Concerning the World Pride parade scheduled for Jerusalem this Summer it is hard to understand how the notion of community standards would allow the parade to take place. To impose on a community something it believes to be odious and contrary to the majority's moral standards is not protecting the rights of minorities but curtailing the freedom of the majority.
Unlike Collins v. Smith (Skokie case ) where the US Supreme Court held the right of free speech does not require anyone to hear the message. However, this event is more than mere message it is an insertion and challenge to what is fundamental to people's world view.
Certainly boycotting hotels accommodating guests for the event is a good idea. Additionally, given the poverty existent in Jerusalem spending public money on this event is a waste. Councilwoman Fenton on Arutz Sheva explained the police are the sole decision makers regarding the parade then let them be the sole agency to fund the public outlays for the proposed week of events. Maybe the specture of the GLBT agenda looming over the holy city be shouted down by Sting's call for MASHIACH .
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Sometimes It is Simple
So Sometimes the very complicated can be broken down to something very simple. Sometimes so simple that it totally eludes the observer. Recently C-SPAN ran a session given by members of the Palestinian negotiating support unit. The topic was the future of the West Bank, more specifically, the effect of Prime Minister Olmert proposed convergence plan. All three speakers were well dressed, well spoken only one with an accent and all very smart sounding, the typical Washington type denizens of Think Tankdom.
Each spoke concerning the difficulties posed by the Olmert plan for the formation of a future state and the convergence plan was viewed as designed to frustrate Palestinian national aspirations. The Ernestness with which these folks talked one thing became clear. Actually two though not articulated the tone eloquently conveyed the sense that displacing Jews from their home was irrelevant as they did not belong in the area anyway. The corollary is their belief that they indeed do belong to the land and they ain't planing on goin' any time soon. Why leave the place where one belongs, that one feels a part of etc...
It becomes clear the whole Arab-Israel conflict is dependent on who wants the land more ? Who is more connected to The Land? Us or them? Nothing More. How dare any Jew in or out of the diaspora waiver in their dedication to the Land remaining Jewish in character. The last man standing will be Jewry united by Mashiach this is how it will end . For the sake of Holy Jews buried in the Land, For the sake of the holly Jews living in the Land of Israel for the sake of every Jew may the Land remain free of the enemies' evil designs no one dare remain silent.
Each spoke concerning the difficulties posed by the Olmert plan for the formation of a future state and the convergence plan was viewed as designed to frustrate Palestinian national aspirations. The Ernestness with which these folks talked one thing became clear. Actually two though not articulated the tone eloquently conveyed the sense that displacing Jews from their home was irrelevant as they did not belong in the area anyway. The corollary is their belief that they indeed do belong to the land and they ain't planing on goin' any time soon. Why leave the place where one belongs, that one feels a part of etc...
It becomes clear the whole Arab-Israel conflict is dependent on who wants the land more ? Who is more connected to The Land? Us or them? Nothing More. How dare any Jew in or out of the diaspora waiver in their dedication to the Land remaining Jewish in character. The last man standing will be Jewry united by Mashiach this is how it will end . For the sake of Holy Jews buried in the Land, For the sake of the holly Jews living in the Land of Israel for the sake of every Jew may the Land remain free of the enemies' evil designs no one dare remain silent.
Monday, May 15, 2006
G-D RULES no matter how hard you try Ehud
Listening to the voices coming out of Israel one is left dumbstruck. The connection between Jewry and the Land of Israel is more natural than bagel and lox, it is more like breath and life.
Jewish life is punctuated by the yearning for redemption.
The daily amida prayer where each Jew in intimate moments of devotion before G-D expresses his or her deepest yearnings both as an individual and as part of a nation. The notion of redemption is intimately tied to return to the land, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple.
The amidah concludes with two wishes one realize their portion of Torah and the rebuilt Temple.
The spiritual high points of the year the end of Yom Kippur and the conclusion of the Passover Seder Jewry as one proclaims "Next Year in Jerusalem"
The departure from Gaza has only caused misery both for Jews and Arabs. The instability between Fatah and Hamas and the newly opened areas that were Gush Katif serve as launch sites for Kassam rockets. And that does not begin to address the shameful treatment of Gush Katif's population.
Despite the model failing, despite each step being contrary to logic and heritage Olmert's government with their fellow traverlers seek to undermine the whole Zionist enterprise and frustrate the Jewish destiny in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael.
The pitiful nature of Prime Minister Olmert's plans is that it has no support not from the Arabs, Europeans or Americans. Imagine the world clamors for Israeli withdrawal it is offered and rejected. Logic would dictate that if one takes a risk made up of painful choices and is rejected continuing down the same path is now masochism.
Olmert will fail only because his plans are against G-D's design for a world guided by truth a world lead by MASHIACH
Jewish life is punctuated by the yearning for redemption.
The daily amida prayer where each Jew in intimate moments of devotion before G-D expresses his or her deepest yearnings both as an individual and as part of a nation. The notion of redemption is intimately tied to return to the land, rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple.
The amidah concludes with two wishes one realize their portion of Torah and the rebuilt Temple.
The spiritual high points of the year the end of Yom Kippur and the conclusion of the Passover Seder Jewry as one proclaims "Next Year in Jerusalem"
The departure from Gaza has only caused misery both for Jews and Arabs. The instability between Fatah and Hamas and the newly opened areas that were Gush Katif serve as launch sites for Kassam rockets. And that does not begin to address the shameful treatment of Gush Katif's population.
Despite the model failing, despite each step being contrary to logic and heritage Olmert's government with their fellow traverlers seek to undermine the whole Zionist enterprise and frustrate the Jewish destiny in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael.
The pitiful nature of Prime Minister Olmert's plans is that it has no support not from the Arabs, Europeans or Americans. Imagine the world clamors for Israeli withdrawal it is offered and rejected. Logic would dictate that if one takes a risk made up of painful choices and is rejected continuing down the same path is now masochism.
Olmert will fail only because his plans are against G-D's design for a world guided by truth a world lead by MASHIACH
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Satmar Rebbe OBM ZY'A
The news that a link to the previous generation has departed deserves mention. The Admor of Satmar, Rav Moshe Teitelbaum ZT'L ZY'A (May the memory of the righteous be for a blessing and his merit protect us) has left this world.Satmar, at once represents all kinds of images some flattering some not.
If one discounts those personal foibles that all too often pass for authentic representations of a particular group, leave in Satmar's case a society stepped in faith, fraternity and friendship. Satmar is opposed to Zionism and yet has a strong presence in Jerusalem and Israel. Satmar treats the outside world with extreme caution only partaking sparingly.
So, maybe a fair question to consider before dismissing Satmar as extreme or fanatic who is more entrenched in exile, a Zionist Modern Orthodox Jew or a Satmar family in Williamsburg?
If one discounts those personal foibles that all too often pass for authentic representations of a particular group, leave in Satmar's case a society stepped in faith, fraternity and friendship. Satmar is opposed to Zionism and yet has a strong presence in Jerusalem and Israel. Satmar treats the outside world with extreme caution only partaking sparingly.
So, maybe a fair question to consider before dismissing Satmar as extreme or fanatic who is more entrenched in exile, a Zionist Modern Orthodox Jew or a Satmar family in Williamsburg?
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
elections 2006
This letter though mentally composed many times in the last few weeks is hard to write. On the the one hand it is brazen for one living outside the land of Israel to offer political observations to those who are voting even when they are family members. Also at this point you may be sick of yet another political message. Therefore, at the risk of violating the rules of advocacy please accept in advance my apologies for any impropriety.
As you might guess I am more on the right than left but I hope we can talk and listen to each other because too much is at stake to ignore one another.
Also in fairness I will not tell you who to vote for but only offer some observations about my take on the situation. The next Kensset will have to with some very important issues.
The promise that seemed to flicker at Oslo is extinguished. The election of Hamas may have bee the Arab street’s rejection of Fatah’s kleptocratic rule but it has given the keys to Hamas, an Iranian surrogate. The PA is no longer as if it ever was an expression of a people’s aspirations for self determination but part of global Jihad.
To make things more complicated it is foolish to talk about the Arabs as though they do not exist. However, it is equally foolish to believe there is anyone on the PA side with the inclination and influence to promote any type of peace. The solution may need to be one sided as well but what.
Creating borders unilaterally by retreating to pre 1967 borders or by building fences akin to the Ghetto walls of Europe, walls that are not high enough to keep out Kassam rockets. The thought that proposed borders would be within 5km from Ben Gurion Airport when a Kassam’s range is 6km is irresponsible. To take action to reconfigure the Jewish population in Judea and Sameria only creating more displaced persons a la Gush Katif is cruel and inhuman.
The government’s actions in Gush Katif should give every Israeli concern consider not the destruction of communities and businesses but the insensitive and callous manner in which the former Gush Katif residents’ relocation and reintegration. Also now when Gaza is without Jews how much more of the surrounding area is vulnerable to attack. After Gaza the power station in Ashkelon is within reach. Please do not confuse Mazal with the fact the Ashkelon power plant is vulnerable. Whatever is done must be in the national interest of Jewry. No one wants suffering imposed on anyone but the Government of a Jewish state needs to act first last and always in the interest of Jewry. Retreat is viewed not as accommodation but weakness that only serves to whet Arab avarice.
Concerning Amona let me say attack against police cannot be tolerated especially if lethal force is used . However when of the 389 injuries reported at Amona only 45 where police and army excessive force was used. Certainly MK’S Eitan and Eldad who were wounded in Amona were not engaged in violence against the authorities. If anything Amona is a chilling warning calculated to silence protest.
The most subtle thing the lack of accountability any MK has to the people. When an individual’s position on a party list depends on party officiasl why should anyone care about the people? And if one falls out of favor one can change or create a party. Bibi opening up the Likud list is a positive step to an accountability.
Similarly the must be reform in the Judicial system. There have to be put in place limits on what types of cases and who may be bring cases before the Court. Advocacy groups like Peace Now without a plaintiff who is a party in interest should be barred from suing on behalf of persons they do not directly represent. Believing everything can come under the purview of The Court takes the concept of Judicial Review and stands it on its head. No matter how smart the Justices may be they cannot rewrite Halacha or act to subvert the kenesset without good cause. The Bagatz needs to act applying equal protection under the law. Illegal structures should be torn down but not only the Jewish ones and ignore Arab violations, unconscionable.
Moving the economy from a socialist to a capitalist model by Bibi has propelled the economy forward in a dramatic manner. However as Shas advocates a third of Israeli children live below the poverty line and 85% of those receiving child allowances where hard working persons who simply cannot command higher salaries is intolerable.
Some left parties see people like me as the greatest threat to the state, draining its resources holding back and dragging down the rest of society and not Hamas. This is so wrong and maybe this portrayal is not undeserved but instead of reaching out the only thing facing each other are pointed fingers. There has to be a change. A change from self interest and retreat but to take Israel’s place among nations.
The choice before you on 28.3.06 is monumental. Please dear family choose for the nation of Israel choose for State of Israel Choose for a Jewish Future and not for those who would undo 2000 years of waiting and yearning. My Savta A’H who most of you knew or heard of would often tell me when she saw a flower or garden how this was like what she saw in in Israel. Please vote for a future that connects today to our history and looks forward to the future.
with much love,
Bernard
As you might guess I am more on the right than left but I hope we can talk and listen to each other because too much is at stake to ignore one another.
Also in fairness I will not tell you who to vote for but only offer some observations about my take on the situation. The next Kensset will have to with some very important issues.
The promise that seemed to flicker at Oslo is extinguished. The election of Hamas may have bee the Arab street’s rejection of Fatah’s kleptocratic rule but it has given the keys to Hamas, an Iranian surrogate. The PA is no longer as if it ever was an expression of a people’s aspirations for self determination but part of global Jihad.
To make things more complicated it is foolish to talk about the Arabs as though they do not exist. However, it is equally foolish to believe there is anyone on the PA side with the inclination and influence to promote any type of peace. The solution may need to be one sided as well but what.
Creating borders unilaterally by retreating to pre 1967 borders or by building fences akin to the Ghetto walls of Europe, walls that are not high enough to keep out Kassam rockets. The thought that proposed borders would be within 5km from Ben Gurion Airport when a Kassam’s range is 6km is irresponsible. To take action to reconfigure the Jewish population in Judea and Sameria only creating more displaced persons a la Gush Katif is cruel and inhuman.
The government’s actions in Gush Katif should give every Israeli concern consider not the destruction of communities and businesses but the insensitive and callous manner in which the former Gush Katif residents’ relocation and reintegration. Also now when Gaza is without Jews how much more of the surrounding area is vulnerable to attack. After Gaza the power station in Ashkelon is within reach. Please do not confuse Mazal with the fact the Ashkelon power plant is vulnerable. Whatever is done must be in the national interest of Jewry. No one wants suffering imposed on anyone but the Government of a Jewish state needs to act first last and always in the interest of Jewry. Retreat is viewed not as accommodation but weakness that only serves to whet Arab avarice.
Concerning Amona let me say attack against police cannot be tolerated especially if lethal force is used . However when of the 389 injuries reported at Amona only 45 where police and army excessive force was used. Certainly MK’S Eitan and Eldad who were wounded in Amona were not engaged in violence against the authorities. If anything Amona is a chilling warning calculated to silence protest.
The most subtle thing the lack of accountability any MK has to the people. When an individual’s position on a party list depends on party officiasl why should anyone care about the people? And if one falls out of favor one can change or create a party. Bibi opening up the Likud list is a positive step to an accountability.
Similarly the must be reform in the Judicial system. There have to be put in place limits on what types of cases and who may be bring cases before the Court. Advocacy groups like Peace Now without a plaintiff who is a party in interest should be barred from suing on behalf of persons they do not directly represent. Believing everything can come under the purview of The Court takes the concept of Judicial Review and stands it on its head. No matter how smart the Justices may be they cannot rewrite Halacha or act to subvert the kenesset without good cause. The Bagatz needs to act applying equal protection under the law. Illegal structures should be torn down but not only the Jewish ones and ignore Arab violations, unconscionable.
Moving the economy from a socialist to a capitalist model by Bibi has propelled the economy forward in a dramatic manner. However as Shas advocates a third of Israeli children live below the poverty line and 85% of those receiving child allowances where hard working persons who simply cannot command higher salaries is intolerable.
Some left parties see people like me as the greatest threat to the state, draining its resources holding back and dragging down the rest of society and not Hamas. This is so wrong and maybe this portrayal is not undeserved but instead of reaching out the only thing facing each other are pointed fingers. There has to be a change. A change from self interest and retreat but to take Israel’s place among nations.
The choice before you on 28.3.06 is monumental. Please dear family choose for the nation of Israel choose for State of Israel Choose for a Jewish Future and not for those who would undo 2000 years of waiting and yearning. My Savta A’H who most of you knew or heard of would often tell me when she saw a flower or garden how this was like what she saw in in Israel. Please vote for a future that connects today to our history and looks forward to the future.
with much love,
Bernard
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Lessons Learnt
After Gush Katif it became evident arguing, crying and hugging the soldiers would not stop expulsion. After Amona standing up to Yassamnikim et. al. Only earns one a bloody head and broken bones and the houses are still destroyed. More places are on the chopping block and on and on. Maybe the problem is limited to Olmert and Kadima but when the only difference between speakers at the Hertzaliya Conference was how much territory to cede. Where will the divide between the Government and Settlers go next? The direction things are heading is obvious and at the same time unthinkable. Now is the time to reflect and find a strategy that has a chance. OK , I would be in a better position to give advice writing in ModiÂ’im that Michigan but silence is not an option.
Yesterday, Shabbat we went to a neighbor who is a true Yireh Shamayim who was decrying the Hilul Hashem in Amona. However, his concern was for the soldiers who had rocks thrown at them or the soldier who allegedly knifed. The reports from Arutz Shevaradioo and TV froze in my mindÂ’s eye. How could any sane human being and especially a Jew committed to Torah and Mitzvot not be traumatized by those sounds and images, I lost it. Frankly writing about the incident frustrates me no end. Unfortunately my friend believes what The New York Times fits in as news it prints, discredited reporting standards and eyewitness testimony notwithstanding. The actions that should arouse outrage are media-spun to make prey in to predators.
In short, whatever has been done till now is not working. If anything it seems to play in to the present governmentÂ’s hands. If anyone has noticed Israel has some very serious domestic non-security issues to resolve, the gap between rich and poor as the economy transitions from a socialist model to a capitalistic one. The present Knesset has seen more corruption than any of its predecessors. Problems with growing incidents of crime and societal violence. The erosion of free speech or unequal protection under the law for points of view the ruling party disapproves. A sense of futility in the political or judicial system may give rise to a desperation with nowhere to go.
The syllabus for Despotism 101 includes at itÂ’s the cure for weak leadership to retain power in spite of serious domestic problems is to distract the populationÂ’s attention by creatibogeymangyman, a scapegoat. Imagine, the effect on the psyche of middle Israel by setting up the Orange Youth as lawless rebels going against the StateÂ’s institutions, the courts, army and police. Almost in contempt for the populationÂ’s intelligence the government has chosen conflict instead of resolution. The protestersÂ’ idealism is tainted by a rock throwing fringe but through the government manipulating the mediaÂ’s leftist lens individual misguided behavior morphs in to fanaticism and therefore a loose cannon that cannot be tolerated in a free democratic society.
General NavehÂ’s professed reluctance to carry out the Amona action with the degree of force used rings hollow. In the post Nuremburg era Commanders have the right if not the duty to refuse orders they deem immoral. Indeed who does the Military serve? The State or the People? Similarly in whose interest is Olmert acting? How is keeping the oranges in check and demolishing houses in Amona serve a greater national purpose?
Fortunately, the remaining viable vestige of democracy in Israel are elections. Maybe what has to be done relentlessly is blog, email, letter write, press candidates as to what their positions are on making state institutions instrumentalities that act in the interest of the electorate instead of protecting those elected. Judicial reform to limit the matters which arejusticablejusticable, standing be limited to actual parties in interest and not mere ideological advocates. Restore governmental and judicial integrity by guarantying equal protection under the law. How Jewish Identity expresses itself in public policy and communicated through educational frameworks. How can the common ground of Torah build a bridge between Daatim and Haraidim unite on common ground albeit informally to defeat the present regime and avoid a further deterioration in the country. Maybe the political role of Roshei Yeshiva in the National Religious camp could reach out to Haraidi ADMORIM, Roshei Yeshiva and Hachamim or other contacts to tap in to what can be agreed on. UTJ or Shas no longer have the luxury to care only about their own. To think there is no broad based threat to all Torah Jewry is naive.
Now before the elections is the time to change minds. without money change happenscadencee caidance that will not be stilled. Strike a blow with ballots and bring the state back to the all thUntille. Untill MASHIACH.
After Gush Katif it became evident arguing, crying and hugging the soldiers would not stop expulsion. After Amona standing up to Yassamnikim et. al. Only earns one a bloody head and broken bones and the houses are still destroyed. More places are on the chopping block and on and on. Maybe the problem is limited to Olmert and Kadima but when the only difference between speakers at the Hertzaliya Conference was how much territory to cede. Where will the divide between the Government and Settlers go next? The direction things are heading is obvious and at the same time unthinkable. Now is the time to reflect and find a strategy that has a chance. OK , I would be in a better position to give advice writing in ModiÂ’im that Michigan but silence is not an option.
Yesterday, Shabbat we went to a neighbor who is a true Yireh Shamayim who was decrying the Hilul Hashem in Amona. However, his concern was for the soldiers who had rocks thrown at them or the soldier who allegedly knifed. The reports from Arutz Shevaradioo and TV froze in my mindÂ’s eye. How could any sane human being and especially a Jew committed to Torah and Mitzvot not be traumatized by those sounds and images, I lost it. Frankly writing about the incident frustrates me no end. Unfortunately my friend believes what The New York Times fits in as news it prints, discredited reporting standards and eyewitness testimony notwithstanding. The actions that should arouse outrage are media-spun to make prey in to predators.
In short, whatever has been done till now is not working. If anything it seems to play in to the present governmentÂ’s hands. If anyone has noticed Israel has some very serious domestic non-security issues to resolve, the gap between rich and poor as the economy transitions from a socialist model to a capitalistic one. The present Knesset has seen more corruption than any of its predecessors. Problems with growing incidents of crime and societal violence. The erosion of free speech or unequal protection under the law for points of view the ruling party disapproves. A sense of futility in the political or judicial system may give rise to a desperation with nowhere to go.
The syllabus for Despotism 101 includes at itÂ’s the cure for weak leadership to retain power in spite of serious domestic problems is to distract the populationÂ’s attention by creatibogeymangyman, a scapegoat. Imagine, the effect on the psyche of middle Israel by setting up the Orange Youth as lawless rebels going against the StateÂ’s institutions, the courts, army and police. Almost in contempt for the populationÂ’s intelligence the government has chosen conflict instead of resolution. The protestersÂ’ idealism is tainted by a rock throwing fringe but through the government manipulating the mediaÂ’s leftist lens individual misguided behavior morphs in to fanaticism and therefore a loose cannon that cannot be tolerated in a free democratic society.
General NavehÂ’s professed reluctance to carry out the Amona action with the degree of force used rings hollow. In the post Nuremburg era Commanders have the right if not the duty to refuse orders they deem immoral. Indeed who does the Military serve? The State or the People? Similarly in whose interest is Olmert acting? How is keeping the oranges in check and demolishing houses in Amona serve a greater national purpose?
Fortunately, the remaining viable vestige of democracy in Israel are elections. Maybe what has to be done relentlessly is blog, email, letter write, press candidates as to what their positions are on making state institutions instrumentalities that act in the interest of the electorate instead of protecting those elected. Judicial reform to limit the matters which arejusticablejusticable, standing be limited to actual parties in interest and not mere ideological advocates. Restore governmental and judicial integrity by guarantying equal protection under the law. How Jewish Identity expresses itself in public policy and communicated through educational frameworks. How can the common ground of Torah build a bridge between Daatim and Haraidim unite on common ground albeit informally to defeat the present regime and avoid a further deterioration in the country. Maybe the political role of Roshei Yeshiva in the National Religious camp could reach out to Haraidi ADMORIM, Roshei Yeshiva and Hachamim or other contacts to tap in to what can be agreed on. UTJ or Shas no longer have the luxury to care only about their own. To think there is no broad based threat to all Torah Jewry is naive.
Now before the elections is the time to change minds. without money change happenscadencee caidance that will not be stilled. Strike a blow with ballots and bring the state back to the all thUntille. Untill MASHIACH.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
WHAT IS NEXT?
Ariel Sharon is still in a coma and is not likely to return to political life. To declare like Pat Robbionson Mr. Sharon's situation is some type of D-vine payback for giving up Gaza presumes too much. However to deny there is a D-vine hand in events is a fool. Sorry to speak so bluntly, but look at the succession of events. Sharon pulls out of Gaza, declares to the UN that others have legitimate claims to land of Israel, not just Jews, News elections are called, Sharon begins a new political party, the realigning of MK's and then wham the cedar of Kadima is felled. And amidst all this further expulsion of Jews by Jews, from Jewish land continues unabated. What next?
Certainly, Mr. Sharon should regain quality of life and be healed by the true Doctor. But the real questions that each Jew both in the diaspora and Israel must consider are;
How does the desire to dismantle the land continue?
How can supporters of a policy of disengagement say the state represents "The hope of Two Thousand years"?
How can those Jews who support the notion of historic Arab claims to Israel face their ancestors who faced Zionward three times daily in prayer and wept bitterly over exile not just on Tisha B'Av but nightly as G-D Himself mourns the destruction exile?
Maybe the deepest question is the one those who still hold fast to faith must ask--What is still missing? What is lacking in observance, study and devotion, why is Mashiach still not here?
What is next may not be clear, but where the end is a world of blessing and healing of perfection, a world of G-D ruledby MASHIACH.
Certainly, Mr. Sharon should regain quality of life and be healed by the true Doctor. But the real questions that each Jew both in the diaspora and Israel must consider are;
How does the desire to dismantle the land continue?
How can supporters of a policy of disengagement say the state represents "The hope of Two Thousand years"?
How can those Jews who support the notion of historic Arab claims to Israel face their ancestors who faced Zionward three times daily in prayer and wept bitterly over exile not just on Tisha B'Av but nightly as G-D Himself mourns the destruction exile?
Maybe the deepest question is the one those who still hold fast to faith must ask--What is still missing? What is lacking in observance, study and devotion, why is Mashiach still not here?
What is next may not be clear, but where the end is a world of blessing and healing of perfection, a world of G-D ruledby MASHIACH.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
A THOUGHT FOR THE FUTURE
Even though it has been coming for years PM Sharon’s declaration that Jewish historical ties and claims to the land are not exclusive and other peoples could have legitimate claims to the land as well, killed any viability to secular Zionism
The ceding. of Gush Katif and removal of its population underscores the depth of the present government’s lack of ideology, the rifts between secular and religious, Dati and Charadi became all too clear. Among the various personalities interviewed on Arutz Sheva one thing is clear, a sea change in attitude must take place.
A Jewish child in Eretz Yisrael who sees Avraham Avinu as George Washington and not his or her own Zayde/ Saba is unconscionable. While the population becoming fully Torah observant is desirable but there must be a way to convey our tradition to the entire Jewish community within the state. Every country is invested in teaching its youth about its history and values, how else is patriotism nurtured? How else is a nation going to stay on track and true to its character? Otherwise, the apparatus of government serves only those in power and no one else. Only an on going sense of purpose and enduring values can counteract the intoxicating effects of power and privilege.
Jewish pride must surge through the Jewish population of the state. Appreciate of the deep spiritual and historic concretion between the people and land, the values, insights and concepts which have held Jewry over the centuries should serve the contemporary Israeli as well. Now this cannot be some bland lifeless curriculum, but the living dynamic force that is Torah. The notion that Torah belongs only to those in between knitted kippot with designs and the knitted kapplech tied with a knot on top must be dispelled. Torah as "...Morasha Kehilat Yaakov" must be put in to practice not just as platitude.
As important the rule of the Supreme Court needs reform now. Limits on standing, justicability, ripeness of claims and restricting the scope of jurisdiction to cases and controversies similar to the restraints placed on the United States Supreme Court in Article Three of the U.S. Constitution as a curb to the present judicial tyranny. As the state has a system granting authority to Clergy and Religious courts as well the Supreme Court’s present jurisdiction over these faith communities clergy and courts’ sphere of authority would and has impaired these institutions integrity.
These are broad ideas but these are dependant not so much who wins but a loud voice coming a sea of black and orange. Maybe the future begins with religious Jewry connecting on the common ground of Talmud and halacha and only then to the agree to disagree arena of haskafa.
The ceding. of Gush Katif and removal of its population underscores the depth of the present government’s lack of ideology, the rifts between secular and religious, Dati and Charadi became all too clear. Among the various personalities interviewed on Arutz Sheva one thing is clear, a sea change in attitude must take place.
A Jewish child in Eretz Yisrael who sees Avraham Avinu as George Washington and not his or her own Zayde/ Saba is unconscionable. While the population becoming fully Torah observant is desirable but there must be a way to convey our tradition to the entire Jewish community within the state. Every country is invested in teaching its youth about its history and values, how else is patriotism nurtured? How else is a nation going to stay on track and true to its character? Otherwise, the apparatus of government serves only those in power and no one else. Only an on going sense of purpose and enduring values can counteract the intoxicating effects of power and privilege.
Jewish pride must surge through the Jewish population of the state. Appreciate of the deep spiritual and historic concretion between the people and land, the values, insights and concepts which have held Jewry over the centuries should serve the contemporary Israeli as well. Now this cannot be some bland lifeless curriculum, but the living dynamic force that is Torah. The notion that Torah belongs only to those in between knitted kippot with designs and the knitted kapplech tied with a knot on top must be dispelled. Torah as "...Morasha Kehilat Yaakov" must be put in to practice not just as platitude.
As important the rule of the Supreme Court needs reform now. Limits on standing, justicability, ripeness of claims and restricting the scope of jurisdiction to cases and controversies similar to the restraints placed on the United States Supreme Court in Article Three of the U.S. Constitution as a curb to the present judicial tyranny. As the state has a system granting authority to Clergy and Religious courts as well the Supreme Court’s present jurisdiction over these faith communities clergy and courts’ sphere of authority would and has impaired these institutions integrity.
These are broad ideas but these are dependant not so much who wins but a loud voice coming a sea of black and orange. Maybe the future begins with religious Jewry connecting on the common ground of Talmud and halacha and only then to the agree to disagree arena of haskafa.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Zionism's Kaddish
How does one bury an idea? Beliefs and the values flowing from as practical expressions of those beliefs define those who subscribe to like minded beliefs and values. Beliefs and values give one context and validate the foundation upon which a life is crafted. Imagine the significance of a world leader associated with one's values and beliefs proclaiming the foundations of one's worldview are no longer possible?
Prime Minister Sharon speaking to the United Nations essentially said kaddish for secular Zionism.
To declare that Jewry' claim to the land does not exclude others' claims to the land. What your Zaydeh would think of this Mr. Sharon? What would Menachem Begin A'H think of this? What would each Jew think of this when declaring NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM?
Mr. Sharon to unilaterally declare your country's departure from the heritage which spanned nearly 2,000 years. Mr Sharon has disengaged the State of Israel not just from Gaza but from Jewry and Judaism.
In the coming year let the prayer and hope of Jewry be for world peace. Not a man made fabrication but G-D's true peace the rule of MASHIACH .
Prime Minister Sharon speaking to the United Nations essentially said kaddish for secular Zionism.
To declare that Jewry' claim to the land does not exclude others' claims to the land. What your Zaydeh would think of this Mr. Sharon? What would Menachem Begin A'H think of this? What would each Jew think of this when declaring NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM?
Mr. Sharon to unilaterally declare your country's departure from the heritage which spanned nearly 2,000 years. Mr Sharon has disengaged the State of Israel not just from Gaza but from Jewry and Judaism.
In the coming year let the prayer and hope of Jewry be for world peace. Not a man made fabrication but G-D's true peace the rule of MASHIACH .
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
A lament, a call from the depths
As the unthinkable takes place it is hard to place one's emotions. It is doubtful the soldiers and police enjoy their duty as human beings they should not, as Jews each act in carrying out the expulsion should disgust them and I fear scar them.
As for those who live in Gaza imagine the sense of what can only go beyond abandonment when one area Rabbi observed I will have to continue paying a mortgage on a house that is destroyed.
Imagine those offered money for their Gush Katif home that cannot even purchase anything similar elsewhere in Israel where Real Estate is at a premium.
Whenever I visited Eretz Yisrael I always felt a sense of home and that Jewish life in the diaspora was surreal and now I see growing intolerance in America and in Israel a not welcome here sign.
The part that is too easy is to be angry. Rather it is time to realize how desperate the secular leadership is and to know the only thing left to offer any sanity in a Jew's life is the knowledge that no matter what Jewry will survive until the Messiah's arrival , may G-D send him now!!!!
As for those who live in Gaza imagine the sense of what can only go beyond abandonment when one area Rabbi observed I will have to continue paying a mortgage on a house that is destroyed.
Imagine those offered money for their Gush Katif home that cannot even purchase anything similar elsewhere in Israel where Real Estate is at a premium.
Whenever I visited Eretz Yisrael I always felt a sense of home and that Jewish life in the diaspora was surreal and now I see growing intolerance in America and in Israel a not welcome here sign.
The part that is too easy is to be angry. Rather it is time to realize how desperate the secular leadership is and to know the only thing left to offer any sanity in a Jew's life is the knowledge that no matter what Jewry will survive until the Messiah's arrival , may G-D send him now!!!!
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