It looks as if there are no atheists in foxholes - Cell phone video found in Germanwings wreckage reveals people crying ‘My God’ in many languages
Boy, I've heard of mothers-in-law causing troubles to their sons-in-law and daughters-in-law but even after they die? Unbelievable.
Mother-in-law’s tombstone falls on man, killing him
IsraelNationalNews reports on a Facebook post by Americans for Peace Now which is causing much consternation.
In a post on its official Facebook page, APN evokes the Passover story of the 10 plagues God visited on the Egyptians for enslaving the Jewish people - but whereas the Biblical account sees the plagues inflicted on the Egyptians to save the Israelites from oppression, the Peace Now version recasts the Jews themselves as a plague for living on land which leftist groups want Israel to cede to the Palestinian Authority.
Read more: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/193467#.VRr5W5VO7IU
Below are some comments posted on the APN facebook page.
You Peace Now people are entitled to your opinions but please don't try to co-opt Jewish rituals to make your misguided points. Passover commemorates the exodus from Egypt. Do you know where G-d was leading them? Hint: it was to a place that included all of Modiin Illit and a lot more! Passover is an affirmation of the Jewish claim to all of Israel, which includes a lot more territory than the modern state currently controls. It is absolutely grotesque to attempt to utilize a Passover ritual to protest Jews living in their own homeland. But thanks for bringing up the Passover ritual and reminding everyone why Israel belongs to the Jews!
If we're spilling additional wine to diminish our joy, let it be over our sorrow that so many Jews have abandoned הקב׳׳ה to worship at the altar of liberalism, who dwell in the Mitzrayim of their Stockholm Syndrome,...
31 Mar 2015
A suitable parah adumah?
Prominent Jewish human rights groups on Sunday sharply criticized the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for issuing more condemnations of Israel for alleged human rights violations than of any other nation.
Read more: http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/03/30/jewish-human-rights-groups-blast-unhrc-for-accusations-full-of-distortions-for-claiming-israel-is-worst-human-rights-violator/
Obama’s Coming Break with Israel
Ramat Gan Chief Rabbi: Uprooting Customs Weakens Jewish Law
AUDIO: What Do Matzah and a Matzeiva Have in Common? A Fascinating Story by Peretz Eichler
H/T to Collive for the video below.
Read more: http://www.algemeiner.com/2015/03/30/jewish-human-rights-groups-blast-unhrc-for-accusations-full-of-distortions-for-claiming-israel-is-worst-human-rights-violator/
Obama’s Coming Break with Israel
Ramat Gan Chief Rabbi: Uprooting Customs Weakens Jewish Law
AUDIO: What Do Matzah and a Matzeiva Have in Common? A Fascinating Story by Peretz Eichler
H/T to Collive for the video below.
Spirituality is the answer
MACLEAN'S has a fascinating article titled The science is in: God is the answer.
Research shows kids raised with spirituality are happier and healthier in the vulnerable teen years. Why aren’t we all signing up?
Read more: http://www.macleans.ca/society/science/god-is-the-answer/
A couple of days ago, a Palestinian news site reported the following:
Settlers destroy 1200 Palestinian olive trees near Hebron Israeli settlers on Saturday destroyed more than 1,000 olive trees near the village of al-Shuyukh north of Hebron, in the third such attack on the villagers' livelihood in recent memory.
http://www.maannews.com/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?id=760161
After having read the report about the incident, EOZ wrote, "Metzad is a haredi Jewish community. The idea that their members are uprooting olive trees on the Sabbath is beyond absurd."
http://elderofziyon.blogspot.be/2015/03/palestinians-accuse-religious-jews-of.html#.VRmSOJVO7IU
So a day later, Saturday was changed to Sunday.
Israeli settlers have uprooted on Sunday 1,200 olive trees, tens of almond, nut trees in the West Bank city of Al-Khalil. http://english.alwatanvoice.com/news/2015/03/30/688946.html
Research shows kids raised with spirituality are happier and healthier in the vulnerable teen years. Why aren’t we all signing up?
Read more: http://www.macleans.ca/society/science/god-is-the-answer/
A couple of days ago, a Palestinian news site reported the following:
Settlers destroy 1200 Palestinian olive trees near Hebron Israeli settlers on Saturday destroyed more than 1,000 olive trees near the village of al-Shuyukh north of Hebron, in the third such attack on the villagers' livelihood in recent memory.
http://www.maannews.com/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?id=760161
After having read the report about the incident, EOZ wrote, "Metzad is a haredi Jewish community. The idea that their members are uprooting olive trees on the Sabbath is beyond absurd."
http://elderofziyon.blogspot.be/2015/03/palestinians-accuse-religious-jews-of.html#.VRmSOJVO7IU
So a day later, Saturday was changed to Sunday.
Israeli settlers have uprooted on Sunday 1,200 olive trees, tens of almond, nut trees in the West Bank city of Al-Khalil. http://english.alwatanvoice.com/news/2015/03/30/688946.html
30 Mar 2015
The red cow
News of what appears to be a parah adumah, fully red cow, on a small farm just outside of Lakewood has been attracting increasing attention.
Interest has been heightened by her rapidly approaching second birthday, at which point the cow would become permissible for this extremely rare halachic phenomenon.
Read more: http://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34854&alias=red-heifer-found-in-new-jersey
The Jewish Jewels of Calcutta: Magen David Synagogue
WATCH: Gavriel Sasson Speaks to the Media in English, Gives Powerful Message
Virginia Speaker demands State Bar reverse Israel boycott
The sounds recorded on one of the "black boxes" recovered from downed Germanwings Flight 9525 firms up investigators' theory that the co-pilot locked the captain out of the cockpit and then crashed the plane.
Interest has been heightened by her rapidly approaching second birthday, at which point the cow would become permissible for this extremely rare halachic phenomenon.
Read more: http://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34854&alias=red-heifer-found-in-new-jersey
The Jewish Jewels of Calcutta: Magen David Synagogue
WATCH: Gavriel Sasson Speaks to the Media in English, Gives Powerful Message
Virginia Speaker demands State Bar reverse Israel boycott
The sounds recorded on one of the "black boxes" recovered from downed Germanwings Flight 9525 firms up investigators' theory that the co-pilot locked the captain out of the cockpit and then crashed the plane.
"For God's sake, open the door!" Capt. Patrick Sondenheimer screamed as he banged on the cockpit door, pleading with the co-pilot.
Expenses
It’s there to search — but not destr-oy.
An Orthodox Jewish-founded search-and-rescue group is acquiring heavy-duty military equipment in the wake of Hurricane Sandy to help out in emergencies when standard vehicles just won’t cut it. Read more: http://nypost.com/2015/03/29/jewish-rescue-group-acquires-military-truck-to-help-out-in-emergencies/
Rabbi Yair Hoffman writes about Pesach expenses and ends his article with the following paragraph.
One last thought. It is well known that Hillel was poor (see Yuma 35b) and Shammai was wealthy. How did Shammai gain his wealth? The Imrei Emes (see Lekutei Yehudah, p. 64) explains that Shammai would always purchase every item for the sake and honor of Shabbos. If he found a better one later on, he would switch that item. Hillel, on the hand, would utilize the principle of bitachon and he would make his Shabbos purchases toward the end of the week. The Imrei Emes explains that perhaps Shammai gained his wealth from the method in which he approached Shabbos purchases. Since everything he bought was l’kavod Shabbos, there was no cost involved. Even though later, when he found something better for Shabbos, he would eat the original purchase during the week, it was still not included in his yearly expenses since initially it was purchased for Shabbos.
Read full article: http://5tjt.com/pesach-expenses/
Stealing Judaism by Larry Gordon.
An Orthodox Jewish-founded search-and-rescue group is acquiring heavy-duty military equipment in the wake of Hurricane Sandy to help out in emergencies when standard vehicles just won’t cut it. Read more: http://nypost.com/2015/03/29/jewish-rescue-group-acquires-military-truck-to-help-out-in-emergencies/
Rabbi Yair Hoffman writes about Pesach expenses and ends his article with the following paragraph.
One last thought. It is well known that Hillel was poor (see Yuma 35b) and Shammai was wealthy. How did Shammai gain his wealth? The Imrei Emes (see Lekutei Yehudah, p. 64) explains that Shammai would always purchase every item for the sake and honor of Shabbos. If he found a better one later on, he would switch that item. Hillel, on the hand, would utilize the principle of bitachon and he would make his Shabbos purchases toward the end of the week. The Imrei Emes explains that perhaps Shammai gained his wealth from the method in which he approached Shabbos purchases. Since everything he bought was l’kavod Shabbos, there was no cost involved. Even though later, when he found something better for Shabbos, he would eat the original purchase during the week, it was still not included in his yearly expenses since initially it was purchased for Shabbos.
Read full article: http://5tjt.com/pesach-expenses/
Stealing Judaism by Larry Gordon.
29 Mar 2015
The one nation
What country deserves more condemnation for violating human rights than any other nation on earth? According to the U.N.’s top human rights body, that would be Israel.
Last week, Israel was the U.N.’s number one women’s rights violator. This week it is the U.N.’s all-round human rights villain.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/03/29/un-says-israel-not-iran-north-korea-or-syria-worst-violator-human-rights/
Brothers and Sisters, Come Home!
שריפה בביהמ"ד 'אמרי חיים'; ספרי קודש עלו באש
Last week, Israel was the U.N.’s number one women’s rights violator. This week it is the U.N.’s all-round human rights villain.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/03/29/un-says-israel-not-iran-north-korea-or-syria-worst-violator-human-rights/
Brothers and Sisters, Come Home!
שריפה בביהמ"ד 'אמרי חיים'; ספרי קודש עלו באש
28 Mar 2015
A spiritual home
In suburbs, more Jews find a spiritual home in Chabad
The Washngton Post has an article titled Virginia State Bar boycotts Israel.
The Algemeiner has an article titled J-Street Speaker Calls for Destruction of Israel – to Applause (VIDEO).
Dina Horowitz's Striking Question
Op-Ed: Don’t Blame That Fire on Shabbos
The Washngton Post has an article titled Virginia State Bar boycotts Israel.
The Algemeiner has an article titled J-Street Speaker Calls for Destruction of Israel – to Applause (VIDEO).
Dina Horowitz's Striking Question
Op-Ed: Don’t Blame That Fire on Shabbos
18 Mar 2015
Without intervention
Can Americans Understand Israel’s Vote?
"Lo Sei'aseh Chametz Ki Chol Si'or... Lo Saktiru Mimenu Isheh Lashem" (Vayikra 2:11). The two places that the Torah forbids Chometz is on the Mizbei'ach all year round, and in every person's home on Pesach. Why is this?
The Netziv in Hemek Davar says that leavening bread is using human intervention to add on to the natural state of the creation. The closer we are to Hashem the less appropriate it is for us to alter the natural order and manipulate the Briah. Therefore in the Bais HaMikdash, the dwelling place for the Shechina on earth, it is inappropriate to ever have Chametz on the Mizbei'ach to be offered up to Hashem.
Similarly, Pesach is the Yom Tov that imbues Emunah into our souls. Yetzias Mitzrayim is the banner we wave as the proof of Hashem's control over the world and His love for us, and we frequently mention Zeicher Litzias Mitzrayim. During this Yom Tov where we bask in the arms of our great Protector and Father in Shamayim, we refrain from eating any Chametz and leave the Briah as He made it, without our intervention.
http://revach.net/parshas-hashavua/quick-vort/Parshas-Vayikra-Netziv-Chometz-On-Pesach-Chometz-On-The-Mizbeiach/4454
"Lo Sei'aseh Chametz Ki Chol Si'or... Lo Saktiru Mimenu Isheh Lashem" (Vayikra 2:11). The two places that the Torah forbids Chometz is on the Mizbei'ach all year round, and in every person's home on Pesach. Why is this?
The Netziv in Hemek Davar says that leavening bread is using human intervention to add on to the natural state of the creation. The closer we are to Hashem the less appropriate it is for us to alter the natural order and manipulate the Briah. Therefore in the Bais HaMikdash, the dwelling place for the Shechina on earth, it is inappropriate to ever have Chametz on the Mizbei'ach to be offered up to Hashem.
Similarly, Pesach is the Yom Tov that imbues Emunah into our souls. Yetzias Mitzrayim is the banner we wave as the proof of Hashem's control over the world and His love for us, and we frequently mention Zeicher Litzias Mitzrayim. During this Yom Tov where we bask in the arms of our great Protector and Father in Shamayim, we refrain from eating any Chametz and leave the Briah as He made it, without our intervention.
http://revach.net/parshas-hashavua/quick-vort/Parshas-Vayikra-Netziv-Chometz-On-Pesach-Chometz-On-The-Mizbeiach/4454
It is not good that man is alone
Study: Being Alone As Bad As Smoking, Excessive Drinking - I don't know how much money was spent on the study which came up with the conclusion, that "too much alone time may shorten your life." They could have saved themselves the money had they just referred to the second Chapter in the Torah to come up with the same conclusion in which G-d declares, " "It is not good that man is alone; I shall make him a helpmate opposite him." (2:18)
The U.N. condemned the demoltion of over 100 homes in Rafah - (Egypt demolishes 1,020 Rafah homes for Gaza buffer zone) oh sorry, it was Egypt who demolished the homes-so there's no story there. Let's move on to Israel.
בלעדי • ביבי ביקש: "התפלל עבורי אצל הרבי
‘Deep Investigation’ Coming from Congress on U.S. Funding for Anti-Netanyahu Efforts
Responding to “Testy Tom” Friedman of the NYT
Thomas Friedman weighs in on the Israeli elections in an op-ed titled Go Ahead, Ruin My Day in which he opines, "But the fact is a good half of Israel identifies with the paranoid, everyone-is-against-us, and religious-nationalist tropes Netanyahu deployed in this campaign ."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/opinion/go-ahead-ruin-my-day.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=c-column-top-span-region®ion=c-column-top-span-region&WT.nav=c-column-top-span-region
After the 2006 Palestinina elections, Thomas Friedman was asked in an interview about the Hamas victory..
I think that Hamas is a terrorist organization, but I also think that it won a free and fair election and if it’s going to be ousted or it’s going to be de-legitimized, then I think that’s for the Palestinians to decide.
...You know we have a saying in journalism, Nayan, as you know, “Never be smarter than the story. When the story is speaking to you, then shut up and listen. Okay. Because all the stories I got wrong, I was talking when I should have been listening. Well, this story is speaking to us. And so when the story is speaking to you, just shut up. Okay, and let’s listen to the story.
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/interview-thomas-l-friedman
Below is a comment posted by a reader at the Blaze after an article which describes a NYT editorial that used some choice adjectives for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
'Desperate,’ ‘Subversive,’ ‘Fear-Mongering’
… Hmm, its sound like the NY Times is describing itself.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/18/desperate-subversive-fear-mongering-new-york-times-editorial-board-pens-savage-description-of-netanyahu/#
The U.N. condemned the demoltion of over 100 homes in Rafah - (Egypt demolishes 1,020 Rafah homes for Gaza buffer zone) oh sorry, it was Egypt who demolished the homes-so there's no story there. Let's move on to Israel.
בלעדי • ביבי ביקש: "התפלל עבורי אצל הרבי
‘Deep Investigation’ Coming from Congress on U.S. Funding for Anti-Netanyahu Efforts
Responding to “Testy Tom” Friedman of the NYT
Thomas Friedman weighs in on the Israeli elections in an op-ed titled Go Ahead, Ruin My Day in which he opines, "But the fact is a good half of Israel identifies with the paranoid, everyone-is-against-us, and religious-nationalist tropes Netanyahu deployed in this campaign ."
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/opinion/go-ahead-ruin-my-day.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=c-column-top-span-region®ion=c-column-top-span-region&WT.nav=c-column-top-span-region
After the 2006 Palestinina elections, Thomas Friedman was asked in an interview about the Hamas victory..
I think that Hamas is a terrorist organization, but I also think that it won a free and fair election and if it’s going to be ousted or it’s going to be de-legitimized, then I think that’s for the Palestinians to decide.
...You know we have a saying in journalism, Nayan, as you know, “Never be smarter than the story. When the story is speaking to you, then shut up and listen. Okay. Because all the stories I got wrong, I was talking when I should have been listening. Well, this story is speaking to us. And so when the story is speaking to you, just shut up. Okay, and let’s listen to the story.
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/interview-thomas-l-friedman
Below is a comment posted by a reader at the Blaze after an article which describes a NYT editorial that used some choice adjectives for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
'Desperate,’ ‘Subversive,’ ‘Fear-Mongering’
… Hmm, its sound like the NY Times is describing itself.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/18/desperate-subversive-fear-mongering-new-york-times-editorial-board-pens-savage-description-of-netanyahu/#
Low expectations
Three swastikas were spray-painted inside a Jewish fraternity house at Vanderbilt University over the weekend, prompting condemnation from the administration and Jewish groups on and off campus.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2015/03/17/vanderbilt-hate-crime-jewish-fraternity-swastikas/24887351/
State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, responded to a reporter asking whether former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had signed a separation form upon leaving the Department.
Well, we have reviewed Secretary Clinton’s official personnel file and administrative files and do not have any record of her signing the OF-109. In addition, after looking into their official personnel files, we did not locate any record of either of her immediate predecessors signing this form. It’s not clear that this form is used as part of a standard part of checkout across the federal government or even at the State Department. So we’re certainly looking into that.
She also addressed a journalist who asked about Israeli elections, "Keep your expectations low, Said."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/03/239388.htm#DEPARTMENT2
A post headline reads, Benjamin Netanyahu declares victory; ‘Is it a violation of the Logan Act’ to congratulate him?
Below the post are various tweets including, "If @netanyahu wins tonight will Obama be calling him to congratulate the leader of our country's closest ally?"
http://www.floppingaces.net/most-wanted/benjamin-netanyahu-declares-victory-is-it-a-violation-of-the-logan-act-to-congratulate-him/
The family-run business that was the very first company to file a lawsuit against the Obama administration HHS mandate, that forced companies to pay for abortion-causing drugs for their employees, won its legal challenge.
http://www.lifenews.com/2015/03/17/court-rules-obama-admin-cant-make-family-run-business-obey-pro-abortion-hhs-mandate/
The individual in the video below discusses this week's parsha which is about bringing sacrfices. He says, " As we are giving of ourselves, we are preserving ourselves.
I just read the same idea in a daily email about emunah which I received today. The email contained a story about a woman who was in need of a shidduch and wanted a teaching job, as well. She was scheduled to meet a principal for an interview when she bumped into a friend who was married and desperately looking for a job to feed her family. She told her friend about the position and both were invited for interviews.
When the single girl was offered the position, she thought to herself that she was still being supported by her parents and didn't need the salary as desperately as her married friend. She requested the rebbetzin who interviewed her to hire the her friend instead.
Soon after, the single girl received a shidduch suggestion. The boy was the son of the rebbetzin who hqd been impressed by her character and her sacrifice for her friend. She eventually got engaged to him and also received a job offer at the school.
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/crime/2015/03/17/vanderbilt-hate-crime-jewish-fraternity-swastikas/24887351/
State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, responded to a reporter asking whether former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had signed a separation form upon leaving the Department.
Well, we have reviewed Secretary Clinton’s official personnel file and administrative files and do not have any record of her signing the OF-109. In addition, after looking into their official personnel files, we did not locate any record of either of her immediate predecessors signing this form. It’s not clear that this form is used as part of a standard part of checkout across the federal government or even at the State Department. So we’re certainly looking into that.
She also addressed a journalist who asked about Israeli elections, "Keep your expectations low, Said."
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/03/239388.htm#DEPARTMENT2
A post headline reads, Benjamin Netanyahu declares victory; ‘Is it a violation of the Logan Act’ to congratulate him?
Below the post are various tweets including, "If @netanyahu wins tonight will Obama be calling him to congratulate the leader of our country's closest ally?"
http://www.floppingaces.net/most-wanted/benjamin-netanyahu-declares-victory-is-it-a-violation-of-the-logan-act-to-congratulate-him/
The family-run business that was the very first company to file a lawsuit against the Obama administration HHS mandate, that forced companies to pay for abortion-causing drugs for their employees, won its legal challenge.
http://www.lifenews.com/2015/03/17/court-rules-obama-admin-cant-make-family-run-business-obey-pro-abortion-hhs-mandate/
The individual in the video below discusses this week's parsha which is about bringing sacrfices. He says, " As we are giving of ourselves, we are preserving ourselves.
I just read the same idea in a daily email about emunah which I received today. The email contained a story about a woman who was in need of a shidduch and wanted a teaching job, as well. She was scheduled to meet a principal for an interview when she bumped into a friend who was married and desperately looking for a job to feed her family. She told her friend about the position and both were invited for interviews.
When the single girl was offered the position, she thought to herself that she was still being supported by her parents and didn't need the salary as desperately as her married friend. She requested the rebbetzin who interviewed her to hire the her friend instead.
Soon after, the single girl received a shidduch suggestion. The boy was the son of the rebbetzin who hqd been impressed by her character and her sacrifice for her friend. She eventually got engaged to him and also received a job offer at the school.
17 Mar 2015
Elections
זריזין מקדימין: הגר"ח קנייבסקי ראשון בקלפי
As Israelis go to elections today, Rbbi Lazer Brody writes, " Let's all of us here perform our civic duty and vote. It only takes a minute or two. But, let's cast our permanent vote for Hashem,..."
http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/#sthash.pTMzaCGy.dpuf
A U.S. non-profit that has received State Department funding scrambled last month to create a new legal entity in the aftermath of a congressional letter suggesting its efforts to unseat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may violate tax law, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.
Read more: http://freebeacon.com/issues/anti-netanyahu-nonprofit-forms-new-entity-after-congress-says-it-violated-campaign-law/
An article at the New Republic describes the New Israel Fund as "a charity devoted to supporting the progressive civil sector in Israel" while Ronn Torossian describes it in another manner in an article titled My Stand Against the New Israel Fund.
The New Republic article also details "the rapidly rising rate of intermarriage, now 71 percent among non-Orthodox Jews."
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121304/generational-divide-american-jews-israel
As Israelis go to elections today, Rbbi Lazer Brody writes, " Let's all of us here perform our civic duty and vote. It only takes a minute or two. But, let's cast our permanent vote for Hashem,..."
http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/#sthash.pTMzaCGy.dpuf
A U.S. non-profit that has received State Department funding scrambled last month to create a new legal entity in the aftermath of a congressional letter suggesting its efforts to unseat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may violate tax law, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.
Read more: http://freebeacon.com/issues/anti-netanyahu-nonprofit-forms-new-entity-after-congress-says-it-violated-campaign-law/
An article at the New Republic describes the New Israel Fund as "a charity devoted to supporting the progressive civil sector in Israel" while Ronn Torossian describes it in another manner in an article titled My Stand Against the New Israel Fund.
The New Republic article also details "the rapidly rising rate of intermarriage, now 71 percent among non-Orthodox Jews."
http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121304/generational-divide-american-jews-israel
16 Mar 2015
No update
Is It Time for the Jews to Leave Europe?
Want To Give to Jewish Charities? Don't Do It Over the Phone.
In a March 12th briefing, a journalist asked State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, the following question to which he received an answer " I don't have an update."
The same question was posed on March 13th and the response was "I don't have an update."
The same question was posed on March 16th. What do you think the response was?
Right, but did Secretary Clinton – a former DOJ attorney has asked if – under department policy, asked if Secretary Clinton, like all officials here in this building when they depart or separate from office, has to sign something called a form OF109. It’s a separation statement declaring that when you leave office, you’re turning in – turn over not just classified materials, but any documents for official purposes. Did she sign --
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/03/238840.htm#DEPARTMENT
Want To Give to Jewish Charities? Don't Do It Over the Phone.
In a March 12th briefing, a journalist asked State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, the following question to which he received an answer " I don't have an update."
The same question was posed on March 13th and the response was "I don't have an update."
The same question was posed on March 16th. What do you think the response was?
Right, but did Secretary Clinton – a former DOJ attorney has asked if – under department policy, asked if Secretary Clinton, like all officials here in this building when they depart or separate from office, has to sign something called a form OF109. It’s a separation statement declaring that when you leave office, you’re turning in – turn over not just classified materials, but any documents for official purposes. Did she sign --
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/03/238840.htm#DEPARTMENT
Watching, listening and recording
During the beginning of the twentieth century, as the world was experiencing a technological revolution, the Chafetz Chaim wrote in his Shem Olam that we can learn valuable lessons from all the new inventions. Concerning the camera, he wrote that it enables us to palpably see that the Mishna’s warning of “ayin ro’eh, an eye is watching,” is not just a metaphor, but a tangible reality.
...The same is not true when it comes to the eye our Rabbis described that watches from above and records all of our actions. With His boundless mercy, the Ribono Shelo Olam, the Master of the Universe, enabled and empowered every one of us to spiritually edit our online and offline histories by simply engaging in the sincere process of teshuva. Recognizing our mistakes, regretting them, and genuinely committing not to repeat them purges the indiscretions from our past and deletes them from our record permanently.
https://www.ou.org/life/inspiration/private-information-hacked/
ayin ro’eh, - an eye is watching
Local News Reporter Discovers Secret Spy Camera Outside a Post Office – but an Hour Later, It Was Gone
v’ozen shoma’as - an ear is listening
Have You Heard About the ‘Creepy’ New Barbie Doll That Can Record Your Conversations?
v’chol ma’asecha b’sefer nichtavin - all of your actions are being recorded
...The same is not true when it comes to the eye our Rabbis described that watches from above and records all of our actions. With His boundless mercy, the Ribono Shelo Olam, the Master of the Universe, enabled and empowered every one of us to spiritually edit our online and offline histories by simply engaging in the sincere process of teshuva. Recognizing our mistakes, regretting them, and genuinely committing not to repeat them purges the indiscretions from our past and deletes them from our record permanently.
https://www.ou.org/life/inspiration/private-information-hacked/
ayin ro’eh, - an eye is watching
Local News Reporter Discovers Secret Spy Camera Outside a Post Office – but an Hour Later, It Was Gone
v’ozen shoma’as - an ear is listening
Have You Heard About the ‘Creepy’ New Barbie Doll That Can Record Your Conversations?
v’chol ma’asecha b’sefer nichtavin - all of your actions are being recorded
15 Mar 2015
Helping his brother
A bris, Bar Mitzvah and Pidyon Haben were held in succession at the Jewish Russian Community Center of Montreal, Thursday.
Continue reading: http://collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34636&alias=3-celebrations-within-a-day
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told tens of thousands of right-wing voters Sunday that if reelected Tuesday he would make no territorial concessions to the Palestinians or divide the capital Jerusalem. ...Netanyahu closed his remarks with a push to his supporters to work together and thus achieve victory. He offered a quote from Isaiah 41:6, “Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, ‘Be strong!’”
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/15/netanyahu-vows-he-will-not-give-up-territory-quotes-book-of-isaiah-in-final-rally-before-tuesdays-election/
Singer Gad Elbaz demonstrated helping his Jewish brothers in the second video posted below.
Israeli superstar singer Gad Elbaz sings the beloved classic "Hava Nagila" like you've never heard before, filmed in solidarity with Paris Jews.
Read more: http://collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34633&alias=hava-nagila-with-a-twist
"V'Nefesh Ki Sakriv Korbon Mincha LaShem" (Vayikra 2:1). The Ben Ish Chai in Ben Yehoyada Al HaTorah tells a story of a rich person who embarrasses a tzaddik in Shul. Later that day the tzaddik sends a basket of fruit to the rich parson with a note. "This morning when you embarrassed me you generously gave me all your mitzvos, so now I'd like you send you a gift as well." Mitzvos that we receive from others who speak Lashon Hara or embarrass us are called a gift "a Mincha".
However warns the Ben Ish Chai if these mitzvos that you bring with you to Shamayim are greater than your own personal mitzvos it will be quite embarrassing for you. You didn't really earn these. Therefore he says make sure that the mitzvos you earn yourself are even greater.
This is hinted in the words of the pasuk, "V'Nefesh Ki Sakriv Korbon Mincha LaShem", a person who brings with him other people's mitzvos to Shamayim. "Soless Yihiyeh Korbonoy"; his own Korbon, his own mitzvos should be clean and pure like fine flour.
http://revach.net/tefila/article.php?id=1954
Continue reading: http://collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34636&alias=3-celebrations-within-a-day
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told tens of thousands of right-wing voters Sunday that if reelected Tuesday he would make no territorial concessions to the Palestinians or divide the capital Jerusalem. ...Netanyahu closed his remarks with a push to his supporters to work together and thus achieve victory. He offered a quote from Isaiah 41:6, “Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, ‘Be strong!’”
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/15/netanyahu-vows-he-will-not-give-up-territory-quotes-book-of-isaiah-in-final-rally-before-tuesdays-election/
Singer Gad Elbaz demonstrated helping his Jewish brothers in the second video posted below.
Israeli superstar singer Gad Elbaz sings the beloved classic "Hava Nagila" like you've never heard before, filmed in solidarity with Paris Jews.
Read more: http://collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=34633&alias=hava-nagila-with-a-twist
"V'Nefesh Ki Sakriv Korbon Mincha LaShem" (Vayikra 2:1). The Ben Ish Chai in Ben Yehoyada Al HaTorah tells a story of a rich person who embarrasses a tzaddik in Shul. Later that day the tzaddik sends a basket of fruit to the rich parson with a note. "This morning when you embarrassed me you generously gave me all your mitzvos, so now I'd like you send you a gift as well." Mitzvos that we receive from others who speak Lashon Hara or embarrass us are called a gift "a Mincha".
However warns the Ben Ish Chai if these mitzvos that you bring with you to Shamayim are greater than your own personal mitzvos it will be quite embarrassing for you. You didn't really earn these. Therefore he says make sure that the mitzvos you earn yourself are even greater.
This is hinted in the words of the pasuk, "V'Nefesh Ki Sakriv Korbon Mincha LaShem", a person who brings with him other people's mitzvos to Shamayim. "Soless Yihiyeh Korbonoy"; his own Korbon, his own mitzvos should be clean and pure like fine flour.
http://revach.net/tefila/article.php?id=1954
The Jamaican minyan
David McFadden, at AP, has defined a "minyan" for his readers.
It’s Saturday morning at Sha’are Shalom, but there aren’t enough Jews gathered in the dim light of Jamaica’s only synagogue to conduct a formal prayer service.
An American tourist watches near the entrance of the historic temple as a half dozen members of Jamaica’s dwindling Jewish community instead perform informal Sabbath prayers led by a congregant. Without the 10 Jewish adults needed for a quorum known as a minyan, men and women gather around a mahogany platform raised above a sand-covered floor to pray and sing to the swelling chords of a pipe organ.
http://www.bradenton.com/2015/03/15/5691967/jamaica-hopes-jewish-tourism-can.html
California Jewish Leaders Call for Tougher Laws Against Antisemitism After Recent Attacks
Congressional Probe Launched Into White House and State Dept. Interference With Israeli Election…
A Mom Stands Up Against Common Core
Paris Jewish supermarket reopens after hostage siege
It’s Saturday morning at Sha’are Shalom, but there aren’t enough Jews gathered in the dim light of Jamaica’s only synagogue to conduct a formal prayer service.
An American tourist watches near the entrance of the historic temple as a half dozen members of Jamaica’s dwindling Jewish community instead perform informal Sabbath prayers led by a congregant. Without the 10 Jewish adults needed for a quorum known as a minyan, men and women gather around a mahogany platform raised above a sand-covered floor to pray and sing to the swelling chords of a pipe organ.
http://www.bradenton.com/2015/03/15/5691967/jamaica-hopes-jewish-tourism-can.html
California Jewish Leaders Call for Tougher Laws Against Antisemitism After Recent Attacks
Congressional Probe Launched Into White House and State Dept. Interference With Israeli Election…
A Mom Stands Up Against Common Core
Paris Jewish supermarket reopens after hostage siege
14 Mar 2015
Too visible
Jewish people in Germany should avoid making themselves too visible in Muslim neighbourhoods, according to the president of the country's Central Council of Jews.
4 Mar 2015
A Persian name
Click here to hear the Lubavitcher Rebbe explain Why Purim Has a Persian Name.
The Short Vort’ - “Haman in the Torah?” (3/2/15) -Thank you, Rabbi Eisenman, for your great writings.
Ta’anit Esther segulot and insights
Iraqi Minister Says Jews Secretly Behind ISIS Destruction Of Ancient Artifacts In Mosul…
State Department Spokesperson Marie Harf was asked question after question about Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email account rather than a State.gov account.
QUESTION: No, how do you legally verify – I mean, granted, she was the Secretary of State. But as Ronald Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.” Is there any way of corroborating that everything that was provided by her office is in fact everything that she engaged in while she was Secretary of State? http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/03/238132.htm#DEPARTMENT
Finally, for all you students out there, today is the day to ask your teacher, "What's today's date?"
When he:she responds, March Fourth, it is your cue to get up from your desks and march forth right out of the classroom.
Below is an explanation of Perek 22 of Tehilllim, which many recite on Ta'anit Esther. Two years ago, the speaker dedicated the study of the perek for a zechut for a refuah sheleima for a special individual. May it now be a zechut leilui nishmata.
The Short Vort’ - “Haman in the Torah?” (3/2/15) -Thank you, Rabbi Eisenman, for your great writings.
Ta’anit Esther segulot and insights
Iraqi Minister Says Jews Secretly Behind ISIS Destruction Of Ancient Artifacts In Mosul…
State Department Spokesperson Marie Harf was asked question after question about Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email account rather than a State.gov account.
QUESTION: No, how do you legally verify – I mean, granted, she was the Secretary of State. But as Ronald Reagan said, “Trust, but verify.” Is there any way of corroborating that everything that was provided by her office is in fact everything that she engaged in while she was Secretary of State? http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2015/03/238132.htm#DEPARTMENT
Finally, for all you students out there, today is the day to ask your teacher, "What's today's date?"
When he:she responds, March Fourth, it is your cue to get up from your desks and march forth right out of the classroom.
Below is an explanation of Perek 22 of Tehilllim, which many recite on Ta'anit Esther. Two years ago, the speaker dedicated the study of the perek for a zechut for a refuah sheleima for a special individual. May it now be a zechut leilui nishmata.
3 Mar 2015
Devarim 31:6
Ryan Teague Beckwith writes about Netanyahu's speech to Congress.
...He then quoted Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses’ parting words to the Israelites, in Hebrew: “Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them.”
http://time.com/3730272/benjamin-netanyahu-moses-sculpture/
Actually, Mr. Beckwith should have written, "He then quoted the first half of Deuteronomy 31:6, omitting the half that really counts."
Be strong and courageous! Neither fear, nor be dismayed of them, for the Lord, your God He is the One Who goes with you. He will neither fail you, nor forsake you.
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9995/jewish/Chapter-31.htm
H/T - a special relative.
Below is a comment posted at the end of an INN article about the Prime Minister's speech.
First; I’m not a fan of Bibi but today I saw him function as a truth speaker and I was impressed. THEN I listened to the American comments on Netanjahu’s speech and my heart sank. American’s have no concept of historical time.The USA lives in the here and now; completely oblivious to long term consequences of their actions. They are like children; pragmatic and only focussed on the short term. Bibi gave them true Prophecy today and they heard fear mongering, politicking and criticism. Like children they can’t accept that they might be in a position of determining the course of history; this is grown – up stuff; too complex/ too “scary” for Americans to deal with. American’s can’t understand that Bibi would NEVER risk the relationship with the USA if it wasn’t for an Existential reason! Bibi wasn’t playing politics; he was trying to save the world from catastrophe. Like the prophets of old he came to warn; Their ears can’t hear and their eyes are incapable of seeing. G-d have mercy on the unbelievers! Bibi was correct to talk about a crossroads; and we Jews will have to accept that we will, as was foretold, have to walk the correct road without human support; Thank G-d! we know we have the only relevant support; As long as we trust in HaShem; we are not alone.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/192082#.VPYPCpVATIU
Click here to listen to Senator Robert Menedez deliver a rousing speech at AIPAC.
...He then quoted Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses’ parting words to the Israelites, in Hebrew: “Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them.”
http://time.com/3730272/benjamin-netanyahu-moses-sculpture/
Actually, Mr. Beckwith should have written, "He then quoted the first half of Deuteronomy 31:6, omitting the half that really counts."
Be strong and courageous! Neither fear, nor be dismayed of them, for the Lord, your God He is the One Who goes with you. He will neither fail you, nor forsake you.
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9995/jewish/Chapter-31.htm
H/T - a special relative.
Below is a comment posted at the end of an INN article about the Prime Minister's speech.
First; I’m not a fan of Bibi but today I saw him function as a truth speaker and I was impressed. THEN I listened to the American comments on Netanjahu’s speech and my heart sank. American’s have no concept of historical time.The USA lives in the here and now; completely oblivious to long term consequences of their actions. They are like children; pragmatic and only focussed on the short term. Bibi gave them true Prophecy today and they heard fear mongering, politicking and criticism. Like children they can’t accept that they might be in a position of determining the course of history; this is grown – up stuff; too complex/ too “scary” for Americans to deal with. American’s can’t understand that Bibi would NEVER risk the relationship with the USA if it wasn’t for an Existential reason! Bibi wasn’t playing politics; he was trying to save the world from catastrophe. Like the prophets of old he came to warn; Their ears can’t hear and their eyes are incapable of seeing. G-d have mercy on the unbelievers! Bibi was correct to talk about a crossroads; and we Jews will have to accept that we will, as was foretold, have to walk the correct road without human support; Thank G-d! we know we have the only relevant support; As long as we trust in HaShem; we are not alone.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/192082#.VPYPCpVATIU
Click here to listen to Senator Robert Menedez deliver a rousing speech at AIPAC.
Special requests
My inbox was inundated with emails this morning. Below are a selected few.
When G-d is hidden
Sponsor a Yeshiva Bochurs Learning on Purim
When G-d is hidden
Sponsor a Yeshiva Bochurs Learning on Purim
During the past Shabbos -
Shabbos Zochor, a Chosson collapsed on his Shabbos Sheva Brochos in
Erets Yisroel and is now unconscious after having 2 difficult operations
in his head!
בבקשה להתפלל
. לרפואת רפאל יעקב בן חדווה פראדיל לרפו"ש בתושח"י
״כל המתפלל על חבירו נענה תחילה״ בשורות טובות!
א שִׁיר, לַמַּעֲלוֹת:
אֶשָּׂא עֵינַי, אֶל-הֶהָרִים-- מֵאַיִן, יָבֹא עֶזְרִי.
ב עֶזְרִי, מֵעִם יְהוָה-- עֹשֵׂה, שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ.
ג אַל-יִתֵּן לַמּוֹט רַגְלֶךָ; אַל-יָנוּם, שֹׁמְרֶךָ.
ד הִנֵּה לֹא-יָנוּם, וְלֹא יִישָׁן-- שׁוֹמֵר, יִשְׂרָאֵל.
ה יְהוָה שֹׁמְרֶךָ; יְהוָה צִלְּךָ, עַל-יַד יְמִינֶךָ.
ו יוֹמָם, הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ לֹא-יַכֶּכָּה; וְיָרֵחַ בַּלָּיְלָה.
ז יְהוָה, יִשְׁמָרְךָ מִכָּל-רָע: יִשְׁמֹר, אֶת-נַפְשֶׁךָ.
ח יְהוָה, יִשְׁמָר-צֵאתְךָ וּבוֹאֶךָ-- מֵעַתָּה, וְעַד-עוֹלָם
. לרפואת רפאל יעקב בן חדווה פראדיל לרפו"ש בתושח"י
״כל המתפלל על חבירו נענה תחילה״ בשורות טובות!
א שִׁיר, לַמַּעֲלוֹת:
אֶשָּׂא עֵינַי, אֶל-הֶהָרִים-- מֵאַיִן, יָבֹא עֶזְרִי.
ב עֶזְרִי, מֵעִם יְהוָה-- עֹשֵׂה, שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ.
ג אַל-יִתֵּן לַמּוֹט רַגְלֶךָ; אַל-יָנוּם, שֹׁמְרֶךָ.
ד הִנֵּה לֹא-יָנוּם, וְלֹא יִישָׁן-- שׁוֹמֵר, יִשְׂרָאֵל.
ה יְהוָה שֹׁמְרֶךָ; יְהוָה צִלְּךָ, עַל-יַד יְמִינֶךָ.
ו יוֹמָם, הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ לֹא-יַכֶּכָּה; וְיָרֵחַ בַּלָּיְלָה.
ז יְהוָה, יִשְׁמָרְךָ מִכָּל-רָע: יִשְׁמֹר, אֶת-נַפְשֶׁךָ.
ח יְהוָה, יִשְׁמָר-צֵאתְךָ וּבוֹאֶךָ-- מֵעַתָּה, וְעַד-עוֹלָם
Remember to say perek 22 of Tehillim on Ta'anis Esther,
Purim and Shushan Purim - a Segulah for Yeshuos.
For each request, say Perek 22, then express your request,
then say 'in the z'chus of Mordechai and Esther'.
"I
can't is idolatry.
If
Hashem helps us,
we can
change the world.
And if
He doesn't help,
we
can't do anything."
Rav
Noach Weinberg Zatza"l
2 Mar 2015
Addressing the joint session
Rabbi Frand on Purim
When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress Tuesday, seated in the gallery will be a man designated to represent the evangelical Christian community’s support for Israel: recording legend Pat Boone.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2015/03/pat-boone-to-represent-evangelicals-at-bibi-speech/#zZ5QtKvYy1H6ErGr.99
Joel Pollak writes, "I’m fasting Monday and praying for Benjamin Netanyahu’s success in his speech to Congress on Tuesday. I don’t care for the pettiness of his American Jewish critics, who typify the establishment that remained silent during the Holocaust; nor the hysterics of his Israeli opponents, who prove by their behavior they are unfit to lead. I am hoping sense will prevail. I trust God and not the mainstream media, here and abroad, who have declared Netanyahu’s speech a disaster in advance."
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/03/01/pray-for-netanyahu/
A friend of mine schedules appointments for a devout Christian. He asked her not to make appointments for him on Wednesday. When she asked why, he answered because it was the Fast of Esther and he is planning on fasting that day.
She questioned him incredulously, "But that is a Jewish holiday. Why are you going to fast that day?"
He answered that he was very concerned with the state of affairs of the world and wanted to fast during the week that the Prime Minister of Israel was scheduled to address Congress.
Could a New 'Halakhic Pre-nup' Help 'Chained' Women?
When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of the U.S. Congress Tuesday, seated in the gallery will be a man designated to represent the evangelical Christian community’s support for Israel: recording legend Pat Boone.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2015/03/pat-boone-to-represent-evangelicals-at-bibi-speech/#zZ5QtKvYy1H6ErGr.99
Joel Pollak writes, "I’m fasting Monday and praying for Benjamin Netanyahu’s success in his speech to Congress on Tuesday. I don’t care for the pettiness of his American Jewish critics, who typify the establishment that remained silent during the Holocaust; nor the hysterics of his Israeli opponents, who prove by their behavior they are unfit to lead. I am hoping sense will prevail. I trust God and not the mainstream media, here and abroad, who have declared Netanyahu’s speech a disaster in advance."
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/03/01/pray-for-netanyahu/
A friend of mine schedules appointments for a devout Christian. He asked her not to make appointments for him on Wednesday. When she asked why, he answered because it was the Fast of Esther and he is planning on fasting that day.
She questioned him incredulously, "But that is a Jewish holiday. Why are you going to fast that day?"
He answered that he was very concerned with the state of affairs of the world and wanted to fast during the week that the Prime Minister of Israel was scheduled to address Congress.
Could a New 'Halakhic Pre-nup' Help 'Chained' Women?
1 Mar 2015
A coin of fire
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.thejewisheye.com/rev_pkitisa.html
נתניהו: "אסור שיהודי יילך לכלא בגלל לימוד תורה"
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.thejewisheye.com/rev_pkitisa.html
נתניהו: "אסור שיהודי יילך לכלא בגלל לימוד תורה"
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