Wednesday, July 29, 2009

EYE ON ZION

Check this out, this program is just excellent good Pre TISHA b
Av viewing

Eye on Zion 1

Eye on Zion 1

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Friday, July 24, 2009

A TEACHABLE MOMENT

Firstly, this latest incident (2 Menachem Av 5769) should be viewed in context with the Rubashkin/agriprocessors matter, the rioting and violence by elements of the Charedi community plus assorted child molestation charges against various individuals and institutions. Certainly regarding any one case no one should rush to judgment. Truly except for the participants and Hashem who really knows what happened and whether anyone intended to commit crimes.

Even if each and every religious looking person arrested Thursday 2 Menachem Av 5769 is 100% guilty G-D forbid temper one’s personal disdain by asking “If I were in these persons’ position would I reject the cooperating witness’ money?”
Would one be tempted by an offer of cash? Hopefully the temptation would be fleeting and one would not succumb. Therefore, strain one’s outrage through that thought and recall that one who judges others favorably s/he will judged favorably as well.

Further as far the public face of religious Jewry in the public mind innocence or guilt is all but irrelevant. Though it is pure speculation one cannot but wonder effect these shenanigans has on the public perception of religious Jews especial those interacting with societal institutions where impressions of integrity are key, such as lawyers or accountants. The Assistant US Attorney’s remarks at the press conference announcing the indictments and arrests could not contain his revulsion over religious leaders using their office and prestige to cover the alleged illegal activities. The AUSA’S remarks might have reflected animus but it seemed like a genuine sense of disgust against influential persons misusing their position calling them as those living in a “Ethics Free Zone”

How could any person who takes pride in their D-viely bestowed heritage not cringe at such statements.

What remains is what message is Hashem sending the Jewish nation? Analyzing what is the message is especially important for those who profess fidelity to His Torah both letter and spirit.

Without wagging a finger at any individual maybe the community’s priorities should be redirected. Instead of making internet or TV sins warranting rejection from an elementary of High School Yeshiva or Beit Yaakov maybe emphasize values of honesty, integrity and faithfulness instead.

Maybe all Torah based schools should incorporate ethics as part of the curriculum as well as introducing students to the basics of Jewish Law-Halacha regarding business, contract, torts lending etc…

Maybe all institutions before selecting honorees for their dinners or other function decide if they are personally worthy. Maybe to the extent possible only accept Kosher money.


Maybe this should be when a voice should rise up as a ground swell towards those who sit at the dais as leaders of those faithful to Torah that they behave beyond reproach as Rav Hench Liebowitz ZT’L ZY’A told his students “Never do anything on behalf of your institution or personally that you do not want on the front page of the New York Times”

True enough it is improper to rush to judgment about any media reportage about shortcomings within the community but that does not mean it should written off as anti-Semitism or it is a few bad eggs. There is a message from G-D Himself for the community to correct what is wrong and thereby behold the coming 5770 as a year crowned with Mashiach’s arrival.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

WHO DID YOU THINK HE MEANT?



The recent reformulation of US policy towards Israel especially regarding growth within its settlements is not directed just against the Jews of Beit EL, Hevron or Jerusalem’s post 5727 boundaries. Please ponder this, the. Demonstrators in Iran protest against Islamic tyranny receive from the White House a “we don’t meddle in another country’s internal affairs” response whereas if a young parent were to build a swing set or if this couple were to have additional children akin to a crime against humanity, the right to marry and procreate being fundamental human rights.

Now then, is the President Obama’s fatwa against natural expansion of Jewish settlements is applicable only to the current residents of Yehsa’s communities and greater Jerusalem or did he have more in mind? After all President Obama is most likely aware of the Israeli Law of return Therefore, maybe the President or Secretary Clinton wishes to include all who could possibly take up residence in Yehsa i.e. The decree applies not just Lea Bat Zion’s, parents, friends and neighbors but to Jews living in Antwerp, London, Buenos Ares , Sherman, TX, Wayne, NJ, The Five Towns, Willamsburg and even Lakewood!!!

Most likely Ms. Clinton has no immediate designs on including all Jews as potential settlement expanders but the possibility that this is indeed what the American Administration intended to communicate. Therefore, the requirement that an Israeli Prime Minister call the white House or State Department for a hall pass each time he or she needs the facilities is hardly anything new. What is new is that the administration wishes to hang a “NO JEWS ALLOWED ” sign on Yesha and Jerusalem.

This is not all, this policy of ethnic and religious discrimination applies not just to the Fleisher family but to myself as well, true the actual place where you live is in immediate danger but this is just the beginning if Jews do not belong in Beit EL why do Jews have any greater right to be in Tel Aviv or Los Angeles?

Recently a survey taken in the United States found that since January 20, 2009 public support for Israel has declined as well there having been several high profile Hate crimes/ terrorist activities directed against Jewish institutions and Jews

What adds insult to injury is the apparent atmosphere of hostility and bias against Judaism in general and Settlement activity particular that exists in the Israeli Judicial System especially President Benish and the Supreme Court lends a Hechsher to the positions articulated by those who advocate animus to Israel, Zionists and Zionism to mask bold face anti-Semitism.

Now before the national mourning of the three weeks between the breeching of Jerusalem’s walls on 17 Tamuz and the Temples’ destruction on 9 Av it is the time to overcome from within by Jews strengthening their identity and true national interest.