegal to join anyone on a farm, but he wants to eat the fruits and leaves, enough to not get off him.This measure, which stems from the principles of the Bible, is an example of an effort to avoid any exathlionetai if nothing else it can cover the basic need of food.
2.After military service (which they do and women) are reservists men regularly employed and used to posts that have to do with their skills .. So for example, lawyers who met certain days a month serving as military judges.The reservists citizens continue to climb in the military hierarchy and even at the highest grades, which is not the monopoly of military officials.This system ensures democratic army and prevent the militarization as the fear of the modern states, since it allows to create watertight and sacrosanct in the military (making it almost impossible for such a military coup).
3.At the same time a religious minority to avoid looking and the eyes follow a woman and burdensome formalism, the state and society in Israel is very tolerant. Freedom to practice, sexual orientation etc.If you do not bother the person next to you (usually not bothered with anything), nothing is forbidden. Events for the legalization of marijuana, gay clubs and events (and participation and the army) is common.
4.Few know about the judicial system of the country which gives legal protection to citizens of Israel, but also to Palestinians affected.The Supreme Court of Israel puts brakes Often the implementation of measures and policies deemed to violate the human rights of Palestinians (thereby earning the title of "obstruction" by some for the effective protection and security of the country).It is worth mentioning the Landau Commission which led to the prohibition of inhuman treatment and torture in questioning terrorism suspects.This option is particularly useful when countries in the west every day without the fear of terrorist attack, a long time, unfortunately, have begun discussions about the legitimacy of torture as an investigative method.
5.Unlike other countries ... where ever prime ministers do not sit in the dock and Liability Act to ensure that ministers get away with high members of the political life that damages the state ... in Israel are persecuted and put prison ministers, former prime ministers, presidents ....
6.The country has excellent health system with well-equipped hospitals, where nurses and Palestinians on the ground that enter with special permission. Unfortunately there have been cases of exploitation of entry permit to organize an attack.In general, medical and research centers conducting cutting edge research to treat diseases and patients from many countries (and Greece) are fleeing to Israel to deal with very difficult circumstances.
7. Academic freedom is protected.When I completed my dissertation, the third describing circumstances surrounding the death and socialization to violence in Gaza and the West Bank because of armed conflict.I mentioned reports and complaints about the Palestinian plight, problems children face serious problems in the psyche and the emotional world of their experiences as victims of a hard war with brutal conditions. We never have accepted any role and no control over what I wrote.Indeed, the supervisor me (I was set and Israeli supervisor) commented on the relevant chapter in «suberb» ...
8. Israel is a state of war. Well protected and does not inhibit the rights and freedoms of citizens. Even when they contradict the official state policy.At the same time took place the last conflict in Lebanon who disagreed demonstrating freely in the streets, accusing the then government involvement.Israeli organizations, directors, artists, academics at times are highly critical of the choices the country in relation to Palestine and beyond. And all this without incurring a penalty.Israel is neither Turkey nor Iran, which have seen writers and directors to be jailed because they have other opinions and raise through their works.
The purpose of what I said is not to present Israel as perfect and overlooked mistakes and bad or inappropriate policies and measures. Simply:All Arabs are not terrorists, all activists are not terrorists, but all Israel is wrong. The Israeli-Arab conflict in general and the Israeli-Palestinians in particular is a complex issue with no room for black and white.The roots are deep and issues related to historical, religious, economic, political requiring much attention.
As for the deliberate use of violence against civilians, children and society, should be ordered by anyone to exercise, Israeli and Palestinian.Suicide bombings aimed at pizzerias, restaurants, school buses are tragic phenomenon and have nothing to do with the right resistance to the military. When we see children victimized by a rocket directly condemn it because we think our child is in place.It is not surprising because we identify with the image of our children to be blasted and pieces while laughing and playing carefree in the school bus. Why are not we shocked the 16-year old child of an immigrant from Russia who goes have fun at the beach klampaki and suddenly torn to pieces.Innocent people are innocent ... and the two sides.
In Israel I met people who want peace, determined to live with a neighbor in two countries.My friends, my acquaintances, people I've worked scientifically moderates are people who love their country but do not want no trouble, or extermination of Palestinians. React even disapprove of the suffering. Seek security and are ready for compromises.Resist the voices of a few fanatics (which yes, they exist). The bad news however is that the contents of those few voices and so weaken the voices of people who want to go ahead and join hands with the other side.For example, few and hardliners warn that any concessions are exploited on the other hand, do not ensure peace. They bring such attacks by Hamas from Gaza with rockets now.The argument is "neither a forum nor a retreat" finds ground and vindicated.
Here lies our responsibility as Greek and international community. We welcomed Israel never positive.In solidarity with the Palestinians, should have welcomed the departure from Gaza and condemn outright fanatical views of type "to annihilate the State of Israel, who just Polish and render impossible any dialogue and a possible solution.Moreover should we support the progressive forces in Palestinian society.Why is society does not deserve poverty, violence and poverty, nor the fans that if prevail in the future will bring to persecute women's rights, religious tolerance, diversity, choice of life away from the Islamist doctrines .Rights as progressives and liberals want the Greeks for our friends with the Palestinians their freedom ....
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Shlita on the Flotilla crisis
June 2, 2010
Dear KJ Family:
Just a few hours ago at Mincha services in the Upper School, I spoke to the entire student body about the crisis in Israel and its implications for all of us in America. The below memorandum from AIPAC appropriately frames this crisis and reminds us of the need at times like these to stay in touch with our elected officials.
If you listen to the recording of my remarks at the Upper School (please click here for the recording), you will note that I essentially read to them an article written on the spur of the moment by Dr. Daniel Gordis. I believe it made a very big impact on the students. I hope it will have a similar impact on you.
I also spoke with Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice President of the Presidents Conference, to ask him what we can do to help. He suggested that we all watch and listen to as much media as possible and alert the Presidents Conference if we hear or see Israel maligned or described unfairly. Examples of such treatment should be sent to info@conferenceofpresidents.org and they will immediately contact the media source to correct the information and the perspective.
Finally, watching the terrifying video clips of Israeli soldiers being beaten makes me all the more grateful to be participating in a very special dessert program taking place on Saturday afternoon, June 12th, at our sister synagogue, Congregation Orach Chaim, 1459 Lexington Avenue (between 94th & 95th Streets). Please join me there from 5:00 – 6:45 p.m. in meeting and thanking 10 Israeli Soldiers who were severely injured in Israel's Operation “Cast Lead.” I will be among the speakers at the program, which will feature ample time to meet with the soldiers and personally express gratitude for their valiant efforts on behalf of our people and our homeland. The event is part of a Chabad Israel Center and Chabad Terror Victims Project effort to bring these heroes to the United States to receive our heartfelt love and admiration. I hope to personally greet you at what will certainly be a most memorable afternoon. Please invite your friends and family so that we as a community can stand and proudly say Todah and Kol Hakavod.
Very cordially yours,
Haskel Lookstein
Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them: (1) To speak out on Israel's right to self-defense ; and (2) to oppose one sided condemnations of Israel
June 1, 2010
Flotilla Sought Provocation, Not to Provide Assistance
The primary aim of the Gaza flotilla was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation with Israel. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups that sought a violent confrontation. In contrast, the Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and its personnel only used force when their lives were at risk. Israel has legitimate self-defense reasons to inspect the cargo going into the Hamas-controlled area, where the U.S.-designated terrorist group has smuggled in thousands of munitions and rockets for use in attacks against Israeli civilians.
The flotilla’s primary aim was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups.
The flotilla's organizers willfully ignored repeated warnings that they would be denied entry—including messages from the European Union—and rejected offers by Israel to transfer humanitarian goods through the Israeli port of Ashdod.
One of the flotilla’s leaders, Greta Berlin, stated that “this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, it’s about breaking Israel's siege on 1.5 million Palestinians,” the AFP reported on May 27.
The head of the group that organized the flotilla, Bulent Yildirim (left), is closely linked with Ismail Haniyeh’s U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas.
The main organizer of the flotilla—whose members led the assault on the IDF—was the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), which has publicly affirmed its links to Hamas, maintains an office in Gaza and has ties to other terrorist organizations.
IHH has also been linked to al-Qaeda and played a role in al-Qaeda’s failed Millennium bombing of Los Angeles International Airport, according to French counter-terrorism magistrate Jean-Louis Bruguière, who testified during the trial of failed bomber Ahmed Ressam.
The Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and the soldiers only used force when their lives were at risk.
Individuals aboard the vessels had clearly prepared for violence, chanting an Islamic battle cry recalling the killing of Jews and calling for martyrdom, according to an Al-Jazeera report.
While intercepting six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza after frequent warnings not to proceed, Israeli soldiers were attacked immediately upon boarding one of them.
The outnumbered soldiers were immediately and brutally attacked with crowbars, clubs and knives and shot at with guns stolen from soldiers, seven of whom were injured. One soldier was thrown to a lower deck 30 feet below and sustained a severe head injury.
Israeli soldiers reacted with the utmost restraint. Only when their lives were in danger did they seek and receive permission to open fire. Regrettably, nine flotilla participants were killed and others injured. Seven Israeli soldiers were injured.
Israel has a legitimate right to self-defense and reason to be concerned about cargo going unchecked into Hamas-controlled Gaza.
The charter of Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist group that seized Gaza in an armed coup from the Palestinian Authority in 2007, calls for the destruction of Israel.
Israel’s actions are aimed at blocking arms and explosives shipments to Hamas, which is at war with the Jewish state. Hamas has fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells into Israel since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
Hamas continues to operate a vast network of tunnels under Gaza, which it uses to smuggle in weapons from Iran and Syria for attacks against Israeli civilians. It also has repeatedly sought to smuggle weapons through the sea.
According to international legal experts, it is legitimate for a state to impose an embargo on international waters during wartime. Israel’s detention of the flotilla ships—and its use of force to defend its soldiers when attacked by some of the radicals—is acceptable under international law.
Egypt also has imposed a blockade on Gaza to protect its own internal security by constructing an underground steel wall along the Sinai-Gaza border to help stymie the flow of illicit goods.
Israel continues to facilitate a vast operation to provide humanitarian goods and medical services to the people of Gaza.
Since the end of the Gaza war in 2009, Israel has facilitated the transfer of more than a million tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza and 133 million liters of fuel. Israel is now in the process of unloading the items from the flotilla and is transferring legitimate humanitarian items into Gaza via established mechanisms.
To handle the delivery of humanitarian aid and other civilian issues related to Palestinian life in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has a special unit in the Ministry of Defense—the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
The U.N. issued a presidential statement condemning the events leading up to the incident, which some have interpreted as a criticism of Israel.
It would have been preferable if the U.N. and Obama administration had blocked any action implying criticism of Israel for defending itself. Nonetheless, intervention by the United States prevented passage of a Security Council resolution condemning Israel.
The administration continues to express its confidence in Israel’s ability to conduct its own investigation of the incident despite calls for an international inquiry.
During the Security Council deliberations, Alejandro Wolff, deputy U.S. representative to the U.N., said the “direct delivery by sea [of humanitarian supplies] is neither appropriate nor responsible” and criticized Hamas’ “continued arms smuggling and commitment to terrorism.”
The United States must now maintain its longstanding position not to allow the Security Council and other U.N. organs such as the U.N. Human Rights Council to exploit unfortunate incidents by passing biased, anti-Israel resolutions that obscure the truth and accomplish nothing.
Dear KJ Family:
Just a few hours ago at Mincha services in the Upper School, I spoke to the entire student body about the crisis in Israel and its implications for all of us in America. The below memorandum from AIPAC appropriately frames this crisis and reminds us of the need at times like these to stay in touch with our elected officials.
If you listen to the recording of my remarks at the Upper School (please click here for the recording), you will note that I essentially read to them an article written on the spur of the moment by Dr. Daniel Gordis. I believe it made a very big impact on the students. I hope it will have a similar impact on you.
I also spoke with Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice President of the Presidents Conference, to ask him what we can do to help. He suggested that we all watch and listen to as much media as possible and alert the Presidents Conference if we hear or see Israel maligned or described unfairly. Examples of such treatment should be sent to info@conferenceofpresidents.org and they will immediately contact the media source to correct the information and the perspective.
Finally, watching the terrifying video clips of Israeli soldiers being beaten makes me all the more grateful to be participating in a very special dessert program taking place on Saturday afternoon, June 12th, at our sister synagogue, Congregation Orach Chaim, 1459 Lexington Avenue (between 94th & 95th Streets). Please join me there from 5:00 – 6:45 p.m. in meeting and thanking 10 Israeli Soldiers who were severely injured in Israel's Operation “Cast Lead.” I will be among the speakers at the program, which will feature ample time to meet with the soldiers and personally express gratitude for their valiant efforts on behalf of our people and our homeland. The event is part of a Chabad Israel Center and Chabad Terror Victims Project effort to bring these heroes to the United States to receive our heartfelt love and admiration. I hope to personally greet you at what will certainly be a most memorable afternoon. Please invite your friends and family so that we as a community can stand and proudly say Todah and Kol Hakavod.
Very cordially yours,
Haskel Lookstein
Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them: (1) To speak out on Israel's right to self-defense ; and (2) to oppose one sided condemnations of Israel
June 1, 2010
Flotilla Sought Provocation, Not to Provide Assistance
The primary aim of the Gaza flotilla was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation with Israel. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups that sought a violent confrontation. In contrast, the Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and its personnel only used force when their lives were at risk. Israel has legitimate self-defense reasons to inspect the cargo going into the Hamas-controlled area, where the U.S.-designated terrorist group has smuggled in thousands of munitions and rockets for use in attacks against Israeli civilians.
The flotilla’s primary aim was not to provide humanitarian relief; it was to cause a provocation. Its top organizers and some of its participants are radicals with ties to terrorist groups.
The flotilla's organizers willfully ignored repeated warnings that they would be denied entry—including messages from the European Union—and rejected offers by Israel to transfer humanitarian goods through the Israeli port of Ashdod.
One of the flotilla’s leaders, Greta Berlin, stated that “this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies, it’s about breaking Israel's siege on 1.5 million Palestinians,” the AFP reported on May 27.
The head of the group that organized the flotilla, Bulent Yildirim (left), is closely linked with Ismail Haniyeh’s U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas.
The main organizer of the flotilla—whose members led the assault on the IDF—was the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), which has publicly affirmed its links to Hamas, maintains an office in Gaza and has ties to other terrorist organizations.
IHH has also been linked to al-Qaeda and played a role in al-Qaeda’s failed Millennium bombing of Los Angeles International Airport, according to French counter-terrorism magistrate Jean-Louis Bruguière, who testified during the trial of failed bomber Ahmed Ressam.
The Israeli navy had worked hard to plan a peaceful interception of the six ships and the soldiers only used force when their lives were at risk.
Individuals aboard the vessels had clearly prepared for violence, chanting an Islamic battle cry recalling the killing of Jews and calling for martyrdom, according to an Al-Jazeera report.
While intercepting six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza after frequent warnings not to proceed, Israeli soldiers were attacked immediately upon boarding one of them.
The outnumbered soldiers were immediately and brutally attacked with crowbars, clubs and knives and shot at with guns stolen from soldiers, seven of whom were injured. One soldier was thrown to a lower deck 30 feet below and sustained a severe head injury.
Israeli soldiers reacted with the utmost restraint. Only when their lives were in danger did they seek and receive permission to open fire. Regrettably, nine flotilla participants were killed and others injured. Seven Israeli soldiers were injured.
Israel has a legitimate right to self-defense and reason to be concerned about cargo going unchecked into Hamas-controlled Gaza.
The charter of Hamas, the U.S.-designated terrorist group that seized Gaza in an armed coup from the Palestinian Authority in 2007, calls for the destruction of Israel.
Israel’s actions are aimed at blocking arms and explosives shipments to Hamas, which is at war with the Jewish state. Hamas has fired more than 7,000 rockets and mortar shells into Israel since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.
Hamas continues to operate a vast network of tunnels under Gaza, which it uses to smuggle in weapons from Iran and Syria for attacks against Israeli civilians. It also has repeatedly sought to smuggle weapons through the sea.
According to international legal experts, it is legitimate for a state to impose an embargo on international waters during wartime. Israel’s detention of the flotilla ships—and its use of force to defend its soldiers when attacked by some of the radicals—is acceptable under international law.
Egypt also has imposed a blockade on Gaza to protect its own internal security by constructing an underground steel wall along the Sinai-Gaza border to help stymie the flow of illicit goods.
Israel continues to facilitate a vast operation to provide humanitarian goods and medical services to the people of Gaza.
Since the end of the Gaza war in 2009, Israel has facilitated the transfer of more than a million tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza and 133 million liters of fuel. Israel is now in the process of unloading the items from the flotilla and is transferring legitimate humanitarian items into Gaza via established mechanisms.
To handle the delivery of humanitarian aid and other civilian issues related to Palestinian life in Gaza and the West Bank, Israel has a special unit in the Ministry of Defense—the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
The U.N. issued a presidential statement condemning the events leading up to the incident, which some have interpreted as a criticism of Israel.
It would have been preferable if the U.N. and Obama administration had blocked any action implying criticism of Israel for defending itself. Nonetheless, intervention by the United States prevented passage of a Security Council resolution condemning Israel.
The administration continues to express its confidence in Israel’s ability to conduct its own investigation of the incident despite calls for an international inquiry.
During the Security Council deliberations, Alejandro Wolff, deputy U.S. representative to the U.N., said the “direct delivery by sea [of humanitarian supplies] is neither appropriate nor responsible” and criticized Hamas’ “continued arms smuggling and commitment to terrorism.”
The United States must now maintain its longstanding position not to allow the Security Council and other U.N. organs such as the U.N. Human Rights Council to exploit unfortunate incidents by passing biased, anti-Israel resolutions that obscure the truth and accomplish nothing.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Protest against Turkey
Pls note the NYPD requested we move locations as the Muslim Arabs have a permit for Israeli Consulate, and a sound device (We don’t).
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL ’S FLOTILLA SELF-DEFENSE
- RALLY MOVED TO TURKISH MISSION TO UN -
June 1, 2010 - NEW YORK, NY – RAJE, together with other American Jewish organizations will gather outside of the Turkish Mission to the UN, located at 821 First Avenue (46th & 1st) at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 1 to stand in support of Israel ’s self-defense.
Hundreds will gather waving American & Israeli flags, and bearing signs which read: “Peace Activists Don’t Attack Soldiers,” “Hamas & Al Qaeda Support the Flotilla”, and “We Stand with Israel .”
“We will gather to stand united with the State Of Israel , and to let President Obama, and the world know that we will not sit silently as Israel is attacked by her enemies. We stand with Israel in their battle against terrorism. Israel has the right to stop terror at its door, and we condemn the United Nations for standing with terrorists. These so-called peace activists used knives, clubs and fire from weapons stolen from soldiers, and attacked soldiers who were seeking to enforce international law. The boats were warned to change course multiple times, and we as the American Jewish community will not stand silently as Israel is attacked,” said Rabbi Mordechai Tokarsky, Chairman of RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience).
Further information on the event is available by calling Ronn Torossian at 212-999-5585, or by visiting:
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL ’S FLOTILLA SELF-DEFENSE
- RALLY MOVED TO TURKISH MISSION TO UN -
June 1, 2010 - NEW YORK, NY – RAJE, together with other American Jewish organizations will gather outside of the Turkish Mission to the UN, located at 821 First Avenue (46th & 1st) at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 1 to stand in support of Israel ’s self-defense.
Hundreds will gather waving American & Israeli flags, and bearing signs which read: “Peace Activists Don’t Attack Soldiers,” “Hamas & Al Qaeda Support the Flotilla”, and “We Stand with Israel .”
“We will gather to stand united with the State Of Israel , and to let President Obama, and the world know that we will not sit silently as Israel is attacked by her enemies. We stand with Israel in their battle against terrorism. Israel has the right to stop terror at its door, and we condemn the United Nations for standing with terrorists. These so-called peace activists used knives, clubs and fire from weapons stolen from soldiers, and attacked soldiers who were seeking to enforce international law. The boats were warned to change course multiple times, and we as the American Jewish community will not stand silently as Israel is attacked,” said Rabbi Mordechai Tokarsky, Chairman of RAJE (Russian American Jewish Experience).
Further information on the event is available by calling Ronn Torossian at 212-999-5585, or by visiting:
Monday, May 31, 2010
Moshe Feiglin column
The Gaza Flotilla and the Gallant Rapist: By Moshe Feiglin
Do you remember the gallant rapist? The criminal who would offer his victims a ride home after the rape? He apparently thought that his "good manners" would make his crime seem less reprehensible. In the end he was apprehended and sentenced like all the other rapists.
Today, Israel is the gallant rapist. We declared to the entire world that Gaza is not ours, but theirs. The world was not particularly convinced, so we expelled all the Jews from Gush Katif in Gaza and destroyed their homes. We even dug up their dead for reburial "inside Israel." Let there be no mistake, dear world, Gaza is not ours. Look, we have even retreated from there - with sensitivity and determination, of course.
Now, the world is convinced. Gaza is really not ours. But just a minute: If Gaza is not really yours, why are you blockading it from the sea and the air, allowing entry only from your territory following your security checks? What are you trying to do? To gallantly rape the "Palestinians" and convince us that they consent?
If Gaza is yours - stay there and fight! If it is not yours, get out of there and do not interfere in their lives! You can't do both. You can't simultaneously rape and be well-mannered. Oh, you say that they are trying to smuggle weapons into Gaza? Well, what's the problem with that? Who are you to tell them what to bring into their territory? Aren't you constantly arming yourselves as you please? If the state of Gaza will declare war on you, then defend yourselves. But don't tell us that you left while you are still ruling there by remote control. What right do you have to prevent them from building their own army?
What? They actually did start a war and they are constantly shooting at you? OK, then re-conquer Gaza and administer a military government, like the Allies did in Germany. What? That's impossible because you convinced your citizens that it is good to disengage from Gaza? Hmmm.
We tried to fool the world, and first and foremost- ourselves. Now the entire house of cards is collapsing on our heads. The question is not who is more well mannered, us or them. The question is not how much violence was used to stop the flotilla. The question is who is the rapist. The question is who is just, who is the good-guy and who is the bad-guy in this story. Israel in flight from its identity lost justification for its existence - not just in the Land of Israel but on the face of the entire globe. It maneuvered itself into the position of the most despised nation on earth. Achmadinijad can travel Europe freely. Tzippy Livni and Bogi Ya'alon dare not land there.
If we would have adopted the stance of the just, we could have acted according to the maritime international laws that were determined by Great Britain when it ruled the seas. Call to stop. First shell in front of the ship's nose. Second shell into the ship, and the story is over. But this law is for legitimate ships, not pirate ships, like us. It will not help us to base our justness on good manners. We will always turn out to be rapists in the end. It won't work even if we enlist the most professional soldiers in the world for the mission.
"I don't see Israel as a Jewish state, but rather as a state of all its citizens," said former Chief Justice Aharon Barak, and we lost the most important weapon of all - our sense of justice. The problem is that the other side did not lose its sense of justice. For the Arabs, the Land of Israel is not merely real estate or some sort of security shelter. For them, this Land is holy and they are fighting for it (and rightly so!). But you cannot fight for a land that by your own admission is not yours.
The only option open, then, is self-defense. Even rapists are allowed to defend themselves. And that is how Israel has become the state of roadblocks, barbed wire, security guards at the entrance of every café, iron domes, cement blocks, concertina, atomic detectors and mobile bomb shelters. We outfitted our elite units with tear gas and other ridiculous toys. Now we can explain to the parents of the naval commando how the best fighter in the world was injured by a club to his head.
We have cloaked ourselves in a gown of cement and barbed wire to preserve the lie that Jews can return to their ancient homeland after 2000 years with a false identity: Israeli instead of Jewish. They can forget who they are and the dreams of their ancestors and be just a normal nation - a nation like all the nations. Just like in the Gulf of Mexico, we are trying to bottle up the murky reality that is gushing to our surface with an iron dome. But we cannot cover up for the sense of justice that we have lost.
If we had retained our sense of justice, we would not be waiting for Turkey to expel our ambassador, being portrayed as the guilty rapist along the way. On the contrary, we would have recalled our ambassador from Turkey and expelled its ambassador for its declaration of war on our sovereignty. But we cannot do that, because the Turks are right. After all, we declared that Gaza belongs to the Arabs, didn't we? So what right do we have to blockade a Turkish ship outside our territorial waters?
When, in the last 20 years, have you heard an official Israeli representative - the prime minister, our ambassador to the UN or our Foreign Minister utter the simple words, "This is our land?" You can't remember? That is because it simply didn't happen. Israel is fleeing its Jewish identity and cannot even say this simple sentence.
We must return to our basic sense of justice - the justice that sustained us during our long exile and the only factor that explains why we are not rapists and why this entire Land - including Gaza, is ours and only ours. When we return to that point, we will be able to truly establish our sovereignty in this Land. As long as we continue to attempt to escape our identity, Israel will continue to slowly crumble as it hides behind its barbed wire, road blocks and most advanced defense technology in the world.
Do you remember the gallant rapist? The criminal who would offer his victims a ride home after the rape? He apparently thought that his "good manners" would make his crime seem less reprehensible. In the end he was apprehended and sentenced like all the other rapists.
Today, Israel is the gallant rapist. We declared to the entire world that Gaza is not ours, but theirs. The world was not particularly convinced, so we expelled all the Jews from Gush Katif in Gaza and destroyed their homes. We even dug up their dead for reburial "inside Israel." Let there be no mistake, dear world, Gaza is not ours. Look, we have even retreated from there - with sensitivity and determination, of course.
Now, the world is convinced. Gaza is really not ours. But just a minute: If Gaza is not really yours, why are you blockading it from the sea and the air, allowing entry only from your territory following your security checks? What are you trying to do? To gallantly rape the "Palestinians" and convince us that they consent?
If Gaza is yours - stay there and fight! If it is not yours, get out of there and do not interfere in their lives! You can't do both. You can't simultaneously rape and be well-mannered. Oh, you say that they are trying to smuggle weapons into Gaza? Well, what's the problem with that? Who are you to tell them what to bring into their territory? Aren't you constantly arming yourselves as you please? If the state of Gaza will declare war on you, then defend yourselves. But don't tell us that you left while you are still ruling there by remote control. What right do you have to prevent them from building their own army?
What? They actually did start a war and they are constantly shooting at you? OK, then re-conquer Gaza and administer a military government, like the Allies did in Germany. What? That's impossible because you convinced your citizens that it is good to disengage from Gaza? Hmmm.
We tried to fool the world, and first and foremost- ourselves. Now the entire house of cards is collapsing on our heads. The question is not who is more well mannered, us or them. The question is not how much violence was used to stop the flotilla. The question is who is the rapist. The question is who is just, who is the good-guy and who is the bad-guy in this story. Israel in flight from its identity lost justification for its existence - not just in the Land of Israel but on the face of the entire globe. It maneuvered itself into the position of the most despised nation on earth. Achmadinijad can travel Europe freely. Tzippy Livni and Bogi Ya'alon dare not land there.
If we would have adopted the stance of the just, we could have acted according to the maritime international laws that were determined by Great Britain when it ruled the seas. Call to stop. First shell in front of the ship's nose. Second shell into the ship, and the story is over. But this law is for legitimate ships, not pirate ships, like us. It will not help us to base our justness on good manners. We will always turn out to be rapists in the end. It won't work even if we enlist the most professional soldiers in the world for the mission.
"I don't see Israel as a Jewish state, but rather as a state of all its citizens," said former Chief Justice Aharon Barak, and we lost the most important weapon of all - our sense of justice. The problem is that the other side did not lose its sense of justice. For the Arabs, the Land of Israel is not merely real estate or some sort of security shelter. For them, this Land is holy and they are fighting for it (and rightly so!). But you cannot fight for a land that by your own admission is not yours.
The only option open, then, is self-defense. Even rapists are allowed to defend themselves. And that is how Israel has become the state of roadblocks, barbed wire, security guards at the entrance of every café, iron domes, cement blocks, concertina, atomic detectors and mobile bomb shelters. We outfitted our elite units with tear gas and other ridiculous toys. Now we can explain to the parents of the naval commando how the best fighter in the world was injured by a club to his head.
We have cloaked ourselves in a gown of cement and barbed wire to preserve the lie that Jews can return to their ancient homeland after 2000 years with a false identity: Israeli instead of Jewish. They can forget who they are and the dreams of their ancestors and be just a normal nation - a nation like all the nations. Just like in the Gulf of Mexico, we are trying to bottle up the murky reality that is gushing to our surface with an iron dome. But we cannot cover up for the sense of justice that we have lost.
If we had retained our sense of justice, we would not be waiting for Turkey to expel our ambassador, being portrayed as the guilty rapist along the way. On the contrary, we would have recalled our ambassador from Turkey and expelled its ambassador for its declaration of war on our sovereignty. But we cannot do that, because the Turks are right. After all, we declared that Gaza belongs to the Arabs, didn't we? So what right do we have to blockade a Turkish ship outside our territorial waters?
When, in the last 20 years, have you heard an official Israeli representative - the prime minister, our ambassador to the UN or our Foreign Minister utter the simple words, "This is our land?" You can't remember? That is because it simply didn't happen. Israel is fleeing its Jewish identity and cannot even say this simple sentence.
We must return to our basic sense of justice - the justice that sustained us during our long exile and the only factor that explains why we are not rapists and why this entire Land - including Gaza, is ours and only ours. When we return to that point, we will be able to truly establish our sovereignty in this Land. As long as we continue to attempt to escape our identity, Israel will continue to slowly crumble as it hides behind its barbed wire, road blocks and most advanced defense technology in the world.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Moses Montefiore
Fortune's Ambassador
A folk hero to the persecuted, a man of fortune who helped the less fortunate.
By WALTER LAQUEUR
Moses Montefiore, a world-renowned figure in the 19th century, was virtually forgotten by the 20th and is remembered today, at times, simply by the resonance of his name. A hospital in the Bronx is named for him, another in Pittsburgh, and a Jewish quarter in Jerusalem just outside the Old City. The accomplishments of some of Montefiore's descendants—including a pugnacious Anglican bishop—may remind us the progenitor's renown, but his story certainly needs to be retold. It is a remarkable one.
Born in Livorno in 1784 to an Italian-Jewish family with British connections, Montefiore moved to London with his family when he was a small child. He began his working life in London's merchant world and then becoming a broker at the stock exchange. He had a most spectacular career, marrying into the Rothschild family and eventually joining its banking enterprise. By an early age he had acquired a great fortune. He was accepted by the best social clubs and even became a member of the Royal Society. He was knighted at the age of 51 and made sheriff of the city of London, a largely ceremonial position but a highly prestigious one.
As Abigail Green (herself a descendant of the family) tells us in her thoughtful biography, Montefiore had a reputation for the utmost probity. There may have been, it is true, a darker side to his character—he seems to have been guilty of occasional philandering—but we know virtually nothing about it, in part because his private correspondence was burned after his death.
Montefiore was a man of probity in a larger, public sense. As much as he liked making money, he liked even more giving it away to those who needed it more than he did. And so, at what will now be considered early middle age, he retired from business and devoted the rest of his life (he died in 1885, at the age of 101) to acting as a one-person first-aid flying brigade, donating his money to worthy causes and traveling to places where his brethren in faith were persecuted—from Morocco to Palestine, from Russia and Rumania. He became a folk hero of the persecuted, who attributed to him extraordinary powers. He traveled everywhere at a time when travel was often difficult. He went Jerusalem for the last time at age 91, braving cholera and pirates.
It is a little hard for us to imagine Montefiore's public role, since there is no equivalent today. He was roving foreign minister and emissary of a people without a state. In many places they called him "sar"—a Hebrew word for minister, a person of great influence. People attributed to him almost magical powers.
Moses Montefiore
By Abigail Green
Belknap/Harvard, 540 pages, $35
The belief in Montefiore's omnipotence was of course exaggerated. Not all his missions were successful. He could hardly influence harsh czarist policy toward Russia's Jewish subjects, and there were narrow limits to what he could achieve in the Ottoman Empire even in its weakened state in the 19th century. But even symbolism was important. That Montefiore had been received for an audience by Czar Nicholas I, not known as a philo-Semite, did matter. The czar had given orders, on the occasion of Montefiore's visit to the Russian capital, that the guard in front of his palace be constituted of Jewish soldiers, whom he praised as being as brave as the ancient Maccabeans.
Montefiore's intervention did help at the time of the Damascus scandal (1840), when local Jews were accused of blood libel (slaughtering Christian clergymen to use their blood for Passover) and some of them were tortured and killed. Montefiore alleviated the misery in Palestine, Morocco and other places by generously financing new initiatives aimed at providing better health services and better education and curtailing the abuses of a hostile bureaucracy in Eastern Europe and parts of the Ottoman Empire.
To what did he owe his success? He was a man of imposing stature and great dignity. Britain at the time was a great power, and he was known to have influential friends in the highest circles. But there must have been in addition some personal qualities that made him likable and persuasive—a person not to be ignored or trifled with.
Montefiore had not been particularly religious in his younger years but became more observant later on, and Jerusalem was closest to his heart. On his four-poster bed in Ramsgate, the English town where he lived for part of his life, there was the inscription: "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem" (Psalms 137). Jerusalem was a miserable place at the time—and remained so for years after. The situation of the Jews there, existing in abject poverty, was certainly miserable—the great majority lived from handouts from their more fortunate and pious co-religionists in Europe. Montefiore tried to help in many ways. He built alms houses and, perhaps most important, bought farm land to encourage young Jews to engage in productive labor. At one stage there seems to have been a chance for obtaining from the Ottomans something approaching political autonomy for the Jews, provided that European Jews would come with their money and help in the development of the country. But Montefiore ruefully admitted that he did not know a single Jew in Britain who would settle there.
Ms. Green writes deftly and tells Montefiore's story with a admirable thoroughness. (She is herself a professional historian.) "Moses Montefiore" is mercifully free of academic theory. It is exactly what a good biography should be—fair and illuminating without ever descending to hagiography. Still, it is clear that Montefiore was a genuinely good man. Their number in history is not substantial, and praise should be given where it is due.
Mr. Laqueur is the author, most recently of "Best of Times, Worst of Times: Memoirs of a Political Education" (University of New England Press, 2010).
A folk hero to the persecuted, a man of fortune who helped the less fortunate.
By WALTER LAQUEUR
Moses Montefiore, a world-renowned figure in the 19th century, was virtually forgotten by the 20th and is remembered today, at times, simply by the resonance of his name. A hospital in the Bronx is named for him, another in Pittsburgh, and a Jewish quarter in Jerusalem just outside the Old City. The accomplishments of some of Montefiore's descendants—including a pugnacious Anglican bishop—may remind us the progenitor's renown, but his story certainly needs to be retold. It is a remarkable one.
Born in Livorno in 1784 to an Italian-Jewish family with British connections, Montefiore moved to London with his family when he was a small child. He began his working life in London's merchant world and then becoming a broker at the stock exchange. He had a most spectacular career, marrying into the Rothschild family and eventually joining its banking enterprise. By an early age he had acquired a great fortune. He was accepted by the best social clubs and even became a member of the Royal Society. He was knighted at the age of 51 and made sheriff of the city of London, a largely ceremonial position but a highly prestigious one.
As Abigail Green (herself a descendant of the family) tells us in her thoughtful biography, Montefiore had a reputation for the utmost probity. There may have been, it is true, a darker side to his character—he seems to have been guilty of occasional philandering—but we know virtually nothing about it, in part because his private correspondence was burned after his death.
Montefiore was a man of probity in a larger, public sense. As much as he liked making money, he liked even more giving it away to those who needed it more than he did. And so, at what will now be considered early middle age, he retired from business and devoted the rest of his life (he died in 1885, at the age of 101) to acting as a one-person first-aid flying brigade, donating his money to worthy causes and traveling to places where his brethren in faith were persecuted—from Morocco to Palestine, from Russia and Rumania. He became a folk hero of the persecuted, who attributed to him extraordinary powers. He traveled everywhere at a time when travel was often difficult. He went Jerusalem for the last time at age 91, braving cholera and pirates.
It is a little hard for us to imagine Montefiore's public role, since there is no equivalent today. He was roving foreign minister and emissary of a people without a state. In many places they called him "sar"—a Hebrew word for minister, a person of great influence. People attributed to him almost magical powers.
Moses Montefiore
By Abigail Green
Belknap/Harvard, 540 pages, $35
The belief in Montefiore's omnipotence was of course exaggerated. Not all his missions were successful. He could hardly influence harsh czarist policy toward Russia's Jewish subjects, and there were narrow limits to what he could achieve in the Ottoman Empire even in its weakened state in the 19th century. But even symbolism was important. That Montefiore had been received for an audience by Czar Nicholas I, not known as a philo-Semite, did matter. The czar had given orders, on the occasion of Montefiore's visit to the Russian capital, that the guard in front of his palace be constituted of Jewish soldiers, whom he praised as being as brave as the ancient Maccabeans.
Montefiore's intervention did help at the time of the Damascus scandal (1840), when local Jews were accused of blood libel (slaughtering Christian clergymen to use their blood for Passover) and some of them were tortured and killed. Montefiore alleviated the misery in Palestine, Morocco and other places by generously financing new initiatives aimed at providing better health services and better education and curtailing the abuses of a hostile bureaucracy in Eastern Europe and parts of the Ottoman Empire.
To what did he owe his success? He was a man of imposing stature and great dignity. Britain at the time was a great power, and he was known to have influential friends in the highest circles. But there must have been in addition some personal qualities that made him likable and persuasive—a person not to be ignored or trifled with.
Montefiore had not been particularly religious in his younger years but became more observant later on, and Jerusalem was closest to his heart. On his four-poster bed in Ramsgate, the English town where he lived for part of his life, there was the inscription: "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem" (Psalms 137). Jerusalem was a miserable place at the time—and remained so for years after. The situation of the Jews there, existing in abject poverty, was certainly miserable—the great majority lived from handouts from their more fortunate and pious co-religionists in Europe. Montefiore tried to help in many ways. He built alms houses and, perhaps most important, bought farm land to encourage young Jews to engage in productive labor. At one stage there seems to have been a chance for obtaining from the Ottomans something approaching political autonomy for the Jews, provided that European Jews would come with their money and help in the development of the country. But Montefiore ruefully admitted that he did not know a single Jew in Britain who would settle there.
Ms. Green writes deftly and tells Montefiore's story with a admirable thoroughness. (She is herself a professional historian.) "Moses Montefiore" is mercifully free of academic theory. It is exactly what a good biography should be—fair and illuminating without ever descending to hagiography. Still, it is clear that Montefiore was a genuinely good man. Their number in history is not substantial, and praise should be given where it is due.
Mr. Laqueur is the author, most recently of "Best of Times, Worst of Times: Memoirs of a Political Education" (University of New England Press, 2010).
Monday, April 26, 2010
Great lecture at Columbia University
DATE: May 3, 2010 TIME 6:30-9pm PLACE: Earl Hall Auditorium, Columbia University FREE Dinner SPONSOR: Campus Media Watch TOPIC Relativism and Reporting On The Arab-Israeli Conflict RSVP contact@campusmediawatch.org CO-SPONSORS: SPME, Lionpac, Koleinu, Campus Watch, CPU
DATE: April 27, 2010 TIME 9am-5pm PLACE: Fordham University School of Law, 140 W 62d St, NYC LAWFARE : THE UN'S GOLDSTONE REPORT: THE DEFAMATION OF ISRAEL AND THE THREAT TO AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE AGE OF TERRORISM; THE DEMONIZATION OF ISRAEL AND HUMAN RIGHTS DISTORTIONS; THE GOLDSTONE REPORT: UNDERMINING SELF-DEFENSE IN THE AGE OF TERRORISM; LEGAL WEAPONRY: THE PERVERSION OF INTERNATIONAL JURISPRUDENCE AND INSTITUTIONS; INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC LEGAL RECOURSES: RESPONDING TO 'LAWFARE.'
SPONSORS: American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, along with The New York Legal Assistance Group, B'nai Brith, The Lawfare Project, The American Jewish International Relations Institute, The International Council of Jewish Women, World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, The Endowment for Middle East Truth, Jewish Law Students Association of Fordham Law School
LUNCH PROVIDED : SEATING IS LIMITED AND PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER PLEASE RSVP TO kvboyko@gmail.com
CLE Credit: 1.5 credits for each of the 4 panel sessions or a total of 6 credits for the full program.
PREMISE: International law and legal institutions are being used to pursue strategic and political goals as a corollary to modern warfare. In the case of Israel and the threat posed by terrorism in the 21st century, "lawfare" can be as biased and lethal as any other form of weaponry. Attacks on the legitimacy of actions taken in self-defense by democratic states, in the halls of the UN and international and domestic courts, radically undermine the ability to protect the welfare of Israel, the United States and all democracies from the scourge of terrorism. This assault empowers and emboldens the enemies of democracy and encourages the intolerance and antisemitism at the root of the terrorist agenda. The Goldstone Report and the lawfare strategy it embodies, erode the legitimacy of international law and pose a clear and present danger to the right of all democratic states, including the United States, to defend themselves. This program will explore, examine and expose the fallacies of the Goldstone Report, and other manifestations of lawfare, as well as suggest strategies for fighting back.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: William C. Banks, Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, Syracuse University, College of Law; Anne Bayefsky, Director, Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute; Abraham Bell, Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law and Bar Ilan University Faculty of Law; Lt. Col David Benjamin, former Director of the Strategic and International Branch, International Law Department, Israel Defense Forces; Laurie Blank, Director, International Humanitarian Law Clinic, Emory Law School; Elizabeth Defeis, Professor of Law, Seton Hall; Samuel Edelman, Executive Director, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East; Allan Gerson, Chairman, AG International Law, PLLC; Brooke Goldstein, Director, The Lawfare Project; Stephen Greenwald, President, American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists; Peter J. Haas, President, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East; Malvina Halberstam, Professor of Law, Cardozo School of Law; Martin Kramer, Senior Fellow, Shalem Center; Wexler-Fromer Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Richard Landes, Professor of History, Boston University; Nathan Lewin, Partner, Lewin and Lewin, Washington DC; Herb London, President, Hudson Institute; Kenneth Marcus, Ackerman Visiting Professor of Equality and Justice in America, Baruch College; David Matas, Senior Honorary Counsel, B?nai Brith, Canada; Ed Morgan, Professor of Law, University of Toronto; Trevor Norwitz, partner, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; Adjunct professor, Columbia Law School; Nicholas Rostow, University Counsel and Vice Chancellor of the State University of New York; Gabriella Shalev, Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations; Shmuel Trigano, Professor, Paris X University Nanterre.
DATE: May 3 PLACE: Columbia University TIME: 6:30-9:00 pm TITLE: Relativism and Reporting on The Arab-Israeli Conflict
DATE: April 27, 2010 TIME 9am-5pm PLACE: Fordham University School of Law, 140 W 62d St, NYC LAWFARE : THE UN'S GOLDSTONE REPORT: THE DEFAMATION OF ISRAEL AND THE THREAT TO AMERICAN NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE AGE OF TERRORISM; THE DEMONIZATION OF ISRAEL AND HUMAN RIGHTS DISTORTIONS; THE GOLDSTONE REPORT: UNDERMINING SELF-DEFENSE IN THE AGE OF TERRORISM; LEGAL WEAPONRY: THE PERVERSION OF INTERNATIONAL JURISPRUDENCE AND INSTITUTIONS; INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC LEGAL RECOURSES: RESPONDING TO 'LAWFARE.'
SPONSORS: American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, and Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, along with The New York Legal Assistance Group, B'nai Brith, The Lawfare Project, The American Jewish International Relations Institute, The International Council of Jewish Women, World Council of Conservative/Masorti Synagogues, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, The Endowment for Middle East Truth, Jewish Law Students Association of Fordham Law School
LUNCH PROVIDED : SEATING IS LIMITED AND PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER PLEASE RSVP TO kvboyko@gmail.com
CLE Credit: 1.5 credits for each of the 4 panel sessions or a total of 6 credits for the full program.
PREMISE: International law and legal institutions are being used to pursue strategic and political goals as a corollary to modern warfare. In the case of Israel and the threat posed by terrorism in the 21st century, "lawfare" can be as biased and lethal as any other form of weaponry. Attacks on the legitimacy of actions taken in self-defense by democratic states, in the halls of the UN and international and domestic courts, radically undermine the ability to protect the welfare of Israel, the United States and all democracies from the scourge of terrorism. This assault empowers and emboldens the enemies of democracy and encourages the intolerance and antisemitism at the root of the terrorist agenda. The Goldstone Report and the lawfare strategy it embodies, erode the legitimacy of international law and pose a clear and present danger to the right of all democratic states, including the United States, to defend themselves. This program will explore, examine and expose the fallacies of the Goldstone Report, and other manifestations of lawfare, as well as suggest strategies for fighting back.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: William C. Banks, Director, Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism, Syracuse University, College of Law; Anne Bayefsky, Director, Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute; Abraham Bell, Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law and Bar Ilan University Faculty of Law; Lt. Col David Benjamin, former Director of the Strategic and International Branch, International Law Department, Israel Defense Forces; Laurie Blank, Director, International Humanitarian Law Clinic, Emory Law School; Elizabeth Defeis, Professor of Law, Seton Hall; Samuel Edelman, Executive Director, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East; Allan Gerson, Chairman, AG International Law, PLLC; Brooke Goldstein, Director, The Lawfare Project; Stephen Greenwald, President, American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists; Peter J. Haas, President, Scholars for Peace in the Middle East; Malvina Halberstam, Professor of Law, Cardozo School of Law; Martin Kramer, Senior Fellow, Shalem Center; Wexler-Fromer Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy; Richard Landes, Professor of History, Boston University; Nathan Lewin, Partner, Lewin and Lewin, Washington DC; Herb London, President, Hudson Institute; Kenneth Marcus, Ackerman Visiting Professor of Equality and Justice in America, Baruch College; David Matas, Senior Honorary Counsel, B?nai Brith, Canada; Ed Morgan, Professor of Law, University of Toronto; Trevor Norwitz, partner, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; Adjunct professor, Columbia Law School; Nicholas Rostow, University Counsel and Vice Chancellor of the State University of New York; Gabriella Shalev, Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations; Shmuel Trigano, Professor, Paris X University Nanterre.
DATE: May 3 PLACE: Columbia University TIME: 6:30-9:00 pm TITLE: Relativism and Reporting on The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Emanuel told Jewish organizations to stay away from rally for Israel
'Break the Silence' Speaker: Obama's 'Alice-in-Wonderland' Gov't
by Hana Levi Julian
A former aide to New York State Governor George Pataki slammed the Obama administration's treatment of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the State of Israel in a prelude to Sunday's “Break the Silence' rally, set to begin at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) outside the Israeli Consulate in Manhattan.
The event will take place rain or shine, according to organizer Beth Gilinsky, head of the Jewish Action Alliance.
Among those on the podium will be Jeff Weisenfeld of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, a long-time leader in New York's “mainstream” Jewish community who for years was also active in the National Committee for Jewish Education. Weisenfeld spent four years as chief of staff in the city administration of former Mayor Ed Koch, a Democrat before becoming an aide to Governor George Pataki, another Republican.
Speaking late Friday afternoon in an interview with Israel National News, Weisenfeld called the current diplomatic crisis “the biggest accidental or deliberate miscalculation in American-Israeli relations made by any American president.” He added that the Obama administration's overtures to the Muslim world, and the contrast with its hostility to the State of Israel, had transformed the U.S. executive branch into a “complete Alice-in-Wonderland government. I don't want to make light of it here,” Weisenfeld said with some sarcasm, “but it's like Purim, when Mordechai becomes Haman, and Haman becomes Mordechai.”
He reserved special criticism for White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Special Presidential Adviser David Axelrod, both traditonal Jews in the Obama administration who are among the president's closest aides. “I had positions like theirs, I worked for a governor, a senator... I always made sure that I was representing the Jewish community to the governor, and the governor to them. But there are some who see their power as an end in itself. They don't want to tell the boss when he's wrong. And they are the worst kind of people to have in government,” Weisenfeld said.
“Islam has evolved backwards, has become more violent than perhaps it was even in its inception, since they did not have the weapons then, that they have today. And you have Emanuel and Axelrod, who have bad judgment, and who do not see the need to fight this moral equivalency.”
Weisenfeld also noted that most “mainstream” Jewish community organizations did not – and could not – officially sign on to sponsor Sunday's rally for fear of retribution from the Obama administration. “The mainstream groups are about access and response to a direct threat from the White House.
“The [Jewish] Federations and their beneficiaries and subsidiaries have been warned by Rahm Emanuel to stay away from public criticism of the president on Israel. But unless the weather is horrendous,” he added, “there will be an abundance of “establishment-affiliated” people. Maybe we can wake up this president and pull him back from the abyss.”
by Hana Levi Julian
A former aide to New York State Governor George Pataki slammed the Obama administration's treatment of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the State of Israel in a prelude to Sunday's “Break the Silence' rally, set to begin at 1:00 p.m. (EDT) outside the Israeli Consulate in Manhattan.
The event will take place rain or shine, according to organizer Beth Gilinsky, head of the Jewish Action Alliance.
Among those on the podium will be Jeff Weisenfeld of Bernstein Global Wealth Management, a long-time leader in New York's “mainstream” Jewish community who for years was also active in the National Committee for Jewish Education. Weisenfeld spent four years as chief of staff in the city administration of former Mayor Ed Koch, a Democrat before becoming an aide to Governor George Pataki, another Republican.
Speaking late Friday afternoon in an interview with Israel National News, Weisenfeld called the current diplomatic crisis “the biggest accidental or deliberate miscalculation in American-Israeli relations made by any American president.” He added that the Obama administration's overtures to the Muslim world, and the contrast with its hostility to the State of Israel, had transformed the U.S. executive branch into a “complete Alice-in-Wonderland government. I don't want to make light of it here,” Weisenfeld said with some sarcasm, “but it's like Purim, when Mordechai becomes Haman, and Haman becomes Mordechai.”
He reserved special criticism for White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Special Presidential Adviser David Axelrod, both traditonal Jews in the Obama administration who are among the president's closest aides. “I had positions like theirs, I worked for a governor, a senator... I always made sure that I was representing the Jewish community to the governor, and the governor to them. But there are some who see their power as an end in itself. They don't want to tell the boss when he's wrong. And they are the worst kind of people to have in government,” Weisenfeld said.
“Islam has evolved backwards, has become more violent than perhaps it was even in its inception, since they did not have the weapons then, that they have today. And you have Emanuel and Axelrod, who have bad judgment, and who do not see the need to fight this moral equivalency.”
Weisenfeld also noted that most “mainstream” Jewish community organizations did not – and could not – officially sign on to sponsor Sunday's rally for fear of retribution from the Obama administration. “The mainstream groups are about access and response to a direct threat from the White House.
“The [Jewish] Federations and their beneficiaries and subsidiaries have been warned by Rahm Emanuel to stay away from public criticism of the president on Israel. But unless the weather is horrendous,” he added, “there will be an abundance of “establishment-affiliated” people. Maybe we can wake up this president and pull him back from the abyss.”
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
RALLY for a UNITED JEWISH JERUSALEM
Amcha eNewsletter for April 20, 2010 Inbox X
Reply
AMCHA - CJC to mrdovid
show details 3:25 PM (23 hours ago)
Amcha Newsletter
April 20, 2010 / 7 Iyar 5770
In this issue:
*Rally for a United Jewish Jerusalem
* We Pray
* We Mourn
* Get Connected
* Shabbat Forshpeis: A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
**************************************************
Rally in Support of a Jewish Jerusalem
Protest Against the Continued Mistreatment of Israel
At 1:00 pm
On Sunday April 25, 2010
At the Permanent Mission to Israel in New York City (800 2nd Avenue)
**************************************************
We pray for the complete and speedy recovery of our brave IDF soldiers who were wounded in battle defending our homeland Israel and wherever they are. We would like to express our gratitude for their sacrifice and effort.
He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities
of our God from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.
May Hashem cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is
Hashem, your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
Now let us respond: Amen.
**************************************************
We mourn our brothers in the US Armed Forces
who were killed fighting terror this past week:
Michael K. Ingram Jr., 23, of Newport, Michigan
**************************************************
If you are interested in learning more about the issues that our brothers and sisters are facing in Israel now, here are the links to the major Israeli newspapers:
• The Jerusalem Post: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-4zgJV/aggj8/E%405241554-C8cwVaNqWSgfU
• Arutz Sheva: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-AfftNzqnWBskA%405241555-cvd3SZ7lDzP8Q
• Debka File: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-JcoivfL8DhpKY%405241556-T/qJfZGZToRC%2e
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-kvpyMl1UjIL9w%405241557-aXh43J3QkG8zc
**************************************************
SHABBAT FORSHPEIS
A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
The Lessons of Holiness Even in Death
April 23-24 2010 / 10 Iyar 5770
From a literal perspective, the names of portions are nothing more than the first major word of the part of the Torah that is read during the week. It can, however, be argued that deep meaning actually lies within the names themselves. The two portions we read this week-Acharei Mot that literally means after death, and Kedoshim that means holiness, are fine examples of this phenomenon.
What is the challenge that presents itself after death? In my early years of the rabbinate, I always felt that my challenge as a spiritual leader was to sit with bereaved families and help them undo the pain they were feeling. Death is a kind of darkness, a deep darkness. My role, I thought, was to remove that darkness.
But after my mother died, I stood before my congregation and apologized. Through that painful experience, I came to realize that the goal of removal is simply unrealistic. The goal is rather to find a way to cope with the suffering that comes with termination. I compared it to the following: Imagine walking into a dark room for the first time. Not knowing one’s way or one’s place, one trips over the furniture, unaware of which way to turn. However, after days and weeks and months and years, when one walks into that very same dark room, although the darkness still exists, with time we learn how to negotiate the furniture and we can make our way.
The truth is that after suffering a great loss, one is actually blessed if one constantly feels the darkness of the pain of termination. Such an emotion is reflective of the power of the relationship between the bereaved and the deceased. If there is no sense of darkness, it could mean that that sense of connection has been blurred-even lost. The challenge, however, as one continues to feel the darkness, is learning how to cope, to use the analogy, learning where the furniture is and while feeling the darkness, finding a way to move about.
The last time I was at my mother’s grave, my dear sister Suri, a woman of profound spirituality, turned to me and said, "Mommy is far away." I keep thinking of that comment. My mother died on Yom Kippur 1983. It is certainly a long time ago. In a certain sense my sister was right-with every year the soul seems to move further and further away.
While not denying that reality, our portions this week remind us that after life (Acharei Mot), there can always be Kedoshim - a sense of continuum that is expressed through holiness. How so? The challenge of death is to keep the person who has died alive in spirit. Indeed the Talmud says, there are some people who are actually living yet are not really alive-they're only going through the motions. On the flip side, there are others who, although physically dead, continue to live through the teachings they left behind and through those whom they have touched in life.
In Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik's Halakhic Man, his introductory page includes the Talmudic statement that in a moment of great personal conflict, the biblical Yosef (Joseph) looked up and, in the window saw the image of his father Ya’akov (Jacob). It was Rav Soloveitchik's way of saying that his writing and teachings continue to be powerfully influenced by his late father, Rabbi Moshe Soloveitchik.
I bless you and ask you to bless me that we always remember those who have passed on, like walking through the darkened room full of furniture. And I pray that we always feel those who are closest tapping us on the shoulder and helping us along the complex path of life.
Rav Avi
______________________________________
Amcha – The Coalition for Jewish Concerns
Phone: (718) 796-4730
Fax: (718) 884-3206
Email: amchacjc@amchacjc.org
Web: www.amchacjc.org
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Reply
AMCHA - CJC to mrdovid
show details 3:25 PM (23 hours ago)
Amcha Newsletter
April 20, 2010 / 7 Iyar 5770
In this issue:
*Rally for a United Jewish Jerusalem
* We Pray
* We Mourn
* Get Connected
* Shabbat Forshpeis: A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
**************************************************
Rally in Support of a Jewish Jerusalem
Protest Against the Continued Mistreatment of Israel
At 1:00 pm
On Sunday April 25, 2010
At the Permanent Mission to Israel in New York City (800 2nd Avenue)
**************************************************
We pray for the complete and speedy recovery of our brave IDF soldiers who were wounded in battle defending our homeland Israel and wherever they are. We would like to express our gratitude for their sacrifice and effort.
He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities
of our God from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.
May Hashem cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is
Hashem, your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
Now let us respond: Amen.
**************************************************
We mourn our brothers in the US Armed Forces
who were killed fighting terror this past week:
Michael K. Ingram Jr., 23, of Newport, Michigan
**************************************************
If you are interested in learning more about the issues that our brothers and sisters are facing in Israel now, here are the links to the major Israeli newspapers:
• The Jerusalem Post: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-4zgJV/aggj8/E%405241554-C8cwVaNqWSgfU
• Arutz Sheva: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-AfftNzqnWBskA%405241555-cvd3SZ7lDzP8Q
• Debka File: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-JcoivfL8DhpKY%405241556-T/qJfZGZToRC%2e
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency: http://m1e.net/c?60317947-kvpyMl1UjIL9w%405241557-aXh43J3QkG8zc
**************************************************
SHABBAT FORSHPEIS
A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
The Lessons of Holiness Even in Death
April 23-24 2010 / 10 Iyar 5770
From a literal perspective, the names of portions are nothing more than the first major word of the part of the Torah that is read during the week. It can, however, be argued that deep meaning actually lies within the names themselves. The two portions we read this week-Acharei Mot that literally means after death, and Kedoshim that means holiness, are fine examples of this phenomenon.
What is the challenge that presents itself after death? In my early years of the rabbinate, I always felt that my challenge as a spiritual leader was to sit with bereaved families and help them undo the pain they were feeling. Death is a kind of darkness, a deep darkness. My role, I thought, was to remove that darkness.
But after my mother died, I stood before my congregation and apologized. Through that painful experience, I came to realize that the goal of removal is simply unrealistic. The goal is rather to find a way to cope with the suffering that comes with termination. I compared it to the following: Imagine walking into a dark room for the first time. Not knowing one’s way or one’s place, one trips over the furniture, unaware of which way to turn. However, after days and weeks and months and years, when one walks into that very same dark room, although the darkness still exists, with time we learn how to negotiate the furniture and we can make our way.
The truth is that after suffering a great loss, one is actually blessed if one constantly feels the darkness of the pain of termination. Such an emotion is reflective of the power of the relationship between the bereaved and the deceased. If there is no sense of darkness, it could mean that that sense of connection has been blurred-even lost. The challenge, however, as one continues to feel the darkness, is learning how to cope, to use the analogy, learning where the furniture is and while feeling the darkness, finding a way to move about.
The last time I was at my mother’s grave, my dear sister Suri, a woman of profound spirituality, turned to me and said, "Mommy is far away." I keep thinking of that comment. My mother died on Yom Kippur 1983. It is certainly a long time ago. In a certain sense my sister was right-with every year the soul seems to move further and further away.
While not denying that reality, our portions this week remind us that after life (Acharei Mot), there can always be Kedoshim - a sense of continuum that is expressed through holiness. How so? The challenge of death is to keep the person who has died alive in spirit. Indeed the Talmud says, there are some people who are actually living yet are not really alive-they're only going through the motions. On the flip side, there are others who, although physically dead, continue to live through the teachings they left behind and through those whom they have touched in life.
In Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik's Halakhic Man, his introductory page includes the Talmudic statement that in a moment of great personal conflict, the biblical Yosef (Joseph) looked up and, in the window saw the image of his father Ya’akov (Jacob). It was Rav Soloveitchik's way of saying that his writing and teachings continue to be powerfully influenced by his late father, Rabbi Moshe Soloveitchik.
I bless you and ask you to bless me that we always remember those who have passed on, like walking through the darkened room full of furniture. And I pray that we always feel those who are closest tapping us on the shoulder and helping us along the complex path of life.
Rav Avi
______________________________________
Amcha – The Coalition for Jewish Concerns
Phone: (718) 796-4730
Fax: (718) 884-3206
Email: amchacjc@amchacjc.org
Web: www.amchacjc.org
--
To unsubscribe/change profile:
http://www.mailermailer.com/x?u=60317947L-859b001f
To subscribe:
http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=32970z
Our address:
3700 Henry Hudson Parkway | Bronx, New York 10463
This message was sent to you because you are an existing
customer/member.
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Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A call to action
A Call to Action By standwithisrael / A Call to Action: Leaders, Step Forward Now By Beth Gilinsky and Rabbi Aryeh Spero
forwarded with commentary by Emanuel A. Winston, Middle East Analyst & Commentator
The nation of Israel has been under extreme pressure and intimidation to cave in to the Muslim Arab Palestinians’ demand by several American Presidential Administrations, including George Herbert Walker Bush, James Baker III, Hillary & Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and now President Barack Hussein Obama.
The Jews of America were similarly pressured through attacks against AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and other Jewish organizations not to dare go to the American Congress or the Media to press for the cessation of pressure - in order to accommodate Arab Muslim Terrorist nations and their Terrorist proxies.
Let us never forget the pressure during WW2 for Jewish organizations to remain silent about Adolph Hitler’s massacres of European Jews. The threat was that protesting in public would give rise to anti-Semitism in America. Some Jews did protest to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt but most closed their eyes and mouths in fear. The Shame of their perfidious cowardly behavior still lingers and, regrettably, is repeated by today’s leaders of many Jewish organizations.
As Obama and his gang of pro-Muslim Arabs attack Israel once again, the silence (except for some outstanding exceptions) is deafening. Obama seems to be a reincarnation of Pharaoh, ignoring the Ten Plagues that made Egypt a miserable, poverty-stricken nation - even to the present.
Obama’s vicious Muslim-based hostility against the Jewish Nation/State is bringing new Plagues to America and the Free West countries as it once did to Egypt. Like Pharaoh, Obama’s heart is hardened against the Jewish nation until Americans also suffer terrible disasters, some of which have already occurred.
Please contact those Jewish organizations to step up and protect Israel - or to step out!
COMMENTARY BY EMANUEL A. WINSTON
###
By standwithisrael
IT IS TIME TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD.
RALLY TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL, FOR A UNITED JEWISH JERUSALEM,
AND TO PROTEST THE CONTINUED MISTREATMENT OF ISRAEL.
"WHERE THERE IS NO LEADERSHIP, STEP FORWARD AND LEAD"
DATE: Sunday, April 25th, 2010 TIME: 1pm
forwarded with commentary by Emanuel A. Winston, Middle East Analyst & Commentator
The nation of Israel has been under extreme pressure and intimidation to cave in to the Muslim Arab Palestinians’ demand by several American Presidential Administrations, including George Herbert Walker Bush, James Baker III, Hillary & Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and now President Barack Hussein Obama.
The Jews of America were similarly pressured through attacks against AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and other Jewish organizations not to dare go to the American Congress or the Media to press for the cessation of pressure - in order to accommodate Arab Muslim Terrorist nations and their Terrorist proxies.
Let us never forget the pressure during WW2 for Jewish organizations to remain silent about Adolph Hitler’s massacres of European Jews. The threat was that protesting in public would give rise to anti-Semitism in America. Some Jews did protest to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt but most closed their eyes and mouths in fear. The Shame of their perfidious cowardly behavior still lingers and, regrettably, is repeated by today’s leaders of many Jewish organizations.
As Obama and his gang of pro-Muslim Arabs attack Israel once again, the silence (except for some outstanding exceptions) is deafening. Obama seems to be a reincarnation of Pharaoh, ignoring the Ten Plagues that made Egypt a miserable, poverty-stricken nation - even to the present.
Obama’s vicious Muslim-based hostility against the Jewish Nation/State is bringing new Plagues to America and the Free West countries as it once did to Egypt. Like Pharaoh, Obama’s heart is hardened against the Jewish nation until Americans also suffer terrible disasters, some of which have already occurred.
Please contact those Jewish organizations to step up and protect Israel - or to step out!
COMMENTARY BY EMANUEL A. WINSTON
###
By standwithisrael
IT IS TIME TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD.
RALLY TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL, FOR A UNITED JEWISH JERUSALEM,
AND TO PROTEST THE CONTINUED MISTREATMENT OF ISRAEL.
"WHERE THERE IS NO LEADERSHIP, STEP FORWARD AND LEAD"
DATE: Sunday, April 25th, 2010 TIME: 1pm
Thursday, March 18, 2010
IF OBAMACARE PASSES, WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY ELECTION DAY
An Urgent Message From Our Sponsor, The League of American Voters
Urgent Message from Dick Morris
IF OBAMACARE PASSES, WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY ELECTION DAY
If the House Democratic majority passes Obama's healthcare proposals, one of two things will happen by Election Day, 2010 - and neither one will be healthy for the Democrats seeking re-election.
Either the Medicare cuts will take effect or they will be postponed by a terrified Congress.
If they take effect, physicians' fees will be slashed 21 percent and hospital reimbursements for Medicare patients will be cut by $1.3 billion. Tens of thousands of doctors and thousands of healthcare institutions - hospitals, hospices, outpatient clinics and such - will refuse to treat Medicare patients.
Entire cities will be without one doctor in important specialties who will take care of the elderly on Medicare. Particularly in fields like G.I. care or arthritic and joint pain, doctors will simply refuse to accept the low reimbursement rates they are being offered and hospitals will refuse all but emergency care to Medicare patients. In effect, the elderly will experience a doctors' strike against Medicare patients.
Congress, faced with this massive revolt coming right on the verge of the election, may back down and postpone the cuts. Originally, doctor reimbursement rates were scheduled to drop on March 1 of this year, but Congress postponed it until the fall. Now the Democrats in Congress will face not only cuts in doctors' fees but in all forms of Medicare reimbursement - the so-called "market basket" of cuts programmed into Obamacare.
Congress, being Congress, will probably seek to postpone the cuts until after Election Day. But in doing so, they would expose the deficit reduction and cost containment features of Obama's bill for the fraud that they are. The news media headlines would blare that Congress just voted to add tens or hundreds of billions to the deficit and the big spending, high borrowing image of Congress will worsen. All pretense that Obamacare is not a reckless spending bill will be stripped away and we will be face to face with the reality that it will add hugely to the deficit.
All this will come at precisely the time that House and Senate Democrats are scrambling to rebut the attacks of their Republican challengers over these very issues. If Congress votes to postpone the Medicare cuts, as a former Secretary of HHS predicted to me, they will have to answer for their fiscal irresponsibility right before the election.
Either poison - the cuts or the deficit - will be enough to eradicate an entire generation of House and Senate Democrats.
And these cuts will take place against a backdrop of continuing increases in health insurance premiums, no expansion of coverage (it doesn't kick in until 2013), and no tangible benefit from the Obama bill.
This is the prospect the House and Senate Democrats who vote for Obamacare will face in the fall of 2010. This is the record they will have to defend.
Or, they could save their political lives and vote no!
Help them to make the decision!
Please help the League of American Voters -- they are running ads across the nation and getting out the grassroots to oppose Obamacare -- they URGENTLY need your help -- Click Here Now
Thank you.
Dick Morris
Urgent Message from Dick Morris
IF OBAMACARE PASSES, WHAT WILL HAPPEN BY ELECTION DAY
If the House Democratic majority passes Obama's healthcare proposals, one of two things will happen by Election Day, 2010 - and neither one will be healthy for the Democrats seeking re-election.
Either the Medicare cuts will take effect or they will be postponed by a terrified Congress.
If they take effect, physicians' fees will be slashed 21 percent and hospital reimbursements for Medicare patients will be cut by $1.3 billion. Tens of thousands of doctors and thousands of healthcare institutions - hospitals, hospices, outpatient clinics and such - will refuse to treat Medicare patients.
Entire cities will be without one doctor in important specialties who will take care of the elderly on Medicare. Particularly in fields like G.I. care or arthritic and joint pain, doctors will simply refuse to accept the low reimbursement rates they are being offered and hospitals will refuse all but emergency care to Medicare patients. In effect, the elderly will experience a doctors' strike against Medicare patients.
Congress, faced with this massive revolt coming right on the verge of the election, may back down and postpone the cuts. Originally, doctor reimbursement rates were scheduled to drop on March 1 of this year, but Congress postponed it until the fall. Now the Democrats in Congress will face not only cuts in doctors' fees but in all forms of Medicare reimbursement - the so-called "market basket" of cuts programmed into Obamacare.
Congress, being Congress, will probably seek to postpone the cuts until after Election Day. But in doing so, they would expose the deficit reduction and cost containment features of Obama's bill for the fraud that they are. The news media headlines would blare that Congress just voted to add tens or hundreds of billions to the deficit and the big spending, high borrowing image of Congress will worsen. All pretense that Obamacare is not a reckless spending bill will be stripped away and we will be face to face with the reality that it will add hugely to the deficit.
All this will come at precisely the time that House and Senate Democrats are scrambling to rebut the attacks of their Republican challengers over these very issues. If Congress votes to postpone the Medicare cuts, as a former Secretary of HHS predicted to me, they will have to answer for their fiscal irresponsibility right before the election.
Either poison - the cuts or the deficit - will be enough to eradicate an entire generation of House and Senate Democrats.
And these cuts will take place against a backdrop of continuing increases in health insurance premiums, no expansion of coverage (it doesn't kick in until 2013), and no tangible benefit from the Obama bill.
This is the prospect the House and Senate Democrats who vote for Obamacare will face in the fall of 2010. This is the record they will have to defend.
Or, they could save their political lives and vote no!
Help them to make the decision!
Please help the League of American Voters -- they are running ads across the nation and getting out the grassroots to oppose Obamacare -- they URGENTLY need your help -- Click Here Now
Thank you.
Dick Morris
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Message from Florida Gov Charlie Crist re: Martin Grossman
Thank you for contacting me and sharing your concerns about the execution of Martin Grossman.
On December 13, 1984, Mr. Grossman violated the terms of his probation by leaving Pasco County and having a stolen firearm in his possession. In a routine stop, Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer Margaret Park found the weapon. When she reached for the radio in her patrol car to report him, Mr. Grossman attacked her with her own large flashlight, beating her over the head and shoulders 20 to 30 times. When Officer Park tried to fight back, Mr. Grossman took her .357 Magnum revolver and shot her in the back of the head, killing her.
Mr. Grossman took several carefully planned steps to cover up this horrible crime. The weapon was buried, and Mr. Grossman attempted to burn his clothes and shoes, which were later disposed of in a nearby lake. The following day, Mr. Grossman thoroughly cleaned the van and changed its tires to mislead law enforcement.
Officer Park’s autopsy revealed lacerations on top of her head, hemorrhaging inside the scalp and extensive fracturing of the skull. All of these injuries resulted from Mr. Grossman’s attack. The facts of this crime clearly meet the definition of heinous, atrocious and cruel, and his actions afterward demonstrate his well-reasoned attempts to cover it up.
The courts have fully reviewed Mr. Grossman’s legal claims, and his conviction and sentence have been affirmed by both the Florida Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. Based on the facts and exhaustion of legal proceedings, and in accordance with Florida law, I signed his death warrant on January 12, 2010.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
On December 13, 1984, Mr. Grossman violated the terms of his probation by leaving Pasco County and having a stolen firearm in his possession. In a routine stop, Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer Margaret Park found the weapon. When she reached for the radio in her patrol car to report him, Mr. Grossman attacked her with her own large flashlight, beating her over the head and shoulders 20 to 30 times. When Officer Park tried to fight back, Mr. Grossman took her .357 Magnum revolver and shot her in the back of the head, killing her.
Mr. Grossman took several carefully planned steps to cover up this horrible crime. The weapon was buried, and Mr. Grossman attempted to burn his clothes and shoes, which were later disposed of in a nearby lake. The following day, Mr. Grossman thoroughly cleaned the van and changed its tires to mislead law enforcement.
Officer Park’s autopsy revealed lacerations on top of her head, hemorrhaging inside the scalp and extensive fracturing of the skull. All of these injuries resulted from Mr. Grossman’s attack. The facts of this crime clearly meet the definition of heinous, atrocious and cruel, and his actions afterward demonstrate his well-reasoned attempts to cover it up.
The courts have fully reviewed Mr. Grossman’s legal claims, and his conviction and sentence have been affirmed by both the Florida Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. Based on the facts and exhaustion of legal proceedings, and in accordance with Florida law, I signed his death warrant on January 12, 2010.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Lubavitch Francophone February 15 at 5:43 am Reply
By the grace of God,
the, 1 Adar (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... Our sages say that from 1 Adar, is made known to the Jews need to give the half Shekel and verify that different species do not mix in the field. We can explain the relationship between these two elements for the service of God in this generation heel of Mashiach.
According to Rabbi Joshua, Nissan is in the children of Israel left Egypt in Nissan they will leave this exile.
And we believe that the issue will actually take place in Nissan. We know, indeed, that the opinion of Rabbi Joshua is chosen whenever it opposes Rabbi Eliezer (...).
Rabbi Eliezer think, for its part, the issue will occur in Tishri. He acknowledges, however, that Nissan is a month of issue, during which came out of Egypt, the first complete issue.
Our Sages seek reasons and explanations justifying that our ancestors were freed from Egypt. And thereafter, "it is because of our sins we were expelled from our land." Therefore, no doubt, fix what happened and remove the reason for the exile. It then qu'interviendra issue.
According to Rabbi Eliezer, in fact, the issue is not whether the children of Israel do not have access to Teshuva. For Rabbi Joshua, however, God will spark a hard king whose decrees will be similar to those of Haman. Under his leadership, Israel will do Teshuva. Thus, both agree to recognize that teshuva must precede the issue.
During this exile, which is the last, he must first fix what is causing this situation. Our sages say, in effect: "Why was the Temple destroyed? Because of gratuitous hatred."The achievements of the Jews during this exile, therefore, will complete the transformation of matter and the Sanhedrin Treaty states that the son of David will come in a generation fully deserving or entirely criminal. Then, the mixture of good and evil, which resulted from the fault tree of knowledge of good and evil will disappear.
It is precisely the teaching of the Mishna at the beginning of Shekalim Treaty, which speaks of 1 Adar. The month of Adar, Nissan is preparing, that of issue. Indeed, Rashi explains that "the days of miracles" for the Jews, Purim and Pesach evoke.
The Rosh Hodesh, namely the 1st of Adar, is the head of the month, including in it all of it. That's why we say in prayer, "renews this month for us." Accordingly, the court announced what overall service of God this month, preparing for delivery.
This preparation includes two points.It consists, firstly, to give a half shekel, the same amount for all, as it is called "the rich will not give more, the poor will not give less." Thus, all together in the same manner and form only a single entity to offer a sacrifice to Gd. All Jews unite to put into practice the will of Gd and repair and the specific cause of this exile, which, as noted, the gratuitous hatred.
Moreover, it also recalls (1 Adar) the prohibition of mixing species in the field. Indeed, the forces of evil are the antithesis of holiness and we can not imagine a more serious mix of good and evil. It is in such cases, eradicate these species.
Thus we can put into practice the injunction of our sages that, when Adar begins, we multiply its joy. It must be so since the Rosh Hodesh and this injunction is also an assurance that it will be good as well. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
the, 1 Adar (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... Our sages say that from 1 Adar, is made known to the Jews need to give the half Shekel and verify that different species do not mix in the field. We can explain the relationship between these two elements for the service of God in this generation heel of Mashiach.
According to Rabbi Joshua, Nissan is in the children of Israel left Egypt in Nissan they will leave this exile.
And we believe that the issue will actually take place in Nissan. We know, indeed, that the opinion of Rabbi Joshua is chosen whenever it opposes Rabbi Eliezer (...).
Rabbi Eliezer think, for its part, the issue will occur in Tishri. He acknowledges, however, that Nissan is a month of issue, during which came out of Egypt, the first complete issue.
Our Sages seek reasons and explanations justifying that our ancestors were freed from Egypt. And thereafter, "it is because of our sins we were expelled from our land." Therefore, no doubt, fix what happened and remove the reason for the exile. It then qu'interviendra issue.
According to Rabbi Eliezer, in fact, the issue is not whether the children of Israel do not have access to Teshuva. For Rabbi Joshua, however, God will spark a hard king whose decrees will be similar to those of Haman. Under his leadership, Israel will do Teshuva. Thus, both agree to recognize that teshuva must precede the issue.
During this exile, which is the last, he must first fix what is causing this situation. Our sages say, in effect: "Why was the Temple destroyed? Because of gratuitous hatred."The achievements of the Jews during this exile, therefore, will complete the transformation of matter and the Sanhedrin Treaty states that the son of David will come in a generation fully deserving or entirely criminal. Then, the mixture of good and evil, which resulted from the fault tree of knowledge of good and evil will disappear.
It is precisely the teaching of the Mishna at the beginning of Shekalim Treaty, which speaks of 1 Adar. The month of Adar, Nissan is preparing, that of issue. Indeed, Rashi explains that "the days of miracles" for the Jews, Purim and Pesach evoke.
The Rosh Hodesh, namely the 1st of Adar, is the head of the month, including in it all of it. That's why we say in prayer, "renews this month for us." Accordingly, the court announced what overall service of God this month, preparing for delivery.
This preparation includes two points.It consists, firstly, to give a half shekel, the same amount for all, as it is called "the rich will not give more, the poor will not give less." Thus, all together in the same manner and form only a single entity to offer a sacrifice to Gd. All Jews unite to put into practice the will of Gd and repair and the specific cause of this exile, which, as noted, the gratuitous hatred.
Moreover, it also recalls (1 Adar) the prohibition of mixing species in the field. Indeed, the forces of evil are the antithesis of holiness and we can not imagine a more serious mix of good and evil. It is in such cases, eradicate these species.
Thus we can put into practice the injunction of our sages that, when Adar begins, we multiply its joy. It must be so since the Rosh Hodesh and this injunction is also an assurance that it will be good as well. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Rosh Chodesh Adar ...FB Dvar Torah
Michael Zaroovabeli February 14 at 11:24am Reply
Chodesh Tov!! Here are a few words on the joyous month of Adar, which we have just entered, the month of PURIM!!
This is a joyous month for various reasons; it wasn’t just the Purim story that marks this month as glorious.
The 3rd of Adar was the anniversary of the completion of the second temple, which was built by the Torah Scribe, Ezra and the Davidic leader at the time, Zerubavel. The second temple took four years to build. The second temple was finished only few years after the end of the Purim Story took place.
The 7th Adar is the date of birth, of arguably the greatest Jewish leader of all time, Moshe. His circumcision took place on the 14th of Adar.
The 14th of Adar is also famous for the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish nation, something I will elaborate on more in due coarse in my Purim Dvar Torah. The 15th Adar is the day after Purim, know as Shushan Purim. Actually two days prior, 13th Adar is the ‘Fast of Esther,’ commemorating Esther’s fast, when she was going to request something off Achashvairosh, risking her own life.
It is customary on Purim to give presents to fellow friends, comprising of a minimum of two foods, the gift is named ‘Mishloach Manot.’ The gift is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to promote an increase in love and friendship among Jews as a counter force against Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are characterized by strife and disunity.
The 23rd of Adar is famous as the day the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was inaugurated, it’s no coincident, how the coming parshah’s actually are going to detail what the features of the tabernacle are, as we are entering Parshat Terumah. The inauguration process lasted between 23 – 29th Adar. It was Moshe who had the role as High priest and Aaron and his four sons took the priesthood roles. Aaron’s four sons were, Eliezer, Ithamar, Nadav and Abihu. We will see later on in Parshat Shemini, how Nadav and Avihu die. The Mishkan was especially joyous as Hashem’s divine presence rested in the tabernacle.
On an unhappy note, the date 27th Adar is the anniversary of the death of the last great Jewish King, Zedekiah. He was the last king of the royal house of David to reign in the Holy Land. He ascended the throne in the year 434 BCE, after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia (to whom the Kingdom of Judah was then subject) exiled King Jeconiah (Zedekiah's nephew) to Babylonia. In 425 BCE Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonian rule, and Nebuchadnezzar went to attack Jerusalem (in Tevet 10 of that year); two years later the walls of Jerusalem were penetrated, the city conquered, the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed, and the people of Yehudah exiled to Babylonia. Zedekiah tried escaping through a tunnel leading out of the city, however he was captured; his sons were killed in front of him, and then he was blinded. Zedekiah was stuck in the royal dungeon in Babylonia until Nebuchadnezzar's death in 398 BCE (25 years later). Evil Meroduch, Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, freed him (and his nephew Jeconiah) on the 27th of Adar; however Zedikiah died that same day. He was a great Jewish King.
Zedikiah was obviously not the only Jew to die, sanctifying G-d’ name, many famous stories throughout Jewish history, include, Hanna and her 7 sons (Chanukah story), mass Jews during the first and second world wars, the Jews in Beitar over 50 years after destruction of 2nd Temple, the 10 Martyrs and many more.
During the Talmudic era, Adar 28th used to be a joyous day and celebrated to commemorate the rescinding of a Roman decree against Brit Mila, Torah study and keeping the Shabbat. These decrees were initially formulated, as the Roman’s knew if the Jews would be unable to practice and observe these, it would lead to assimilation. The decree was annihilated through the efforts of the great Rabbi Yehudah ben Shamua and his fellow rabbis.
Hope you all have a fantastic week and enjoy this fantastic month! Watch this space for a Dvar Torah on Parshat Terumah. By Michael Zaroovabeli.
Chodesh Tov!! Here are a few words on the joyous month of Adar, which we have just entered, the month of PURIM!!
This is a joyous month for various reasons; it wasn’t just the Purim story that marks this month as glorious.
The 3rd of Adar was the anniversary of the completion of the second temple, which was built by the Torah Scribe, Ezra and the Davidic leader at the time, Zerubavel. The second temple took four years to build. The second temple was finished only few years after the end of the Purim Story took place.
The 7th Adar is the date of birth, of arguably the greatest Jewish leader of all time, Moshe. His circumcision took place on the 14th of Adar.
The 14th of Adar is also famous for the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy the Jewish nation, something I will elaborate on more in due coarse in my Purim Dvar Torah. The 15th Adar is the day after Purim, know as Shushan Purim. Actually two days prior, 13th Adar is the ‘Fast of Esther,’ commemorating Esther’s fast, when she was going to request something off Achashvairosh, risking her own life.
It is customary on Purim to give presents to fellow friends, comprising of a minimum of two foods, the gift is named ‘Mishloach Manot.’ The gift is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to promote an increase in love and friendship among Jews as a counter force against Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are characterized by strife and disunity.
The 23rd of Adar is famous as the day the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was inaugurated, it’s no coincident, how the coming parshah’s actually are going to detail what the features of the tabernacle are, as we are entering Parshat Terumah. The inauguration process lasted between 23 – 29th Adar. It was Moshe who had the role as High priest and Aaron and his four sons took the priesthood roles. Aaron’s four sons were, Eliezer, Ithamar, Nadav and Abihu. We will see later on in Parshat Shemini, how Nadav and Avihu die. The Mishkan was especially joyous as Hashem’s divine presence rested in the tabernacle.
On an unhappy note, the date 27th Adar is the anniversary of the death of the last great Jewish King, Zedekiah. He was the last king of the royal house of David to reign in the Holy Land. He ascended the throne in the year 434 BCE, after King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia (to whom the Kingdom of Judah was then subject) exiled King Jeconiah (Zedekiah's nephew) to Babylonia. In 425 BCE Zedekiah rebelled against the Babylonian rule, and Nebuchadnezzar went to attack Jerusalem (in Tevet 10 of that year); two years later the walls of Jerusalem were penetrated, the city conquered, the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed, and the people of Yehudah exiled to Babylonia. Zedekiah tried escaping through a tunnel leading out of the city, however he was captured; his sons were killed in front of him, and then he was blinded. Zedekiah was stuck in the royal dungeon in Babylonia until Nebuchadnezzar's death in 398 BCE (25 years later). Evil Meroduch, Nebuchadnezzar's son and successor, freed him (and his nephew Jeconiah) on the 27th of Adar; however Zedikiah died that same day. He was a great Jewish King.
Zedikiah was obviously not the only Jew to die, sanctifying G-d’ name, many famous stories throughout Jewish history, include, Hanna and her 7 sons (Chanukah story), mass Jews during the first and second world wars, the Jews in Beitar over 50 years after destruction of 2nd Temple, the 10 Martyrs and many more.
During the Talmudic era, Adar 28th used to be a joyous day and celebrated to commemorate the rescinding of a Roman decree against Brit Mila, Torah study and keeping the Shabbat. These decrees were initially formulated, as the Roman’s knew if the Jews would be unable to practice and observe these, it would lead to assimilation. The decree was annihilated through the efforts of the great Rabbi Yehudah ben Shamua and his fellow rabbis.
Hope you all have a fantastic week and enjoy this fantastic month! Watch this space for a Dvar Torah on Parshat Terumah. By Michael Zaroovabeli.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
ACT! National Conference in June
Visit our News page
Save This Date!
Announcing the ACT! for America
National Conference and Legislative Briefing
by Brigitte Gabriel
Dear David,
I am delighted and excited to announce a new ACT! for America event:
The ACT! for America National Conference and Legislative Briefing!
This event will take place June 27th–29th in beautiful, historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, (just across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital) and in Washington, DC.
Last year we conducted a “pilot program,” a legislative briefing in Washington, DC attended by a group of 45 ACT! members. A dozen members of the House and Senate met with and conducted briefings with our participants, and by all accounts the event was a smashing success!
In fact, if you click here you can view a video entitled “This is ACT! for America,” which includes footage from that legislative briefing last June. We will be doing a national announcement of the video on Monday.
This year we are going to expand the event to include activities such as a one-day conference and a gala banquet. You don’t want to miss this!
So mark your calendar—we will be emailing you details soon!
Once you receive the information about the conference, I urge you to register and make your reservations sooner rather than later, because space is limited to the first 200 people who register.
I so look forward to seeing you in our nation’s capital on June 27th.
Always devoted,
Brigitte Gabriel
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ACT for America
P.O. Box 12765
Pensacola, FL 32591
www.actforamerica.org
ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure.
The news items, blogs, educational materials and other information in our emails and on our website are only intended to provide information, news and commentary on events and issues related to the threat of radical Islam. Much of this information is based upon media sources, such as the AP wire services, newspapers, magazines, books, online news blog and news services, and radio and television, which we deem to be reliable. However, we have undertaken no independent investigation to verify the accuracy of the information reported by these media sources. We therefore disclaim all liability for false or inaccurate information from these media sources. We also disclaim all liability for the third-party information that may be accessed through the material referenced in our emails or posted on our website.
Do not respond to this e-mail for any reason. To discontinue your membership automatically please, follow the link below. You are registered to receive email as David Rothschild at the following e-mail address: mrdovid@aol.com. You must use the correct e-mail address to discontinue your membership.
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Send a personalized version of this message to your friends.
Save This Date!
Announcing the ACT! for America
National Conference and Legislative Briefing
by Brigitte Gabriel
Dear David,
I am delighted and excited to announce a new ACT! for America event:
The ACT! for America National Conference and Legislative Briefing!
This event will take place June 27th–29th in beautiful, historic Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, (just across the Potomac River from our nation’s capital) and in Washington, DC.
Last year we conducted a “pilot program,” a legislative briefing in Washington, DC attended by a group of 45 ACT! members. A dozen members of the House and Senate met with and conducted briefings with our participants, and by all accounts the event was a smashing success!
In fact, if you click here you can view a video entitled “This is ACT! for America,” which includes footage from that legislative briefing last June. We will be doing a national announcement of the video on Monday.
This year we are going to expand the event to include activities such as a one-day conference and a gala banquet. You don’t want to miss this!
So mark your calendar—we will be emailing you details soon!
Once you receive the information about the conference, I urge you to register and make your reservations sooner rather than later, because space is limited to the first 200 people who register.
I so look forward to seeing you in our nation’s capital on June 27th.
Always devoted,
Brigitte Gabriel
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make sure you receive all of your messages from ACT for America. Add actforamerica@donationnet.net to your address book as an approved email sender. If you found this message in your "Bulk" or "Spam" folder, please click the "Not Spam" button to notify your provider that these are emails you want to receive.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACT for America
P.O. Box 12765
Pensacola, FL 32591
www.actforamerica.org
ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure.
The news items, blogs, educational materials and other information in our emails and on our website are only intended to provide information, news and commentary on events and issues related to the threat of radical Islam. Much of this information is based upon media sources, such as the AP wire services, newspapers, magazines, books, online news blog and news services, and radio and television, which we deem to be reliable. However, we have undertaken no independent investigation to verify the accuracy of the information reported by these media sources. We therefore disclaim all liability for false or inaccurate information from these media sources. We also disclaim all liability for the third-party information that may be accessed through the material referenced in our emails or posted on our website.
Do not respond to this e-mail for any reason. To discontinue your membership automatically please, follow the link below. You are registered to receive email as David Rothschild at the following e-mail address: mrdovid@aol.com. You must use the correct e-mail address to discontinue your membership.
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Lubavitch Francophone 2/7/2010
Lubavitch Francophone February 7 at 2:16 pm Reply
By the grace of God,
the 23 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... Near Mount Sinai, each vowed to practice the Torah and its mitzvot. And that oath is also a force imparted by God to bring these commandments into practice, as explained in the beginning of the treaty Nedarim, that someone who vowed to perform the mitzvah acquires in this way The eagerness. A fortiori is this so when the oath is made to the One Who gives the Torah and who creates man. Certainly, one might ask: if he who gave an oath to the Mount Sinai did not draw the strength to wage war against the evil inclination and overcome, that will bring his own oath, to the practice the mitzvah?
We can answer this question based on about our Sages, at the end of this treaty.If someone violates a prohibited because it was unable to overcome his evil inclination and it ignored the will of the Creator, he must still hiding, so that his infamy n ' not appear clearly, because sometimes fear of a man of flesh and blood has more effect than the fear of Gd. It is therefore even those who vowed to practice the mitzvah, Oath of the soul is inserted into a body of flesh and blood. How much is it and when the oath is revealed and it is clearly expressed by the mouth, tongue, lips by physical!
The story that concluded the treaty, speaking of a woman, her husband and one with whom she committed adultery, is also linked to what is the subject of our discussion and we find an allusion appropriate since the revelation of Mount Sinai sealed the marriage of the Holy One, blessed be He and His people, Israel. However, it is said, about the mitzvot of the Torah:"You do and you do not turn away ... because where you pervert", which warns against all sins, all sins, all the transgressions, which take their origin in systematically the first fault, the serpent , which had a relationship with 'Hava and stained, as explained in various texts, both so allusive and detail. In front of the Mount Sinai that the stain disappeared.
May God make everyone, in all Israel is increasing and intensifying its study of the Torah, which leads to action, the practice of mitzvot, which also allows to distinguish what is unclean and which is pure, even within this latter category, which is holy and unholy, the will and needs of the soul of the will and needs of the body.
The Torah was given when an association was made between them (between soul and body).And those partners who are, thus, clearly defined, must agree to build a wall, "with all your heart," with both your inclinations. In contrast, the thickness of the wall depends on the custom and the nature of the country where you are. Indeed, one will be less exposed than the other to his evil inclination, because he is naturally inclined to study and, without special effort on his part, he does not look pleased. A doctor will not invest in the needs of his body, for which he has a natural attraction more important. To achieve this, he remembered the order received on Mount Sinai. At one stage below, is one whose evil inclination is burning, which requires a moral encouragement which must be sworn.
But this year, he also stated that "none of us will be rejected. Ultimately, it is certain he will succeed, too, to Teshuva, according to the Halachah is determined at the conclusion of this treaty, saying:"This woman is permitted. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
(Extract from letter No. 8768)
(1) of the Year 5724
By the grace of God,
the 23 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... Near Mount Sinai, each vowed to practice the Torah and its mitzvot. And that oath is also a force imparted by God to bring these commandments into practice, as explained in the beginning of the treaty Nedarim, that someone who vowed to perform the mitzvah acquires in this way The eagerness. A fortiori is this so when the oath is made to the One Who gives the Torah and who creates man. Certainly, one might ask: if he who gave an oath to the Mount Sinai did not draw the strength to wage war against the evil inclination and overcome, that will bring his own oath, to the practice the mitzvah?
We can answer this question based on about our Sages, at the end of this treaty.If someone violates a prohibited because it was unable to overcome his evil inclination and it ignored the will of the Creator, he must still hiding, so that his infamy n ' not appear clearly, because sometimes fear of a man of flesh and blood has more effect than the fear of Gd. It is therefore even those who vowed to practice the mitzvah, Oath of the soul is inserted into a body of flesh and blood. How much is it and when the oath is revealed and it is clearly expressed by the mouth, tongue, lips by physical!
The story that concluded the treaty, speaking of a woman, her husband and one with whom she committed adultery, is also linked to what is the subject of our discussion and we find an allusion appropriate since the revelation of Mount Sinai sealed the marriage of the Holy One, blessed be He and His people, Israel. However, it is said, about the mitzvot of the Torah:"You do and you do not turn away ... because where you pervert", which warns against all sins, all sins, all the transgressions, which take their origin in systematically the first fault, the serpent , which had a relationship with 'Hava and stained, as explained in various texts, both so allusive and detail. In front of the Mount Sinai that the stain disappeared.
May God make everyone, in all Israel is increasing and intensifying its study of the Torah, which leads to action, the practice of mitzvot, which also allows to distinguish what is unclean and which is pure, even within this latter category, which is holy and unholy, the will and needs of the soul of the will and needs of the body.
The Torah was given when an association was made between them (between soul and body).And those partners who are, thus, clearly defined, must agree to build a wall, "with all your heart," with both your inclinations. In contrast, the thickness of the wall depends on the custom and the nature of the country where you are. Indeed, one will be less exposed than the other to his evil inclination, because he is naturally inclined to study and, without special effort on his part, he does not look pleased. A doctor will not invest in the needs of his body, for which he has a natural attraction more important. To achieve this, he remembered the order received on Mount Sinai. At one stage below, is one whose evil inclination is burning, which requires a moral encouragement which must be sworn.
But this year, he also stated that "none of us will be rejected. Ultimately, it is certain he will succeed, too, to Teshuva, according to the Halachah is determined at the conclusion of this treaty, saying:"This woman is permitted. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
(Extract from letter No. 8768)
(1) of the Year 5724
Money Rabbi Dov Berl Wein
Additional Shiurim
24. The Significance of the World to Come
Parashat Behukotai
Trees That Were Planted in a Public Area
An Individual Who is a Community
Two names
This Shabat is parshat shekalim. Shekalim deals with money, with coins and with the obligation to donate a half-shekel annually for the upkeep and maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Talmud teaches us that Moshe our teacher was shown on Sinai a coin made of fire. I always felt that the symbolism in these words of the rabbis lies in the fact that fire destroys and heals, burns and warms. Fire when it is controlled is the basic ingredient for the furtherance of comfort in human life and civilization. However when it is left unchecked and uncontrolled, as recent events in Australia and California currently proved, it is a destroyer of human life and property in a most vicious fashion. So too does the money have this quality. Used wisely it is the basis for good in this world. However when it is viewed as an end in itself and not as the means to better ends it is a very destructive force. It becomes an all encompassing and consuming passion that eventually justifies all sorts of immoral behavior, stealing, cheating and even killing. Money, like fire, is an essential ingredient for human life and prosperity. But again like fire it requires control, focus and a deep appreciation of the destructive forces that lurk within it if it is not properly harnessed and checked. The coin of fire that Moshe observed on Sinai represented this clear warning and lesson and that is why even today when the commandment of donating the half-shekel to the Temple is still not pertinent, the moral lesson lying behind this commandment certainly speaks to us and our current financial woes.
The ways of the Lord are inscrutable but somehow they are altogether just. I have no answer as to why so many wonderful Jews who were the mainstays of Jewish charity throughout the world should suddenly face varying degrees of financial reversal and ruin. There is no logical answer that I am aware of why the equity markets of the world should lose half of their value in such a short period of time. There is also no logical answer as to how Madoff could have swindled fifty billion dollars out of smart, astute, successful people and under the alleged scrutiny of regulatory agencies that supposedly checked him out and found nothing amiss. Again we are witness as to how Heaven disposes no matter whatever man proposes. Money has now taken on a more subdued role in our lives. It is no longer an end in itself - the accumulation of wealth for the sake of wealth itself; it is reduced now to be a necessary commodity to enable us to have food, shelter, medical care and other true necessities of life. The coin of fire has returned to haunt us and even to taunt us. What we felt was secure in our future is now exposed as being unstable and impossible to rely upon. Apparently the coin of fire should be held gingerly, with protective gloves and with holy purpose.
And even then there are no guarantees.
The rabbis of the Talmud also taught us that when there is general misfortune, the "angel of destruction" no longer differentiates between the righteous and the evil. This truism is certainly present in the present debacle. Righteous people who devoted their financial resources to help people in need, Torah institutions and the Jewish people generally have nevertheless suffered horrendous losses. Their ability to support others has been crippled. This is part of the great unknown that is being played out before our very eyes. The fire of the coin rages in all of its intensity and fire consumes everything in its path, good, bad or indifferent. Nevertheless, parshat shekalim is always bound together to the month of Adar. The Mishna teaches us that on the first of Adar the proclamation to pay the half-shekel was publicized. The month of Adar as we know from the story of Purim which highlights this month, is a month of unforeseen and unexpected reversals of fortune and circumstance. Even though it is highly unlikely that a dramatic turn for the better is in the near future we should recall that in life everything is possible, even if it is unlikely. But perhaps it will take us some time to internalize the message of the coin of fire so there will not be any sudden dramatic improvements forthcoming. In any event we should realize that the eternal message of parshat shekalim - of the coin of fire - remains valid and relevant to us in good and better times as well.
* Written by the rabbi
24. The Significance of the World to Come
Parashat Behukotai
Trees That Were Planted in a Public Area
An Individual Who is a Community
Two names
This Shabat is parshat shekalim. Shekalim deals with money, with coins and with the obligation to donate a half-shekel annually for the upkeep and maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Talmud teaches us that Moshe our teacher was shown on Sinai a coin made of fire. I always felt that the symbolism in these words of the rabbis lies in the fact that fire destroys and heals, burns and warms. Fire when it is controlled is the basic ingredient for the furtherance of comfort in human life and civilization. However when it is left unchecked and uncontrolled, as recent events in Australia and California currently proved, it is a destroyer of human life and property in a most vicious fashion. So too does the money have this quality. Used wisely it is the basis for good in this world. However when it is viewed as an end in itself and not as the means to better ends it is a very destructive force. It becomes an all encompassing and consuming passion that eventually justifies all sorts of immoral behavior, stealing, cheating and even killing. Money, like fire, is an essential ingredient for human life and prosperity. But again like fire it requires control, focus and a deep appreciation of the destructive forces that lurk within it if it is not properly harnessed and checked. The coin of fire that Moshe observed on Sinai represented this clear warning and lesson and that is why even today when the commandment of donating the half-shekel to the Temple is still not pertinent, the moral lesson lying behind this commandment certainly speaks to us and our current financial woes.
The ways of the Lord are inscrutable but somehow they are altogether just. I have no answer as to why so many wonderful Jews who were the mainstays of Jewish charity throughout the world should suddenly face varying degrees of financial reversal and ruin. There is no logical answer that I am aware of why the equity markets of the world should lose half of their value in such a short period of time. There is also no logical answer as to how Madoff could have swindled fifty billion dollars out of smart, astute, successful people and under the alleged scrutiny of regulatory agencies that supposedly checked him out and found nothing amiss. Again we are witness as to how Heaven disposes no matter whatever man proposes. Money has now taken on a more subdued role in our lives. It is no longer an end in itself - the accumulation of wealth for the sake of wealth itself; it is reduced now to be a necessary commodity to enable us to have food, shelter, medical care and other true necessities of life. The coin of fire has returned to haunt us and even to taunt us. What we felt was secure in our future is now exposed as being unstable and impossible to rely upon. Apparently the coin of fire should be held gingerly, with protective gloves and with holy purpose.
And even then there are no guarantees.
The rabbis of the Talmud also taught us that when there is general misfortune, the "angel of destruction" no longer differentiates between the righteous and the evil. This truism is certainly present in the present debacle. Righteous people who devoted their financial resources to help people in need, Torah institutions and the Jewish people generally have nevertheless suffered horrendous losses. Their ability to support others has been crippled. This is part of the great unknown that is being played out before our very eyes. The fire of the coin rages in all of its intensity and fire consumes everything in its path, good, bad or indifferent. Nevertheless, parshat shekalim is always bound together to the month of Adar. The Mishna teaches us that on the first of Adar the proclamation to pay the half-shekel was publicized. The month of Adar as we know from the story of Purim which highlights this month, is a month of unforeseen and unexpected reversals of fortune and circumstance. Even though it is highly unlikely that a dramatic turn for the better is in the near future we should recall that in life everything is possible, even if it is unlikely. But perhaps it will take us some time to internalize the message of the coin of fire so there will not be any sudden dramatic improvements forthcoming. In any event we should realize that the eternal message of parshat shekalim - of the coin of fire - remains valid and relevant to us in good and better times as well.
* Written by the rabbi
Weekly Dvar Torah – Parshah Yisro
Michael Zaroovabeli February 7 at 4:14am Reply
This week’s reading introduces us to the Ten commandments and a man whom we haven’t heard about since parshat Shemot, Yisro.
The Parshah actually starts off relating Moshe’s father in law, Yisro, how he left the land of Midiyan and joined the Jewish nation, converting by circumcising himself and the immersion in the Mikveh (Ritual bath).
In fact, due to his choice, choosing Judaism, despite his neighbours, the Amalakites went into war against the Jews at the end of last weeks reading, proved how much faith Yisro had in the Jewish religion and his total belief in Hashem.
Yisro brought with him, his daughter Tzipporah and his grand children (Moshe’s children) Eliezer and Gershon.
Yisro converted for the sake of Heaven and became a G-d fearing Jew, unlike the ‘Eiruv Rav’ who had converted deceitfully and went on to encourage the making of the Golden Calf. There were many great converts throughout biblical history, including, Batya the daughter of Pharaoh (who merited to go to Gan Eden alive), Rachav who was a cannanite harlot who converted and assisted the Jewish people into entering the land of Canaan which is related in the book of Joshua, the prophet Obadiah descended from Eisav, also one of the most famous converts is a man of the name Onkelas, who was from Roman origin.
The convert is regarded very highly in Jewish law, Hashem states that he has four children, they are, the orphan, poor person, Levite and also a convert! We should all respect anyone that has converted to Judaism.
Yisro, despite being brought up in a life of idolatry, worshipping many idols in his past, gave it all up. After converting and going through the circumcision process, he made a feast celebrating his conversion. Despite him going through the pain of the Brit Mila and it being his feast, he stood up and ran around serving all the guests like a proper righteous man, this reminds me of my cousin in London, after his baby son’s circumcision, despite it being his party and event, he was the man serving all the guests, taking care of everybody. These people teach us a lesson, one should always seek to do kindness all the time, even if it may be during there own events, as these are the truly reighous people. We also see Joshua, who was Moshe’s prime student, became the leader of the Jewish nation later on, not because he was the most learned of all Moshe’s students, it was because he treated all mitzvahs importantly and was always doing the tasks such as serving everyone food, stacking up tables and chairs at the end of services and always honouring his Rebbe, Moshe.
Yisro then gave crucial advice to Moshe, advising him on how to institute court systems, thus saving Moshe and the Jews a lot of time later on and giving them a proper court structure.
Yisro was so great an entire parshah was named after him!!
The reading then continues to the event of the ’10 commandments.’ After spending more than a month in the wilderness, the Jews encamped around Mount Sinai and accepted the Torah! Mount Sinai was chosen as the mountain for the Torah to be put on as it was the most ‘humblest’ of all mountains, teaching that Hashem loves humility!!
The first commandment related how to believe in Hashem’s existence and providence. The second commandment, tells us not to have ‘other G-d’s.’ The third teaches us not to pronounce Hashems name in vain.
The forth commandment, orders us to observe Shabbat, specifically by not doing any of the 39 Melachot which the Jews did in the Tabernacle. Also sanctifying the Shabbat and remembering it tremendously!! In modern day, desecration of Shabbat, includes, driving the car, switching off/on lights directly and doing any form of creative activity.
The fifth, commands us to honour our parents, in this commandment it relates how we should also honour older siblings and always do what is requested of our parents and to not do anything that upsets them.
The sixth commandment, states how one should not murder, included in this category is not to embarrass someone in public as that is a form of murder.
The seventh commandment is not to commit adultery; the eighth is that one should not steal. The ninth commandment is not to bear false witness against a fellow man. The tenth commandment is not to be jealous of what others have. We all have to realize, Hashem awards an individual with what he should have in this world, and it isn’t our job to covet others possessions.
In the Tanach we see, a pure desecration of the last 2 commandments by King Achav, who coveted a man of the name Nabot’s field, in order to gain possession of the field, he had him put on trial for something he didn’t do, and Nabot was put to death as a penalty for a crime he didn’t commit. Both jealousy and bearing false witness led to his murder!
The parshah finishes off relating the mitzvah of not building an alter of stones touched by iron, as iron is used usually for destructive purposes, for example, sharp knives (which could be used to kill), however the alter in general, is there to promote peace!!
The Haftorah for this weeks reading comes from chapter 6 in the book of Isaiah, relating the prophet’s vision of the heavenly chariot.
I would like to dedicate this weeks Dvar Torah in memory of the Yahrzeit of my late uncle, Menashe Ben Shimon.
Hope you all have a great week, written by Michael Zaroovabeli.
This week’s reading introduces us to the Ten commandments and a man whom we haven’t heard about since parshat Shemot, Yisro.
The Parshah actually starts off relating Moshe’s father in law, Yisro, how he left the land of Midiyan and joined the Jewish nation, converting by circumcising himself and the immersion in the Mikveh (Ritual bath).
In fact, due to his choice, choosing Judaism, despite his neighbours, the Amalakites went into war against the Jews at the end of last weeks reading, proved how much faith Yisro had in the Jewish religion and his total belief in Hashem.
Yisro brought with him, his daughter Tzipporah and his grand children (Moshe’s children) Eliezer and Gershon.
Yisro converted for the sake of Heaven and became a G-d fearing Jew, unlike the ‘Eiruv Rav’ who had converted deceitfully and went on to encourage the making of the Golden Calf. There were many great converts throughout biblical history, including, Batya the daughter of Pharaoh (who merited to go to Gan Eden alive), Rachav who was a cannanite harlot who converted and assisted the Jewish people into entering the land of Canaan which is related in the book of Joshua, the prophet Obadiah descended from Eisav, also one of the most famous converts is a man of the name Onkelas, who was from Roman origin.
The convert is regarded very highly in Jewish law, Hashem states that he has four children, they are, the orphan, poor person, Levite and also a convert! We should all respect anyone that has converted to Judaism.
Yisro, despite being brought up in a life of idolatry, worshipping many idols in his past, gave it all up. After converting and going through the circumcision process, he made a feast celebrating his conversion. Despite him going through the pain of the Brit Mila and it being his feast, he stood up and ran around serving all the guests like a proper righteous man, this reminds me of my cousin in London, after his baby son’s circumcision, despite it being his party and event, he was the man serving all the guests, taking care of everybody. These people teach us a lesson, one should always seek to do kindness all the time, even if it may be during there own events, as these are the truly reighous people. We also see Joshua, who was Moshe’s prime student, became the leader of the Jewish nation later on, not because he was the most learned of all Moshe’s students, it was because he treated all mitzvahs importantly and was always doing the tasks such as serving everyone food, stacking up tables and chairs at the end of services and always honouring his Rebbe, Moshe.
Yisro then gave crucial advice to Moshe, advising him on how to institute court systems, thus saving Moshe and the Jews a lot of time later on and giving them a proper court structure.
Yisro was so great an entire parshah was named after him!!
The reading then continues to the event of the ’10 commandments.’ After spending more than a month in the wilderness, the Jews encamped around Mount Sinai and accepted the Torah! Mount Sinai was chosen as the mountain for the Torah to be put on as it was the most ‘humblest’ of all mountains, teaching that Hashem loves humility!!
The first commandment related how to believe in Hashem’s existence and providence. The second commandment, tells us not to have ‘other G-d’s.’ The third teaches us not to pronounce Hashems name in vain.
The forth commandment, orders us to observe Shabbat, specifically by not doing any of the 39 Melachot which the Jews did in the Tabernacle. Also sanctifying the Shabbat and remembering it tremendously!! In modern day, desecration of Shabbat, includes, driving the car, switching off/on lights directly and doing any form of creative activity.
The fifth, commands us to honour our parents, in this commandment it relates how we should also honour older siblings and always do what is requested of our parents and to not do anything that upsets them.
The sixth commandment, states how one should not murder, included in this category is not to embarrass someone in public as that is a form of murder.
The seventh commandment is not to commit adultery; the eighth is that one should not steal. The ninth commandment is not to bear false witness against a fellow man. The tenth commandment is not to be jealous of what others have. We all have to realize, Hashem awards an individual with what he should have in this world, and it isn’t our job to covet others possessions.
In the Tanach we see, a pure desecration of the last 2 commandments by King Achav, who coveted a man of the name Nabot’s field, in order to gain possession of the field, he had him put on trial for something he didn’t do, and Nabot was put to death as a penalty for a crime he didn’t commit. Both jealousy and bearing false witness led to his murder!
The parshah finishes off relating the mitzvah of not building an alter of stones touched by iron, as iron is used usually for destructive purposes, for example, sharp knives (which could be used to kill), however the alter in general, is there to promote peace!!
The Haftorah for this weeks reading comes from chapter 6 in the book of Isaiah, relating the prophet’s vision of the heavenly chariot.
I would like to dedicate this weeks Dvar Torah in memory of the Yahrzeit of my late uncle, Menashe Ben Shimon.
Hope you all have a great week, written by Michael Zaroovabeli.
Sicha from the Rebbi 22nd Shevat
By the grace of God,
the 22 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... People ask me how to believe in divine providence? How can we imagine that God is the Master of the world and leads?
Imagine a man who has never known civilization which grew up alone in a desert.
Suddenly, he is led into the office of a dentist or a surgeon. There he sees a child sitting on the chair, bound and gagged him and the dentist pulls a tooth, then he cries. It is the same surgeon. He sees a man attached to the operating table, unable to move, to defend themselves or flee, undergoing an operation and losing blood.It is clear that one who escapes the idea that doctors are upright and righteous, who, of course, has no concept of medicine will reach the conclusion that the man attacking the child or the patient is a criminal, inflicting terrible pain to those who fall into his hands.
It will not be the same if the guest from the desert, has ideas on how to heal the physical body, he knows it is sometimes necessary to have an operation or to pull a tooth. At the time, the pain is great, but that is how man can be preserved for a long and terrible suffering that his body will remain healthy for decades.
Even if this man knows nothing of medicine, it can verify that the dentist or surgeon is a good man, regretting the pain of the child or the patient, but believes that it is necessary, at least transiently, to exert its effect thereafter for decades.
The same goes for what is the subject of our discussion. Each of us is the spectator of transient events, occurring over several days, months or years and you forget completely that his soul was already several thousands of years before that. Moreover, this soul is immutable. It will be the same tomorrow and forever. In imposing a passing pain, mild considering the life of the soul before the event and after it, he can be an advantage to be eternal, for the past and the future. In such cases, not only we will not call into question the principle of such suffering, but much more, in the words of the prophet Ichai (12, 1), we say:"I praise You, Lord, for giving me reprimanded. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
the 22 Shevat (1)
Brooklyn, New York
I greet you and bless you,
... People ask me how to believe in divine providence? How can we imagine that God is the Master of the world and leads?
Imagine a man who has never known civilization which grew up alone in a desert.
Suddenly, he is led into the office of a dentist or a surgeon. There he sees a child sitting on the chair, bound and gagged him and the dentist pulls a tooth, then he cries. It is the same surgeon. He sees a man attached to the operating table, unable to move, to defend themselves or flee, undergoing an operation and losing blood.It is clear that one who escapes the idea that doctors are upright and righteous, who, of course, has no concept of medicine will reach the conclusion that the man attacking the child or the patient is a criminal, inflicting terrible pain to those who fall into his hands.
It will not be the same if the guest from the desert, has ideas on how to heal the physical body, he knows it is sometimes necessary to have an operation or to pull a tooth. At the time, the pain is great, but that is how man can be preserved for a long and terrible suffering that his body will remain healthy for decades.
Even if this man knows nothing of medicine, it can verify that the dentist or surgeon is a good man, regretting the pain of the child or the patient, but believes that it is necessary, at least transiently, to exert its effect thereafter for decades.
The same goes for what is the subject of our discussion. Each of us is the spectator of transient events, occurring over several days, months or years and you forget completely that his soul was already several thousands of years before that. Moreover, this soul is immutable. It will be the same tomorrow and forever. In imposing a passing pain, mild considering the life of the soul before the event and after it, he can be an advantage to be eternal, for the past and the future. In such cases, not only we will not call into question the principle of such suffering, but much more, in the words of the prophet Ichai (12, 1), we say:"I praise You, Lord, for giving me reprimanded. ...
With my blessing,
M. Schneerson
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