בס׳ד

"Where does it say that you have a contract with G-d to have an easy life?"

the Lubavitcher Rebbe



"Failure is not the enemy of success; it is its prerequisite."

Rabbi Nosson Scherman



29 Feb 2016

One woman

Jewish activist protects KKK members from angry mob at hate protest

The 9 Principles of Happiness

One Woman Helps Feed the Poor

The Kadima Fund, a bottom-up online resource center for grass roots pro-Israel initiatives, has just been launched, and it’s been a long time coming.
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/new-fund-to-support-pro-israel-activists/2016/03/01/

State Department Spokesperson, John Kirby, spoke about the release of former Secretary Clinton's emails today. "We can confirm that one additional email between former Secretary Clinton and President Obama is being withheld in full from the State Department's FOIA production today. As a reminder, as part of our January 29th release, we denied in full 18 emails comprising 8 distinct email chains between then Secretary Clinton and the President."
http://www.c-span.org/video/?405740-1/state-department-briefing

In a CBS interview President Obama was asked, "Mr. President, when did you first learn that Hillary Clinton used an email system outside the U.S. government for official business while she was Secretary of State?" His response was, The same time everybody else learned it through news reports."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxnFoFOyn48

To the author of an article which called one of the Presidential candidates dispicable, perhaps you could change the adjective to something more positive or, at least, use the correct spelling of the word.




An acquittal

Temple Mount cameras won't include mosques

PA TV And Radio Broadcasts Leads to Acquittal for Rabbi Yehuda Glick in a Har Habayis Trial

הכומר שהתגייר תרם ספר תורה לבית הכנסת

"הגר"ד יוסף: "הרפורמים לא יהודים; הם עובדי עבודה זרה

Vayakhel
If There's a Will, There's a Way

I first came across the name "Mitch Huhem" yesterday after reading a couple of articles about him and watching his motivational speaking on a series of videos. Seems a bit strange that the mainstream media isn't reporting about what I read.  Below is a link to one speech of his.

Decisions determine your destiny.

28 Feb 2016

Take from them donations

"K'chu Mei'itchem Truma" take from them donations (Vayakhel 35:5). The pasuk before says that Moshe spoke directly to the people and not to those collecting the money. Why does it say "take" instead of "give", who were they taking from?

The MiShulchan Gavoa brings from Rav Zalman Sorotzkin in Oznayim LaTorah a stroy to explain. When Yeshivas Volozhin was in financial difficulties, Rav Chaim Solovetichik then a Rebbi in the Yeshiva went on a fundraising mission to Rav Boruch Zeldovitz one of the Yeshiva's wealthy supporters in Minsk.

Rav Chaim need an exorbitant sum which Rav Boruch agreed to raise while Rav Chaim sat and learned in Rav Boruch's home. After a number of days Rav Chaim asked Rav Boruch how it was going and he said that he already had half the money. Rav Chaim was delighted and went back to his learning. After several more days Rav Boruch proudly told Rav Chaim that he now raised the entire sum. Thrilled Rav Chaim returned to Volozhin.

After a period of time back home in Volozhin, it made its way to Rav Chaim's ears that the money that Rav Boruch "raised" was all from his own pocket. Perturbed Rav Chaim asked Rav Boruch why he kept him waiting in Minsk all that time if he himself gave the money? Rav Boruch answered, "Do you think it is so easy to part with so much money? First I spent time persuading myself to give half the money. Only after that was I able to fight myself to give the seconf half.

Rav Zalman Sorotzkin says that we see from here that even when there is no wrestling the money away from you, still there is a struggle and you need to wrestle it away from yourself. The Torah says "take" and not "give" because if you wait for yourself to give you will wait a long time. You must take it from yourself.
http://revach.net/tzedaka/lessons-in-tzedoka/Parshas-Vayakhel-Rav-Chaim-Soloveitchiks-Long-Wait/5220

Op-Ed: On the Reform Movement and Israel

A police officer has died as a result of injuries sustained in a shooting Saturday night.

...Guindon had only just begun her career as a Prince William County police officer. She was sworn in on Friday.
http://wtop.com/prince-william-county/2016/02/police-3-officers-inured-at-scene-of-domestic-shooting-in-woodbridge/

Does Ms. Clinton make mention of heroic police officers who die in the line of duty during her victory speech last night. No way!
Speaking about donations, Ms. Clinton is ready to accept them.

27 Feb 2016

Recently discovered

An article caught my attention at Chadrei Charedim with the headline about a Rav performing a mofet- a brother and sister got engaged. I wondered how they could become engaged to one another until I read the article how the Rav had given a brochah to a bochur who attended the Rav's tish that he, as well as his sister should be engaged by Purim.
This week, the sister got engaged on Wednesday, followed by the brother becoming engaged the next day.
 http://www.bhol.co.il/98136/%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%AA-%D7%A9%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%99-%D7%90%D7%97-%D7%95%D7%90%D7%97%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%AA%D7%90%D7%A8%D7%A1%D7%95-.html

תיעוד: תושייתה של רעייתו של שוואקי הצילה נוסעת במטוס

An article at canindia.com related the victory of Mohamed al-Qiq in securing a release from an Israeli jail after his period of administrative detention is served. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Club (PPC) on Friday said a deal was reached to release al-Qiq who was on strike for 94 days, protesting his administrative detention by Israel.
http://www.canindia.com/palestinians-hail-victory-of-journalist-in-israeli-jail/

Why did Meir Ettinger's detention gets extended? Are more lenient sentences meted out to Palestinians?

An article about the State Department turning over 1600 pages of "recently discovered" emails related to Hillary Clinton and Libya has a comment posted at the end.

Shouldn’t it take longer for the Senate to confirm a Supreme Court justice nominee than for the State Department to release ALL of Hillary’s “deleted” emails.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/02/26/state-dept-turns-over-1600-pages-of-new-documents-related-to-clinton-libya-benghazi/





24 Feb 2016

Outreach

NEW PROGRAM

JOIN THE DAILY MISHNA- A- THON

Click here to get your Mishna - "Collectively we will finish the entire Shisha Sidrei Mishna every day!"

CBCbooks reports aboutVine Awards for Canadian Jewish Literature re-launch with 5 prizes worth $10K.
A few changes have been made including:


  • Applicants no longer need a predominantly Jewish content, but can rather can be a Jewish author
  • Applicants no longer have to be Canadian citizens as long as their work has significant Canadian content
  • http://www.cbc.ca/books/2016/02/5-re-vamped-canadian-jewish-literature-awards-worth-10000.html


    This kind of reminds me of some changes made in non-Orthodox streams of Judaism.

    Democrats name Brandeis Jewish studies grad to head outreach

    The article reports that the man chosen has done stints with, among others groups, "J Street, the liberal pro-Israel lobby."
    On January 11th, FreeBeacon reported about an email sent to Hillary Clinton.
    In a Dec, 18, 2011, email, former U.S. ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering suggested that Clinton consider a plan to restart then-stalled peace negotiations by kickstarting Palestinian demonstrations against Israel.
    Pickering described the effort as a potential “game changer in the region,” recommending that the United States undertake a clandestine campaign to generate unrest. Clinton requested that his email be printed.
    http://freebeacon.com/national-security/clinton-considered-secret-plan-to-spark-palestinian-protests/
    Will "J Street, the liberal pro-Israel lobby" endorse the leading Democratic contender?

    Mishlei Chapter 5 Verse 19 Planet X

    Halachot Of Kibud Av Va’eim

    23 Feb 2016

    Trendsetters

    In January, British actor Eddie Redmayne made headlines around the world as he became the latest in a growing band of smartphone refuseniks.
    “It was a reaction against being glued permanently to my iPhone during waking hours,” he explained, turning instead to an old-fashioned “dumb phone” handset that could only make and take calls.
    Read more: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/01ba2970-9e70-11e5-8ce1-f6219b685d74.html#axzz411aTWFad

    A number of months ago, the Economist published an article about Haredi rabbis limiting use of appllications on smartphones. Little did they know that they would be trendsetters.


    Bar Mitzvah Boy Turns Terrible Tragedy into an Inspiring Opportunity

    Today a question was posed at TripAdvisor, "Any advice? We are going to be in Oxford England and were going to take the train to paris for 5 nights but are being told it's not safe these days."
    https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k9289272-o20-Safety_of_Jewish_tourists_in_Paris-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

    It is ironic that the person posing the question is concerned about safety in Paris when he should be more concerned about safety in England as a building collapse at a power station in Oxfordshire resulted in at least one fatality a number of hours ago.

    3 Fla. Jewish schools locked down after ammunition found on campus

    Former Gitmo Detainee Arrested on Terror Charges As Obama Announces Closure of Gitmo

    BEWARE THIS MAN: State College President Bans Breitbart’s Shapiro

    'ריקי הופשטטר, אחותו של קובי קסטלניץ – חתנה של שרה שפרלינג, מספרת על אחיה בראיון ל'בחדרי חרדים


    Purim Katan

    The orher day I posted about an initiative to challenge oneself with improving one's middos by signing up to a weekly email. Today I received an email regarding Purim Katan and Jewish unity. The email linked to an excellent shiur delivered last year by Rabbi Daniel Glatstein which can be viewed here.
    Additionally a question was posed about why Purim is celebrated in the second Adar in a leap year. The answer can be found at the bottom of Megilah 6b and 7a.
     

    לכבוד פורים: ר' מיילך רקד עם החולה

    BDE: HaTzaddik HaRav Nissim Amsellem ZATAL

    נתרפאה כל המשפחה: נין ראשון בערלוי אחרי הלוויה

    Conservatives ABANDON TWITTER to PROTEST their SHUTTING DOWN of right-wing advocates!!

    Kornacki: Biden SCOTUS Comments “Devastating” For Democrats

    In yesterday's State Department briefing, Mark Toner spoke about John Kerry meeting the Palestinian leader.
     "They also discussed Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount." http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/02/253123.htm#MIDDLEEASTPEACE

    It used to be described as Temple Mount, then it became Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, now it's the reverse. In a few years will it be solely described as Haram al-Sharif?

    I was curious when the description of the Temple Mount changed so I started looking back at old State Department brieifngs, only to be distracted by something a bit off the topic.
     On December 14, 2011, journalist Said questioned the spokesperson, "Do you have any comment on the burning of Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem today by settlers, a very well-known settler? It was, matter of fact, Baruch Marzel."
    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2011/12/178717.htm

    A Haaretz article the same day reported on the incident regarding arsonists setting fire to the Nebi Akasha mosque. How Said knew it was Baruch Marzel that set fire to the al-Aqsa Mosque is a wonder to me.



    21 Feb 2016

    Coin of fire

    What Is Canada Doing Celebrating Hijab Day?

    Op-Ed: Trial by the media?

    Teen Table-Tennis Star Chooses Shabbat Over Olympics

    The Medrash tells us that in order to explain the mitzva of the Shekalim, Hashem took out a coin of fire from underneath his Kisei HaKavod and showed it to Moshe. Rav Elyashiv asks two questions. First, had Moshe Rabbeinu never seen a coin in his life? Second, what exactly is Hashem doing hiding coins under his Kisei HaKavod?
    He answers with a Tosfos in Chulin (42a) that Moshe couldn't understand how money, the most earthly of all creations, can save someone's neshama (Kofer Nefesh). So Hashem showed him a coin. Which coin? The gemara in Bava Basra (11a) says that during a hunger year Munbaz HaMelech emptied out his treasure chest to feed the poor people. His family became very mad that he was squandering the royal wealth. To this he replied that he is not losing the money, he saving the money up in Shamayim in a place where it will last forever while they squander money down on earth where it will eventually disappear.
    Rav Elyashiv says these are the coins that Hashem took out to show Moshe. The coins that are given for tzedoka with Mesiras Nefesh are precious and are saved by Hashem under the Kisei HaKavod. Moshe understood that coins are made of destructive fire. They cause jealousy, cheating, stealing, and murder. Hashem showed him that coins can be made out of productive fire. Coins given for tzedoka can light the world and warm the world with their "Holy fire". On these coins Hashem said "Kazeh Yitnu". If the people give in this fashion then even coins can be Kofer Nefesh and money can redeem your soul.

    http://www.revach.net/parshas-hashavua/quick-vort/Parshas-Ki-Sisa-Rav-Elyashiv-Hashems-Coins-of-Fire/1855


    LeZecher Nishmat

    A Beloved Son, Brother and Friend, Ari Levin z”l

    Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein delivers an excellent shiur about respecting one's parents over here. He relates an inpiring ancedote about his father and his mesirut nefesh to always daven in a minyan at the 44 minute mark.

    Jewish Student Bemoans Rutgers Response to Swastika on Apartment Ceiling

    סגולות להינצל ממוות בעריסה ותאונות דרכים

    שירת החיים לזכר דפנה מאיר הי"ד

    20 Feb 2016

    Deepest condolences

    Samuel Willenberg, the last survivor of Treblinka, the Nazi death camp where 875,000 people were killed, has died at the age of 93.
    Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/8ed2b750ee7c4707a647698e71667dfb/last-survivor-nazi-death-camp-treblinka-dies-israel

    Denmark Criminalizes Free Speech - Selectively

    Our deepest condolences for the death of humanity in the State Dept.'s alleged condolence note about a random attack on a random American in a random place.
    Read more: http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/a-terrorist-murder-by-arabs-but-us-admin-condemns-attack-that-resulted-in-death/2016/02/19/

    A New York Times article describes the younger generation of competitors who are vying to beat Usain Bolt in the 100 meters race.

    “My thing is, anybody who says another person is not touchable in their sport or in life doesn’t believe in God because, with God, anything can happen,” Trayvon Bromell said this week.

    נפטר בליל שבת ובבוקר נולד לו נין

    16 Feb 2016

    Torah at the Sorbonne

    Sorbonne Students Get Torah Fix

    תמיד דיבר על 'יום המיתה': הלוויית יעקב מאיר חשין ז"ל

    Question:

    What did the sages mean with their prediction that in the era before Moshiach, “The face of the generation will be like the face of a dog”?

    Click here to read answer.

    In yet another unusual moment on the campaign trail, Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton literally started barking like a dog during a stump speech in Reno, Nevada.
    Read more: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/02/16/hillary-clinton-literally-starts-barking-like-a-dog-during-campaign-rally/


    15 Feb 2016

    At the entrance

    Kooker reports that Rav Kanievsky, when asked about yesterday's tragic bus accident, stated that the Mashiach is not only on his way but at the entrance. - "הגר"ח על האסון: "המשיח בפתח ממש

    ‘It Wasn’t a Heart Attack’: Confusion and Conflicting Reports Surround Justice Scalia’s Death

    Former head of Russian anti-doping agency 'dies of heart attack'

    EXCLUSIVE: Owner of Ohio Deli Targeted by Machete Terrorist: “We Are Israeli, We Fight Back”

    Record number of Brazilian Jews moving to Israel

    The best story about Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, from a U.S. Marine…

    The commute

    EU backs down from product-labeling bid

    "מועצת חכמי התורה: "לפתוח את סדרי הלימוד בתענית דיבור

    Fed up with the apparent unwillingness of British subway passengers to give up their seats for pregnant women, an Israeli reporter based in London took a hidden camera on her commute to document her experience.
    ...“Where I grew up, ever since I can remember myself my mother would get up herself and make me stand up if a person who needs the seat more got on the bus. It was so clear to me this is how it should work...."
    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/02/14/pregnant-reporter-took-hidden-camera-to-see-if-anyone-would-offer-her-subway-seat-how-many-do-you-think-got-up-for-her/

    Austrian Prosecutor: Quoting Hitler and Calling to Kill Jews is Legal Criticism of Israel

    Jewish shrine reminds Iraqis of religious coexistence

    13 Feb 2016

    Through toil

    The Pasuk tells us that the oil for the Menorah must be pure, without sediments. This was accomplished by plucking the olives from the top of the tree (where they received the most sunshine). They also pressed them with a mortar rather than grinding them in a mill in order for them to be pure. This was only necessary for the oil of the Menorah. However, concerning the oil used for Menachos - Meal Offerings - Chazal say, "Kasis LaMaor" - "ViLo Kasis LaMinachos" - Pressing was only necessary for the light of the Menorah but not for the oil of Menachos.

    The Gemorrah in Megillah 6b states that if one says, "Lo Yagati Umatsasi Al Taamen" - "If one says that he did not toil in Torah but still found success in Torah - do not believe him. The reason being, Torah can only be acquired through great toil. Therefore, do not believe the one who says that he became a Talmud Chachom without working for it. The Ksav Sofer explains this phenomenon with the Drasha of Chazal -, "Kasis LaMaor" - "ViLo Kasis LaMinachos".

    "Kasis LaMaor" - one must press himself and toil for the light of the Torah. However, "ViLo Kasis LaMinachos" - for a livelihood (Menachos) he does not have to toil. He just has to make his Hishtadlus and the rest is from Hashem. One can work the minimum and become wealthy and visa versa one can work day and night and still remain poor. His toil is not the key to his success. http://www.thejewisheye.com/rev_ptetzaveh.html

    Incorporating Compassion Into Our Lives

    Jewish author remains in Austrian jail despite discovery of key papers

    9 Feb 2016

    Rosh Chodesh Adar

    Bank customers targeted in new 'smishing' scam

    Ahead of New York Fashion Week, the Jewish prayer shawl goes chic

    "הצוואה של ילד בן 14 שנפטר מסרטן: "לא נכנעתי בלי מאבק

    Building an edifice – T’rumah

    שנים שיש אדר א' ואדר ב' אנחנו זוכים ל60 ימי אדר והרבי מלובביץ' אומר מי שמצליח להיות בשמחה במשך ה-60 יום של אדר כל העיניינים הלא טובים שלו יהיו בטלים שהרי זה ״בטל ב-60״ היום זה תחילת אדר א - אז תחייכו חיוך גדול ותהיו בשמחה כי ע״י שמחה יוצאים מכל המיצרים!!! חודש מבורך ומלא שמחה חודש טוב ומוצלח

     תפילה נפלאה לחודש טוב ומבורך

    To court or not to court

    Watch: California Rabbi Yehoshua Gordon OBM shares a powerful message the Rebbe sent his family after losing a loved one.

    A British man who in 2009 traveled to Gaza with an aid convoy led by far-left British politician George Galloway has been identified as a member of an execution cell that was formerly led by Islamic State’s “Jihadi John.”
    Read more: http://www.algemeiner.com/2016/02/08/gaza-aid-activist-from-britain-linked-to-slain-isis-executioner-jihadi-john/

    At around the same time an article was published titled Army promotional video courts Haredi youth, there is another one titled Haredi soldier to be court martialed for not saluting a woman.

    8 Feb 2016

    Woman with walker

    Brazilian Clinic Advises Pregnant Women Wear Burqas as Zika Protection

    Wedding Speeches for Terumah

    I was engrossed in producing this post, typing away at a computer at a hotel lobby, when I heard a woman shuffling along with her walker. I made room so she could pass and continued staring at the computer screen. It took me about half a minute to realize that the woman was having trouble negotiating entering the lift. I tore my eyes from the screen and ran to help her, escorting her to the seventh floor and holding the door for her as she made her way to her room. She told me a little about her circumstances and she thanked me for being so helpful. As I rode the lift to the lobby, I reflected on the simple human interaction that took place. I was sorry that I had been so busily involved in technology that my mind didn't register a human in need. I resolved to do better next time and to place the emphasis on what really matters.

    Walking in his shoes

    A group of Israeli high school students say they have gained new perspective after walking in the shoes of their school’s cleaner one night.
    Read more: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2016/02/07/high-school-classmates-wanted-to-surprise-the-school-cleaner-with-a-gift-but-first-they-had-to-do-something-theyve-never-done-before/


    6 Feb 2016

    One and a half

    Panel Discussion on Campus Anti-Semitism with Alan Dershowitz - Jan 18, 2016 - worthwhile watching.

    Israel’s plant nurseries face stiff fines for employing Jews on Shabbat

    "And the dimensions of the Aaron should be - two and half Amos its length, one and a half Amos its width, and one and a half Amos its height." Why are the dimensions of the Aaron in half Amos (the Shulchan's dimensions by way of comparison are 2 Amos x 1 Amah)? The Baal HaTurim says that Chazal teach that the Aaron represents Torah. The significance of halves is to teach us, one must break himself (in half) over the Torah. In order to reach a high level in Torah, one can not sit back and relax. Rather, he must be "Maymis Atzmo Aleha" - kill himself over toiling in Torah.

    The Kli Yakar offers a different answer. Since the Aaron represents Torah, halves are representing the fact that even an accomplished Talmid Chachom is never finished learning. There is always more to learn and understand. A person is never more than a fraction of the way to completing the Torah. http://revach.net/tefila/article.php?id=1803



    5 Feb 2016

    Punishing rioters

    King’s College pledges to punish violent anti-Israel rioters

    Parashat Mishpatim: Torah Observance During “Days of Darkness”

    Rabbi Shmuel Silber on Parshas Mishpatim - Remembering Your Past in the Midst of Your Present

    פרשת משפטים • הגאון רבי דוד לאו עם וורט על הפרשה

    A question from a February 4th State Department briefing was, "John, just to follow up on this point very quickly. Now, aside from the visit and so on, the Israelis have used holding the bodies as Palestinians killed as a form of punishment and to agonize and sometimes for weeks and so on. Do you call on them, maybe once someone is killed, to release that body so the family can bury him and sort of move on, so to speak?"
    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/02/252161.htm

    Did the same journalist ever question the spokesperon regarding the return of the bodies of Israeli soldiers?


    4 Feb 2016

    Opening prayers

    Parshas Mishpatim - Emphatically Yes!

    Alaskan Rabbi Opens U.S. Senate

    The True Meaning Of Compassion (Part Two)

    The President relates two anecdotes, one about Jews and one about Muslims, at the National Prayer Breakfast which can be viewed here.

    Guarded approval

    Rabbi Paysach Krohn - Shidduchim Crisis – There Are Solutions

    Gateway Pundit writes about the President's speech at the Baltimore mosque as opposed to one at a Catholic University where "the White House told the Catholic school to cover up all religious signs and symbols."
    https://www.torahanytime.com/video/shidduchim-crisis-there-are-solutions/

    President Obama also spoke about the word "Islam" which means "peace." Click over here to read a Muslim's interpretation as to where the word "Islam" is derived. And here is an article about a verse the President quoted.

    Hillary Clinton, who claims to support gender equality, declined on Wednesday to say that women should be automatically registered for the draft through Selective Service when they turn 18, as men are required to do.
    Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2016/02/03/hillary-clinton-alleged-feminist-declines-to-back-generals-who-say-women-should-register-for-the-draft/#ixzz3zBNkqVVz
     

    An elite panel of scientists and bioethicists offered guarded approval Wednesday of a novel form of genetic engineering that could prevent congenital diseases but would result in babies with genetic material from three parents. - Will there be guarded approval to change one of the Ten Commandments to "Honour your father and mother and mother?"


    3 Feb 2016

    The power of Tehillim

    This morning a woman asked to address a weekly Tehillim group I attend. She explained that those people who have performed the mitzvah of "Shiluach HaKan" have merited to see great salvation. She added that there are "Kan" קן - 150 chapters of Tehillim and a person who recites them all in one go can also merit great yeshuot. I was searching this evening for a reference to her words and came across an article which relates "Shiluach Hakan" to hastening the geulah. It is a fascinating read which can be found here.

    Coincidentally, today was the 24th of Shevat. The Hayom Yom: Shevat 24 contains the following words.

    If you only knew - The Tzemach Tzedek said - the power of verses of Tehillim and their effect in the highest Heavens, you would recite them constantly. Know that the chapters of Tehillim shatter all barriers, they ascend higher and still higher with no interference; they prostrate themselves in supplication before the Master of all worlds, and they effect and accomplish with kindness and compassion.
    http://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/6074/jewish/Hayom-Yom-Shevat-24.htm

    "החולה שצוחק על הסרטן ומלאך המוות: "אין רחמן כמו השם

    The February 2nd State Department briefing contained some questions regarding Palestinian resistance.
    What is the U.S. position on whether or not the Palestinians have the right to resist Israeli occupation? While you condemn attacks and terrorism – I understand that – does the U.S. have a view as to whether or not the Palestinians should be allowed to protest or to contest the Israeli policy?
    ...QUESTION: Right. So that applies to civilians, innocent civilians. What – does that also apply to Israeli security forces as well?
    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/02/252074.htm#MIDDLEEASTPEACE

    What a prescient question, given that a 19-year-old Israeli woman who was a member of the Israeli security forces was killed the next day.


    1 in 5 - 1 in 10

    1 IN 10 FRENCH JEWS HAVE BEEN PHYSICALLY ATTACKED

    Nearly One in Five Muslims Think There Are ‘Too Many Jews’ in France

    Canadian Media Mogul Blasts ‘Clueless’ York U Administration After Pulling Funds Over Anti-Israel Mural (INTERVIEW)

    Op-Ed: Letter to PM Netanyahu on the continued detention of Meir Ettinger

    FreeBeacon reports Obama Admin Has Not Prosecuted a Single Palestinian Terrorist Who Killed Americans.

    FoxNews reports about the President's visit to a Baltimore mosque over here.


    2 Feb 2016

    Rock paper scissors

    Emuna Daily lesson

    MarketWatch has posted a tweet from Aaron Levie.
    Order of operations to determining Iowa winners:
    1. Tallied votes
    2. Coin toss
    3. Rock paper scissors
    4. Staring contest
    http://www.marketwatch.com/story/coin-toss-broke-6-clinton-sanders-deadlocks-in-iowa-and-hillary-won-each-time-2016-02-02

    Five student groups vie for $5,000 prize to counter BDS


    Heads, I win - Tails, you lose

    American Jewish Leader Warns U.S Jews To Move To Israel Because Of Looming ‘End Of Days’

    Anne Coulter tweets, "Trump is the leading GOP vote-getter tonight, among natural-born-American candidates."

    The Week reports how Hillary Clinton earned at least one delegate in Iowa through a coin toss. You can watch the video here.

    October 11, 2015 - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday her government had no plans to impose a tax hike to cope with a record influx of asylum seekers, firmly denying reports that Berlin and the European Commission were mulling a special refugee solidarity levy.
    http://news.yahoo.com/merkel-says-no-plans-raise-taxes-over-refugee-154752681.html

    February 1, 2016 - The nation's taxpayers will be footing the monster bill to feed, house and educate the children of the 1million-plus migrants who have poured into the country, according to the German Economic Institute in Cologne.
    http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/640041/Migrant-crisis-refugee-cost-38BILLION-2017-Germany-rising

    How about if America decides the election on a coin toss right now and uses the money that would have been spent on the campaign to pay for the refugees?

    New search engine to target anti-Semitism

    The emotional post that conquered Israelis' hearts overnight

    Scheduled arguments

    Nationalist activist Meir Ettinger had his administrative detention extended on Monday by an additional four months by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (Likud). He has been held since last August 3rd without trial, charges or evidence against him.

    Monday also marked the 14th day of Ettinger's hunger strike, during which he has already lost consciousness once while protesting his draconian detention.
    Read more: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/207370#.Vq_yGsZwXIU

    During the January 28th State Department briefing, journalist Said questioned the spokesperson regarding a Palestinian journalist "in prison held under administrative detention by the Israelis. No charge has been leveled against him in any way. He’s on a hunger strike. He’s about to die, basically. And I wonder if you have – if you are concerned, if you would caution the Israelis to either bring charges against him or release him, and that they cannot continue to hold him. Do you have a position on that?"
    http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2016/01/251782.htm#ISRAEL

    Will the journalist bring up the same question regarding Meir Ettinger?

    A petition to release him can be found here.

    WND has an article titled Supremes set date to decide 'what is sin.'

    It’s a case in which the U.S. government has been accused of claiming the authority to “determine what is in fact a sin.”

    The critics, meanwhile, have accused the U.S. Supreme Court of tilting the playing field in advance.

    But the Little Sisters of the Poor case against the Obamacare law is moving toward a resolution with the U.S. Supreme Court announcing arguments have been scheduled for March 23.

    The nuns who run elder care centers worldwide are contesting the Obamacare requirement that their employee insurance plans cover abortion pills.
    Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2016/01/supremes-set-date-to-decide-what-is-sin/#IZmta0a52CSlmMr5.99

    The evening of March 23rd ushers in Purim, the holiday of "venahafochu" - everything is turned around. Foul is fair and fair is foul.

    1 Feb 2016

    All alone

    Kosher Comes to Miami Airport

    A comment posted under UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's opinion piece at the New York Times titled Don’t Shoot the Messenger, Israel links to a JPost opinion piece titled What would happen if Israel withdrew from the West Bank and ended the ‘siege’ of Gaza?

    Conveniently forgotten is that the borders of Gaza were open after the 2005 withdrawal, and it could have become a Dubai on the Mediterranean with billions in foreign investment, if only the Palestinians choose economic freedom over eliminationist ideology. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/What-would-happen-if-Israel-withdrew-from-the-West-Bank-and-ended-the-siege-of-Gaza-442855

    Reading the many negative comments about Israel in the NYT article, I was reminded of the lyrics of the song in the short program that Israeli skater Alexei Bychenko, silver medalist of the European Figure Skating Championships, chose to skate to.
    "All alone... on my own."


    And, for those singles who don't wish to remain alone, Alon Anava offers advice in the second video posted below.




    Their only recourse

    If you lend money – Mishpatim

    "Kol Almana V'Yason Lo Si'anun... "Ki Im Tza'ok Yitzak Eilai Shamoa Eshma Tzaakosoi", do not pain a widow or orphan... if they will scream to me I will answer (Mishpatim 22:22-23). Do widows and orphans get preferential treatment. If yes, how can we get the same treatment?

    Rav Itzele Volozhin says that every person in the world who experiences pain and suffering, takes their problems straight to their patron. This could be a child to father or a wife to her husband. In that case Hashem stands on the side and let's justice take its course, as he was not called in to the picture.

    A widow or orphan has worldly address to file his grievances. Their only recourse is to lift their eyes to their father in Shamayim and beg Him for help. Hashem the Av HaRachaman of course takes care of his dear suffering children.

    You don't need to be an orphan or widow to get Hashem's attention. All you need to do is to take your problems to him as you first and only real choice. Then you too can be answered and your pleas will not be ignore. "Ki Im Tza'ok Yitzak Eilai", if you scream to Me. "Shamoa Eshma Tzaakosoi", I will listen to your cries.
    http://revach.net/tefilah/tefila/Parshas-Mishpatim-Rav-Itzele-Volozhin-Like-A-Widow-Go-Straight-To-The-Boss/4363