Mar'eh M'komot
Rema O"Ch 288:10
MGA 14
Ba'er Hetev 13
Shaarei T'shuvah
M"B 28
------------------------------------------
Rema: Allows a b'rachah for a "Choleh ham'sukkan bo bayyom"
BH"T + S"T seem to require adding the phrase "Shabbat hee miliz'ok"* for the Rema's case
The M"B seems to say that a Choleh Mishebierach for a m'sukkan requires no Shabbat hee miliz'ok, rather that phrase is for a "Choleh she'ein bo sakkanah"
Shma minah
M"B holds
• A choleh Mishebierach may be said for ANY Choleh
That Shabbat hee miliz'ok is used only when there's no sakkanah
Which seems to disagree with Rema BH"T.
*The ArtScroll Siddur translates this as "though Shabbat prohibits us from crying out".
------------------------------------
From what I know of Nusach Chabad, they essentially say ONLY the name and "Shabbat hee miliz'ok" and skip the rest of the nusach.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
How the State of Israel has fostered "Holistic Judaism"
Guest Blogger
Rabbi Dr. David Joseph Mescheloff
*****
Let me share a story I heard about six weeks ago, from another grandfather at a talmud torah graduation ceremony of grandchildren: He spoke of how a five-minute meeting some 45 years ago (shortly before the six-day war) with HaRav David Cohen, HaRav Hanazir zt"l, talmid muvhak of HaRav Kook zt"l, changed his life.
He had just been released from the army, and was trying to decide what to do with the rest of his life. On the one hand, he could begin his university studies, learn a profession and begin to work.
On the other hand, he felt his Jewish education had been inadequate, and so he was thinking of taking a year to study in a yeshiva. As he debated the issue internally, he sought advice from everyone he knew.
Unfortunately, the advice turned out to be useless, for no one really took an interest in him, but rather everyone gave predictable advice based upon who the adviser was himself (generally speaking, along religious or academic/secular lines). Somehow he got the idea of getting advice from Rav Cohen zt"l. At that time, with Jerusalem still divided, HaRav Cohen zt"l was still fulfilling a neder he had taken never to leave his apartment as long as Jerusalem was divided. So the speaker visited him in his book-lined room in his modest Jerusalem apartment.
"What is your name?", HaRav Cohen asked him, using the plural respectful form reserved for distinguished people. Then, "You must have some question you thought I could help you with ... how can I help you?" He continued throughout using the plural form.
So the man explained his conflict.
"Well, what interests you?", asked HaRav Cohen.
The man explained he was interested in plant biology.
"What sort of questions interest you in that field?"
Finding for the first time that someone was expressing an interest in what concerned him, the man said, "I heard there are trees in California 100 meters tall! I would like to understand how water gets up that high in a tree, when we know that water naturally flows to a low place."
"That is a very important question!", responded HaRav Cohen, "you should do research on that!"
Perplexed, the man asked, "Everyone else I asked who looks like you told me I should go study in a yeshiva; why are you telling me to go do research at the university?"
HaRav Cohen responded, "We now have our own state. We are free and independent. We can no longer count on others to do things for us! We have to be able to do everything ourselves. We need plant biologists, and truck drivers, and farmers and nurses ... and every profession. You should do that valuable work that interests you. Just promise me one thing, that not a day will go by during which you will not study some Torah."
The story-teller concluded, "I proceeded to follow the Rav's advice. And I believe I have kept my promise to him. There were days when I fell exhausted into bed after a 14-hour work day in a foreign country, and then remembered I hadn't studied any Torah that day. I got up, washed my hands, learned a few pesukim, and went back to bed."
The point I want to make with this story is that one of the things that Israel has brought about (for many, although not for all) is a certain wholeness, an end to the compartmentalization represented by such formulations as " x and the State of Israel", "x and y", or as it used to be called jokingly, "x and the Jewish problem". I believe that one of the major changes the State of Israel has brought to Jewish life is in making it whole, in the home as in the street, in the polls, in the courts, etc etc etc. I think that there is much value in bringing this insight to public attention outside Israel, where compartmentalized Jewish living seems to be an existential necessity.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Rabbi Dr. David Joseph Mescheloff
*****
Let me share a story I heard about six weeks ago, from another grandfather at a talmud torah graduation ceremony of grandchildren: He spoke of how a five-minute meeting some 45 years ago (shortly before the six-day war) with HaRav David Cohen, HaRav Hanazir zt"l, talmid muvhak of HaRav Kook zt"l, changed his life.
He had just been released from the army, and was trying to decide what to do with the rest of his life. On the one hand, he could begin his university studies, learn a profession and begin to work.
On the other hand, he felt his Jewish education had been inadequate, and so he was thinking of taking a year to study in a yeshiva. As he debated the issue internally, he sought advice from everyone he knew.
Unfortunately, the advice turned out to be useless, for no one really took an interest in him, but rather everyone gave predictable advice based upon who the adviser was himself (generally speaking, along religious or academic/secular lines). Somehow he got the idea of getting advice from Rav Cohen zt"l. At that time, with Jerusalem still divided, HaRav Cohen zt"l was still fulfilling a neder he had taken never to leave his apartment as long as Jerusalem was divided. So the speaker visited him in his book-lined room in his modest Jerusalem apartment.
"What is your name?", HaRav Cohen asked him, using the plural respectful form reserved for distinguished people. Then, "You must have some question you thought I could help you with ... how can I help you?" He continued throughout using the plural form.
So the man explained his conflict.
"Well, what interests you?", asked HaRav Cohen.
The man explained he was interested in plant biology.
"What sort of questions interest you in that field?"
Finding for the first time that someone was expressing an interest in what concerned him, the man said, "I heard there are trees in California 100 meters tall! I would like to understand how water gets up that high in a tree, when we know that water naturally flows to a low place."
"That is a very important question!", responded HaRav Cohen, "you should do research on that!"
Perplexed, the man asked, "Everyone else I asked who looks like you told me I should go study in a yeshiva; why are you telling me to go do research at the university?"
HaRav Cohen responded, "We now have our own state. We are free and independent. We can no longer count on others to do things for us! We have to be able to do everything ourselves. We need plant biologists, and truck drivers, and farmers and nurses ... and every profession. You should do that valuable work that interests you. Just promise me one thing, that not a day will go by during which you will not study some Torah."
The story-teller concluded, "I proceeded to follow the Rav's advice. And I believe I have kept my promise to him. There were days when I fell exhausted into bed after a 14-hour work day in a foreign country, and then remembered I hadn't studied any Torah that day. I got up, washed my hands, learned a few pesukim, and went back to bed."
The point I want to make with this story is that one of the things that Israel has brought about (for many, although not for all) is a certain wholeness, an end to the compartmentalization represented by such formulations as " x and the State of Israel", "x and y", or as it used to be called jokingly, "x and the Jewish problem". I believe that one of the major changes the State of Israel has brought to Jewish life is in making it whole, in the home as in the street, in the polls, in the courts, etc etc etc. I think that there is much value in bringing this insight to public attention outside Israel, where compartmentalized Jewish living seems to be an existential necessity.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
With Jews Like This, Who Needs Anti-Semites?
«In summation, I predict that within a few years the fear and ignorance in Israel will be replaced by a social pact to protect babies' members, allowing the country to take a great cultural leap forward and join the rest of the sane world which leaves its children's penises whole. Why do I believe this will happen? Simply because a whole penis is better than one that has been cut.
Eran Sadeh is the founder of the Protect the Child website»
Follow Germany's lead on circumcision - Israel Opinion, Ynetnews
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4272455,00.html
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Eran Sadeh is the founder of the Protect the Child website»
Follow Germany's lead on circumcision - Israel Opinion, Ynetnews
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4272455,00.html
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Obama and the Jews
Guest Blogger:
Rabbi Phil Lefkowitz
Note: While R Phil Lefkowitz is a dear friend, his views do not necessarily reflect those of Nishma. However, we do, in fact, promote serious discussions about issues upon which our Guest Bloggers do comment and, for that, we are grateful to them for their stimulating new perspectives.
RRW
*****
Obama's Tempest in a Teapot Boils Over
by Rabbi Philip Lefkowitz
(Rabbi Lefkowitz is the founding Chairman of the Legislative Commission of the Chicago Rabbinical Council)
Late last week, rumors began to spread that among the rabbis listed on the "Rabbis for Obama" list created by the President's reelection campaign, was a ringer – Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb. A supporter of a boycott of Israel for its cruelty to Palestinians, Gottlieb, associated with the Jewish Renewal movement, cites the cruelty of the Israelis in dealing with Palestinian farmers who wish merely to live from the bounty of the earth upon which they toil. She calls for equality for Palestinians residing in the territory "from the Mediterranean to the Jordan."
A colleague of mine closely associated with the Democrat Party, when made aware of this "faux pas", immediately sprung into action. Through e-mails he has kept me aware of his every move. His first step was to contact the local Democrat Party office. This led, after several calls, to being put through to "inner" staff at the White House. He was informed that, when the President became aware of the problem, he was furious. Removing the Rabbi's name from the list, however, he was told, is not a simple matter. For the President to reject an individual's support in public is a severe step. Indeed, when considering some of the individuals supporting the President and their rather radical views, one can understand the conundrum faced in distancing the President from a Rabbi. All the more is this the case as the President knows recent statistics demonstrate his support among Jewish voters is becoming weaker by the hour.
And it gets worse. It has now been learned that the net cast for rabbis by the Democrat machine has caught other "fishy" rabbis as well. Jonathan S. Tobin, in an article in "Commentary" entitled "Obama Rabbis Must Disavow anti-Zionist(s)" reports that Gottlieb is not the only anti-Zionist rabbi on the list. The list includes eight such rabbis associated with the notoriously anti-Israel organization called the "Jewish Voice for Peace" who are listed on their Rabbinic list.
One must ask - how it is possible that the names of anti-Zionist Rabbis were included on the "Rabbis for Obama" list all the more as the President is faced with a growing sense in the Jewish community that his credentials as a friend of Israel are questionable and this list was created specifically to show that hundreds of Jewish clergy believe the President has a strong and positive position on Israel?
The answer - as was told to me by my colleague is that a lowly staff person was assigned the job of getting 613 rabbis to sign on to the list. That's it, get rabbis to sign on. No vetting, no checking out the affiliations of the rabbis, their denominations, their organizational associations, past statements that may not be in tune with the President's views - just get me some rabbis. And dutifully, this individual did just that. He\she opened the telephone book and began calling rabbis.
.
What does this all mean for the Jewish voter? As any voter the Jewish voter should cast his\her ballot for candidates who best represent the voter's views. The issues on today's political agenda are clear. The economy is first and foremost on everyone's list. The classical view that American society is built upon the bedrock of the Judeo Christian value system is as well a challenge to our society. Immigration, traditionally an important value of our Republic - is being broadened by some to include, as its advocates state, "undocumented individuals", i.e. illegal immigrants. The international scene, particularly Afghanistan and Iran are important matters to consider when entering the voting booth. For the Jewish voter however, there is also the important matter of the lives of our brothers and sisters, now numbering almost 6,000,000, living in the State of Israel.
Traditionally, politicians understand how to cultivate support in the "patchwork quilt" that is American Society comprising many religions, cultures and nationalities. They learn to understand the passions of these very elements in American society and, if they are clever, develop a cadre of advocates in each of them. When necessary they can activate their surrogates to curry optimum support from these very groups. The Jewish community is no different
For me, the inclusion of anti-Israel rabbis on a support list for President Obama cannot be written off as merely a faux pas. It's rather indicative at best of a rather casual attitude by Democrats toward the Jewish vote and at worst reveals the approach the President has toward the Jewish community in the United States and its passions one of which is the survival, prosperity and, most important, the safety of our brothers and sisters in the State of Israel. Embedded upon my memory is Pres. Obama's statement before AIPAC that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of the State of Israel and, on the very next day, newspapers reporting that the President supports Jerusalem being divided to serve as the capitals of both the Israeli and Palestinian states.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Rabbi Phil Lefkowitz
Note: While R Phil Lefkowitz is a dear friend, his views do not necessarily reflect those of Nishma. However, we do, in fact, promote serious discussions about issues upon which our Guest Bloggers do comment and, for that, we are grateful to them for their stimulating new perspectives.
RRW
*****
Obama's Tempest in a Teapot Boils Over
by Rabbi Philip Lefkowitz
(Rabbi Lefkowitz is the founding Chairman of the Legislative Commission of the Chicago Rabbinical Council)
Late last week, rumors began to spread that among the rabbis listed on the "Rabbis for Obama" list created by the President's reelection campaign, was a ringer – Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb. A supporter of a boycott of Israel for its cruelty to Palestinians, Gottlieb, associated with the Jewish Renewal movement, cites the cruelty of the Israelis in dealing with Palestinian farmers who wish merely to live from the bounty of the earth upon which they toil. She calls for equality for Palestinians residing in the territory "from the Mediterranean to the Jordan."
A colleague of mine closely associated with the Democrat Party, when made aware of this "faux pas", immediately sprung into action. Through e-mails he has kept me aware of his every move. His first step was to contact the local Democrat Party office. This led, after several calls, to being put through to "inner" staff at the White House. He was informed that, when the President became aware of the problem, he was furious. Removing the Rabbi's name from the list, however, he was told, is not a simple matter. For the President to reject an individual's support in public is a severe step. Indeed, when considering some of the individuals supporting the President and their rather radical views, one can understand the conundrum faced in distancing the President from a Rabbi. All the more is this the case as the President knows recent statistics demonstrate his support among Jewish voters is becoming weaker by the hour.
And it gets worse. It has now been learned that the net cast for rabbis by the Democrat machine has caught other "fishy" rabbis as well. Jonathan S. Tobin, in an article in "Commentary" entitled "Obama Rabbis Must Disavow anti-Zionist(s)" reports that Gottlieb is not the only anti-Zionist rabbi on the list. The list includes eight such rabbis associated with the notoriously anti-Israel organization called the "Jewish Voice for Peace" who are listed on their Rabbinic list.
One must ask - how it is possible that the names of anti-Zionist Rabbis were included on the "Rabbis for Obama" list all the more as the President is faced with a growing sense in the Jewish community that his credentials as a friend of Israel are questionable and this list was created specifically to show that hundreds of Jewish clergy believe the President has a strong and positive position on Israel?
The answer - as was told to me by my colleague is that a lowly staff person was assigned the job of getting 613 rabbis to sign on to the list. That's it, get rabbis to sign on. No vetting, no checking out the affiliations of the rabbis, their denominations, their organizational associations, past statements that may not be in tune with the President's views - just get me some rabbis. And dutifully, this individual did just that. He\she opened the telephone book and began calling rabbis.
.
What does this all mean for the Jewish voter? As any voter the Jewish voter should cast his\her ballot for candidates who best represent the voter's views. The issues on today's political agenda are clear. The economy is first and foremost on everyone's list. The classical view that American society is built upon the bedrock of the Judeo Christian value system is as well a challenge to our society. Immigration, traditionally an important value of our Republic - is being broadened by some to include, as its advocates state, "undocumented individuals", i.e. illegal immigrants. The international scene, particularly Afghanistan and Iran are important matters to consider when entering the voting booth. For the Jewish voter however, there is also the important matter of the lives of our brothers and sisters, now numbering almost 6,000,000, living in the State of Israel.
Traditionally, politicians understand how to cultivate support in the "patchwork quilt" that is American Society comprising many religions, cultures and nationalities. They learn to understand the passions of these very elements in American society and, if they are clever, develop a cadre of advocates in each of them. When necessary they can activate their surrogates to curry optimum support from these very groups. The Jewish community is no different
For me, the inclusion of anti-Israel rabbis on a support list for President Obama cannot be written off as merely a faux pas. It's rather indicative at best of a rather casual attitude by Democrats toward the Jewish vote and at worst reveals the approach the President has toward the Jewish community in the United States and its passions one of which is the survival, prosperity and, most important, the safety of our brothers and sisters in the State of Israel. Embedded upon my memory is Pres. Obama's statement before AIPAC that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of the State of Israel and, on the very next day, newspapers reporting that the President supports Jerusalem being divided to serve as the capitals of both the Israeli and Palestinian states.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Monday, 27 August 2012
Ch Ch Changes - 1 Kibbud Av vs. K'vod Harav
As Per Talmud and Rambam
K'vod Harav trumps Kiddud Av
EXCEPT if the Father is a Talmid Hacham
Given: in the good old days the M'lameid was not paid for teaching TSBP. Hence the Rav got all the "credit"
Question: does the fact that nowadays when a father PAYS tuition does that change the dynamic? Meaning when the Father foots the bill, the M'lameid is now his agent! And therefore doesn't the Father get a lot of credit for the Torah that is taught? And if so, let's combine Kibbud Av with his tuition support and thereby trump the M'lameid, just as it does in the case of a Father, who is himself a Talmid Hacham, trumps the M'lameid.
Text of Rambam M"T
----------------------------
הלכות תלמוד תורה פרק ה
ב ראה אבידת אביו ואבידת רבו, של רבו קודמת לשל אביו. אביו ורבו נשואים במשא, מניח את של רבו ואחר כך את של אביו. אביו ורבו שבויים בשביה, פודה את רבו ואחר כך פודה את אביו; ואם היה אביו תלמיד חכמים, פודה את אביו תחילה. וכן אם היה אביו חכם, אף על פי שאינו שקול כנגד רבו--משיב אבידתו ואחר כך משיב אבידת רבו. ואין לך כבוד, גדול מכבוד הרב; ולא מורא, יתר ממורא הרב. אמרו חכמים, מורא רבך כמורא שמיים.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
K'vod Harav trumps Kiddud Av
EXCEPT if the Father is a Talmid Hacham
Given: in the good old days the M'lameid was not paid for teaching TSBP. Hence the Rav got all the "credit"
Question: does the fact that nowadays when a father PAYS tuition does that change the dynamic? Meaning when the Father foots the bill, the M'lameid is now his agent! And therefore doesn't the Father get a lot of credit for the Torah that is taught? And if so, let's combine Kibbud Av with his tuition support and thereby trump the M'lameid, just as it does in the case of a Father, who is himself a Talmid Hacham, trumps the M'lameid.
Text of Rambam M"T
----------------------------
הלכות תלמוד תורה פרק ה
ב ראה אבידת אביו ואבידת רבו, של רבו קודמת לשל אביו. אביו ורבו נשואים במשא, מניח את של רבו ואחר כך את של אביו. אביו ורבו שבויים בשביה, פודה את רבו ואחר כך פודה את אביו; ואם היה אביו תלמיד חכמים, פודה את אביו תחילה. וכן אם היה אביו חכם, אף על פי שאינו שקול כנגד רבו--משיב אבידתו ואחר כך משיב אבידת רבו. ואין לך כבוד, גדול מכבוד הרב; ולא מורא, יתר ממורא הרב. אמרו חכמים, מורא רבך כמורא שמיים.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Curriculum Proposals for "Elul" Z'man
Different Yeshivot have different approaches as to curricula for Elul Z'man. EG at YY/RIETS, Rav Gorelick Z"L would cover sugyos in Seder Moed EG the last chapter of Yoma.
Here are some ideas that may prove helpful
1. Mishnah b'iyyun. If the Yeshiva has a chosen Masechta for the upcoming year, consider spending about a month preparing its Mishnayyot b'iyyun. This would accomplish 2 goals:
A. Preparation for the G'mara
B. A Change of pace - which is kind of what many Yeshivot do anyway during Elul.
2. Halachot of the Chaggim, viz R"H, Y"K, Sukkah, and 4 Minnim. Aside from the Mishnah B'rurah etc. The SA of the Alter Rebbe has these topics in a convenient paperback volume. I would suggest alternating text during alternate years.
If time permits, Hilchot Y"T and Chol Hamoed, too
3. Classic works on T'shuvah include:
A. Rambam Hilchot T'shuvah
B. Rabbenu Yonah's Shaarei T'shuvah
C. Orchot Tzadikkim has a section devoted to T'shuvah
D. The Tanya also has a section called Iggeret HaT'shuvah.
As above I would also suggest here alternating text during alternate years
4. Previewing the Liturgy.
A. A good overview of the S'lichot and the Machzorim for Yamim Nora'I'm make a lot of sense
B. Related to the Liturgy, the Hayyei Adam has a Nusach for T'filah Zakkah and a Peirush on the Vidduy.
C. Similar Peirushim may be found for the 13 Middot.
5. Mishnayos B'kiut:
A. R"H
B. Yoma
C. Sukkah
D. Beitza
E. Moed Katan
Can You think of more?
Over all this would make for a well-rounded program focusing upon:
1. An introduction to the upcoming year's Masechta
2. Broad knowledge of the Halachot of the season
3. Grounding in T'shuvah and the various Piyyutim.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Here are some ideas that may prove helpful
1. Mishnah b'iyyun. If the Yeshiva has a chosen Masechta for the upcoming year, consider spending about a month preparing its Mishnayyot b'iyyun. This would accomplish 2 goals:
A. Preparation for the G'mara
B. A Change of pace - which is kind of what many Yeshivot do anyway during Elul.
2. Halachot of the Chaggim, viz R"H, Y"K, Sukkah, and 4 Minnim. Aside from the Mishnah B'rurah etc. The SA of the Alter Rebbe has these topics in a convenient paperback volume. I would suggest alternating text during alternate years.
If time permits, Hilchot Y"T and Chol Hamoed, too
3. Classic works on T'shuvah include:
A. Rambam Hilchot T'shuvah
B. Rabbenu Yonah's Shaarei T'shuvah
C. Orchot Tzadikkim has a section devoted to T'shuvah
D. The Tanya also has a section called Iggeret HaT'shuvah.
As above I would also suggest here alternating text during alternate years
4. Previewing the Liturgy.
A. A good overview of the S'lichot and the Machzorim for Yamim Nora'I'm make a lot of sense
B. Related to the Liturgy, the Hayyei Adam has a Nusach for T'filah Zakkah and a Peirush on the Vidduy.
C. Similar Peirushim may be found for the 13 Middot.
5. Mishnayos B'kiut:
A. R"H
B. Yoma
C. Sukkah
D. Beitza
E. Moed Katan
Can You think of more?
Over all this would make for a well-rounded program focusing upon:
1. An introduction to the upcoming year's Masechta
2. Broad knowledge of the Halachot of the season
3. Grounding in T'shuvah and the various Piyyutim.
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Friday, 24 August 2012
Outreach in Idaho
«"I'm from Montreal," said Cohen. "Berel is from London. We have big Jewish communities where we come from and we're studying in Brooklyn, massive Jewish communities. Here in Idaho, there is not a lot of Jewish identity in these small cities."
He said it's the lack of Judaism in the region that sometimes doesn't allow people to be completely open with their faith. The Roving Rabbis carry resources and other religious tools to give to those interested in learning or re-learning about their religious faith.
"See who they are, come and visit them and try and re-awaken the Judaism in them, in their soul," said Cohen.
"Seeing the reactions of the people over here it's just beautiful," said Kesselman. "It's very rewarding seeing how happy people are to see us."
Cohen said unlike other places they've traveled, Idahoans have been exceptionally welcoming.»
Roving Rabbis visit area as part of their 3 week tour through Idaho | Local & Regional | KLEW CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Lewiston, ID
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Roving-Rabbi-3-week-journey-166125156.html
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
He said it's the lack of Judaism in the region that sometimes doesn't allow people to be completely open with their faith. The Roving Rabbis carry resources and other religious tools to give to those interested in learning or re-learning about their religious faith.
"See who they are, come and visit them and try and re-awaken the Judaism in them, in their soul," said Cohen.
"Seeing the reactions of the people over here it's just beautiful," said Kesselman. "It's very rewarding seeing how happy people are to see us."
Cohen said unlike other places they've traveled, Idahoans have been exceptionally welcoming.»
Roving Rabbis visit area as part of their 3 week tour through Idaho | Local & Regional | KLEW CBS 3 - News, Weather and Sports - Lewiston, ID
http://www.klewtv.com/news/local/Roving-Rabbi-3-week-journey-166125156.html
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Lyndon B Johnson: Friend of the Jews
ON JUNE 4, 1945, Johnson visited Dachau. According to Smallwood, Lady Bird later recalled that when her husband returned home, "he was still shaken, stunned, terrorized, and bursting with an overpowering revulsion and incredulous horror at what he had seen."
«...A decade later while serving in the Senate, Johnson blocked the Eisenhower administration's attempts to apply sanctions against Israel following the 1956 Sinai Campaign. "The indefatigable Johnson had never ceased pressure on the administration," wrote I.L. "Si" Kenen, the head of AIPAC at the time.
As Senate majority leader, Johnson consistently blocked the anti-Israel initiatives of his fellow Democrat, William Fulbright, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Among Johnson's closest advisers during this period were several strong pro-Israel advocates, including Benjamin Cohen (who 30 years earlier was the liaison between Supreme Court justice Louis Brandeis and Chaim Weizmann) and Abe Fortas, the legendary Washington "insider." »
Israpundit » Blog Archive » Lyndon B Johnson was a great friend of Jews
http://www.israpundit.com/archives/39072
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
«...A decade later while serving in the Senate, Johnson blocked the Eisenhower administration's attempts to apply sanctions against Israel following the 1956 Sinai Campaign. "The indefatigable Johnson had never ceased pressure on the administration," wrote I.L. "Si" Kenen, the head of AIPAC at the time.
As Senate majority leader, Johnson consistently blocked the anti-Israel initiatives of his fellow Democrat, William Fulbright, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Among Johnson's closest advisers during this period were several strong pro-Israel advocates, including Benjamin Cohen (who 30 years earlier was the liaison between Supreme Court justice Louis Brandeis and Chaim Weizmann) and Abe Fortas, the legendary Washington "insider." »
Israpundit » Blog Archive » Lyndon B Johnson was a great friend of Jews
http://www.israpundit.com/archives/39072
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Can Thinking Outside of the Box Enable us to Flourish?
Please note: Our sharing of information about Targum Shlishi should not be understood as an endorsement, by Nishma, of any or all positions that they advocate.
Targum Shlishi is a foundation dedicated to providing a range of creative solutions to problems facing Jewry today. Premised on the conviction that dynamic change and adaptation have historically been crucial to a vibrant and relevant Judaism and to the survival of its people, Targum Shlishi's initiatives are designed to stimulate the development of new ideas and innovative strategies that will enable Jewish life, its culture, and its traditions to continue to flourish.
Targum Shlishi
http://www.targumshlishi.org/mission.html
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Targum Shlishi is a foundation dedicated to providing a range of creative solutions to problems facing Jewry today. Premised on the conviction that dynamic change and adaptation have historically been crucial to a vibrant and relevant Judaism and to the survival of its people, Targum Shlishi's initiatives are designed to stimulate the development of new ideas and innovative strategies that will enable Jewish life, its culture, and its traditions to continue to flourish.
Targum Shlishi
http://www.targumshlishi.org/mission.html
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
On Modern Orthodoxy
On several - or even many - issues, Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen cogently argues that Modern Orthodoxy is MORE traditional and LESS revisionist than various Hareidi Alternatives. EG P'sak Halachah has moved away from a Legalistic System towards a Pietistic System
Modern Orthodoxy: Definitions and Insights | Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals
http://www.jewishideas.org/articles/modern-orthodoxy-definitions-and-insights
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
«At issue is whether Halacha may be ruled differently due to distinctly different orientations?The proper response is definitely yes. In fact, MO has an approach to Halacha that differs from the approach of the Yeshiva and Hassidic world.(In reality it has more traditional roots than the orientation of the Yeshiva and Hassidic world.) Several years ago, Rabbi Shalom Klass,(ZL) publisher of the Jewish Press, sent me a copy of a ruling of Rav Henkin,(ZL) former author of the Ezrat Torah Luach and a major posek for American synagogue Jewry. The issue was in the event that the Mishna Berura and the Aruch HaShulchan differed , whom should one follow; the Mishna Berura or the Aruch HaShulchan? Rav Henkin ruled that one should not follow the Mishna Berura but,rather, the ruling of the Aruch HaShulchan. Why? The Mishna Berura ,known as the Chofetz Chaim was the Tzaddik of the generation.The Tzaddik of the generation should not be the decider of Halacha for such a person will have a proclivity to be stringent. So true. In Europe in previous generations the Rav who decided Halacha for the community at large generally was lenient. In the Hassidic and Yeshiva spheres the custom was to be stringent. Anyone learning the Mishna Berura notes how he generally suggests a compromise solution that favors stringency. His argument generally is why be involved in a doubtful situation. Be stringent and observe all positions. The Aruch HaShulchan deals with questions on the basis of what is the realistic Halacha and generally does not suggest a compromise. Being lenient does not mean to violate Halachic standards.It's , rather, an orientation when ruling for the community at large.It's a recognition that a Halachic decision is not a Pavlovian extremist position.»
Modern Orthodoxy: Definitions and Insights | Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals
http://www.jewishideas.org/articles/modern-orthodoxy-definitions-and-insights
Shanah Tovah,
Best Wishes for 5773!
Monday, 20 August 2012
Orthodox or Conservative?
I invite you to look at this Jerusalem Post article in which the author, Rabbi Adam Frank, the rabbi at Congregation Moreshet Yisrael, the Masorti/Conservative synagogue in downtown Jerusalem, attempts to explain some of the differences between Conservative Judaism and Orthodoxy.
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=278115
Part of his contention is that Conservative Judaism stresses action over belief system as he puts it " it does not matter how one finds meaning in the Torah, but that one finds the Torah meaningful." In other words, it does not matter what one believes to be the origin of the Torah as long as one is observant of the practice which is so instructed through the Torah process. But does not this understanding of the origin not impact on how one will undertake the process of Torah and halachic discovery? Belief necessarily impacts on action and the reality is that that it does matter how one finds meaning in the Torah. It is not just how one personally finds the Torah meaningful. It is, rather, how one responds to the directed meaning of the Torah -- and that can only emerge from a recognition of its origins.
What always hits me about such arguments is that thereby, an attempt to bridge the gap between right-wing Conservative Judaism and Orthodoxy is offered. We agree to a large extent in behaviour -- why can't we connect even further. The very challenge is that it is not solely about behaviour but very much so also about belief. It is with the person with whom I share a recognition of the Torah's origins that I can connect for we both agree on the fundamental principle of how we are to find meaning in the Torah.
Rabbi Ben Hecht
http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=278115
Part of his contention is that Conservative Judaism stresses action over belief system as he puts it " it does not matter how one finds meaning in the Torah, but that one finds the Torah meaningful." In other words, it does not matter what one believes to be the origin of the Torah as long as one is observant of the practice which is so instructed through the Torah process. But does not this understanding of the origin not impact on how one will undertake the process of Torah and halachic discovery? Belief necessarily impacts on action and the reality is that that it does matter how one finds meaning in the Torah. It is not just how one personally finds the Torah meaningful. It is, rather, how one responds to the directed meaning of the Torah -- and that can only emerge from a recognition of its origins.
What always hits me about such arguments is that thereby, an attempt to bridge the gap between right-wing Conservative Judaism and Orthodoxy is offered. We agree to a large extent in behaviour -- why can't we connect even further. The very challenge is that it is not solely about behaviour but very much so also about belief. It is with the person with whom I share a recognition of the Torah's origins that I can connect for we both agree on the fundamental principle of how we are to find meaning in the Torah.
Rabbi Ben Hecht
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Huffington Post: Why There's Value in Self-Doubt
The link has been corrected.
My latest blog on Huffington Post-Canada concerns the tragic murder of 6 Sikhs in their Temple in Wisconsin and how such hate is tied to ego and surety..
For my thoughts on this, please see
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/rabbi-ben-hecht/doubt_b_1793361.html
Please feel free to comment there or here.
Rabbi Ben Hecht
My latest blog on Huffington Post-Canada concerns the tragic murder of 6 Sikhs in their Temple in Wisconsin and how such hate is tied to ego and surety..
For my thoughts on this, please see
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/rabbi-ben-hecht/doubt_b_1793361.html
Please feel free to comment there or here.
Rabbi Ben Hecht
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Mercava - Daf Yomi Online
Check out Daf Yomi 21st Century Style
Mercava
http://www.themercava.com/dafyomi
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Mercava
http://www.themercava.com/dafyomi
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Friday, 17 August 2012
Strategy of Isolation
From Derech Emet...
*******************************
[Mohamed] Heikal [editor of the influential Al Ahram
Egyptian newspaper, in year 1971] called for a change
of Arab rhetoric:
no more threats of throwing Israel into the sea;
and a new political strategy aimed at reducing Israel
to indefensible borders and pushing her into diplomatic
and economic isolation.
He predicted that
<< total withdrawal >>
would
<< pass sentence on the entire state of Israel. >>
SOURCE: From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish
Conflict over Palestine (chapter 2, page 14) by Joan Peters,
1984, JKAP Publications
*******************************
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
*******************************
[Mohamed] Heikal [editor of the influential Al Ahram
Egyptian newspaper, in year 1971] called for a change
of Arab rhetoric:
no more threats of throwing Israel into the sea;
and a new political strategy aimed at reducing Israel
to indefensible borders and pushing her into diplomatic
and economic isolation.
He predicted that
<< total withdrawal >>
would
<< pass sentence on the entire state of Israel. >>
SOURCE: From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish
Conflict over Palestine (chapter 2, page 14) by Joan Peters,
1984, JKAP Publications
*******************************
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Unpacking Chabad: Their Ten Core Elements for Success
«In the end, no one should discount Chabad's impact on the American and global Jewish scene. It represents a unique and significant presence. At best, organizations may seek to emulate certain elements associated with Chabad's methodology of outreach and engagement. However, it is unlikely that other groups within the Jewish community have the capacity or commitment to enter the marketplace to construct a competing model of service or religious activism.»
Unpacking Chabad: Their Ten Core Elements for Success | eJewish Philanthropy: Your Jewish Philanthropy Resource
http://ejewishphilanthropy.com/unpacking-chabad-their-ten-core-elements-for-success/
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
The Churban in Lita
See Rav Eliyahu Safran's poignant reflections upon the Litivsher Yeshiva Velt.
Post-Tisha B'Av: Tears for Shavel | Everyday Jewish Living | OU Life
http://www.ou.org/life/inspiration/post-tisha-bav-tears-for-shavel/#.UCfsABANCeU.facebook
Comment
My Chinese friend once asked me: "How come the Holocaust is so special? After all many Chinese were brutally murdered by Japanese Imperial forces, such as the notorious 'Rape of Nanking'?"
I never answered him. The answer I would have said is:
"While the grim and ghastly statistics of human life brutally snuffed out is indeed quite comparable, the facts are that China and Chinese civilization remained intact. While the Jewish Civilization that used to be in Eastern and Central Europe was utterly destroyed."
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Post-Tisha B'Av: Tears for Shavel | Everyday Jewish Living | OU Life
http://www.ou.org/life/inspiration/post-tisha-bav-tears-for-shavel/#.UCfsABANCeU.facebook
Comment
My Chinese friend once asked me: "How come the Holocaust is so special? After all many Chinese were brutally murdered by Japanese Imperial forces, such as the notorious 'Rape of Nanking'?"
I never answered him. The answer I would have said is:
"While the grim and ghastly statistics of human life brutally snuffed out is indeed quite comparable, the facts are that China and Chinese civilization remained intact. While the Jewish Civilization that used to be in Eastern and Central Europe was utterly destroyed."
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
What is our Traditional Katuba Coming To? KetubahStore.com
What is our Traditional Katuba Comging To?
Coming to an internet "KetubahStore.com!"
Interfaith Ketubahs : Ketubot : Katuba : KetubahStore.com
http://www.ketubahstore.com/View.aspx?ProductID=483
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Coming to an internet "KetubahStore.com!"
Interfaith Ketubahs : Ketubot : Katuba : KetubahStore.com
http://www.ketubahstore.com/View.aspx?ProductID=483
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Monday, 13 August 2012
Contenders for British Chief Rabbi Post
«Sacks is due to retire in September 2013. The announcement of a successor is scheduled to take place in the fourth quarter of 2012. The crux of the difference between rabbis Broyde and Soloveichik seems to be in their attitude
to the London Beth Din. Although it is part of the United Synagogue (the centrist Orthodox
organization which the chief rabbi officially heads), the majority of the Beth Din’s religious
judges have for decades been ultra-Orthodox, and no chief rabbi has managed to assert
his authority over them.» Top US law professor emerges as frontrunner for British chief rabbi post | T
he Times of Israel http://www.timesofisrael.com/top-us-law-prof-and-dayan-emerges-as-frontrunner- for-british-chief-rabbi-broyde-soloveichik-sacks/
Shalom and Regards, RRW
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Can a young man fail at being a Jew?
R Eliyahu Safran -
....
Too often, our teachers teach as though their students are obligated to them rather than they being obligated to their students. At best, they treat their students as passive vessels to be badgered as they are filled with information. And should they fall short…? They treat them as being unworthy of their time and attention.
But I ask, can a young man fail at being a Jew?
Is a student any less a Jew if he performs poorly in his studies or if he behaves incorrigibly? Is his soul worth any less to God? ...
Veshinantam: Your Son, Your Student - Judaism - Israel National News
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/12000
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
....
Too often, our teachers teach as though their students are obligated to them rather than they being obligated to their students. At best, they treat their students as passive vessels to be badgered as they are filled with information. And should they fall short…? They treat them as being unworthy of their time and attention.
But I ask, can a young man fail at being a Jew?
Is a student any less a Jew if he performs poorly in his studies or if he behaves incorrigibly? Is his soul worth any less to God? ...
Veshinantam: Your Son, Your Student - Judaism - Israel National News
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/12000
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Mussar: What Could Be Worse than Sins?!
From Derech Emet
Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Avodat HaElokim, chapter 4:
A pious man once said to his students:
If you had no sins, I would be worried about you
for something more severe than sins.
They said to him: What is worse than sins?!?!
He answered them: Arrogance and haughtiness, as is it written:
G_D DETESTS EVERY PERSON WITH AN ARROGANT HEART
(Mishlei / Proverbs, chapter 16, verse 5).
***********************************************
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Chovot HaLevavot, Shaar Avodat HaElokim, chapter 4:
A pious man once said to his students:
If you had no sins, I would be worried about you
for something more severe than sins.
They said to him: What is worse than sins?!?!
He answered them: Arrogance and haughtiness, as is it written:
G_D DETESTS EVERY PERSON WITH AN ARROGANT HEART
(Mishlei / Proverbs, chapter 16, verse 5).
***********************************************
Shalom and Regards,
RRW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)