INTEL OR PINTELE!

Then as now there is a battle over the Jewish character of Jerusalem. The end of next week just before the Shabbat candles are lit the First Chanukah light is kindled.

The Macacbes fought not only Greco-Syrian forces but had to contend with Hellenist Jews. Victory was defined by the restoration of Jewish sovereignty to the Temple Mount. Jewish sovereignty was not established by which flags flies over Mt. Moriah but the reinstitution of the Temple service even if it is limited to lighting the Menorah. Nere possession is not enough it is the demonstrative action, acting like an owner establishes title

Presently, there are internal as well as external threats to Jewish sovereignty over Jerusalem. The Nations lead by the United States cannot accept Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Remarkably, in an era where the American President and foreign policy are laughed at Israel’s Prime Minister still feels the need to call the White House for a hall pass. After 61 years Israeli leadership still has a desperate need for the nations' acceptance. The on-going protests against public violation of Shabbat by Haraidi Jews are met with Secular protests that implore “ Get the Haraidim off our backs!”.Why challenge the public observance of Shabbat as an expression of fidelity to the Jewish heritage.

No attempt to make comparisons between the Chanukah story and the present day is intended except in the broadest terms as a struggle for the character of the Eternal Capital of the Jewish people. Certainly those who would find common cause with the PA whether they are Jewish people affiliated with the International Solidarity Movement or Neturei Karta belong to a category of individuals who deserve only condemnation and can simply be labeled a traitors.

But, for people to take to the streets to protest Jews seeking to enhance the public face of Shabbat is disturbing. It would seem silly to believe the average secular Israeli ascribes such a high value to have the freedom to go clubbing on Friday night or shopping on Shabbat. It may be naïve to believe but as the Tanya teaches the nature of a Jewish person left to themselves would not consciously choose to sin. Further some of the Haraidi Protests in defense of Shabbat may have triggered far more Shabbat desecration than what the protesters wished to prevent.

The apparent failure of Haraidi protests and the response elicited leaves one to wonder why? Simply asserting the seculars are ensnared in their own desires and indulgences misses the point. The answer lies in a subtle aspect of the Chanukah story. The First Rebbe of GER ZT’L ZY’A. Even though the forces lead by Yehudah HaMacabee began as a a group of dissenters their movement represents a groundswell of return to Judaism. The Menorah, because it belongs to the whole nation could not be an instrument for miracles as long as one of its owners was disconnected from his or her faith. Therefore there was something about the Maccabees’ campaign that lit the Pinteleh Yid within even a Helenized Jews. Why? Matityahu, Yehudah etc fought not to restore their Shabbat, or restore their Torah, but G-D‘s and Israel’s Shabbat and Torah. The message came across “This fight belongs to each of us!!”

Now it would be presumptuous to declare what the Haraidi motivations for protest are but the results speak for themselves. If Chas V’Shalom Haraidi protests are provincial in nature and seek merely to preserve their own comunity's way of life, their Shabbat, their worldview then there could be little wonder why their efforts are met with hostility.

Indeed the apparent divide between secular and religious sectors of the Israeli population reaches so deeply that a distinction can be made between Jews and Israelis, two distinct ethnic identities for a single people with a shared history and for the most part a shared ancestory.

As the Lights dance above our Menoroth this Chanukah maybe the message is to each Jewish Man Woman and Child the legacy of Judaism’s heritage belongs to them. THE choice is Intel or Pinteleh Yid

SUBTLE SNUB or Business as Usual

Remarkable, An American Jew living in Jerusalem cannot have his child'S Passport list the place of Birth as Jerusalem,Israel,contrary to Fedral law nor will the Courts exercise jurisdiciton over the matter, As this touches on foregin policy which is exclusively part of the Executive Branch and may affect “peace” talks. Yet, from the Consulate's web site one would think the city is totally Arab as if like there are no Jews in the Holy City.

How much insult to the Jewish self esteem will it take untill we all call out "No More!!!!" ?

ICEBERG TIPS

One of the Baal Shem Tov’s primary teachings is how G-D’s providence reaches to the smallest details; consequently there is no such thing as coincidence. Therefore, the internal challenges to Jerusalem’s character, the parade and Shabbat opening of parking lots are symptomatic of the long standing tension whether the national soul is best called Israeli or Jewish.

The impurade as Rav Lazer Brody Shlita calls it imposes on the city, viewed as uniquely spiritual and sacred to most of humanity and in particular to Jewry as an old Zionist saying goes “Tel Aviv plays, Haifa works and Jerusalem studies /prays” The parade should be banned as this is an activity which violates community standards for obscenity. However, it is the failure to recognize that advocacy on behalf of same gender intimacy is contrary to the essential character of Jerusalem is truly tragic.

Similarly under the guise of promoting tourism, Mayor Barakat seeks to arrange for Safra Square parking lot remain open during Shabbat. Even if this parking lot is owned and operated used exclusively by Non-Jews the Shabbat experience in Jerusalem is diluted to some extent. All the more when the parking facility in question is in the shadow of the Old City. To be sure Jerusalem is not yet a fully Shabbat observant city, yet Shabbat in Jerusalem stand apart from Shabbat any other place on the planet. As Friday afternoon drifts towards evening one can see the city winding down. Big city hustle and bustle is replaced with a different type of rushing about. Those attending the Mikva replace the heavy foot traffic moving in and out of stores and markets. The home though it may be hectic down to the last minute is brought to an otherworldly calm as the candles are lit ushering in the Shabbat. As the siren heralds Shabbat’s arrival in Jerusalem pierces the air, people scurry about filling local synagogues. An after dinner stroll along the quiet Jerusalem streets, chance meetings between friends and neighbors further enhance the relaxed nature of the day. Or, if one is so inclined, attend a Chassidic Rebbe’s Tisch, table one can see an amazing display of camaraderie and spirituality not to mention Yerushalmi kugel.

After Shabbat the city springs back to its weekday mode but during the day of rest Shabbat is not just a place in time. Shabbat in Jerusalem is a presence that is experienced with all of one’s faculties. Needless to say, the stray vehicle traveling on Shabbat through Jerusalem is like a razor ripping fabric apart. Opening up a parking lot to accommodate large numbers of visitors on Shabbat may increase the numbers of tourist but will cause those who do come to miss the point of coming to Jerusalem in the first place.

What is disturbing is that to miss what is wrong with both the impurade and the Shabbat parking one is missing fundamental Jewish sensibilities which are learnt at home or as part of what would be called for lack of a better term, the national culture. What would be an axiomatic expression of Jewish pride and consciousness becomes lost when there is conscious decision by parents to transmit a generic set of liberal western democratic values to their children instead of the national heritage. Certainly, to assert a claim to Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people with Jerusalem as its Eternal capital there has to be substance in the national persona both on a de facto and de jure basis.

Several years ago when touring the Tower of London, George the Beefeater who was leading our tour took pride in describing the places reserved for beheading commoners and the more concealed area reserved for the nobility as well as some of the more notable guests imprisoned within. George took pride in these ghastly goings on not because of some macabre fascination with death but because it was part of English history. How many American families from all types of backgrounds take pride in their ancestors part in building and defending their country as well as their way of life? Pride in one’s heritage and its values are the basis for a national identity that cannot be undermined.

Therefore, opening Jerusalem to the impurade and opening the Safra Square parking lot on Shabbat are not as intended, acts of inclusion but instead serve to make the Jewish claim to the Land and to the City ring hollow.

However, maybe the answer is education and outreach. Shabbat does not belong only to Charidim nor is opposition to an impurade in Jerusalem limited to the narrow minded. It is telling the effect of the apolitical efforts of Chabad Lubavitch whose Rebbe’s 15th Yharzeit is on 3 Tamuz (June 25, 2009). Maybe each Jew who takes pride in his or her heritage must do what they can to reach out to family members, acquaintances, business associates and community generally to articulate what true Jewish values are and to convey the Heritage is truly the inheritance of all “Congregation of Jacob” .

Six years ago when I spoke with the Admur of Falticheim Shlita about the destruction and death visited on the USA the Rebbe asked me what about feeling of rage and a sense of lose for the Beis HaMikdash?

About visiting the Har Habayit. Certainly, there are venerable Torah Scholars like Rav Richman shlita from the Temple Institute and others who have determined as a matter of Halacha one may ascend to the Temple Mount. There are others who follow what is a more traditional approach to prohibit Jews from going atop the Holy Mountain.

Personally, I could not ascend to the Temple Mount. How could anyone with even a drop of Jewish sensitivity go on top the Temple Mount and not tear one's clothes in mourning? Or breaking down in uncontrollable river of tears at seeing other than the Beit HaMikdash resting the Holy place.

It took 6 years but the Rebbe's words echoed in my ears. Now does the surreal feelings I had at the Kotel in 1977, 1996 and 2005 how could I be at this holy site, [and that was the Kotel Plaza] it seemed so unreal.

While the attacks of 9/11 were horrible and should serve as a rallying point for at decent people against evil. However the loss of the Temple transcends time and endures as a symbol of more profound loss. The loss of G-D'S honor and Jewry's stature perpetuating discord throughout creation. Maybe as Rosh HaShana comes our thoughts and prayers be towards correcting ourselves so that harmony can reign throughout creation and Temple be rebuilt in our lifetime.

Just say no bullies

The work on the Rambam Bridge linking the Western Wall to the Temple was put on hold by the Mayor of Jerusalem, a Hared, and devoutly observant Jew. Even though the bridge is not part of Temple Mount,is a repair to allow better access for all and was coordinated with Muslim authorities. However the violent protests of the Islamic community is only half heartedly responded to by the Police and their concerns are headed. This is the latest chapter in a situation that has recently begun festering.

A young Jew blew the Ram’s Horn,Shofar on the Jewish New Year at the small Western Wall was subjected to severe treatment by the police. Arabs are encroaching on Jewish presence throughout the land. Arab construction throughout the land of Israel is often without the required approvals and permits. Or Arab neighbors encroach and adversely possess common areas and create circumstances that amount to constructive eviction. Farmers in the Negev cannot defend themselves from Bedouin home invaders without fearing legal repercussions. Or Arab members of the government actively support enemy regime's or challenge the legitimacy of the national entity. Not to mix purely criminal and purely political action but, tolerating both types of activities only emboldens these folks to use the universal values of decency and tolerance which are the characteristics of democracy as means to engage in intimidation and terror.

Also the Arab call to change Israel’s flag and anthem to accommodate Israel’s non-Jewish population all flow from the source. The apparent reluctance of the State of Israel and part of the population to assert itself. The leadership is afraid to declare the State an s a Jewish state, a state were Jews would rule and exercise sovereignty.To alter these symbols of the state dilutes the Jewish claim of connection to the Land from national ideology to cultural and ethnic memory. This opens the door to justify the acquiesce to Arab bullying.

Instead Islamic Arab bullies carry the day The Jewish soul’s embers still burn, albeit dimly to ignite the future with light, with Torah and knowledge of G-D.Log ago Moredechai when confronted by an Persian/Iranian bully named Haman neither bowed or prostrated because he was a Jew (see Esther 3:2,4) Like Mordechai,it is time to just say no the Bullies that stand in the way of Jewry being where they belong.