NO MORE OUTRAGE

It is time to stop being outraged. The recent headlines notwithstanding. As if the Education Ministry endorsing the Israeli Arab community being taught the establishment of the State was a tragedy.

As if not enough hate was being broadcast through the mosques and other media that the establishment of the Jewish state was indeed illegitimate and the Jews are nothing more than usurpers occupiers and conquerors this point of view must be promoted by the Jewish State itself.

Also in response to the Knesset law requiring the sale of JNF lands be exclusively to Jews Prime Minister Olmert has proposed some 400,000 acres of JNF land to the Israel Lands Authority to facilitate building projects serving both Jewish and Arab communities. Despite the Knesset vote garnering some 64 votes the Prime Minister cynically seeks to circumvent the will of the population. So reports Aaron Klein on World Net Daily, www.worldnetdaily.com. What is even more outrageous is some of these lands were purchased by JNF with the nickels and dimes put in to the ubiquitous
Blue box by generations of Jews from the modern return to Zion in the late nineteenth century.

The nature of these stories are surreal to say the least but there is no room for outrage. Devarim 4:25 –28 describes Israel’s descent in to decadence. The national free fall is characterized by an apparent exchange of Jewish Identity for the ill-fitting mores and values of other nations. Yet, as 4:29-30 explains it will be then when return would began.
Just as an addict’s recovery begins with hitting bottom so too does Israel’s return begin when continuing as something one is not is no longer tenable. There will come a point that adapting foreign behaviors will no longer work for Jewry. Following the nations will only compound bad situations, making them continuously worse.

Has following the lead of the European Union or United Nations or United States regarding the future and security of Israel done anything but embolden terrorists?

Maybe this is why as Rabbi Lazer Brody Shlita told Israel National Radio’s Tamar Yonah that some 50,000 copies of the Hebrew version of B’Gan HaEmuna, The Garden of Emunah (Faith) have been already sold /distributed in Israel. The only truth that explains everything [earlier post not withstanding] is G-D and only G-D is control and nothing else matters or can be relied on. The absurd nature of Israeli government conduct is actually G-D's wake up call, hopefully He is being heard.

A PRESIDENT NETUREI KARTA COULD LOVE

President Peres' remarks before taking office, that we must get rid of the territories (Yehudah, Shomron, the Golan, Jerusalem?) are reprehensible. A country's president should be a patriot, a believer in his country's founding principles. Believing the Medina is separate from Eretz Yisrael displays disdain for every person who ever loved Zion or sacrificed to realize Jewry's hope nurtured over two thousand years. Mr. Peres seems detached from his own heritage and history.

How can such a person be placed in a position of national trust

Olmert's Point of View

When a conversation turns to the machinations of global elites seeking to reshape humanity in to a new world order etc… the eyes would glaze over and frankly the message was reaching a dismissive audience. The notion of a conspiracy being directed through the likes of The Council of Foreign Relations, Tri-Lateral Commission, Free Masons, Illuminati, other secret society or cabal conjures the images and intrigue of secret communications, regular meetings with all the trappings and apparatus a transnational corporate –government partnership would entail. Something so big and all encompassing simply could not hide in the shadows or merely be fodder for the next Dan Brown novel. Additionally, the threads that connect known facts are often woven together in so tenuous a manner that taking them seriously is challenging to one’s sense of logic.

However, maybe the conception of conspiracy as a formal agenda agreed upon by overlord ruling elites may be mistaken. Rather consider the conspiracy of a New World Order (NWO) is more a shared philosophy than anything else.

The demise of the communist economic model resulted in increased international commercial dependence. The growth of capitalist model economies discourages conflict as war would disrupt the flow of materials, goods and services between people and be against everyone’s self interest. The preservation of transnational commerce becomes humanity’s most cherished value as it promotes peace and at least for some, prosperity.

Emergence of a NOW implies there was an Old World Order. OWO apparently one built on nation states’ and their historical and cultural heritage. Such entities are built around individuals with a shared location, culture, mores and interests.

The result is two views of society. are two views what could be called nationalism and globalism. Nationalists see distinctions and differences between people not necessarily in a racist sense but in terms of championing the distinct identities of nations, communities and individuals. Globalists perceive all differences and distinctions between people are artificial and should be sacrificed in favor of transnational cooperation/commerce, the collective benefit of humanity at best, or in reality a general absence of conflict for most and unlimited potential profit for a few.

The conflict between the points of view is irreconcilable as one affirms the value of the individual in context of a society and history. The Nationalist perspective comes from a sense of heritage, tradition and history that all contribute in formulating values, morals and ethics that govern both personal and public behavior.

The Globalist/ NOW perspective values only whatever keeps commerce flowing between nations matters. Transnational cooperation is achieved optimally by mutual self interest or imposed by external control (think the US and Mainland China) Consequently, the elements of identity, individual conscience and free will, those things that make it impossible for a person to control another are the globalists’ greatest threat.

NOW in light of the above Mr. Olmert and his minions make sense. Thinking in terms of history, heritage and narrow national interest is contrary to achieving a utopian society. What does it matter missles land in Sederot ? Or that Israel have a Jewish character? These provincial concerns get in the way of unifying mankind in trade and commerce. {Not that the West cares for a minute about the Human rights of peoples living in Islamic lands as long as petroleum flows unfettered and cheaply} Therefore, to Mr. Olmert and his Global thinking buddies the greatest threat facing the nation is the over 50% of first graders entering Jewish religious schools and not Iran.

Remember the last atempt at unifying humanity was by Nimrod and the tower of Babel and look how that turned out.

Similarly, in other countries the general disdain for religion reflects this nationalist globalist dichotomy. So Olmert is not crazy just embracing a crazy ideology that threatens the value of individual and Humanity’s historical legacy. This shared philosophy of the NOW may not be a classic conspiracy but the pervasive inroads of Globalism within liberal governments sure make it look like one.

.

Be Scared be very scared

Recently President Bush visited a Washington D.C. Mosque in an attempt to reach out to moderate Muslims. The President decried the multiple atrocities committed by Muslims against Muslims.

While it may not have been the right place or the right time but from reading excerpts from the New York Post it would seem Radical Muslims hate everyone who are not them and moderates only hate Jews.

Similarly, according to Secretary Rice Hamas is now a resistance group and not terrorist. The fact that Hamas is fighting recent inroads being made by Al-Queda in Gaza is what brought the image makeover is chilling. To embrace the enemy of my enemy might be prudent advice. But,it calls in to question the whole Global War on Terror. Trans national actors as well as state sponsored terror groups must all be opposed there is no room for strange and expedient bedfellows because today's friend could G-D forbid be tomorrow's shahid.

Fundamentals, Leadership 101

"A country cannot protect itself ad infinitum, because there would be no end to it." -- Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

Imagine what this statement does to rally troops, bolster the populace and of course preserve real estate values? Imagine a head of state declaring the citizen's safety is just not government's problem.Imagine what Sederot mayor Eli Moyal must be thinking, hearing this declaration of indifference? That Mayor Moyal is still behaving rationally is remarkable. How could anyone in his position not be beside himself? Mayor Moyal deserves praise for doing what he can for his city. Even so, the numbing callous nature of Prime Minister Olmert's statement goes beyond all comprehention.

Certainly people cannot and should not be wholly dependent on the government for safety and security. But being told by the government a flat out "NO!", the state will not do everything or much of anything to protect a home,a business a community or its people.

Mr. Olmert,it would be an exercise in simple human nature and logic to conclude that this why countries go on the offensive and commit to D*E*F*E*A*T an enemy. Anything short of decisive victory is defeat. What kind of leader can expect to retain power thinking otherwise ? What type of populace allows this type of leadership?

Pharaoh is not a Role Model-

Fatah over Hamas? Has anyone noticed who are fighting each other? Neither side is worthy of support. The choice is akin to choosing between warring crime families in prohibition era Chicago.

To prop up Fatah’s Abu Mazen by having Israel turn over funds, remove checkpoints or turn over tax revenue is throwing more good money after bad. The arms and equipment given the PA in Gaza by the US with safeguards that the weapons not wind up in Hamas hands and directed towards Israel are in Hamas hands more or less.

For anyone to suggest that a two state solution is viable or that either Hamas or Fatah is worthy of leadership and that any peace is possible with either is like encouraging Pharaoh to chase after the escaped slaves. Can following the road map end any differently?

THE SIGNS OF OUR TIMES

Rav Lazer Brody Shlita commented on his blog http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/ that the prospect of war is not within the individual’s choice and therefore war is exclusively in G-D’s hands. Consequently, if something is beyond one’s ability to control it is likewise beyond the things G-D wants us to worry about. The Rabbi suggested a cease fire with G-D to return to Him in repentance.
Now consider the most recent events in Gaza. Hamas has taken control of Gaza pushing out Fatah. The significance is Hamas are believers as they conquered, they prayed, they viewed each murderous blood soaked step as an opportunity for praise. True theirs is a worship of death, of evil of discord but it does impose burden upon Jewry.

When a tractate of Talmud is concluded the prayers recited in celebration declares “we rise early and they rise early , we rise to learn Torah and they rise to pursue falsehood. . . . we run and they run we run to eternity to world to come and they run into the abyss of destruction . . . ” If those who champion death call out to G-D how can a Jew whose heritage is Torah that is the elixir of life remain silent before G-D?

Rabbi Eliezer Twersky of Falticheim ZY’A quoted Rabbi Nachman of Breslov’s uncle, Rabbi Baruch of Mezibosh ZTVK’L ZY’A the liturgy proclaims “For You[G-D] hear each mouth calling out in prayer ” Hebrew for mouth is Peh. The Rabbi observed Peh can be pronounced PHEH of Feh an expression of disgust. Therefore the text could read that Hashem hears the prayer of each Jew even those who can be called Feh --even the lowest of the lowest can be heard if the first step is made to call out in prayer.

The other events of the week within the Israeli government further make looking to human leadership for security and protection seem at best foolish is not insane and turning to G-D the only logical option. Who knows where these events will fit in the course of history? There are two paths open one leading to the fantasy world where the country’s political echelon lives or the world of prayer of refuge with Hashem. The choice of prayer is in each person’s hands, that choice something one can worry about. Choosing wisely, because the selection can reshape the whole world .

SURVIVING THE SURRAEL

The news coming out of Israel almost daily shows a dramatic dichotomy that perhaps highlights the strength of societies that cherish freedom and champion liberty.

The reports of arrogance, ineptitude, incompetence, indifference, pursuit of self destructive self serving corruption seems to engulf the whole of Israeli governmental institutions including the Courts and military to the point which in other places would throw that society in to civil disarray. Yet despite the governmental meltdown Israel's economy is growing steadily and the media is not fully muzzled by the government.

Indeed the seeming disconnect and apparant disdain between the government and the people is so dramatic that it is as though two alternative realities exist in Israel, which colors each segment's perceptions and priorities.

Maybe this is how power corrupts by insulating its members from reality and replacing it with an alternative version that at is so skewed thereby, distorting government's world view to that of a hall of mirrors.

A civil society's survival under such circumstances can only be the product of D-VINE providence.

SEDROT GATEWAY TO . . . .

Concerning Sedrot as believers we know there is a D-VINE reason behind why Sedrot?, which House? And Who? As we say daily “He creates all existence anew daily . . . . ” “[G-D is ] the master of war . . . the source of salvation’s flowering ” (Shacharit, Birchat HaYotzer). Therefore, to write off the campaign against Sedrot as random is to completely miss the point.

However, to glibly declare it is a sign of G-D’s wrath is insensitive, arrogant and inaccurate. If the attacks were intended merely as punishment there would be an opportunity to absorb the experience and discern what needs to change and improve. However, being in a state of emergency hardly affords Sedrot’s residents’ time to reflect and cull needed lessons. So to declare a blanket D-vine punishment upon Sedrot is hard to say. Now it is possible than individuals who suffered property loss of injury are being sent a specific message to atone, repent or improve but that is between the individual and Hashem and certainly not anyone’s place to speculate except for the true Zaddikim who are both keenly aware of Hashem’s ways and deeply attached to the Jewish people.

It is equally possible the people of Sedrot collectively need this experience as a soul repair for a previous life. Or the people a Sedrot need this experience as a source of merit for keeping the faith in extreme circumstances. Consider the original prophecy was that Bene Yisrael be slave for 400 years yet they were in Egypt only 210 years and out that time the actual time as slaves may have been as little as 86 years. Yet the intensity of the servitude was multiplied exponentially to achieve the necessary effect that qualified Bene Yisrael for an earlier redemption and revelation at Sinai. Maybe Sedrot’s experience is a preparation for something greater. Who except a Zaddik can say?

Rabbi Nachman teaches in several places that a major task in life is to look for G-D’s presence everywhere and in everything especially behind the corners and out of view. What can be stated with some confidence is that Sedrot’s residents are being presented these attacks as a means for their spiritual fulfillment. Additionally for the rest of us it is an opportunity to increase the world’s foundations of Torah Prayer and Kindness in which case Sedrot is not being punished but the bulb of salvation’s flowering that blossoms in to Mashiach’s arrival in the immediate future.

Sorry for not fully documenting this post

RUNING ON EMPTY

Sderot is under attack and there are fatalities. To think the IDF cannot remove the threat is silly there are no PA Air Force or tank units or artillery. A lack of ability is not an explanation.

Simultaneously Sderot residents were relocated to army run rest centers. This simple humanitarian gesture too exposed the fundamental problem. Hared Jewish families were placed with secular families and had the serenity of the Shabbat marred by blaring TV’s mixed male and female choral programs and inattention to accommodate the haredi standards of Kashruth. When people complained they were told they could go back to Sderot.

A city's mayor has to be reduced to tears pleading in vain for the national government to fulfill its minimal mission to protect the country and its population from external enemies.

Further, MK Orlev proposed a law that would introduce an American style Sunday and weaken the public face of the Jewish Shabbath. This proposed legislation is a cultural retreat of Jewish sovereignty akin to a land give back.

There is a parade planed yet again for Jerusalem to celebrate life styles prohibited by Torah despite the nearly unanimous opposition to such activities.

There is a common thread. Like the government appears to be devoid of any ability to connect with the populace. Maybe even a sense of disdain for the cultural ethnic and historic societal norms of the people.

It would seem Israel's central enemy is its own government. The apparent unwillingness to be itself and embrace Jewry's national G-D given context and heritage. Failing to do so leaves leadership empty and without direction.