Civilians killed in eastern Kunar province, anti-government protestors killed in Benghazi and Palestinians killed in Jenin. Which merits a U.N. resolution to investigate the facts?
Joint operations by Afghan forces and NATO-led foreign troops have killed 64 civilians in eastern Kunar province, including many women and children, over the past four days, the provincial governor said.
"They were killed by ground and air strikes in Ghazi Abad district," Fazlullah Wahidi, governor of Kunar province, told Reuters on Sunday.
http://www.fox4kc.com/news/nationworld/sns-rt-international-us-afgtre71j0jv-20110220,0,421910.story
Libyan security forces opened fire on mourners at a funeral for anti-government protesters in the eastern city of Benghazi again, a day after commandos and foreign mercenaries loyal to longtime leader Moammar Gaddafi attacked demonstrators with knives, assault rifles and other heavy weaponry.
A doctor at one city hospital said he counted 200 dead in his morgue alone since unrest began six days ago.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8336573/Libya-200-dead-as-Gaddafis-forces-fire-on-protest-mourners.html
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1405 on April 19, 2002, which welcomed "the initiative of the Secretary-General to develop accurate information regarding recent events in the Jenin refugee camp through a fact-finding team."
http://www.jcpa.org/art/brief1-22.htm
A United Nations investigation has rejected claims that hundreds of Palestinian civilians were killed in Israel's attack on the Palestinian refugee camp in Jenin.
In a report released on Thursday the UN said the overall number of Palestinians killed was 52 - around half of whom may have been civilians - while Israel lost 23 soldiers there.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/2165272.stm
20 Feb 2011
13 Feb 2011
A reason to celebrate
Bereishit - Genesis - Chapter 40
כ. וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי יוֹם הֻלֶּדֶת אֶת פַּרְעֹה וַיַּעַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּה לְכָל עֲבָדָיו וַיִּשָּׂא אֶת רֹאשׁ שַׂר הַמַּשְׁקִים וְאֶת רֹאשׁ שַׂר הָאֹפִים בְּתוֹךְ עֲבָדָיו:
20. Now it came about on the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, that Pharaoh made a feast for all his servants, and he counted the chief cupbearer and chief baker among his servants.
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/8235/jewish/Chapter-40.htm
The Israeli website Bechadrei Chareidim published a post about Hagaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky's visit to a hospital and a question that was asked of the Torah scholar. Forgive me if something gets lost in the translation. Click here to read the article in Hebrew.
Rav Chaim Kanievsky was visiting Tel Hashomer Hospital when a person who had accompanied him approached the Rav and asked him for a blessing.
"It's my birthday," explained the man who made the request.
The Rav said that we find in the Torah that only Pharaoh celebrated his birthday.
Someone took the opportunity to ask the Rav, "Why celebrate a birthday at all? A man celebrating his birthday is one step closer to his death, so why should he celebrate?
Rav Kanievsky replied that when is says in the Talmud that "it would have been better for man had he not been born", Tosfot explained that these words referred to wicked people. But if we are referring to righteous people, it is good for them and good for the world. That is definitely a reason to celebrate.
כ. וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי יוֹם הֻלֶּדֶת אֶת פַּרְעֹה וַיַּעַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּה לְכָל עֲבָדָיו וַיִּשָּׂא אֶת רֹאשׁ שַׂר הַמַּשְׁקִים וְאֶת רֹאשׁ שַׂר הָאֹפִים בְּתוֹךְ עֲבָדָיו:
20. Now it came about on the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, that Pharaoh made a feast for all his servants, and he counted the chief cupbearer and chief baker among his servants.
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/8235/jewish/Chapter-40.htm
The Israeli website Bechadrei Chareidim published a post about Hagaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky's visit to a hospital and a question that was asked of the Torah scholar. Forgive me if something gets lost in the translation. Click here to read the article in Hebrew.
Rav Chaim Kanievsky was visiting Tel Hashomer Hospital when a person who had accompanied him approached the Rav and asked him for a blessing.
"It's my birthday," explained the man who made the request.
The Rav said that we find in the Torah that only Pharaoh celebrated his birthday.
Someone took the opportunity to ask the Rav, "Why celebrate a birthday at all? A man celebrating his birthday is one step closer to his death, so why should he celebrate?
Rav Kanievsky replied that when is says in the Talmud that "it would have been better for man had he not been born", Tosfot explained that these words referred to wicked people. But if we are referring to righteous people, it is good for them and good for the world. That is definitely a reason to celebrate.
Just visiting
A Daily Mail article about two schools in England that were caught on hidden camera is quite disturbing.
The school said that a speaker who made comments about Jews was ‘visiting’ and his views did not represent school policy...
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356361/Hidden-camera-shows-beatings-religious-segregation-inside-Muslim-faith-schools.html#ixzz1DmmtTPMM
Are you reassured that the speaker was just 'visiting'?
The school said that a speaker who made comments about Jews was ‘visiting’ and his views did not represent school policy...
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1356361/Hidden-camera-shows-beatings-religious-segregation-inside-Muslim-faith-schools.html#ixzz1DmmtTPMM
Are you reassured that the speaker was just 'visiting'?
12 Feb 2011
Kazeh yitnu
Parshas Ki Sisa: Rav Elyashiv - Hashem's "Coins 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.revach.net/parshas-hashavua/quick-vort/Parshas-Ki-Sisa-Rav-Elyashiv-Hashems-Coins-of-Fire/1855
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
11 Feb 2011
Thoughts on the Parsha
Two thoughts on the parsha from shortvort.com.
1.How does the me'il atone for lashon hara?
2.tzavah - which speaks about honesty in business - being free from financial improprieties.
Speaking about business, here is an article about a recent business venture.
1.How does the me'il atone for lashon hara?
2.tzavah - which speaks about honesty in business - being free from financial improprieties.
Speaking about business, here is an article about a recent business venture.
10 Feb 2011
Long enough
The last post was about Jonathan Pollard. IsraelNationalNews is reporting about a "Media Campaign in US for Pollard's Release."
A gezunt ahf dein kop
A Matzav article describes an emergency operation that was performed on Jonathan Pollard a few weeks ago. His wife stated that he was very ill.
http://matzav.com/esther-pollard-jonathan-rushed-to-emergency-operation-doctor-said-he-almost-died
Perahps we could stop playing politics and quid pro quo and allow Mr. Pollard to be released on compassionate grounds. In the meantime, let's daven for Yehonatan ben Malka for a refuah sheleima and a speedy release.
A relative told me that if she had a million dollars to contribute to charity, she would donate to Chai Lifeline, an organization which helps families with sick children. She told me that the charity's work is amazing and how much it helps families who need extra hands while their children are in the hospital. I received an email about sending Chail Lifeline Purim cards. Click here if you would like further information.
http://matzav.com/esther-pollard-jonathan-rushed-to-emergency-operation-doctor-said-he-almost-died
Perahps we could stop playing politics and quid pro quo and allow Mr. Pollard to be released on compassionate grounds. In the meantime, let's daven for Yehonatan ben Malka for a refuah sheleima and a speedy release.
A relative told me that if she had a million dollars to contribute to charity, she would donate to Chai Lifeline, an organization which helps families with sick children. She told me that the charity's work is amazing and how much it helps families who need extra hands while their children are in the hospital. I received an email about sending Chail Lifeline Purim cards. Click here if you would like further information.
9 Feb 2011
Moralement discutable
For a country that takes vacations hyper seriously, its top ministers seem to have a serious problem figuring how to vacation ethically, not to mention understanding that junkets sponsored by Arab dictators or their cronies may be, well, moralement discutable.
...French Prime Minister François Fillon, who acknowledged Tuesday that the Egyptian government had offered his family free lodging, a plane flight and a boat cruise on the Nile during a New Year’s vacation in Egypt,...
http://www.france24.com/en/20110209-france-fillon-prime-minister-foreign-minister-mam-egypt-holiday-air-dictator-scandal-tunisia
In a case dated August 2009, "The Supreme Court ruled Monday that elected judges must step aside from cases when large campaign contributions from interested parties create the appearance of bias."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31168141/ns/politics-supreme_court/
Shoftim Ch. 16, v. 19: "V'lo sikach shochad ki hashochad y'a'veir" - And you shall not accept a bribe because a bribe will blind - The gemara Sanhedrin 21b states: Rabbi Yehudoh said, "Why does the Torah not tell us the underlying reason for mitzvos? The answer is because in the two places where the Torah did give a reason, King Shlomo the greatest person of his generation, fell through. The Torah states that a king shall not take too many wives lest his heart turn away from proper service of Hashem (Dvorim 17:17). King Shlomo reasoned that he was capable of taking many wives and still staying on the straight and narrow. Nevertheless, his wives turned his heart away from Hashem.
The Divrei Sho'ul and Imrei Emes ask, "According to this gemara why does our verse give us the reason for not accepting bribes?" They both answer that here there is no fear that a person might reason that he is above being affected by bribery since the Torah testifies that by taking a bribe the judge's sound judgment will be blinded. Once blinded, the judge will not be aware that he is blinded, so how could he rationalize taking bribe?
http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/fleisher/archives/shoftim62.htm
This article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network
Permission is granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, provided that this notice is included intact.
Anyone want to offer a free vacation to moi? I will make sure to plug you in a positive fashion on my blog. On second thought, I don't want to be unduly influenced so scratch that idea.
...French Prime Minister François Fillon, who acknowledged Tuesday that the Egyptian government had offered his family free lodging, a plane flight and a boat cruise on the Nile during a New Year’s vacation in Egypt,...
http://www.france24.com/en/20110209-france-fillon-prime-minister-foreign-minister-mam-egypt-holiday-air-dictator-scandal-tunisia
In a case dated August 2009, "The Supreme Court ruled Monday that elected judges must step aside from cases when large campaign contributions from interested parties create the appearance of bias."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31168141/ns/politics-supreme_court/
Shoftim Ch. 16, v. 19: "V'lo sikach shochad ki hashochad y'a'veir" - And you shall not accept a bribe because a bribe will blind - The gemara Sanhedrin 21b states: Rabbi Yehudoh said, "Why does the Torah not tell us the underlying reason for mitzvos? The answer is because in the two places where the Torah did give a reason, King Shlomo the greatest person of his generation, fell through. The Torah states that a king shall not take too many wives lest his heart turn away from proper service of Hashem (Dvorim 17:17). King Shlomo reasoned that he was capable of taking many wives and still staying on the straight and narrow. Nevertheless, his wives turned his heart away from Hashem.
The Divrei Sho'ul and Imrei Emes ask, "According to this gemara why does our verse give us the reason for not accepting bribes?" They both answer that here there is no fear that a person might reason that he is above being affected by bribery since the Torah testifies that by taking a bribe the judge's sound judgment will be blinded. Once blinded, the judge will not be aware that he is blinded, so how could he rationalize taking bribe?
http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/fleisher/archives/shoftim62.htm
This article is provided as part of Shema Yisrael Torah Network
Permission is granted to redistribute electronically or on paper, provided that this notice is included intact.
Anyone want to offer a free vacation to moi? I will make sure to plug you in a positive fashion on my blog. On second thought, I don't want to be unduly influenced so scratch that idea.
Laughing your way out of college
...in the Talmud Taanis 27A Chazal relate that a Talmudic sage once "met" Eliyahu HaNavi in the market place and asked him, "Who is there here that is destined for Olam Habah, the World to Come?" Eliyahu pointed out two brothers. The sage approached and queried them concerning their business. They replied, "We are badchanim, jesters. Our function is to make sad people happy." This was their business. While some might laugh off such a position in life, these two men were going to "laugh" all the way to Olam Habah.
http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/peninim/archives/behar67.htm
I was reminded of the above Gemara when I read an article this morning about Formula Capital's James Altucher's ideas for alternatives to college. His last suggestion? Make people laugh.
The 8 Alternatives to College:
-- Start a business.
-- Work for a charity.
-- Travel the world.
-- Create art.
-- Master a sport.
-- Master a game.
-- Write a book.
-- Make people laugh.
To read full article and watch video, click on the link below.
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/james-altucher%27s-8-alternatives-to-college-535903.html?tickers=COCO,APOL,ESI,DV,EDMC,STRA,%5eDJI
http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/peninim/archives/behar67.htm
I was reminded of the above Gemara when I read an article this morning about Formula Capital's James Altucher's ideas for alternatives to college. His last suggestion? Make people laugh.
The 8 Alternatives to College:
-- Start a business.
-- Work for a charity.
-- Travel the world.
-- Create art.
-- Master a sport.
-- Master a game.
-- Write a book.
-- Make people laugh.
To read full article and watch video, click on the link below.
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/james-altucher%27s-8-alternatives-to-college-535903.html?tickers=COCO,APOL,ESI,DV,EDMC,STRA,%5eDJI
8 Feb 2011
Revenge served cold
Ethics of the Fathers Chapter 2.
1. Rabbi [Judah HaNassi]* would say:...
Contemplate three things, and you will not come to the hands of transgression: Know what is above from you: a seeing eye, a listening ear, and all your deeds being inscribed in a book.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2011/jewish/Chapter-Two.htm
If a woman had realized that her neighbor had a surveillance camera, she wouldn't have taken his shovel and wouldn't have had to face the consequences of his revenge.
Vayikra Chapter 19.
18. You shall neither take revenge from nor bear a grudge against the members of your people; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9920/jewish/Chapter-19.htm
If a man would have read Leviticus 19:18, perhaps he might not have taken revenge.
1. Rabbi [Judah HaNassi]* would say:...
Contemplate three things, and you will not come to the hands of transgression: Know what is above from you: a seeing eye, a listening ear, and all your deeds being inscribed in a book.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2011/jewish/Chapter-Two.htm
If a woman had realized that her neighbor had a surveillance camera, she wouldn't have taken his shovel and wouldn't have had to face the consequences of his revenge.
Vayikra Chapter 19.
18. You shall neither take revenge from nor bear a grudge against the members of your people; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9920/jewish/Chapter-19.htm
If a man would have read Leviticus 19:18, perhaps he might not have taken revenge.
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