Point of Pinchas

Rocking Mamilla

2011-09-06T06:56:00.001-04:00

Just another street performer!

(The sign next to him says donations help feed poor families.)

At Last Light Rail Arrives In Jerusalem!

2011-08-19T07:41:00.001-04:00

Tisha B'Av at the Kotel

2011-08-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

My Bike Finally Makes Aliyah

2011-07-13T07:20:00.001-04:00

Yesterday a Nefesh B'Nefesh charter flight of 254 Olim landed in Israel. But aside from all the passengers that made Aliyah the plane held my dear bike which I left behind almost six years ago to the day when I made Aliyah. I’ve been mentioning it to everyone I see all week. But actually aside from the humorous part there is something very important about such an occasion.

First some history. My father bought me this bike as a teenager and I spent many wonderful summers getting it covered in mud from the Catskills. I did ride it occasionally in the City as well but as I got older my bike found its way to my parent’s garage where it mostly collected dust. When it was time for me to make Aliyah that was one of the items I had all but given hope on ever making it to Israel. (Another was my large bar mitzvah shas set, which B”H did also end up making Aliyah a few years ago.)

Bringing my bike Home really represents moving the last possession I still owned in America. And today, on the six year anniversary of my Aliyah, as trivial as it may seem, seeing it parked in my machson really gives me a warm feeling of tying all the loose ends that were left open.

There’s a famous medrish that explains when Yaakov Avenu was returning to Eretz Yisrael he left some small jugs on the other side of the Jabbok river and returned to retrieve them. (It was here that he fought and defeated an Angel and was renamed Yisrael, Israel.) I wonder if Yaakov too felt his Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael wouldn’t be complete till everything he owned, even small jugs, were finally with him in the Holyland.

Cross posted on Kumah.

Chag Shavuos Samayach!

2011-06-07T05:01:00.001-04:00

Jerusalem Day 5771 Fireworks

2011-05-30T17:55:00.001-04:00

This was in Gan Sacer, tonight. The night before Yom Yerushalayim.

Hillel On Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-07T20:45:00.004-04:00

Every week between Pesach and Shavuos the custom is to learn another chapter of Pirkei Avos. Last week we learned the second chapter. In it there is this very timely mishna which quotes Hillel:

"He also saw a skull that was floating on the surface of the water. He said to it, 'Because you made [others] drown, [others] made you drown. But in the end, those who made you drown will [also] drown.'"

This Mishna requires some explanation to fully appreciate its depth. In a nutshell Hillel is lecturing about how Divine Providence is specific to an individual level. Nothing in the world goes unanswered and G-d punishes measure for measure.

The Meam Loez explains (and this is exactly his words written in 1747):

Hillel therefore addressed the floating head and said, "Surely you killed someone, and after you killed him, you threw him into the sea. You were therefore punished by Providence. It was for this reason that you, too, were killed and thrown into the sea. Providence deals with each individual measure for measure, making the punishment fit the crime. Not only were you killed, but you were thrown into the sea, just like your own victim. If you had not committed murder and disposed of the corpse in the sea, it would not have happened to you.

Many people forget that before there was the September 11th attacks, Bin Laden attacked the US warship USS Cole, as it docked in a Yemenite port. On October 12, 2000 a small boat loaded with explosives approached the ship and exploded putting a 40-by-40-foot gash in the ship's port side. 17 sailors were killed and 39 were injured. Many of the bodies were not recovered for days as parts of the ship had been flooded and it took time till divers could reach them.

"Surely you killed someone, and after you killed him, you threw him into the sea."

And of course, last week President Obama announced:

Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.

It was soon reported:

Sources confirmed... that his body was released into the sea from a U.S. Navy vessel on Monday, likely into the Indian Ocean.

"It was for this reason that you, too, were killed and thrown into the sea."

Of course it is important to explain the final part of Hillel's teaching. "But in the end, those who made you drown will [also] drown."

The Meam Loez explains that is only when those who killed the killer did so for wicked reasons. The example he gives is Pharaoh enslaving the Jews. Actually it was G-d's decree that they should be enslaved. And indeed if Pharaoh had only intended to fulfill the Divine Will he would have been rewarded. But his intentions were wicked and so even though the punishment is decreed in heaven, the one carrying it out can also be punished if he has wicked intentions.

Today In Jerusalem

2011-01-07T07:59:00.000-05:00

Just another typical Friday...

Happy Chanukah!

2010-12-02T18:30:00.001-05:00

Yes, We Can Build!

2010-11-10T11:15:00.002-05:00

One morning this week on my daily walk to work I past some protesters holding signs and beating on drums. While I am not known to be shy about snapping pictures when I find something blog worthy, I didn’t feel this was one of those times. No, for it’s not so polite to post the pictures of fools on Internet for the world to see.

Now a disclaimer, I’m not name-calling here. To do so, would be to lose the argument before it began. Using the word “fool” in this case is an observation, not an insult. See, these particular protesters were clearly Jewish; most likely students from the nearby Hebrew University in Jerusalem. They were also clearly well intentioned. They did not seek the destruction of Israel. They even sought to strengthen her.

Still they invoked foolish logic, assuming that the way to strengthen the Jewish people and our homeland is by ceasing settlement and freezing building. Nothing could be further than the truth. In fact our enemies, who are no fools, understand clearly that this is precisely the formula for destruction. A nation that is not growing is shrinking. A nation that is not building is falling apart. Building and settling the land are the most fundamental activities a Zionist can embark on. Anyone that loves Israel, anyone that supports Israel, builds Israel.

Fellow lovers of Israel, I am happy to report Jerusalem continues to be built. Here are some of the latest developments. And this is not something we should hide from America and the world but something we should brag about!

The Jerusalem Light Rail Continues to be built…

Several weeks ago the power was turned on and the trains were tested for the first time.

They tested them over the “Bridge of Strings” and are currently testing them on Hertzl Street.

“Light Rail Crossing” Signs are going up all over the city.

Some New Buses, Larger and Cleaner, were also introduced last month.

In perhaps the most exciting sign of real growth yet another mega-super market opened recently.

“Rami Levi Mehadrin” seeks to meet the needs of the fast growing charedi population.

In good economic news, this appears to have opened to directly compete against Osher Ad.

Indeed, we are growing so fast that likely both stores and many more will be able to survive while keeping prices low and service high.

Incapable! (Lit: Not Really Able)

Crossposted on Kumah

Gilad Shalit Explained

2010-10-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

Arba Minim Shuk in Yerushalayim

2010-09-19T15:40:00.000-04:00

Sukkos (Sukkot) is in the air in Yerushalayim. Here are the sight and sounds of just one of the many large Araba Minim Markets that go up in Jerusalem those few days between Yom Kippur and Sukkos. This was in the market opposite Machane Yehuda.

The Solution To Terror

2010-09-02T16:39:00.002-04:00

The sign reads “Leader (or Exalted) of the Generation Rabbi Ovadya Yosef, Shlita: ‘FORBIDDEN to continue the freeze – we must build in the whole country.’”

Two points to whoever can dig up this old article – but around 13 years ago I spent a year here in Israel is Yeshiva. Bibi was Prime Minister then just like today. There was a headline in the Jerusalem Post that I loved so much I clipped it and hung it on my dorm room wall. The headline read:

PM: Solution to terror: Build and Settle.

Never were those words more true than today. Mr. Prime Minister, you had it right 13 years ago.

Tisha B'Av 5770: Yet More Water at the Kotel

2010-07-20T09:19:00.001-04:00

Five years ago, Rabbi Lazer Brody, wrote about water seeping out of the kotel. (I recall clearly the Jerusalem Post reporting water gushing - not seeping - out of the kotel, with photos, a few years prior to that.)

Back then Rabbi Brody explained:

By our own tradition, the moisture at the Western Wall of the Holy Temple indicates the impending redemption of the people and land of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple and the coming of Moshiach ben David, speedily and in our time, amen.

In fact the Gemara (Yoma 77b-78a) remarks:

R' Pinchas said in the name of Rav Huna of Tzippori: The spring that issues from the Holy of Holies initially resembles the antennae of locust. Once it reaches the entrace of the Sanctuary it swells and becomes as wide as the thread of the warp. Once it reaches the entrance of the Antechamber, it becomes as wide as the thread of the woof. Once it reaches the entrance of the Courtyard it becomes as wide as the mouth of a small flask. And this is the meaning of what we learned in the Mishna (Middos 2:6) R' Eliezer Ben Yaakov says: By this gate a stream of water, as wide as that which issues from a flask, will emerge from under the threshold of the temple. From here onward [the stream] will rise unabatedly until it reaches the entrance of the house of David (i.e. Har Tzion, Mount Zion in Jerusalem - Rashi). Once it reaches the house of David it becomes a swiftly flowing stream, in which zavin, zavos, niddos, and childbearing women will immerse and cleanse themselves from their tumah. As it is stated: On that day there will be a spring opened up for the house of David and for all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for cleaning and for purification. (Zechariah 13:1)

Although there are allegorical explanations many commentators (see Metzudas Dovid on Yechezkiel 47:1 and others) maintain the water referred to is very real water and will be present at the time of Moshiach. Which is why it's always a big deal when water starts seeping from the Kotel.

I blogged about this phenomenon three years ago on Hoshana Rabba. Well last Shabbos I went to the Kotel. I enjoy davening at the official kotel minyan (with the Chief Rabbi of the Kotel) located inside the Wilson's Arch section. Being a little later than usual I had trouble finding a spot, then noticed there was a spot all the way in the very back corner. (Basically as far back and as deep in as you can walk.) A moment later I understood why that spot was vacant. Water was dripping and there was a large puddle on the floor. It was a fairly strong drip that I would describe as how condensation drips from an air-conditioner. In fact that was my first reaction - to assume it was from the air-conditioner. But although Wilson's arch is air-conditioned, the units aren't near where the water was dripping from.

I was at the Kotel last night on Tisha B'Av and went back to check on the dripping water. It wasn't dripping as hard as it was on Shabbos but a large patch was still very clearly damp and I was able to snap this photo:

Where is this water coming from?

Guaranteed By G-D Himself!

2010-05-08T19:37:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm reusing that photo yet again. Sorry, but it is SO perfect for this week's Parsha which says:

25:18. You shall perform My decrees, and observe My ordinances and perform them; and you shall dwell securely on the land.

25:19. The land will give its fruit and you will eat to satisfaction; and you will dwell securely upon it.

Rabbi Frand points out that a number of commentators are bothered by the redundant language of dwelling securely. Rashi explains the first “securely” to be referring to national security. The Jewish people won’t have to worry about being expelled from the land by our enemies. Rashi explains the second “securely” to be referring to economic security – literally having food to put on the table.

The Chassam Sofer takes a different approach, explains Rav Frand. He understands that having enough food was the first and foremost concern of anyone that stopped planting crops, especially in an age before modern day importing and exporting. If you didn’t plant, you didn’t eat. Therefore the Chassam Sofer says the first “securely” refers to economic security reassuring the Jewish people that we will have plenty to eat as the next few following verses explain.

So how then does the Chassam Sofer explain the second instance of “securely?” He takes a novel approach and explains that one of the greatest tests for the wealthy is to understand that their wealth does not come from their own two hands, but comes only from Heaven. It is extremely easy to fall into the trap of believe we are rich because we are so good at making investments or studying at the best schools or because we work long hours. In reality, while we still must do our hishtadlus every penny we earn is decreed by Hashem.

When we stop working for a year and still have food to eat it becomes obvious to us that everything we earn is Heaven’s doing and not our own. Therefore we will dwell securely from the trap of thinking "my might and the power of my hand made me this great wealth." (Devorim 8:17)

Perhaps we can take this beautiful idea one step further. It is well known that one of the greatest perceived obstacles to making Aliyah is making a living. “I’d love to make Aliyah, but I’d have no real way to make a parnussah in Israel” is a common excuse. But if we listen to what to Chassam Sofer says its reverse fits beautifully. When we keep shmitta not only will we understand that our sustenance comes from Above, but if we don’t understand that it is Hashem and only Hashem giving us wealth and think we are doing it on our own – then we won’t be able to live in Eretz Yisrael!

If you ask “how am I going to make money in Israel?” The answer is simple: you won’t! But this only becomes a problem when you are in the mindset of you yourself being the one making the money. Once you realize even in America, it is Hashem making the money you will come to realize “parnussa” is actually not an obstacle at all to making Aliyah. Indeed it is very common to hear people in Israel say how much more clearly visible Yad Hashem is here. It’s common to hear amazing “miracle” stories about how people found their jobs here. Of course we are not allowed to rely on miracles and have to do our best. But we still have to remember who is running the show and the Torah is telling us, if we do keep Shmitta then we will remember Hashem provides support and only then will we not fear making Aliyah and living in Eretz Yisrael.

Crossposted on Kumah

Super-Duper-Markets Come To Jerusalem

2010-04-29T19:31:00.001-04:00

Call me lame but I’m someone that gets excited over nice supermarkets. I get even more excited when those supermarkets are in Israel. And when a new store opens that can rival a supergiant like Walmart or Costco, in size, service and value and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from my home – well, then you know I’m going to blog about it!

Osher Ad opened its doors in March and I finally got to check it out tonight. Let me tell you, it’s the first place I’ve been to in Israel (certainly in Jerusalem) that I glanced from wall to wall and said – “yeah, wow, this place IS really big!” Walmart would not be embarrassed to open something this size and at least now in its opening weeks the prices can definitely compete with Cosco’s deals.

Now the reason I thought this fit to post on Kumah is because it’s wonderful to see growth in Israel – and this is real growth! Olim from America often lament about missing Walmart or Cosco and wonder why they don’t open up in Israel. Don’t get me wrong. Osher Ad is not Walmart. In fact one of the workers told me that himself. (We’ll get to that later.)

But it is a really wonderful feeling to see quality fruits and vegetables piled to the sky (all certified by Rav Efrati, by the way) with prices you can only find in “the shuk” if you spend hours searching. And then while you are shopping you hear an announcement over the loudspeaker. No, not for a cleanup on aisle 3, but announcing “if anyone is interested there will be a minyan for maariv in fifteen minutes, located in the biet haknesset in the back of the store. That’s right, this store comes complete with its own beautiful biet haknesset with minyanim every hour on the hour.

And so during my shopping adventure I spotted a Crockpot (only 100NIS!!!) and grabbed it. (Kumah’s Malkah has been telling me to get one for years.) Then realizing I would need to get the serving pot toveled I asked the guy manning the “appliances and electronics” section if this place has a kaylim mikvah. “No,” he answered my heavy accented Hebrew in his mother tongue English, “this isn’t Walmart!” I wasn’t aware that Walmart had mikvahs but I told him that I noticed the store had a shul and I figured it could have a mikvah too.

Anyway if any Osher Ad management people out there are reading this blog post it would be really cool to build a kaylim mikvah on site. I think that was the only thing to it was missing.

Crossposted on Kumah

Lipstick on a Pig

2010-04-02T16:20:00.000-04:00

Michael’s post about the irony of President Obama holding a Pesach Seder when the theme of the Seder is the triumph of G-d’s hand over natural events and world leaders, (and even over superpower nations) and when its very climax is a return of all the Jewish people to a very undivided rebuilt Jerusalem, while at the same time attempting with all his might to tear away half of our forever precious Jerusalem, reminded me of something I saw in the Meam Loez.

Actually, it’s very appropriate because it’s on next week’s parsha, Shemini. The Torah discusses non-kosher animals and specifically points out the camel, the hyrax, the hare and the pig as animals with one of two kosher signs. When mentioning them it points out the kosher sign they have first and then explains what the non-kosher sign is. The Meam Loez asks why is it backwards? The Torah should first be pointing out the non-kosher sign as what makes it not kosher and add as an after thought that it’s not kosher even though it also has one kosher sign?

The answer is that the kosher sign is actually more important because the Torah is trying to warn us that even though it has one kosher sign don’t be fooled into thinking it’s kosher. The Meam Loez continues:

This alludes to people that make a great display of piety but inwardly they are filled with evil thoughts and wickedness. These hypocrites are very disgusting in G-d’s Eyes, more so than one who is wicked both inwardly and outwardly.

A wicked person does not fool people. But the hypocrites are only pious outside and they fool the rest of the world into thinking that they are good.

I wrote about this medrish (which is where it’s quoted from) when Mr. Obama was campaigning for the Presidency almost two years ago. Recall that the campaign arranged for him to visit the Kotel where he was to slip a note, a prayer, into the wall. It was reported that someone removed the note and sold it to a local paper which posted the contents:

"Lord - Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

It was later learned that the entire episode was a PR stunt and that the campaign had delivered a copy of the “private” note to all the local papers fully expecting them to publish it.

That got me very worried because it was a perfect example of what the Torah was warning us about. A man taking great pains to outwardly fool the world into believing he is humble and pious. Later there were many more examples, like photos showing the President moving a chair himself (he knows the Whitehouse photographer is in the room with him and gives permission – or more likely orders – these types of photos to be released to the public, showing the world how humble he is) or bowing publicly to world leaders from nations far inferior to his own.

Actually in many ways the most appropriate non-kosher animal to compare the President to is the pig. This is not name calling but based on the nature of this animal as the Meam Loez (quoting the medrish) explains:

The Torah says that Esau and his nation were likened to the pig. They show their hooves like a pig.

A pig has one kosher sign; it has a split hoof. It shows its hoof to people as if to say “Look, I’m kosher!”

However, the pig is unclean on the inside.

Edom, the nation of Esau, behaved like very good people on the outside. They did not steal and they did not rob the property of the Jews. But inside they were wicked; deep down they wanted to wipe Israel out of the world and kill all the Jews.

It is very evident, that there is a leader in Iran today, that is actively attempting to facilitate the complete destruction of Israel, Heaven forbid. As such Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (or more correctly Haman-inejad as it's pronounced in Iran) is accurately compared to Hitler, may his name be blotted out. It would seem that a leader that had a remedy to help save the Jewish Nation, such as bunker buster bombs capable of destroying Iran’s nuclear weapons program in his possession, but didn’t use that remedy or even provide it to Israel so the Jewish Nation can use it – it would seem such a man could easily be compared to FDR, a President that knew Jews were being gassed in Auschwitz, yet refused to bomb the railroad tracks and allowed the murders to continue.

There are many people that try to warn Jews about President Obama’s paternal genes. They remark how his middle name is Hussein (his first name combined with that actually means “the blessings of Hussein” in Arabic). The truth is, the real threat comes not from his paternal side, Yishmael, but from his Maternal side, Esau and Edom.

A man, that would put millions of lives at risk by denying Israel the weapons she needs to protect herself, simply to push his own political agenda is immoral, and even evil – exactly what the midrash is warning us about. How could anyone try to link important defense needs with anything at all let alone to appeasing terrorists?

Thank G-d the Founding Fathers of the United States had the wisdom to limit Presidential terms to four years. The President will only be able to hold two more hypocritical Pesach seders at the Whitehouse, because the world, or at least Jewish voters, now see him for what he is, one that stretches his feet out for the world to see how kosher he is, when on the inside he couldn’t be any more non-kosher.

Posted from New York before Shabbat.

Crossposted on Kumah

America had a Good Run

2010-03-27T16:18:00.004-04:00

The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished.

–Mark Twain, Concerning The Jews

Yes, that may have happened to the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans and even more recently to the British Empire – but that will never happen to America! That is the conventional wisdom of most Americans.

Well here’s some food for thought. Could it be that the recently passed health care bill demonstrates the US empire is declining? David Murrin, the co-founder of the Emergent Asset Management hedge fund manager, argued exactly that on CNBC this week. He explained that this bill illustrates the fact that people expect the state to take care of them.

That’s the opposite of what happens when empires are expanding. Then, they force people to take risks and to go out and fend for themselves, Murry noted, pointing directly to the decline of the British empire after the war, when the National Health Service was introduced, which was similar enough in terms of service for all citizens as the current US Healthcare law.

“This (empire decline) is actually a dead-set course that societies get into and it will happen very quickly I’m afraid,” he told “Squawk Box Europe.”

“…and that’s really the end of a Western Christian Empire.” He elaborated, “it’s bigger than the British Empire, the American Empire. It’s the sum of all the Christian Empires for nearly 900 years. And America is the last one. And when the last one changes and declines, which it’s in and it’ll be very rapid – it’s the end of the whole system.”

He also said that while some view the new American administration as new hope, “unfortunately if you look at historical precedence of underclass and the mechanism of an underclass actually becoming to the fore demographically it is not new hope. It’s the beginning of the end. And we’re seeing that very quickly take place.”

He claims, for a variety of well reasoned arguments that China’s rise to become the first power of the soon to be “Eastern Empire” will happen faster than anyone anticipates. But that is beyond the scope of this post.

To be clear, America is not about to disappear tomorrow. Just like Britain didn’t when its Empire came crashing down. But at the same time in terms of dominance over world events it is likely to become more and more irrelevant. This will be a very frustrating position for Americans to accept even though it is becoming more and more evident to the world that the United States no longer enjoys the super-influence it once did and that countries like Israel won’t be able to be pushed around by America as easily as was done in the past. The excuse that Jews need to live in America to influence favorable foreign policy toward Israel is also losing all credibility (even though it was never a valid argument).

At the same time, while not a rising Empire, Israel certainly is an expanding country. Israelis certainly are risk takers, universal healthcare aside (which the country was essentially born with). Jews should also realize, that America is no different from past glorious empires. It is not permanent – certainly not as a home for the Jews. The Eternal Jewish Homeland is in the Land of Israel. Jerusalem, was, millennium before Brooklyn was conceived, is, even while Brooklyn is at its peak, and always will be, long after Brooklyn is forgotten, the capital of the Jewish people.

Crossposted on Kumah

A Sign

2010-03-20T18:24:00.005-04:00

(AP)

Breathtaking! Simply breathtaking! That’s the only way I can describe the newly rebuilt Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. This past Friday as sunset approached I headed down to the Old City as I usually do. Ordinarily I head straight for the Kotel and I can’t imagine a better place in the world to be for Friday night.

I left extra early this week because this was the first Shabbos the Hurva synagogue would be open since its rededication after lying in ruins for over 60 years. I arrived about five minutes before the start of Mincha and as expected, despite the massive seating capacity, there was standing room only. (Those that arrived a few minutes later weren’t lucky enough to find even that much as standing room quickly disappeared.)

(Reuters)

As I entered (I first had to search around till I found where the main entrance actually was) my jaw simply dropped and I stood there in awe. What a magnificent achievement for the Jewish People and Israel. As incredible as the Synagogue is portrayed in photographs you may have seen, they simply don’t compare to reality. You must visit this place and see it with your own eyes!

Regarding this rededication Ha’aretz reporter Nir Hasson wrote:

If the 18th-century rabbinic authority the Vilna Gaon was right, on March 16, 2010, construction will begin on the third Temple. His projection states that the auspicious day will coincide with the third completion of the Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter.

Of course Mr. Hasson got it wrong. Or rather he misstated the tradition. (Whether he did it out of malevolence for religious Jews or sheer incompetence depends on your opinion of that paper.) What the Vilna Gaon actually said, according to my research, was that the Hurva “will be built and destroyed twice, and the third time it is built it will be a sign of the coming of Moshiach.” The Hurva was first built in the early 1700’s and first destroyed in 1721. It was built the second time in 1864 and stood till 1948 when it was destroyed by the Arab Legion in War of Independence. Last week its glorious doors opened for the third time.

(Reuters)

It is an important lesson for the Jewish people. In our Homeland, when our places of worship get destroyed, we will rebuild them. It is a obvious message with profound implications. Its symbolic significance is even crystal clear to the greatest of enemies of the Jewish People.

The New York Times reported:

In Damascus, Khaled Meshal, the exiled leader of the Islamic militant group Hamas, said the synagogue’s dedication signified “the destruction of the Al Aksa Mosque and the building of the temple,” according to Agence France-Presse.

Yes, there is a place even more spectacular than the newly rebuilt Hurva synagogue. And so, as Mincha finished I found the exit to make some room for the latecomers.

I headed down to the Kotel.

Crossposted on Kumah.

TLATD #4: Border Towns are Special

2010-03-08T14:08:00.002-05:00

The holy Zohar teaches that Hashem looked into the Torah and then created the world. The Torah then is the blueprint for the world, and one that wants to know how the world runs would be wise to play close attention to the Torah.

Last week Daf Yomi (Sanhedrin 16b) covered the law relating to a subverted town. In a nutshell, a subverted town, is a town where majority of the local population worships idols. Such a town, under biblical law, is razed. However there is a criteria that supersedes even our concern for this cardinal sin.

The Gemara is concerned that if we raze too many subverted towns it could lead to desolation in Eretz Yisrael. For this reason, towns guilty of this sin could be left standing simply for the purpose of protecting Eretz Yisrael. The sages debate the exact specifics of what and where we consider "too many to raze" but all agree to this principle which is clearly stated in the Mishna. The Gemara then comments on another point the Mishna makes about razing border towns.

As Artscroll translates it:

A Baraisa was taught in accordance with the view of R' Yochanan:

...And in the areas close to the border of Eretz Yisrael we may not designate even one subverted town. Why may we not designate a subverted town close to the border? Because Nuchrim might hear about the town's destruction and ravage Eretz Yisrael.

It's unfortunate that the leaders of the modern state of Israel did not pay more attention to the advice of the Torah when making foolish decisions. It is especially important for the well being of Eretz Yisrael for border towns to not be abandoned. Doing so only emboldens Israel's enemies.

TLATD #3: Living in Israel During a Recession

2009-11-30T14:30:00.000-05:00

The discussion of the Gemara (BB 91a) turns to the economy of Eretz Yisrael. It explains that to protect the economy of Eretz Yisrael certain staples (wines, oils and fine flours) were not allowed to be exported. The concern is that exporting these items could lead to a shortage and a price hike which would create hardships for the local population of Eretz Yisrael.

It is important to note how focused not just Tanach is on Eretz Yisrael, but even the Talmud Bavli which was written in Babylonia. The Gemara continues to explain that we are equally concerned about the economy in Eretz Yisrael if prices dropped too much (60% of its original value) and a special prayer would be recited on Shabbos in such an event. This seems much like the way Jews all over the world pray for rain in Eretz Yisrael and on Shabbos for the well-being. The Jewish people are always focused on our true Homeland.

The Gemara then makes an extraordinary statement about living in Eretz Yisrael. "One may not leave the land of Israel to go live outside the land unless two se’ah of wheat cost a sela." In other words inflation would have to reach a whopping 100% before one would be permitted to leave Eretz Yisrael according to the Rabbis. Rabbi Shimon however disagrees and holds this is only true if one can not even find wheat to purchase but otherwise, even if wheat costs double leaving the Land is forbidden.

A proof is brought for R’ Shimon's strict position from the Meggilas Rus. Artscroll's translation: "And similarly R’ Shimon ben Yochai used to say: Elimelech, Machlon and Chilyon [who left the Land of Israel during a famine and moved to Moab where they died not long after,] were the great men of their generation and the caretakers of their generation. And for what reason were they punished? Because they left the land of Israel to go live outside the Land."

Nefesh B'Nefesh Hanukkah Flash Mob

2009-11-23T13:32:00.001-05:00

9/11 monument dedicated in Jerusalem

2009-11-12T10:15:00.003-05:00

Today a 9/11 monument was dedicated in Jerusalem. Below is the JTA article about the event along with some photos I took there.

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A monument to the victims of 9/11 was was dedicated in Jerusalem.

The monument, commissioned and built by the Jewish National Fund-USA/Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, depicts the World Trade Center and Pentagon through sculpture and landscape architecture.

A memorial dedication was held Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem's Arazim Park.

Designed by award-winning Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff, the 30-foot high bronze sculpture is composed of a waving American flag transformed into a memorial flame. It rests on a gray granite base, part of which is from the original Twin Towers. The sculpture is surrounded by a circular, crater-like plaza and reflection area tiled in stone.

The memorial was donated by New York resident Edward Blank and the plaza was funded by the Bronka Stavsky Rabin Weintraub Trust.

The Jerusalem monument is the only site outside of New York to recognize the names of every victim of the attack.

"My wife died just a few days before 9/11," explained Blank, "and then the whole world was sent reeling by the events of that day. I was looking for a meritorious way to recognize the many feelings I was having, and this memorial was the perfect fit."

The Land and the Daf #1: Olive Oil

2009-10-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

Posted this on Kumah.

Last year I joined up with countless others on the noble project of learning Daf Yomi. We learn a daf, two side of a page, of Gemara (Talmid) every day. The beauty of this is you can discuss what you are learning with Jews all over the world no matter where you go since everyone learns the same thing at the same time.

One of the things I noticed right away was how many times the subject matter somehow relates to living in Eretz Yisrael. Sometimes the connection is quite obvious and jumps out of the page and other times it's more subtle but it’s still there. I thought it might be nice to share some of these thoughts as I came across them.

In today's daf for example (on B.B. 67B) the Mishna discusses what is included in the sale of an olive oil factory if nothing was explicitly specified. The Mishna actually uses very mysterious terms like “the sea” and “the maidens.” When learning this difficult Mishna I actually understood it a lot better today, now that I live in Israel than I would have before I made Aliyah.

The reason is because Yishai was nice enough to show me an ancient olive oil factory that was discovered right behind his home in Beit El. Actually there are many of these ancient olive presses all over Israel. Having become familiar with that it was a lot easier to understand all the parts of the press the Mishna is describing.

It’s very easy to learn Gemara, Mishnayos or even Chumish in America and to feel completely disconnected from the subject matter as if it’s only theoretical and not “real.” However when you live here in Israel the Torah really comes to life. I can't imagine how anyone that loves Torah wouldn't want to live in the land of the Torah.

NBN 5769 In Review - Shana Tova!

2009-09-17T06:11:00.001-04:00

Only In Israel #13: Why did the truck driver cross the road?

2009-08-25T09:14:00.001-04:00

So I was walking down King George St one day when I spotted a lady crossing the street. She had a bag over her shoulder and was wheeling a stroller while a toddler was pushing his own riding toy beside her. There was nothing unusual about that. She was crossing the street perpendicular from where I was waiting at the red light. (A policewoman recently warned me not to cross against the light just near this intersection so I wasn’t going to press my luck.)

Right smack in the middle of the street the toddler apparently resented his mother holding his hand and became very uncooperative. This forced mom to pick him up with one hand, and wheel the stroller with the other, all while still having the bag over her shoulder. Inevitably, that yellow riding toy was left behind right in the middle of a very busy intersection. The red light that kept the long line of cars from smashing it to pieces was about to turn green.

There was nothing the mother could do, as she wasn’t about to abandon her children for this toy. As I was about to cross against the light to help her out, policewoman’s warning or not, something truly unexpected happened. Sitting in front of this long line of cars that were waiting for the light to change was a delivery truck. The truck’s driver side door flew open and down jumped the truck driver who happily rescued the riding toy from its precarious position and deposited it safely on the corner. With a wave, nod, and a smile he jumped back in to his truck.

As I stood there watching I was awed. I was wondering what exactly would happen if the same scenario played out in New York City. Would any NYC truck driver ever abandon his vehicle to help a mother in need? Would any NYC truck driver even bother driving around the toy rather than simply running it over?

Who knows? But one thing I know. Here in Israel when people see that help is needed – they help! Because after all, we are all part of the same family.

What's in your backyard?

2009-08-24T12:28:00.001-04:00

There was a small news bite in the Israeli media which most people may not have even noticed. Today, there was a court hearing to decide the fate of a grave that was recently discoverd.

The story goes something like this. Mitch Pilcer owns a bed and breakfast in Tzipori in the lower Galilee. Business was going well so he decided to expand the hotel. But when they started digging in his yard they discovered something extraordinary.

Right there in his backyard was the grave of none other than Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi ! It's still being investigated to see if things pan out and it really is the grave of the important Amora sage. But it just goes to show you that when you are living in a land that contains thousands of years of our history you'll never know what you'll discover right in your own backyard!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Sivan 5769

2009-05-27T11:18:00.001-04:00

The month of Sivan started on Sunday.

Right now is Motzei Shmittah and items, starting with vegetables start to lose their Kedushat Shevi'it. Many items will still retain Kedushah, however, for quite some time.

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items in Sefichim):

Almonds
Avocado
Carob
Dates
Grapefruit
Grapes for Wine
Guava
Kiwi
Nectarine
Olives
Paprika*
Pecan
Peanuts*
Persimmon
Plums (Euro Longated)
Pomegranate
Pomelo
Popcorn*
Sabra
Sunflower Seeds*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

On 1 Sivan
Chickpeas

On 10 Sivan
Cherries
Litchi
Mango
Mustard
Pumpkin

On 15 Sivan
Butternut Squash

On 24 Sivan
Pears

------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefuchim begins anymore.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Paprika
Peanuts
Popcorn
Sunflower Seeds

Sefichim Ends

Sefichim ends for the following this month:

On 1 Sivan
Chickpeas

On 10 Sivan
Mustard
Pumpkin

On 15 Sivan
Butternut Squash

------------------
Biur

On 1 Sivan 5769:
Medlar (Shesek)

On 4 Sivan 5769:
Oranges

On 6 Sivan 5769:
Olives
Olive Oil

On 20 Sivan 5769:
Grapefruit
Pomelo

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

On 15 Tishrei 5769:
Butternut Squash

On 1 Cheshvan 5769:
Pears
Sabra

On 20 Cheshvan 5769:
Peanuts
Plums (Euro Longated)

On 1 Tevet 5769:
Persimmon

On 15 Tevet 5769:
Carob
Mango

On 17 Tevet 5769:
Apples

On 26 Tevet 5769:
Almonds

On 1 Kislev 5769:
Barley
Nectarine
Paprika
Peaches
Popcorn
Pumpkin

On 11 Kislev 5769:
Chickpeas
Sunflower seeds

On 15 Kislev 5769:
Kiwi
Plums (Japanese Round)

On 16 Kislev 5769:
Guava

On 25 Kislev 5769:
Figs

On 14 Adar 5769:
Dates

On 15 Nisan 5769:
Grapes

On 10 Iyar 5769:
Pecan

On 18 Iyar 5769:
Etrog

The Fire From Sinai

2009-05-12T04:51:00.004-04:00

If you were some sort of head of State, and you decided to pay an official visit to Israel on say, Lag B’Omer, you would probably return home and tell people, “it's a beautiful land, but the locals there, those Jews, they sure are a bunch of pyromaniacs!”

I’ve written before about how in America I used to think Lag B’Omer was about softball. After all the softball is symbolic of Torah and the light that shines forth from it symbolizes the light that Rav Shimon Bar Yochai brought to the world by authoring the holy Zohar. Now, however, I know that using bonfires in place of softballs fit the symbolism much more aptly.

This year I didn’t go to Har Meron. Instead, I hung out in Jerusalem. What struck me the most about last night, was not how many fires there were around the city, in every park, and open lot, but the absolute breadth of the types of people enjoying them. From the most charedi godal hador down to the most secular Jew that never even heard of the Zohar, let alone Rashbi, all were singing and smiling at a huge bonfire somewhere in the country.

And that got me thinking. Even if one isn’t particularly religious, just by living in the holy land of ours some religion is going to rub off on them. Take Purim as another example. Every single eight year old in this country - from ultra-secular to ultra-religious - dresses up for Purim and could likely relate to you the entire Purim story. This is not the case in America, where many secular Jews there never heard of Purim.

I came across an interesting Rashi on this week’s Parsha. Perhaps the most commonly found verse in the Torah is “And G-d spoke to Moshe saying.” This week the Parsha opens with an interesting variation. “And G-d spoke to Moshe, on Mount Sinai, saying.” Rashi asks, “Why here?” Hashem said all of the Torah to Moshe on Sinai! Why is only this one spot, which discusses the laws of Shmittah (the Sabbatical year) singled out?

Without going into depth (see it inside for details) Rashi answers that we could learn out from here that all commandments with all the details and fine points they involve, were taught on Har Sinai and completely repeated with full details by Moshe “at the Plains of Moab.”

A question that came to me is that the Torah could still have applied the words “on Mount Sinai” to any other commandment in the Torah and we would have been able to come to the same conclusion. Why did it specifically choose the commandment of Shmittah?

Shmittah is an example of something, even the most religious Jews living in America know very little about. It’s something that simply doesn’t apply there and so not much effort is spent studying it. The Talmid Bavli (which was written in Babylonia) doesn’t even have a tractate on it. Whether one was written but lost or never written is debated but the reason for either scenario would simply be because those laws “didn’t apply” to them. (Incidentally, the Talmid Yerushalmi written in the Land of Israel does contain a tractate on the laws of Shmittah.)

Two years ago, I remember being terrified by the upcoming Shmittah year, which I knew nothing about! I attended shiur after shiur trying to get up to speed on what all the laws are (and there are many of them!) The shiurim were all very heavily attended which demonstrated that lots of people felt the same way. Now that we have to keep these laws we should learn what they are.

And now we can understand why Hashem chose this commandment out of all the others to apply the words “on Mount Sinai.” First, this commandment was given to us by G-d via Moshe on Har Sinai just like all the other ones. There is no reason not to be studying it regardless of where you are living. Don’t forget about it! And second, just like all the other commandments, this one, was also given on Har Sinai and it’s one that you should be keeping too. And if the only way to keep it is by living in the Land of Israel, then what are you waiting for?

Make Aliyah!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Iyar 5769

2009-05-06T06:53:00.001-04:00

Right now is Motzei Shmittah and items, starting with vegetables start to lose their Kedushat Shevi'it. Many items will still retain Kedushah, however, for quite some time.

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items in Sefichim):

Almonds
Avocado
Butternut Squash*
Carob
Chickpeas*
Dates
Grapefruit
Grapes for Wine
Guava
Kiwi
Litchi
Mango
Mustard*
Nectarine
Olives
Paprika*
Pears
Pecan
Peanuts*
Persimmon
Plums (Euro Longated)
Pomegranate
Pomelo
Popcorn*
Pumpkin*
Sabra
Sunflower Seeds*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

On 1 Iyar
Barley
Lemon

On 10 Iyar
Apricots

On 18 Iyar
Apples
Etrog

On 20 Iyar
Figs

On 22 Iyar
Plums (Japanese Round)

------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefuchim begins anymore.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Butternut Squash
Chickpeas
Mustard
Paprika
Peanuts
Popcorn
Pumpkin
Sunflower Seeds

Sefichim Ends

Sefichim ends for the following this month:

On 1 Iyar
Barley

------------------
Biur

On 10 Iyar 5769:
Pecan

On 18 Iyar 5769:
Etrog

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

On 15 Tishrei 5769:
Butternut Squash

On 1 Cheshvan 5769:
Pears
Sabra

On 20 Cheshvan 5769:
Peanuts
Plums (Euro Longated)

On 1 Tevet 5769:
Persimmon

On 15 Tevet 5769:
Carob
Mango

On 17 Tevet 5769:
Apples

On 26 Tevet 5769:
Almonds

On 1 Kislev 5769:
Barley
Nectarine
Paprika
Peaches
Popcorn
Pumpkin

On 11 Kislev 5769:
Chickpeas
Sunflower seeds

On 15 Kislev 5769:
Kiwi
Plums (Japanese Round)

On 16 Kislev 5769:
Guava

On 25 Kislev 5769:
Figs

On 14 Adar 5769:
Dates

On 15 Nisan 5769:
Grapes

A FREE LUNCH?

2009-04-23T09:37:00.004-04:00

I was asked to post the following:

A FREE LUNCH?

We are clearly experiencing the "Birth pangs of Mashiach". Both Rav Ulla and Rava said, "Let Mashiach come, but we don't want to witness it because of the difficulties we will experience." There is a simple and easy way to significantly reduce our pain. Chazal say that King Achav was always successful in his military campaigns (despite the fact that he encouraged Avodah Zarah) because of the unity of Klal Yisrael in his day. Chazal say that if we have unity we will be spared from suffering. True, the suffering comes from HaShem to encourage us to do Teshuvah, which we must do. But here is a quick and painless way to gain significant protection from HaShem. We lost the second Beis HaMikdash because of Sin'as Chinam (baseless hatred among Jews). Now we need Ahavas Chinam (baseless love among Jews). We need to change our attitude towards other Jews; this will promote unity.

Here are some practical and easy ways to express Ahavas Chinam (baseless love for fellow Jews):

1) After reading or hearing about some Jew’s problem anywhere in the world, we should say a short prayer for him/her and end our prayer with one chapter of Tehillim (Suggestion: Psalm 13 is very appropriate because it is a prayer for the end of our long Galus and it is a short perek). Choose an easy chapter that you know by heart so you can do this at a moment's notice without any preparation. We must show HaShem that we are concerned about ALL Jews, whether or not they are similar to us.

2) Try to greet all Jews with a "Good Morning!" or a "Good Shabbos!" especially if you don't know them. If you don't know them, then it is definitely Ahavas Chinam.

3) Try to do at least one extra Chesed every day for any Jew that you were not doing before. If in addition, you happen to dislike the Jew you are helping out, then you are definitely creating Ahavas Chinam and saving yourself from much suffering. One easy Chesed is to call up someone to wish him a "Good Shabbos!"

4) Try to mention at least one Choleh in what one can add during "R'fa'einu" in the silent Sh'moneh Esrei, and try to have in mind one person out of work during "Bareich Aleinu" in the silent Sh'moneh Esrei.

Please share this with all of your Jewish friends. Thank you!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Nisan 5769

2009-04-01T08:50:00.000-04:00

The month of Nisan 5769 began last week.

Right now is Motzei Shmittah and items, starting with vegetables start to lose their Kedushat Shevi'it. Many items will still retain Kedushah, however, for quite some time.

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items in Sefichim):

Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Avocado
Barley*
Butternut Squash*
Carob
Chickpeas*
Dates
Etrog
Figs
Grapefruit
Grapes for Wine
Guava
Kiwi
Lemon
Litchi
Mango
Mustard*
Nectarine
Olives
Paprika*
Pears
Pecan
Peanuts*
Persimmon
Plums (Euro Longated)
Plums (Japanese Round)
Pomegranate
Pomelo
Popcorn*
Pumpkin*
Sabra
Sunflower Seeds*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

On 15 Nisan
Grapes

------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefuchim begins anymore.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Butternut Squash
Chickpeas
Mustard
Paprika
Peanuts
Popcorn
Pumpkin
Sunflower Seeds

Sefichim Ends

Sefichim ends for the following this month:

There are no items that Sefuchim ends this month.

------------------
Biur

On 15 Nisan 5769:
Grapes

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

On 15 Tishrei 5769:
Butternut Squash

On 1 Cheshvan 5769:
Pears
Sabra

On 20 Cheshvan 5769:
Peanuts
Plums (Euro Longated)

On 1 Tevet 5769:
Persimmon

On 15 Tevet 5769:
Carob
Mango

On 17 Tevet 5769:
Apples

On 26 Tevet 5769:
Almonds

On 1 Kislev 5769:
Barley
Nectarine
Paprika
Peaches
Popcorn
Pumpkin

On 11 Kislev 5769:
Chickpeas
Sunflower seeds

On 15 Kislev 5769:
Kiwi
Plums (Japanese Round)

On 16 Kislev 5769:
Guava

On 25 Kislev 5769:
Figs

On 14 Adar 5769:
Dates

Only in Israel...

2009-03-11T14:53:00.002-04:00

...do the buses wish you a Happy Purim instead of telling you where they are going!

The Falafel King

2009-02-19T16:42:00.001-05:00

They call him the Falafel King. If you ever stop by Afula in northern Israel be sure to drop by and buy a falafal just to watch him make it. He installed special stainless steel on the ceiling over the counter, cleaned daily, so don't get too grossed out by the falafal balls that hit the ceiling. This video is just a small taste of what he could do, as I didn't have time to film some of the cooler tricks.

The Secret Weapon II of the IDF

2009-01-15T18:54:00.001-05:00

Handing out Tzitzis to Soldiers.

Working To Bring Redemption Safely

2009-01-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

For Thus Saith The L-RD

2009-01-06T09:42:00.001-05:00

The following prophecy from Amos 1:6-8 is circulating in email in Israel and around the world:

כֹּה, אָמַר יְהוָה, עַל-שְׁלֹשָׁה פִּשְׁעֵי עַזָּה, וְעַל-אַרְבָּעָה לֹא אֲשִׁיבֶנּוּ: עַל-הַגְלוֹתָם גָּלוּת שְׁלֵמָה, לְהַסְגִּיר לֶאֱדוֹם

Thus saith the L-RD: For three transgressions of Gaza, yea, for four, I will not reverse it: because they carried away captive a whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom.

וְשִׁלַּחְתִּי אֵשׁ, בְּחוֹמַת עַזָּה; וְאָכְלָה, אַרְמְנֹתֶיהָ

So will I send a fire on the wall of Gaza, and it shall devour the palaces thereof;

וְהִכְרַתִּי יוֹשֵׁב מֵאַשְׁדּוֹד, וְתוֹמֵךְ שֵׁבֶט מֵאַשְׁקְלוֹן; וַהֲשִׁיבוֹתִי יָדִי עַל-עֶקְרוֹן, וְאָבְדוּ שְׁאֵרִית פְּלִשְׁתִּים--אָמַר, אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon; and I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord G-D.

Chanukah In Yerushalayim!

2008-12-25T15:41:00.003-05:00

Tonight, the fifth night of Chanukah, I spotted this at the Machne Yehuda Shuk!

Keep Rivka's Flame Alive!

2008-12-04T18:45:00.001-05:00

Spread the word!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Kislev 5769

2008-11-30T08:01:00.001-05:00

The month of Kislev 5769 began Friday.

Right now is Motzei Shmittah and items, starting with vegetables start to lose their Kedushat Shevi'it. Many items will still retain Kedushah, however, for quite some time.

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items in Sefichim):

Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Avocado
Barley*
Butternut Squash*
Carob
Chickpeas*
Cucumbers*
Dates
Etrog
Figs
Garlic*
Grapefruit
Grapes
Grapes for Wine
Guava
Kiwi
Lemon
Litchi
Mango
Medlar (Shesek)
Mustard*
Nectarine
Olives
Onions*
Paprika*
Peaches
Pears
Pecan
Peanuts*
Persimmon
Plums (Euro Longated)
Plums (Japanese Round)
Pomegranate
Pomelo
Popcorn*
Pumpkin*
Sabra
Sunflower Seeds*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

On 1 Kislev:
Scallion

On 15 Kislev:
Parsley

On 20 Kislev:
Beets

On 25 Kislev:
Artichoke
Asparagus
Banana
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Eggplant
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Melon
Peas (in pod)
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pineapple
Potatoes
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon

------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefuchim begins anymore.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Butternut Squash
Chickpeas
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Mustard
Onions
Paprika
Peanuts
Popcorn
Pumpkin
Sunflower Seeds

Sefichim Ends

Sefichim ends for the following this month:

On 1 Kislev:
Scallions

On 15 Kislev:
Parsley

On 25 Kislev:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Dill
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Melon
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Potatoes
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon

------------------
Biur

On 1 Kislev 5769:
Barley
Nectarine
Paprika
Peaches
Popcorn
Pumpkin

On 11 Kislev 5769:
Chickpeas
Sunflower seeds

On 15 Kislev 5769:
Kiwi
Plums (Japanese Round)

On 16 Kislev 5769:
Guava

On 25 Kislev 5769:
Figs

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

On 15 Tishrei 5769:
Butternut Squash

On 1 Cheshvan 5769:
Pears
Sabra

On 20 Cheshvan 5769:
Peanuts
Plums (Euro Longated)

Obama In The Torah Codes

2008-11-11T11:47:00.004-05:00

Okay, here we go. Yes, whether you believe in the Torah Codes or not, this one is interesting. Or not. Well let's just say it (since it's already spreading all over the blogosphere.)

The name Obama spelled אובאמה appears exactly two times in all of Tanach having a 7 letter skip forward pattern. (A 7 skip forward pattern is considered the most significant kind in Bible Code land.)

The first place is in ~~Yermiyahu 30:10-11~~. Yermiyahu 46:27-28. (See "Update" at bottom.)

This is how it reads:

וְאַתָּה אַל תִּירָא עַבְדִּי יַעֲקֹב נְאֻם יְקֹוָק וְאַל תֵּחַת יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי הִנְנִי מוֹשִׁיעֲךָ מֵרָחוֹק וְאֶת זַרְעֲךָ מֵאֶרֶץ שִׁבְיָם וְשָׁב יַעֲקוֹב וְשָׁקַט וְשַׁאֲנַן וְאֵין מַחֲרִיד: אַתָּה אַל תִּירָא עַבְדִּי יַעֲקֹב נְאֻם יְקֹוָק כִּי אִתְּךָ אָנִי כִּי אֶעֱשֶׂה כָלָה בְּכָל הַגּוֹיִם אֲשֶׁר הִדַּחְתִּיךָ שָׁמָּה וְאֹתְךָ לֹא אֶעֱשֶׂה כָלָה וְיִסַּרְתִּיךָ לַמִּשְׁפָּט וְנַקֵּה לֹא אֲנַקֶּךָּ

This is how it translates:

10 27 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the L-RD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.
11 28 For I am with thee, saith the L-RD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee; but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Okay, so it sounds like now is a good time to make Aliyah. Shall we go on to the second place it's found?

The second place is in Yechezkel 38:2-3.

It reads:

בֶּן אָדָם שִׂים פָּנֶיךָ אֶל גּוֹג אֶרֶץ הַמָּגוֹג נְשִׂיא רֹאשׁ מֶשֶׁךְ וְתֻבָל וְהִנָּבֵא עָלָיו: וְאָמַרְתָּ כֹּה אָמַר אֲדֹנָי י-ה-וִה הִנְנִי אֵלֶיךָ גּוֹג נְשִׂיא רֹאשׁ מֶשֶׁךְ וְתֻבָל

Which translates as:

2 "Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him
3 and say: 'This is what the Sovereign L-RD says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.

Okay, so maybe not only is it a good time to make Aliyah... but you better make it quick!

This is the code that is being emailed around and what was posted here.

Okay - now for the debunking part. The first code simply doesn't work unless you spell Yaakov with a vav - which we don't. There are only 6 letters skipped between the second letter and the third letter. So that's out... but the second code still works... and amazingly the code starts on the letter aleph of the word נְשִׂיא which besides meaning prince also means President!

Is Obama Gog?

UPDATE: The site I linked corrected their error. It seems there are two places in Yermiyahu where almost identical verses appear. There is one difference. The second time Yaakov, for some reason is indeed spelled with an extra vav. And that extra letter does allow the 7 letter skipping to spell out Obama. I have corrected the error above.

Hatip: Moshi

Yartzheit of our Mother

2008-11-08T17:57:00.001-05:00

Rachel, our Mother, died on the 11th of Heshvan 3,562 years ago.

Below is a live feed from Kever Rochel.

Or click here to watch.

Stream provided by keverrochel.com. Please visit thier site!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Cheshvan 5769

2008-10-30T12:38:00.001-04:00

The month of Cheshvan 5769 began today!

Right now is Motzei Shmittah and items, starting with vegetables start to lose their Kedushat Shevi'it. Many items will still retain Kedushah, however, for quite some time.

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items in Sefichim):

Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley*
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash*
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carob
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Chickpeas*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dates
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Figs
Garlic*
Grapefruit
Grapes
Grapes for Wine
Guava
Horseradish
Kiwi
Kohlrabi*
Lemon
Litchi
Mango
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mustard*
Nectarine
Olives
Onions*
Paprika*
Parsley*
Peaches
Pears
Peas (in pod)*
Pecan
Peanuts*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Persimmon
Pineapple
Plums (Euro Longated)
Plums (Japanese Round)
Pomegranate
Pomelo
Popcorn*
Potatoes
Pumpkin*
Sabra
Scallion
Strawberries*
Sunflower Seeds*
Sweet Potatoes*
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

On 1 Cheshvan:
Zucchini (Squash)

On 8 Cheshvan:
Radish - small

On 15 Cheshvan:
Lettuce

On 20 Cheshvan:
Dill

On 23 Cheshvan:
Spinach

On 27 Cheshvan:
Radish

------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefuchim begins anymore.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chickpeas
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Melon
Mustard
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peanuts
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Popcorn
Pumpkin
Strawberries
Sunflower Seeds
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon

Sefichim Ends

Sefichim ends for the following this month:

On 1 Cheshvan:
Zucchini (Squash)

On 8 Cheshvan:
Radish - small

On 15 Cheshvan:
Lettuce

On 20 Cheshvan:
Dill

On 23 Cheshvan:
Spinach

On 23 Cheshvan:
Peas in Pod

On 27 Cheshvan:
Radish

------------------
Biur

On 1 Cheshvan 5769:
Pears
Sabra

On 20 Cheshvan 5769:
Peanuts
Plums (Euro Longated)

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

On 15 Tishrei 5769:
Butternut Squash

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Tishrei 5769

2008-10-05T07:05:00.001-04:00

The month of Tishrei 5769 began on Rosh Hashana!

Right now is Motzei Shmittah and items, starting with vegetables will start to lose their Kedushat Shevi'it. Many items will still retain Kedushah, however, for quite some time.

Important: Bi'ur is required for Butternut Squash on the first day of Sukkot! It's likely many people will have this in soup then so people consult with your LOR about this.

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items in Sefichim):

Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley*
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash*
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carob
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Chickpeas*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dates
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Figs
Garlic*
Grapefruit
Grapes
Grapes for Wine
Guava
Horseradish
Kiwi
Kohlrabi*
Lemon
Lettuce*
Litchi
Mango
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mustard*
Nectarine
Olives
Onions*
Paprika*
Parsley*
Peaches
Pears
Peas (in pod)*
Pecan
Peanuts*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Persimmon
Pineapple
Plums (Euro Longated)
Plums (Japanese Round)
Pomegranate
Pomelo
Popcorn*
Potatoes
Pumpkin*
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Sabra
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sunflower Seeds*
Sweet Potatoes*
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

On 3 Tishrei:
Basil
Mint

------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefuchim begins anymore.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chickpeas
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mustard
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Peanuts
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Popcorn
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Sunflower Seeds
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 15 Tishrei 5769:
Butternut Squash

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

Google Translate Now Speaks Hebrew

2008-09-28T04:55:00.001-04:00

Google can now translate Hebrew word into English words, paragraphs, or full web pages. And the reverse. Here is how this page looks in Hebrew.

Viral Video: Who Shall Live

2008-09-25T04:35:00.002-04:00

This was forwarded to me from three people already.

I have a few serious issues* with it. But aside from those it's great.

*1. Who are they to claim Naftoli Smolyansky, z"l, died before his time? Are they implying he was being punished by dying young for being a bad person and more importantly how will his family feel when they see this?

2. Using the images of the Merkaz Harav attack is in very poor taste and seems to imply they deserved it.

3. Is AIDS, a completely preventable STD, really a "plague?"

4. The Gush Katif expelled still wander, and it's their fault?

5. If these are all evil decrees, and repentance, prayer, and charity remove the decree... either that is false or we really blew it last year! Or is that the point they are trying to make?

Crossposted on Kumah.

Israel, At Last, Gets On the (Google) Map

2008-09-05T05:38:00.000-04:00

Now you can make Aliyah, because google has mapped out Israel.

One small point, the street names are only listed in Hebrew, and can only be searched in Hebrew.

No word on whether or not English maps are on the way, though knowing google I'm sure they are.

Hat Tip: BigToe

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Elul 5768

2008-08-31T06:41:00.001-04:00

The month of Elul begins tonight (Sunday night)! (Today is also Rosh Chodesh.)

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Elul:
Almonds
Grapefruit
Pomelo

On 13 Elul:
Guava
Olives

On 15 Elul:
Kiwi
Peanuts*
Persimmon

On 20 Elul:
Carob

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley*
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash*
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Chickpeas*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dates
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Figs
Garlic*
Grapes
Grapes for Wine
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lemon
Lettuce*
Litchi
Mango
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Mustard*
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika*
Parsley*
Peaches
Pears
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Plums (Euro Longated)
Plums (Japanese Round)
Popcorn*
Potatoes
Pumpkin*
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Sabra
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sunflower Seeds*
Sweet Potatoes*
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

On 15 Elul:
Peanuts

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chickpeas
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mustard
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Popcorn
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Sunflower Seeds
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

There are no items that require Biur this month.

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

On 1 Av 5768:
Mustard

Rebranding Israel: FM Just Doesn’t Get It - Still!

2008-08-26T14:09:00.001-04:00

Crossposted on Kumah.

This is not the first time Kumah has written about this.

Last week I attended the Nefesh B’Nefesh First International Jewish Bloggers Convention along with the rest of the Jblog world. One segment of the program featured Zavi Apfelbaum, the Director of Brand Management of the Foreign Ministry. At the time I did not know that she represented the State of Israel. (I didn't read the program, okay?)

(Click the video for a transcript we posted on YouTube.)

Which is why when blogger Moshe Burt (“Israel and the Sin of Expulsion”) began screaming at the top of his lungs “this is a Jewish State!,” though I agreed with him, I thought he was taking the wrong approach. But now that I realize exactly what was going on I think he was exactly right and that might be the only way to keep making the point, as Burt wrote, “until it sinks irrevocably into their consciousness.”

Let’s start at the beginning. The Foreign Ministry spent millions of shekel of taxpayer money to figure out that, guess what, the world thinks Israel is a bunch of thugs and a very cold (not weather-wise), dull, place to live or visit. Well obviously the world has branded us waaay wrong! Apfelbaum, again blaming the victim, claimed it was not the world that did it but we did it to ourselves. Perhaps I’ll grant that as a half-truth but that’s for another discussion.

So once again the Foreign Ministry plans to ~~spend~~ waste millions of shekel “rebranding” Israel.

Akiva, summarized it like this:

The future brand and marketing image of Israel:
1. Tel Aviv Fashion Brands
2. Tel Aviv Modern Dance Troupes
3. Tel Aviv Beach Life
4. Israeli High Technology Developments
5. Tel Aviv Night Life
6. Israeli High Technology Medical Developments
7. Israeli Wine

With the exception of 4 and 6, basically they are trying to brand Israel as Italy, France or Spain.

When will they learn? Israel is a Jewish Country!

Here’s what I wrote a year ago:

Once Israel becomes "a nation like any other" we are thrust onto a world scale we have no right being on. On that scale, Israel appears to be a pretty crummy nation with nothing special at all. Hence the post-Zionists. But if we stay on the scale we are supposed to stay on, the "light-to-the-nations" scale we are untouchable! When we promote G-d, no nation anywhere can come close in terms of history, culture, food, family life, beauty, and spirituality. Indeed we have something no other nation has.

To summarize, Israel already has an excellent – but discarded - brand. The powers-that-be in the government just don’t like it very much. But this brand has been around for over 3,300 years! Let me explain it in simple terms:

New York is to “The Big Apple” as Israel is to “The Holy Land.”

Gee, whiz. Brilliant! Why didn’t anyone ever think of that before? It’s a brand we have and it’s a brand we should use. It’s a brand that will stick because it already sticks, much to the dismay of the government. Basically the country is spending millions because we don’t want people to think of us as holy! Stop pretending to be the Europeans we are not, because the world is not dumb enough the fall for it. Start being yourself, Israel, and good things will happen. In the 60 years since she was founded Israel never got to be herself - not for one day.

And Moshe Burt is right. In terms of Holy we are talking Judaism. No Muslims are going to view Israel more favorable if we tell them Israel is important to them. And the Christians already know the real deal and love the Jewish people for it. Just talk to any Christians you meet. They know the Holy Land is G-d’s gift to the Jews and they are cool with that. Very cool with it.

So here is a small part of Pinchas’s plan for “rebranding” (that’s "re" as in repeating something not as in changing something):

Shabbat

Kotel

Jewish Tradition

Jewish Children

Holy Things

The problem is the government is working backwards. Instead of displaying the beauty of Judaism and Shabbat for the world, the government does everything it can to destroy our image as a holy nation by doing things like attempting to have buses run on Shabbat. Sometimes the only way to get the message across truly is to yell it, and to yell it again, again, and again!

Video Blog: Witness NeoZionism - 43 New Members of Israel and the IDF

2008-08-13T09:30:00.001-04:00

At Kumah we call it NeoZionism. It's that spirit of giving it all to rebuild our Homeland. Witness it yourself in this video. 43 young adults (age 20, plus or minus - usually minus - 3 years) gave up the "good life" in America to join the IDF. The ingathering of the exiles is well in progress as our Nation is infused with this new energy, this new passion, for returning home and contributing to the growth of the Jewish Nation.

Cross-posted on Kumah.

Video Blog From The Kotel on Tisha B'Av 5768

2008-08-09T19:38:00.000-04:00

(This is the early edition unedited version.)

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Av 5768

2008-08-03T07:03:00.000-04:00

The month of Av began yesterday, on Shabbat!

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Av:
Popcorn

On 15 Av:
Plums (Euro Longated)
Sunflower Seeds

On 20 Av:
Dates

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley*
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash*
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Chickpeas*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Figs
Garlic*
Grapes
Grapes for Wine
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lemon
Lettuce*
Litchi
Mango
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Mustard*
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika
Parsley*
Peaches
Pears
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Plums (Japanese Round)
Potatoes
Pumpkin*
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Sabra
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sweet Potatoes*
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

On 1 Av:
Popcorn

On 3 Av:
Paprika

On 15 Av:
Sunflower Seeds

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chickpeas
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mustard
Onions
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 1 Av:
Mustard

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

On 1 Tamuz 5768:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz 5768:
Apricots

Video: Kohanim Get Fitted

2008-07-07T13:06:00.003-04:00

Arutz-7 Reports:

Or launch it in an external player.

Two Dreams With the Chofetz Chaim

2008-07-06T16:12:00.004-04:00

I have just become aware of two very interesting dreams. I have not attempted to confirm either one. But I intend to ask friends from YCC what they make of these.

The first dream was making the rounds in email and was posted in a few places including on Mystical Paths:

The famed Rabbi Shachne Zohn, shlita, had an amazing dream about three weeks ago. Rav Shachne Zohn has been the Rosh Kollel of Kollel Kodshim v'Taharos in Yerushalayim for nearly 40 years. Before that, he served as a Rav at Yeshivah Torah Vodaas in Brooklyn. In his youth, he studied at Yeshivos Mir and Kamenitz in Europe. He also studied briefly with the Chafetz Chaim, who had a great impact on him.

About three weeks ago, the Chafetz Chaim appeared to Rav Zohn in a dream. The Chafetz Chaim said to him, "Geula krova lavo. L'farsem, ulehitkonen." (Translation: The "redemption is close. Publicize and prepare yourself.") [The author of this writes...] I have confirmed this story with Rabbi Zohn's daughter in Jerusalem, and his son, Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, Director of Vaad Harabanim of Queens, Chevra Kadisha.

The second story was related to me in the name of a friend of mine from Chofetz Chaim. So it seems to be making the rounds there. I will confirm this and add and update if there is anything new to report. Here's the quote:

Rav Sheinberg dreamed the Chofetz Chaim came to him to tell him that the Rosh Yeshiva of Choftetz Chaim was with him now in Gan Eden. When he woke up, Rav Sheinberg apparently asked why no one had told him Rav Henoch was niftar.

UPDATE: My sources confirm the story with Rav Zohn as true but the story with Rav Sheinberg as at least partly false and partly unconfirmed.

Of course Rav Sheinberg was told of Rav Henach's petira. So that he didn't know about that is false.

The version going around Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim is that the quote from the Chofetz Chaim was actually "Henach is here, Henach is here."

In any event it has not been confirmed by any of my sources that Rav Sheinberg actually had this dream. Still, the rumor started somewhere.

UPDATE2: Here is a audio recording of Rav Zohn's quote:

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Tamuz 5768

2008-07-03T11:05:00.001-04:00

The month of Tamuz begins Thursday night! (Today is also Rosh Chodesh.)

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Tamuz:
Grapes for Wine
Sabra

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley*
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash*
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Chickpeas*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Figs
Garlic*
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lemon
Lettuce*
Litchi
Mango
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Mustard*
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika
Parsley*
Peaches
Pears
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Plums (Japanese Round)
Potatoes
Pumpkin*
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sweet Potatoes*
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

On 1 Tamuz:
Horseradish

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chickpeas
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mustard
Onions
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 1 Tamuz:
Artichoke

On 19 Tamuz:
Apricots

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar 5768:

Broccoli

On 1 Sivan 5768:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

Update2: 3 Years Later, 2000 Year Old Palm Tree Seed STILL Growing In Jerusalem

2008-06-13T09:25:00.003-04:00

We may get fruit in as soon at 2 more years!

Resurrection of a biblical tree
By Amy Maxmen
June 12th, 2008

Date palm pit found at Masada germinates at 2,000 years old

DATED PALM
Archaeobotanist Mordechai Kislev holds ancient date palm seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from Masada (left). The 7.5-month-old sapling (right) grew from one of those seeds. Some early leaves had white patches, perhaps resulting from a lack of chlorophyll. Guy Eisner / Courtesy of Science Magazine

The palm some ancients called the “Tree of Life” has been revived from a 2,000-year sleep, genes and all. In what is now the germination of the oldest known seed, a date pit plucked from ancient rubble at Masada has sprouted, scientists report. The sapling’s genetic fingerprint suggests it is none other than the Judean date palm, a variety referred to in the Bible and long thought extinct.

Like the iceman found in the Alps, this Judean date palm opens a window into the past, comments Paul Gepts, a plant geneticist at the University of California, Davis. “A small window, but a window nonetheless.”

Excavations in the ’60s uncovered five date pits in the Dead Sea region of Israel at Masada — a mesa-top Herodian fortress and, in the first century A.D., the last stronghold of Jews who, as the story goes, chose to fall upon their own swords rather than be slaughtered by the Roman forces surrounding them. For decades the seeds sat on a shelf in the office of Mordechai Kislev, an archaeobotanist at Bar-Ilan University in Israel.

In 2005, Kislev gave the seeds to botanists who soaked them in hot water and nutrients and planted three in enriched soil. Three months later, the dirt cracked and a single shoot appeared. The researchers nicknamed the tiny sapling “Methuselah” after the oldest person whose age is mentioned in the Old Testament.

The scientists, reporting in the June 12 Science, confirmed the sapling’s age with calibrated radiocarbon dating — a method widely used to date organic remains. Two of the original seeds and seed fragments clinging to the root of the sapling gave calendar dates ranging between 206 B.C. and A.D. 392.

Either way, “it’s in the ballpark of 2,000 years old, which is amazing,” comments Bruce Smith, an archaeobotanist at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Botanists want to know what a fully grown 2,000-year-old date palm looks like. According to the Bible, Mesopotamian wall paintings and relics from Egyptian tombs, Judean date palms once flourished in the Middle East. But by the time of the crusades, the trees had disappeared, Kislev says. Date trees currently grown on Israeli farms derive from trees originally imported from elsewhere in the Middle East and from California.

Genetic fingerprints from the sapling resemble today’s edible Iraqi (Barhee) and Egyptian (Hayani) varieties more than Moroccan (Medjool) varieties. Still, the gap between the cultivars is wide. Genetic tests including more living date palms and more genes will allow for better resolution of relationships in the future, Kislev says.

Extracting DNA fragments from eroded materials like fossilized grains or T. rex tissue is extremely difficult. In comparison, this living representative of an ancient tree will provide plant geneticists with easy-to-obtain DNA, ripe for testing a number of hypotheses about plant evolution, Smith says.

In a few years, Methuselah may come of age. Only mature female date palms bear fruit. And if the sweet purple dates do blossom, botanists might be able to reintroduce the Judean date palm to the world. It could provide farmers with an edible date palm better suited for harsh, dry climates.

To others, the resurrection of a date pit buried at Masada symbolizes hope, strength and life, Kislev says. “I hope it will be a sweet female,” he says. “Even if it is not so sweet though, I think many people would like to have part of this fruit, or something from this very nice lady.”

FLASHBACK: Update: 2000 Year Old Palm Tree Seed Growing In Jerusalem

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Sivan 5768

2008-06-01T07:25:00.001-04:00

The month of Sivan begins Tuesday night!

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Sivan:

Chickpeas*

On 10 Sivan:

Litchi
Mango
Mustard*

On 24 Sivan:

Pears

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Barley*
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash*
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Figs
Garlic*
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lemon
Lettuce*
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika
Parsley*
Peaches
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Plums (Japanese Round)
Potatoes
Pumpkin*
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sweet Potatoes*
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

On 1 Sivan:

Chickpeas
Sweet Potatoes

On 10 Sivan:

Mustard
Pumpkin

On 15 Sivan:

Butternut Squash

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Barley
Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Onions
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 1 Sivan:

Medlar (Shesak)
Peas in Pod

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

On 15 Iyar:

Broccoli

Live Arutz-7 Feed from Meron!

2008-05-22T14:43:00.002-04:00

Click here to watch!

Or read about it here (hebrew).

Plus here are photos from two years ago when I was there.

Welcome to The Happiest Place On Earth!

2008-05-20T07:05:00.001-04:00

Originally posted this on Kumah.

Guess what? Israel is the happiest place in the world! So concludes noted Asia Times Online columnist Spengler after compiling the number of suicides in counties against their fertility rates, arguing that those choosing to create life and avoid death must be happy. And not only does Israel score higher than everyone else, she scores leaps and bounds higher, simply blowing away the competition.

It this fantastic article Spengler explains why this is so. And in a nutshell it's about Jews keeping the Torah together as a nation. He explains how we declare in the Aleinu prayer "G-d did not make us like the nations of other lands, and did not make us the same as other families of the Earth. G-d did not place us in the same situations as others, and our destiny is not the same as anyone else's."

On her 60th birthday Israel remains a nation UNLIKE any other. And that is precisely the secret of her happiness.

The articles is below and I have bolded important portions.

Hat Tip: DQ
----

Why Israel is the world's happiest country
By Spengler

Envy surrounds no country on Earth like the state of Israel, and with good reason: by objective measures, Israel is the happiest nation on Earth at the 60th anniversary of its founding. It is one of the wealthiest, freest and best-educated; and it enjoys a higher life expectancy than Germany or the Netherlands. But most remarkable is that Israelis appear to love life and hate death more than any other nation. If history is made not by rational design but by the demands of the human heart, as I argued last week , the light heart of the Israelis in face of continuous danger is a singularity worthy of a closer look.

Can it be a coincidence that this most ancient of nations [1], and the only nation persuaded that it was summoned into history for God's service, consists of individuals who appear to love life more than any other people? As a simple index of life-preference, I plot the fertility rate versus the suicide rate of 35 industrial countries, that is, the proportion of people who choose to create new life against the proportion who choose to destroy their own. Israel stands alone, positioned in the upper-left-hand-quadrant, or life-loving, portion of the chart [2]. Those who believe in Israel's divine election might see a special grace reflected in its love of life.

In a world given over to morbidity, the state of Israel still teaches the world love of life, not in the trivial sense of joie de vivre, but rather as a solemn celebration of life. In another location, I argued, "It's easy for the Jews to talk about delighting in life. They are quite sure that they are eternal, while other peoples tremble at the prospect impending extinction. It is not their individual lives that the Jews find so pleasant, but rather the notion of a covenantal life that proceeds uninterrupted through the generations." Still, it is remarkable to observe by what wide a margin the Israelis win the global happiness sweepstakes.

Nations go extinct, I have argued in the past, because the individuals who comprise these nations choose collectively to die out. Once freedom replaces the fixed habits of traditional society, people who do not like their own lives do not trouble to have children. Not the sword of conquerors, but the indigestible sourdough of everyday life threatens the life of the nations, now dying out at a rate without precedent in recorded history.

Israel is surrounded by neighbors willing to kill themselves in order to destroy it. "As much as you love life, we love death," Muslim clerics teach; the same formula is found in a Palestinian textbook for second graders. Apart from the fact that the Arabs are among the least free, least educated, and (apart from the oil states) poorest peoples in the world, they also are the unhappiest, even in their wealthiest kingdoms.

The contrast of Israeli happiness and Arab despondency is what makes peace an elusive goal in the region. It cannot be attributed to material conditions of life. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia ranks 171st on an international quality of life index, below Rwanda. Israel is tied with Singapore on this index, although it should be observed that Israel ranks a runaway first on my life-preference index, whereas Singapore comes in dead last.

Even less can we blame unhappiness on experience, for no nation has suffered more than the Jews in living memory, nor has a better excuse to be miserable. Arabs did not invent suicide attacks, but they have produced a population pool willing to die in order to inflict damage greater than any in history. One cannot help but conclude that Muslim clerics do not exaggerate when they express contempt for life.

Israel's love of life, moreover, is more than an ethnic characteristic. Those who know Jewish life through the eccentric lens of Jewish-American novelists such as Saul Bellow and Philip Roth, or the films of Woody Allen, imagine the Jews to be an angst-ridden race of neurotics. Secular Jews in America are no more fertile than their Gentile peers, and by all indications quite as miserable.

For one thing, Israelis are far more religious than American Jews. Two-thirds of Israelis believe in God, although only a quarter observe their religion strictly. Even Israelis averse to religion evince a different kind of secularism than we find in the secular West. They speak the language of the Bible and undergo 12 years of Bible studies in state elementary and secondary schools.

Faith in God's enduring love for a people that believes it was summoned for his purposes out of a slave rabble must be part of the explanation. The most religious Israelis make the most babies. Ultra-Orthodox families produce nine children on average. That should be no surprise, for people of faith are more fertile than secular people, as I showed in a statistical comparison across countries.

Traditional and modern societies have radically different population profiles, for traditional women have little choice but to spend their lives pregnant in traditional society. In the modern world, where fertility reflects choice rather than compulsion, the choice to raise children expresses love of life. The high birthrate in Arab countries still bound by tradition does not stand comparison to Israeli fertility, by far the highest in the modern world.

The faith of Israelis is unique. Jews sailed to Palestine as an act of faith, to build a state against enormous odds and in the face of hostile encirclement, joking, "You don't have to be crazy to be a Zionist, but it helps." In 1903 Theodor Herzl, the Zionist movement's secular founder, secured British support for a Jewish state in Uganda, but his movement shouted him down, for nothing short of the return to Zion of Biblical prophecy would requite it. In place of a modern language the Jewish settlers revived Hebrew, a liturgical language only since the 4th century BC, in a feat of linguistic volition without precedent. It may be that faith burns brighter in Israel because Israel was founded by a leap of faith.

Two old Jewish jokes illustrate the Israeli frame of mind.

Two elderly Jewish ladies are sitting on a park bench in St Petersburg, Florida. "Mrs Levy," asks the first, "what do you hear from your son Isaac in Detroit?" "It's just awful," Mrs Levy replies. "His wife died a year ago and left him with two little girls. Now he's lost his job as an accountant with an auto-parts company, and his health insurance will lapse in a few weeks. With the real estate market the way it is, he can't even sell his house. And the baby has come down with leukemia and needs expensive treatment. He's beside himself, and doesn't know what to do. But does he write a beautiful Hebrew letter - it's a pleasure to read."

There are layers to this joke, but the relevant one here is that bad news is softened if written in the language of the Bible, which to Jews always conveys hope.

The second joke involves the American businessman who emigrated to Israel shortly after its founding. On his arrival, he orders a telephone, and waits for weeks without a response. At length he applies in person to the telephone company, and is shown into the office of an official who explains that there is a two-year waiting list, and no way to jump the queue. "Do you mean there is no hope?," the American asks. "It is forbidden for a Jew to say there is no hope!," thunders the official. "No chance, maybe." Hope transcends probability.

If faith makes the Israelis happy, then why are the Arabs, whose observance of Islam seems so much stricter, so miserable? Islam offers its adherents not love - for Allah does not reveal Himself in love after the fashion of YHWH - but rather success. "The Islamic world cannot endure without confidence in victory, that to 'come to prayer' is the same thing as to 'come to success'. Humiliation - the perception that the ummah cannot reward those who submit to it - is beyond its capacity to endure," I argued in another location. Islam, or "submission", does not understand faith - trust in a loving God even when His actions appear incomprehensible - in the manner of Jews and Christians. Because the whim of Allah controls every event from the orbit of each electron to the outcome of battles, Muslims know only success or failure at each moment in time.

The military, economic and cultural failures of Islamic societies are intolerable in Muslim eyes; Jewish success is an abomination, for in the view of Muslims it is the due of the faithful, to be coveted and seized from the usurpers at the first opportunity. It is not to much of a stretch to assert that Israel's love of live, its happiness in faith, is precisely the characteristic that makes a regional peace impossible to achieve. The usurpation of the happiness that Muslims believe is due to them is sufficient cause to kill one's self in order to take happiness away from the Jewish enemy. If Israel's opponents fail to ruin Israel's happiness, there is at least a spark of hope that they may decide to choose happiness for themselves.

Why are none of the Christian nations as happy as Israel? Few of the European nations can be termed "Christian" at all. Poland, the last European country with a high rate of attendance at Mass (at about 45%), nonetheless shows a fertility rate of only 1.27, one of Europe's lowest, and a suicide rate of 16 per 100,000. Europe's faith always wavered between adherence to Christianity as a universal religion and ethnic idolatry under a Christian veneer. European nationalism nudged Christianity to the margin during the 19th century, and the disastrous world wars of the past century left Europeans with confidence neither in Christianity nor in their own nationhood.

Only in pockets of the American population does one find birth rates comparable to Israel's, for example among evangelical Christians. There is no direct way to compare the happiness of American Christians and Israelis, but the tumultuous and Protean character of American religion is not as congenial to personal satisfaction. My suspicion is that Israel's happiness is entirely unique.

It is fashionable these days to speculate about the end of Israel, and Israel's strategic position presents scant cause for optimism, as I contended recently. Israel's future depends on the Israelis. During 2,000 years of exile, Jews remained Jews despite forceful and often violent efforts to make them into Christians or Muslims. One has to suppose that they did not abandon Judaism because they liked being Jewish. With utmost sincerity, the Jews prayed thrice daily, "It is our duty to praise the Master of all, to acclaim the greatness of the One who forms all creation, for God did not make us like the nations of other lands, and did not make us the same as other families of the Earth. God did not place us in the same situations as others, and our destiny is not the same as anyone else's."

If the Israelis are the happiest country on Earth, as the numbers indicate, it seems possible that they will do what is required to keep their country, despite the odds against them. I do not know whether they will succeed. If Israel fails, however, the rest of the world will lose a unique gauge of the human capacity for happiness as well as faith. I cannot conceive of a sadder event.

Notes

[1] There are many ancient nations, eg, the Basques, but no other that speaks the same language as it did more than 3,000 years ago, occupies more or less the same territory, and, most important, maintains a continuous literary record of its history, which is to say an interrupted national consciousness.

[2] The countries shown in the chart are:

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Iyar 5768

2008-05-05T11:15:00.001-04:00

The month of Iyar begins tonight (Tuesday)! (Today, Monday is also Rosh Chodesh.)

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Iyar:

Barley*
Lemon
Plums (Japanese Round)

On 18 Iyar:

Apples

On 20 Iyar:

Figs

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Garlic*
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lettuce*
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika
Parsley*
Peaches
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

On 1 Iyar:

Barley

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Onions
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 15 Iyar:

Broccoli

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

No Pictures This Year

2008-05-01T17:06:00.001-04:00

So I just returned Home last night. I didn’t fly El Al (that’s for another blog post) but I flew Israir – another airline of Israel. And so toward the end of the flight, last night, the pilot came on and announced that Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) was just starting and he would now shut off the entertainment system (the movies, video games, and much of the audio selection.) There was a large group of Christians on the flight (that’s for that other blog post too.) It struck me that all those Christians were eating Kosher meals (special glatt kosher meals, by the way, again another post someday) and observing Yom HaShoah, because guess what? They were flying on our airline. Not to compare anything to Yom HaShoah, but when a Jew has to wait extra long for a bus in New York City on December 25th is it because that Jew is in their country?

And when the siren sounded at 10 O’clock this morning I found myself standing in exactly the same spot I stood one year ago, a busy Jerusalem street. Last year I took pictures (Arutz-7 wanted some for a photo essay, and it is important to share with those that are not here,) but I felt just awful snapping photos then. But this year, would be different.

I also wondered what those Christians tourists felt when they saw everything stand still as motorists stood outside their cars. And what about those Birthrighters I saw in the airport coming to Israel for the first time. (That’s also for that other post.) On the very first day they arrive the siren is the very first thing they experience? What would it remind them?

It no doubt reminded all of them this morning as it reminded me, of way too many terrible, sad and haunting thoughts. But it also reminded me of one powerfully inspiring thought. Indeed, this is our country, our Home!

Photos: Levaya of Rav Henoch Lebowitz, ZT"L

2008-04-16T23:40:00.007-04:00

Two interesting points Rabbi Ginsburg mentioned. First, though the Rosh HaYeshiva owned Karkah on Har Zasim since 1965 he decided to be buried next to his parents here in Queens because he felt it was necessary to maintain a strong kesher with his talmidim. And the second related point, the Yeshiva paskened that “all talmidim for whom the Rosh HaYeshiva was their Rebbe Muvhak should tear Kriah.” It was announced that at least 200 talmidim present tore kriah...

Live Video Feed: Levaya of Rav Henoch Lebowitz, ZT"L

2008-04-16T09:23:00.006-04:00

Boruch Dayan Emmes!

The Levaya is scheduled to take place at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim at 1:30PM on Wednesday 76-01 147th Street (Kew Gardens Hills). The Kevura will be at Mount Judah Cemetery on the Jackie Robinson Parkway.

Or click here!

OR Audio Phone Feed: Dial-in #: (712) 432-1001 Access code: 431238585# (Courtesy of www.duvys.com)

Pictures to follow...

Videos: Pesach, Our Past and Our Future

2008-04-09T05:06:00.008-04:00

First see this following AWESOME video - reenacting Pesach, which was posted on tsofar.com. It's really worth a watch!

Note: In IE you may have to hit play again after the intro plays.
Or launch it in an external player.
Hat Tip: E.H.

Next, watch this video of the Temple Institute who recreated the way a korban pesach was actually done. It's important to view because it's obvious in the not so distance future, G-d willing, every Jew will have to partake in a Korban Pesach in the third Bies Hamikdash! (Warning: It IS very graphic!)

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Nisan 5768

2008-04-03T07:58:00.001-04:00

The month of Nisan begins this Sunday!

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Nisan:

Apricots

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Garlic*
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lettuce*
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika
Parsley*
Peaches
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Scallion
Spinach*
Strawberries*
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

There are no items that Sefichaim Begin this month.

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Onions
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Radish
Radish-Small
Spinach
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

There are no items that require biur this month.

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:
Fennel

On 14 Adar Bet 5768:
Sweet Potatoes

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Adar Bet 5768

2008-03-05T09:09:00.001-05:00

The month of Adar Bet begins this Shabbat! (Friday is also Rosh Chodesh!)

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 15 Adar Bet:

Grapes

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect (with *ed items already in Sefichim):

Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Basil
Beets*
Broccoli*
Butternut Squash
Cabbage*
Cabbage (Red)*
Carrots*
Cauliflower*
Celery*
Coriander*
Corn (Fresh)*
Cucumbers*
Dill*
Eggplant*
Etrog
Fennel*
Garlic*
Horseradish
Kohlrabi*
Lettuce*
Medlar (Shesek)
Melon*
Mint
Nectarine
Onions*
Paprika
Parsley*
Peaches
Peas (in pod)*
Pepper (Jalapeno)*
Peppers*
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish*
Radish-Small*
Scallion
Spinach
Strawberries*
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes*
Turnip*
Watermelon*
Zucchini (Squash)*

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

Sefichaim Begin this month for the following:

On 1 Adar Bet:

Garlic

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Onions
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Radish
Radish-Small
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 14 Adar Bet:

Sweet Potatoes

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:

Fennel

Second Snow, Yawn, in Jerusalem (Video & Photos)

2008-02-19T08:09:00.001-05:00

A second heavy snowfall hit Yerushalayim today. Unlike last month's this one did not shutdown the city at all. Below is what it looked like...

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Adar Aleph 5768

2008-02-05T09:28:00.001-05:00

The month of Adar Aleph begins this Thursday! (Wednesday is also Rosh Chodesh!)

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

On 1 Adar Aleph:

Garlic
Nectarine
Peaches

On 7 Adar Aleph:

Medlar (Shesek)

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect:

Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Basil
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Etrog
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mint
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas (in pod)
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Scallion
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

Sefichaim Begin this month for the following:

On 1 Adar Aleph:

Strawberries

On 7 Adar Aleph:

Onions

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Fennel
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Radish
Radish-Small
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

There are no items that require Biur this month.

Note: The following items already required Biur:

On 1 Shevat 5768:

Fennel

Final Thoughts And Photos on the Winter Storm of 5768

2008-02-02T17:09:00.000-05:00

As the last few stubborn patches of snow melt away I wanted to share a few more pictures I took and a wonderful thought.

These were taken on Thursday morning which was relatively warm and sunny.

Dogs, kids, just about everyone was playing in the snow.

And the roads slowly turned back to normal.

But I wanted to share something that no one seems to point out.

It’s a truly amazing thing when you see it with your own eyes.

If these pictures don’t prove how rain (and snow) on Eretz Yisrael are a direct gift from our father-in-heaven.

And a most beautiful gift indeed.

Isn’t it?

But just look at this radar capture taken in the midst of the storm. The rain and snow falls literally only within the biblical borders of Eretz Yisrael – and just stops – just like that – as soon as the clouds pass over the border...

Photos: Snow in Jerusalem

2008-01-30T07:51:00.000-05:00

I took the photos below on my way to work today in Jerusalem. Enjoy!

Video: Snow in Jerusalem

2008-01-30T05:38:00.000-05:00

An uncommon heavy snowfall hit Jerusalem today turning bustling streets and busy shopping centers into ghost towns. This video was taken on Jerusalem’s usually very busy Kanfei Nesharim Street which is also in one of the higher altitude areas of the city.

Photos Bez"H are on the way!

Kumah's Tu B'Shevat Seder

2008-01-20T16:47:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know what tomorrow is?

If you are living in the United States of America you will probably answer “Of course - it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”

No, silly! Tomorrow night is Tu B’Shvat!

(Those of you in Israel would say “Of course – It’s Tu B’Shvat tomorrow night!” And would say – “Really? MLK day? I had no idea!”)

Tu B’Shvat – yet another reason to make Aliyah. Here this “forgotten holiday” is actually widely celebrated. The sad truth is (even though, or perhaps because, I grew up in Yeshivish surroundings) I never even heard of a Tu B’shvat seder until I actually made Aliyah. Here everybody makes them.

Last year Kumah’s own Malkah put together an absolutely stunning Tu B’shvat Haggadah! (Special thanks the Yechiel for helping us dig it up.)

DOWNLOAD IT IN PDF FORMAT BY CLICKING HERE!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Shevat 5768

2008-01-10T10:12:00.001-05:00

The month of Shevat began this past Tuesday!

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it starts this month.

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect:

Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocado
Banana
Basil
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Etrog
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mint
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas (in pod)
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Scallion
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

Sefichaim Begin this month for the following:

On 1 Shevat:

Celery
Eggplant

On 10 Shevat:

Fennel

On 15 Shevat:

Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers

On 25 Shevat:

Watermelon

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Beets
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Radish
Radish-Small
Tomatoes
Turnip
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

On 1 Shevat:

Fennel

Mr. President, Somewhere the Sun is Shining

2008-01-10T07:44:00.001-05:00

(AP)

Mr. Bush learned an important lesson this morning. A basic fundamental in Judaism is that while man indeed has free will to choose good or evil, everything down to the smallest detail is controlled by God. These are not contradictory.

So the President "made a request to watch the sun rise over the Old City from his suite at the King David Hotel." What a plan! Israel officials had even better plans. "To make the scene more dramatic, the authorities [planned] to turn off the lights illuminating the limestone walls before dawn." Brilliant! (Haaretz even wrote about what the president would be thinking at that time and called Mr. Bush a courageous man and even praised him for being a God fearing man. Imagine liberal Haaretz ever calling a staunch conservative courageous! Or ever praising anyone for being God fearing!)

So what did the President see when he looked out his $2,500 a night Presidential Suite at the King David Hotel at 5:30 in the morning? Brilliant rays of the sun peeking over the ancient walls? Golden halos sheening off the Dome of the Rock? Actually he probably didn't even see the artist neighborhood of Yamin Moshe just meters below right outside his hotel window. See, as the Yiddish expression goes, "Men tracht und Gott lacht." Man plans, and G-d laughs! Man proposes, God disposes.

As Mr. Bush pulled apart the posh hotel curtains he didn't see the sunrise scene that he and Israel authorities has planned. What he saw was probably nothing. A thick fog moved in overnight along with some heavy rain and even a bit of snow. By morning the fog was so heavy the President's entourage had to cancel plans for him to fly by helicopter to Ramallah and chose to drive instead.

Indeed President George W. Bush is a God-fearing man. And perhaps he, and all the leaders of the world should heed the advice of another God-fearing leader. The leader from whom the hotel Mr. Bush is staying by gets its name. King David wrote: "The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples." Psalms 33:10

(AP)

Words Can't Add Anything To These Photos!

2007-12-30T08:06:00.000-05:00

20 Photos From Thursday's NBN Winter 2007 Aliyah Flight

Yerushalayim, Sir, Yerushalayim!

2007-12-21T07:44:00.000-05:00

Dear Sir,

A few weeks ago I started receiving an unusual type of spam in my work email. I was subscribed (without my permission) to your excellent halacha mailing list. (It happens to be a wonderful idea and I wish you much success with this endeavor.) While I felt it was not proper derech eretz to subscribe someone to a list without their permission, even if it is for Torah, ("derech eretz kadmah laTorah" after all), especially using someone's work and not personal email address, it is still nice to learn a few halachos a day. Surely no one would object to Torah and this no doubt was exactly what the conceivers of this new Halacha list were thinking when they scoured the web looking for any email addresses they could find listed on the Internet of people working at frum organizations.

The email I received read:

Welcome to the Daily halacha e-mail!

Two short halacha's each day - Monday through Friday - plus Friday a special Halacha L'kovod Shabbos and candle lighting times for NYC.

The last part upset me. You listed candle-lighting times for "the heart and soul" of the Jewish people, New York City - but completely omitted Yerushalayim! So I wrote to you:

Please unsubscribe me.

I don't need to be part of a mailing list that forgets to list lighting time for Yerushalyaim Ir Hakodesh!

Kol Tuv,
Pinchas

And you promptly replied:

Hi Pinchas,
You have been unsubscribed.
We do not list lighting time for Yerushalayim because we only have some 50 subscribers from EY, but we have 2500 in the NY area. I hope you understand that.

Of course I understood - but there was even more that you didn't understand! Still I decided not to pursue the matter until today. When I was once again subscribed to this list but this time you used my Kumah mailing address (and presumably everyone else here at Kumah.)

Well, if you are going to start emailing Kumah we are going to explain to you, and all our visitors why omitting mention of Yerushalayim Ir Hakodesh is not a light matter. It demonstrates the golus-yid's (exile Jew's) total and complete detachment from his roots.

Now let us forget the obvious question of how you could claim you only have 50 subscribers from Eretz Yisrael, when you are subscribing people without permission and don't even know who we are or where we live. Let us set that aside. Let us pretend all 2550 subscribers were living in New York City, the center of the Jewish world, after all. I would still argue that Yerushalayim should be mentioned if another city is listed.

I quote Gil Troy, who wrote:

In synagogues throughout the world, when taking the Torah out of the Ark, Jews sing "kee mi tzion tezeh Torah, u davar Hashem me'Yerushalayim," the Torah will come forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. "Zion," the Biblical name for Jerusalem, is not just the three-thousand-year-old capital of the Jewish people, it is the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual center of Jewish gravity. Mentioned over six hundred times in the Bible, it was the city of David the heroic, who conquered it, and of Solomon the wise, who built the first of the two Temples there. During the many centuries of exile, Jerusalem symbolized both the glorious past of the Jewish people -and their hopes for the future. Much of Jewish prayer, in fact, entailed reflecting on what once was in Jerusalem as a way of conceptualizing what again might be there.

Sir, the Jew must always be focused on Yerushalayim. The clearest example of this we learn from celebrating Purim in Yerushalayim on the 15th of Adar. Our sages explained that because of the extra day needed in Shushan, that city would celebrate a day later then the rest of the world. But this presented a dilemma! How dare could the Jewish people honor the Persian city, the New York City of the day, above Yerushalayim? What an embarrassment to Yerushalayim it would be - even if only 50 Jews lived there at the time! A solution was devised (all cities that were walled in the time of Yehoshua Ben Nun would celebrate on the 15th and this would include Yerushalayim) just to avoid this embarrassment and to keep Yerushalayim central in the minds of the Jewish nation.

Today, more than ever, at a time when the nations of the world and some of our misguided Jewish brethren speak openly about plans to divide Yerushalayim, about plans to rip apart our true heart and soul, is it absolutely imperative that we ALWAYS keep Yerushalayim in mind and that we not forget about it while giving other cities precedence. For if we ourselves forget about Yerushalayim how could we have the audacity to complain to others about the injustice of dividing it?

So I repeat, and I speak for everybody at Kumah.org (and Neozionist.com). Please unsubscribe all the accounts you signed up from our organization so long as you continue to forget to list the candle-lighting time for Yerushalayim ahead of the candle-lighting time for New York City.

I will close with Mr. Troy's eloquent words:

"Im eshkachech Yerushalayim, tishkach yemeeni": If I forget, if I FORSAKE, you O Jerusalem, may my right hand lose its cunning, may my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth. If we abandon Jerusalem, we betray the essence of our being, that which makes us human, our hands and our mouths, our bodies and our souls.

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Tevet 5768

2007-12-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

The month of Tevet began this past Monday!

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

1 Tevet

Avocado

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect:

Artichoke
Asparagus
Banana
Basil
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Etrog
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mint
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas (in pod)
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Scallion
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

Sefichaim Begin this month for the following:

On 1 Tevet:

Tomatoes

On 5 Tevet:

Kohlrabi

On 10 Tevet:

Cabbage (Red)

On 15 Tevet:

Broccoli

On 20 Tevet:

Carrots

On 25 Tevet:

Cauliflower

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Beets
Cabbage
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Lettuce
Melon
Parsley
Peas in Pod
Radish
Radish-Small
Turnip
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

There are no items that will require biur this month.

Publicizing the Miracle At The Kotel

2007-12-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

A new, large and magnificent Menorah was placed at the Western Wall Plaza this year and festivities are being be held every night! This is what the third night looked like with Mayor Uri Lupolianski, mayor of Jerusalem, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Police Commissioner Aharon Franko.

Don't miss out!

Analysis: Left Is Running Out Of Time

2007-11-25T17:23:00.001-05:00

(Photo: AP)

Last week a very important, but easily overlooked story was reported in the Israeli media. Arutz Sheva reported it as well. I am pasting it below. I have written about this in the past. In a nutshell, the powers that be on the political and religious left realize they will not remain in power much longer as their population dwindles.

In March 2005 the Jewish Observer quoted a CBS Machon Yerushalyim study that found 50% of the Charadi population to be below the age of 8. The Dati Leumi population was likewise as young and growing just as fast. Simply put that means in 10-18 years, the voting power of these two demographics will double. Actually the hard number of legal voters in this population will double but the voting power may triple or even quadruple when you combine that fact with the statistic that shows non-religious couples were have a birth rate of only 1.2 per couple. A significant power shift in the next generation is obvious.

Fast-forward three and half years. What we see today is the geometric change is in fact occurring. This means not only will the change happen but the rate of the change will increase dramatically as each year passes. Today the latest statistics show just about half the population considers themselves traditional, a third religious, and only one in five call themselves secular - just half of what it was 35 years ago. It is no stretch by any means to say in another 35 years the secular population will consist of less that 10% of Israel, while the religious population will make up well over 50% of the country.

These statistics, nor their clear predictions, are a secret. And so this is why we are finding the left trying to inflict as much "damage" as they can while they can. For they know if their ideological goals are not realized now, today, they most likely will never be - ever!

The Arutz-7 article follows:

Israel Becoming Less Secular
15 Kislev 5768, 25 November 07 02:44
by Hillel Fendel

(IsraelNN.com) An Israel Democratic Institute (IDI) demographic survey finds religious growth and secular decline - but most significant is that the proportion of religious in the public is highest among the youth.

The percentage of Jews describing themselves as secular has dropped sharply over the past 30 years, while the religious and traditional proportions have risen. The annual survey finds that the secular public comprises only 20% of the Israeli population - compared to 41%, more than twice as much, in 1974.

Nearly half the population, 47%, describes itself as traditional, while the hareidi-religious and religious-Zionist together comprise 33% of the public.

The numbers were compiled based on a survey of representative sampling of 1,016 Israelis Jews.

Tradition Reigns
Over the past seven years, according to IDI statistics, the proportion of secular Jews has dropped sharply from 32% to 20% today. The "traditionalists" have traditionally had the lead in polls of this nature - except for one year in 1974, when they trailed the seculars, 41% to 38%.

Other findings show that the Sephardic population is much more traditional and religious than the Ashkenazic sector. Ashkenazic Jews are those originating from European (Christian) countries, whereas Sephardic Jews lived in the Iberian Peninsula (now Spain and Portugal), African and Middle Eastern (Moslem) countries. Only 7% of the Sephardim describe themselves as secular, compared to 36% of the Ashkenazim. At the same time, 56% of the Sephardim are religious or hareidi, compared to only 17% of the Ashkenazim.

39% of those under age 40 are religious - more than those in their 40's and 50's (32%), and much more than those aged 60 and over (20%).

It can be inferred from the numbers that Israel is a traditional society, and that it will become even more so as the years go by.

Country is Right-Wing; the Religious - Even More So
Politically, the religious are more right-wing, but so are the others. Among the religious, many more identify with the right than with the left, by a 71-8 margin; among the traditional, it's 49-21, and among the secular, it's 43-27. In total, 55% of the population view themselves as right-wing, and only 18% are to the left.

Like Straw!

2007-11-24T19:22:00.001-05:00

Because of the day you stood aloof, the day strangers plundered his wealth, foreigners entered his gates and they cast lots on Jerusalem - you were like one of them! (Obadiah 1:12)

This is what we read in this past week's Haftorah. You, nations of the world, should not "stand aloof," let alone encourage our enemies to "cast lots" upon Jerusalem.

Indeed the holy city of Jerusalem, herself, rumbles in outrage at such an evil notion. (Three earthquakes in one week!) Jerusalem is stronger than anyone. You can not defeat her. You my try...

But on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant, and it shall become holy; and the House of Jacob will inherit its inheritors. The house of Jacob will be a fire and the House of Joseph a flame - and the House of Esau like straw; they will kindle among them and consume them; and there will be no surviver of the House of Esau, for Hashem has spoken! (ibid. 1:17-18)

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Kislev 5768

2007-11-08T16:30:00.001-05:00

The month of Kislev begins this coming Sunday!

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

NOTE: Olive Oil that contains Kedushat Shevi'it can not be used to light the menorah on Chanukah. However this will not really be an issue until next Chanukah (and the Chanukah following that one) as there will be no Olive Oil on the market from the 7th year for almost another whole year.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

There are no new items that begin being treated as having Kedushat Shevi'it this month.

Additionally Kedushat Shevi'it for these items remains in effect:

Artichoke
Asparagus
Banana
Basil
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Corn (Fresh)
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Etrog
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mint
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas (in pod)
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pineapple
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Scallion
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.
------------------
Sefichim Begins

Sefichaim Begin this month for the following:

On 1 Kislev:

Coriander
Parsley

On 5 Kislev:

Cucumbers

On 20 Kislev:

Beets

On 25 Kislev:

Cabbage
Melon

Additionally Sefichim remain in effect for the following:

Corn (Fresh)
Dill
Lettuce
Peas in Pod
Radish
Radish-Small
Turnip
Zucchini (Squash)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.
------------------
Biur

There are no items that will require biur this month.

Guess What I Spotted On My Way Home?

2007-10-30T18:02:00.001-04:00

I guess it's not unusual to spot flashing lights and blaring music and other strange things on the street at the end of October. What about children running around with torches? Well last week on my way home from work this is what I spotted.

(Thank Ezra for teaching me to always carry around a camera.) It was a Hachnosas Sefer Torah and it's a very ordinary occurrence in Yerushalayim and all over Eretz Yisrael! Borach Hashem!

Live Feed From Kever Rochel

2007-10-22T17:52:00.001-04:00

Rachel, our Mother, died on the 11th of Heshvan 3,561 years ago.

Below is a live feed from Kever Rochel.

Stream provided by keverrochel.com. Please visit thier site!

What the Ingathering of the Exiles Will Look Like

2007-10-14T09:47:00.001-04:00

People ask me why I follow the happenings of the "Yated world." The truth is that this "Yated world," while claiming (and I believe the claims) to have a deep love for Eretz Yisrael they still don't "get it." But I'm convinced that one day - one day they will wake up and "get it" at last, and then another stream of the floodgates of Aliyah will stream forth. In the meantime they will write beautiful articles about how wonderful it is to visit Eretz Yisrael. Yes, one day they will "get it" - one day. Till then though they'll write things like this (bold mine):

"Watching Jews of all stripes streaming to the Kosel, parading down the ancient streets of the Old City of Yerushalayim with their lulavim held aloft, I couldn't help think that this is what the kibbutz goliyos will look like."

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Cheshvan 5768

2007-10-12T07:01:00.000-04:00

Hoshana Rabbah: More Water at the Kotel?

2007-10-02T18:22:00.001-04:00

Tonight, Hashana Rabbah, I visited the Kotel for Mishna Torah - where we read the entire sefer Devarim. Standing in one spot for so long I couldn't help notice something a little unusual.I was standing inside the section known as Wilson's Arch and every ten minutes or so a drop of water would fall from the ceiling. There was one poor guy sitting there that kept getting hit by these drops looking up and wondering where they came from. On my way out I saw another drop fall from another spot in the arch area closer to the exit. Don't get me wrong. It was just a few drops over a long time but considering we haven't had rain in six months it is strange.

Where could these drops be coming from?

Two years ago I remember reading in the Jerusalem Post a story complete with photos of water flowing out of the Kotel. Reb Lazar wrote about it and explain that it was no doubt water from the Gihon river (which gets a cameo appearance in the Torah reading this Shabbos) which lies directly beneath the Dome of the Rock. That wouldn't be too far from the Wilson's Arch area at all - and water would flow down toward there as water always flows down.

Reb Lazer explains:
As mentioned in the previous post on this subject, by Islamic tradition, if the Gihon spring begins to rise on the Temple Mount, it signifies the beginning of Jewish redemption; if Yisrael must rise, then Yishmael must fall. By our own tradition, the moisture at the Western Wall of the Holy Temple indicates the impending redemption of the people and land of Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple and the coming of Moshiach ben David, speedily and in our time, amen.

So How Many Seeds Does a Pomegranate Have?

2007-09-23T17:48:00.001-04:00

Okay. Sorry I missed posting it two weeks ago but this is too cool.

So it's like this. Everybody knows the age old question "how many seeds does a pomegranate have?" And every little Jewish kid at Rosh Hashanah knows the answer. Exactly 613 - parallel to the number of mitzvos of the Torah. Hmm.

But do they really have 613?

A Columbia University professor (likely for a statistics course) collected data by counting seeds from 206 pomegranates from all over the world. The least number of seeds one had was 165 (an Iranian one...hmm...) and the max number was 1370 (from one grown in the USA).

But the average number of seeds was remarkably exactly 613!

The entire study including all the data can be found here.

Hat Tip: existwhere?

Chareidi Community Funding Terrorists

2007-09-18T11:16:00.001-04:00

No this is not about the Neturai Karta but about the "mainstream" chareidi community.

It's like this. There are four options for observing Shmittah.

1. If possible use 6th year produce, use imported produce from non-Arab countries, or produce from the southern Aravah.

2. Otzar Bet Din

3. Heter Mechirah

4. Arab Produce

A sizeable portion of the chareidi community has decided to embrace (as in past years) the 4th option, even though options 1 and 2 are 100% halachiclly sound!

Option 4 is extremely harmful. Aside from putting Jewish farmers that are observing the Torah and Shmittah out of business they are providing revenue to mass murderers that will use the very money they make from this to build rockets to fire at Israel and to build bomb belts to use on Israeli buses - Heaven forbid! One has to ask how option 4 can be permitted hachically at all. It can't be. Public pressure must be applied to the kashrus organizations that use this method. Boycotts should be arranged. And the chareidi public must be informed about what is going on. I did see one Chareidi publication - Mishpacha - was promoting the option of Otzar Bet Din over the other methods and that is an excellent start. But more needs to be done.

Here is a link to a story posted on The Yeshiva World. At the time of this post no comments were posted there yet. It will be interesting to see the discussion that develops.

Reminder: In EY, Clocks Go Back One Hour Tonight!

2007-09-15T18:30:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to change your clocks tonight. This will allow to fast to end one hour earlier. So tomorrows Tzom ends 6:11pm in Yershalayim instead of 7:11pm. Woo hoo!

Israel will remain 6 hours ahead of New York till mid-November.

Shana Tova! - Remember to do a Pruzbol!

2007-09-12T05:21:00.001-04:00

As you all know by now (if you follow PoP) the Shmittah year is just about upon us. One of the laws of Shmittah is that loans are nullified. 2000 years ago Hillel saw that people stopped lending out money because they were afraid they would never get it back since the loans would be nullified. Hillel's solution to this problem was the Pruzbol. The Pruzbol is a legal document that gives the court, the beis din, the right to collect the money for you. There is a disagreement among the halachic authorities when this document must be completed. Most say by the end of the Shmittah year but some hold it must be completed today!

The picture above this post is one text published by the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel in Hebrew.

The RCC publishes a Pruzbol in English here.

Here's another one.

Chabad actually has an Online Pruzbol form that they say to use as a last resort.

Shana Tova!

Shmittah Calendar: Month of Tishrei 5768

2007-09-11T17:19:00.001-04:00

The following list is not fully comprehensive at all but includes some common everyday produce most people use. It is largely based on Rabbi Marcus's "Shmittah 5768: A Pratical Guide" (which we recommend you order for yourself here) and other sources. Please also note that there are many other shmittah calendars out there that may provide different dates that those posted here. These dates should therefore not be used "halacha lemisa" but for educational purposes only. You should however use this information to consult with your Rav as for the proper actions to take. For more information on what these dates mean see here.

Kedushat Shevi'it Starts

Many items should begin being treated as having Kedushat Shevi'it this month including:

On 1 Tishrei

Corn (Fresh)

On 3 Tishrei

Asparagus
Banana
Basil
Beets
Broccoli
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Cabbage (Red)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Coriander
Cucumbers
Dill
Eggplant
Etrog
Fennel
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Lettuce
Melon
Mint
Onions
Paprika
Parsley
Peas (in pod)
Pepper (Jalapeno)
Peppers
Pineapple
Pumpkin
Radish
Radish-Small
Scallion
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnip
Watermelon
Zucchini (Squash)

Kedushat Shevi'it Ends

There are no items that Kedushat Shevi'it ends this month.

Sefichim Begins

Sefichaim Begin this month for the following:

On 1 Tishrei

Corn (Fresh)

Sefichim Ends

There are no items that Sefichim ends this month.

Biur

There are no items that will require biur this month.

Additionally, please note:
The following items are items are imported and not affected by the laws of Shmittah:
Beans
Cashews
Cinnamon
Cranberries
Cumin
Ginger
Hyssop
Kidney Beans
Kimmel (Caraway Seeds)
Lentils
Oats
Peas (Dried)
Pepper (powder - both white and black)
Pistachio
Poppy Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Rice
Soya
Spelt
Sugar
Tarragon
Walnut

Also Sesame is Godulei Nochri in Israel and not affected by the laws of Shmittah.

Also most Wheat used in Israel is imported. However there is wheat which is grown locally and certain bakeries specifically use it. Organic wheat is likely grown in Israel. Read labels carefully and ask your baker and then ask your local Rav for a final posak.

Oh, and one more thing! Apples - since they are in the above picture for Tishrei - they don't get Kedushat Shevi'it till Iyar, but they keep it till the following Iyar so this Rosh Hashana you don't have to finish the whole apple you dip in honey...but next Rosh Hashana you might need to!

Fun with Shmittah!

2007-09-10T03:11:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for some Shmittah?

Well first let's get one thing straight once and for all. The word "problem" should never EVER be used when referring to one of Hashem's commandments and certainly not by anyone living in Eretz Yisrael regarding Shmittah. Shmittah is not a problem! It's a mitzvah! And what's more? It's a mitzvah only us Jews zoche (worthy) to be living in Eretz Yisrael this year can keep! Yes, by the use of exclamation points in this post you could tell I'm a bit "pumped" and excited about what begins in just a few short days! I just got back from an awesome shuir on Shmittah that cleared up a whole bunch of questions I had.

Do you realize you get a mitzvah for every bite you take out of something that has Kedushas Shvius? And you get a mitzvah when you treat that Holy produce the right way as well. You know what else? All those Jews sitting in Brooklyn, New York... no better... all those Jews sitting in Lakewood, New Jersey know less about Shmittah than your average four year old playing on the monkey bars in Ramat Beit Shemesh! Here is a whole important section of the Torah that these Jews just "don't care about" because it "doesn't apply." I don't know about you... but if Hashem gave us a few more mitzvos to do, and all we have to do to keep these mitzvos is change our zip code... ehh, nevermind. Just a thought...

Now for the important points. The halachos of Shmittah are detailed and numerous with many different opinions and many different approaches. I was thinking of somehow trying to summarize them right here and now but I tell you, the best summary I have ever seen online was written by Rav Asher Balanson of Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalim. It is an absolute must read if you are just waking up now and realizing that Shmittah is just a few days away. Aside from that it is recommended that you go into any bookstore and ask about books on Shmittah. Many bookstores have them all laid out on tables in front. And finally ask questions to your LOR. If you don't have a Rav to ask all your halachic questions now is a VERY good time to get one. And in Eretz Yisrael B"H rabbis are not hard to find.

Okay... now for the fun part. Various organization put out "Shmittah calendars." These calendars contain three important dates.

1. When a certain produce can be considered to have Kedushas Shvius.
2. When a certain vegetable or grain can be considered Sefichim.
3. The date that Biur must be done on the produce.

These dates vary for all different grains, fruits and vegetables. To understand what these dates mean read the Rav Balanson summary.

In any case I have obtained the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel's "Shmittah 5768: A Practical Guide" (which you can order for yourself here.) It was compiled by Rabbi David Marcus who I had the pleasure of meeting tonight. And I do recommend you get the guide!

So here's the plan. Here at PoP (and also at Kumah,) Bez"H before every Rosh Chodesh we will post the important dates that will become relevant for various produce that month. It should be exciting and we'll get to learn a lot more about how, when and where things grow. For example much to my chagrin I now know that both cashews and pistachios (that I would bring to NY to brag about how great the produce here are) are actually imported! (The good news about that is that this mean I can still bring them outside EY to NY.)

Anyway stayed tuned to this blog as a whole lot of produce can already be considered to have Kedushas Shvius come sundown on Wednesday night!

Aliyah To Lakewood, NJ, Hashem's Temple

2007-09-03T17:07:00.000-04:00

Lakewood is not Yerushalayim!
Lakewood is not Yerushalayim!
Lakewood is not Yerushalayim!

BMG is not the Bais Hamikdosh!
BMG is not the Bais Hamikdosh!
BMG is not the Bais Hamikdosh!

What's got Pinchas so worked up? Well "a former Talmid of BMG" wrote a letter to the editor of the Yated and it was printed on page 88 of the 10 Elul - Aug 24 edition. In this letter the former Talmid continually compares Bais Medrash Govoah (BMG) to the actual Bais Hamikdosh! He ponders as he approaches BMG if he is feeling "what oleh regel felt like." At one point in the letter he calls those that live in Lakewood "choshoveh bnei aliyah." To this guy there are two buildings one can refer to as "bayis gadol v'kadosh shenikrah shimcha olov." And by feeling BMG is one of them, he concludes, we will merit for the other one to be built.

What more can I write but Berlin is Jerusalem Syndrome strikes again.

However there is a ray of hope. I happen to know for a fact there actually are holy Jews from Lakewood, New Jersey that are indeed making Aliyah (the kind where you move to Eretz Yisrael.) May the merit of these Jews protect those "lost ones" and the Jewish community in Lakewood and may it inspire them to wake up and realize that "Ain Torah K'Toras Eretz Yisrael!" And may they all become true "choshoveh bnei aliyah."

Hashem Yeracham!

Because Yated has no real viable website the letter in question is reproduced below in its entirety. Be warned though... it may get you worked up a bit...

---

INSPIRED BY BMG

Dear Editor,

We returned a few days ago from a bain hazmanim vaction in Lakewood, or rather, I should say a week's worth of recharging our batteries and basking in the light of the greatest makam Torah in America.

Although I have never written a letter to the editor before, I want to use this forum to share my feelings and deep hargashas with the choshuveh yungeliet who are zocheh to make up this makom kadosh, and the parents, who in large part are the ones who make it possible. I hope my words can serve as divrei chizuk to these all important members of Klal Yisroel.

We approached the buildings of Bais Medrash Govoah during bain hazemanim with great anticipation and emotion. I thought to myself that, in reality, we are approaching a bayis gadol v'kadosh shenikrah Shimcha olov; a place that is great, a place that is holy, a place where Hakadosh Boruch Hu is mashreh Shechinah, a place which creates a tremendous Kiddush Hashem - (I wondered to myself that, perhaps, this is a sample of what oleh regel felt like during the times of the Bais Hamikdosh as the Yidden approached Yerushalayim and the Bais Hamikdosh.)

It is in the halls of this makom kadosh that I was zocheh to learn for many years. Much of our ruchniyus, both my own and my family's, has come from these botei medrash. My rabbeim and roshei yeshiva were omel b'Torah in this very yeshiva for years. My children's rabbeim shteiged here. Leaders of our generation, roshei yeshivos and rabbeim, have grown in Torah, tefillah and yiras Shomayim in these very buildings.

I toured the various botei medrash. I reminded myself that in this corner we learned this mesechta, on the other side of the bais medrish another mesechta and on the stage of Bais Shalom a third. I remember where I was standing during Rav Matisyahu Salomon's first shmuess, and where my seat was for the Yomim Noraim…

We thoroughly enjoyed our bain hazmemanim, from the yeshiva davening, slowly enunciating each word with its own sweet taste, to learning sedorim in the various botei medrash, surrounded by Bnei Torah, yungeliet and bochurim learning with hasmada even during bain hazemanim, I found myself imagining how much more geshmak it much be during the zeman with six botei medrish packed with lomdei Torah learning with a bren.

Which brings me to the point of this letter.

The Chofetz Chaim writes that when Dovid Hamelech also davened, "Shivri b'vais Hashem kol yimei chayai... u'livaker b'haychalo," the he should dwell and visit the Bais Hashem, he was really davening for two things. First and foremost, he davened to dwell constantly in the Bais Hashem to feel the enthusiasm and the hispailus that only a visitor can feel and that can sometimes be lost on the permanent resident of the Bais Hashem. Dovid Hamelech was mispallel that he should never lose the hispailus and appreciation that only a visitor can feel. (In fact, the Chossid Yaivitz explains that the reason a visitor to the Bais Hamikdosh much leave through a different door than the one he entered is so that he should not lose the hispailus that he felt when he saw the Bais Hamikdosh from the first angle and seeing it again from the very same angle. Instead, each door should be seen only once, to create a lasting and breathtaking first impression.)

It is with this thought from the Chafetz Chaim in mind that I want to take the opportunity to share with those who are zocheh to be shivtie b'vais Hashem the feelings and impressions of a visitor, a mevaer b'haychalo. I'm well aware of the daily tirdos of the choshoveh bnei aliyah who learn in this bayis gadol v'kadosh, including babysitting, carpooling, playgroups, wives working full time, parnassa issues, etc., and the koach of hergel on top of it all. But I wish that each and every one of you should be zoche to fell the excitement, the magnitude, the awe, the hispailus, the love, and the longing the we, the former talmidim - those who were once zoche to be shivti babayis hazeh - feel when we are mevaker b'haychalo. May Hakadosh Boruch Hu help you feel anticipation and excitement each day as you enter this great makom Torah and walk its hallowed halls.

To the parents, in-laws and relatives of these choshuveh yungeleit, I would like to share the following. As we were leaving Lakewood, something I saw got me thinking. We all have different ways in which we are able to support out precious chavrei hakollel. Some offer financial help directly to the yeshiva. Others can afford to give financial help to their children and relatives. Others support yungeleit in the form of gifts and clothing, and yet others can supply emotional support, a compliment, a good vort, or words of appreciation to our young treasures who do so much for, and are tremendous zechus to, their families and the entire Klal Yisroel.

Whatever it is that we can do, let us do it proudly, with a deep understanding and great appreciation of the chashivus of Torah, chashivus of lomdei Torah, chashivus of a makom Torah, and while bearing in mind what Torah, limud HaTorah and a makom Torah does for us, our families, for Klal Yisroel and for our future.

May Hakadosh Boruch Hu bentch us that our appreciation and understanding of what this bayis gadol v'kadosh shenikrah shimcha olov means to us and Klal Yisroel should hasten the bulding of the bayis gadol v'kadosh shenikrah shimcha olov that we refer to in our bentching.

A Former Talmid Of BMG

Hat Tip: Yaakov

The Secret Weapon of the IDF

2007-09-02T16:19:00.000-04:00

All the nations of the world will see that G-d's Name is associated with you, and they will be in awe of you. (Devarim 28:10).

Menachot 35b interprets this verse as a reference to the tefillin worn on the head.

When the Gentiles see the Jews proudly attired in tefillin, they respect them. Tefillin cast an aura of fear over Israel's foes. Even demons and spirits will tremble in fright (Jerusalem Talmud, Berachot 5a).

The first letters of Shem Hashem Nikrah, "G-d's Name is associated," spell out the name of the letter SHiN. A Shin bolts out of either side of the head tefillin. It is the first letter of Sha-D-I. (Baal HaTurim).

"Tefillin are G-d's crown... Whoever dons this crown will become the ruler below, as G-d is the ruler above" (Zoher III 269b).

Similarly, Berachot 56a maintains that a person who sees tefillin in his dreams will soon rise to power. Berahot (6a) interprets "G-d's powerful arm" (Isaiah 62:8) as tefillin. "Tefillin grant power to Israel."

Accordingly, it has always been customary for Jewish soldiers to observe the mitzvah of tefillin with great care.

Text taken from Meam Loez on Ki Tavo p. 150. Photos collected from the Internet.

Baseball / IBL / Baseball, kosher-style

2007-08-17T18:51:00.000-04:00

Jerry Mittleman of Haaretz reports:

The moment you arrive, it's clear this is professional baseball as you've never seen it before. Young boys with black skullcaps, prayer shawl fringes and baseball mitts wait outside the park for foul balls, while others stand beyond the right-field fence hoping to catch a home run before it disappears into the sunflower field. Past the ticket stand and inside the park, a wildly enthusiastic crowd - of which 90 percent is religious Jews - is cheering on the home team.

Crown Heights meets "A Field of Dreams." That's how it is on game day, when the Beit Shemesh Blue Sox of the Israel Baseball League play their home games at Kibbutz Gezer. The Blue Sox have been one of the biggest success stories of the IBL's inaugural season, both on and off the field.

Beit Shemesh finished the regular season this week with a 29-12 record, two-and-a-half games ahead of the Tel Aviv Lightning. The Blue Sox also have been adopted by the town's large religious, American immigrant community. "Beit Shemesh today is literally an Anglo ghetto," says Gary Swickly, a resident who immigrated from the United States 17 years ago. "People have been moving in steadily in recent years, and they are still coming in droves."

According to league officials, an average of 300-350 fans attend each Blue Sox home game, almost three times the league average. For example, on August 9, a local Beit Shemesh online business held a company outing for 70 employees, as the Blue Sox bested the Lightning in a 2-1 pitchers' duel. "Most of our staff are Americans who live in Beit Shemesh, so this is a good way to get together," a company official told Haaretz.

Because many of the town's American immigrants are originally from the metropolitan New York area, league officials purposefully attempted to build a connection between the Blue Sox and the New York Yankees.

The Blue Sox wear Yankee pinstripes, their colors are dark blue and white like the Bronx Bombers, and they are managed by a former Yankee, Ron Blomberg. The popular, 58-year-old Blomberg played for the Yankees during the first seven seasons of his eight-year Major League Baseball career, and has maintained a strong connection with his former club since his playing days ended in the late 1970s. During the past two years, he has worked as a scout for the Yankees in his hometown, Atlanta.

Blomberg will always be remembered as the first player to appear in an MLB game as a designated hitter, after the American League introduced the rule in 1973. "Now I'm famous for three things, being the first player selected in the 1967 draft, the first designated hitter ever and one of the first managers in the Israel Baseball League." he says proudly.

The former Yankee is just as enthusiastic about the IBL as the American community of Beit Shemesh. This is Blomberg's first trip to Israel. "In the 1970s when I was still playing for the Yankees, Moshe Dayan came to New York on a visit and invited me to come here and teach Israelis baseball, but it didn't work out at the time. So for me to be here now and to give something back to the people after everything they've been through, is a dream come true".

This is Blomberg's first crack at managing, after passing up the Yankee's request that he manage in their minor system. "The only place I would manage would be here," states Blomberg, "I'd rather be managing here than in the major leagues. But I told the league officials that I'm not coming if they want me to wear red socks, only Yankee pinstripes."

Some of the features of Blue Sox home games would be hard to duplicate anywhere. As dusk approaches, the public-address system announces that a minyan will be held behind the bleachers at the end of the inning. The minyan is well-attended, and includes one participant, either a player or coach, in a Blue Sox uniform.

Baseball is a game of traditions. At Chicago's Wrigley Field, they play "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch. At Blue Sox games, two wildly gyrating yeshiva "bachers" lead the crowd as the sound system blasts "Y.M.C.A." after the fifth inning of the league's seven-inning contest.

The informal atmosphere at Blue Sox games make them good family entertainment, and women and children make up a good percentage of the crowd. Shoshana Levine, who attended the game last Thursday with her young children, is a typical Blue Sox fan. Seated behind home plate, in modest attire, her children wave a homemade Blue Sox banner adorned with a blue sock. "My kids spent the whole afternoon at home making the banner for tonight's game," says Levine, who immigrated to Beit Shemesh from New Jersey 10 years ago. When asked if she is a baseball fan, Levine replied, "Not really, but I come to the games out of loyality to my hometown team, my American past and also to represent my husband, who's on a business trip to the States, and a die-hard Yankee fan."

The game was decided by a walkoff, bases-loaded single by the home team that broke a 1-1 tie, a fitting way to conclude an evening of baseball - kosher style.

Baseball and Aliyah

2007-08-09T16:20:00.000-04:00

The IBL did its part to support Aliyah by welcoming the NBN Olim on Tuesday and here was the reaction of the baseball players as described by Beit Shemesh Blue Sox outfielder Alan Gardner:

The IBL contingent all were surprised by how emotional the experience was for them. Jason Bonder will be attending the Jewish Theological Seminary in Manhattan this fall. For Jason, it was an extremely touching experience to see family upon family exiting the buses dedicated to raising their children in Israel and becoming a part of the fabric of the larger Jewish community that makes up most of Israel. Scott Perlman noted the contrast between how people generally immigrate to the United States to pursue the opportunity for greater financial and other material rewards while the people we met had generally left financial success to come to Israel for a greater purpose, to share a national community in the homeland of the Jewish people...to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Ben Englehart felt such a strong feeling of unity, family and belonging that he wished he'd already packed his bags to join the newcomers. Steve Raab was awestruck by the joy and happiness he saw on the faces of the Olim as they embraced family and friends waiting to greet them. Dan Saltzman's brother made Aliyah last year. He was reminded of the emotions of his brother and his family as he watched families leaving the buses with their children and picking up their luggage to start their new lives as Israelis dedicated to preserving, serving and improving the Jewish homeland.

Read the full article with photos here.

Why Do "Secular" Jews Come Home?

2007-08-01T16:52:00.001-04:00

David Wainer filed this piece in yesterday's Jerusalem Post.

I have just two comments.

1. Of course secular Jewish Aliyah must be supported! Nay, encouraged! And for the very reasons Mr. Wainer writes about - so that these Jews don't completely lose their Jewish identity. (And for a reason he didn't give - so that the entire Jewish nation can dwell our promised land - the way G-d told us it would be!)

2. However claiming that as the reason these Jews themselves choose to return Home really makes absolutely no sense at all! Well, almost. I don't agree it's a conscience consideration - however I certainly would agree there is something that does play a strong role... a little something called Pintele Yid.

The article follows:

(Photos in this blog post are ones I took at yesterday's NBN ceremony.)

Yes to secular aliya
david wainer, THE JERUSALEM POST Jul. 31, 2007

Recently in Jerusalem, a dinner conversation with friends from the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies turned into an impassioned discussion about secular aliya.

While enjoying our vegetarian Shabbat dinner, Deborah, 21, modern Orthodox from Wisconsin, scoffed at the fact that her friend had just made aliya from Miami to Tel Aviv. This friend is completely secular and "despises" religion. "He's enthralled by secular modernity and the Western way of life," she said.

So why, she wondered, bother leaving the comforts of America, where opportunities are limitless and terrorism - for the most part - is an ocean away to come to Tel Aviv? And, anyway, why come to the Holy Land only to live in the "decadence" of Tel Aviv?

Deborah's impetuous argument stirred a heated debate, and warranted a particular response from me, a secular Jew, which I now relay:

FIRST, IT'S important to note that although I don't agree with Deborah, statistics do. In 2005, as the second intifada began to wane, Israel welcomed a record number of olim from North America. Nefesh B'Nefesh brought over 3,000 immigrants. Seventy percent of the arrivals identified themselves as Orthodox, 15% as Conservative, 10% said they were Reform, but a mere five percent were secular or unaffiliated.

These numbers are understandable. To the observant Jew of whatever stream, Israel is the most precious place on earth. Israelis are perceived as special people; the Western Wall isn't just a wall, and fast food is not just fast food - it's kosher. But what impetus do secular Jews have to make aliya?

Start with the fact that the founders and most influential thinkers of modern Zionism were all secular. Theodor Herzl, Max Nordau, and Ze'ev Jabotinsky were as cosmopolitan and secular as Deborah's secular friend.

If they were so acculturated, why the desire to create a Jewish state? Answer: anti-Semitism.

Alarmed by the Dreyfus Affair and the universality of anti-Semitism, the founding Zionists all agreed that the Jewish soul needed to be liberated and made safe. In Herzl's words: "It is true that we aspire to our ancient land. But what we want in that ancient land is a new blossoming of the Jewish spirit."

Herzl was cognizant that Jews were second-class citizens; and whether they were in imminent physical peril in the Pale of Settlement or constrained by more genteel discrimination in Western Europe, Jews needed a place where they could determine their own culture and live their lives in fulfillment.

And in Jabotinsky's words: "What we see around us among Jews is merely the outcome of arbitrary action perpetrated by others. Only after removing the dust accumulated through 2,000 years of exile, of galut, will the true, authentic Hebrew character reveal its glorious head."

In order to be redeemed, Jabotinsky argued, the Jew would first need to be liberated from the dangers of European Jew-hatred.

These Zionists' premonitions proved only too accurate. Half a century after Herzl's death almost all of European Jewry had vanished.

But today, for the most part, the Jew living in America or Europe is under no physical threat. Yarmulke-wearing Jews can live comfortably throughout the Western world while enjoying the perks of a first-world lifestyle.

TODAY, IT is the secular Jew living in America who is in cultural peril. And assimilation is the imminent threat to his or her Judaic existence.

In Israel, if a youth rebels against his or her traditional upbringing, wanting to pursue a more secular life-style, he or she can escape to Tel Aviv. There they might not keep Shabbat or kosher anymore. But they'll be present when the siren goes off on Holocaust Remembrance Day. They will speak Hebrew. They will still take off work for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur - even if it's to take a three-day cruise to Turkey.

And chances are they'll marry another Jew.

In Israel, being Jewish is organic; in America it is not.

In America, a cosmopolitan Jew who is completely secular and not culturally connected to a Jewish community has no connection to our people. So in New York City, Los Angeles or London, such a Jew would have little reason to have a Shabbat dinner or take off work for Rosh Hashana.

Falling in in love with a non-Jew is a very real possibility. And, over the generations, those Jews' lineage would likely come to an end. Thus, the secular Jew, no longer attached by faith, also risks detachment from tradition and peoplehood by living in America.

BEING JEWISH in America requires a special effort. Although most of the Jews making aliya from America today are affiliated with some branch of Judaism, it is secular Jews who need Israel the most. Only Israel can save them from long-term cultural decline. Only in Israel can they redefine what it means to be a Jew.

In response to Deborah and those who don't understand why a secular Jew would leave Miami for Tel Aviv, the answer is quite straightforward: to remain Jewish. In Israel, regardless of ethnicity, whether Orthodox or secular, right-wing or left-wing, gay or straight, each Jew constitutes - as described by Shimon Peres in his inaugural speech as president - one of the "fine threads of fabric that weave us together as a nation."

The writer was raised in Rio de Janeiro and recently graduated from Boston University. He is a media fellow at the Israel Project in Jerusalem this summer.

Kabbalists: Great, Miraculous War Coming

2007-07-22T04:22:00.000-04:00

Arutz-7 reports:

(IsraelNN.com) A report Saturday night quoted several important Kabbalists, as well as senior Ashkenazi Haredi Rabbis, as saying that a major war would take place in Israel “very soon.” The reports quoted a senior Haredi Rabbi, Baruch Avraham Rakovsky, who said that during a recent gathering where senior Kabbalists discussed important issues of the day, it was revealed through a variety of means – including communication with autistic children - that a major war was in the offing. However, great “open miracles, such as those that occurred when the Jews left Egypt,” would take place. The events they were referring to, they said, would clearly be understood as miracles, even to those who were not expert in Kabbalistic studies.

The Kabbalists did not reveal the specific details on the war, but said that Iran would be involved. Already, they said, Hashem was performing miracles: During the past five times that Iranian President Ahmadinejad threatened Israel, they said, major natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes, occured a short time afterwards.

Other Haredi leaders last week told their students similar messages, including Harav Chaim Cohen (“Hachalvan”), who said that Israel was in a position to quickly destroy its enemies, and Harav Chaim Kamienvsky, who said that “Hashem will soon perform great miracles for the Jewish people.”

Beautiful New 2 Shekel Coins

2007-07-14T15:20:00.000-04:00

Press Release Here.

Two Years...

2007-07-13T10:57:00.001-04:00

Today is my two year anniversary. Two years ago, today (secular date) I came home. So what's it like two years later? Well I feel at home, that's for sure. The Rechavia neighborhood now feels familiar to me. I know all the shortcuts that tourist will never know about. I know the Rambam was given a much nicer street than both the Rif and the Ramban. In fact I think it's the most beautiful street in all of Yerushalayim while Radak and Ramban remains my most favorite intersection. It's nice living somewhere where the streets are named after Rishonim. Every time I walk up my block I'm reminded of Shabbos Zemiros (the block nearby being named after an author of one.)

But what's even more amazing now is what I see when I visit America and see it now through the eyes of somebody who hass been living in the homeland for the past two years. I am even more amazed than ever at how American Jews could live their lives without giving any sincere consideration toward returning to their true home. I have often maintained there are legitimate reasons for postponing Aliyah (while there are also poor excuses) but I don't see how a truly Torah observant G-d fearing Jew can wake up each and every day without making some sort of effort to return to where we really belong. How such a Jew can live life fully content with the status quo as if living in chutz l'aretz was the ultimate destiny of the Jewish people is beyond me.

The question remains why is it this way? Why in 1948 after Israel independence was declared and permission for every Jew to return home granted (or did that happen in 1917) didn't the floodgates of Aliyah open? Was it too soon after the war? Were we too devastated after the horrors of the Shoah to realize the opportunity that G-d had presented us?

What about in 1967? After the world witnessed open miracles and Jerusalem was reunited under Jewish sovereignty for the first time in 2000 years! Certainly then the call for the Jews to return home was louder than ever. And the shofer has been sounded just as loudly ever since.

Every Frum Jew living in America has to ask himself if the true purpose of our nation here on earth is for every Jewish family to have a five car garage, a swimming pool, a manicured lawn, and a fireplace. For if acquisition of wealth is the Jewish People's purpose than certainly America is the Promised Land and we are living up to our mandate.

But when people say they can't earn a parnussa in Israel are they really saying they can't acquire wealth here? When did we forget the difference between earning a respectable living and getting rich. (Again I understand that there are circumstances where one can't even earn a livelihood and that is a valid heter not to make Aliyah.). But actually I’ll tell you on every trip to America more and more people come up to me and tell me they are making Aliyah. So the truth is maybe we didn't forget the difference at all...

NBN brought three flights of Olim to Israel this week. Perhaps we are starting to get it.