v'talmud Torah k'neged kulam
Kikar Hashabat has an article about Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Apparently, the Rav was so immersed in his Torah studies that he didn't take notice of his illustrious guest.
A CHAZAQ article about Rav Yosef by Yaniv Meirov offers elucidating details of the rabbi's life.
Rav David Yosef, Rav Ovadia's eighth child recollects.
"For as far back as I can remember, from when I was a little boy, my father was always learning Torah. I woke up early in the morning, he was learning. I went to sleep at night, he was learning. I woke up in the middle of the night, he was learning. That is my father. Nothing else interests him. His life is centered around Torah."
...Rabbi Krispel relates that on a number of occasions, he would approach Rav Ovadia during his studies to relay a message, yet Rav Ovadia wouldn't realize because of his deep concentration. "There have even been occasions where I had to wait well over an hour to catch his attention."
...Rabbi Krispel adds that despite Rav Ovadia's advanced age, his learning schedule is very intense. Even a serious fall two years ago, which injured his back, didn't lessen his learning, it only lessened the intensity of his learning. Rav Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg, the elderly Rosh Yeshiva of Torah Ore in Jerusalem, paid a visit to Rav Ovadia after his fall. A man who was present at this historic meeting recorded it on video. Rav Ovadia is seen crying and asking Rav Sheinberg to pray for his Refuah Shleima (full recovery). "I can't learn properly with this pain!" he said with tears flowing from his eyes. "It's hurting me. I can't learn."
"Don't cry," Rav Sheinberg repeated over and over to him as he too began to break down in tears. "Hashem will help. Just stop crying."
"That's Rav Ovadia," says Rabbi Krispel. "What bothered him most wasn't his back pain, rather the fact that he couldn't learn properly".
Read full article: https://www.chazaq.org/?section=articles&categoryId=24&articleId=290
24 Oct 2011
18 Oct 2011
At what price
Sherri Mandell speaks about the prisoner exchange in an article titled A mother’s pain. Her son, Koby, and Yosef Ish Ran "were murdered by terrorists 10 years ago when they were 13 and 14 years old. They had been hiking in the wadi near our home when they were set upon by a Palestinian mob and stoned to death."
Cheapening our loved ones’ deaths only enhances the pain. If Israel is willing to free our loved ones’ murderers, then the rest of the world can look on and assume that the terrorists are really freedom fighters or militants. If Palestinians were murdering Jews in cold blood without justification, surely the Israeli government wouldn’t release them.
No sane government would.
...And as a result of prisoner exchanges, the Israeli justice system can only be seen as a joke, a mockery, even a travesty of justice.
It provides no deterrent and no retribution. It’s as if our government says to the killers: Come hurt us again. We’ll be happy to release you one day. We’ll let you go when you demand it.
I want Gilad Schalit home.
We need to protect our own soldiers. But not with a wholesale prisoner exchange. I wish that I could rejoice with the Schalit family. But I can’t.
The price is too high.
I heard Mrs. Mandell and her husband speak at an Israeli hotel a number of years ago. She said that dental records were needed to identify the two boys. I was astounded at how vicious the murderers were. I couldn't believe that so much damage was inflicted on the two teenagers that they ciyldn't be identified except by dental records.
These people are not freedom fighters. They are people brought up on a culture of hate which makes it acceptable to beat two teenagers to death beyond recognition and to rejoice when a three-month-old baby is murdered.
On another note, I just removed my Free Gilad image from the blog. Maybe I should replace it with one for Jonathan Pollard.
Cheapening our loved ones’ deaths only enhances the pain. If Israel is willing to free our loved ones’ murderers, then the rest of the world can look on and assume that the terrorists are really freedom fighters or militants. If Palestinians were murdering Jews in cold blood without justification, surely the Israeli government wouldn’t release them.
No sane government would.
...And as a result of prisoner exchanges, the Israeli justice system can only be seen as a joke, a mockery, even a travesty of justice.
It provides no deterrent and no retribution. It’s as if our government says to the killers: Come hurt us again. We’ll be happy to release you one day. We’ll let you go when you demand it.
I want Gilad Schalit home.
We need to protect our own soldiers. But not with a wholesale prisoner exchange. I wish that I could rejoice with the Schalit family. But I can’t.
The price is too high.
I heard Mrs. Mandell and her husband speak at an Israeli hotel a number of years ago. She said that dental records were needed to identify the two boys. I was astounded at how vicious the murderers were. I couldn't believe that so much damage was inflicted on the two teenagers that they ciyldn't be identified except by dental records.
These people are not freedom fighters. They are people brought up on a culture of hate which makes it acceptable to beat two teenagers to death beyond recognition and to rejoice when a three-month-old baby is murdered.
On another note, I just removed my Free Gilad image from the blog. Maybe I should replace it with one for Jonathan Pollard.
17 Oct 2011
UNwelcome
Yid With Lid has a post titled DNCC Chair, Rep. Israel Adds Occupy Wall Street to the List of Anti-Israel/Anti-Semitic Causes He Supports. He points to a 2012 Democrats petition and a goal of obtaining 100,000 signatures of people standing with occupy Wall Street.
Patricia McCarthy begins an article titled We Have to Start Over with the following question.
"What accounts for the appalling acceptability of overt anti-Semitism these days?"
She further states, "The UN today is nothing but a club of tyrants committed to erasing Israel from the map."
Read full article: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/10/we_have_to_start_over.html
Speaking of the UN, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon describes the announcement by Israel and Hamas to exchange prisoners as "very welcome." Since when is it very welcome to release murderers who are responsible for hundreds of deaths of innocent civilians?
Patricia McCarthy begins an article titled We Have to Start Over with the following question.
"What accounts for the appalling acceptability of overt anti-Semitism these days?"
She further states, "The UN today is nothing but a club of tyrants committed to erasing Israel from the map."
Read full article: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/10/we_have_to_start_over.html
Speaking of the UN, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon describes the announcement by Israel and Hamas to exchange prisoners as "very welcome." Since when is it very welcome to release murderers who are responsible for hundreds of deaths of innocent civilians?
The silence
From the 13th century expulsion of Englands Jews to the 19th century Russian pogroms to the Nazi Holocaust, sour economic conditions have historically formed the backdrop of rising anti-Semitism.
Last week, we reported on a lone protestor at the Wall Street sit-in who insisted that America's economic woes could all be traced back to "the Jews."
Since then that message has been picked up by others at "Occupy Wall St." demontrations around the country.
Read full article: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/News/tabid/178/nid/22978/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Joel Pollak discusses the unconscionable silence of the anti-defamation league on antisemitism at occupy Wall Street.
The Anti-Defamation League is one of the most powerful and authoritative voices against bigotry of all kinds–not just in the United States, but throughout the world.
Yet the ADL’s message has been compromised by left-wing political bias, most recently in its failure to denounce the evident antisemitism of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement.
H/T memeorandum
Last week, we reported on a lone protestor at the Wall Street sit-in who insisted that America's economic woes could all be traced back to "the Jews."
Since then that message has been picked up by others at "Occupy Wall St." demontrations around the country.
Read full article: http://www.israeltoday.co.il/News/tabid/178/nid/22978/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Joel Pollak discusses the unconscionable silence of the anti-defamation league on antisemitism at occupy Wall Street.
The Anti-Defamation League is one of the most powerful and authoritative voices against bigotry of all kinds–not just in the United States, but throughout the world.
Yet the ADL’s message has been compromised by left-wing political bias, most recently in its failure to denounce the evident antisemitism of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement.
H/T memeorandum
16 Oct 2011
Evictions
A letter was released by Israel’s chief rabbis, Rabbi Moshe Shlomo Amar Shlita and Rabbi Yona Metzger Shlita, stating it is absolutely forbidden for one to light candles in a sukka due to the hazards associated with burning candles in a sukka environment.
Read full article: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=105750
Ladaat.net has reported that two sukkahs and an apartment in Bnei Brak went up in flames on Friday evening due to Shabbos candles that were lit in a sukka.
The NYPost reports that "Con Ed says it will evict Ground Zero mosque unless developer pays $1.7 million in back rent."
The Sheraton Centre hotel will not host a Muslim religious conference that was to feature speakers who have expressed anti-gay and anti-Semitic views.
Read full article: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1069557--muslim-conference-booted-from-hotel?bn=1
One of the people named on the IERA website who will be speaking at the IERA Canada launch tour is Shaykh Hussain Yee.
Click on the link and get incensed as you listen to the sheik speaking about Judaism.
Here is an article from last year about one of the other featured speakers, Hamza Tzortzis.
Read full article: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=105750
Ladaat.net has reported that two sukkahs and an apartment in Bnei Brak went up in flames on Friday evening due to Shabbos candles that were lit in a sukka.
The NYPost reports that "Con Ed says it will evict Ground Zero mosque unless developer pays $1.7 million in back rent."
The Sheraton Centre hotel will not host a Muslim religious conference that was to feature speakers who have expressed anti-gay and anti-Semitic views.
Read full article: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1069557--muslim-conference-booted-from-hotel?bn=1
One of the people named on the IERA website who will be speaking at the IERA Canada launch tour is Shaykh Hussain Yee.
Click on the link and get incensed as you listen to the sheik speaking about Judaism.
Here is an article from last year about one of the other featured speakers, Hamza Tzortzis.
The seven guests
I caught an article by Rabbi Dr. Raymond Apple titled Seven sukkah guests in which he discusses what can be learned from each of the Ushpizin, the seven guests that we symbolically invite into our Sukkahs. Here is an excerpt.
The first day’s guest is Abraham, the pioneer of faith who saw God in the panorama of nature and the elements. What Abraham has to say must be that a colourful festival of nature and harvest-time can spark a religious awakening, a sense of the presence of God and of wonder at the beauty of His creation – a creation which remains majestic despite all man’s furious attempts to injure, uproot and destroy it…
Isaac is the guest on the second day. He is no pioneer, no blazer of new trails. Even when he looks for water, he goes back and digs again the old wells which his father’s servants had dug. His message for Sukkot is surely that the old paths must not be rejected simply because they are old, old traditions such as the sukkah must not be despised simply because of their antiquity, and before a new age sweeps old habits and ways aside, it must make sure it has something better to put in their place…
For Jacob, the guest on the third day, life has been a struggle. The sukkah too is at the mercy of the elements. Jacob never gave in to fear (im yihyeh Elokim immadi, he says, setting off on his journey: “Let God be with me, and I will be safe!”); so too, he reminds us, the Israelites survived in the unfriendly wilderness because God was with them. Even in an age with menaces more fierce than any he knew, the only real security is faith in God, who does not abandon His world or His creatures…
Read full article: http://www.oztorah.com/2009/09/seven-sukkah-guests/
May we celebrate Sukkot joyfully.
The first day’s guest is Abraham, the pioneer of faith who saw God in the panorama of nature and the elements. What Abraham has to say must be that a colourful festival of nature and harvest-time can spark a religious awakening, a sense of the presence of God and of wonder at the beauty of His creation – a creation which remains majestic despite all man’s furious attempts to injure, uproot and destroy it…
Isaac is the guest on the second day. He is no pioneer, no blazer of new trails. Even when he looks for water, he goes back and digs again the old wells which his father’s servants had dug. His message for Sukkot is surely that the old paths must not be rejected simply because they are old, old traditions such as the sukkah must not be despised simply because of their antiquity, and before a new age sweeps old habits and ways aside, it must make sure it has something better to put in their place…
For Jacob, the guest on the third day, life has been a struggle. The sukkah too is at the mercy of the elements. Jacob never gave in to fear (im yihyeh Elokim immadi, he says, setting off on his journey: “Let God be with me, and I will be safe!”); so too, he reminds us, the Israelites survived in the unfriendly wilderness because God was with them. Even in an age with menaces more fierce than any he knew, the only real security is faith in God, who does not abandon His world or His creatures…
Read full article: http://www.oztorah.com/2009/09/seven-sukkah-guests/
May we celebrate Sukkot joyfully.
15 Oct 2011
Baruch dayan HaEmet
INN reports the sad news of Rebbetzin Kanievsky's passing this Shabbbos. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.
Tens of thousands flocked to her modest home to hear words of encouragement and blessing. My sister-in-law visited a couple of years ago and the Rebbetzin blessed her that her daughter should find a shidduch bekarov, bekarov, bekarov. A number of months later, my niece was engaged.
The Rebbetzin was a mother all those who came to visit, praying on their behalf and taking a genuine interest in their lives. May the family find comfort betoch shaar avelei tziton viyerushalayim.
My grandfather was niftar during Chol Hamoed Sukkot quite a few years ago. As the minhag is not to say hespedim on Chol Hamoed, the family decided to gather together in a shul 30 days later to honor him and speak about his life. However, it was not to be. My grandfather's sister passed away on that day and so, we gathered together for a funeral and to remember the closeness of a brother and sister, a brother who helped take care of his sister after she became a widow. They lived their lives in modesty and didn't seek honor and words of praise even after their deaths. As I think of my grandfather tonight, on the occasion of his yarzheit, I will tell my children how he conducted his life in an an honorable fashion and served Hashem in a way that made a kiddush Hashem to all who met him.
Tens of thousands flocked to her modest home to hear words of encouragement and blessing. My sister-in-law visited a couple of years ago and the Rebbetzin blessed her that her daughter should find a shidduch bekarov, bekarov, bekarov. A number of months later, my niece was engaged.
The Rebbetzin was a mother all those who came to visit, praying on their behalf and taking a genuine interest in their lives. May the family find comfort betoch shaar avelei tziton viyerushalayim.
My grandfather was niftar during Chol Hamoed Sukkot quite a few years ago. As the minhag is not to say hespedim on Chol Hamoed, the family decided to gather together in a shul 30 days later to honor him and speak about his life. However, it was not to be. My grandfather's sister passed away on that day and so, we gathered together for a funeral and to remember the closeness of a brother and sister, a brother who helped take care of his sister after she became a widow. They lived their lives in modesty and didn't seek honor and words of praise even after their deaths. As I think of my grandfather tonight, on the occasion of his yarzheit, I will tell my children how he conducted his life in an an honorable fashion and served Hashem in a way that made a kiddush Hashem to all who met him.
12 Oct 2011
A joyous Sukkot
During the holiday of Sukkot, we leave the comfort of our homes to sit in Sukkahs.
Find A Sukkah Near You Wherever You May Be
And here's an article about someone who doesn't seem in his comfort zone.
Wishing you a happy holiday.
Find A Sukkah Near You Wherever You May Be
And here's an article about someone who doesn't seem in his comfort zone.
Wishing you a happy holiday.
Random articles
Tonight begins the start of two days of Yom Tov, in the diaspora, followed by the Sabbath. Just a reminder to make an Eiruv Tavshilin for those living outside of Israel.
INN reports that "Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya says the Shalit-for-terrorists deal proves kidnapping works, and he promises more abductions."
Ynet News reports that "IDF soldiers arrested six wanted Palestinian terror suspects in the West Bank on Tuesday night."
What's the point?
In a major setback for President Obama, the Senate on Tuesday blocked consideration of his $447 billion jobs bill...
Read full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/us/politics/obamas-jobs-bill-senate-vote.html?pagewanted=all
Daniel Sayani has written an excellent article titled Anti-Semitism in the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
INN reports that "Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya says the Shalit-for-terrorists deal proves kidnapping works, and he promises more abductions."
Ynet News reports that "IDF soldiers arrested six wanted Palestinian terror suspects in the West Bank on Tuesday night."
What's the point?
In a major setback for President Obama, the Senate on Tuesday blocked consideration of his $447 billion jobs bill...
Read full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/us/politics/obamas-jobs-bill-senate-vote.html?pagewanted=all
Daniel Sayani has written an excellent article titled Anti-Semitism in the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
11 Oct 2011
The prisoner
I caught the deeply moving video below on ladaat.net. May we heed the singer's words.
G-d has the key to liberate the prisoners of Israel. We can tip the balance towards mercy by living in peace and unity. Open the gates of mercy. Please Hashem, send us the redeemer speedily.
As we approach Sukkot, the holiday of joy, may the Shalit family experience unbridled joy in the coming days.
While Japan's Tourism Agency is offering 10,000 free round-trip tickets to Japan, let us pray that Yaakov Yosef ben Reizel will be offered a ticket out of the country soon. We have the key.
G-d has the key to liberate the prisoners of Israel. We can tip the balance towards mercy by living in peace and unity. Open the gates of mercy. Please Hashem, send us the redeemer speedily.
As we approach Sukkot, the holiday of joy, may the Shalit family experience unbridled joy in the coming days.
While Japan's Tourism Agency is offering 10,000 free round-trip tickets to Japan, let us pray that Yaakov Yosef ben Reizel will be offered a ticket out of the country soon. We have the key.
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