The 15Th day in the Jewish Calendar month Shevat is when sap begins to flow anew in the Land of Israel's trees. This has significance in Jewish Law determine to which year of a sabbatical cycle produce belongs among other things.
Tu B'Shevat is a day of longing and connection to the land of Israel Many eat fruits connected with the land.
Sadly, those who wish to oppose and oppress Jews often do commit their acts of hate fueled violence on Jewish celebration days.
Therefore as Arutz Sheva, Israel National News reported that leftists, Arabs,American and other volunteers under the aegis of the Ta’ayush organization came to a Jewish community Sde Boaz, in the Gush Etzion region to plant olive trees on what they believed to be Arab land despite the existing community presence. However more distressing was the damage and destruction carried out in a community orchard. Additionally the Police/Authorities response was lackluster at best.
Call this an Aktion, a term used to describe organized intensification of prosecution of Jews by the Nazis YM'S may be harsh but it should evoke the same powerful images.
To consider this matter it should be clear that the failure by the State of Israel to have Jewish values and awareness serve as the fulcrum upon which policy and law enforcement turns leads to shameful results. To engage in acts of violence that fly in the face of the sacred character of a date in the Jewish calendar goes beyond political protest and touches on ethnic. Religious animus which cannot be tolerated in a civil society.
This incident should be seen for what it is - a provocation not just against the State of Israel or even the Jews of Yesha but Judaism itself.
Failing to act here is not restraint but self loathing. Nebach!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
FIRST THINGS FIRST
There has to be a suicide crisis hotline for government ministers who wish to disassemble their own country to a hostile population. The lastest example has to be Ministers Livni and Peres joining Mr. Abbas for the formation of a two state soloution to the Israel PA conflict.
FM Livni compared the PA giving up terror to the expulsion from Gush Katif is as being hard choices for each side is nothing short of absurd.
Abandoning terror is not a hard choice it is expected.
The disengagement from Gaza and the subsequent treatment of the Jewish population speaks for itself as how an elected government breached the fundamental covenant between a people and their government.
Maybe the comparison is that both sides abandon policy as well as behavior that is contrary to the conduct of responsible governments
FM Livni compared the PA giving up terror to the expulsion from Gush Katif is as being hard choices for each side is nothing short of absurd.
Abandoning terror is not a hard choice it is expected.
The disengagement from Gaza and the subsequent treatment of the Jewish population speaks for itself as how an elected government breached the fundamental covenant between a people and their government.
Maybe the comparison is that both sides abandon policy as well as behavior that is contrary to the conduct of responsible governments
Friday, January 19, 2007
C'MON
Secretary Rice claimed Mr. Abbas gave his word that American weapons would not be used against Israel. This is the fellow who at a political rally called for Arabs stop raising arms against each other and oppose the occupation.
Does Dr. Rice think Mr. Abbas meant a mass letter writing and lobbying campaign to pressure Israel? One hopes someone so accomplished and powerful would not be easily fooled.
On the other hand the ideologically vacant Israeli government lacks the the fundamental self respect to recognize the State Exists evidence exists there was a Jewish presence in the land Mikvaoth (ritual baths), other items that conform to Jewish religious law and practice. The Modern state of Israel is the re-established state founded in the days of EZRA the Scribe.The Arab claim of being Canaanites does not survive the observation Jews came from Judea, Arabs should be called Canaanites, which they are not.
Even though it is a secular anthem HaTikvah expresses the Jewish yearning for the Land not just a slice but Zion and Jerusalem, Hevron, Tiveria, Zsfat, Aco, Bersheva Rosh HaNikra and Tel Aviv, you get the idea.
As new elections loom large it is time to push and push hard for Jewish Identity as the issue as this self image will dictate the direction of the State's future policy.
Does Dr. Rice think Mr. Abbas meant a mass letter writing and lobbying campaign to pressure Israel? One hopes someone so accomplished and powerful would not be easily fooled.
On the other hand the ideologically vacant Israeli government lacks the the fundamental self respect to recognize the State Exists evidence exists there was a Jewish presence in the land Mikvaoth (ritual baths), other items that conform to Jewish religious law and practice. The Modern state of Israel is the re-established state founded in the days of EZRA the Scribe.The Arab claim of being Canaanites does not survive the observation Jews came from Judea, Arabs should be called Canaanites, which they are not.
Even though it is a secular anthem HaTikvah expresses the Jewish yearning for the Land not just a slice but Zion and Jerusalem, Hevron, Tiveria, Zsfat, Aco, Bersheva Rosh HaNikra and Tel Aviv, you get the idea.
As new elections loom large it is time to push and push hard for Jewish Identity as the issue as this self image will dictate the direction of the State's future policy.
Monday, January 15, 2007
There is No One to Talk To !
Secretary Rice is currently visiting the Middle East. Dr. Rice is promoting the fabled Road Map as the only workable model for peace. Madame Secretary further assured that American controls would prevent the US arms transfered to Mr. Abbas would not be used against Israel.
A short reality check, a split government among the Arabs is on the verge of civil war.Neither Fatah or Hamas has clear cut control to give any agreement they might sign meaning futle from the outset, this should be painfully obvious to all but the diplomats and Ministers. This theatre of the absurd should offend any sober, saine and sensible individual observing the situation.
Additonally unless there are American personnel training the Arabs and keeping the weapons in their custody this assertion is shamelessly naive.
A short reality check, a split government among the Arabs is on the verge of civil war.Neither Fatah or Hamas has clear cut control to give any agreement they might sign meaning futle from the outset, this should be painfully obvious to all but the diplomats and Ministers. This theatre of the absurd should offend any sober, saine and sensible individual observing the situation.
Additonally unless there are American personnel training the Arabs and keeping the weapons in their custody this assertion is shamelessly naive.
Monday, January 01, 2007
BEING SOMEBODY OR A NOBODY
Olmert’s behavior is hard to comprehend. The confused leadership during the Lebanon war. Supplying funds and arms to Mr. Abbas despite the continued captivity of Gilad Shalit and unabated Kassam attacks. While at the same time there seems to be an indifference bordering on contempt for the Israeli populace. Compensation and resettlement for the former Jewish residents of Gush Katiff and defense of Siderot are half hearted if at all. Why the overall impression Mr. Olmert is prepared to do whatever he can to receive approval from others even if contrary to national self interest?
Mr. Olmert is not stupid, he is an attorney, a former mayor of Jerusalem he is academically accomplished.
Mr. Olmert is not evil, Evil is not confused, evil is focused and committed to its convictions things Mr. Olmert is not.
Mr. Olmert does not appear to be motivated by Jewish values, what moves him?
Mr. Olmert is simply vacant, the absence of his own values is filled by a need for others’ acceptance. In other words, others’ define Mr. Olmert. Once others define oneself , one’s own identity is lost.
One needs values, one needs faith it is the difference between being someone or a nobody.
Mr. Olmert is not stupid, he is an attorney, a former mayor of Jerusalem he is academically accomplished.
Mr. Olmert is not evil, Evil is not confused, evil is focused and committed to its convictions things Mr. Olmert is not.
Mr. Olmert does not appear to be motivated by Jewish values, what moves him?
Mr. Olmert is simply vacant, the absence of his own values is filled by a need for others’ acceptance. In other words, others’ define Mr. Olmert. Once others define oneself , one’s own identity is lost.
One needs values, one needs faith it is the difference between being someone or a nobody.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Update and Comment
An update to the 11/27/2006 post.
indeed Agudath Israel of America is named as a Defendant along with Yeshivath Torah Temimah for $20,000,000.00 ($10M apeice ). The Rebbe himself was aressted on December 7, 2006.
Though a rush to judgment is not prudent. An accussation may not have any basis in fact. Rash action could needlessly harm innocent people and unravel families.
However far worse and more far reaching is an exercise of caution that rises to the appearance of institutional tolerance. Instead of a family, institutions, their staffs, students their families and the integrity of institutional / establishment Torah Judaism is tainted. The moral authority which is invested with the generation's leadership is comprimised and diminished, as it appears the indefensible is being defended by those who deemed this behavior is indefensible in the first place.
indeed Agudath Israel of America is named as a Defendant along with Yeshivath Torah Temimah for $20,000,000.00 ($10M apeice ). The Rebbe himself was aressted on December 7, 2006.
Though a rush to judgment is not prudent. An accussation may not have any basis in fact. Rash action could needlessly harm innocent people and unravel families.
However far worse and more far reaching is an exercise of caution that rises to the appearance of institutional tolerance. Instead of a family, institutions, their staffs, students their families and the integrity of institutional / establishment Torah Judaism is tainted. The moral authority which is invested with the generation's leadership is comprimised and diminished, as it appears the indefensible is being defended by those who deemed this behavior is indefensible in the first place.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
WHY JEWISH MATTERS IN ISRAEL
This was in the December 6, 2006 Israel National News email
Official recognition of the Palestinian Arabs in Israel as a national, native minority, including its special connection to its homeland and its historic rights to it.
Arabic, already recognized as an official language, must be granted equal status to Hebrew in every aspect of public life, just as English and French are recognized in Canada. As a truly bilingual country, Israel must grant appropriate expression to the Arab-Palestinian culture in the public sphere, including noting the Arabic names of various places and giving Arabic names to public buildings, streets, etc.
Total autonomy in the spheres of education, religion and culture. At the root of this right lies the recognition of the nativity of the Arab population in Israel and its right to self-definition in these areas.
Proportionate representation in decision-making and policy-setting bodies, including all government offices and ministries, planning and construction authorities, government companies, public councils, the Civil Service, ad-hoc committees, and the like.
Extra allotments of resources such as budget allocations, land and housing, to compensate for past discrimination.
Changes to national symbols, including the flag and anthem, as emotionally-charged public resources that have a special impact on minority sectors. The State must grant appropriate expression to the presence of Israeli-Arab citizens and to their historic ties to the land. Israel's array of symbols must reflect an equal approach to both its Jewish and Arab citizens.
Equality in immigration and citizenship rights. The allocation of quotas in these areas is an expression of the country's strength, and the country must apportion them fairly, justly and equally.
Protection of the special ties of the Palestinian people with the greater Arab nation. The Palestinian population in Israel must be enabled to freely maintain and develop special ties - family, cultural, economic and the like - with the other members of the Palestinian people and the Arab nation.
Historic rights. Corrective justice demands that Israel must officially apologize and recognize the Nakba - national Arab-Palestinian catastrophe - of 1948 when the Arabs were removed from their lands. Among the issues addressed in this point are the uprooted Palestinians - 25% of the current Arab population in Israel - and their return to their original villages, such as Ikrit, Al-Ghabasaya, Al-Lajun, and others, as well as assets of the Moslem Waqf that must be administered by the Moslems
(Arutz Sheva, Hillel Fendel, Israeli-Arabs Demand National Recognition Dec 05, '06 / 14 Kislev 5767)
Commentary
These Arab demands listed in the article are just, if viewed in the context of a diverse democracy. A mere Jewish majority does not justify an exclusively Jewish anthem or national emblem reflecting the common history of the country. Similarly, except for extreme circumstances a hallmark of democracy is the equal protection doctrine. Laws, legislated rights and obligations need to apply to al people under a government’s jurisdiction equally. Therefore to treat Jewish return differently than Arab return is little more than institutional racism.
However, in the context of Jewish identity does this list of demands morph from a reasonable call for equality to a cynical denial not just of a Jewish State but of a Jewish identity as well. Regardless of what anyone else thinks Israel is the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. My Mother often quoted this old pre state slogan:
For some it is Palestine
For others holy land
For us it is Eretz Yisrael
On that we make our stand.
By the way mother may she live and be belonged to HaShomer HaZair a leftist movement not the rightist Betar or Herut. If Zionism means anything anymore to the general public it is time to step up and as a matter of policy legislate the Jewish character desired in the state TODAY. Yesterday was already too late
Official recognition of the Palestinian Arabs in Israel as a national, native minority, including its special connection to its homeland and its historic rights to it.
Arabic, already recognized as an official language, must be granted equal status to Hebrew in every aspect of public life, just as English and French are recognized in Canada. As a truly bilingual country, Israel must grant appropriate expression to the Arab-Palestinian culture in the public sphere, including noting the Arabic names of various places and giving Arabic names to public buildings, streets, etc.
Total autonomy in the spheres of education, religion and culture. At the root of this right lies the recognition of the nativity of the Arab population in Israel and its right to self-definition in these areas.
Proportionate representation in decision-making and policy-setting bodies, including all government offices and ministries, planning and construction authorities, government companies, public councils, the Civil Service, ad-hoc committees, and the like.
Extra allotments of resources such as budget allocations, land and housing, to compensate for past discrimination.
Changes to national symbols, including the flag and anthem, as emotionally-charged public resources that have a special impact on minority sectors. The State must grant appropriate expression to the presence of Israeli-Arab citizens and to their historic ties to the land. Israel's array of symbols must reflect an equal approach to both its Jewish and Arab citizens.
Equality in immigration and citizenship rights. The allocation of quotas in these areas is an expression of the country's strength, and the country must apportion them fairly, justly and equally.
Protection of the special ties of the Palestinian people with the greater Arab nation. The Palestinian population in Israel must be enabled to freely maintain and develop special ties - family, cultural, economic and the like - with the other members of the Palestinian people and the Arab nation.
Historic rights. Corrective justice demands that Israel must officially apologize and recognize the Nakba - national Arab-Palestinian catastrophe - of 1948 when the Arabs were removed from their lands. Among the issues addressed in this point are the uprooted Palestinians - 25% of the current Arab population in Israel - and their return to their original villages, such as Ikrit, Al-Ghabasaya, Al-Lajun, and others, as well as assets of the Moslem Waqf that must be administered by the Moslems
(Arutz Sheva, Hillel Fendel, Israeli-Arabs Demand National Recognition Dec 05, '06 / 14 Kislev 5767)
Commentary
These Arab demands listed in the article are just, if viewed in the context of a diverse democracy. A mere Jewish majority does not justify an exclusively Jewish anthem or national emblem reflecting the common history of the country. Similarly, except for extreme circumstances a hallmark of democracy is the equal protection doctrine. Laws, legislated rights and obligations need to apply to al people under a government’s jurisdiction equally. Therefore to treat Jewish return differently than Arab return is little more than institutional racism.
However, in the context of Jewish identity does this list of demands morph from a reasonable call for equality to a cynical denial not just of a Jewish State but of a Jewish identity as well. Regardless of what anyone else thinks Israel is the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. My Mother often quoted this old pre state slogan:
For some it is Palestine
For others holy land
For us it is Eretz Yisrael
On that we make our stand.
By the way mother may she live and be belonged to HaShomer HaZair a leftist movement not the rightist Betar or Herut. If Zionism means anything anymore to the general public it is time to step up and as a matter of policy legislate the Jewish character desired in the state TODAY. Yesterday was already too late
Monday, November 27, 2006
Gedolei Yisrael
The Charedi world is abuzz about last Thursday'ss Agudath Israel convention. The opening session was dedicated to the blogosphereee. Recently information is circulating through the community of Charedi bloggers about a situation which could only have arisen with the complicity of rabbinic leadership. A rebbe at a prominent Brooklyn Yeshiva was acaccused of molesting students over a period of decades. Suit was filed against the school for $20,000,000.00 (the details are readily available elsewhere and not necessary to repeat ). The situation has received the major part of its publicity through the work of bloggers.
Now for the punch line, the accused rebbe worked summers for Camp Agudah, a division of Agudath Israel of America. Therefore, if a former camper came forward the Agudah is squarely in the crosshairs. Thus, the speeches given at the opening session were an attempt to deflect potential liability. Torah Nobility behaving like tobacco Industry executives denying the carcinogenic properties of tobacco is an inescapable conclusion. Or is it?
These types of situations are so repugnant and contrary to aTorah centered way of life that this would not be the topic of everyday conversation. Additionally, an acaccusation is not a fact and not every pointing finger is an ensign of truth. Therefore, in the interest of protecting all involved, when serious charges made against an educator, or an institution an investigation is called for. In fact a through background check should be conducted prior any new hire at a synagogue or Yeshiva or Beth Jacob school. Unfortunately, it has come to this but better an ounce of prevention. An attempt to act with discretion evidently has the effect of allowing an intolerable situation to fester and an impression is created that the chinuch professional's conduct is condoned by his/her employer(s). This last result not only causes a chillul Hashem but magnifies the chillul Hashem exponentially.
It would be irresponsible to assert Gedolei Torah were actively aware about this or other similarly deplorable situations. However, Gedolei Yisrael's behavior must be above reproach. A Rav or Rosh Yeshiva or Admor may not be not exemplars of perfection but as leaders these people are role models. Persons who influence young people whose skills of critical thought are still developing have an especially great responsibility.
No sheker, falsehood is tolerated throughout the community of Torah study from Talmudic times to an opinion expressed in a contemporary yeshiva. Any statement made by sage or student is subjected to extensive review. Every yeshiva student knows any opinion or observation he may offer is open to question. The transmission of Torah both scripture and oral law was not limited to any scholarly caste but to the whole nation. The trtransparencyf Torah knowledge's transmission is often cited as the basis for its validity. The greatest are not just the smartest but must be the best all around. Anyone who presents his position as borne of a G-D/Torah based consciousness, Daath Torah demands obedience because it strikes a chord of truth not because of is a proclamation or promulgation by persons who occupy positions of leadership.
It is precisely because a leader pepersonifies the Torah's truth do his words and actions carry weight. True stories are legion of behavior may not be readily understood{a leader may have deeper perception of Torah than a layperson] however there exists a fine line between dedeferring to a greater person's perception and the exploitation and manipulation of the community through the aegis of religious authority and the laity's sincere belief.
G-D forbid, to think that there is no leadership in our generation in our country or this lapse disqualifies Gedolei Yisrael from being heeded. On the other hand the community must demand the best and unassailable behavior from those who teach, transmit and bear testimony through their lives to Torah's D-vine character.
Now for the punch line, the accused rebbe worked summers for Camp Agudah, a division of Agudath Israel of America. Therefore, if a former camper came forward the Agudah is squarely in the crosshairs. Thus, the speeches given at the opening session were an attempt to deflect potential liability. Torah Nobility behaving like tobacco Industry executives denying the carcinogenic properties of tobacco is an inescapable conclusion. Or is it?
These types of situations are so repugnant and contrary to aTorah centered way of life that this would not be the topic of everyday conversation. Additionally, an acaccusation is not a fact and not every pointing finger is an ensign of truth. Therefore, in the interest of protecting all involved, when serious charges made against an educator, or an institution an investigation is called for. In fact a through background check should be conducted prior any new hire at a synagogue or Yeshiva or Beth Jacob school. Unfortunately, it has come to this but better an ounce of prevention. An attempt to act with discretion evidently has the effect of allowing an intolerable situation to fester and an impression is created that the chinuch professional's conduct is condoned by his/her employer(s). This last result not only causes a chillul Hashem but magnifies the chillul Hashem exponentially.
It would be irresponsible to assert Gedolei Torah were actively aware about this or other similarly deplorable situations. However, Gedolei Yisrael's behavior must be above reproach. A Rav or Rosh Yeshiva or Admor may not be not exemplars of perfection but as leaders these people are role models. Persons who influence young people whose skills of critical thought are still developing have an especially great responsibility.
No sheker, falsehood is tolerated throughout the community of Torah study from Talmudic times to an opinion expressed in a contemporary yeshiva. Any statement made by sage or student is subjected to extensive review. Every yeshiva student knows any opinion or observation he may offer is open to question. The transmission of Torah both scripture and oral law was not limited to any scholarly caste but to the whole nation. The trtransparencyf Torah knowledge's transmission is often cited as the basis for its validity. The greatest are not just the smartest but must be the best all around. Anyone who presents his position as borne of a G-D/Torah based consciousness, Daath Torah demands obedience because it strikes a chord of truth not because of is a proclamation or promulgation by persons who occupy positions of leadership.
It is precisely because a leader pepersonifies the Torah's truth do his words and actions carry weight. True stories are legion of behavior may not be readily understood{a leader may have deeper perception of Torah than a layperson] however there exists a fine line between dedeferring to a greater person's perception and the exploitation and manipulation of the community through the aegis of religious authority and the laity's sincere belief.
G-D forbid, to think that there is no leadership in our generation in our country or this lapse disqualifies Gedolei Yisrael from being heeded. On the other hand the community must demand the best and unassailable behavior from those who teach, transmit and bear testimony through their lives to Torah's D-vine character.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Threats
Arutz Sheva reported the Geulat Yisrael Synagogue had its windows broken out with the Graffiti "If we can't march in Jerusalem, You will not walk in Tel Aviv"
If there is any doubt that the arrogance pride parade is not a bid for tolerance or acceptance but a militant threat. This is not a group of folks expressing a point of view.
Reasonable people can disagree but threats must be defeated without compromise.
If there is any doubt that the arrogance pride parade is not a bid for tolerance or acceptance but a militant threat. This is not a group of folks expressing a point of view.
Reasonable people can disagree but threats must be defeated without compromise.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
ARROGANCE OF AUTHORITY,SHAME AS PRIDE
There are rules allowing for mutiny.
1 If commanders give conflicting/ confusing orders
2 Or soldiers are commanded to carry out orders that spell near certain death and that this will serve no military purpose.
3 When in the field a commander emotionally/mentally falls apart and cannot coherently lead.
4 If orders are given that go against all decency or morality, - killing unarmed prisoners, an order to rape enemy females etc . . . . Orders that reduce soldiers beyond the role of warriors to amoral thugs and sadists.
Violence as a response to the arrogance parade scares. It would be unfortunate for violence to break out. However, despite how distasteful it may be violence may be the only appropriate response to this parade. The paraders are not participating in mere advocacy but in an in your face challenge, calculated to offend and provoke. The paraders' agenda is not the assertion of civil rights but to rewrite the moral foundations of Torah (see what Rabbi Fienstein ZZVK'L wrote in the Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim IV:115 ) and the standard adopted by most of the civilized world.
Those who seek to decivilize society and make it less holy (Rashi beginning of Parashat Kedoshim) have to be stopped even with some force as necessary
Who will the police protect? Where does duty lie, both the police and the government? In protecting those who believe in civility and morality or with those who seek to destroy.
Similarly, soldiers have their job to do, their commanders and civilian leaders must lead in a manner that builds a united force bound by Jewish history and Jewish values the same as the government by guided by Torah based values.
1 If commanders give conflicting/ confusing orders
2 Or soldiers are commanded to carry out orders that spell near certain death and that this will serve no military purpose.
3 When in the field a commander emotionally/mentally falls apart and cannot coherently lead.
4 If orders are given that go against all decency or morality, - killing unarmed prisoners, an order to rape enemy females etc . . . . Orders that reduce soldiers beyond the role of warriors to amoral thugs and sadists.
Violence as a response to the arrogance parade scares. It would be unfortunate for violence to break out. However, despite how distasteful it may be violence may be the only appropriate response to this parade. The paraders are not participating in mere advocacy but in an in your face challenge, calculated to offend and provoke. The paraders' agenda is not the assertion of civil rights but to rewrite the moral foundations of Torah (see what Rabbi Fienstein ZZVK'L wrote in the Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim IV:115 ) and the standard adopted by most of the civilized world.
Those who seek to decivilize society and make it less holy (Rashi beginning of Parashat Kedoshim) have to be stopped even with some force as necessary
Who will the police protect? Where does duty lie, both the police and the government? In protecting those who believe in civility and morality or with those who seek to destroy.
Similarly, soldiers have their job to do, their commanders and civilian leaders must lead in a manner that builds a united force bound by Jewish history and Jewish values the same as the government by guided by Torah based values.
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