DAATH YACHID

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An Oprn Letter to Rep Talib

2023-02-04T21:29:00.002-05:00

Dear Rep Talib,

I live in your district , I am part of the community of Jews living in Southfield Michigan that pray daily for the Scion of David to assume his throne and witness G-D’s presence return to Zion in the soon to be rebuilt Third Temple.

It is either irony or cynicism that has brought this circumstance about. However, you correctly pointed out Free speech includes speech we disagree with even find vile odious and even somewhat threading . Yet your recent remarks regarding the removal Rep Omar from the Foreign Relations Committee are unacceptable.

Madam Congressperson Rep Omar was removed not because of gender, race or faith she was removed for embracing hate, bigotry and prejudice! Please do not trot out the support you enjoy from self loathing Stockholm syndrome, infected Jews, who lack even a modicum of self-respect.

By embracing hate Rep Omar has failed her district ,state and country as whole. Remember the Republicans disciplined MTG for her outrageous comments . The Democrats instead appear to stand with Rep Omar and by which tacitly endorse Antisemitism. Support for Rep Omar by her Democratic Party colleagues render the round table addressing the ruse in Anti-Semitism chaired by the Second Gentleman into nothing more than a Photo op.

This is the failure, this is the shame ! I am looking forward to a day when I have representation in Congress once again

Thank you

Rabbi Bernard S Antin

The Volunteers: Answering the Call of History

2021-01-17T10:29:00.000-05:00

Passover, A Jewish Story

2019-01-06T00:31:00.001-05:00

Yesterday April 12, 17 Nisan 5780 I saw "Saturday Night Seder" featuring Jason Alexander.

Link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGRsH2Qti_Q&t=1s

Fairness demands I disclose the stated purpose was to entertain those isolated at home because of the Stay at Home orders promulgated worldwide in response to the COVID19 virus pandemic. The program was a fundraiser for the CDC Foundation. For the most part the video had some outstanding musical numbers and other segments about the Exodus.

Unfortunately the participants including several "Rabbis' offer insights that succeeded in making the Exodus being only incidentally a Jewish story. Rather the Seder recalls the yearning of the oppressed for redemption, a slaves' hope for freedom, a call to fight for Social Justice etc....

True there are some universal values conveyed by the Seder and the Exodus as a paradigm for personal growth , hope and the like . The straw that really got to me was

Harvey Fierstein's tirade against a literal reading of "Next Year in Jerusalem" deriding the thought of a Jewish return to its ancestral Capital. Mr. Fierstein would prefer Miami or Berlin.

Although the organizers had a noble intention in mind but I was left as though my story and culture had been usurped and appropriated . The Exodus as depicted in the Haggadah was fulfillment of prophecy made to Jewry's ancestor Abraham, The Exodus features miracles, signs and wonders forging a special relationship between G-D and the Bene Yisrael/ Jewry. Repeating the story is for internal use, to communicate the special relationship between Jewry and G-D. Indeed non-Jews pretty much could not participate in the Passover sacrifice. Recasting the Exodus story as universal erodes away its true message of G-D's intimate involvement in human affairs, exemplified by Jewry's Exodus from Egypt.

Exchanging Jerusalem as Jewry's home and to speak of home in vague terms thereby eviscerating the notion of Exile, Diaspora and redemption. Further what I found most irksome is how Mr. Fierstein came across sounding like the Haggadah's Wicked son who excluded himself from the Exodus redemption. Further one cannot help thinking Mr. Fierstein's grandfather or Great Grandfather who have called out Next Year in Jerusalem expressed the active yearning of generations to see Jewry restored to their land living under the rule of the Mashiach , the Temple rebuilt and the world perfected. Not some generalized desire for a better world.

KOTEL COMMENT

2017-05-17T16:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Mr. President,
As a supporter the following has me greatly concerned

“Q Wait, can I just get one more? Something that General McMaster declined to answer on two occasions from behind that podium that's causing some unhappiness on the Hill, the refusal to say whether the Western Wall is in Israel or not. Can you explain why you guys can't answer that question?

MR. SPICER: The Western Wall is obviously one of the holiest sites in Jewish faith. It’s clearly in Jerusalem. But there’s been -- it’s an issues that's had serious consideration. It will be a topic that's going to be discussed during the President’s trip between the parties that he meets with.

But obviously I think this stems from a comment that was made yesterday and which was not the policy of the United States. And so I think just because -- so just to be clear about what was said yesterday. “ (White Press Briefing May 16, 2017)

True, acknowledging the Western Wall, Kotel is located in Jerusalem and is a Jewish holy site is far more positive than many if not most governments’ policies on the matter. Mr. Spicer did somewhat disavow an earlier comment denying Israel’s sovereignty over Judaism’s holiest site in the Temple’s absence.

Had this word dance taken place during any other administration the statement denying the Kotel’s status would be hardly worth notice, same old, same old. However, in contrast to the overt animus for Prime Minister Netanyahu by President Obama and the on-going support for Anti –Israel/Anti Zionist/Anti Semitism by the Democratic Party, President Trump promised a new chapter.

Indeed UN Ambassador Haly said in an interview with CBN “The Western Wall is part of Israel and I think that is how we have always seen it and that is how we should pursue it,” Although the Administration after taking office has evidently placed moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem on a back burner equivocation as to where the Kotel is located is as disappointing as it is unacceptable.

Those of us who supported you last year expect better from you Mr. President, do not disappoint us.
Wishing you and the United States the greatest success
Bernard S.Antin Esq.

Identity Crisis

2016-02-11T22:01:00.003-05:00

The plan to build a new plaza at the Kotel to accommodate ceremonies and worship that do not conform with Jewish Law is emblematic of The State of Israel's on-going and seemingly endless identity crisis.

The problem lies in where the balance between Jewish and Democratic values. When the State looks at the Kotel, Cave of the Patriarchs, Rachel's Tomb etc... does it see a historic site or a religious/holy site?

As a historic site the Kotel should be available to all humanity and especially to all Jewry. However, as a religious site, a place for prayer for hundreds of years. The place to where Jewish Law mandates Jews face when at prayer it should comport with the requirements of Jewish law. Who should be tasked with setting Jewish Law observance standards within the State of Israel? One would believe authority and administration would be coordinated under the Authority of the Chief Rabbinate. Yet this new prayer area is under the Prime Minister's office.

How then does this new area promote the interests of the non-Orthodox ? Those who so deeply long for gender mixed prayer at the Kotel believe the Temple is a memory, an anachronism,
best consigned to History. Further, these groups are dubious regarding notions such as Mashiach, Messiah, in gathering of exiles and building the Third Temple. Therefore, the desire for access to the place is rooted someplace deeper in Jewish psyche than logic.

That elusive beyond logic need to connect to the Kotel belies how fundamental and complex this issue is. An additional consideration is that connecting remains important. That in spite of strident denial and defiance of Jewish Law ancestral values remains even if actively suppressed.

Leading a double life reduces life's narrow bridge to a mere hairs' breath all but ensures a fall.
It is time to be true to one's self and stand with a timeless G-D connected people.

Be on Gaurd

2015-11-24T21:41:00.003-05:00

The death of Ezra Schwartz HY'D exposes so much that compel our shaking off our complacency . While a Department of State spokesperson condemned the murders last Friday. However, it was today Tuesday November 24, 2015 when President Obama called Ezra's parents to offer condolences.
Five days of outrage over the Oval Office's apparent indifference.

Yet how was the story reported? Media showed Ezra during his gap year with his buddies wearing an IDF uniform. Unlikely Ezra was actually serving as opposed to an IDF sponsored army experience designed for students to "serve" or as a volunteer in a support non-combat role. Ezra was not a soldier nor and extremist. Yet, nearly every young Black man shot by police is shown in cap and gown despite these people having criminal records or were under the influence of drugs etc.... This image strongly implies Ezra was no innocent but a soldier. Ezra is no different than any middle class kid inspired to join ISIS.

The insanity of so called Knife intifada is pronounced by the extreme youth of the stabbers. The choice of what is more heinous the random and extreme brutality expressed or the adults sending 13 and 14 year olds as combatants.

Even more so is the West's slow and equivocal response. Facing evil cannot be with a smile or in search for common ground. Evil most be destroyed. Tolerating evil places every one in danger. Tolerating evil never works out well for Jews, never.

IF THERE WAS ANY DOUBT

2015-07-16T10:14:00.002-05:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2015/07/15/17-ridiculous-things-the-president-said-at-the-iran-news-conference/

Before anyone dismisses the linked article's observation. Today 7/16/2015 it was reported that the Secretary of Defense was dispatched to Israel and Saudi Arabia to sell the Iran deal. It was reported further that the administration would be open to additional arms sales to Israel.

If the deal is so good and the danger is muted why would Israel want additional weapons? Is thee still danger? Or was this gesture an act of contempt, to patronize Israel and trivialize its concerns.
Either way it is clear this administration is hostile to Israel and it is doubtful the President will ever be called Philo Semitic except by the cadre of sycophants who nourish the President's ego.

SCOTUS JERUSALEM, Anywhere but Israel

2015-06-08T23:33:00.001-05:00

SCOTUS decided on Monday June 8,2015 that Congress' law giving Americans born in Israel's capital city , Jerusalem the option to have their American Passport list birthplace as Jerusalem, Israel. The Court's majority believes Congress overreached by affecting Foreign Policy the sole province of the President. Although there were dissents The Court 6-3 felt otherwise.
It is remarkable that it would appear the majority included the three Jewish Justices. Certainly, no one wants any judge letting anything but the law inform or influence one's decision. However, anyone familiar with the Justice system knows that ideal situation simply does not exist. Judges are people too and bring who they are as well. So where were the MOTs on the bench?

It is telling that to Justices Ginsberg, Breyer and Kagan the declaration "NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM" apparently has only ceremonial meaning. Why retreat from one's cultural background particularly when other Justices could have seen their way clear to uphold Congress' law and defend the honor of Jerusalem . It would be far too easy to say these Justices are more dedicated to siding with liberalism than with Judaism. An accusation temping as it maybe is still misplaced.

Or the even more disturbing thought is that if any Jewish Justice sided with Jerusalem being in Israel they would be fodder for Anti-Semites casting all Jews in government as being not fully American. This is 2015 not 1945 what a lesson in exile is exile even in the Goldeneh Medina

A link to the article.
https://us.lrd.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X1MDBGFjdANtYWlsX2NiBGFuA29wZW5MaW5rBGNoA2VtYWlsBGN0AwRldANtdGYEZ2QDQmVybmFyZEVzcUBnbWFpbC5jb20EaW50bANmYWxzZQRsYW5nAwRsdHh0A1N1cHJlbWUEbW8DMARwa2cDBHBsYXRmb3JtA1lIT08tVU5QBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNtb2Qtc2gtbWFpbARzbGsDdGl0bGUEdGFyA25ld3MueWFob28uY29tBHRlc3QDBHRwA3RlbXBsYXRlLm10Zi5lbWFpbC5tYWlsX3RvX2ZyaWVuZF9nc192MTgEdHMDMA--/932419839105592103/SIG=1523o4tgc/**http%3A%2F%2Fnews.yahoo.com%2Fcourt-strikes-down-born-jerusalem-passport-law-140857993--politics.html%3Fsoc_src%3Dmediacontentsharebuttons%26amp%3Bsoc_trk%3Dma

JERUSALEM IS ISRAEL ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUES.

2014-11-05T10:56:00.001-05:00

Recently, oral argument was heard in the United States Supreme Court concerning the fight of American citizens born in Jerusalem to have "Place of Birth" line on one's passport read Jerusalem, Israel. Federal legislation specifically authorize this. However, The State Department as a matter of policy refuses to follow this statute. The case has made it before the US Supreme Court.

It should be pointed out that the three branches of Government the executive, legislative and judicial. They are understood as being co-equal each which specific powers that do not overlap. Foreign Relations belong to the Executive branch exclusively and it is not Congress' place to dictate to the State Department how o do its job. so there is a legitimate separation of powers question for the Court to decide. However, what is outrageous is the assertion made by attorneys for the Administration through the Solicitor General's office that Israel has no more right to Jerusalem than Russia does to Crimea.

The cultural ignorance and insensitivity behind such arguments border on the Anti-Semitic. Jerusalem is where Jews face at prayer. During the week Jews pray for the return of the exiles to Israel and rebuilding of Jerusalem three times daily. The Passover Seder and Yom Kippur services conclude with the declaration "NEXT YEAR N JERUSALEM".

Though a secular and ethnically diverse society the modern state of Israel asserts its historic antecedents the Kings of Davidic Dynasty. The establishment of the State of Israel was widely heralded as the Return to Zion. Although ridiculed as racist the Law of Return mistakenly seen as unfair to Arabs displaced in 1948 seeking to return to pre-1948 residences misses the cultural aspect of the law.

The Law of Return canonizes the cultural norm of Israel as homeland. The notion of Jewry's connection to the land of Israel and Jerusalem only eroded in the aftermath of Jewry's trending away from tradition during the 19th century. Even so a proposed Jewish state in Uganda or a the Soviet Jewish republic of Birobidzhan went for all intents and purposes, nowhere.

It is quite serious that the Administration actually believes an argument denying a fundamental aspect of Jewish identity, shame on them. And if Israel has no right to Jerusalem then where do Jews have a right to belong?

MURDER IS NOT AN EXCUSE NOR WILL IT EXCUSE

2014-07-07T13:44:00.000-05:00

It is becoming clear that the Arab boy who was murdered was killed by Jews. Part of me wishes to minimize this outrage, that the murder of the three Jewish teens overshadows this boy's death. However, murder is a crime that must be prosecuted to the extent of the law. Yet, there are some distinctions there is a difference between an act done by individuals contrary to society's educational infrastructure and its other institutions. Those who kidnapped the three boys were at best the product of a generation feed hate along with their mothers' milk, a culture encouraging violence against Jews that reaches within every echelon of Arab society in Judea, Samaria or Gaza. No one in the Israel's Jewish community is celebrating this young person's death unlike the three finger salute or passing out candies in celebration. Remarkably a murder denounced by the Israeli government within a short time suspects were arrested and face arraignment the system is working yet the Arabs respond with massive rocket barrages including desecration of Joseph's Tomb. Sorry, the death of the Arab teen is not justifies nor does this murder justify the Arab response. The murder of Eyal, Gilad and Naftali must be responded to not out of revenge. Revenge is exclusively G-D's department but there must serve as a deterrencee to discourage anyone from harming another Jew.

FOR KING DAVID'S HONOR

2014-06-09T09:47:00.000-05:00

Israel National News/ Arutz Sheva reported today about a virtual conquest of King David's tomb. Evidently Catholic Mass was celebrated not in the room of the Last Supper but in the room used as King David's tomb. Assisted by Police and Yassamim, special police Jews were made to leave the holy place to facilitate the celebration of the Mass.

While respecting other people and their faiths may be necessary in a pre-Mashiach world but there must be limits. The Jews' presence in the Holy Land is not as European or Asian interlopers but as a returning people indigenous to the land. How else to seriously claim Jewry's claim of being native to the land after nearly two millennia but by asserting the connection between present day Jewry and our ancestors. King David has present day descendants an individual with some knowledge of Jewish law sees indicia of Jewish life going back to antiquity. Ceding any Jewish aspect of a Historic/ Holy site is in effect a ceding of Jewish sovereignty.

Openness and liberalism cannot be extended to the point of virtual suicide. King David despite being a Biblical figure, David was King over all Israel. Allowing Non-Jewish prayer services and ritual is disrespectful and acts as a repudiation of present day Jews in Israel being connected to King David and that present day Israel is the Kingdom's successor. How can the claim be made if the King's honor is not protected?

Respect for others is necessary for a civil society but at the expense of self respect is the price is too high .

DEMOCRATIC VALUES

2014-01-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

Recently The Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel repeated the opinion of their predecessors, prohibiting the enlistment of women in to the IDF. The Rabbis’ instead suggest girls serve in the national service program.

Finance Minister Yair Lapid posted on his Facebook page that the Rabbis’ opinion was a national scandal and in essence a tone of how dare these state employees who enjoy a good salary as well as other publicly funded perks speak against women serving in the Israeli Military. Minister Lapid railed against the Rabbis’ opinion as an insult to all women serving in uniform and in particular to those women serving in command or in educational roles. Minister Lapid is so enraged that he pledged an all out campaign to oust the Chief Rabbis.

Though there have been some efforts to smooth over the relationship between Minister Lapid’s Yesh Atid party and the Chief Rabbinate what remains is quite disturbing. In the interest of full disclosure this writer identifies with Haredi Jewish practice and ideology, however my issue with Minister Lapid’s posting is more rooting in my capacity as an attorney.

In essence Minister Lapid asserted that as State Employees Rabbis Lau and Yossef should not and indeed inappropriate to express an opinion on a matter of Jewish Law that is contrary to State policy. Such an assertion offends basic tenants of democracy. Certainly Minister Lapid understands the independence of a democratic state’s judiciary is sacrosanct. An expectation that a Judge have his or her decisions be mere a rubber stamp of state policy, offends all principles of Justice... Among a Judge’s core duties is to tell the State when it is wrong. Indeed the notion of being a state employee as a basis for restraining a jurist’s judgments/legal opinions evokes images of tyranny, not democracy.

It cannot be denied a core function of the State Chief Rabbinate is the articulation of Jewish Law, Halacha particularly in public matters such as service in the IDF. To hold the Rabbis’ opinions hostage to their ideological compliance with those in power at the moment should be considered equally absurd being analogues to muzzling Supreme Justices’ in exercising their duties.

Further it is distressing that Minister Lapid has that profound degree of contempt for religion or complete ignorance about the fundamental aspects of any religion let alone Judaism. Perceiving the Chief Rabbis as being bought and paid for by the State and therefore they had better spin the Halacha to fit the State’s policies. Such an understanding of the Chief Rabbis is reminiscent of the Former Soviet Union‘s official Chief Rabbinate. The thought that Minister Lapid could make such statements and threats seriously calls in to question how committed he is to democracy.

The larger question is on the Rabbis affiliated with Minister Lapid’s party how they could remain affiliated with someone who holds such deep seeded disdain for Judaism? How could anyone religious or devoutly secular with even a modicum of understanding of democracy allow the Minister’s outlandish posting to stand?

WE ARE NOT A RUBBER STAMP

2013-01-13T11:46:00.002-05:00

What may be more troubling than Senator Chuck Hagel’s tepid attitude toward Islamic terror and annoyance with the “Jewish lobby” is the telegraphing a warning not to oppose who the President wants. The chorus of supporters who denounce what were termed as half cocked baseless arguments against Senator Hagel denouncing him as an Anti-Semite a allegation dismissed as being preposterous.

There are a few disturbing trends first apparently the sensibilities of the Jewish community at large are irrelevant to the administration. It is remarkable to declare that Jews who perceive Senator Hagel as an Anti Semite are making unfounded accusations. The Senator may truly think he does not harbor any anti Jewish sentiment and his opinions are consistent with being Philo-Semitic. However it should be up to the Jews themselves to decide who is or is not a hater.

Indeed it is troubling that despite repeated protestation of an unshakeable commitment between the United States and Israel the selection of Senator Hagel for Secretary of Defense and Mr. Brenan for the Central Intelligence Agency contradict the President’s pronouncements.

Further the subtle but clear warning to the pro Israel /Jewish community that if the President does not get his way there will be consequences. There IS NO PLACE IN AMERICIA’S POLITICAL DISCOURSE FOR THREATS or other rhetoric by those in power to chill freedom of speech especially political speech.

Aside from the United States distancing itself from a reliable ally these nominees seem to be too accommodating to entities hostile to America’s interests is this the attitude the United States needs at the helm of national security.

Clearly there is something about Senator Hagel’s and Mr. Brenan’s opinions and positions that are not in interest of the United States nor is the matter in how these fellows are being presented for nomination that just does not serve America’s best interests.

Please contact your Senators to protest Senator Hagel for Secretary of Defense and Mr. Brenan exercise YOUR protected right of free speech

SANDY -A WEEK LATER

2012-11-04T11:48:00.001-05:00

Sandy arrived just about a week before the national elections and left behind a level of devastation which could be reasonably described as being of Biblical proportions. Such an event cannot go without reflection and comment.

Maybe the first thing to notice is the relatively small loss of life in relation to the extent of property damage and disruption Sandy left behind. Zev Brenner of Talkline Communications offered that Sandy's legacy is to remind everyone that what matters is what binds us together and not what separates us.

Maybe there are some lessons to take away from Sandy First and foremost everything comes from G-D and therefore even natural phenomena are part of Providence, G-D is sending a message and has a purpose.

Possibly there was decree against the US to suffer devastation and Sandy was sent in place of an Iranian Biological or Nuclear weapons.

Additionally in a but for the Grace of G-D go I perspective the mistake one makes in taking the circumstances of one's life for granted. Failing to see one's stuff as on loan or as D-vine gifts maybe why G-D needed the send a wake up call, that houses, furnishings, cars, gadgets and toys are here to make life easier and more comfortable but not just to provide pleasure but to facilitate our growth and further fulfill one's D-vinely given role in G-D's design.

Lastly before anyone criticizes Government's response to Sandy bear in mind the level of devastation was unprecedented. Certainly a multi state disaster is a situation that even proponents of small government acknowledge rightly falls under the jurisdiction of a Federal-Local partnership. As Katrina showed in the past and now with Sandy a doomsday plan needs to be in place so that those isolated by a Sandy like storm need not suffer unnecessarily. Friday November 2, 2012 on Red Eye Radio a caller from Manhattan spoke how he was sitting in a dark apartment, cold without food or water and with no inkling of help , not FEMA, National Guard or NYPD or FD the desperation was as frightening as it was heart wrenching. It is doubtful this fellow is alone.

Additionally, a report came out that electric workers came from Alabama to work on restoring service to stricken areas only to be turned back because they were not union. Imagine in the face of massive suffering on the most basic level protecting one's economic interest remains more important-shame on you! The organizations designed to protect the average working man from exploitation would in turn use their power to exploit their power.

Though at the end of the election cycle maybe an issue for the coming year's agenda is how to prepare for the unimaginable a nation, region, State, City, community and as individuals.
This needs to go beyond suggestions at www.ready.gov but encourage creation legions of first responders and channels of communications etc. with periodic drills etc. show just in case . Although ultimately one must remember life is G-D's blessing along with all the world has to offer when used according to His design.

UNITY DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING GOES

2012-06-24T17:06:00.000-05:00

Recently

Israel

’s Attorney General decided that Reform and Conservative Rabbis should receive state salaries as ‘community leaders” who would not be involved in rendering Halachic-Jewish Law decision. Sephardic Chief Rabbi, the Rishon L’Zion, Shlomo Amar was adamant in his opposition.

Rav Amar’s commentswere denounced as divisive by the national leadership of Federation as well as the leadership of the Rabbinical Assembly.

In the interest of full disclosure this writer is ordained as a Rav by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and even though I agree with Rav Amar on the basis of religion. However, it as an attorney that I truly agree with the Rishon L’Zion . The Chief Rabbi’s opposition against the recognition on any level of non-orthodox Jewish clergy by the State of Israel begins a slippery slope fraught with unintended consequences.

Under principles of democracy and civil rights how does Reform or conservative enjoy more legitimacy than Karaites, Ethiopian Commandment Keepers (not to be confused with real Ethiopian Jews) or Messianic Jews ET. Al? Indeed as a teenager I recall a book that argued the present day Reform movement was part of a tradition of dissent beginning with the Sadducees and continuing through the generations including the Karaites, Shabbtai Zvi etc . . . Once notions of equality and democracy are applied over time what is included within the ambit of a principle tends to expand. It is doubtful that the civil rights activists that championed racial equality in 1960 envisioned they were opening the doors for the disabled or sexual orientation? Most likely not however once the great historic forms of prejudice race and gender were addressed other groups previously viewed as different eventually began to be seen as fitting the paradigm of discrimination deserving of the law’s protection.

Certainly I do not endorse discrimination against the disabled or anyone else for that matter. However, even good ideas need reasonable limitations. Under Israeli law religion has official status. One’s faith is connected to matters of personal status. Consequently being Jewish and Judaism cannot be loosely defined concepts. The absence of a common denominator leads only to confusion diluting Judaism’s official status particularly regarding marriages, divorces, Kashruth certification and conversion etc . . . However by recognizing a single standard rabbinate this is pretty much avoided. Otherwise the possibility is some time in the future the Chief Rabbi for the State of Israel would be commenting about how her favorite Yom Kippur morning breakfast is bacon & eggs just like her Jewish father. Extreme true but too far fetched? Honestly can one really be dismissive of this worst case scenario?

Rav Amar is so right to protest the Attorney General’s order is principled and must be supported. Rav Amar’s position is not in the least way divisive but actually a true cal for Jewish unity.

WELCOME ?

2011-12-13T00:43:00.001-05:00

Everyone focused on two gaffs during the White House Hanukkah event. First the event was some two weeks before the Holiday and the President refereed to the Maccabees as believers in the Temple not as persons of faith,

The early celebration may be only to accommodate scheduling for the White House and administration. However, and this comment not directed to President Obama specifically because early Hanukkah celebrations were held during the Bush Administration as well. Yet, it smacks of being a runner-up given a consolation prize that only reinforces a sense of second class status. True the December 25, observance is celebrated early by the White House so that individuals can celebrate with their families at home. Such celebrations are merely echos of the holiday and merely a cultural commemoration connected to the season and not necessarily to the holiday itself. Even so, acknowledging Hanukkah celebrates a miracle that happened" . . . [I]n those days [long ago] during this time. (liturgy). Consequently, a Hanukkah celebration outside of the eight day festival seems to completely miss the point.

Asserting the Maccabees were believers in the Temple is just so wrong. Maccabee is an acrostic for the Hebrew Who is like You among the[nations']deities O' L-rd. The Hasoneam priests and their followers were not freedom fighters seeking to oust the Greco-Syrians. Political freedom was not as important as restoring religious autonomy and freedom. Indeed after the Temple was retaken and rededicated fighting continued for years afterwards. The celebration is not just because the oil burned slowly or was not consumed. Rather Hanukkah commemorates what the light kindled from pure oil in the Temple dedicated to G-D's worship represents. The Menorah's light, the light of Torah, the light of the human soul both being a D-vine light that dispels all manner of darkness.

True, as ,Mr. Ezra Friedlander described that at the door he was asked if he was shomer negia(an observer of the practice to separate between men and women who are not immediate family members by not touching) a level of sensitivity to be lauded. However, there was another mistake made and that was the First Lady wearing a sleeveless dress. After all there is an office of engagement dedicated to the Jewish community. It makes sense someone who is tasked with outreach to the Jewish community would brief the First Lady as to what constitutes appropriate attire. Jewish Law requires women to dress modestly. Modest dress means covering till the knees, elbows collar bone and married women their hair. As a gentile Ms. Obama need not cover her hair but to expose her body when so many Orthodox Jews were in attendance displays a dramatic lack of sensitivity. .

This event of course comes on the heels of the US ambassador to Belgium, Defense Sec. Peneta and Sec. Clinton all engaged in harsh talk to Israel. Sec. Peneta placed the blame for stalled peace talks exclusively at Israel's feet.Sec. Clinton decried her concern about the status of women since religious soldiers walked out on performances by female soldiers.The preface to these incidents is of course VP Biden emphatic opposition to releasing Johnathan Pollard. This is just recently,but let no one forget the President pushing for a return to the 1949 armistice lines or the abandoning of Prime Minister Netanyahu in the White House.

The question for 2010 is at the end of the day is are Jews and Judaism merely tolerated by the administration or are Jews and Judaism welcome?

THE WHITE HOUSE 'S FAILURE TO LEAD

2011-10-29T19:42:00.001-05:00

FROM WHITE HOUSE "WE THE PEOPLE"

Why We Can't Comment
Thank you for signing the petition "Call an Investigation into Allegations of Prosecutorial & Judicial Misconduct in the Case of Sholom Rubashkin." We appreciate your participation in the We the People platform on WhiteHouse.gov.
As explained in the We the People Terms of Participation, the White House may at times decline to comment on certain specific matters properly within the jurisdiction of federal departments or agencies, federal courts, or state and local governments in its response to a petition. For important policy reasons, this includes specific law enforcement and judicial ethics matters. With respect to law enforcement matters, the Department of Justice is charged with investigating crime and enforcing our laws. The Department also has mechanisms in place to investigate allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, including through its Office of Professional Responsibility. With respect to judicial ethics matters, the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980 vests primary responsibility for investigating and adjudicating claims of judicial misconduct with the Judicial Branch.
This petition calls for an investigation into allegations of prosecutorial and judicial misconduct in the case of Sholom Rubashkin and for action to correct the “gross injustice” in his case. For the reasons given above, the White House declines to comment on matters raised by this petition.

Yet, the reason the people turned to the White House if because asking the respective agencies to police their own has all the charm of asking the fox to guard the henhouse. It was because Attorney General Holder already turned a deaf ear despite 6 former US Attorneys General and several prominent Law Professors and Legislators and the Eighth Circuit’s bizarre ruling that the 27 year sentence is actually lenient call out for a truly independent investigation in to this truly disturbing perversion of the American justice system. It Shame on the White House for taking the coward’s way of silence. For Shame for ignoring 50, 000 citizens

TIME IS ABOUT UP

2011-09-07T22:33:00.003-05:00

Below is copied and pasted from LAZER BEAMS from Rav Lazer Brody Shlita in Jerusalem. This man is not given to hyperbole. The time has come for what is truly important.

Thursday, 08 September 2011
Is Israel on the Brink of War?
Back in Rosh Hashana eve of 1973, Moshe Dayan and Golda Meir reassured a complacent Israeli public still drunk from the miraculous 1967 Six-Day War victory, "We've never been stronger! The Arabs wouldn't dream of attacking." On Yom Kippur of 1973, Syria and Egypt launched a two-prong surprise attack that brought Israel to its knees. Moshe Dayan was the first one to have a panic attack. Hashem saved us by a bigger miracle than 1967. Those of us who fought in that war can testify first hand.

Exactly 38 years later, we are in the same exact position. Only this time, the Arab noose is umpteen times more dangerous. Iran will have an A-bomb any day now. Al Qaida has taken over Sinai and our once quiet border with Egypt is now a powder keg. Turkey, our newest (old) enemy, i moving ships into our side of the Mediterranean. Hamas in Gaza has dangerous new Iranian and Libyan weapons, including bunker busters. Syria and Hizbulla have the nastiest chemical warheads, something beyond Satan's imagination.

One honest IDF commander - Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Eyal Eisenberg - said we must prepare for imminent war. Defense Minister Barak and company say that Eisenberg is exaggerating. Minister Yaalon is now joining the bandwagon of complacency too, saying, "No war in sight." These politicians are spiritually deaf and blind, hearing none of Hashem's wakeup calls.

My beloved teacher and spiritual guide, Rav Shalom Arush shlit'a, called me urgently to come see him today - he rarely does that, for we usually meet at regular intervals. He told me that his spiritual guide - the holy hidden Kabbalist Rabbi Yehuda Zev Leibowitz of saintly memory - came to him in a dream last night and said that in Heaven, all-out war against Israel has been decreed, a war which is supposed to break out before Rosh Hashana, in other words, within the next 3 weeks.

But, don't be afraid. Hashem does love us and wants to be with us. But, we must be worthy of the Divine Presence. Rav Shalom told me that every single Jew must begin doing serious teshuva and self-assessment while begging Hashem to delay this harsh decree. I asked Rav Shalom, "Why pray for a delay? Why not pray for a total cancellation?" Rav Shalom said the delay is to allow more people to make teshuva. A cancellation is almost impossible, because it's part of Hashem's plan to bring Moshiach, in the nearest future. Once Moshiach comes, teshuva will be worthless. Today, teshuva is still worth it's weight in diamonds. But time is running out super-fast.

I know that this post may earn me the status of the village idiot. But it's worth it if even one family heeds me. There is little time left. Forget about the new furniture and the new jewelry. We must all raise our voices in such a manner that the Heavenly Throne shudders. This is Nineveh 2011. Please, if you love your spouse and your children, start speaking to Hashem for an hour a day. Personal prayer invokes phenomenal Divine compassion, because it's a strong expression of emuna. Rav Shalom says, if you believe in Hashem, you speak to Him. If you don't believe in Him, then you don't speak. Let's all start speaking before it's too late.

Absurdly Arrogant

2011-08-17T08:40:00.000-05:00

The article pretty much speaks for itself.Though the United States needs to pursue its national interests to the exclusion of any other consideration. Acting in self interest is critical a country's survival. However when acting in national self interest involves bullying allies not just to get on board with the larger ally's policies but to engage in acts that are simply humilating. Similarly it is unacceptable for the larger ally to deny its freind the dignity of its own soverginty.

It is ibad enough that Washington refuses to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Indeed there is opinion that U.S policy denies the notion of there being a conpect of Jewish peoplehood. Further US State Department personnel are regularly deployed throughout Judea Samaria and Jerusalem to monitor Jewish construction. Ut us dusheartening to think American diplomats are being assigned the duties of a suburban code enforcement officer within another country.

Now to ask Israel to apologize to Turkey for defending itself against the armed persons aboard the infamous flotila borders on the absurd and is akin to the German government billing the Jewish community for the clean up after the debris caused by Kristalnacht. Asking Israel to apologize under the circumstances is insulting, demeaning and an expression of unbriddled arrogance that is inappropriate in international relations.
Shame on Washington for making the request Shame on Israel if they aquiese.

Washington - US to Israel: Apologize to Turkey, or Else; But Netanyahu Says No -- VosIzNeias.com

SEEING MAN TO MAN

2011-04-21T13:37:00.004-05:00

The subtle often belies the fundamental. Paying attention to nuance leads to compelling differences that distinguish otherwise equally valid points of view. Concerning the Land of Israel many objective observers conclude the best approach to the problem is compromise, a two state solution, a state for the Jews and a State for the Arabs within the Land of Israel.
Recently there were two videos offering two Jewish perspectives on Arabs.

The first was an observation by Ms. Malkah Fleischer who acknowledged her admiration of Arabs and their culture. However she cannot be friends with Arabs because they intend violence to her and her family either through compelling her husband to once again don his uniform and go to war, because of a threat through rockets, missiles or personal violence to lives of those she loves or their designs on her home and community she cannot be friends with Arabs.

The other video came from the Israeli version of "What Would You Do?"observed what happened when an Arab woman was refused service at a coffee Sop in the Israeli city of Holon. The Arab lady, actress would order a coffee and the counterman also an actor would refuse her declaring " we do not serve Arabs here!" Nearly every Israeli was indignant how can you deny her humanity? What makes her any different that you or I?, She is as much a person as anyone!?

These videos complement each other. Those people who stepped up to defend an Arab woman's right to purchase coffee would not necessarily tolerate belligerent acts that place Israel's population at risk.

Passionately defending the right of Jews to return, reclaim,settle and populate the length and breath of The Land of Israel does not come at the price of dehumanizing the Arabs. Israel generally and faithful Jews in particular teach return and redemption and defense.

Those living under Fatah or Hamas or their fellow travelers make the same claim?

How can anyone doubt who occupies the Moral high ground? Can there be any doubt who is the the true heir of Abraham's legacy both spiritual and physical"