Baruch's Breeze

Peace Now Said It the Best

2013-05-16T18:05:00.001+03:00

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Folks, I wanted to write a blog post to relay the great news about the Defense Ministry's response to a Peace Now petition in which Peace Now urges the court to demolish 6 start-up neighborhoods in Judea and Samaria. When I saw the Peace Now press release on the topic, I realized that I couldn't have written it better (except for their trigger happiness in using the word "illegal.") So here's the news in their words. Enjoy.

Below the press release, see my comment about Givat Assaf.

The Government Announces 4 New Settlements in the West Bank

16/May/2013

On Tuesday, the Government submitted a formal response to Peace Now's Supreme Court petition against six illegal outposts. In the response the government declares its intention to legalize four outposts, in isolated areas.

The Civil Administration has been instructed to begin a process of legalizing the outposts of Ma'ale Rehavam, Haroeh, Givat Assaf, and Mitzpe Lachshish. The former government had previously promised to remove the illegal construction built on private land, but had not declared its intention to legalize the outposts.
The Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the petition on Wednesday, May 22nd.

Peace Now: “The intention to legalize outposts as new settlements is no less than a slap in the face of Secretary Kerry's new process and is blatant reassurance to settler interests. The new Government is indicating it is not committed to peace and to two state solution. The decision to retroactively legalize settler movements gives free reign to illegal settler activities, which continue to establish strategic facts on the ground and harm the chances for peace.

Download the State response (in Hebrew)

The Givat Assaf outpost (near Bet El)

The Outposts to be legalized according to the State response:

1. Ma’ale Rehavam (East of Bethlehem) – The Minister of Defense instructed the Civil Administration to prepare options to legalize all of the construction in the outpost situated on “State Land”.

2. Haroeh (North of Ramallah) – The Minister of Defense instructed the Civil Administration to launch a survey procedure meant to declare the lands of the outpost as “State Land”, as part of preparing the possibility to legalize the outpost.

3. Givat Assaf (East of Ramallah) – The Government instructed the Civil Administration to explore the possibilities to legalize the outpost, based on claims by settlers that they have purchased parts of the land. According to the response given to the court, over the past few months the settlers managed to buy three parcels of land on which ¾ of the outpost's structures are built.

4. Mitzpe Lachish (South West of Hebron) – The previous Government had informed the court its wish to legalize the outpost, however, because of the elections the decision was left to the new Government. In the response to the court the Government declares, “a decision to include the outpost in the Negohot settlement land, should be taken soon”. This translates into an intention to legalize the outpost, by calling it a “neighborhood” of the settlement of Negohot.

As for the two remaining outposts on the petition, Mitzpe Yizhar (South of Nablus) and Ramat Gilad (East of Qalqilya), the Government states that most of the structures that were built on private land were removed, but does not say anything about the future of the outposts themselves.
END PRESS RELEASE

My son Yehuda and I had the privilege to be in Givat Assaf on the first Shabbat after it was established in 2001. They were looking for some people to be there over Shabbat. It was just after the funeral of Assaf Hershkowitz who was murdered by Arabs nearby and who the town is named after.

Here's a short video about Givat Assaf, which is an extension neighborhood of Bet El.

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Why Stay Up and Learn All Night on Shavuot?

2013-05-14T13:26:00.002+03:00

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by Rabbi David Samson

Question:
On the holiday of Shavuot, is the practice of learning Torah all night long a commandment or a just a custom?

Answer:
The practice of staying up all night to study Torah on the holiday of Shavuot is a custom and not a commandment.[1] However that does not mean that a person should snuggle into bed thinking that he is not missing anything by not joining in with the rest of the Jewish people on this exalted night. On Shavuot night, a person who longs to come closer to G-d can do so in the study hall, rather than sleeping off his holiday meal in bed.

The House of Study in Kerem B'Yavneh packed with students

The festival of Shavuot commemorates G-d the giving the Torah to the Jewish nation on Mt. Sinai. The Midrash teaches that the Jewish people at Sinai slept all night instead of waiting anxiously for the giving of the Torah.[2] By staying up the whole night and studying, we rectify the slighting this caused to the honor of the Torah.

The Zohar states that the early sages would learn Torah all night to insure that the blessing of Torah would be passed on to their children. A person who learns Torah with joy on Shavuot night is insured the blessing of life in this world and the world to come.[3] The Arizal emphasizes that a person should stay awake all night and be rapturously involved in the study of Torah. This pious behavior guarantees that the person will not die in the coming year. He states that the holiness of Shavuot night is so exalted that a person should take special care to say only words of Torah and not to utter a single unnecessary comment.[4]

For these reasons, many synagogues hold lectures all through the night on Shavuot, in order to provide a festive environment for people who have trouble staying up all night learning alone at home.

In the holy writings of the “Shelah,” Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz, a kaballist who lived in Safed several hundred years ago, an interesting story is told about Shavuot night in the study hall of Rabbi Yosef Caro, the author of the Shulchan Oruch. The Rabbi and his students were living in Turkey at the time and as was their habit, they spent the evening diligently studying the Tikun of Shavuot Night, a special order of holy texts established by the sages of the Zohar. In the middle of their learning, they heard a supernatural voice emerging from the mouth of their revered Rabbi. All of the neighbors heard the booming voice of the Divine Presence, which, with the exile of the Jewish People, had fallen from its throne. All those in attendance fell upon their faces, unable to look at the holy sight of the great Rabbi as the awe-inspiring voice sounded from his lips. Rabbi Shlomo HaLevi Elkabetz, author of the song “Lecha Dodi” and one of the students present, documented the scene in a letter quoted by the Shelah.[5]

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“Listen my most devoted and beloved friends,” the Voice said. ‘Happy are you and those who gave birth to you, how fortunate you are in this world and the next, you who took it upon yourselves to honor me with the crown of your learning this evening. For it is now many years that my crown has fallen and there are none to console me. And I am cast into the dust, and now you have returned my glory of old.’”

“Be strengthened, friends and loved ones, know that you are the lofty chosen few, for you have merited to enter the palace of the King, for all of your learning and the breath of your mouths have come before G-d and pierced many heavens until your voices ascended to the reaches of the angels. All of the Celestial Host stand hearing your words of Torah to listen to your voices. And behold, here I am, …I have come to speak with you and praise you, how fortunate you are my beloved, for keeping sleep from your eyes, for through you I have been magnified this evening….”

“You are not like those who are lying on their ivory beds in sleep, which is like a tiny portion of death. You have cleaved to G-d and He rejoices with you… Therefore my children be strong and brave. Be joyous in the study of Torah and in attaining the fear of G-d, my friends. Do not cease from your learning, for a cord of loving kindness is wrapped around you, and your Torah learning is cherished by G-d.”

“Hearing these words, we stood on our feet. Then the Voice returned and said, ‘Do not ceaseyour studies for a moment, and now come to the Land of Israel, for not all times are equal and G-d does not require legions to bring salvation, for you shall eat from the exalted goodness of the Land. And if you take heed and listen to these the words, surely the goodness of the Land you shall eat. Therefore, be quick to come to the Land of Israel for it is I who supports you. And you shall dwell in peace, and peace shall be upon your households and all that you own will enjoy shalom. G-d grants valor to His nation; G-d will bless His nation with peace.’”[5]

For people who don’t feel up to a rousing Shavuot experience like this, or if someone is afraid that he will be too tired to pray the morning service properly if he stays up all night, then he should not feel bad about retiring early.

Those who do stay up all night should try to hear the morning blessings from someone who slept and then simply answer Amen.[1]

In the words of Rabbi Elkabetz at the close of his epistle, this Shavuot “May the merciful G-d instill within your hearts to have mercy upon yourselves, and may we merit to be united in the Holy Land to worship G-d in unison.”

Hag sameach and lashana haba b’Yerushalayim habinouyah.
More Q&A by Rabbi David Samson
_____________________
1. Mishna Berurah, Orach Chaim, 494:1.
2. Pirkei d’Rebbe Eliezer, Chapter 41.
3. Zohar, Emor, Folio 98A. Also, Introduction to Zohar, Part One, Folio 8A.
4. Gateway to Meditaton, Page 89A. Also “Pri Etz Chadash,” Gate 23:1.
5. Shelah HaKodosh, on Shavuot, Pg. 30.

Rabbi David Samson is one of the leading English-speaking Torah scholars in the Religious-Zionist movement in Israel. He has co-authored four books on the writings of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook and Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook. Rabbi Samson learned for twelve years under the tutelage of Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook. He served as Rabbi of the Kehillat Dati Leumi Synagogue in Har Nof, Jerusalem, and teaches Jewish Studies at Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva Institutions.
Tzvi Fishman was a successful Hollywood screenwriter before making Aliyah to Israel in 1984. He has co-authored several Torah works with Rabbi David Samson and written several books on Jewish/Israel topics.

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Induction Ceremony of Yonatan Gordon into the IDF Tank Corps

2013-05-14T12:53:00.002+03:00

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This past Thursday, my wife, Anat, and I attended the induction ceremony of our son Yonatan into the IDF Tank Corps. It was simply a rush of pride, nachas, and great joy.

A great day in Gordon Family history

In this video (view it widescreen), I tried to capture the spirit of the ceremony which I think you will really enjoy. Join in our simcha by watching:

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Selections from a Diary of Jerusalem's Liberation

2013-05-06T16:20:00.001+03:00

by Rabbi Shlomo Goren, IDF Chief Rabbi in the Six-Day War

First to the Wailing Wall
In a private conversation, I told division commander Motta Gur that I had managed to secured a guarantee through operational documents that when we conquer the Old City of Jerusalem, I would be the first to reach the Wailing Wall. To this Motta Gur replied, "If you want to be the first to reach the Wailing Wall, you will have to be on good terms with me."

"Why with you?" I asked.

"Because," he replied, "I am going to be the one who conquers the Old City."

I said to him, "If you promise me that you will conquer the Old City and allow me to be the first person by the Western Wall, I promise to keep on good terms with you."

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We shook hands as a sign of accord and commitment. There were two other officers present who heard our discussion. This took place in 1961. Thereafter, Motta Gur changed positions until he finally became commander of 55 Parachute Brigade.

Noontime . . . the armored vehicle came and took me to the museum. There, I found division commander Motta Gur and late deputy brigade commander Moshe Peles. I congratulated them on the task they had been given and on the historic privilege that had fallen into their hands - the conquest of the Old City and the liberation of the Temple Mount and Western Wall. I reminded Motta Gur of our agreement six years earlier regarding my entrance to the Western Wall.

Motta was very depressed. He informed me that he had received orders not to enter the Old City but rather to surround it from all sides. Under no circumstances was he to enter the city. He added that apparently the policy was to leave the Old City in the hands of the city's Arab population without conquering it.

Click here to read the continuation...

High Hopes for Peace Smashed – Tel Aviv Journalist Returns From Dialogue with Arabs

2013-05-05T17:08:00.000+03:00

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Lital Shemesh is a 29-year-old successful, female, Israeli journalist who recently participated in a seminar with other young Israelis and Arabs in hopes of igniting optimism for peace. She returned from the seminar disappointed and disillusioned.

Lital Shemesh as Editor of Israeli's largest youth magazine

She is a rising star in the Israeli media who openly expresses her political aspirations to reach the Knesset. She worked as Editor-in-Chief for the Yedioth Youth Magazines, reported for the Israel Broadcasting Authority and the Hot CableTV News channel, and is CEO and Founder of a web-based girls magazine “Pinkish – Everything that Girls Love.”

In her first video blog in English two years ago, she says, “I really want… a peaceful quiet country to live in, and I really want peace to come.”

"I really want peace to come" - 1:09 minute mark.

But her conclusions from the peace seminar reflect a strong trend in Israeli society: Israelis are realizing that the negotiations with the Arabs are destined to fail from the outset, so why waste the time? As is apparent from the February election results, further talks with the Arabs simply no longer interest many people. It is an issue that has been sidelined and tabled to “maybe the next generation.”

Her summary (below) of her experience at the peace seminar will help readers better understand Israeli society of 2013. A must read. Her report appeared this past Thursday (May 2, 2013) on the Walla news site:

Peace? From the Palestinian Standpoint, There is a Past, No Future
by Lital Shemesh

I participated in the Dialogue for Peace Project for young Israelis and Palestinians who are politically involved in various frameworks. The project’s objective was to identify tomorrow’s leaders and bring them closer today, with the aim of bringing peace at some future time.

The project involved meetings every few weeks and a concluding seminar in Turkey.

On the third day of the seminar after we had become acquainted, had removed barriers, and split helpings of rachat Lukum [a halva-like almond Arab delicacy] as though there was never a partition wall between us, we began to touch upon many subjects which were painful for both sides. The Palestinians spoke of roadblocks and the IDF soldiers in the territories, while the Israeli side spoke of constant fear, murderous terrorist attacks, and rockets from Gaza.

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The Israeli side, which included representatives from right and left, tried to understand the Palestinians’ vision of the end of the strife– “Let’s talk business.” The Israelis delved to understand how we can end the age-old, painful conflict. What red lines are they willing to be flexible on? What resolution will satisfy their aspirations? Where do they envision the future borders of the Palestinian State which they so crave?

We were shocked to discover that not a single one of them spoke of a Palestinian State, or to be more precise, of a two-state solution.

They spoke of one state – their state. They spoke of ruling Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Akko, Haifa, and the pain of the Nakba [lit. the tragedy – the establishment of the State of Israel]. There was no future for them. Only the past. “There is no legitimacy for Jews to live next to us” – this was their main message. “Firs t, let them pay for what they perpetrated.”

In the course of a dialogue which escalated to shouts, the Palestinians asked us not to refer to suicide bombers as “terrorists” because they don’t consider them so. “So how do you call someone who dons a vest and blows himself up in a Tel Aviv shopping mall with the stated purpose of killing innocent civilians,” I asked one of the participants.

“I have a 4-year-old at home,” answered Samach from Abu Dis (near Jerusalem). “If G-d forbid something should happen to him, I will go and burn an entire Israeli city, if I can.” All the other Palestinian participants nodded their heads in agreement to his harsh words.

“Three weeks ago, we gave birth to a son,” answered Amichai, a religious, Jewish student from Jerusalem. “If G-d forbid something should happen to him, I would find no comfort whatsoever in deaths of more people.”

Israelis from the full gamut of political parties participated in the seminar: Likud, Labor, Kadima, Meretz, and Hadash (combined Jewish/Arab socialist party). All of them reached the understanding that the beautiful scenarios of Israeli-Palestinian peace that they had formulated for themselves simply don’t correspond with reality. It’s just that most Israelis don’t have the opportunity to sit and really converse with Palestinians, to hear what they really think.

Our feed of information comes from Abu Mazen’s declarations to the international press, which he consistently contradicts when he is interviewed by Al Jazeera, where he paints a completely different picture.

I arrived at the seminar with high hopes, and I return home with difficult feelings and despair. Something about the narrative of the two sides is different from the core. How can we return to the negotiating table when the Israeli side speaks of two states and the Palestinian side speaks of liberating Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea? How can peace ever take root in a platform which grants legitimacy to terrorism?

Translated by Baruch Gordon

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A Man That Has No Equal

2013-05-02T12:53:00.001+03:00

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A man passes away in the 1st Century, CE.

Two thousand years later, a half a million people come to pay respects at his tomb on the anniversary of his passing.

Is there another person like this in the world?

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai

I am speaking of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the Kabbalistic centerpiece - the Zohar - and the 4th most-mentioned Jewish sage in the Mishna (the basis of Jewish Law).

Last Sunday, I took my wife and kids for our wedding anniversary to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon in the Galilee. Everyone was rejoicing.

Our tradition says that Rabbi Shimon from his resting place blesses personally each person who comes.

Enjoy a 60-second video clip of the joy at Rabbi Shimon's Tomb:

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12 Good Reasons Why Secular Israelis Reject Haredim

2013-04-14T17:22:00.001+03:00

Friends,

This is an excellent article by Yori Yanover who quotes extensively a hareidi Rabbi asking questions about his own community. It's a must read. Yori is an old time Arutz Sheva guy from the late 1980's, who has continued on to other media outlets.

At your service,

Baruch

12 Good Reasons Why Secular Israelis Reject Haredim

by Yori Yanover

Rabbi Dovid Bloch is the official spokesman for the Nahal Haredi, the Netzah Yehuda IDF battalion, was among its founders, and is the spiritual guide (mashgiach ruchani) of its recruits. This part of his record is impeccable, as far as secular Israelis are concerned. Rabbi Bloch studied at Yeshivat Ponivez and for many years served as Rosh Yeshiva of the Midrashia in Pardes Hanah. He currently is a Ram (Rosh Metivta) in Nahora Yeshiva High School and a Rosh Kollel in Jerusalem. That makes his record impeccable for Haredim. This means that his opinion carries a great deal of weight in both camps, and that should give all of us reason to hope for a good resolution of the Equal Burden issue which has been troubling coalition talks these past three weeks.

Now, I ask the reader not to take away from the following text the position that the Haredim are the only ones to blame for the severe gap on so many levels between the two societies inside Israel. But it's refreshing to read a respected Haredi source with a clear eyed view of the Haredi contribution to the problem.

In an article titled "Maybe the Secular Are Right?" that was published this winter in the Haredi Kikar Hashabbat, Rabbi Bloch asks: "Why is it so common for Haredi pundits and public figures to pin the motives for secular hatred against Haredim only on the formers' bad qualities, their emptiness, anti-Semitism and the ignorant man's hatred for the scholar? And another question we should ask ourselves is whether, in some cases, the value benefits from this conduct or another are worth the consequent heavy price of hilul Hashem (desecration of the Holy Name).

Rabbi Bloch then poses 12 questions which he encourages his Haredi readers to ponder.

1. We've chosen, for understandable educational reasons, to withdraw and live in exclusively Haredi cities and neighborhoods, avoiding as much as possible any social contact with the secular.
This is legitimate and understandable, but as a result they don't really know us, amd so they naturally view us as bizarre, in our manner of dress, our behavior, and our language. This creates aversion and alienation. Why, then, we are angry at them for treating us this way?
2. We chose, for educational reasons—although some of us really believe it—to teach our children that all secular Israelis are sinners, vacuous, with no values, and corrupt.
This could possibly be a legitimate view, but, then, why are we shocked when the secular, in return, teach their own children that the Haredim are all primitive, with outdated and despicable values?
3. We have chosen, for the sake of the preservation of Torah in Israel, to prevent our sons from participating in carrying the heavy burden of security, and instead tasked them with learning Torah.
Of course we could not give that up, but why are we outraged and offended when the secular, who do not recognize nor understand this need—or rather most of them are familiar with the issue, but argue that there should be quotas—see us as immoral, and some despise us as a result?
4. We chose for our sons who do not belong, by their personal inclination or learning skills to the group of Torah scholars (Yeshiva bums and worse), to also evade enlistment—including into perfectly kosher army units. And when it comes to the individuals who have joined the Haredi Nahal, we do not praise them, but despise them instead, and we certainly show them no gratitude, while the Haredi press ignores them—in the best case.
Why, then, are we outraged when the secular don't believe our argument, that the purpose of keeping yeshiva students from enlisting, is to maintain Torah study and not simply the Haredim's unwillingness to bear the burden?
5. We chose to teach our children not to work for a living, and to devote all their time to Torah study. Clear enough, but, then, why are we shocked when the secular—who do not consider Torah study an all encompassing value—feel that we are an economic burden on their necks, as a mere 38% of us take part in the labor force, and they hate us for it.
6. We chose not to teach our children any labor skills, and we condemn those who do pursue a profession. As a result our kolelim include all of those who do not belong among the scholars and still prefer not to work for a living.
Why, then, do we complain when the secular feel, and say so with an increasing volume, that we are parasites, living off of their efforts?
7. We chose (for educational considerations?) not to educate our children to show gratitude to the soldiers who risked their lives and were killed or injured for our sake, too. So we do not mention them in any way by any special day or prayer or special Mishna learning that's dedicated to their memory. Moreover, not a single Mashgiach or Rosh Yeshiva ever talks about it in a Mussar Schmooze, and you'll find no mention of it in the Haredi press.
Why, then, are we surprised that the secular feel that we are ungrateful and despicable, and that the reason for our not enlisting is simply because we are parasites, living off the sacrifices of others in society?
8. When extremist, delusional groups behave in ways that besmirch the name of God—e.g. the spitting in Beit Shemesh, dancing during the memorial siren, burning the national flag—our rabbis chose not to condemn them, clearly and consistently ( except for a few faint statements here and there). Why, then, are we explaining away the fact that the secular believe we all support those terrible acts? Why do we insist that their hostility stems from their hatred of the scholars?
9. We've opted to allow our public officials and pundits to curse out all the secular all the time. Why, then, when the secular media treat us the same way, are we offended and cry out that they're persecuting us?
10. The Haredi press will never offer any praise of or express support for secular Israelis who perform good deeds. Why, then, do we jump up and down when we are rewarded equally? And, in fact, while Haredi spokespersons rarely point anything positive about secular society, the secular media often gives positive coverage to Haredi organizations like Yad Sara, Hatzala, Zaka, etc.
11. We would not agree, under any condition, that secular Israelis turn up in our schools to teach our children heresy, and we would have kept them from putting up stands with books of heresy in our areas. Why, then, do we not understand when the secular do not agree that we seduce her children into denying their parents' heresy?
12. We do not agree—in my view, rightfully so—that secular people move into Haredi neighborhoods. So where do we get the arrogance and audacity to call anti-Semites those secular who don't agree that Haredim move near their homes, in secular neighborhoods?

In my view, this is the strongest and most introspective comment on Haredi interaction with the state I've read. The pundit Menachem Rahat, who mentioned Rabbi Bloch's writing in this Shabbat's Matzav Haruach magazine, also cites a rarely discussed ruling of Maimonides, Hayad Hachazakah, Hilchot Talomud Tora, 3:10:

Anyone who decides to be engaged in Torah study and not work, and instead to be supported by charity – this person desecrates God's name (Chillel et Hashem), degrades the Torah, extinguishes the light of our faith, brings evil upon himself and forfeits life in the world to come; since it is forbidden to derive benefit from the words of Torah in this world. The Rabbis said (Avot 4:5): Anyone who derives benefit from the words of Torah in this world, forfeits his life in the world to come. They further commanded and said: (Avot 4:5) Do not make the words of Torah a crown to increase your own importance, or an axe with which to chop. They further commanded, saying: (Avot 1:10) Love work and despise positions of power (Rabbanut). And: (Avot 2:2) Any Torah which is not accompanied by work will eventually be nullified and will lead to sin. Ultimately, such a person will end up stealing from others.

Are Haredi politicians, public figures and spiritual leaders familiar with this Rambam? Well, people often quote the Chazon Ish who, reportedly, said that after the Holocaust, there should be two generations in which Haredi society devote itself entirely to a resurrection both in demographic and institutional terms. Well, if we count a generation as 30 years, we are well into the third generation of free Jews in the land of Israel, with stunning growth on both desired counts. Is it time for Haredi society to come out for air?

End of Yori's article. Originally appeared here.
Hat tip to David Novick of the upper West Side for bringing this is my attention.

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Evoking Divine Blessing Through Pre-Passover Giving

2013-03-20T16:15:00.001+02:00

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Hi,

It’s Baruch and my wife Anat, in a different kind of post today.

The holiday commemorating the exodus from Egypt is one of Judaism's most beautiful yet most expensive holidays. For poor Jewish families, it is a crisis.

At the behest of some friends from the US who were anxious to contribute their pre-Passover giving to the poor of Israel and asked which of the many good organizations they should donate to, Anat and I rolled up our sleeves to investigate.

For starters, the Torah itself singles out the poor of the Land of Israel for giving: "If there be among you a needy man, one of thy brethren, within any of thy gates, in your land which the Lord your G-d gives you..." (Deut. 15:7).

Several verses later, the G-d of Israel promises great reward to anyone who gives to the needy of Israel: "the Lord your G-d will bestow blessing upon you, in all of your deeds and in your livelihood (Deut. 15:10).”

This verse has motivated Jews and Gentiles throughout history who seek Divine blessing to send their alms to the poor of Israel.

We found one organization, Mekimi, which has a radical, innovative approach to giving money to Israel's poor. The more we investigated Mekimi, the more we fell in love with it and made it the main recipient of our charity for the needy. Here's why:

[Scroll down to donate]

For starters, just look at their office location in this “panorama” photo:

To save money, they located their offices in a parking garage!

Moreover:

The most outstanding feature of this organization is that they don’t just throw the money into the bottomless pit of debt of a needy family (which IS a worthy mitzvah). Rather, they extend a rope to the family to pull them out, and guide them to financial independence!
Mekimi meets with husband and wife together and opens all the family finances (bank and credit card statements, salary slips, and all other income and expenses) and devises a program of reaching self-sustainment which often includes sacrificing the car and more. Mekimi teaches the family to live according to their means, and does job placement when necessary. The family must adhere strictly to the program, and prove so via documentation in follow up meetings with Mekimi.
As the family learns to adhere to its new budget, Mekimi patiently engages each creditor to negotiate down (sometimes to even 50%) on behalf of the family.
Mekimi turns to relatives and friends of the family, explains the family’s progress without causing embarrassment, and asks (for what is likely to be the last time) to pitch in to bail them out. Mekimi covers the rest.
The people behind Mekimi are true idealists; the director, Yisrael Livman, is a personal friend from Bet El of impeccable character - a quiet, modest mountain-mover.

What Anat and I also like about Mekimi is that most of the families are from Judea and Samaria, though often they help modern-Orthodox families in other parts of the country.

This YouTube video sums up their work and introduces you to Yisrael Livman:

Donate to Mekimi

Both new families who are drowning in debt and families who’ve learned to account for every shekel turn to Mekimi for assistance before the holidays because of the extraordinary costs. Mekimi answers their need.

Anat and I recommend hands down without hesitation to channel your Maos Hittim money to the cause which we believe in most: Mekimi.

They don’t have 501c3 USA non-profit status so Bet El is providing receipts for dollar donations. We worked out a system for immediate (!) use of the money by Mekimi, even on Erev Chag.

Donate to Mekimi’s Maos Hittim campaign and know that your support is really making a difference. After our research, we concluded that Mekimi is the single most effective and prudently-run tzedaka organization for the poor in Israel.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

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A warm chag sameach from Bet El,

Baruch and Anat Gordon
bmgisrael @ gmail.com

Torah Study or Profession - Should Yeshiva Students Go to Work?

2013-03-19T15:57:00.003+02:00

[Note to readers: In a few days, I'll be posting my wife's and my personal recommendation for the most effective and worthy Maos Hittim (Passover needs for the poor) project in the Land of Israel. The real thing - totally legitimate - executed in the most ingenious way. You'll see and judge for yourself. Check back.]

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The 2013 Israel elections were the first in decades to focus on societal issues, instead of the Arab-Israel conflict. And the primary issue that Yair Lapid's brand new party rode to reach a stunning 19 Knesset seats was "Should Yeshiva Students Learn Full Time or Be Integrated Into the Work Force and the IDF?"

Don't be content with just your gut feelings on the matter. Read the following article by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed to be knowledgeable on the topic. Enjoy the read.

The 2013 Israel elections were the first to focus on societal issues, and not the Arab-Israel conflict. The primary issue that Yair Lapid's new party rode to reach a stunning 19 Knesset seats was "Should Yeshiva Students Learn Full Time or Be Integrated Into the Work Force and the IDF?"

Don't suffice with just your feelings on this issue. Read the following article by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, Chief Rabbi of the Shomron town Har Bracha and son of Bet El's Rosh Yeshiva, to be knowledgeable on the topic. Enjoy the read (and if you opt to comment below, be nice).

Rabbi Eliezer Melamed
Chief Rabbi of Har Bracha

Torah Study or Profession?
by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed

“A Spade With Which To Dig”

The Mishnah (Avot 4:6) begins by teaching us the desired intention when studying Torah:

“If one learns [Torah] in order to teach, he is given the means to learn and to teach; if one learns in order to do, he is given the means to learn, to teach, to observe, and to do.”

The Mishnah continues:

“Rabbi Tzaddok says, 'Do not make the teachings of the Torah into a crown with which to adorn (i.e., be proud of) yourself, nor like a spade with which to dig (i.e., earn a living).' Hillel would say, 'One who makes use of his crown passes away.' From here we see that whoever derives benefits from his Torah knowledge removes himself from the world.”

The Practice of the Talmudic Sages

Working to make a living alongside Torah study was indeed the practice of the great Torah scholars from the Talmudic era. No less an authority than Hillel the Elder, before being appointed to the position of president of the Great Sanhedrin, would earn a meager salary as a woodcutter. When he took his position as president, however, the community bestowed great wealth upon him. This was the rule. Whoever was appointed to a position of authority, such as president of the Sanhedrin or deputy to the president, would be made wealthy by the community. The practice of enriching community leaders was carried out because having rich and distinguished leaders brought honor to the community, for wealth caused their leaders' words to carry more weight. It is told of R' Abba of Acco that he was poor, and R' Abahu went out of his way to have him appointed to an important position so that he should be granted wealth (Sotah 40a).

However, other Torah scholars who did not hold positions of authority did not live at the expense of the community - even very great Torah scholars. R' Shimon HaPakuli used to make cotton; R' Yochanan the Cobbler used to earn his living though shoe repair; R' Meir supported himself by performing scribal work; R' Pappa used to plant trees; etc.

In those days, people used to assist the rabbis in their work and business. Rabbis were thus able to earn what they needed in a short period of time, while dedicating most of their time to Torah study.

Rambam's Position

In his commentary to the Mishna, Rambam comes out strongly against those who study Torah and demand that the community support them. He brings numerous examples of leading Torah authorities from the period of the Mishnah who would earn their own living and never even considered having the community support them.

Accordingly, Rambam rules, “One who decides that instead of working he will occupy himself with Torah study and live from charity, profanes God's name, disgraces the Torah, extinguishes the light of the law, brings harm upon himself, and removes himself from the World to Come, for it is forbidden to derive benefit from the Torah in this world. Hence, the sages teach: 'Whoever derives benefit from his Torah knowledge removes himself from the world'; they have also commanded us, saying: 'Do not make them (the teachings of the Torah) into a crown with which to adorn yourself, nor like an spade with which to dig'; they have also commanded us, saying: 'Love labor and despise status'; and, “Any Torah that is not accompanied by labor is destined to be nullified and to lead to transgression, and such a person will end up robbing other people.'”

The Tribes of Zevulun and Yissachar

On the other hand, it is well known that the tribe of Zevulun occupied itself with commerce and supported the Torah scholars from the tribe of Yissachar, and in this regard the sages taught,

“When Moses came to bless the tribes of Israel, he blessed Zevulun before Yissachar, in accordance with the verse: 'It is a Tree of Life for those who cling to it, and those who support it are content'” (Bereshit Rabba 72:5, 99:9).

The Shagal Windows of Yissachar (right) & Zevulun (left)

Rambam Approves of Such an Approach

Rambam, of course, approves of the practice of Zevulun and Yissachar. And while he holds that earning a living through the sweat of one's brow is praiseworthy and pious behavior (According to Rambam [Hilkhot Tamud Torah 3:11],

“One who earns a living through his own labors possesses a great virtue, and such was the custom of the early pietists, and one who behaves in this manner merits all honor and goodness in this world and attains the World to Come, as the verse states, 'When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy and it shall be well with you.'”),

a person is not obligated to adopt such a pious practice. In fact, sometimes, in order to disseminate Torah amongst the Jewish people, it is preferable to forgo such piety. Indeed, for years Rambam himself studied Torah diligently while being supported by his brother David who dealt in commerce. Only after his brother drowned at sea was Rambam forced to go into medicine in order to support his family and the family of his brother.

Do not make yourself dependent upon the community

We find, then, that the difference between the prohibition of supporting oneself through the Torah on the one hand, and the practice of Yissachar on the other, is in two areas: (a) the pure intention of the student, and (b) that it be done respectfully, not disgracefully. Members of the tribe of Yissachar did not study Torah in order to earn a living. They no doubt had fields and were accustomed to working them. Rather, members of the tribe of Zevulun, possessing as they did great wealth, approached the tribe of Yissachar and encouraged them to spend more time studying Torah. To this end the tribe of Zevulun would be willing to support them financially. It never occurred, though, to the tribe of Yissachar to approach the tribe of Zevulun in order to ask for such support.

The Dissenters from Rambam's Opinion

Many early Torah authorities disagree with Rambam on this issue. They argue that if Torah scholars were to refrain from receiving money from the community, the light of Torah would be extinguished from the midst of Israel, and there would be no one to teach the people Torah.

Even those who disagree with Rambam admit that to eschew the financial support of the community is a pious attribute and that, in the days of the Talmud, Torah scholars indeed worked to support themselves while at the same time establishing many students. However, say these authorities, over the course of time there was a decline in Torah greatness, and it is no longer possible to occupy oneself with earning a living while studying and teaching Torah.

In the age of the Mishnah and the Talmud most emphasis was placed on depth of understanding, for the quantity of Mishnayot and Baraithot was not so great, and study was, for the most part, aimed at deepening the Torah foundations. It would appear that their labor did not prevent them from continuing to deepen their Torah contemplation as they worked. However, with the passing of time, the number of opinions and interpretations multiplied and the learning material grew immensely, and students of Torah were forced to spend many more hours studying in depth and memorizing the Talmud, the Geonim, and the works of the early authorities.

Rabbi Shimon ben Tzemach, in his work Hatashbetz (vol. 1, pp. 142-148), agrees with the above opinion and cites many supporting sources. The great later authorities, the more important of which being R' Yosef Karo (Kesef Mishneh, Beit Yosef 246) and R' Moshe Isserles (Yoreh Heah 246:21), ruled likewise.

Dispensation for Yeshivah Students Who Plan To Teach

In addition to everything we have said so far, because of the gradual decline in Torah scholarship and the great increase in books, it goes without saying that it is impossible to produce even moderate Torah scholars unless they study Torah on a full time basis. And if the community does not finance the study of these Yeshiva students, there will not arise any Torah scholars who will be able to teach and guide the next generation.

Hence, though according to the letter of the law it would be best if those who learn Torah would earn their income through the labor of their own hands, over the course of time it has become necessary to change the original custom and to support Torah students in order that the Torah continue to thrive in Israel's midst.

This, moreover, is the desire of the community. The community wants to foster Torah scholarship in order to assure that Torah scholars will arise who will be able to teach Torah and render rulings on questions of Jewish law. And since the only way to realize such a goal is by allowing students to dedicate themselves to Torah study on a full time basis, the community donates funds in order to support Talmudic academies in which Torah students and educators learn. This position is taken by Maharashal and Shakh (Yoreh Deah 246:20), as well as R' Chaim ben Attar (Rishon LeTziyon 246:21).

An Additional Dispensation for Our Generation

An additional problem has arisen in our own generation, namely, that many youths are slow to reach a level of knowledge that allows them to live in accordance with the Torah. Therefore, because there is a commandment to educate children so that they know the Torah and are able to live according to its laws, parents must continue to finance their children's studies for another few years in the Yeshiva in order that they succeed in acquiring a firm Torah substructure. And because there are parents who are not able to pay for their children's education (and there are even some parents who do not want to pay), the community as a whole must take this responsibility. Therefore, it is necessary to gather donations in order to support Yeshivas.

Students Who Are Not Suited To Teach

However, after a student has studied for a number of years in a Yeshiva and has received a firm Torah foundation, it is best to direct him according to his talent and ambition – whether in the field of Torah, viz., education or Rabbinate, or towards some practical occupation which suits his character, such as, for example, business management.

As far as our present inquiry is concerned, if a person finds that he is not suited to be a teacher or to serve in the Rabbinate, he is no longer permitted to study Torah on a full time basis and to be supported by the community or from charity.

This is the path which we follow at the Har Bracha Yeshiva [Baruch's note: and a similar approach with slight variations is generally adopted by the entire religious-Zionist movement in Israel]. Upon completion of the standard course of study, which lasts five years (and includes military service), each student chooses the path in life that he feels truly suits him – whether in religious or secular vocations. The Yeshiva, for its part, encourages each student to be true to his unique character. In this manner, many of our students go on to learn a profession, and they do this on the most prestigious level that they possibly can according to their ability.

At the same time, they continue to set fixed times for Torah study each day, internalizing values of self-sacrifice and love for the Torah and its study and for the scrupulous performance of the commandments. They also strive to practice much charity and kindness, to aid in the development of the Land of Israel, and to sanctify God's sacred name.

[article courtesy of: http://www.yeshiva.co/ ]

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Why No Coffee Shops in Bnai Brak?

2013-03-17T14:44:00.001+02:00

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I rolled out of bed at 3:30 Friday morning to take my 16-year-old son to the 5:45am grand launch of the 2013 Tel Aviv Marathon.

After he disappeared into the distance with tens of thousands of dedicated runners, I drove to Rabbi Akiva Street in Bnai Brak, the main hareidi-religious (black hat) hub in the Tel Aviv area, where you are sure to find a quorum for the morning prayers.

Rabbi Akiva St. - the main drag of Bnai Brak

Everybody knows that Rabbi Akiva street represents the cutting edge of the hareidi community with the latest men's and women's fashions, shopping and commerce. After igniting my soul with the morning prayer and pleading that my son finish the 21-kilometer run in good health, I sought out a coffee shop to ignite my body's engine room and sit with my computer.

After entering several bakeries and establishments that advertised coffee, I realized the trend: on Rabbi Akiva street, you can buy coffee to go, but no sit-down coffee shops.

Baruch holding his tefillin: "No coffee shops in Bnai Brak?"

I stopped several hareidi gentlemen on the street telling them that if they want to become rich, they should open the first coffee shop in Bnai Brak. This ingenious, innovative idea is bound to be a hit.

One guy told me that there was a coffee shop, but it closed. When I asked another guy why no coffee shops, his immediate and natural response was: "Why sit in a coffee shop when you can take the coffee to the beis midrash (house of study)?"

His come-back blew me away. The only thing that he associates coffee with is sitting in the beis midrash and studying. The culture of lounging in a coffee shop to chatter is not a money-maker in these parts. Ladies and gents, that dude is a serious, diligent Torah scholar.

I really admire hareidi men like him. True, I can't stand those who promenade in full black garb, but are fakes inside. But this guy was the real thing. I sensed it through our brief encounter.

So I thought to myself, if only all the students of the Torah were like this guy - grinding away multiple hours a day immersed in vigorous study of our ancient holy texts without much else on their minds.

If all the hareidim were the real thing, what a force that would be. I bet Yair Lapid himself would try on a black suit and hat. Watch and see for yourself.

Breaking News Photo 2014: Yair Lapid goes hareidi (Lapid wouldn't let me photograph his face, but there he is)

By the way, my son Amitai ran the whole 21 kilometers (13 miles). Good for you, Amitai!

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Playboy Makes Aliyah to Israel

2013-03-06T21:12:00.000+02:00

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I thought that I would never in my life wish upon any fellow Jew that he stay away from Israel. That's how I feel today regarding Daniel Pomerantz who made aliyah (immigrated) from Chicago with a low-tech business initiative: Playboy magazine in Hebrew. You can't get much lower.

Jewish genius from overseas alongside savvy investors bring so many bright ideas and funding to the great Jewish brain hub known as the State of Israel. Israeli and overseas Jewish entrepreneurs join together to upgrade planet earth and make money in the process.

Your idea, Daniel, is nurtured from the gutter.

Daniel, you should have left this idea where it belongs.

At your Tuesday, March 5, 2013 launch, you said: "Our target is men who want a taste of the good life."

Huh? This reminds me of my high school fraternity pledge master's mother who tried to convince my Mom of the virtues of renting a tuxedo for the end-of-the-year prom: "When I see my son walking down the red carpet wearing a tuxedo, it is the proudest moment in my life," she said. My mother felt pity for this woman whose nachas (pride in her children) wasn't to be found in her son's character, but rather in his clothing.

And so with you Daniel: gazing at naked women is "a taste of the good life?"

The good life is only to be found when a man focuses all of his sexual drive towards one single goal: his wife. He brings to her all of his robustness and fortitude, and she feels the force and totality of her husband's passion for her. The lust for the opposite sex serves to cement the marriage relationship; it becomes a platform for increased love and mutual respect. It creates a haven of warmth in the home.

"Babe, I missed you today!"

When a loyal, pornography-free husband greets his wife at the end of the day, she is gorgeous in his eyes. He is crazy about her and can't wait to smother her with hugs, kisses and whispers of how much he loves her. The wife's inner antennas detect the husband's overflowing passion and respect for her. It empowers her. The home becomes a heaven on earth for the whole family.

But when a husband wastes his sexual energies in other directions like pornography, he presents his wife in the evening with the leftovers. After a sizzling-hot encounter with the gorgeous women in your magazine, the husband comes through the front door with only a lukewarm reception for his own wife. The lesser dosage of passion breeds disappointment, unhappiness and tension in the home which eats away at the marriage relationship and ultimately wrecks the children's upbringing.

"He loves me? He loves me not."

Is that the "good life" that you were referring to? Your magazine is a momentary rush of lust, which leaves depression and havoc in its wake.

The only good life is a pornography-free husband-wife relationship. It is so, so sweet.

Your rival magazine Penthouse tried a Hebrew edition back in 1989. It quickly flopped. Your initiative will too. Just get it over quickly so we can return the vomit bags to the seat backs in front of us.

Daniel, you had the wherewithal and talent to put the Hebrew Playboy initiative together. In a million lost dollars from now, stick around Israel and find a constructive outlet to contribute your energies and money.

I close Daniel by referring you to the best site for porn addiction: JewishSexuality.com . Start with the Questions and Answers section and then progress to the longer essays and books posted there.

Good luck in closing your business quickly.

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Herby's Bake Shop Secret Challah Recipe Cracked!

2013-03-01T19:10:00.000+02:00

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Anyone who has spent a Shabbat in the Jerusalem area has very possibly experienced the bliss of sinking his teeth into a Challah (bread baked for the Sabbath) from Herby's Bake Shop, located in my home town Bet El.

The recipe is obviously a trademark secret, but read on.

Herby carefully guards the challahs from the camera's eye lest the secret be revealed

I am currently visiting in my former home town Memphis and coming out of the Anshei Sephard synagogue this morning, I sparked up conversation with longtime Memphians Phillip Evans and Rick Baer. When Phillip heard that I am from Bet El, he started telling tales about Herby, the master Challah Baker also from Memphis. I share with you these brief anecdotes because they reveal the struggle of a young Jew determined to guard Jewish tradition in a hic town in the 1960's, and they also reveal a lead towards the much-sought-after culinary code of the challahs.

Phillip and Herby studied together at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, a town that has about as many Jews as a small bowling alley has bowling balls. Back in those days, it was against university protocol to have any type of stove in the dorms, but Herby, being the only Kashrut stringent student, struggled to get special privileges to have a closet where he could keep a hot plate and some kosher food.

It was difficult, but he was willing to do whatever it takes to learn at university and keep kosher.

When Shabbat came around, Herby wanted to get to synagogue, but the house of prayer was a hefty 3.5 miles away! And so, Herby would often walk the walk, in order to attend services.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, we take a leap closer to the secret. There was only one family that was really shomer Shabbat (observant of the laws of Shabbat) in town, and the two students would occasionally be invited to their home for a meal. The family, the Goodsteins, served a mean challah, home-baked by the Mrs.

In this little hic hub, in the only religious home, history was made: Herby asked for the recipe from Mrs. Goodstein and began baking his own challahs.

Upon his return to Memphis, friends and neighbors at his Mom's home expressed interest in the delicious challahs, and Herby's Mom's kitchen became a makeshift bakery to supply the demand.

When Herby finished college and the challah orders were increasing, he soon placed his law degree on a back burner and became a Baker at Law, opening a shop on Bethel street in Memphis.

In the late 1980's after Herby had made aliyah, I went to his son's bris in the absorption center in Mevasseret Zion, just outside of Jerusalem, where Herby's family had been absorbed. They were looking for where to take up permanent residence, and I invited them to check out Bet El, enthusiastically telling about the fine town folk there.

The Herby Dan family indeed moved the Bet El, and the Goodstein challahs found a new venue for dissemination until this day.

I have never met or even heard about Mrs. Goodstein until this morning, but anyone who takes the trouble to track down her descendants and copy the challah recipe, will own a document that could be auctioned on eBay for millions. In the meantime, check out Herby's site: http://www.herbysbakeshop.com

Now when Herby reads this article, I will post his confirmation or denial of the above tales right below, so:

Y'all come back now!

Good luck and Shabbat Shalom!

Purim News: Jewish Home Party Concerned - Ayelet Shaked is Becoming Observant

2013-02-22T06:13:00.001+02:00

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Ayelet Shaked, the young, Tel-Aviv-born, secularist who was strategically placed high up in the Jewish Home party list in order to draw votes from the non-religious public, is becoming observant. Party leaders are worried.

Ayelet Shaked to Rabbi Ronsky: "When I become fully religious,
I hope to have a beard like yours."

"If this trend continues," said an unnamed party leader, "we will have to ask some of the religious Knesset members in our party to remove their yarmulkes and discontinue public Jewish observance."

The news first broke when Shaked's neighbors reported that her car didn't move from her driveway for the entirety of the Shabbat for the third week straight. Following that, a Shaked garbologist found in the family's trash the wrappings of a package of "cholent meat" and "kishke."

The evidence climaxed when this young Chabad boy asked his Rabbi if it was OK that he helped Shaked don tefillin at the Kotel:

"It was the first time a woman approached me. I didn't know what to do.
My Rabbi's cellular phone was busy." Photo: Chabad.info

After the party convened an urgent session to deliberate the issue, activists purchased for the Shaked family season tickets to the HaPoel Tel Aviv soccer games (held on Shabbat). Furthermore, at the induction ceremony to the Knesset, the party presented her with a gift of the complete writings of Friedrich Nietzsche. A party leader explained, "We are confident that we can be mechazek her in her secular convictions in order to safeguard her like a prize etrog. We are in consultation with a Chabad Rabbi regarding special mivtzaim aimed at the Shaked family."

Rabbi Rick Jacobs blessed the party leaders:

Jacobs to Bennett: "You should be matzliach in the merit of the mitzvah:
kol hamekayem nefesh achas m'yisroel ... k'ilu kiyem olam maleh!"

The idea for this blogpost was stolen in broad daylight from the Purim issue of Besheva Magazine, 2013 by confessed thief Baruch Gordon.

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Sick and Tired of Dating...

2013-02-17T19:05:00.004+02:00

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The years passed and Yisca was unsuccessful in finding her match. Propositions continued to flow in from various directions, but she felt she was growing sick and tired of the dating scene. She meets a new guy with high hopes, but after a rendez-vous or two, the energy dissipates: either she or he is not interested, or both.

Yisca felt she needed divine intervention, without which she couldn't continue much longer.

She began a period of intensive prayer. She filled her shemonah esrei (silent devotion) with lengthy personal inserts, meditated alone for hours, and visited the tombs of tzadikim (righteous saints) all over Israel, especially the tomb of Yonatan Ben Uziel, whose grave site is, according to tradition, imbued with special powers to help one find his/her spouse.

Amuka - the tomb of Yonatan Ben Uziel in the north

The new guys kept coming and going.

Yisca lost hope and didn't know what to do. All her efforts brought no results, and her multitude of prayers didn't deliver the prince on a white horse. "What more can I do, Master of the Universe, that I haven't already done," she asked.

One Shabbat morning, Yisca felt that she had reached the end. She was broken. "How much more can I suffer? What can I do to convince Hashem (G-d) that I have no strength left for another date," she thought to herself.

The answer suddenly came to her: "I will hold a demonstration in front of Hashem like protesters do in front of the Prime Minister's residence!" But where does one hold such a protest? Yisca figured that the best place to demonstrate would be in front of the remnants of Hashem's official residence - the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

"I am coming to demonstrate against you at the Western Wall," Yisca declared to Hashem. "You must understand that I have no strength left. I will not leave until you deliver me my match - the true one meant for me. Until what age can I live with my parents, and watch their sorrow and pain?" A tear formed on her cheek, as she reviewed the reasons for the protest.

After the Shabbat morning meal, Yisca informed her mother that she was walking to the Western Wall to pray there.

"Are you out of your mind," shrieked the alarmed mother, "to walk from Mevasseret Tziyon to the Western Wall? Do you know how far it is? It's over 9 miles (15 kilometers)!"

"I don't care mother," Yisca responded forcefully. "I am going to pray that I get married soon."

"OK, that's fine to pray at the Western Wall, but wait until the end of Shabbat on Saturday night when you can take the first bus," the mother reasoned.

"No!" insisted the daughter. "I want Hashem to see that I am broken. I have already prayed at the Western Wall numerous times, and I still don't have a ring on my finger."

"But there is a heat wave today. You may faint," the mother said hoping to register with her daughter's common sense.

"Don't worry, mother. I'll be OK."

The mother's plea fell on deaf ears, and Yisca was on her way. She started walking along the highway past Motza towards Jerusalem. The uphill was intense, and she felt the heat. She paused to drink from her water bottle, and continued completely determined to reach the entrance to Jerusalem, cross town on Jaffe Street to the Old City, and finally make the descent to the Western Wall - the gates of prayer to heaven.

Women praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem

"I will convince You Hashem that my time has come to get married," she muttered to herself adding, "This time I won't budge until you answer me."

The uphill climb combined with the heat was debilitating. Yisca's water bottle was empty. She closed her eyes and began to feel dizzy. Before she understood what was happening to her, she lost consciousness and keeled over on the side of the Jerusalem Highway. A driver saw her on the ground and called for an ambulance which arrived in minutes.

A Magen David volunteer named Ariel began treating the unconscious young woman and raised her, together with a colleague, on a stretcher and into the ambulance. On the way to hospital, she opened her eyes and began coming back to herself. Ariel gave her cold water to drink.

"May I ask what you were doing walking to Jerusalem," Ariel inquired. Yisca didn't know what to answer, and after a moment of silence, told him the truth: "I was on my way to the Western Wall to pray."

"But what was so urgent? Why on Shabbat," asked the young volunteer who was wearing a knitted yarmulka on his head.

Bewildered, Yisca smiled and didn't answer.

Her determination impressed the young man, and he engaged her in conversation until their arrival at the hospital. Ariel escorted her inside and saw to it that she receive immediate treatment. He returned to the Magen David base to await further emergency calls.

A few days passed, and Yisca's cellular phone rang. A girl on the other end introduced herself as Ariel's cousin and asked in his name if Yisca would agree to go out with him on a date. "Yes, yes, absolutely," Yisca answered without a moment's hesitation.

A few months later, Ariel and Yisca stood together under the chuppah (wedding canopy) in Jerusalem.

[See also: Save Yourself From the Singles Swamp]

The above story was published in the Feb. 14, 2013 edition of Besheva Newspaper, published by the Arutz Sheva group.

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What Jewish Town Had Highest Voter Turnout in Jan. 2013 Elections?

2013-02-10T16:49:00.001+02:00

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What Jewish town had the highest voter turnout in Israel's January 2013 elections? Or asked differently, what town's population gives a damn about what happens in the State of Israel more than any other, and was most motivated to influence the national course of events by bothering to vote?

The Jewish town with the highest voter turnout in the January 2013 Israel elections was Bet El, located just north of Jerusalem.

The Avraham Ohavi Synagogue in Bet El

Eighty-six percent of Bet El residents went to polling stations to make their voices count.

In comparison, voter turnout in Jerusalem was 61.6%, Tel Aviv 59%, Bnei Brak 72.4%, and Um El Fahm (Arab town in Galilee) 59%. The overall national voter turnout was 66.6%.

In Tel Aviv, the party which won the most votes was Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid (20.73%). In Jerusalem, the party which won the most votes was the religious-hareidi Yahadut HaTorah (22%).

In another important statistic, the IDF recently announced that Bet El has the highest percentage of draftees who join combat units – also 86%!

Future combat soldiers in Bet El

The families of Bet El are rock solid! Bet El is also home to the renowned Bet El Institutions and the IDF Preparatory Academy which educate their students to national responsibility and readiness to sacrifice for the Jewish People.

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Naftali Bennett's Policies in One Page

2013-01-22T00:01:00.003+02:00

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When Israel's two religious-Zionist parties united in November 2012, they comprised 5 Knesset seats (two others formed a break-away party). Recent polls predict some 15 seats for the combined Jewish Home – National Union faction.

How did the religious-Zionist public triple their representation?

Meet Naftali Bennett.

His credentials are impressive:

He is a major in the reserves in Israel’s most elite IDF unit: Matkal
He founded a hi-tech company, and the partners sold it for $145 million
PM Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff in 2006-7
Director of the Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria from Jan. 2010

Bennett is a rising star who through his many media appearances is positioning a proud and uncompromising claim to our land and our Jewish values as mainstream.

What are Bennett’s policies that are so convincing? Here’s a brief summary.

Bennett’s Position on a Two-State Solution

Summed up in one word: No.

Hear Bennett in his own words on this topic (in fluent English!) at the 5:35 minute mark in the video below. He successfully conveys a refreshing new message that saying “no” to a two-state solution is the logical and compulsory conclusion of recent Israeli policy. Watch the whole 7-minute video to hear his vision for Israel in the year 2040.

Bennett’s Next Step In Dealing with the Arabs

In the 1990’s, the Labor Party governments of Rabin and Peres imported tens of thousands of Arab soldiers from Tunis and handed tens of thousands of assault rifles to members of the world’s premier terrorist organization – the PLO – in order to facilitate peace in Israel. (I know that sounds like madness but leave it for another article.) The Labor Party leaders thereby established Arab autonomy over much of the region known as the West Bank. The map of this region was divided by the Labor Party into three areas:

Area A - large Arab-populated cities like Ramallah, Shechem, Hevron with Arab military control (20% of the land);
Area B - Smaller Arab towns with municipal but not military control (20% of the land);
Area C – the Jewish towns and tracts of open state-owned land (60% of the land incl. Judean Desert).

Bennett formulated a practical plan which takes a step forward towards Israeli sovereignty over all of Judea and Samaria. He advocates extending Israeli sovereignty over Area C, while leaving Areas A and B under the status quo. Extending Israeli rule over areas A and B would involve an all-out military clash and violent confiscation of weapons. But, annexing Area C – the Jewish towns – is picking the easy-reachable low-hanging fruit.

Here is the plan (English subtitles):

Bennett presents the same plan in this English video:

Bennett’s Economic Agenda

In the video below (starting at the 5:00-minute mark), Bennett explains the three groups and institutions which are strangling the Israel market:

The ruling elite tycoons
The Defense Ministry which has more than doubled its budget in ten years. The reason? The terms and pensions for the employees of the Ministry and IDF have become inflated
The labor unions which promote excellent terms for 250,000 workers, but this is done at the expense of the weak sectors.

( English subtitles)

Lowering Tuition Costs

"Giving=Receiving" is Bennett’s new policy regarding lowering tuition costs for those who serve in the IDF. He sought to reward people who serve in the IDF without increasing the military budget. But how? Here is his simple, brilliant idea.

State universities and state-subsidized colleges cost the Israeli student (whether Jew or Arab) approximately 10,000 NIS ($2600)/year. The private colleges cost 30,000 NIS ($8,000). That means that the state is, in essence, subsidizing every Jewish or Arab student at state schools with a 20,000 NIS ($5400) subsidy.

In order to encourage service in the IDF and reserves, Bennett’s plan raises the subsidy for students who enlisted (including minorities) and lowering the subsidy for students who didn’t contribute to the country (be they Hareidi-religious or Arab or anyone else).

Regarding tuition for the state schools, he says:

IDF Reservists - pay only 5,000 NIS instead of current 10,000 NIS
Others – pay 20,000 NIS instead of current 10,000 NIS.

Here is the college tuition plan in Hebrew (no subtitles)

Bennett on CNN On Gaza Warfare (in English)

Excellent job in presenting Israel’s case

A Relaxed Interview With Bennett at His Home (English Subtitles)

Finally, here is the Jewish Home Party's USA-born immigrant stating in clear English the party’s platform

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Flyer for January 29 Miami Speech

2013-01-20T20:51:00.001+02:00

Has the Paper Revolution Reached You?

2013-01-15T13:48:00.001+02:00

At a recent family celebration in Memphis, my Virginian cousin Maurice, a young engineer in his late 20’s, ritually washed his hands before partaking of bread, as per Jewish practice. But in an innovative move not passed down for generations, he wiped his hands dry on his pants.

“Maurice,” I said pointing, “the paper towels are right over there.”

“I don’t use paper towels in order to save trees,” he replied firmly.

Eligible Jewish bachelor - cousin Maurice
For a date, contact agent: Baruch Gordon
Big players only!

I smiled back, but thought to myself, “Huh? Are you nuts? Dry your hands and let someone else worry about the trees, dude.”

But Maurice’s response left a mark on me. It was so pure and ideologically-driven, I felt that I couldn’t stand idly by and not join his crusade.

Bet El Institutions recently placed paper-recycling bins on campus including one 6 steps away from my desk. After glancing at the new fixture for several weeks, it finally occurred to me: I can bring all the paper from my home and recycle it.

Big white Hebrew letters say: Niyar Bilvad [Paper only]

My family first looked at me as though thinking to themselves, “Huh? Are you nuts? Throw the trash away and let someone else worry about the trees, dude.” But with time, the home recycling bag is filling up quicker.

Here is a cool video which demonstrates exactly how paper is recycled:

When presented in a restroom with the choice of a hand dryer or paper towels, I would always go for the quicker solution: paper. But Maurice’s firm reply has driven this crusader to hot air and even to making my own campaign poster:

I am not on Maurice’s level of a pants towel, but doing the above and thinking twice before I hit the print button are my contributions to the paper revolution.

Join the revolution! Step one is to "Like" this article. Get with it - click "Like."

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Video: IDF Prep Academy Night Exercise in Pouring Rain

2013-01-14T16:52:00.003+02:00

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"Why did you take the guys out all night in the pouring rain?" I asked Avi Sampson, an elite-unit soldier who serves as a counselor and educator at Bet El's Israel Defense Forces Preparatory Academy.

Anything for the IDF!

"What do you mean? We had been waiting for a night of torrential rains to get them working together in tough conditions," he replied not understanding my question.

So be it. I present below a short video of this insane, all-night exercise, in which the students hauled stretchers weighted down with sandbags through the Jerusalem hills ending at the Binyanei HaUmah convention center in the pouring rain. They crawl in rivers of rainwater and can't let down the stretchers, even during Avi's closing speech.

Count me out of this one. Enjoy:

The students, mostly from Sephardic and Ethiopian homes, come with little motivation to serve in the IDF or do anything but party for that matter. In the course of their 15 months in Bet El, they tap into their own potential, begin to invest in achieving, and come out having broadened their knowledge of Judaism, Zionism, and themselves.

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Israel Beer and Wine Festivals in January 2013

2013-01-08T18:58:00.003+02:00

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If you're in Israel now, don't miss the Beers 2013 festival taking place today and tomorrow (January 8-9, 2013) at the Nokia Stadium in Tel Aviv.

Good even on a rainy day like today

Just as Israeli wineries started a revolution just over a decade ago producing wines that are winning international competitions, so too, the Israel brewery revolution is now at its beginning stages. Click here for more info. 60 NIS entry gets you a beer mug and 5 tastes. Buy 5 more tastes for 30 NIS.

Regular beers are kosher, but the flavored ones may need a hechsher (Kashrut supervision).

And since we mentioned wine, make a note on your calendar to attend the Israel Kosher Wine Festival on January 28-30, 2013 at Binyanei Hauma, AKA the International Convention Center in Jerusalem.

Here's a video from last year's exhibition:

Eli Poch, who appears in the above video, is a big Israel wine enthusiast and facilitator. Join his Facebook Jerusalem Wine Club. Then you can brag to your friends, "Sure, I belong to the Jerusalem Wine Club." Moreover, if you become a paying member of the Jerusalem Wine Club, you'll get a discount on entry to the festival and get on-site tours with Eli. He knows the insides and outs of just about every single winery in Israel. Contact Eli here.

The 2013 exhibition will showcase wine from Israel and overseas. Called "Wine Seven Two +972," this will be its second consecutive year. See you there.

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Did Naftali Bennett Renege On His Refusal To Carry Out Expulsion Orders?

2013-01-08T13:35:00.001+02:00

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Naftali Bennett, the newly-elected leader of the combined Jewish Home and National Union Party in Israel, has been rising in the polls in an extraordinary fashion reaching 15-18 Knesset seats compared to 5 in the current parliament.

Naftali Bennett - newly-elected leader of the religious-Zionist political movement

In a Dec. 20, 2012 interview with TV personality Nissim Mishal, Bennett was asked what he would do as a soldier if faced with an order to expel Jewish families from their homes in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). In no uncertain terms, he responded that he is not capable of carrying out such an order because it is immoral (translation below video clip):

Mishal: You a Major in the reserves?
Bennett: Correct.

Mishal: If you receive an order to evacuate a civilian outpost or [Jewish] town in the Shomron [West Bank], what will you do?
Bennett: If I…

Mishal: Don’t evade the question by beating around the bush. No speeches. What will you do?
Bennett: Listen! If I receive an order to evacuate a Jew from his home and expel him, I, personally, - my conscience won’t allow me to. I would ask the commander to relieve me of that responsibility. I will not issue calls publicly to refuse orders. I am not capable of entering…

Mishal: You would prefer to go to jail?
Bennett: Yes. In such an extreme circumstance, yes. I will act to prevent such a circumstance from arising.

Mishal: In other words, you will refuse orders? In simple Hebrew?
Bennett: I learned as a soldier…

Mishal: You will refuse orders!
Bennett: Why don’t you listen to me ?

Mishal: Answer me. You will disobey orders?
Bennett: I am not capable – not capable, I’m sorry. To enter a home...

Mishal: In other words, the leader of the Jewish Home party who wants to be in the government says in a live broadcast, “I will disobey orders. I will go to jail.”
Bennett: Listen Nissim. I am a soldier for twenty-two years. I have led soldiers into battle and into operations. Don't preach to me here what I will do and won't do.

Mishal: I will preach to you. Refusing orders? This crosses red lines!
Bennett: I will explain. An integral part of being a soldier is the ability to be a conscientious objector. .If G-d forbid, G-d forbid they will want to expel 400,000 [Jews]...

Mishal: Do you hear your own words?
Bennett: Do YOU hear your own words? Do you understand what it is? I am not capable of such a deed. Are you capable of going...

Mishal: The young soldiers watching you now - what are they saying? We will also disobey orders.
Bennett: Listen. I think it would be a terrible mistake. I would come and beg and beg...

Mishal: Did you educate your soldiers as a Major?
Bennett: I educated them not to obey an order which is immoral [lit. that has a black flag hanging from it]. To expel people from this land is a terrible and awful thing. I will act with all my soul and all my faculties to prevent this from happening, and, with the help of G-d, if we will be in the driver's seat [ed. in the next government] and the public will give us its support, we will prevent the next tragedy from happening. They expelled 8,000 Jews [from Gaza in 2005]. What did we get in return for expelling 8,000 Jews from their homes? Missiles?

Immediately following the above interview, Prime Minister Netanyahu and numerous others issued condemnations of Bennett for "calling on soldiers to refuse orders." Netanyahu declared that a person who calls to refuse orders will not be a part of his government.

Bennett wanted to soften the impact of his statement and in follow up interviews, emphasized the need for soldiers to carry out orders. Many people concluded from Bennett's sudden change of heart that he is just another wishy-washy politician who doesn't keep his word, and issues statements in accordance with the popular trend of the moment.

I present two follow-up statements of Bennett to enable the readers to decide for themselves.

First is Bennett at a press conference that he called to clarify his position on obeying orders (English translation below Hebrew video):

Translation:

"I didn't issue a call to refuse orders, not during the interview with Nissim Mishal and not anywhere else ever. For twenty-two years, I have served in the IDF as a fighter and commander. I fought in all of Israel's wars during that period. And I say again, I did not call for disobeying orders. Any viewer with intelligence who watched the [Mishal] program understands this. But in the Likud and the political arena, they pounced on my statement and distorted my words creating an image as though I called for disobeying orders. In order to gain a quarter of a Knesset seat, they damaged the unity of the IDF.

"On Thursday, I spoke passionately from my heart, and I do not apologize for my statement. With that, I am now not an individual, but rather a public personality, a political leader.

"And now I will address this issue with complete clarity. An order to uproot an Arab village or Jewish town from its land is a fatal blow to the most basic human rights, and it places the soldiers before a heart-rendering dilemma between the value of human rights on one side, and the value of fulfilling orders on the other. This is a dilemma too hard to bear. It cannot be swept under the carpet. I pray with all my heart that such an order will never again be issued. But bottom line, if all options are exhausted, I say very clearly: a soldier must fulfill the orders of the army.

In the above statement to the press, Bennett focused on the principle that every soldier must fulfill orders including himself. But he didn't relate to what he would do when faced with an order which violates his conscience. He only mentioned that he does not apologize for his remarks on the Mishal program.

In an interview with Yaakov Alon after the Mishal program, Bennett reiterates the obligation to fulfill orders, but also touches upon the principle that a soldier should not fulfill an immoral order. Click here for the full Hebrew interview [fast forward to the 9:17 minute mark].

Translation of Alon interview:

Alon: Why did you call to disobey orders?
Bennett: Listen. On Nissim's show, I spoke from my heart. The subject is a very difficult one - uprooting an Arab village or Jewish town...

Alon: You draw a parallel between an Arab village and a Jewish town?
Bennett: Totally. After all, we are talking about human beings in both cases. But I will say with utmost clarity: A soldier must fulfill orders including me, Naftali Bennett, a Major in the reserves. This point cannot remain ambiguous. If tomorrow a person from the left will oppose bombing a target in Gaza or serving in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], our army will fall apart. We, as fighters, must fulfill orders, even if we very much disagree with them.

Alon: Including evacuating Jewish towns? Evacuating settlers?
Bennett: Any order which is not immoral [lit. in which a black flag is not hanging from it] we must fulfill, including me, Naftali Bennett.

Alon: But an order to evacuate a Jewish town does have a black flag hanging from it?
Bennett: Yaakov, each person has a conscience, and I am not going to guide each individual soldier. I am saying...

Alon: I don't want to argue with you like Nissim Mishal, but, you know, you are rounding the corners right now. State clearly, must soldiers...
Bennett: I will tell you. If the government of Israel in a democratic decision will reach the terrible conclusion to evacuate an Arab village or Jewish town as a government resolution, the IDF and each soldier will be obligated to fulfill the order, including me.

After a careful review of Bennett's follow-up statements, please leave your comment below as to whether Bennett reneged on his position that he won't expel Jews from their home or not. My comment appears first.

As a parting shot, I leave you with a statement by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on this topic [hat tip to Dr. Aharon Lerner of IMRA for making this video]. He was speaking in 1995 while in the opposition:

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My Grandchild's Birth - a Miracle or Unusual Turn of Events?

2013-01-06T00:33:00.002+02:00

I am happy to announce that my seventh grandchild began her life's journey this past Wednesday morning in the Holy city of Tzfat (Safed).

My wife and I with our latest tribesman (no name yet)

Her debut appearance as a human being raised a question: was her birth a medical miracle or just unusual - but nothing more?

This is what transpired: My daughter-in-law went to the hospital for a check up on Monday night. The doctors informed her and my son Yehuda that the baby had flipped into a legs-first position leaving no choice but to operate. It's rare for a baby to flip in the 9th month (she was two weeks into the 10th) because there's no room. The couple was devastated because they badly wanted a natural birth, and in previous checkups, all was well.

The young Gordons went to their home in Tzfat (Safed). The mother wept and my son recalled that the saintly 19th-century Hassidic Master Rabbi Nachman of Breslov said that someone who reads his book Shmot HaTzaddikim will have the strength to "flip nature" (lehapech et hateva). This book is nothing more than a listing of all the righteous people who lived from the time of Adam until the time of the Talmud. So my son got a hold of the book and started reciting the thousands of names.

The book: Shmot HaTzaddikim [The Names of the Righteous]

As though waking them into action by uttering their name, my son read aloud flipping page after page, until he dozed off.

The next morning, they went for a checkup and behold, the baby flipped back into head-first position.

All of the doctors were astounded. "We've never seen anything like this. Babies don't flip at the end of a pregnancy," they said.

Labor was induced, and young Ms. Gordon soon was out and about.

Calling all skeptics - was this not a miracle? Say it ain't so!

After you "Like" this story, comment below.

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Naftali Bennett - What Do We Do With the Arabs? (Video)

2013-01-01T22:46:00.000+02:00

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The Jews of Israel are struggling against the entire world for national liberation and the right to live with freedom and dignity in the whole of our land. In other words, the two-state solution is nothing short of an act of Western imperialism against the indigenous Jewish population which has maintained a presence in Israel for thousands of years.

Proponents of this struggle must face head on the question: what do we do with the large Arab minority (1.65 - 1.8 million) in Judea and Samaria?

Huge savings - book flights, hotels, cars anywhere including Israel

Naftali Bennett, front runner in the new combined Jewish Home - National Union Party, released a video to answer this question. Today, Bennett represents religious-Zionism in Israeli politics.

He offers his interim solution in the video below (write intelligent comments after watching):

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Kabbalist Calls for Jews to Return Home

2012-12-23T21:33:00.001+02:00

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A Kabbalist Elder in Bnei Brak told his students on Friday, Dec.21, 2012 that time is running out for Diaspora Jews to return to the Jewish State.

Rabbi Eliyahu Leon Levi of Bnei Brak
Delivering a lecture at the Kotel

Rabbi Eliyahu Leon Levi, a 73-year-old sage of Turkish Jewish descent who continues a tradition of Kabbalah from his grandfather and father, issued a passionate cry for the Jews of the United States to purchase homes in Israel and begin planning their move. He said that just like in Iran before the Shah was ousted, the Jews were prospering financially. But then suddenly everything changed, and many couldn't leave with their wealth.

"A similar scenario will occur in the USA," he warned. "Jews must leave and take their money with them. The day will come when they won't be able to leave with their wealth," he said.

The Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar) taught that the tragedies of the exile are Divine signals to prod the Jewish People to return to Israel.

In his native Morocco, the Or HaChaim was targeted by the government, and falsely accused of things that he had no part in. He was thrown into jail on more than one occasion, and even thrown into the lions den from which he came out unharmed.

In 1738 when hunger plagued Morocco, he reached the conclusion that he must move to Israel, and he began his long journey.

In the introduction to his Torah commentary, the Or HaChaim writes:

"Those who pursued me didn't relent. I prayed for peace, but behold, enemy after enemy assaulted me, one trouble after another, until I was up to my neck in distress. I wondered from town to town, becoming a fulfillment of the verse, 'He that flees from terror, shall fall into the pit."
"And then G-d opened my eyes. I realized that the reason for these troubles and plagues was none other than to signal me to ascend to the place of the Shechina, the city which is so exalted and so dear to G-d of the world."

Note that the final straw that convinced the Or HaChaim to make aliya was the financial collapse in Morocco induced by famine. It was not a decree specifically targeting the Jews.

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Words of Encouragement for Eligible Singles

2012-12-18T06:31:00.001+02:00

To All Jewish Singles,

Am sharing with you a letter from an acquaintance announcing his engagement, after a long journey as a bachelor:

Dear friends,It is with great gratitude to The One Above that I announce my engagement to the most special girl to me, my best friend, [name withheld since I didn't ask permission to publish]. The bride is a Baalat Tshuvah [recently become religious] who works as a...
Thanks to all my amazing friends who helped me over the years deal with the pain and loneliness that often comes with being single. And I hope to be able to able to give some strength to those people who are still single, since I had often felt like I had given up hope and was just "going through the motions" of going to singles events, meeting with matchmakers, etc. But singles events CAN work, since that was how I met my bride! I hope everyone out there meets the right person very soon, and for those who are married to continue to appreciate the special someone in your life.

When you invest in the marriage relationship to make it work, it is simply the sweetest of the sweet. I bless all of you who are seeking that it will happen to you lightening-bolt fast, and that you will be able to send out a letter like the one above wishing your friends a Happy Pesach this year!

Coming soon to you! Best of luck!

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