The Senseless Killing of Innocent Jews in Israel

Guest Blogger
R Pini Dunner:

Dear Members and Friends
Once again, and with a heavy heart, I find myself writing an email about the senseless killing of innocent Jews in Israel. This time the brutality and barbarity of the act, and its place of perpetration, defy our ability to absorb it, never mind react to it. Four Jews davening in shul, hacked, stabbed and shot to death by ruthless murderers, whose hatred enabled them to enter a sacred place and kill, kill, kill. Puddles of blood in a shul, with the dead and injured lying on the ground still in their tallit and tefillin, is a scene that we associate with the darkest periods of Jewish history, not with an era of Jewish prosperity and freedom in our own country.
The fact that Jews can be attacked by terrorists while praying in a synagogue, in an act planned by a terrorist group, and then widely celebrated by Palestinians across Israel, must force us to question whether it will ever be possible to find common ground with these people in any kind of 'peace' agreement. And for the news media to declare that Arabs are being provoked by 'settlement building' and Jews demanding the right to pray on Temple Mount, is beyond sickening. It is like saying that because someone built a non-permitted building near one's house it is then legitimate to go on a killing rampage in a church because one has been 'provoked'. If you don't like settlements, use peaceful methods of protest. If you feel that Jews ought not to have the right to pray on Temple Mount, use peaceful methods of protest. Killing is murder. Killing people with knives and meat cleavers and axes makes you a savage. It seems that 'savages' is becoming the most apt definition of the Palestinians. And by the way, I am not suggesting that praying on Temple Mount is the right thing to do - there is no doubt that it is halachically problematic. But to deny Jews the right to go there and pray, and to declare that the holiest site of Judaism must remain Judenrein, is simply unacceptable. It should be our choice, not the choice of Muslim bigotry.
But that is a discussion for another day. Today we must simply mourn and grieve the 4 wonderful men who lost their lives this morning, while praying in shul. Rabbi Moshe Twersky, formerly of Boston; Rabbi Aryeh Kupinsky and Rabbi Kalman Zev Levine, both originally from the US; and Rabbi Avraham Goldberg, originally from Liverpool, and later London. All of them had emigrated to Israel. Their deaths leave 26 orphans.
There were also a number of men who were very seriously injured in this morning's attack. Here are their Hebrew names - please pray for them:

Shmuel Yerucham ben Baila

Chaim Yechiel Ben Malka

Avraham Shmuel Ben Shaina

Eitan ben Sarah

Aryeh ben Bracha

Finally, one of the rabbis killed this morning was Rabbi Moshe Twersky, son of the late Rabbi Isadore Twersky, who was the son-in-law of Rabbi J.B. Soloveichik, Rosh Yeshiva of RIETS at Yeshiva University, and the leading light of Modern Orthodoxy in the twentieth century. I feel, therefore, that it is apt to reproduce the following quote from Rabbi Soloveichik, written in the 1960s. It is particularly pertinent because the Rav was not a man who was considered extreme or reactionary:
"The fifth knock of the Beloved is perhaps the most important. For the first time in the annals of exile, Divine Providence has amazed our enemies with the astounding discovery that Jewish blood is not cheap! God did not seek honor and recognition. He wanted Pharoah, Moses' contemporary, to know that he must pay a high price for his edict that "Every male child born shall be cast into the river" (Exodus 1:22), His present desire is that the blood of Jewish children who were slain as they recited the eighteen benedictions of the daily [Amidah] prayer shall also be avenged. When God smote the Egyptians, He sought to demonstrate that there will always be accountability for the spilling of Jewish blood. At present, it is necessary not only to convince the dictator of Egypt [Nasser], but the self-righteous Nehru, the Foreign Office in London, and the sanctimonious members of the United Nations that Jewish blood is not cheap... A people that cannot defend its freedom and tranquility is neither free nor independent."
My friends – this morning our brothers, including Rabbi Soloveichik's grandson, were slain while reciting the eighteen benedictions of the daily Amidah prayer. Jewish blood is not cheap. In the same way that Israel exchanges 1000's of prisoners for one captured soldier, so too Israel must let the world know that when innocents are slaughtered it will make no compromises in ensuring the safety and security of its civilians, and of every Jew. We expect no less. God expects no less.
May the injured be healed, may the dead be avenged, and may we soon see the ultimate redemption of Moshiach, and the rebuilding of the Third Temple. Amen.
Rabbi Pini Dunner

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Five dead in Jerusalem synagogue attack

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/18/world/meast/jerusalem-violence/

-----------------------------------------
Kol Tuv - Best Regards
RRW

Jewish Tribune: On Being Radicalized

There is a need to respond to this radicalization of individuals in the cause of Moslem fanaticism.

Further on this, please go to http://www.jewishtribune.ca/commentary/2014/11/18/on-being-radicalized.

Rabbi Ben Hecht

From Cong. Beth Aaron in Teaneck

Following this morning's murder of four men as they davened at their synagogue in the Har Nof neighborhood of Jerusalem, Congregation Beth Aaron is joining with other synagogues nationwide to recite Tehillim. 
 
The Orthodox Union and the RCA have requested that all shuls across North America gather simultaneously to recite Tehillim tonight in spiritual solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
 
We will participate following the 9:30 p.m. Maariv tonight, November 18, in the Main Shul. 
 
If you cannot join us this evening to recite Tehillim, please join the Jewish people spiritually by reciting in private the following chapters of Tehillim at 9:45 p.m.: 20, 44, 83, 88, 121, 125 and 142. 
 
 
To read the OU/RCA statement, please go to http://bit.ly/1yjYRTE.

Kol Tuv,
RRW

The Double Standard of Freedom of Religion

In the wake of the tragic events of today in Israel, I feel that it is again most necessary for us to articulate the hypocrisy and double standard of many of the critics of Israel. Why is it that we are always being called upon to respect the religious sites of others -- even though Israel has a sparkling record in its preservation of religious freedom -- yet an attack in a shul will still be met with expressions of sympathy for the terrorists in that they have to go so far? Can someone not see that if a person is willing to kill people who are simply praying, there is a further statement about the person's very psychology?

Rabbi Ben Hecht

Hits on Hatikva

My wife's Aunt just emailed this. I cannot verify its accuracy...

For some of us, this might be the first time we have seen the translation of Hatikva.  

The Israeli ambassador and the Minister of the Diaspora would like our National Hymn, Hatikva to become the most popular video on You Tube by April 16, 2015, the 68th anniversary of Israel 's Independence Day.

  Please view the Video clip, at the website listed below, and then forward it to all your contacts.

The object is to place this video among the top five clips.
Some Arabs are trying to have this video removed from You Tube.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q4XL4oRIRE

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Nishma's Jewish Ethics Study -- on Koshertube

As presented in the most recent Nishma Update, Nishma will be focusing this year on what we might term Jewish Ethics. Much of our presentations in this regard will be through video shiurim on Koshertube.

To see the most recent presentation, Revelational Ethics and Natural Ethics,

please go to http://koshertube.com/videos/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=4&task=videodirectlink&id=19259

RBH

A photo is sometimes worth a thousand words.

Please see
http://www.bhol.co.il/upload0708/E5AE8E9EA5C442DCA76C8FE8E322BC50.jpg

This picture was sent to me with the following caption:

This is Rav Tzvi Weber with other mashgichim entering Jordan to take a look (i.e. supervision) at the enterprise established growing produce in Jordan for import to Israel to avoid shmitta issues.

It would seem to me that there is much to discuss.

Take care
RBH  

Intended Audiences and Unintended Audiences

I found this article, entitled ‘War of the rabbis’ over Temple Mount strife goes from Halacha to politics", on The Journal of Turkish Weekly and found it somewhat disconcerting that this issue was presented on this site. The actual article itself was not the issue for me and in discovering that it was originally from The Jerusalem Post, I was not surprised. The question for me, though, was how this article would be perceived, read and understood by the readers of this Turkish site. How much, when we write, do we have to be concerned by where it will eventually be read? This is really an example of the 'power' of the Internet.

Rabbi Ben Hecht

Authorship of The Bahir

Given:
Midrash Tehillim - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midrash_Tehillim

«Midrash Tehillim (Hebrew: מדרש תהלים) or Midrash to Psalms is a haggadic midrash known since the 11th century, when it was quoted by Nathan of Rome in his Aruk (s.v. סחר), by R. Isaac ben Judah ibn Ghayyat in his Halakot (1b), and by Rashi in his commentary on I Sam. xvii. 49, and on many other passages. This midrash is called also "Agadat Tehillim" (Rashi on Deut. xxxiii. 7 and many other passages), or "Haggadat Tehillim" (Aruk, s.v. סער, and in six other passages). From the 12th century it was called also Shocher Tov (see Midrash Tehillim, ed. S. Buber, Introduction, pp. 35 et seq.), because it begins with the verse
Prov. xi. 27, "שחר טוב יבקש רצון ודרש רעה תבואנו", etc.»

OK Midrash Tehillim was dubbed Shocher Tov due to its opening line.

The names of Parshiyyot in the Torah often reflect their opening lines

The names of Chapters in Shas usually reflect their opening lines.

Sefer Habbaheer's opening line is
"R N'hunya ben Hakkeneh"

Sefer Habbahir is dubbed
Midrash R N'hunya ben Hakkeneh

Does the dubbing of the name reflect
A. Its Opening Line
Or
B. Its Author's Name

Kol Tuv,
RRW

"White House exempts ISIS strikes from civilian casualty guidelines"

See http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/01/politics/wh-isis-civilians/index.html?iref=allsearch
a piece on cnn.com entitled "White House exempts ISIS strikes from civilian casualty guidelines".

Could someone please explain to me why this did not get more of response from the Jewish community, considering the criticism that was leveled against Israel in the war in Gaza?
 When I saw this piece, I could not believe it. It's so easy to take a stand when the results don't affect you and the outcome is not personally relevant.

Rabbi Ben Hecht

Being Radicalized

To Mark Remembrance Day

                                                                                                                            

Sadly, it just seems much of the news is now filled with stories of what has been termed ‘radicalization’ – an acceptance by otherwise apparently moderate individuals of fanatical Islam. This, what appears to be a global phenomenon, perhaps reached an apex for us in the death of two Canadian soldiers who were recently killed by such individuals. In that Canadians, on November 11, will mark Remembrance Day -- when we recall and acknowledge the debt we owe to our military who have sacrificed in our defense -- the timing is most moving. Our hearts indeed are heavy.

  The question has emerged, though: what leads such individuals to embrace such a system? When we read about the brutality inflicted upon others by such groups as ISIS, we cannot even imagine how any person could treat a fellow human being in such a manner – especially in the name of some type of idealistic goodness. How could it then even be possible that others, when they hear such stories, are not only not repulsed by such behavior but are even attracted to such causes? It seems simply beyond explanation.

Yet, we are still driven to find some cause, some clarification – especially if this will help us in dealing with such occurrences. There are those, though, who simply see each case as a reflection of some personal mental illness; each incident having its own individual explanation. Within this perspective, there would be no point in attempting to find a common theme for there is none. Others, though, still believe that there may be some common ailment that leads certain individuals to embrace such fanaticism. Regardless of the reason, it is still truly devastating to hear of individuals from around the world joining such entities as ISIS, embracing fanatical Islam.

There was one particular news item, however, that particularly caught my attention. CNN reported that the first suspected member of ISIS to stand trial in Germany played, as a youth, for Makkabi Frankfurt, Germany's largest Jewish sports club. Upon questioning from the media about this, team president, Alon Meyer, responded: "This was a guy who used to play with Jewish players every week, he was comfortable there and he seemed so happy.” He added: "His old teammates were very shocked -- they didn't know how to react...They couldn't believe it.” The team always felt that it was in the best interests of the Jewish community to open its doors to invite everyone to play. They never imagined such a result.

In response to this event, certain members of the Jewish community began to question this policy. Perhaps, the club should be only for Jewish players, perhaps we should only take care of ourselves? Mr. Meyer has rejected this suggestion. "We have opened ourselves up to everybody and that is how we live," he explains. The fact that someone who once played for Makkabi Frankfort became radicalized, in Mr. Meyer’s eyes, should not veer the team away from its goal of integration. If a correct choice was made and the community was acting correctly, that is what it must continue to do.

I do not necessarily agree with this Jewish club’s policy of integration. There are strong reasons for why Jewish clubs should, perhaps, only be for Jews. That, though, is not the issue here. The contention here was that because of the radicalization of this one individual, who as a youth played for Makkabi Frankfort, the club should change its policy. In this regard, I agree with Mr. Meyer. We cannot allow the radicalization of individuals to force us to behave in a manner with which we otherwise disagree. Whether Makkabi Frankfort should include non-Jewish players on their teams is one issue. The fact that one such player became radicalized, however, should not be a factor in that decision.

Obviously, terrorism will call upon us, in the goal of protecting individuals from this horror, to behave somewhat differently. The point is, though, that we cannot allow terrorism to cause us to deviate in the expression of our values. In a similar vein, it was with patriotic pride that I read about the resumption of the honour guard at the National War Memorial within days of the murder of Cpl. Cirillo. Of course, all must be done to protect such honor guards on duty but to abandon the practice of displaying such honour cannot be an alternative. To have forsaken the honour guard would mean that terrorism could claim a victory – and this is something we can never permit.

There are those who are becoming radicalized, adopting a value system which we find abhorrent. We must ensure that they also do not cause us to surrender our values.

Eretz Hemda on Shmitta

Rav Reuven Tradburks:

«Just a reminder of a note from Rav Carmel from Eretz Hemda.  Eretz Hemda is offering a wonderful weekly e-mail shiur, in depth, on inyanei shmitta.  I am attaching the first shiur.  

To sign up send an email to shmita@eretzhemdah.org


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Jewish Community, Family, Nurturing, and Connection

«Jessica Orbach said her mother-in-law was "passionate about, and devoted to, yeshiva education." An elementary school art teacher, who dedicated much of her time to the Yeshiva of Flatbush when her children were growing up, Orbach was "deeply religious and traditional, living a life of love of Judaism. She served Hashem, her community and her family with utter joy."

Jessica told JLBC that Yocheved was a typical Jewish mother who loved feeding people and loved to nurture and care for others. As president of the Ladies Auxillary of Yeshiva of Flatbush, she instituted "Pizza Day" where she and her husband would heat up and hand out pizza. They sponsored the project for 10 years after being informed that many children couldn't afford the pizza. It is now being called the Yocheved Orbach Pizza Project in her memory.»

Yocheved Orbach Moriah
http://jewishlinkbc.com/images/news/2014/55_06nov/106.jpg

-------------------

Chessed for the community is a big component in "what makes Jews tick".

Kol Tuv,
RRW

A "Broad Range of Anti-Semites" Perhaps?

Top international law professor blasts U.N.'s Schabas for "self-evident" appearance of bias

« View from Geneva
http://blog.unwatch.org/index.php/2014/11/06/top-international-law-professor-blasts-u-n-s-schabas-for-self-evident-appearance-of-bias/

«Schabas insisted, however, that he had consulted with a "broad range of people" who confirmed his objectivity and impartiality.» 

Kol Tuv,
RRW

R Arie Folger: My Thoughts on the Israeli Conversion Law

My thoughts on the Israeli conversion law:

«...Rabbi David Stav, in turn, heavily criticized the chief rabbis, adding that, "The person running the chief rabbinate today is Arye Deri. He decides who is a Jew and who is not, who is a rabbi and who is not." Stav further threatened that the bill could pass and new conversion courts could effectively operate without the chief rabbis' cooperation. This may be his strongest attack on the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to date; it is an outright declaration of war. ...»

http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/A-worthy-compromise-for-the-sake-of-converts-380697

--

Also see R Folger's Original Blog Post:
http://ariefolger.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/a-well-trodden-path-out-of-the-conversion-law-impasse/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Mussar: Learn to Let Go of Grudges

Yalkut Meam Loez commentary on Kohelet [Ecclesiastes],
chapter 10, verse 4:
 
Do not be like the people who perpetually wander from one synagogue to another
because they suffered an insult.
 
CHRONOLOGY:
 
The Yalkut Meam Loez commentary on Kohelet was written by Rabbi Shmuel Yerushalmi, following the death of Rabbi Yaakov Culiin 1732 CE in Constantinople.
 
Kol Tuv,
RRW

UN's Double Standard on Israel

Proofessor Christina Cerna: "Impartiality is not a requirement sought by the Council for the appointment of experts when it comes to Israel."

Georgetown prof: UNHRC 'killed my candidacy' for not being 'partial' like William Schabas

« View from Geneva
http://blog.unwatch.org/index.php/2014/11/06/georgetown-prof-unhrc-killed-my-candidacy-for-not-being-partial-like-william-schabas/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Solidarity Mission to Israel

Rabbi Shaul Robinson:

"If you know anyone who is passionate about Israel and wants to take part in a fact finding / solidarity mission, we have space on ours!

it departs Motzei shabbat Nov 21st, please send this link

http://www.innovationation.co.il/trip/solidarity-mission-israel/

to anyone you feel may be interested. One of the highlights will be taking part in military ethics training sessions, on army basis, using the same trainers and techniques that the IDF uses...and much more.

many thanks for bringing this to the attention of anyone who may be interested

Best Wishes

Shaul"

Kol Tuv,
RRW

What turned Ken Roth into a Swiss reporter « View from Geneva

http://blog.unwatch.org/index.php/2014/11/05/what-turned-ken-roth-into-a-swiss-reporter/#more-6239

«With a little help from his 275 staff members, Human Rights Watch director Ken Roth voices moral outrage on his Twitter feed once every hour, 24 times a day, seven days a week.

Yet when a Hamas terrorist today rammed his car into a crowd of Israelis in Jerusalem, and then got out to attack them further with an iron bar, Ken Roth's voice suddenly turned into that of a neutral Swiss reporter.

Here are the standard Roth tweets, criticizing, demanding, condemning...»

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Rav Dov Fischer On Conversion to Judaism

«Jews burn bread crumbs on sidewalks one morning every April.  We do not believe in ghosts, but we open doors for Elijah.  We pay a fortune to rent two sanctuary seats for a service highlighted by someone blowing into part of a ram's head (with inconsistent results) every ten minutes. We throw crumbs into lakes, pray for rain when the weather finally is perfect, move for a week into a squatter's hut.  We shake $60 lemons that must look perfect but have no flavor or use, and we discard them a few days later.  Men wrap leather straps around the arm, women take a handful of dough out of a pile and just burn it.  And we pay a guy five dollars or shekels to ransom a new first-born boy like from Rumpelstiltskin.
That's not all.  There's a night when adults enter synagogue all costumed ridiculously, shaking noisemakers and banging on pots during a profound religious Bible reading in the holy sanctuary — all while demanding that parents keep their children absolutely silent during the reading. Jews do not carry outside on Saturday unless the local telephone poles are wired together, with little upright things nailed to the bases.  Some food labels bear every imaginable kosher symbol, leaving almost no room on the label for the name of the product or its ingredients. Indeed, one rabbi endorses "star-k" but won't comment on "triangle-k" or "tablet-k"; another endorses "circle-k" but nothing about "half-moon-k" or "square-k." (No one has yet trademarked a "crucifix-k.") And that's not all.
If you drop a siddur (prayerbook), you kiss the book in front of everyone.  Drop a chumash (Bible) — kiss it publicly.  Drop a yarmulka — kiss it.  A Torah passes by — kiss it.  But your wife walks into the room — don't touch her in public! Meanwhile, when the books get old — we bury them. (No, we are not planting a library.)  We eat "bread of poverty" that costs $16 a pound.  (Not to mention swinging chickens one morning a year.)»

On Conversion to Judaism - Op-Eds - Arutz Sheva
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/15907#.VFW4i_RDuYI




Kol Tuv,
RRW

A wise Midwestern Veterinarian shares his opinion on Ebola

I would like to thank Jake Muskat for sending me this -- RBH
* * * * *

Lewiston Idaho veterinarian's Letter to the Editor

 

re: Ebola.

The present Ebola crisis in the world is frightening. I have submitted the following letter to the editor of the Lewiston Morning Tribune:

 

Editor, Lewiston Morning Tribune:

 

If I wish to import a horse into the United States from Liberia or any African country other than Morocco, the horse needs to undergo a 60 day quarantine period at a USDA approved quarantine facility prior to mingling with the general population of horses in this country. Africa has a disease called African Horse Sickness that does not exist in the US; this is the way we have kept it out of this country. African Horse Sickness does not cause disease in people, only horses; our government has determined that it would be devastating to the US horse industry if it were to come here.

 

The United States (and virtually all other countries) require a myriad of tests and often quarantine prior to bringing in a foreign animal.

 

I can’t legally cross state lines in the United States with a horse or cow without a health certificate signed by a USDA accredited veterinarian stating that the animal has been inspected and found free of infectious disease. In most cases blood tests are also required. In fact I can’t legally cross the Snake River and ride my horse in Idaho without a health certificate and a negative blood test for Equine Infectious Anemia.

 

I’m not complaining; the United States of America, the States of Idaho and Washington as well as the other 48 states take the health of our livestock very seriously, and we have a very good record at keeping foreign animal diseases out of our country. I am happy to do my part to maintain bio security in our animal population.

 

If I am a resident of Liberia incubating Ebola, to enter the United States all I need to do is present a valid visa, and lie when asked if I have been exposed to Ebola. Within hours (no quarantine required) I can be walking the streets of any city in the United States.

 

I feel very fortunate to live in a country that values our animals so highly.

 

xxxxx, DVM

Making a "Kiddush"* on Thanksgiving**

*Kiddush - Kiddush Hashem
**Thanksgiving - USA style

Guest Blogger:
R Akiva Males
* * * * *

It's time for my yearly 'heads up' that Thanksgiving is around the corner & here is a simple to do program which is sure to:

1) create much needed Kiddush Hashem
2) create important good-will btwn your organization / Jewish community and your fire and police depts.
3) foster good-will among your members who participate
4) guarantee your org some good press coverage

Please click here to read (and watch) about our Shul's annual Thanksgiving fire fighters feast: 
http://torahmusings.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-kiddush-hashem/

Here's a working link to the Jewish Press article that's quoted (it explains how to pull this off rather simply):
http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/harrisburgs-annual-thanksgiving-kiddush-hashem/2010/11/03/0/?print

The local news outlets will be happy to cover this heart-warming program on Thanksgiving -- plenty of free (and positive) publicity and Kiddush Hashem.
 
I'm happy to offer any assistance I can.

All the best!
Akiva Males


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Nishma's Focus on Jewish Ethics

From Nishma Update, November 2014
* * * * *

Jewish Ethics

Many years ago, we raised the question, in INQUIRY: Is There A Distinctive Jewish Ethical Perspective?, Nishma Update 5755-2, of whether there is a uniqueness to Jewish ethics. At the core of the question would be the justifiable perception that ethics – our understanding of what is proper in interpersonal behaviour – would seem to be of a universal nature.. How can we, then, call an ethic ‘Jewish’? Is there, thus, even a Jewish ethic? It would seem that ethics are universal. Are there, then, no uniquely Jewish ethics?

In the article, we laid out some important areas for further investigation in regard to this matter. The distinction in directives between the Torah standard for Jews and the Noachide standard for Non-Jews, for example, immediately raises a question in regard to the universal nature of ethics. Such a distinction in itself, though, does not inherently challenge the concept of a universal base to ethics. The article also raised other debatable issues.

Over the years, we have often returned to this study, further articulating what may be unique to the Torah presentation of ethical concerns and directives. During this time, though, what we have also further observed is a continuing absence of the in depth study of ethics (and its consequences) within many segments of the Torah world. We are not the only ones who have noticed this. The idea has even been presented that this may be the result of the overriding concern for Jewish identity within the community. If ethical behaviour does not distinguish someone as a Jew, it will simply, as such, not be a focus of education and discussion in that it is not seen as necessarily fostering Jewish distinction (such as kashrut). Showing a uniqueness to the Jewish ethical perspective thus may have additional significance. Yet, despite this issue, it is still most important that ethics, even if defined universally, is -- and is constantly recognized as -- essential within Jewishness and within any understanding and application of the Jewish legal system.

Nishma will be devoting much of its investigative and analytic efforts this year to this topic of Jewish ethics. This is not to say that every article we will write and/or every shiur we will present this year will circle this subject but this consideration will be a focus of which we will be conscious. Ethics is not simply a personal, solely intuitive, perspective of right and wrong. Proper ethical conclusions are the result of thought. It is important that such thought be part of our Torah studies.

Islamophobimania from a Muslim's Perspective

The Lawfare Project:

INVITATION - Islamophobimania from a Muslim's Perspective feat. Kasim Hafeez - Nov. 6 @ 9:15am ET

http://conta.cc/1xwg63a

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/INVITATION---Islamophobimania-from-a-Muslim-s-Perspective-feat--Kasim-Hafeez---Nov--6---9-15am-ET.html?soid=1108719109767&aid=DTZfWPEQdvw


Kasim Hafeez was raised in a British Pakistani Muslim household. Growing up, he was exposed to extreme anti-Western and anti-Semitic ideas, leading him to embrace radical Islam in his teen years. At University, he became further radicalized, believing violence was the only way to really bring about…

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Video Violins

The Jewish Standard:

This Israeli violin-maker has taken on the task of repairing the violins of victims of the Holocaust.

Amazing story.

Source: Shachar Peled, i24news English
YouTube link (great channel!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwSPgERkvoc

http://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152527062308717
 
Kol Tuv,
RRW

Who is the Identified Patient in the Human Family? Do any Symtoms Sound Familiar?

«What Is An "Identified Patient"?

The "Identified Patient" or IP, was a term that emerged in the 1950's to describe the actions of sick and dysfunctional families, and their tendency to assign one person in the family as a scapegoat to their problems.  Essentially, the Identified Patient complex is said to be a way families avoid their own internal pain, disappointments and struggles, by pointing the finger at another family member as the cause for all the problems they experience.

If you were the Identified Patient in your family, you were most likely chosen as the "trouble maker" or "problem child" due to your status within the family (e.g. young, naive and abusable, or older, headstrong and threatening), or your differing Soul Age and personality, which drew attention to your contrasting likes, tastes and habits.  Naturally, these things placed a big bulls eye on your head, and were used against you throughout your life.

Symptoms that you were chosen as the Identified Patient of your family include the following:

Your parents were more strict with you than they were with your other siblings.

Your mistakes were blown out of proportion and/or punished disproportionately.

You always carried the feeling that you "didn't fit in" with your family, and you didn't develop strong connections with them.

You were mocked, ridiculed and/or made fun of on a constant basis.
Your family seemed intent on making you feel "deficient" and as though you were always fundamentally lacking.

Whenever you got stronger, more confident or happier, your family seemed intent on bringing you down and/or convincing you that you weren't getting any better.»

Family: How To Overcome The Shame of Being An "Identified Patient"/Black Sheep ⋆ LonerWolf
http://lonerwolf.com/identified-patient-black-sheep/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Israel - Without Words

The Jewish Standard:

No, seriously, this video has no words, yet the images alone manage to distill the incredible places and people of the Promised Land into a short clip that will have you checking the prices on plane tickets all afternoon.

Good job, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

http://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152524874993717
 
Kol Tuv,
RRW

Drama of the Ingathering Exiles from Ethiopia

The Jewish Standard:

This captures some of the most emotional moments in the Israeli drama of ingathering exiles, reuniting families and solidifying the Zionist dream - and it was made as an ad for a cell phone carrier.

Am Yisrael Chai

Update on Ethiopian Jewish Aliyah today:
http://jstandard.com/content/item/ethiopian_aliyah_over_but_challenges_remain

YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XxzzPkxWEo

http://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152525093688717
 
Kol Tuv,
RRW

Hamas admits it is rebuilding terror tunnels

«Hamas's Izz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades has openly stated that it is rebuilding the terror tunnels that were destroyed by the IDF during Operation Protective Edge this summer, according to a reporter from the Gaza-based newspaper Al-Resalah, who witnessed diggers at work during a visit to a tunnel site on Sunday. The repairs to the tunnel had started "during one of the humanitarian cease-fires reached during the war," the commander of the digging team told the reporter. "Hamas did not wait a single moment after the last round of fighting, and began its rearmament in anticipation of another round," a senior Israeli diplomatic source said, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.»

Jewish Ledger | Serving Connecticut's Jewish Communities » Blog Archive » Hamas admits it is rebuilding terror tunnels
http://www.jewishledger.com/2014/10/hamas-admits-it-is-rebuilding-terror-tunnels/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

The Media and its Demons

See:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/three-reported-injured-in-possible-jerusalem-terror-attack/

I commented:

«I wonder how the media will spin this into a "Israel Kills Babies in Gaza" story?»

A Rabbinical Colleague responded:

Here it is:

http://honestreporting.com/jerusalem-terror-attack-headline-fails/

Daven well my friends!


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Breaking NEWS: The RCA Will Appoint 5-6 Women to New GPS Standards Committee

http://www.jewishlinkbc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5291%3Abreaking-news-the-rca-will-appoint-5-6-women-to-new-gps-standards-committee&catid=150%3Anews&Itemid=562

«Rabbi Shmuel Goldin  has been appointed to chair a new RCA committee to review all conversion practices and standardize practices among the Batei Din to ensure proper respect and dignity is afforded to all converts. There will be six men on the committee and five or six women, including converts, rabbis  and mental health professionals. The committee will be tasked with collecting data and will come up with concrete recommendations to prevent any future abuses.» 

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Chareidism vs. Centrism

Harry Maryles

«..., Rabbi Emanuel Feldman is one of my favorite writers. I tend to agree with him on most issues. At the same time, I find myself often differing with the views of his brother, Ner Israel Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Aharon Feldman. I guess being brothers does not mean thinking alike. ...»

Emes Ve-Emunah: Kipa Versus Yarmulke
http://haemtza.blogspot.com/2014/10/kipa-versus-yarmulke.html?m=1

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Jewish Ethics

At Nishma, we will be devoting much of our studies this year on Jewish Ethics with special on their 

uniqueness. 

In this regard, we invite you to view the following video on Koshertube

Dynamics of Jewish Ethics - Intro
at  http://koshertube.com/videos/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=4&task=videodirectlink&id=19068  

We also invite you to continue to check Koshertube on a regular basis 
for more shiurim on Jewish ethics 

Israel and the House of Commons: A Word of Caution by Douglas Aronin

«... Dismayed as I am by last week's vote, we do need to keep it in perspective.  The motion is not binding on the British government and will have no immediate impact on British foreign policy. Prime Minister David Cameron made it clear in a statement released after the vote that the creation of a Palestinian state should result from negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel and that his government has no intention of preempting those negotiations by recognizing a Palestinian state unilaterally.  He reiterated that position two days later during the Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.
Despite all the hullaballoo, simple arithmetic makes it clear that fewer than half of the 649 sitting members of the House of Commons took part in the vote.  Prime Minister Cameron and the other senior government ministers did not participate in the debate, nor did most of the senior figures of the opposition Labour Party. ...»

Israel and the House of Commons: A Word of Caution | Douglas Aronin | The Blogs | The Times of Israel
http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israel-and-the-house-of-commons-a-word-of-caution/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Breslov Campus

Access Rebbe Nachman's great wisdom! See http://breslovcampus.org/

Dear Friends,
 
I am delighted to announce the upcoming launch of the first live, online, Breslov- learning program, 

BreslovCampus.org, 

starting this coming Wednesday, October 29th. The course offerings include a range of relevant, 

intriguing, and authentic Breslov topics, taught by experienced, English-speaking, Breslov teachers

— and all classes are free.
 
What makes BreslovCampus.org unique is that it is the first exclusively-Breslov, online learning program 

that offers live classes, allowing students and teachers to interact in real-time, using the top-performing 

technology available today. Students will also be able to contact teachers between classes as well as reach 

out to fellow-students. And, they’ll receive special bonuses, such as discounts at the Breslov.org bookstore.
 
Share the Inspiration
 
Won’t you join us? Please tell your friends and colleagues about BreslovCampus.org’s free, live classes, 

and be inspired by the powerful, life-changing teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. If you can’t attend 

a live class, be sure to log onto BreslovCampus.org and view the free class archives, which will be posted 

shortly after each live class.
 
On Wednesday evening, October 29, at 8:00 pm, EST, BreslovCampus.org will begin its inaugural semester 

with Waking Up, the first course in the series Living the Life of a Breslover Chassid with Likutey Halachot, 

taught by me, Yossi Katz. 
 
I’m looking forward to seeing you there. 
 
Yossi Katz, Director
 
P.S. The class schedule for the fall semester of BreslovCampus.org is as follows:   

Sunday Morning
Rebbe Nachman's Story, The Turkey Prince: Discovering Your Authentic Self 

with Yitzchok Bell 10:00 am, Eastern Standard Time
 
Speaking from the Soul: Discovering the Spiritual Potential of Your Words 

with Yehudis Golshevsky 11:00 am, Eastern Standard Time
 
Tuesday Evening
An Introduction to Likutey Moharan 

with Chaim Kramer 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time  
 
Wednesday Evening
Waking Up: Likutey Halachot 

with Yossi Katz, 8:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
 
Thursday Evening
Feeding the Soul: Eat Right, Feel Great, Embrace your True Self, 

8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time  
 
Other Times (To Be Announced)
Special Programming: Various Topics  

Copyright © 2014 Breslov Research Institute, All rights reserved.
 
Our mailing address is:
Breslov Research Institute 44 Saint Nicholas Ave. Lakewood, NJ 08701 

 
Kol Tuv,
RRW

South African BDS Activists Target Woolworths Kosher Food Section With Severed Pigs Head

«#BoycottWoolworths and their dirty food.

BDS South Africa, the campaign which organizes the BDS-related activities of various pro-Palestinian groups, including the South African version of "Israel Apartheid Week," claimed that it did not support the COSAS action. However, the group wasted no time in rationalizing the act, declaring on its website, "we also recognize that this radical action was probably done with the good intention of helping the people of Palestine and as an expression of the increasing frustration against Woolworths by South African young people… Protests are increasing against Woolworths as the company tries to ignore the calls to end its relations with Apartheid Israel."»

South African BDS Activists Target Woolworths Kosher Food Section With Severed Pigs Head | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com
http://www.algemeiner.com/2014/10/24/south-african-bds-activists-target-woolworths-kosher-food-section-with-severed-pigs-head/
 
Kol Tuv,
RRW

Mussar: Verify First

Many of us tend to be very trusting with regard to Kashrut. But, there are numerous exhortations within Shas and Poskim to Verify whenever Possible.

I recently ran across this re: Nikkur Haggid. While it is true that "Rov HaMetzuyin Eitzel Nikkur Mumchim Heim" nevertheless it is always best to verify, EG when the original M'nakker is absent.

EG See:
Rema Y"D 65:13
Ba'er Hetev 65:6 quoting Reshal
Bei'ur HaGra 65:32 citing Siman 1 "d'ein som'chin on Harov bid'leita kaman"

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Calling all Jewish USA Military Chaplains, Past and Present

R Ben Samson:

If you are presently serving in the armed forces as a chaplain, or have served our country, this is for you. 
 
For the first time, chaplains will be marching in the Veterans Day parade in New York on November 11.
 
I am proud to to be the initiator of this project and I am hoping that many of you will join me.
 
I feel it will be a true Kiddush Hashem  that  Orthodox Chaplains who have served our country, will be part of the parade.
 
We will be seen by the thousands who will see the parade as well as the millions who will be watching it on television.

I hope may of you will join us. If you can come, please let me know by e-mail or call my office.

crclbas@gmail.com

718-264-5122.

WE will also be served a breakfast before  the parade.

 
I look forward to hearing from  you.
 
Ben Samson
 

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Is Terrorism Really New to Canada?

«This week's terror-related events in Ottawa and Quebec are not the first Canada has faced. Here's a chronology of some of those incidents:...»

A Chronology of Terror-Related Threats and Attacks in Canada - Canada Real Time - WSJ
http://blogs.wsj.com/canadarealtime/2014/10/23/a-chronology-of-terror-related-threats-and-attacks-in-canada/

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Shooting at Canadian Parliament in Ottawa Raises Fears of ISIS-Prompted Attack - US News

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/10/22/shooting-at-canadian-parliament-in-ottawa-raises-fears-of-isis-prompted-attack

«The Canadian parliament voted in early October to contribute war planes to the U.S.-led international coalition, which is conducting aerial attacks on Islamic State group positions and fighters in Syria and Iraq.

The Islamic State group – also often referred to as ISIL, for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – specifically threatened Canada and urged its followers to target Canadian citizens in a recording released in late September. A man who recently converted to Islam also reportedly struck two Canadian soldiers in his car in Quebec on Monday. He was killed by pursuing officers.»

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Metzitzah and the Halachic Process - by Rabbi Yerachmiel Seplowitz

«The Metzitzah controversy is nothing new.

In the 1800's, in Germany, the elements of Reform sought to ban circumcision entirely, attacking the "barbaric" practice of Metzitzah b'peh (MBP), where a Mohel would suck the blood away from the circumcision site.

A little earlier history is in order. The Talmud requires that after a Bris is performed, the blood must be suctioned away from the wound. The reason given is for the safety of the baby. Presumably, the purpose of Metzitzah is to cleanse the wound area of any germs and prevent infection.»

Metzitzah and the Halachic Process | Cross-Currents
http://www.cross-currents.com/archives/2012/10/19/metzitzah-and-the-halachic-process/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

BETHANY S. MANDEL: A "Bill of Rights" for Jewish converts

OPS & BLOGS BETHANY S. MANDEL
A bill of rights for Jewish converts

«Much of what is written about conversion is from the perspective of born-Jews and rabbis. Few converts are willing to speak out. We are afraid. We are victimized. We are threatened and judged. Which is why I've decided to make for myself and other converts a Bill of Rights. These are the things I deserved during my conversion and deserve now, afterwards, but have been too afraid to demand.»

....

«8. The conversion process for those of Jewish heritage should be accelerated and unique. I was born to a Jewish father and was raised Reform. I didn't know I wasn't halachically Jewish until a college Birthright trip (thank you to my tour guide who gently explained that inconvenient truth to me). While in the process I was treated with the same unacceptable dismissiveness and disdain afforded to girls who were converting for marriage. Intermarriage is the biggest threat to Jewish life in America. Help those of patrilineal descent, many of whom try to convert Orthodox, correct the mistakes of their fathers. They should be welcomed back into the Jewish people, not turned away like mutts at a dog show»

A bill of rights for Jewish converts | Bethany S. Mandel | The Blogs | The Times of Israel
http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-convert-bill-of-rights/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Priestly Temptation - Torah Musings By Rabbi Barry Kornblau

http://www.torahmusings.com/2013/02/priestly-temptation/

«R. Blau's reply to me was direct: "Barry, I'm not worried about you." Incredulous, I asked him why. "It's simple: the very fact that you're asking me these questions and that you're self-aware, as well as aware of the pitfalls in this area, means that, while I certainly can't predict your future, I'm not particularly concerned. It's the people who are not self-aware, who are not concerned about the issue, and who are not asking my advice about this topic who concern me far more."

A few short months later, a woman sat in my office at the shul where I then served, seeking my assistance with a personal matter. She told me how, one night, a rabbi who had been previously been trying to help in this matter appeared at her apartment where she lived alone. Invoking a fictional 'halachah', he implied that he could better assist her ...»

Kol Tuv,
RRW

The Shabbos Project

Courtesy of KAJ, NYC.

Here is the link to Rabbi Kamenetsky's remarks.
RABBI KAMENETSKY ON THE SHABBOS PROJECT:

<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?ProjectInspire/869266c371/be45b52944/7ab3f28c0b/video=PL4hT9SMW23sUdMPuSWamM8sfEk6nNGD2s>


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Where the Soul of Goebells lives Nowadays

Essay: The 'Radical Traditionalist Catholic' Movement | Southern Poverty Law Center
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/ideology/radical-traditional-catholicism/the-radical-traditionalist

«With more than 100,000 followers in the United States – famously including actor Mel Gibson and his father Hutton Gibson – the radical traditionalist movement embraces a host of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. It has significant financial and publishing resources, and, in a growing number of cases, is interacting with white supremacist and Holocaust denial extremist groups. Leaders of the growing, energetic movement routinely pillory the Jews as "the perpetual enemy of Christ" and worse. 

Also known as "integrism" or Catholic separatism, radical traditionalism is largely unknown to mainstream Catholics. Radical traditionalists are also unrelated to the many Catholics who call themselves "traditionalist" because they prefer the ancient Latin Mass, though radical traditionalists also prefer their liturgy in Latin. The official Roman Catholic Church condemns radical traditionalists for their anti-Semitism. In turn, radical traditionalists generally reject the modern Roman Catholic Church and its universalistic theology» 

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Oreo Cookies - Dairy or Parve?

Oreo Cookies - Dairy or Parve?
Read the answer in "Black-and-White"

In Daf HaKashrus 22.9 (August 2014) the OU had an update on Oreos.

See: http://oukosher.org/publications/latest-oreo-cookies/

At the present time, most varieties of Oreo Cookies contain dairy ingredients, with three notable exceptions. Original Oreo Sandwich Cookies, Oreo Double Stuf Sandwich Cookies and Mini Original Oreo Sandwich Cookies do not contain dairy ingredients, though they are manufactured on dairy equipment. The equipment is not necessarily cleaned before the production of these three cookies, and there may be a small amount of dairy residue present. Nonetheless, the dairy component would be minimal, and from a Halachic perspective, the dairy residue is nullified (botel bishishim) and of no consequence.

The bottom line of all this is that these three cookies may be consumed after meat and poultry, but not simultaneously.

Please bear in mind that the manufacturer may choose in the future to reformulate these products and add dairy ingredients. Since these products already bear OUD symbols, formulation changes would not be reflected in the OUD logo.

As such, we recommend that consumers check regularly with our office to confirm the status of these items.

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Time for Prohibition?

Drunk on Simchat Torah - The Jewish Standard

http://jstandard.com/index.php/content/item/31651

«Local yeshiva high schools send joint letter urging celebration but also restraint

The principals of six Jewish high schools serving northern New Jersey sent a joint letter to parents urging vigilance in the face of teenage drinking on Simchat Torah, "to guarantee that this special time of holiness will not degenerate into the opposite kind of experience for anyone."

Nobody is sure how alcohol consumption became a tradition of this holiday, which celebrates the completion of the yearly Torah-reading cycle.»

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Mussar: Kiddush Hashem

Derech Emet:

Rav Soloveichik taught -

That returning a lost object to a Jew is a fulfillment of Hashavat Aveida, but returning a lost object to a non-Jew is a fulfillment of Kiddush HaShem, which is one of the highest and loftiest of all mitzvot.
 
SOURCE: Halakhic Positions of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik by R.Aharon Ziegler 2014/5/15
 
EXPLANATION:
In other words, returning a lost object to a Gentile could be even more important than returning a lost object to a Jew.
 
************************************

Background:

Rabbi Joseph Ber Soloveitchik [born 1903 CE, died 1993 CE] served as Rosh HaYeshivah of RIETS, Yeshivah University,

Kol Tuv,
RRW

The Media / Public Double Standard

«The recent war in Gaza spawned anti-Semitic riots across Europe, demonstrations in the United States, and the publication of malicious blood libels all over the world.  There were civilian casualties to be sure, but the numbers reported by Hamas were inflated and included many terrorists falsely identified as noncombatants.  Though the loss of civilian life is regrettable, it occurred in Gaza because of Hamas's strategy of using human shields and launching rockets from schools, hospitals, mosques and residential neighborhoods. 

Time Magazine recently ran a video report claiming..that the IDF was harvesting the internal organs of dead Arabs.
As usually happens when Israel defends herself, she was falsely accused of human rights abuses and war crimes.  Her detractors were mute, however, when Hamas deliberately targeted Israeli civilians»

Why Are Those Jews So Assertive? - Op-Eds - Arutz Sheva
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/15657

Comment:
The answer to the question seems simple

Political Correctness Trumps Truth, Facts, and Objectivity.

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg

CNN has designated

Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg 

Rabbi Emeritus, Young Israel Southfield 

as
one of the 10 CNN Heroes Of The Year.

See http://heroes.cnn.com/#.gd2ih1zYggCu

Yasher Koach to Rabbi Goldberg!

And don't forget to vote! 

The Issue of Taqiyyah

Guest Blogger
R Phil Lefkowitz

Regarding Muslim beliefs for Israel and the world is the issue of Taqiyyah.  Listening to many apologists for Islam I always wonder how influential Taqiyyah is in forming their responses.
Taqiyya = saying something that isn't true in certain circumstances based primarily on a verse in the Koran.

3:28 prohibits Muslims to befriend non-Muslims over Muslims unless it is needed to protect themselves.
"Let not the believer take the disbelievers for friends rather than believers. And whoever does this has no connection with Allah except that you guard yourselves against them guarding carefully. And Allah cautions you against his retribution. And to Allah is the eventual coming."
Regarding 3:28, Ibn Kathir, <http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_Kathir>

a prominent Muslim authority writes, "meaning, except those believers who in some areas or times fear for their safety from the disbelievers. In this case, such believers are allowed to show friendship to the disbelievers outwardly, but never inwardly." He quotes Muhammad's companion, Abu Ad-Darda', who said "we smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them," and Al-Hasan who said "the tiqyyah is acceptable till the Day of Resurrection."

An example of Taqiyya is when Muhammad used deception to trick his personal enemies into letting down their guard and exposing themselves to slaughter by pretending to seek peace.  This happened in the case of Usayr ibn Zarim, <http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usayr_ibn_Zarim»

a surviving leader of the Banu Nadir tribe, a Jewish tribe, which had been evicted from their home in Medina by the Muslims. At the time, Usayr ibn Zarim was attempting to gather an armed force against the Muslims from among a tribe allied with the Quraish (against which Muhammad had already declared war).  Muhammad's "emissaries" went to ibn Zarim and persuaded him to leave his safe haven on the pretext of meeting with the prophet of Islam in Medina to discuss peace.  Once vulnerable, ibn Zarim and his thirty companions were massacred by the Muslims, as they were mostly unarmed, having been given a guarantee of safe passage (Ibn Ishaq 981, Muslim historian).

Also See:
How Taqiyya Alters Islam's Rules of War
Defeating Jihadist Terrorism
by Raymond Ibrahim
Middle East Quarterly
Winter 2010, pp. 3-13
http://www.meforum.org/2538/taqiyya-islam-rules-of-war

Phil Lefkowitz


Kol Tuv,
RRW

Mussar: Why Some People Do Bad Things

Derech Emet:

Yalkut Meam Loez commentary
on Kohelet [Ecclesiastes],
chapter 8, verse 7:
 
Sinful people do bad things because they do not believe in reward and punishment, and because they deny life after death and the resurrection of the dead.
 
CHRONOLOGY:
 
The Yalkut Meam Loez commentary on Kohelet was written by Rabbi Shmuel Yerushalmi, following the death of Rabbi Yaakov Culi in 1732 CE in Constantinople.

Kol Tuv,
RRW

10 questions about Jewish conversion you want to know but are afraid to ask | Jewish Telegraphic Agency

http://www.jta.org/2014/10/06/life-religion/10-questions-about-jewish-conversion-you-want-to-know-but-are-afraid-to-ask-1

«If someone converts to Judaism but then ceases to live a Jewish lifestyle, can the conversion be revoked?

Orthodox: "We recognize that we can't predict the future," says Rabbi Yona Reiss, who oversees Orthodox conversions for the Rabbinical Council of America and is head of the Chicago Rabbinical Council. "If there was a proper commitment at the time of the conversion process, of course the conversion is valid."

Conservative: "The predominant halachic position for centuries with which the Rabbinical Assembly concurs is that conversions cannot be retroactively negated," says Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president of the Rabbinical Assembly.

Reform: "If a Jew leaves Judaism by adopting another religion, that individual is regarded as outside the boundaries of the Jewish community," says Rabbi Stephen Einstein, co-chair of the Commission on Outreach, Membership, and Sacred Community of the Union for Reform Judaism and Central Conference of American Rabbis. "Of course, s/he could choose at a later time to return."»

Kol Tuv,
RRW

"There's no doubt that, particularly among some Middle Eastern Muslims, support for intolerant practices runs high. "

Ben Affleck and Bill Maher are both wrong about Islamic fundamentalism - The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/10/06/ben-affleck-and-bill-maher-are-both-wrong-about-islamic-fundamentalism/

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Matisyahu on Sacrifice, Unraveling, and Prayer

«Matisyahu, the artist formerly known as the "Hasidic Reggae Superstar," recently transformed himself into introspective poet and deeply spiritual, if less visually shocking performer. His new album Akeda (Hebrew for the word "binding" and most often used in the biblical story of the sacrifice of Isaac) includes more of the upbeat tunes he's become known for since shearing his trademark beard and side curls. But Akeda also contains haunting songs hinting at the depths of personal metamorphosis that inspired the songs. And Matisyahu shared some of his inspiration and deep connection to God with me.»

http://parade.condenast.com/340568/rachelweingarten/matisyahu-on-sacrifice-unraveling-and-prayer/


Kol Tuv,
RRW

There’s an ugly new hashtag in town - #JSIL

«But that message upsets those who don't want the world to forget that there's no entity on earth that could possibly be as incorrigibly evil and destructive as the state of Israel. We're talking about those folks for whom this summer's events in Gaza were clearly a premeditated genocidal operation designed to kill Palestinians - and Hamas rockets were just a convenient excuse.

The Islamic State poses a quandary for these activists - who see the Middle East in black and white, in which the black hat belongs to Israel. Even those who prefer to see the warm and fuzzy side of organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah have trouble justifying the barbaric behavior of the Islamic State group - otherwise known as ISIS or ISIL - in any way.»

There's an ugly new hashtag in town - #JSIL. Guess what it stands for? - Routine EmergenciesIsrael News - Haaretz Israeli News source

http://www.haaretz.com/mobile/.premium-1.618697?v=5598938DD1FDDAD136DDB44194D0938C

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Would YOU Trust this Newspaper?

It might cost you your life!

https://fbcdn-photos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/10149838_10152464848073717_3754537495804492508_n.jpg?oh=16b86bc32ff24e36a0703f3c5a3547b3&oe=54D077FC&__gda__=1422016490_5d53804ecf94761bbb7394c90a8a1ef8

The NY Times got this one wrong 90 years ago!

Kol Tuv,
RRW

NYC Has a Blast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?sns=em&amp;v=R9OrWMSMKXg&amp;app=desktop

Kol Tuv,
RRW

Is Shabbos App for Real?

See
http://www.shabbosapp.com/

«The Shabbos App allows one to halachically use a smartphone on Shabbos, thereby enhancing the Shabbos experience for observant Jews everywhere.
THE SHABBOS APP
 

Today a smartphone is an integral part of our lifestyle - in fact 65% of Americans own a smartphone. Currently, using a smartphone on Shabbos is prohibited. Unfortunately, this does not stop many otherwise observant jews from using their devices  on Shabbos, and can make Shabbos harder for the more adherent observer that do not use a smartphone.»

Also

http://www.vosizneias.com/180370/2014/09/30/new-york-shabbos-texting-app-stirs-controversy/

http://finkorswim.com/2014/10/01/the-shabbos-app-yes-it-is-real/

http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/jewish-world-news/1.618622

Kol Tuv,
RRW

OU Convention Information

OU National Convention 2014

Global Jewish Unity

Friday December 26 -
Sunday December 28
Tarrytown Doubletree - Tarrytown, NY


http://links.mkt3536.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MTExNDc2MTAS1&r=MjM4NDk4MjgxMjcS1&j=MzQ0MTI1NTI3S0&mt=1&rt=0

Kol Tuv,
RRW

A Teshuvah Story

My usual Kol Nidrei droshoh topics alternated on themes of :

1. Dibbur, Lashon Hara,
2. Bein Adam lachaveiro, Bein Adam Lamakon, Bein Adam l'Atzmo
3. That Tzelem Elokim means Adam M'malla, etc.

All centered about N'darim and the Power of Speech....

One year I completely ignored my prepared text and chose to rant about something that bothered me that very morning...

One of my Shul's leaders had Yahrzeit on Erev Y"K. So we called for a Minyan with S'leechos and Davening. At the end, only 9 showed. I was livid, on his behalf, for the pitiful attendance.

And so that evening, I ranted about how many were there in shul for Kol Nidre, but how that we could not muster a minyan that very same morning. And I trotted out the Hazal about anyone who has a Minyan in his neighborhood and fails to attend is a "Bad Neighbor" a "Schochein Ra". I emphasized the nature of communal responsibility.

It was perhaps the ONLY time in my career that my message was not positive or uplifting on some level. It was simply angry. Even, the Old Rebbetzin upbraided me for the negative nature of my speech.

Yet, HKBH works in weird ways. Unbeknownst to me, in the back of the shul, was a young man in his twenties or so who had rarely attended shul following his Bar Mitzvah. As he reported to me later on: "All I could hear in my head was: "Bad Neighbor! Bad Neighbor!"

Long story short, he began attending shul regularly, was chozeir bit'shuva, married a local woman from a nearby shul, and eventually rarely came to my shul again, but for better reasons!

While it seemed to have been the most poorly received droshoh I had ever given, it actually spurred a young stranger in the back to do the strange, and live a Halachic life from then on.


-----------------------------------------
גמר חתימה טובה
Best Wishes for 5775, RRW

Is Explaining the Holocaust Good for the Jews

Emes Ve-Emunah:
The Holocaust as a Kindness
By R Avigdor Miller

http://haemtza.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-holocaust-as-kindness.html

Reviewed by Harry Maryles:

«According to an article in Mishpacha Magazine, his son, Rav Shmuel Miller, has published a book posthumously written by his father  that in my view is unconscionable. The thesis of the book is that the Holocaust was actually a Chesed… a kindness from God in the way of a wake-up call! It is called  'A Divine Madness' - Rabbi Avigdor Miller's Defense of HaShem in the Matter of the Holocaust.

Rabbi Avigdor Miller did not want to publish this work during his lifetime. He felt that so soon after the Holocaust it would upset survivors. His son has decided that enough time has passed and published it. Rabbi Avigdor Miller is certainly entitled to his views. But I am entitled to totally reject them.»

Kol Tuv,
RRW