Measured Insularity Does Not A Monk Make
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Rabbi Avi Shafran
Special To The Jewish Week
Haredi Jews have become accustomed to their portrayal in a variety of negative ways over the years, the result of our stubborn refusal to assimilate Western values and mores into our lives, our rejection of the notion of a multi-winged Judaism-bird (and, perforce, of conversions of non-Jews to “new Judaisms”) and, to our shame and chagrin, the inexcusable actions of some individuals in our community.
Still, it was eye-opening to read Rabbi Eugene Korn’s indictment of haredim (“In The Name of Judaism, Haredim Have Turned Inward,” Opinion, April 13) on a new charge: embracing an isolationist worldview “adopted by early Christian monks and ascetics … in stark contrast to rabbinic Judaism.”
Who knew?
Showing posts with label Judaism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judaism. Show all posts
Friday, May 11, 2012
Orthodox Jews vs Monks
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
The Two Sides Of Kedushah: Our Language And Our Land
The Ben Ish Chai on Parshas VaYaitzei comments on the unusual nature of the covenant that is made between Lavan and Yaakov at the end of the Parsha, when Lavan catches up to Yaakov and his family:
There is nothing particularly novel in such an explanation of Kedusha--the idea that holiness requires separation. But then again, the Ben Ish Chai does discuss each Parsha twice.
The second time he discusses VaYaitzei in his sefer, the Ben Ish Chai discusses the covenant between Yaakov and Lavan again, but this time focuses on Yaakov and his sons and how they created the mound of stones, piled one on top of another, that is used for the covenant.
The Ben Ish Chai quotes a pasuk to illustrate how Israel is compared to a stone which on the one hand is walked upon in the dirt and disregarded, yet is also used in a building and can end up towering over the head of a king. Similarly, he explains, Bnei Yisrael are sent out into Galus despised--yet the purpose for being in Galus is to convert the nations: Israel is holy and it is the nature of holiness to draw others to it and make them holy as well.
For years this has been a favorite vort of mine, how holiness is not only something that is attained through separation, but also requires bringing together and adding.
It occurred to me that the first understanding of holiness, the idea that holiness requires separation is an idea that is pervasive in Judaism and Israel. Hebrew is our language, but it is also a holy language. As a result, unlike other minorities who tend to speak their own language among themselves, Jews for generations have tended to speak Yiddish rather than Hebrew because Hebrew is a holy language that is separate and used for davening and learning only. Our knowledge of Hebrew and the growth of Hebrew suffered as a result.
Similarly, in 1967 Israel unified all of Yerushalayim. This included the Kotel and The Temple Mount. The Temple Mount is holy and care must be taken not to walk in certain areas. Because of our wariness and the need to stay separate from the holy areas of the Temple Mount, we have allowed control of that area has become entrenched in the hands of the Wakf--to the extent that Jews who do tour the area of The Temple Mount are not allowed to daven there.
On the other hand, Moslems take an enourmous pride in Arabic and in their holy places--and especially in Islam to the extent that historically they have conquered nations and occupied countries in the process of spreading their religion.
I have often wondered at the courage of the Ben Ish Chai at putting in writing the idea that the holiness of Israel should require Jews convert others to Judaism--while living in Iraq during the 19th century.
At the same time, I've begun to wonder if he saw around him the attitude of holiness that the Moslems around him had, and decided to emphasize those themes in Judaism that also shared the idea of obligation to increase and spread holiness, and not just to hold it as something to be held separate.
Perhaps if we took a greater pride in our language, our holy places, and our land--perhaps then we would not be in the predicament we find ourselves now with leaders who see the land as collateral to be bargained away in the search for an ephemeral peace with terrorists whose stated desire is to destroy us.
Laban then said, "Here is the mound and here is the pillar that I have set up between us. The mound shall be a witness, and the pillar shall be a witness. I am not to go beyond the mound with bad intentions and you are not to go beyond the mound and pillar. (Bereshit 31:51-52)The Ben Ish Chai notes that this covenant is unlike any other. Normally, a covenant brings the two parties together in friendship, whereas this one keeps the two separate and apart. The explanation he says is that Yaakov is rooted in Kedusha, in holiness, and therefore must be kept separate from Lavan.
There is nothing particularly novel in such an explanation of Kedusha--the idea that holiness requires separation. But then again, the Ben Ish Chai does discuss each Parsha twice.
The second time he discusses VaYaitzei in his sefer, the Ben Ish Chai discusses the covenant between Yaakov and Lavan again, but this time focuses on Yaakov and his sons and how they created the mound of stones, piled one on top of another, that is used for the covenant.
The Ben Ish Chai quotes a pasuk to illustrate how Israel is compared to a stone which on the one hand is walked upon in the dirt and disregarded, yet is also used in a building and can end up towering over the head of a king. Similarly, he explains, Bnei Yisrael are sent out into Galus despised--yet the purpose for being in Galus is to convert the nations: Israel is holy and it is the nature of holiness to draw others to it and make them holy as well.
For years this has been a favorite vort of mine, how holiness is not only something that is attained through separation, but also requires bringing together and adding.
It occurred to me that the first understanding of holiness, the idea that holiness requires separation is an idea that is pervasive in Judaism and Israel. Hebrew is our language, but it is also a holy language. As a result, unlike other minorities who tend to speak their own language among themselves, Jews for generations have tended to speak Yiddish rather than Hebrew because Hebrew is a holy language that is separate and used for davening and learning only. Our knowledge of Hebrew and the growth of Hebrew suffered as a result.
Similarly, in 1967 Israel unified all of Yerushalayim. This included the Kotel and The Temple Mount. The Temple Mount is holy and care must be taken not to walk in certain areas. Because of our wariness and the need to stay separate from the holy areas of the Temple Mount, we have allowed control of that area has become entrenched in the hands of the Wakf--to the extent that Jews who do tour the area of The Temple Mount are not allowed to daven there.
On the other hand, Moslems take an enourmous pride in Arabic and in their holy places--and especially in Islam to the extent that historically they have conquered nations and occupied countries in the process of spreading their religion.
I have often wondered at the courage of the Ben Ish Chai at putting in writing the idea that the holiness of Israel should require Jews convert others to Judaism--while living in Iraq during the 19th century.
At the same time, I've begun to wonder if he saw around him the attitude of holiness that the Moslems around him had, and decided to emphasize those themes in Judaism that also shared the idea of obligation to increase and spread holiness, and not just to hold it as something to be held separate.
Perhaps if we took a greater pride in our language, our holy places, and our land--perhaps then we would not be in the predicament we find ourselves now with leaders who see the land as collateral to be bargained away in the search for an ephemeral peace with terrorists whose stated desire is to destroy us.
Technorati Tag: Israel and Ben Ish Chai and Holiness and Judaism.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Haveil Havalim #92 Is Up At Yehuda
This week Yehuda is hosting Haveil Havlim #92, featuring a wide assortment of all kinds of posts from around the JBlogosphere, featuring posts in the following categories:
- Personal
- International Judaism
- Israel Happenings
- Israel Politics
- Media
- Religion
- Random Acts of Hatred
- Random Acts of Kindness
- #93 - Nov 12, 2006 - Soccer Dad e-mail at dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
- #94 - Nov 20, 2006 - Crossing the Rubicon3 (Note the new name and URL) e-mail at gailmail at gmail dot com.
- #95 - Nov 26, 2006 - Smooth Stone gives it a shot for the first time. e-mail at one_smoothstone at yahoo dot com.
You can always submit one or two of your best Israel or Judaism related posts to dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
If you'd like to host an upcoming edition you can e-mail Soccer Dad at the same address.
You can also submit entries to Haveil Havalim using either Conservative Cat's submission form or the submission form at BlogCarnival.
Listed at the Truth Laid Bear Ubercarnival.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Remember: It's Hashkafah, Not Hushkafah
After writing My Daughter's Birthday Party Gifts and The Revenge of the Birthday Gift, I've been thinking about the question of the kind of Hashkafah (Jewish worldview) we give our children.
A couple of weeks ago, I was speaking to a parent who was considering sending their child to another school. The school under consideration was superior in English studies and likely in Hebrew studies as well. When I mentioned that their child's current school was probably stronger in terms of giving over a frum Jewish Hashkafah, the response was that that was something that could be dealt with later.
That answer left me dissatisfied. One of the reasons for switching out of the current school was the rote memorizing of facts and information--in Parshat HaShavuah and Chumash--facts that seemed to be completely forgotten later. That struck a chord in me because that was one of the reasons I decided to speak to my daughter only in Hebrew: I want Hebrew to be a living language to her--not just a collection of vocabulary words for learning a text.
But doesn't that same approach to Hebrew apply to Hashkafah too? Shouldn't Hashkafah be an integrated part of our children and not just a bunch of memorized rules? Shouldn't it be something that the children understand and are aware of and can articulate?
A few years ago, I was discussing with a Rav in town the topic of Hashkafah. I said that I thought that unlike other communities with a particular Hashkafah--such as Teaneck (YU / Torah U'Maddah) or Breuer's (Torah Im Derech Eretz), the Jewish community in our town did not really have one. He seemed a bit insulted and told me that the Jewish community in town had its own particular Hashkafah, but one that was sophisticated and difficult to describe. To me, if the Hashkafah was so hush-hush and could not be articulated on some level by the members of the community, it did not really exist.
A few days ago my daughter told me that the mother of one of her friends would not allow her daughter to chew gum--because it was not Zenuah (modest). I recalled years ago Nechamah Leibowitz ridiculing the whole idea of chewing gum and told my daughter what I had heard from Nechamah. Later, it turned out that actually what the mother had forbidden to her daughter was having her nails done. I talked to my daughter about that too.
Today, I tackled the Bratz doll and the Bling Bling Barbie. I talked to her that the way those dolls dressed and were made up were not the way we do. I talked to her that we do not wear showy clothes and jewelry and that we are more modest. I talked to her in English and threw in the word 'ostentatious' for good measure to give it a name that I could refer to later.
My daughter's response was to ask why Elmo is naked.
It's going to be a tough road, but I'm glad I made a start.
A couple of weeks ago, I was speaking to a parent who was considering sending their child to another school. The school under consideration was superior in English studies and likely in Hebrew studies as well. When I mentioned that their child's current school was probably stronger in terms of giving over a frum Jewish Hashkafah, the response was that that was something that could be dealt with later.
That answer left me dissatisfied. One of the reasons for switching out of the current school was the rote memorizing of facts and information--in Parshat HaShavuah and Chumash--facts that seemed to be completely forgotten later. That struck a chord in me because that was one of the reasons I decided to speak to my daughter only in Hebrew: I want Hebrew to be a living language to her--not just a collection of vocabulary words for learning a text.
But doesn't that same approach to Hebrew apply to Hashkafah too? Shouldn't Hashkafah be an integrated part of our children and not just a bunch of memorized rules? Shouldn't it be something that the children understand and are aware of and can articulate?
A few years ago, I was discussing with a Rav in town the topic of Hashkafah. I said that I thought that unlike other communities with a particular Hashkafah--such as Teaneck (YU / Torah U'Maddah) or Breuer's (Torah Im Derech Eretz), the Jewish community in our town did not really have one. He seemed a bit insulted and told me that the Jewish community in town had its own particular Hashkafah, but one that was sophisticated and difficult to describe. To me, if the Hashkafah was so hush-hush and could not be articulated on some level by the members of the community, it did not really exist.
A few days ago my daughter told me that the mother of one of her friends would not allow her daughter to chew gum--because it was not Zenuah (modest). I recalled years ago Nechamah Leibowitz ridiculing the whole idea of chewing gum and told my daughter what I had heard from Nechamah. Later, it turned out that actually what the mother had forbidden to her daughter was having her nails done. I talked to my daughter about that too.
Today, I tackled the Bratz doll and the Bling Bling Barbie. I talked to her that the way those dolls dressed and were made up were not the way we do. I talked to her that we do not wear showy clothes and jewelry and that we are more modest. I talked to her in English and threw in the word 'ostentatious' for good measure to give it a name that I could refer to later.
My daughter's response was to ask why Elmo is naked.
It's going to be a tough road, but I'm glad I made a start.
Technorati Tag: Judaism and Hashkafa and Hashkafah.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Haveil Havalim #91 Is Up At Sweet Rose
The 91st edition of Haveil Havalim is up, hosted this week by Sweet Rose.
Go and take a look at the wide variety of different posts she has collected from all around the JBlogosphere.
Enjoy.Next week, November 5, Haveil Havalim #92 will be hosted by Jerusalem Games. His e-mail is shadejon at gmail dot com.
You can submit one or two of your best Israel or Judaism related posts to dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
If you'd like to host an upcoming edition you can e-mail Soccer Dad at the same address.
You can also submit entries to Haveil Havalim using either Conservative Cat's submission form or the submission form at BlogCarnival.
Listed at the Truth Laid Bear Ubercarnival.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.Sunday, September 10, 2006
Haveil Havalim #86 Is Up
This week, Soccer Dad--father of a newborn daughter--is hosting this weeks Haveil Havlim #86.
He will be updating HH in the course of the day.
Current categories are:
You can submit one or two of your best Israel or Judaism related posts to dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
If you'd like to host an upcoming edition you can e-mail Soccer Dad at the same address.
He will be updating HH in the course of the day.
Current categories are:
- Israel
- Hezbollah
- Life in General
- 9/11
- Iran
- Judaism
- Antisemitism
- Media Bias
You can submit one or two of your best Israel or Judaism related posts to dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
If you'd like to host an upcoming edition you can e-mail Soccer Dad at the same address.
You can also submit entries to Haveil Havalim using either Conservative Cat's submission form or the submission form at BlogCarnival.
Listed at the Truth Laid Bear Ubercarnival.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.Monday, September 04, 2006
Haveil Havalim #85 Is Up (Finally)
Sorry about the delay--it couldn't be helped, but I know people like their Sunday Haveil Havalim Fix.
My daughter--who celebrated her birthay on Shabbos with fever--has returned to a normal temperature.
Thank you for your patience.
If there are any errors, please email me at daledamos@gmail.com
Enjoy!
Jewish Fractals
Not Quite Perfect Magen Fly
Not Quite Perfect Magen Gold
Observations on Life
The Ignoble Experiment The Inevitable "Talk"
The Ignoble Experiament Life's Not Fair... And Maybe It's A Good Thing.
Me-ander Having fun at "Savta's" (Grannie's)
Psycho Toddler The Plaque (Yahrzeit Plaques--his father's and in general)
Back to School
Ra'anana Ramblings Haute cuisine in their schoolbags? posted at Ra'anana Ramblings.
Life With Estee
goodbye summer, goodbye stay-at-home mom!
Michael Zilberstein's Journal (In Russian. Michael Zilberstein, a Russian-speaking Israeli blogger, writes about the administrative measures which may be taken to stop children from going to Israeli private schools - and the justification the government has to offer - it's attempt to fight "elitism".)
Israel and Jews
Shooting Israel (Exclusive images) Just uploaded many of the hundreds of photos I shot over the last few weeks across the north of Israel during the war, in one spot, including many that I posted recently that may already be archived. There are many earlier images as well, some photographed abroad.
Miriams's Ideas
http://miriamsideas.blogspot.com/2006/08/israel-needs-death-penalty.html
Ya'aqov Ben-Yehudah presents Shimshon Cytryn Update - September 3 posted at The (not) Forgotten Prisoners of Zion.
Israel Matzav LA Times: Israel Pegs Its Pullout to Release of Captives; JPost and Haaretz: Maybe
IRIS Israel's Debacle an Opportunity for Change
Colossus of Rhodey Comics for Israel
Pillage Idiot Baseball in Israel
Blog Free A Report from an E-Pal Up North
It's Almost Supernatural Between Unilateral Withdrawal and a Hard Place
Carl in Jerusalem The first scene of Ehud Olmert's last act
Life In Israel presents What does "elite" mean? posted at Life in Israel.
Blog Free Gelatin Scandal
The (not) Forgotten Prisoners of Zion presents Shimshon Cytryn posted at The (Not) Forgotten Prisoners of Zion.
The Israeli Tikkun blog
Whom did you vote for in today’s elections?
Westbankblog Boogie Yaalon "I'm More Afraid of the Corruption in Israel Than I Am Of the Iranians" (report on Blogger Conference with Moshe (Boogie) Yaalon)
Olah Chadasha has finished the first part in a series highlighting the IDF in the Israel-Hezbollah War http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpyVxnF8CHs
Life in Israel presents Ron Arad - a TV actor? posted at Life in Israel.
Meryl Yourish The Merkava question
Bagel Blogger Will the Real Three Stooges come Down
Shiloh Musings Jerusalem of...
WestBankBlog Protesters in Neon, and Protesters in Camouflage
Atlantic Review presents Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism posted at Atlantic Review.
Media Backspin Fox News, Shalit Kidnappings Linked
A Barbaric Yawp Sorry, I Thought He Was a Jew
me-ander Survivor Rights
Greetings From French Hill One Of Those Days
Israel Rules Those Humans Do The Darndest Things
Boker Tov, Boulder Olmert vs. Kahane: The Nightline Debate
In the US
Random Thoughts 12 Year Old Jewish Girl Beaten Unconcious; Bystanders Ignore Pleas For Help
Joshua Pundit Common sense from Bill Maher - of all people
Carl in Jerusalem presents Georgetown: Islam okay, Protestantism not
A Volokh Conspiracy Non-Jewish American Politicians of Jewish Descent:
Hezbollah and Lebanon
Kesher Talk Lebanon: You are There
Dr. Sanity Hezbollah's 'Historic' Victory
Gates of Vienna Old Nasrallah Had a Farm
Israellycool "The Most Significant Piece of Reporting To Come Out of the War"
The Baltimore Reporter wow, a Democrat tough on terrorists…. (Lantos)
Joshua Pundit Congressman Tom Lantos:No US aid to Lebanon unless UNIFIL patrols Syrian border
Wizbang A Must Read On The Israel - Hezbollah Conflict
Gates of Vienna Are Your Going to Believe Me or Your Lying Eyes?
Haganah Reality check? posted at haganah.
Cross Currents The World Council of Churches and Making Religion Irrelevant
Israelly Cool Responsible
Judaism
Blog Free Elul
Reb Shraga Feivel – A Seething Musical Spirit
There are no feminists on a sinking ship presents Deconstructing Arachim/Discovery arguments Part 2...Shmitta. posted at There are no feminists on a sinking ship.
There are no feminists on a sinking ship presents Deconstructing Arachim/Discovery arguments Part 1 posted at There are no feminists on a sinking ship.
Letters of Thought presents On Chassidic Historical Revisionism posted at Letters of Thought.
A Simple Jew presents Guest Posting From Rabbi Dovid Sears: Eynei Chakhomim: Eyes Of The Sages posted at A Simple Jew.
Random Thoughts: Morality Without Religion- A Comment to The Self-Righteous
Random Thoughts: Frum & Gay
Serandez http://serandez.blogspot.com/2006/08/Feminism in Halacha--2 points
Sweet Rose The Plight of the BT
The Media
Esser Agaroth CNN Complicity? Or Parapraxisity? posted at Esser Agaroth.
Cross Currents The Methodology of Media Bias
Israel Medad Picking your way through a story
Israel Medad BBC Publishes Item to the 4th Degree
Villainous Company NYTimes Watch: It's Not Easy Being Blind
Confederate Yankee Armored Vehicle Experts: Reuters News Vehicle Not Hit By Israeli Missile
The UN
Elder of Ziyon UN hypocrisy shines through
Done With Mirrors Self-Defense is Naughty
The Palestinians
Elder of Ziyon Extrajudicial Killing of PRC leader
Had to put them somewhere...together
Secular BlashphemyAhmadinejad wrote letter to Merkel about the Holocaust
Jewish Current Issues Postscript to A Mel Gibson Postscript
Yisrael Medad When Chomsky was a Zionist Youth Leader
Meryl Yourish The Nasrallah interview: Some thoughts
Soccer Dad Milbank vs. Mearsheimer
You can submit one or two of your best Israel or Judaism related posts to dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
My daughter--who celebrated her birthay on Shabbos with fever--has returned to a normal temperature.
Thank you for your patience.
If there are any errors, please email me at daledamos@gmail.com
Enjoy!
Jewish Fractals
Not Quite Perfect Magen Fly
Not Quite Perfect Magen Gold
Observations on Life
The Ignoble Experiment The Inevitable "Talk"
The Ignoble Experiament Life's Not Fair... And Maybe It's A Good Thing.
Me-ander Having fun at "Savta's" (Grannie's)
Psycho Toddler The Plaque (Yahrzeit Plaques--his father's and in general)
Back to School
Ra'anana Ramblings Haute cuisine in their schoolbags? posted at Ra'anana Ramblings.
Life With Estee
goodbye summer, goodbye stay-at-home mom!
Michael Zilberstein's Journal (In Russian. Michael Zilberstein, a Russian-speaking Israeli blogger, writes about the administrative measures which may be taken to stop children from going to Israeli private schools - and the justification the government has to offer - it's attempt to fight "elitism".)
Israel and Jews
Shooting Israel (Exclusive images) Just uploaded many of the hundreds of photos I shot over the last few weeks across the north of Israel during the war, in one spot, including many that I posted recently that may already be archived. There are many earlier images as well, some photographed abroad.
Miriams's Ideas
http://miriamsideas.blogspot.com/2006/08/israel-needs-death-penalty.html
Ya'aqov Ben-Yehudah presents Shimshon Cytryn Update - September 3 posted at The (not) Forgotten Prisoners of Zion.
Israel Matzav LA Times: Israel Pegs Its Pullout to Release of Captives; JPost and Haaretz: Maybe
IRIS Israel's Debacle an Opportunity for Change
Colossus of Rhodey Comics for Israel
Pillage Idiot Baseball in Israel
Blog Free A Report from an E-Pal Up North
It's Almost Supernatural Between Unilateral Withdrawal and a Hard Place
Carl in Jerusalem The first scene of Ehud Olmert's last act
Life In Israel presents What does "elite" mean? posted at Life in Israel.
Blog Free Gelatin Scandal
The (not) Forgotten Prisoners of Zion presents Shimshon Cytryn posted at The (Not) Forgotten Prisoners of Zion.
The Israeli Tikkun blog
Whom did you vote for in today’s elections?
Westbankblog Boogie Yaalon "I'm More Afraid of the Corruption in Israel Than I Am Of the Iranians" (report on Blogger Conference with Moshe (Boogie) Yaalon)
Olah Chadasha has finished the first part in a series highlighting the IDF in the Israel-Hezbollah War http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Life in Israel presents Ron Arad - a TV actor? posted at Life in Israel.
Meryl Yourish The Merkava question
Bagel Blogger Will the Real Three Stooges come Down
Shiloh Musings Jerusalem of...
WestBankBlog Protesters in Neon, and Protesters in Camouflage
Atlantic Review presents Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism posted at Atlantic Review.
Media Backspin Fox News, Shalit Kidnappings Linked
A Barbaric Yawp Sorry, I Thought He Was a Jew
me-ander Survivor Rights
Greetings From French Hill One Of Those Days
Israel Rules Those Humans Do The Darndest Things
Boker Tov, Boulder Olmert vs. Kahane: The Nightline Debate
In the US
Random Thoughts 12 Year Old Jewish Girl Beaten Unconcious; Bystanders Ignore Pleas For Help
Joshua Pundit Common sense from Bill Maher - of all people
Carl in Jerusalem presents Georgetown: Islam okay, Protestantism not
A Volokh Conspiracy Non-Jewish American Politicians of Jewish Descent:
Hezbollah and Lebanon
Kesher Talk Lebanon: You are There
Dr. Sanity Hezbollah's 'Historic' Victory
Gates of Vienna Old Nasrallah Had a Farm
Israellycool "The Most Significant Piece of Reporting To Come Out of the War"
The Baltimore Reporter wow, a Democrat tough on terrorists…. (Lantos)
Joshua Pundit Congressman Tom Lantos:No US aid to Lebanon unless UNIFIL patrols Syrian border
Wizbang A Must Read On The Israel - Hezbollah Conflict
Gates of Vienna Are Your Going to Believe Me or Your Lying Eyes?
Haganah Reality check? posted at haganah.
Cross Currents The World Council of Churches and Making Religion Irrelevant
Israelly Cool Responsible
Judaism
Blog Free Elul
Reb Shraga Feivel – A Seething Musical Spirit
There are no feminists on a sinking ship presents Deconstructing Arachim/Discovery arguments Part 2...Shmitta. posted at There are no feminists on a sinking ship.
There are no feminists on a sinking ship presents Deconstructing Arachim/Discovery arguments Part 1 posted at There are no feminists on a sinking ship.
Letters of Thought presents On Chassidic Historical Revisionism posted at Letters of Thought.
A Simple Jew presents Guest Posting From Rabbi Dovid Sears: Eynei Chakhomim: Eyes Of The Sages posted at A Simple Jew.
Random Thoughts: Morality Without Religion- A Comment to The Self-Righteous
Random Thoughts: Frum & Gay
Serandez http://serandez.blogspot.com
Sweet Rose The Plight of the BT
The Media
Esser Agaroth CNN Complicity? Or Parapraxisity? posted at Esser Agaroth.
Cross Currents The Methodology of Media Bias
Israel Medad Picking your way through a story
Israel Medad BBC Publishes Item to the 4th Degree
Villainous Company NYTimes Watch: It's Not Easy Being Blind
Confederate Yankee Armored Vehicle Experts: Reuters News Vehicle Not Hit By Israeli Missile
The UN
Elder of Ziyon UN hypocrisy shines through
Done With Mirrors Self-Defense is Naughty
The Palestinians
Elder of Ziyon Extrajudicial Killing of PRC leader
Had to put them somewhere...together
Secular BlashphemyAhmadinejad wrote letter to Merkel about the Holocaust
Jewish Current Issues Postscript to A Mel Gibson Postscript
Yisrael Medad When Chomsky was a Zionist Youth Leader
Meryl Yourish The Nasrallah interview: Some thoughts
Soccer Dad Milbank vs. Mearsheimer
You can submit one or two of your best Israel or Judaism related posts to dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
If you'd like to host an upcoming edition you can e-mail Soccer Dad at the same address.
You can also submit entries to Haveil Havalim using either Conservative Cat's submission form or the submission form at BlogCarnival.
Listed at the Truth Laid Bear Ubercarnival.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Hillel and Shammai on Posting to Haveil Havalim
I'm hosting this weeks Haval Havalim, and I was noticing that it's already Wednesday and I have not received that many submissions for this week's edition. It seems that while there are a number of people who already sent in posts at the beginning of the week, most are going to send in their posts much later in the week.
In wondering why there are two different shitot in sending in submissions for Haveil Havalim, it occured to me that this could boil down to a machlokes Hillel and Shammai found in Beitzah 16a
The other bloggers posken according to Shammai and when they find they have posted a particularly good post on any given day--even at the start of the week--will not hesitate to send it in for Haveil Havalim, knowing that if later in the week they have an even better post, they can always submit that one too.
For those in doubt, please note that in posting to Haveil Havalim, this is one of the cases that we posken according to the minority opinion of Shammai. Therefore, in order to be mikayaim your post with a greater hiddur, please send in you post for Haveil Havalim as soon as possible.
The sooner your post is haveilable, the better.
Next time: Rav and Shmuel on the proper way to do trackbacks.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.
In wondering why there are two different shitot in sending in submissions for Haveil Havalim, it occured to me that this could boil down to a machlokes Hillel and Shammai found in Beitzah 16a
It was said of Shamai the Elder that all his days he would eat for Shabbat. How so? When he came across a prime quality animal, he would buy it and say: “This is for Shabbat.” When he found a better one, he would buy the second one for Shabbat and eat the first.Most bloggers follow the shita of Hillel, thinking that since we usually posken like Hillel against Shammai, so too here. Therefore, just as Hillel bought food on Sunday to eat on Sunday, and bought food on Monday to eat on Monday’s--so too these bloggers will blog each day for that day and wait for the end of the week to submit for Haveil Havalim, whose deadline is at the end of the week.
But Hillel the Elder had a different approach. He did everything for the sake of Heaven. [He would say:] “Blessed be G-d, who every day provides us with the day’s needs.”
The other bloggers posken according to Shammai and when they find they have posted a particularly good post on any given day--even at the start of the week--will not hesitate to send it in for Haveil Havalim, knowing that if later in the week they have an even better post, they can always submit that one too.
For those in doubt, please note that in posting to Haveil Havalim, this is one of the cases that we posken according to the minority opinion of Shammai. Therefore, in order to be mikayaim your post with a greater hiddur, please send in you post for Haveil Havalim as soon as possible.
The sooner your post is haveilable, the better.
Next time: Rav and Shmuel on the proper way to do trackbacks.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Haveil Havalim #75 Is Up!
This week, AbbaGav is hosting Haveil Havalim #75
Featuring posts on:
Featuring posts on:
- Defending Israel
- Defending Israel from Ahmadinejad And Friends
- Roger Waters and the Wall
- Living in Israel
- Visiting Israel
- Blogging
- Torah
- More Good Stuff...
Besides e-mailing you may submit your entries for Haveil Havalim using either Conservative Cat's submission form (It takes you directly to Haveil Havalim)
or the use the BlogCarnival submission form.
You can e-mail Soccer Dad at dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.
Listed at the Truth Laid Bear Ubercarnival.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Links Early Thursday Morning
Does insomnia cause blogging...or is it the other way around...
Here are some links.
Decide for yourself.
o WestBankBlog is asking for bloggers to share their story on why they made the decision to make Aliyah.
o Bookworm Room announces The First Neo-Con/Crypto-Con Carnival
o AbbaGav has a post about what we can do to see that Alaa Ahmed Seif al-Islam is freed.
o Adloyada warns about the upcoming new attempt to boycott Israeli universities.
o A Simple Jew who has just finished his caffeine detox experiment, posts a chassidic story about coffee with links to more
o The Astute Blogger has a post on the latest doings at the UN, especially who's on the UN Human Rights Council
o Biur Chametz is looking for the solution to The problem of celebrating a national-religious Yom Ha'atzmaut
o Boker Tov, Boulder! relays what Kadima is doing to ensure the approval of the evacuation of the West Bank
o ConservaJew shares frustration on recent events.
o Crossing The Rubicon writes about The War Against Imperial Islam
o Elder of Ziyon has a post on how the US and EU have caved on giving aid to Hamas.
o Erica's Blog can help if you've been wondering what ever happened to Gabe Kaplan from Welcom Back Kotter.
o The Hashmonean has a post on Israeli readiness for Iran
o Heichal HaNegina has a post on Artists and Musicians buildin bridges from North America to Israel
o The Ignoble Experiment, aka Live Dangerously! shares her thoughts--and photos--on VE Day
o I'm Haaretz, Ph.D. hits gold and finds a bug in her lettuce.
o Israel Perspectives relates a personal experience and story about Lost and Found in the Holy Land
o Israel Matzav believes the US and EU did not cave as much as some say.
o Jack's Shack has more on the history of birthdays than you will ever need to know.
o Judeopundit has his own list of linkim, and quotes from an article that is optimistic on how the war on terrorism is going.
o Le Mont De Sisyphe has a post on the Nazi ties to the Palestinian Arabs
o Letters of Thought relates a story on the possible influence of Isaac Asimov on Chabad
o Life-Of-Rubin has a list of links too.
o me-ander is working on the 6th edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival
o Mere Rhetoric writes about Anti-Semitism at University of California Irvine (and Moslems who fear the threat of the 'sinister,' 'terrorist'...Hillel)
o Mirty's Place shares the Mirty Theory of Inverse Need and Get
o Perspectives of a Nomad has a post on the job the White House is doing in the area of intelligence in the war against terrorism
o Psycho Toddler has a nephew who came in first in the Diaspora in the Chidon Hatanach in Israel--Mazal Tov!
o SerandEz has some thoughts about the Jewish leadership and banning the Internet.
o Shiloh Musings has a post on Jerusalem vs. Tel Aviv
o Simply Jews relays the latest from the Chief Rabbinate that Buffalo meat is kosher
o Smooth Stone has a post on exploding the myth of Palestinian victimhood.
o Soccer Dad has a post of the many spoofs of the Ahmadinejad letter to Bush
o The Sunken Synagogue, who will be making Aliyah in a month and a half, catches up on some thoughts.
o Treppenwitz shares a story about the 'Moose and squirrel' test.
o Meryl Yourish has a list of links of her own and the latest on the Palestinian civil war.
Technorati Tag: Blogs and Israel and Judaism.
Here are some links.
Decide for yourself.
| o Life-Of-Rubin has this sketch of the man who attacked a woman in Lakewood with contact info if you spot him |  |
o WestBankBlog is asking for bloggers to share their story on why they made the decision to make Aliyah.
o Bookworm Room announces The First Neo-Con/Crypto-Con Carnival
o AbbaGav has a post about what we can do to see that Alaa Ahmed Seif al-Islam is freed.
o Adloyada warns about the upcoming new attempt to boycott Israeli universities.
o A Simple Jew who has just finished his caffeine detox experiment, posts a chassidic story about coffee with links to more
o The Astute Blogger has a post on the latest doings at the UN, especially who's on the UN Human Rights Council
o Biur Chametz is looking for the solution to The problem of celebrating a national-religious Yom Ha'atzmaut
o Boker Tov, Boulder! relays what Kadima is doing to ensure the approval of the evacuation of the West Bank
o ConservaJew shares frustration on recent events.
o Crossing The Rubicon writes about The War Against Imperial Islam
o Elder of Ziyon has a post on how the US and EU have caved on giving aid to Hamas.
o Erica's Blog can help if you've been wondering what ever happened to Gabe Kaplan from Welcom Back Kotter.
o The Hashmonean has a post on Israeli readiness for Iran
o Heichal HaNegina has a post on Artists and Musicians buildin bridges from North America to Israel
o The Ignoble Experiment, aka Live Dangerously! shares her thoughts--and photos--on VE Day
o I'm Haaretz, Ph.D. hits gold and finds a bug in her lettuce.
o Israel Perspectives relates a personal experience and story about Lost and Found in the Holy Land
o Israel Matzav believes the US and EU did not cave as much as some say.
o Jack's Shack has more on the history of birthdays than you will ever need to know.
o Judeopundit has his own list of linkim, and quotes from an article that is optimistic on how the war on terrorism is going.
o Le Mont De Sisyphe has a post on the Nazi ties to the Palestinian Arabs
o Letters of Thought relates a story on the possible influence of Isaac Asimov on Chabad
o Life-Of-Rubin has a list of links too.
o me-ander is working on the 6th edition of the Kosher Cooking Carnival
o Mere Rhetoric writes about Anti-Semitism at University of California Irvine (and Moslems who fear the threat of the 'sinister,' 'terrorist'...Hillel)
o Mirty's Place shares the Mirty Theory of Inverse Need and Get
o Perspectives of a Nomad has a post on the job the White House is doing in the area of intelligence in the war against terrorism
o Psycho Toddler has a nephew who came in first in the Diaspora in the Chidon Hatanach in Israel--Mazal Tov!
o SerandEz has some thoughts about the Jewish leadership and banning the Internet.
o Shiloh Musings has a post on Jerusalem vs. Tel Aviv
o Simply Jews relays the latest from the Chief Rabbinate that Buffalo meat is kosher
o Smooth Stone has a post on exploding the myth of Palestinian victimhood.
o Soccer Dad has a post of the many spoofs of the Ahmadinejad letter to Bush
o The Sunken Synagogue, who will be making Aliyah in a month and a half, catches up on some thoughts.
o Treppenwitz shares a story about the 'Moose and squirrel' test.
o Meryl Yourish has a list of links of her own and the latest on the Palestinian civil war.
Technorati Tag: Blogs and Israel and Judaism.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Dont Take the Bond Between Orthodox Jews and Israel For Granted
Arutz Sheva has an article today entitled Orthodox Judaism Growing Among Young American Jews about a study done by the American Jewish Committee. Buried in the middle of the article is the following:
Meanwhile, a strong sense of identification with Israel by Orthodox Jews goes beyond the US. In Israel, the contributions of Orthodox Jews goes beyond their numbers. Caroline Glick notes that while religious Jews in Israel are 15% of the population, they constitute more than 30% of the combat soldiers of the IDF. They are a plurality of the cadets in combat officer training. They are a majority of most of the commando units.
It is tempting to see a close correlation between one's religiousity and one's identification with Israel.
Dr. Yitzchak Mansdorf, a writer and speaker who lives in Israel, conducted a survey in April 2004 and published the results in a report entitled "Knowledge and attitudes of post high school Jewish-American orthodox students in Israel available in PDF format. He later summarized the results in an article in The Jewish Week entitled Is Modern Orthodoxy the “great white hope” for the Jewish world? The results that Dr. Mansdorf finds are not what we would expect:
We should as well.
Crossposted at Israpundit
The role played by the State of Israel is also much less important toWhy would the Holocaust be more meaningful to so many Jews as opposed to Israel? In an article in another context, Richard Baehr proposes 7 reasons to explain why the Left is estranged from Israel. Part of the problem is that Israel becomes identified with the US and what the Left opposes in it. As Tim Cavanaugh asks in connection to the protests on behalf of Darfur as opposed to the apathy for the plight of Iraq:
young Jews today, found the report. "The Holocaust continues to be
profoundly important to a broad spectrum of young Jews," it read, "yet
Israel appears to be much less important in positively affecting
Jewish identity."
The exception to the rule is the group of Jews who have either
traveled to Israel or who identify themselves as Orthodox, both "for
whom Israel has powerful positive resonance," it stated.
Why does it always seem like progressives support any intervention that clearly does not advance any American interests?This may be part of the issue we are facing in American Jews and their attitude towards Israel as well.
Meanwhile, a strong sense of identification with Israel by Orthodox Jews goes beyond the US. In Israel, the contributions of Orthodox Jews goes beyond their numbers. Caroline Glick notes that while religious Jews in Israel are 15% of the population, they constitute more than 30% of the combat soldiers of the IDF. They are a plurality of the cadets in combat officer training. They are a majority of most of the commando units.
It is tempting to see a close correlation between one's religiousity and one's identification with Israel.
Dr. Yitzchak Mansdorf, a writer and speaker who lives in Israel, conducted a survey in April 2004 and published the results in a report entitled "Knowledge and attitudes of post high school Jewish-American orthodox students in Israel available in PDF format. He later summarized the results in an article in The Jewish Week entitled Is Modern Orthodoxy the “great white hope” for the Jewish world? The results that Dr. Mansdorf finds are not what we would expect:
One world with which American Orthodoxy has not totally assimilated itself, however, is Israel. While Orthodox Jews appear to reflexively and enthusiastically support political positions that mirror the Israeli far right, this does not always appear to be out of an educated understanding of the issues involved. However zealous the American Orthodox community is in expressing this fervor, it falls short when it comes to effectively educating its youth in a fundamental aspect of the modern Jewish personality.Dedication to Judaism apparently does not automatically translate to dedication to Israel--but that of course will depend on how we define our terms. The issue, as defined in the article boils down to a basic finding that, "for many, Eretz Yisrael is a concept and not a reality that manifests itself in a thriving, problematic and challenging country called Israel." Dr. Mansdorf emphasizes that this is an issue that should not be confused with the question of making Aliyah:
What few dare to speak of publicly or admit is the relative failure of Modern Orthodoxy in America today to inculcate its youth with a functional and articulate Zionist identity. With some notable exceptions, the same youth that routinely profess undying love of "Eretz Yisrael" do not speak passable Hebrew, have little knowledge of contemporary Israeli society and do not have the skills or knowledge to effectively advocate for Israel.
An impressive percentage of these young adults eventually do make their way to Israel, where many spend a post-high school yeshiva year or two with, for the most part, the same peers with whom they have grown up. They have minimal exposure to "real" Israelis and leave the country without understanding what is written in a newspaper or broadcast on radio news. Their exposure to Israeli society is often limited to a 10-square-block area in downtown Jerusalem, where they learn which restaurants have the best steaks and which hotels their families prefer. They set themselves apart from Israeli youth not only by segregating themselves in dress, language and habits, but also in attitude. [emphasis added]
The difficult and often formidable choice to move to Israel is not the central issue here. Without understanding modern Hebrew, without knowing Israeli history and without understanding the social issues challenging Zionism today, young Jews will not be able to become meaningful participants in the future of the Jewish people.Not everyone agrees with the survey nor with the way it was formulated. There is an online forum of The Rabbi Joseph H. Lookstein Center for Jewish Education in the Diaspora that discussed the survey around the time it first came out. A number of educators tackle the questions raised by the study head-on. One poster who saw the survey believes the questions were confusing and misleading; he also questions the criteria for deciding what constitutes basic Jewish knowledge. He points out:
In this generation, Modern Orthodoxy in America may be keeping the youth committed to religious Judaism. Whether or not this commitment will ever include seeing life in Israel as a priority as important as building a synagogue in America of Jerusalem stone, however, remains to be seen.
If they want to be activists they will read and study the facts as they need them. The question is whether students leave Israel more committed emotionally to Israel. This is certainly the case for most.One can question whether pro-Israel activists can acquire the tools they need by reading and study. Dr. Mansdorf has spoken as an advocate when he visits the US and obviously puts a great emphasis on being able to speak out competently for Israel and answer anti-Israel propaganda. Whatever questions you may have about how the survey was conducted, keep in mind that half of the respondents got the following question wrong:
5 Which one of the following fought for Israel in 1948?The educators outline some of the things they are doing to address the issue. While some in the forum question aspects of the survey--and according to page 2 in the actual survey that gives background information, there were some problems with it--the teachers in the forum consider the report to be an important warning.
a. Yitzchak Rabin
b. Bibi Netanyahu
c. Natan Sharansky
d. Ehud Barak
We should as well.
Crossposted at Israpundit
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Haveil Havalim #59
[This edition of Haveil Havalim will 'stick' at the top of the page till the end of the week. Subsequent posts appear after it.]
Next week's Haveil Haveilim (#60) will be hosted by Life-of-Rubin. You can email him at lifeofrubin at gmail dot com
Announcements
Deja vu needs your help because the Last Jewish Synagogue in Tajikistan is Being Destroyed
Vos Iz Neias uncovers a possible Kashrus issue in the vaccination of birds against the Avian flu virus
The Path To The Knesset, wants you to know that Townhall Meetings have begun.
Psycho Toddler will be making a siyum!
me-ander invites you to the Second Kosher Cooking Carnival
Jews in the news--or should be
Crossing The Rubicon quotes from a Caroline Glick article about the story of the murder of Ilan Halimi
The Ignoble experiment examines how Jonathan Pollard is a convenient symbol, but a very inconvenient person.
My Right Word writes about the many facets of the life of Barney Ross
House of Joy relates how the death of Mr. R. reveals a story of a special man and family
Minyan
A Simple Jews asks--and gets an answer--on why the source of "Minyan" is rooted in failure
Jewish Blogmeister, reveals a possible battle of the Minyan Websites.
Pillage Idiot reveals some of the things he has learned through "Kaddish bonding"
Memories
The Ignoble Experiment recounts the difficulty of choosing between Israel and the US upoon leaving Russia
Elie's Expositions remembers his father on his 75th birtday.
AbbaGav recounts a childhood episode that illustrates the limitations of appeasement
The Ignoble Experiment shares her thoughts about her grandmother's unveiling
Hamas
IRIS explains why Israel's announcement that no more money will be paid to Hamas is not true.
Centrerion corrects some misconceptions about Hamas
Greetings from the French Hill discusses the reason why she thinks the Russians are meeting with Hamas and dealing with Iran despite Israel and the West's objections
Israel Matzav, explains how Israel is playing a fool’s game with Hamas.
Israel Matzav, notices you'll have to wait in line if you want to fund Hamas.
Jewish Matters
Elms in the Yard shares her discovery of The Museum of Psalms
Reb Chaim HaQoton examines the meaning of Tzara'as
Daled Amos has a post on HaTikvah: Rav Kook and Al Jolson
Israel has some ideas--good and bad
Shiloh Musings notes that there are things in Israel that make no sense
Life in Israel, shows us how Israel is creating new and strong Zionists.
Israel Matzav, writes about new reforms planned for Hesder and the consequences.
Israel Perspectives writes about Meretz's new definition of "Who is a Jew"
Meryl Yourish points out that Israel's Foreign Ministry is VBlogging
Mere Rhetoric is back and explains why Disengagement is still probably a good idea
Miriam's Ideas has a suggestion for the CIA on a sure-fire way to find Osama
Perspectives of a Nomad notes Israel is contemplating withholding aid to Palestinians for Avian Flu
Media Bias
Mensa Barbie guides us to the power of the media via Pallywood
Treppenwitz is fed up with the infantilization of the Palestinians
Simply Jews write about the Jewish infiltration of Al Jazeera and The Muslim Weekly
Mystery achievement takes a look at Robert Novaks' source for an anti-Israel article
Adloyada discusses how the BBC soft soaps Holocaust denier again
SerandEz points out another example of media bias
Other Bias
Smooth Stone writes about the importance of knowing your enemy--and he has a list.
Soccer Dad points notes Israel Apartheid Week
Elder of Ziyon notes whom some are blaming for the destruction of a major mosque
Olympic Coverage (sort of)
westbankblog hosts her own Olympic event.
Blogs
Jewish Blogmeister has inspired someone to blog?.
Judeopundit finds the rhyme--if not the reason--in why bloggers are frum
Jews Living in Israel
If You Will It shares a Wednesday
Life in Israel, wonders why people are so negative.
Shiloh Musing shares her experience that makes her feel safer on El Al
Jews Living in the US
phishaliyah, is searching for an orange kippah.
Because I'm in my twenties is not impressed by Jewish migration patterns
The View from Europe
Mystery Achievement shares a translation of an article by a Spanish Catholic, entitled"All European life died in Auschwitz" (more info on the author of the article here)
The Reality Show thinks that in the UK, opinion may be turning against Muslims
Cross-Currents has some thoughts about the Danish cartoons by Jonathan Rosenblum
ConservaJew points out why it's important we have Israel
In Israel: Investigations and Defenses
Zion Report notes that there will be an investigation into what happened at Amona--and Kadima is not happy.
Life in Israel, writes about a defense that can only be used in Israel.
The US and Jews/Israel
The Astute Blogger has an idea on why Lawrence Summers resigned from Harvard
Boker Tov, Colorada notices an unexpected guest at the swearing in of the Palestinian Legislative Council
Next week's Haveil Haveilim (#60) will be hosted by Life-of-Rubin. You can email him at lifeofrubin at gmail dot com
Announcements
Deja vu needs your help because the Last Jewish Synagogue in Tajikistan is Being Destroyed
Vos Iz Neias uncovers a possible Kashrus issue in the vaccination of birds against the Avian flu virus
The Path To The Knesset, wants you to know that Townhall Meetings have begun.
Psycho Toddler will be making a siyum!
me-ander invites you to the Second Kosher Cooking Carnival
Jews in the news--or should be
Crossing The Rubicon quotes from a Caroline Glick article about the story of the murder of Ilan Halimi
The Ignoble experiment examines how Jonathan Pollard is a convenient symbol, but a very inconvenient person.
My Right Word writes about the many facets of the life of Barney Ross
House of Joy relates how the death of Mr. R. reveals a story of a special man and family
Minyan
A Simple Jews asks--and gets an answer--on why the source of "Minyan" is rooted in failure
Jewish Blogmeister, reveals a possible battle of the Minyan Websites.
Pillage Idiot reveals some of the things he has learned through "Kaddish bonding"
Memories
The Ignoble Experiment recounts the difficulty of choosing between Israel and the US upoon leaving Russia
Elie's Expositions remembers his father on his 75th birtday.
AbbaGav recounts a childhood episode that illustrates the limitations of appeasement
The Ignoble Experiment shares her thoughts about her grandmother's unveiling
Hamas
IRIS explains why Israel's announcement that no more money will be paid to Hamas is not true.
Centrerion corrects some misconceptions about Hamas
Greetings from the French Hill discusses the reason why she thinks the Russians are meeting with Hamas and dealing with Iran despite Israel and the West's objections
Israel Matzav, explains how Israel is playing a fool’s game with Hamas.
Israel Matzav, notices you'll have to wait in line if you want to fund Hamas.
Jewish Matters
Elms in the Yard shares her discovery of The Museum of Psalms
Reb Chaim HaQoton examines the meaning of Tzara'as
Daled Amos has a post on HaTikvah: Rav Kook and Al Jolson
Israel has some ideas--good and bad
Shiloh Musings notes that there are things in Israel that make no sense
Life in Israel, shows us how Israel is creating new and strong Zionists.
Israel Matzav, writes about new reforms planned for Hesder and the consequences.
Israel Perspectives writes about Meretz's new definition of "Who is a Jew"
Meryl Yourish points out that Israel's Foreign Ministry is VBlogging
Mere Rhetoric is back and explains why Disengagement is still probably a good idea
Miriam's Ideas has a suggestion for the CIA on a sure-fire way to find Osama
Perspectives of a Nomad notes Israel is contemplating withholding aid to Palestinians for Avian Flu
Media Bias
Mensa Barbie guides us to the power of the media via Pallywood
Treppenwitz is fed up with the infantilization of the Palestinians
Simply Jews write about the Jewish infiltration of Al Jazeera and The Muslim Weekly
Mystery achievement takes a look at Robert Novaks' source for an anti-Israel article
Adloyada discusses how the BBC soft soaps Holocaust denier again
SerandEz points out another example of media bias
Other Bias
Smooth Stone writes about the importance of knowing your enemy--and he has a list.
Soccer Dad points notes Israel Apartheid Week
Elder of Ziyon notes whom some are blaming for the destruction of a major mosque
Olympic Coverage (sort of)
westbankblog hosts her own Olympic event.
Blogs
Jewish Blogmeister has inspired someone to blog?.
Judeopundit finds the rhyme--if not the reason--in why bloggers are frum
Jews Living in Israel
If You Will It shares a Wednesday
Life in Israel, wonders why people are so negative.
Shiloh Musing shares her experience that makes her feel safer on El Al
Jews Living in the US
phishaliyah, is searching for an orange kippah.
Because I'm in my twenties is not impressed by Jewish migration patterns
The View from Europe
Mystery Achievement shares a translation of an article by a Spanish Catholic, entitled"All European life died in Auschwitz" (more info on the author of the article here)
The Reality Show thinks that in the UK, opinion may be turning against Muslims
Cross-Currents has some thoughts about the Danish cartoons by Jonathan Rosenblum
ConservaJew points out why it's important we have Israel
In Israel: Investigations and Defenses
Zion Report notes that there will be an investigation into what happened at Amona--and Kadima is not happy.
Life in Israel, writes about a defense that can only be used in Israel.
The US and Jews/Israel
The Astute Blogger has an idea on why Lawrence Summers resigned from Harvard
Boker Tov, Colorada notices an unexpected guest at the swearing in of the Palestinian Legislative Council
Listed at the Truth Laid Bare Ubercarnival.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil havalim, Israel, Judaism.Friday, December 30, 2005
Haveil Havalim #50
This post will appear at the top of the page till Haveil Havalim #51 goes up.
Posts subsequent to this one appear below it on this page.
-----
Welcome to Haveil Havalim #50
B'Teavon.
Next Week: Haveil Havalim #51 will be hosted by Shiloh Musings / Me-Ander
Her email address is: shilohmuse at yahoo dot com
Chanukah
SerandEz sends us to an 8-piece...ummm 8-candle Cute Chanukah Song
Elder of Ziyon is a font of giving: A real Chanukah present for Elder of Ziyon readers
Cross Currents tells the story of Chanuka — holiday of pluralism or holiday of truth?
Jewish Blogmeister reports that The world record for dreidel-spinning goes to...
Parsha
Me-ander Spends Shabbos Alone and Shares a Devar Torah
Velveteen Rabbi discusses how clothes can make the man in Vayeshev: Torah and couture
Minhag
NY's Funniest Rabbi writes about a minhag not in the Shulchan Aruch that gives a new meaning to Silent Night
Family
A Whispering Soul has not forgotten Who By Birth: The Girl Who Never Fully Was
Me-ander marvels at the Small World and looks forward to meeting you in NY.
Soccer Dad writes about his family history in Arrival day
Being a Jew in America
SerandEz's sister-in-law points us to Dennis Prager's article on being called an Uncle Jake
SerandEz discusses a recent court ruling on the separation of Church and State and How the Court's Ruling Affects Religion
Eruv Online writes about The Hundredth-Year Anniversary of the First Eruv in New York 1905-2005
Jews on the Iraq War
Pillage Idiot discusses the Jewish approach to the Iraq war in A Reform Jewish dissenter on Iraq
Jewish Current writes that issues reviewed the resolution the Union of Reform Judaism sent to President Bush, and found that "as a religious document, it is an embarassment in What Would Maimonides Do?
Israel and Jews in the Media
AJHistory examines an episode of a popular TV show on NBC: Law and Order: The Speicher Chumash
Kesher Talk has a series of posts on Spielberg's Munich
Israeli History
Elder of Ziyon gives us an article by The prophet of 1949
Smooth Stone gives us some Photos of the Temple Mount (1877)
Israeli Politics
A Simple Jew writes about the Disillusionment Of A Likudnik
Shiloh Musings gives the rundown of the Likud elections in No Surprise
Blog Free writes about Ir Ha'emuna, founded by residents of the Gush Katif settlement of Atzmona.
Israeli Society
Israel Perspectives writes about the The Jewish Value of Partying!!!
Israel Perspectives asks Who's To Blame for the values of Israeli society
WestBankBlog writes on the dilemma posed by 2 pipe bombs in The squeeky settler gets more patrols
Blog Free writes about accounts of brutality by Israeli police in Storm Troopers with a link to video (does not come up in Firefox, but there is a link to download the file)
Language
Bloghead writes how meanings get lost in translation in Farewell, poor Natbag*, I knew him well.....
jerusalem is the place to be writes about signs of the times in Is 58 years too late?
The Arab World
Critical Mastiff discusses how Wahhabis go beyond Karaites in Idolatries of the Muwahhidoun
Secular Blasphemy directs our attention to a Survey: Majority of Palestinians support al-Qaeda terrorism in Europe, US
Elder of Ziyon asks if there are Two sides to every story?
Daled Amos thinks current events show how Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade Meets the TWU
Miscellaneous
NY's Funniest Rabbi has a list of Random Questions
Note: To have a Carnival entry listed on the ÜberCarnival, it must include a link back to the ÜberCarnival home page.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil_havalim, Israel, Judaism.
Posts subsequent to this one appear below it on this page.
-----
Welcome to Haveil Havalim #50
B'Teavon.
Next Week: Haveil Havalim #51 will be hosted by Shiloh Musings / Me-Ander
Her email address is: shilohmuse at yahoo dot com
She asks that you send this week's links to her about Chanukah, Israel, being Jewish, etc. before Shabbat.
Chanukah
SerandEz sends us to an 8-piece...ummm 8-candle Cute Chanukah Song
Elder of Ziyon is a font of giving: A real Chanukah present for Elder of Ziyon readers
Cross Currents tells the story of Chanuka — holiday of pluralism or holiday of truth?
Jewish Blogmeister reports that The world record for dreidel-spinning goes to...
Parsha
Me-ander Spends Shabbos Alone and Shares a Devar Torah
Velveteen Rabbi discusses how clothes can make the man in Vayeshev: Torah and couture
Minhag
NY's Funniest Rabbi writes about a minhag not in the Shulchan Aruch that gives a new meaning to Silent Night
Family
A Whispering Soul has not forgotten Who By Birth: The Girl Who Never Fully Was
Me-ander marvels at the Small World and looks forward to meeting you in NY.
Soccer Dad writes about his family history in Arrival day
Being a Jew in America
SerandEz's sister-in-law points us to Dennis Prager's article on being called an Uncle Jake
SerandEz discusses a recent court ruling on the separation of Church and State and How the Court's Ruling Affects Religion
Eruv Online writes about The Hundredth-Year Anniversary of the First Eruv in New York 1905-2005
Jews on the Iraq War
Pillage Idiot discusses the Jewish approach to the Iraq war in A Reform Jewish dissenter on Iraq
Jewish Current writes that issues reviewed the resolution the Union of Reform Judaism sent to President Bush, and found that "as a religious document, it is an embarassment in What Would Maimonides Do?
Israel and Jews in the Media
AJHistory examines an episode of a popular TV show on NBC: Law and Order: The Speicher Chumash
Kesher Talk has a series of posts on Spielberg's Munich
Israeli History
Elder of Ziyon gives us an article by The prophet of 1949
Smooth Stone gives us some Photos of the Temple Mount (1877)
Israeli Politics
A Simple Jew writes about the Disillusionment Of A Likudnik
Shiloh Musings gives the rundown of the Likud elections in No Surprise
Blog Free writes about Ir Ha'emuna, founded by residents of the Gush Katif settlement of Atzmona.
Israeli Society
Israel Perspectives writes about the The Jewish Value of Partying!!!
Israel Perspectives asks Who's To Blame for the values of Israeli society
WestBankBlog writes on the dilemma posed by 2 pipe bombs in The squeeky settler gets more patrols
Blog Free writes about accounts of brutality by Israeli police in Storm Troopers with a link to video (does not come up in Firefox, but there is a link to download the file)
Language
Bloghead writes how meanings get lost in translation in Farewell, poor Natbag*, I knew him well.....
jerusalem is the place to be writes about signs of the times in Is 58 years too late?
The Arab World
Critical Mastiff discusses how Wahhabis go beyond Karaites in Idolatries of the Muwahhidoun
Secular Blasphemy directs our attention to a Survey: Majority of Palestinians support al-Qaeda terrorism in Europe, US
Elder of Ziyon asks if there are Two sides to every story?
Daled Amos thinks current events show how Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade Meets the TWU
Miscellaneous
NY's Funniest Rabbi has a list of Random Questions
Note: To have a Carnival entry listed on the ÜberCarnival, it must include a link back to the ÜberCarnival home page.
Technorati Tags: Blog carnivals, haveil_havalim, Israel, Judaism.
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