In searching this morning for the speeches presented by Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti at the BDS event at Brooklyn College last night, I only came across Judith Butler's remarks. Does anyone have a link to what Omar Barghouti said?
Judith Butler stated, "I presume that you came to hear what there is to be said, and so to test your preconceptions against what some people have to say, to see whether your objections can be met and your questions answered. In other words, you come here to exercise critical judgment, and if the arguments you hear are not convincing, you will be able to cite them, to develop your opposing view and to communicate that as you wish. In this way, your being here this evening confirms your right to form and communicate an autonomous judgment, to demonstrate why you think something is true or not, and you should be free to do this without coercion and fear."
Below is a video produced by Stand with Us which questions some of Omar Barghouti's statements of the past. So, which side's version of events do we choose as truth? And what about those members of the audience who only heard one side?
8 Feb 2013
2 Feb 2013
The BDS Brooklyn College event
New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Bill Thompson ripped Brooklyn College Thursday for its plan to hold a BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) event against Israel with the co-sponsorship of the school’s political science department.
Read more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it_iCTQT9YQ
Read more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it_iCTQT9YQ
1 Feb 2013
Bein adam leMakom - Bein adam lechavero
The 1st half of the 10 Commandments are ‘bein adam leMakom’, between man and Hashem, and the 2nd half are ‘bein adam lechavero’, between man and man. The Mabit points out that the ‘bein adam lechavero’ commandments were written on the tablets in much fewer words, though in much bigger font size, than the bein adam leMakom commandments. This was in order to emphasize to us the importance of the mitzvot that are bein adam lechavora. Derech eretz, being a mentsch, behaving correctly towards others, is a pre-requiste to receiving the Torah.
Read more: http://www.shortvort.com/yisro-parasha/11297-3-thoughts-in-one-derech-eretzbeing-a-mentsch-is-a-pre-requisite-for-receiving-the-torah-i-heard-all-3-from-rav-yechiel-emmanuel
Read more: http://www.shortvort.com/yisro-parasha/11297-3-thoughts-in-one-derech-eretzbeing-a-mentsch-is-a-pre-requisite-for-receiving-the-torah-i-heard-all-3-from-rav-yechiel-emmanuel
31 Jan 2013
The Ten Commandments in Parshat Yitro
The following is part of an email I received by Rabbi Eli Mansour regarding the 10 Commandments in this week's parsha.
The text of the Aseret Ha’dibberot (Ten Commandments), which appears in Parashat Yitro, contains allusions to all 613 Biblical commands, as well as to the seven Misvot ordained by Hazal. The commentators note that the text of the Aseret Ha’dibberot has 620 letters, and each letter corresponds to the one of the Misvot. Thus, for example, the final letter of the Aseret Ha’dibberot – Chaf, in the word “Le’re’echa” – corresponds to the Hanukah candle lighting, the final Misva ordained by the Sages. The word “Chaf” is spelled “Chaf”-“Peh,” which can be rearranged to spell “Pach” (“jug”), alluding to the “Pach Shemen” (oil jug) of the Hanukah miracle.
The significance of the Aseret Ha’dibberot is also expressed in the verse in which G-d says about Abraham Abinu, “Ekeb Asher Shama Abraham Be’koli” (“On account of the fact that Abraham obeyed Me”). The word “Ekeb” has the numerical value of 172, which is also the number of words in the Aseret Ha’dibberot. This verse thus alludes to Abraham’s observing all the Misvot, which are included within the Aseret Ha’dibberot, even before the Torah was given.
The Ten Commandments are so significant that, as the Gemara tells in Masechet Berachot, the Sages wanted to institute that the text of the Aseret Ha’dibberot should be read each day. They eventually decided not to institute this daily reading out of concern that people might accept the heretical belief that the Torah demands compliance only with these commands, and nothing else.
Continue reading: http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=1/31/2013
The text of the Aseret Ha’dibberot (Ten Commandments), which appears in Parashat Yitro, contains allusions to all 613 Biblical commands, as well as to the seven Misvot ordained by Hazal. The commentators note that the text of the Aseret Ha’dibberot has 620 letters, and each letter corresponds to the one of the Misvot. Thus, for example, the final letter of the Aseret Ha’dibberot – Chaf, in the word “Le’re’echa” – corresponds to the Hanukah candle lighting, the final Misva ordained by the Sages. The word “Chaf” is spelled “Chaf”-“Peh,” which can be rearranged to spell “Pach” (“jug”), alluding to the “Pach Shemen” (oil jug) of the Hanukah miracle.
The significance of the Aseret Ha’dibberot is also expressed in the verse in which G-d says about Abraham Abinu, “Ekeb Asher Shama Abraham Be’koli” (“On account of the fact that Abraham obeyed Me”). The word “Ekeb” has the numerical value of 172, which is also the number of words in the Aseret Ha’dibberot. This verse thus alludes to Abraham’s observing all the Misvot, which are included within the Aseret Ha’dibberot, even before the Torah was given.
The Ten Commandments are so significant that, as the Gemara tells in Masechet Berachot, the Sages wanted to institute that the text of the Aseret Ha’dibberot should be read each day. They eventually decided not to institute this daily reading out of concern that people might accept the heretical belief that the Torah demands compliance only with these commands, and nothing else.
Continue reading: http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=1/31/2013
Introducing the bachurim
An alumnus and a parent of a student at Yeshiva Darchei Torah shares insight into the school's Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Bender. He writes about how HaRav Yitzchok Scheiner shlit”a related to him what happened after he spoke at the school.
The Rosh Yeshiva elaborated upon the manner in which Rav Yaakov Bender introduced the various bachurim to him. He explained that it is customary for the Rosh Yeshiva of an institution to give special recognition to the talmidim possessing special name recognition. Introductions often begin with, “This boy’s father is the Chairman of the Board. The next boy is the son of a famous Rosh Yeshiva. Yanky’s mother is an einikel of a Chasidishe Rebbe etc.” In contrast, Rav Scheiner explained, Rav Bender’s approach is unprecedented. Rav Bender’s introductions between the talmidim and Rav Scheiner began with, “This boy just experienced trauma during the recent storm, and he is displaced. Please give him chizuk… The next boy is a yasom, and must be treated with concern… This boy is struggling in his learning, but trying hard to make progress.”
Read more: http://matzav.com/chizuk-from-rav-scheiner-about-rav-bender
The Rosh Yeshiva elaborated upon the manner in which Rav Yaakov Bender introduced the various bachurim to him. He explained that it is customary for the Rosh Yeshiva of an institution to give special recognition to the talmidim possessing special name recognition. Introductions often begin with, “This boy’s father is the Chairman of the Board. The next boy is the son of a famous Rosh Yeshiva. Yanky’s mother is an einikel of a Chasidishe Rebbe etc.” In contrast, Rav Scheiner explained, Rav Bender’s approach is unprecedented. Rav Bender’s introductions between the talmidim and Rav Scheiner began with, “This boy just experienced trauma during the recent storm, and he is displaced. Please give him chizuk… The next boy is a yasom, and must be treated with concern… This boy is struggling in his learning, but trying hard to make progress.”
Read more: http://matzav.com/chizuk-from-rav-scheiner-about-rav-bender
30 Jan 2013
In the past
Tim Weiner in the New York Times poses a number of questions that should be asked to Chuck Hagel regarding the future direction of the military. The lone question relating to Israel is as follows:
If Iran develops a nuclear bomb, would it create a strategic parity in the Middle East, as a counterforce to Israel’s arsenal?
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/29/questions-for-hagels-confirmation-hearing/controlling-the-military-bureaucracy-and-military-threats
FreeBeacon reports on Chuck Hagel addressing J Street in 2009 in an article titled Hagel’s Lost Speech .
FreeBeacon reports that the Lincoln Journal Star–quoted Hagel making a startling accusation against Israel in a Jan. 12, 2003 article. Israel, Hagel declared, was “keep[ing] Palestinians caged up like animals.”
http://freebeacon.com/hagel-in-2003-israel-keeps-palestinians-caged-up-like-animals/
I suppose what he said in the past is not of interest.
Speaking of the past, those who have used the pill Dianne 35 in the past might be interested in the latest news.
EuroNews has reported that "sales of contraceptive and acne treatment pill Diane 35 are being suspended in France" after "they were linked to blood clots."
http://www.euronews.com/2013/01/30/france-halts-sales-of-diane-35-over-safety-fears/
If Iran develops a nuclear bomb, would it create a strategic parity in the Middle East, as a counterforce to Israel’s arsenal?
Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2013/01/29/questions-for-hagels-confirmation-hearing/controlling-the-military-bureaucracy-and-military-threats
FreeBeacon reports on Chuck Hagel addressing J Street in 2009 in an article titled Hagel’s Lost Speech .
FreeBeacon reports that the Lincoln Journal Star–quoted Hagel making a startling accusation against Israel in a Jan. 12, 2003 article. Israel, Hagel declared, was “keep[ing] Palestinians caged up like animals.”
http://freebeacon.com/hagel-in-2003-israel-keeps-palestinians-caged-up-like-animals/
I suppose what he said in the past is not of interest.
Speaking of the past, those who have used the pill Dianne 35 in the past might be interested in the latest news.
EuroNews has reported that "sales of contraceptive and acne treatment pill Diane 35 are being suspended in France" after "they were linked to blood clots."
http://www.euronews.com/2013/01/30/france-halts-sales-of-diane-35-over-safety-fears/
Australian elections on Yom Kippur
First of all, I would like to thank the person who posted a comment regarding the last post who directed me to a fascinating and worthwhile lecture about starlings by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine which you can view here.
And now, to switch the topic...
A LABOR backbencher will not take part on the Federal Election day because it falls on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. ...Victorian Michael Danby said Labor had to make special voting arrangements for the nation's 107,000-strong Jewish community or lose support from voters.
The September 14 election falls on Yom Kippur and critics have lined up to take issue with Julia Gillard's timing.
..."As a matter of personal conscience I will be unable to participate on election day. It is my practice, with my wife Amanda, to observe Yom Kippur," Mr Danby said in a statement.
...But director of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Peter Wertheim, says the majority of Australia's 107,000 Jews would not be fussed about the date.
"To be absolutely truthful it is not a major issue for us, because every election takes place on the Jewish Sabbath," Mr Wertheim told news.com.au.
Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/its-kosher-jewish-leaders-defend-yom-kippur-election-date/story-fncynkc6-1226565208415
And now, to switch the topic...
A LABOR backbencher will not take part on the Federal Election day because it falls on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. ...Victorian Michael Danby said Labor had to make special voting arrangements for the nation's 107,000-strong Jewish community or lose support from voters.
The September 14 election falls on Yom Kippur and critics have lined up to take issue with Julia Gillard's timing.
..."As a matter of personal conscience I will be unable to participate on election day. It is my practice, with my wife Amanda, to observe Yom Kippur," Mr Danby said in a statement.
...But director of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Peter Wertheim, says the majority of Australia's 107,000 Jews would not be fussed about the date.
"To be absolutely truthful it is not a major issue for us, because every election takes place on the Jewish Sabbath," Mr Wertheim told news.com.au.
Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/its-kosher-jewish-leaders-defend-yom-kippur-election-date/story-fncynkc6-1226565208415
29 Jan 2013
Murmuration
In what could be a scene right out of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds", thousands of starlings treated Israeli bird watchers to an incredible, yet rare, spectacle of synchronized aerial acrobatics.
The synchronized flying known as "murmuration" occurs when upwards of a thousand or more starlings fly en masse in choreographed moves. The event typically occurs at dusk.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/342346#ixzz2JP13GRfO
Absolutely awesome.
The synchronized flying known as "murmuration" occurs when upwards of a thousand or more starlings fly en masse in choreographed moves. The event typically occurs at dusk.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/342346#ixzz2JP13GRfO
Absolutely awesome.
Before the set time
The following is a Torah thought by Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple.
By the time of this week’s reading the B’nei Yisra’el have well and truly left Egypt and are at Mount Sinai, en route for the Promised Land.
The Midrash relates an aspect of the story about which most people are unaware. It says that 30 years earlier the tribe of Ephraim “forced the hour” and started out before the appointed time, and when the rest of the people finally left, they found the bones of the Ephraimites in heaps along the way (Sh’mot Rabba chapter 20).
In Jewish history there were countless occasions when Jews wanted to take the law into their own hands and get away from a nightmare before the destined time of dawn. This certainly applies to the coming of Messiah, which never seemed to arrive even though we could hardly bear the waiting.
The Meshech Chochmah, commenting on a statement by Rashi, actually speaks about an early coming of Mashi’ach. Parashat Shof’tim (Deut. 19:9) has a verse about three extra “cities of refuge” for those who commit homicide without intent; Rashi says this applies to the days of Mashi’ach. The Meshech Chochmah says Rashi denotes the Mashi’ach coming before the set time.
If Israel lead such committed lives that God sends the Mashi’ach early, it will take time to finish eradicating sin, crime and murder. The Mashi’ach will lend his weight to the effort, and once it is complete the days of perfection predicted by the prophets will finally arrive.
http://www.oztorah.com/
By the time of this week’s reading the B’nei Yisra’el have well and truly left Egypt and are at Mount Sinai, en route for the Promised Land.
The Midrash relates an aspect of the story about which most people are unaware. It says that 30 years earlier the tribe of Ephraim “forced the hour” and started out before the appointed time, and when the rest of the people finally left, they found the bones of the Ephraimites in heaps along the way (Sh’mot Rabba chapter 20).
In Jewish history there were countless occasions when Jews wanted to take the law into their own hands and get away from a nightmare before the destined time of dawn. This certainly applies to the coming of Messiah, which never seemed to arrive even though we could hardly bear the waiting.
The Meshech Chochmah, commenting on a statement by Rashi, actually speaks about an early coming of Mashi’ach. Parashat Shof’tim (Deut. 19:9) has a verse about three extra “cities of refuge” for those who commit homicide without intent; Rashi says this applies to the days of Mashi’ach. The Meshech Chochmah says Rashi denotes the Mashi’ach coming before the set time.
If Israel lead such committed lives that God sends the Mashi’ach early, it will take time to finish eradicating sin, crime and murder. The Mashi’ach will lend his weight to the effort, and once it is complete the days of perfection predicted by the prophets will finally arrive.
http://www.oztorah.com/
28 Jan 2013
European anti-Semitism
As if replacing the word “hashtag” with their own French word “mot-dièse” wasn’t enough, France could soon begin charging Twitter fines of $1,300 per day if they don’t comply with a new court ruling. The ruling by a civil court in Paris says that Twitter must release the names of users who tweeted anti-Semitic remarks and images using the hashtag mot-dièse #UnBonJuif. That translates to “a good Jew,” and the Union of French Jewish Students wants to prosecute, but Twitter refuses to turn over the names.
Read more: http://www.geekosystem.com/france-could-fine-twitter/
Douglas Murray discusses Britain's Little Anti-Semitism Problem.
How bad must things get before people notice that their country has an anti-Semitism problem?
Three striking stories from recent days go some way to demonstrating that though Britain may not admit it, we have a problem.
http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3560/britain-anti-semitism#.UQZPOsjUbI4.twitter
Below is a video about anti-Semitism in England aired in 2007.
Read more: http://www.geekosystem.com/france-could-fine-twitter/
Douglas Murray discusses Britain's Little Anti-Semitism Problem.
How bad must things get before people notice that their country has an anti-Semitism problem?
Three striking stories from recent days go some way to demonstrating that though Britain may not admit it, we have a problem.
http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3560/britain-anti-semitism#.UQZPOsjUbI4.twitter
Below is a video about anti-Semitism in England aired in 2007.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)