Thursday, December 27, 2012

Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities


I got up early Friday morning, attended the local Chabad morning prayers, and took bus 75 to the central bus station in Jerusalem.

I hurried to find my way. I’d been here many times before, and the Friday morning hustle was nothing new to me. I encountered a few beggars on the way. Jerusalem is host to an array of both needy people and those pretending to be poor and spending their time benefiting from the locals’ generosity.

There’s a wide range of stores, pharmacies, cafes, restaurants, and even a place to donate blood at the central bus station. At this particular time of the year, it’s teaming with tourists from all over the world. Many are Christian pilgrims who’ve come to Israel for Christmas. Some continue on a tour of the Middle East, while others prefer to stay in Israel and remain shielded from the perils of our neighbors to the East.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

End of Days

By Eliyahu:
ד"סב
 
 
 
ָהיֶכTheָרְדּTorah'stakeon life - and all it throws our way.

END OF DAYS
 
 
December 20th, 2012 has come and gone. Those who wasted valuable time and money buying lifetime supplies in fear of the baseless prediction of the world's end are now exempt from grocery shopping forever more as life carries on. While the Mayan myth has been debunked (until they come up with another date for disaster), we must take this opportunity to explore the Jewish view on the apocalypse. Do we believe in such an event? And if we do, what's in store if and when it happens?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Reprinted via The Algemeiner: Not the Typical IDF Soldier’s Mom: Muslim Arab Mother Whose Son Serves in the IDF Speaks Out

 
 
Anet Haskia is not the typical mom of a soldier serving in the Israel Defense Forces. A Muslim Arab, who grew up in a mixed Arab-Jewish city in the north, Haskia is breathing a little easier this week.
For Haskia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision not to enter the Gaza Strip last week was “brave and right.”

The mother of three children, with a 20-year-old IDF combat soldier, Haskia told Tazpit News Agency, that “many Israeli soldiers’ lives were saved thanks to that decision.”

“Going into Gaza would have yielded success for the Hamas terrorists. Israel did what it had to do for the time being to stop the rocket attacks and played it smart.”

Haskia who was born and raised in Acre (Akko), a mixed Arab-Jewish city in the Western Galilee in northern Israel, is openly vocal about her support for the Jewish state of Israel.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Miracle of Hannukah

MIRACLES
By Eliyahu
           R' Moshe Haim Luzzato (Ramhal), in his classic work Derech Hashem, writes that the events on which our holidays are based upon are revisited every year. The theme of redemption is most pretentious on Pesah, when we celebrate the salvation of the Jewish people from the hands of the Egyptians. On Shavuot, the potency for success in Torah reaches its highest - a reflection of Matan Torah, which took place on the 6th of Sivan hundreds of years ago. It thus follows that on Hanuka, a holiday which serves as a remembrance for the impossible victory of the minute Jewish army over the mighty Greeks and of the beloved wonder involving the oil which lasted for 8 days, there is a higher level of potential for miraculous occurrences. We shall try today to aim for a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind miracles, and the way to view them through the lenses of our Torah.

Nothing is Certain in this World and a Little Commentary on Parshat Miketz


We learn from the travails of our forefathers that almost nothing--perhaps with the exception of the Torah and its teachings--is for certain, and that we should always be happy with our lot in life.

We learn several important lessons from the story of Joseph the Tzaddik. There's a good reason he's the only person in the Five Books of Moses to carry the title of "Tzaddik" or "Righteous one." Joseph endures several monumental tests in his life, not the least of which is his being tempted by Potiphar's wife. Joseph is described as being "good of stature and good of look," in other words, a very handsome guy.

At the beginning of parshat Miketz, he's said to put a lot of effort into "making his hair." We can also make a reasonable case that growing up as Jacob's favorite son, he's very much "full" of himself to a point where he not only dreams of instances that clearly portray his superiority over the other members of his family, but even goes on to describe these dreams to his brothers and Jacob himself.

Joseph is able to overcome his main weakness and withhold himself from acting on his impulses. He goes beyond his calling, one may argue, by refusing to be taken in by Potiphar wife's incessant sexual appeals.


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Duality in Israeli Society

You'll find just about anything and anyone you're looking for in Israel from criminals and drug-dealers to Rabbis immersed in a life of giving and good deeds and scientists trying to come up with cures for the world's deadliest diseases. After a lengthy exile from the Holy Land, Jews from around the globe have gathered in Israel. Representatives of six continents make Israel their home. This is literally the ingathering of exiles; the land of immigrants. Not America--but Israel.

The result of this blend of Jews from around the world is a society saturated with inherent dualities in all its aspects. Because Jews tend to be so opinionated (it's been said that for every two Jews, there are three different sets of opinions), conflict is the modus operandi in Israel. This is the way of life here. You'll see people arguing on just about any subject. Arguments range from the petty to the extremely serious, and as is the case in any society, they can die down quietly, but sometimes get out of hand as well.

I decided to write this article having attended a party where I witnessed a young couple (I didn't know they were married till the husband told me his "companion" was indeed his wife) arguing about the rights of Israelis to smoke in public. There's no way I could have known they were married judging by the way they were going at it. Mind you, this wasn't a matter of life and death; not even politics. This was a question whose outcome isn't likely to affect the life of the young couple in any particular fashion: it won't make it better or worse in the conceivable future.


Monday, December 10, 2012

For All We Do


For all we do, for all we say,

A price is surely to be paid.

A humble servant of man’s fate,

That is not me,

I’ve come too late.

 

Look here,

I’m not special, different, better than anybody else,

I’m simply me,

At any rate,

I’d like you, if it’s possible, to relate,

To my life’s journey,

A work of passion, loss, adjustment, disarray,

A cycle with an end,

A trendy way of living-with no real trend.

 

Brought here on a mission,

Clear that height!

I see my elders take to flight,

They do not know, do not see,

The person buried deep in me.

 

Felt hardships, done what’s wrong,

I know this,

The notes to a different song,

Will express my thanks,

To those who’ve believed and never shouted,

To those who’ve helped and never doubted.

 

I will escape,

Tear down the iron gates,

I will be free one day,

I will enjoy my life,

Is what you too should say.

 

Listen, fellow sufferers,

Hearken to my words,

Believe me, I have been hurt as well.

Two things that you must never lose, lest you lose yourselves:

Your hope, your resolve to make it no matter what the odds,

And your sense of humor, your smile,

What you do from here isn’t up to me,

Keep working always,

You too will go free.

Dedicated to all those trying so hard to get out of whatever predicament they've found themselves in for their own good and the good of the world.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Desperate Soul: In Memory of Jovan Belcher and his Girlfriend


Deperate Soul: In Memory of NFL Player Jovan Belcher and his Girlfriend
 
The football world was devastated—yet again—yesterday by Chief’s Jovan Belcher’s murder of his girlfriend, and mother of their infant baby girl, followed by his taking his own life. For both these individuals, it’s over. Yesterday, they were here. Today, they are no more. Their world is gone.

It’s written that every human being is a “world unto himself,” that every individual, whether Jew or Gentile, has an immense amount of potential. We either live up to our potential or needlessly lose it—as I’m afraid was the case with Jovan.

Suicide is the antithesis to life. Even Arab suicide bombers have difficulty accepting the fact that they’re going to die. I know this because there have been cases in which soon-to-be suicide bombers have repented and handed themselves in.
 
I spent many years of my life being depressed for no apparent reason. I know what it feels like to hurt inside. To hurt all over. To have no one to turn to...

...And I know what it feels like to be connected. To be connected to one’s Father in Heaven. To come to an understanding that there’s a Source for the world, for both the good and the bad; for both the horrible things that happen in our non-stop thrill-seeking reality, and the wonderful introspectiveness that we may bring to our lives as a result of holy living.

May Jovan's story be a lesson to us all. May we merit to see the day there's no more sadness, and no more murder.

Summer Months (A Poem from a Few Months Ago)


Back in Israel,

Back home,

Reliving sweaty days at the kibbutz,

Sitting here writing all alone,

Feel like composing a song for my people, for the country I so love, for all I hold dear,

These sweaty July days when people in the country heed no fear,

No fear of the past, no fear of death, just longing for better days to come,

To shout out in glee,

For all that’s done is behind us,

And there are only good things, warm summer days beyond,

Where no man has walked,

Where no woman has cried,

Where no little child has fallen down,

Where no human-Jew or Arab has died.

 

As I sit, relax, sip some ice coffee in a bar just off Yehuda,

I think of days when modern-day Maccabies stood tall, the likes of Judah,

Took on armies just a few feet from where I sit,

These hot, trying days and nights are fit,

For heroes’ stories, dreams of giving back,

Of armies taking flight,

Of going on the attack.

 

I have so much love, so much desire to be here in July,

My Aliya month,

The time, I myself, tried in vain, cried out, lied,

Took hold of all that was important and moved back home,

This time in July I feel every kotel stone,

Remember my people’s past,

Remember where I came from, and my destination,

Remember to keep my dreams afloat, to drown out my frustration.

 

I’m getting used to being here,

To being happy at long last,

And people all around me cry,

As they try so hard to forget the past,

Days, months, years gone by,

We try to gather up what we’ve lost,

With every passing moment,

We struggle as we assess the cost.

 

I read Rav Kook’s “Sparks” and know what my mission in this world is

To light up the dark Av sky,

To help end this painful Exile,

To spark a flood of brotherhood and unity,

To never fully fall, always get up and try,

To keep on trying when all has failed

And I’ll know my dreams and plans have prevailed

When I open my door this very day next year

And the Messiah beckons to come near

When my People are brought back from every corner of the world

Then, and only then,

Will my own story have been told.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

A Day in the Muslim Quarter

I recently had an opportunity to take a walk in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. Before going there, I’d always been a little apprehensive about showing up—especially with my kippa and tzitzit (the traditional Jewish garb). It took some courage and the friendly smile of a close friend who made Aliya about a year ago to persuade me to venture out of my familiar comfort zone into a hereto unknown reality.
We entered the Old City, a place holy to the world’s three great faiths, perhaps the most hotly contested area in the world through the Yaffo Gate. I asked my friend if she was up for some coffee (the cold weather was beginning to be felt in Jerusalem). She gladly accepted my offer.
As we sat there watching passerby’s, we noticed people of a variety of backgrounds that’s difficult to spot just about anywhere else. Both of us are Russian-speakers, so I pointed out a group of Russian tourists taking in the beauty of the Old City. They spoke in the traditional jargon that I simply couldn’t resist ignoring them. It was like being back in Moscow again. Some kind of dejavu…

Friday, November 30, 2012

Derache'ha -- Israel


BS'D
Hello,
I am Eliyahu, a student at Yeshivat Midrash Shmuel. I have learned previously in Yeshivat Ner Israel in Baltimore, MD and in Yeshivat Ruach Chaim in Jerusalem. Eitan Divinsky, an esteemed colleague of mine and a budding talmid chacham, has kindly asked me to share my weekly Divrei Torah on his blog. It is my honor and privilege to share my writings on such an esteemed platform. Shabbat Shalom!


דְּרָכֶיהָ   The Torah's take on life - and all it throws our way.
israel
             It's an undisputed fact that Eretz Yisrael holds a special place in the heart of every Jew. Through thick or thin, every member of our people supports the land in every which way they can. In times of turmoil, Klal Yisrael gather together to pray for a ray of light; and in times of peace, preservation of the land is always on the tips of our tongues. We shall attempt to explore this deep-rooted affection for the land of Israel and in the process, understand why it is such a central focus in our religion.
            The foundation begins in Sefer Bereshit, in which the Torah details the covenant made between Hashem and Avraham Avinu (known as the "Covenant of the Parts"). While on Israel's soil, Hashem promises Avraham that the land on which he stands will be promised to his offspring, the Jewish people (1). Immediately, at that point, the land became infused with an extraordinary level of holiness not found in any other part of the world. Eretz Yisrael became the epicentre for spirituality of the world forever more.
            Plenty of evidence for the holiness of Eretz Yisrael can be found in many places throughout Chazal. According to one Gemara, the land of Israel receives the first rains, while the rest of the world only gets that which is left over (2) - a proof that Hashem's "nature" system revolves around Eretz Yisrael. In Tractate Pesahim, the Hahamim list three groups of people who are assured a portion in the world to come: one who raises his children to learn Torah, one who makes Havdala over a cup of wine (after Shabbat), and one who lives in Eretz Yisrael (3). Furthermore, another Gemara declares that one who walks 4 cubits (around 8 ft.) in Israel is another candidate for a spot in the world to come (4). Seeing as the land is injected with intrinsic holiness, just being on its terrain can produce a tremendous merit!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

All Quiet On the Southern Front?


As Hamas and the Arab world continue to celebrate what they correctly perceive as a victory over Israel, FM Lieberman and PM Netanyahu are making their best effort to minimize damage to their electoral campaign.

Many Israelis are genuinely disappointed with Bibi for failing to carry out a full-fledged attack on Gaza despite more than a week of constant bombardment. Five Israelis, including four civilians and one soldier, were killed during the days of the operation and 240 people were wounded. 162 Gazans died from Israeli bombing raids targeting Hamas terrorists (according to Al-Jazeera), 150 according to BBC and “more than 140” according to Yahoo News.

The Palestinian death toll in comparison to the death toll of Israelis—the “bottom line”, if you will, is what all the major news sources are reporting. What they fail to report is that Israel is an independent state with a history of having to defend its borders from enemy armies, while Hamas-lead Gaza is a terrorist-escape that has no legitimacy in the eyes of the world community. They also fail to report than yesterday, around the same number of Syrians were murdered by Assad’s regime than Palestinians killed in a week of Israeli attacks.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

What I Think Bibi's Thinking (Nice Title, Ey!?)



In lue of today's events:
...and more missiles landing in Israel following the "cease-fire" agreement between Bibi, Hamas, Egypt, and Hillary Clinton aka "The Witch" (feel free to replace the "W" with a "B"),

Bibi, a former Sayeret Matkal commander who's always been one of my favorite people/politicians is, in my opinion thinking the following:

1. This female guerilla (the animal type) is just too much for one Jew to handle.
2. Let's get rid of this dilemma and get on with bombing the Ayatollahs.
3. Screw the "Palestinians," screw Egypt, and keep screwing more women (no links because I still have respect for Bibi).

So those are my 2-cent's worth for this here, busy day in Israel, the only democracy in the Mil' East. Nighty night, folks and don't forget to spank your local Jihadist!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Parshat Toldot and Its Connection to Last/This Week's Events

Parshat Toldot tells the story of Isaac's life, of how he beseaches Hashem for his wife, Rivkah to bear kids, of the eventful birth of Jacob and Esau, of their struggles for the birthright, of Jacob eventually resting it from his animalistic twin, of Isaac's falling out with Avimelech who almost sleeps with Rivkah thinking she's Isaac's sister, his trevails in Grad, where the Phillistines end up getting rid of him only to return and ask him to sign a peace treaty with them, of how they accuse Isaac of not having been upfront with them, and so on.

Over my Shabbat meal, my host mentioned the fact that the episode in which Rivkah helps--almost forces Jacob to fool his father into blessing him before his death is a very strange, mysterious one that begs an explanation.

Message from Moshe Feiglin (Translated from Hebrew)

Part of an email I received from Manhigut Yehudit leader, Moshe Feiglin:

Early morning…I’m heading from Samaria to Gush Dan along the smog-filled highway. Another crazy day leading up to the Likud primaries is about to get under way.
The car phone rings. A young, confident voice from the other end: “Hi, XX speaking from ynet news.

“Hi there!”
“I’m preparing an article on donations made out to candidates in the Likud primaries, and just wanted to confirm something.”

“Yes…”
“I see that you received a donation from a woman by the name of Nitza Kahane.”

“And…”
“Is it correct that Nitza Kahane is the widow of Rabbi Kahane?

“Maybe I haven’t fully woken up yet; maybe this is the result of a lack of sleep and the amount of stress I’ve experienced lately, but the latest question raises my “politically correct” defenses.

Friday, November 16, 2012

War in Gaza...Again

Jerusalem 11/16/12: My friend who lives in the small rural town of Kiryat Malachi where I visited her a week ago, called me some time in the afternoon yesterday. I instantly noticed something was wrong. She sounded hysterical as she recounted what she’d just witnessed.

What happened in Kiryat Malachi yesterday has been taking place in Israel since the establishment of the Jewish national homeland. Three people were killed and a four members of the same family were injured as a Kassam rocket scored a direct hit on an apartment building where a Chabad family was staying.  News of the tragedy spread like wildfire as people scrambled to leave the south for places that would themselves soon become threatened by Hamas rocket fire. We were getting closer to war. Again.
What’s changed since Israel’s government pulled out of Gaza in the summer of 2005? Most Israelis agree that the situation has steadily declined and that offering Gaza to Hamas terrorists was perhaps the gravest mistake any Israeli government has ever committed.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Sure Enough: On Parshat Chayei Sarah

As promised, I have a treat for my legions of loyal readers out there (the fact that some-5 people will be reading this post is irrelevant because as far as I'm concerned the motto "quality over quantity" says it all).

Chayei Sarah is the account of Sarah Imenu's death, and how Avraham Avinu purchases Ma'aret Ha'machpela from Efron to have Sarah buried there and as an inheritance for his children. We see a clear difference in the behavior of Efron, a Hittite, and a "native" of the land, and Avraham, a life-long sojourner; someone filled with spirituality, someone who has the ability to overlook the "little" things, while holding on to a greater truth.

In essense, we see the stark difference between the behavior of the first Jew, and the local inhabitants of Cana'an. We see someone who's willing to make peace with his neighbors even though he's more powerful than they will ever be; someone willing to sacrifice an insignificant amount of money in order to do a kindness towards his beloved wife and life-partner, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, an individual so base he doesn't even realize what he has in front of his very eyes.

On Election Night...

I'm staying up late here in J-town (when I was living in Tel-Aviv, I called it "Telli," so now I'm living in "J-town"), and for some odd reason, I'm not as focused on the parsha (Chayei Sarah), the elections, the array of problems on my hands (life is great mind you!), or anything "important" for that matter.

Yes, I've become very involved with Torah-study lately, I've had people promise to pay me for a variety of translation jobs and not come up with the funds in a timely manner, I'm a pretty hard-core Republican, and yet all this seems rather banal compared to something I just read:

Fatalistic childhood

As kids, everything is so fatalistic. Remember it when your parents first moved cities? You thought you'd never find such good friends you used to have anywhere else in the world. Then you went through an army of new cities, friends, lovers and life became a joke.

Except it didn't.

When I'm thinking about things I really appreciate, such as a learning a new language, dancing Tango, improvising, writing decent prose, becoming a half-researcher, raising an avocado plant to bear fruit, finding a partner for life, raising a child .... life's so fucking short. It's almost like you have 1 or 2 shots at it.
 

This comes to you straight out of Lev's cookingpan. Now, even though I don't know Lev well, I do know that he's an extremely thoughtful, intelligent guy, so I while I've never reposted anything of this nature here before, I have now! (just thinking of what Chris Rock would say to a white guy uttering this phrase makes me smile)

As far as Chayei Sarah, if I stay awake any longer, chances are I'll post on the parsha as well/ The elections? Well, Moshe Feiglin's facebook post says it best. I don't remember its exact contents, but he basically made the point that lots of Jews and Israelis in particular seem to think that America is electing Israel's next P.M./Presiden/supreme leader whereas this isn't the case. Israel should (and I believe it will) decide for itself. So in short, Feiglin, '13!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Chess and Judaism (Based on the Learning at Aliyos Yerushalayim)



My chevruta today pointed out some interesting things from the book we were learning that got me thinking: Judaism--the practice, the laws, and the statutes that are a part of it make sense for the most part. There are some halachot (laws that make up the practice of Judaism) that are based on "sod" or the "secret" teachings that make up kabala/zochar, but it seems that a majority are derived from Gemora (oral tradition) and the Rishonim/Achronim (the greatest Rabbis from the times of the Second Temple to modern day).

I don't know exactly how to define "Jusaism," nor will I delve into this complex subject at the moment, but suffice it to say that the ancient way of life of the Jewish people makes sense. It's passed the litmus test of time, paving the way for generations of Torah scholars. It's met and exceeded expectations. Every obstacle on its path has been cleared one after the next. So Judaism is a logical practice. So's chess, possibly the most ancient "game" known to man.

There are questions surrounding whether chess is a "game" or a "sport." It's very difficult "pinpointing" chess. There's no clear definition just like there's no clear definition to "Judaism" i.e. are the Jewish people a nation or is being "Jewish" a religion? But it follows logic. So does chess. As a matter of fact, it's a game (let's call it that) that connects several worlds. One needs to have mastery of several senses to be a good chess player just like being a pious Jew takes more than just outwards appearance but also an inwards sense of self and a yearning to create a more just world (tikkun olam).

Another key point worth making is that an experienced chess player learns to "see" patterns. You begin realizing that every game you play is similar in certain ways, and start being able to notice signs. The same can be said of Judaism. Halacha not only makes sense, but after a while, you become alert to "patterns" that repeat themselves. I realize this is a very general statement, but I just can't think of examples at the moment. I'm sure my reader is wiser than me in this department and will be able to do so on his/her own...

I wouldn't go as far as saying that chess and Judaism are the same. There are many obvious differences, but I just wanted to publish the what I was thinking as I sat there in a cozy Jerusalem synagogue where the Rabbi is a man of great spirit and integrity who continues to inspire me on a daily basis.

I'm not an easy listener by any stretch of the imagination, and I'm not easy to please, but Rabbi Yitzchok Snyder has captured my imagination with his Torah drashot (lectures). Please tune in to the Rabbi and if you live in Jerusalem, feel free to join his study group (evenings 7:45-9:30pm)

Rabbi Snyder's Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AliyosYerushalayim?feature=plcp

Chitown Bears On Fast Track to Superbowl?



As I walked down the picturesque Ben Yehuda, surrounded on all sides by cute, little cafe's and an a variety of shops aimed at attracting American tourists, I couldn't help missing my hometown of Chicago, especially my beloved sports teams: the Bulls, White Sox, and Bears (I'm not a Cubs fan and the 'Hawks might not even have a season to speak of so...).

Da Bears are coming off a less-than-stellar offensive performance. Star quarterback, Jay Cutler, hasn't looked like he did last year and he certainly hasn't met the expectations that were set when he came over in a blockbuster trade from Denver. He has been good enough to hold his own against some less-than-average defenses such as yesterday's Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, and Indiana Colts to name 3 out of the Bears' first 7 opponents.

Our defense has been pretty incredible. We're currently ranked 7th overall, but I have a feeling that this stat will improve as the season continues. How about Tim Jennings and "Peanut" Tillman leading our secondary to a ridiculous amount of interceptions!?

Jennings had two more yesterday vs. Carolina. Tillman had one against Dallas and another the following week against Detroit as did Lance Briggs. The latter has had an outstanding career with the Bears. Brian Urlacher is getting better with every game. His play has steadily improved. In short, the Bears' "D" leaves little to ask for other than perhaps, just perhaps a trip to the Superbowl. Is that too much to ask for for a life-long Bears' fan who just happened to be a 4-year old living in Soviet Russia last time we won it all!?

As far as other stories (besides the Bears) going on in sports, there's the Giants winning the World Series, Peyton Manning and his return to the NFL, my favorite female tennis player, Serena Williams winning an insane number of majors in '12, Da Bulls revamping what seems to be their entire bench and starting the '12 campaign without former MVP Derrick Rose, and oh, did I forget to mention, a whole new Israel Football League season about to start (or has it started already?).

...and now back to Ben Yehuda and the array of delicacies it has to offer...

Efrat: A Town that Represents All That's Israel


Efrat, or “Efrata” is a blossoming municipality in Judea, Israel. The earliest mention of Efrat is in Genesis, when Jacob buries his beloved wife, Rachel after she’s given birth to her second son, Binyamin: “And Rachel died and was buried on the road to Efrat.” (Gen 13:19) Efrat is mentioned as “Efrata” or “towards Efrat” in Ruth 4:11, Chronicles 2:50, Chronicles 4:4, Psalms 132:6, and Micah 5:1. It is located 7.5 miles south of Jerusalem between Hevron and Bethlehem (Wikipedia).

While the international community considers it an “illegal settlement,” the State of Israel has always considered Efrat, and the entire Gush Etzion bloc which Efrat is geographically a part of, an integral part of the Jewish State.

Efrat was founded on Passover eve, October 5th, 1983, by Moshe Moskovitz (Moshiko). Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, an extremely vocal and well-known religious Zionist leader, soon joined Mr. Moskovitz in his mission, establishing the Ohr Torah movement with the blessing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Avraham: the 1st Zionist

This week's parsha, Lech Lecha, describes the life and trevails of our forefather Avraham, how he was commanded by G-d to leave his "land, (his) home, and (his) father's house," and travel to a distant, unknown land, a land "flowing with milk and honey."

Avraham leaves Charan at the old age of 75. By then, he's already established himself as a leader and a visionary. He goes on to live a life of righteousness, of arrousing curiosity for the Jewish faith amongst the people of the world, and of settling the Land of Canaan.

Avraham was for all intents and purposes, the first Zionist. The first settlers in Palestine who came here with the dream of building a "perfect" society based on socialist ideals were following in Avraham's footsteps. Perhaps, they were misguided in thinking that the new state would be based on socialism, but they weren't far from the truth.

Why is it that it took a secular movement--as opposed to the Charedi community of Eastern Europe to realize that the Jewish people's future lay in Israel and that the correct--and only thing to do was to pack up their bags and travel to a land deserted by its inhabitants; a land that lay desolate and barren?

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

On My Stay in Chicago and On Coming Home to Israel



My stay here, in Chicago, was an eventful one. Lots of things happened: some positive and some negative, but overall, I enjoyed my stay here. The worst thing to happen was my grandma's passing. My mom is still having a very difficult time adjusting to the new reality of not having her mother by her side. She (grandma) was sick for a very long time, but we all got used to her being there for us whether she was sick or not. It was definitely a very difficult experience.

The best thing that took place while I was here was having an opportunity to see all my friends, especially an old buddy of mine whom we reconnected with after a 3-year hiatus. We spent several days hanging out in a variety of cafes around Chicago and Skokie, doing some studying (I loaned a few books from the library), watching movies, and playing b-ball and tennis. I ran a bit, but not as much as I was running in Israel and definitely not as much as I hoped to run while here.


As a side-note, I'm probably going to move back to blogger unless something drastic happens, and I figure out how to use Wordpress. Honestly speaking, it's been a big hastle for me. I'm pondering watching the presidential debates tonight, but the NY-Detroid game sounds awfully enticing as well. What a decision: presidential debates vs. ALCS!

Job-wise, I'm hoping to start covering Israeli current events and daily life in Israel for "Reklama," a local Russian language newspaper. I'll be placing my articles here as well. I'm also looking into writing for the JPost blog. We'll see how that goes.

I feel a little guilty that I ended up not voting in the American elections. I'm a big Romney fan and hope he gets elected, but I just wasn't able to print up all the documents for the absantee ballot. It was harder than I expected, and I ended up passing on the whole thing altogether. Hopefully, Illinois will eventually become more balanced and my vote will make a difference in future elections.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

New Poem (Unfinished)

The Land lay still,
As if in a summer night's dream,
Its shallow valleys,
Could not be seen,

For years it tried,
And tried again,
To gather strength,
To understand.

What folley had it undertaken?
Why were its people dying?
How had it happened so quickly?
Had G-d's presense left it?
Had it been forsaken?

When it remembered,
It suddenly awoke,
He stretched out his hand and spoke:

"Give me another chance,"
"Don't let the hope whither,"
"We can overcome all obstacles together,"
"This life..."
"It can be great,"
"Just you and I,"
"Give me another chance"
"Together we will try..."

She hearkened to his words as he drew near,
She wanted to hear more,
She wanted him to be clear:
What did this strange man want?
How many others just like him were here?
What was to happen now?
Would all her children reappear?

"I know," he said,
"It can be done but there will be a lot of suffering,"
"A lot of pain,"
"And yet the roadworks shall be cleared"
"And we shall know it was not in vain,"
"New orchards shall be planted,"
"The swamps shall yet be dried,"
"We shall hear children's laughter,"
"Our chests shall swell with pride."
"We will be one people,"
"Reunited with our Land,"
"Our leaders will be strong,"
"We shall build cities where there was once just dunes and sands."

Elul is Here!

R' Nachman teaches that the worst possible thing to do when one has sinned is to feel bad about it. There's no doubt that "pangs of repentance" are a must; a very real and necessary aspect of tshuva, but the first thing one must do when he has done something negative in word or in deed is get back up and feel good about himself. We need to rise above the "petty" of the world, beyond those who ignore and look down on us.

Each individual-Jew or Gentile is a world unto himself. Each individual is an entire reality in his own right. We were all created in G-d's image and we must hold on to this truth every moment of our lives.

I re-read a part of Pirkei Avot, "Wisdom of the Fathers," that speaks to me perhaps more than any of its other chapters (and Pirkei Avot is one of those works that has had a profound effect on my life): "Know where you came from and where you're going...," it begins. It goes on to state that we come from a "wet spot," return to "dust and ashes," and answer "to the King of Kings, Ruler of the universe." This is extremely important to internalize if we're to understand R' Nachman's wisdom.

Elus is here. We need to reason with ourselves and try and delve into what where we've gone wrong this year. What can we do that we haven't previously done? How can we become better people?

This process begins with the things we can change: interpersonal relations. We need to seek ways of asking for those whom we've hurt to forgive us, and to come get to know those who are integral parts of lives: our relatives and friends better. We need to make lists of things we want to improve on for the following year. Here's my list:

1. Guard what I do and say.
2. Avoid hurting other people at all costs.
3. Improve my Torah observance.
4. Avoid humiliating myself: this is also a type of "lashon ha'ra."
5. Try to get up early in the morning and go to sleep late at night, putting on the tefilin and saying the "Tikkun Hatzot" on time.
6. Improve my "kibud av va'em:" respect for my father and mother.
7. Make a list of sins I've committed and the sacrifices I will need to bring for these once the Temple is rebuilt.
8. Visit the Temple Mt. more often while trying to desist from getting into political arguments, especially with fellow Jews. This can prove not only pointless, but worse, take away from my achievements.

Monday, August 20, 2012

On the Importance of Apology in the Month of Elul

Sometimes, I've gone years without apologizing for really bad things I've done to people. Other times, it's taken me a day or two to realize I was wrong and ask for an apology. As we approach Rosh Hashana, and embark on another attempt to "clear the slate" of the Heavenly tribunal, asking forgiveness from our fellow man becomes perhaps the most important factor of our daily lives.

I find asking others to forgive me one of the most difficult and trying things to do. Admitting one's fault may be extremely hard. Based on Mesilat Yesharim or "Path of the Righteous," I believe that admitting one's fault is very important. And forgiving others when they ask for forgiveness is just as--if not more important. When we forgive our fellow man, Hashem takes note of this, and is more apt to forgive us in turn.

On this note, I'd like to extend my apologies to the many people whom I've hurt this year in thought or in deed. I ask that you completely nulify your anger towards me as I will towards you. May G-d grant us a year of peace and tranquility, of good thoughts and deeds, of charity and kindness towards ourselves and each other. May the State of Israel merit good, righteous leaders and may our words and actions speed up the coming of the Mashiach and the Redemption.

Thanks!

A simple "thanks!" is all it takes,
To brighten up my day,
To chase away the darkness from the world,
To turn the black to gray.

You helped me by landing me a hand,
By being there for me,
And I am grateful to you in so many ways,
You're such a dear friend!

Not everyone can do it, but you can,
You're a model of kindness,
It takes a lot and you'll see,
Many will thank you for not being mindless.

For caring, wanting to help,
For doing your very best,
Keep going, keep trying, my good friend,
And you'll fulfill your quest!

Dedicated to my close friend, Sofia Litinsky who helped me today in a moment of hardship.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

A Reflection

He tried and tried,
He tried in vain,
The constant worry drove him insane.
He tried to stay,
To stay strong,
He knew the writing was there,
All along.

It was a difficult winter,
Hard, cold, freezing snow,
He didn't know where to go.
He called her,
Begged,
He said that he was ready,
She was confused, tired, and unsteady.

In a European capital they felt like strays
In winter's midst, they parted ways,
Bickering, fighting,
They felt like strangers,
They would continue--
To fall, to rise, to overcome all dangers.

And fall he did,
Fall to vice,
He prayed to G-d he wouldn't fall twice.
He got back up,
Got back on track,
Clawing, clinging,
Trying so hard, not looking back.

Today, he's in a capital of a different land,
His face, his body covered by sand,
He is a desert onto himself
But he stands tall,
He thinks, he ponders life, the world--
Is there not more of his story to be told?

He sits and waits,
For what--he knows not.
He knows there should be more,
But what's he got?
He stares into space, appears dry,
His thoughts are focused on days gone by.

A song for ages, for times past,
He knows he must stay strong,
Never to rest,
He must continue,
And help others too,
He also knows he must stay true.

How many words?
How many vowels?
He says them all and feels his bowels,
Are weak, are falling
What's going on?
How many more things to say till it's dawn?

No amount of words,
About love, belief in G-d, the world,
No matter how much he says,
He won't hit gold.
He must apply,
Apply, learn, and be,
And then they'll wander,
And then they'll see.

He'll meet her in some way,
In person or through a dream,
He'll ask her "See where we've been?"
"How much we've done, how much we've cried,"
"I see you've changed!"
"I see you've tried!"

He wanders high and wide,
Meets people, smiles at them,
He knows much has changed,
He does all that he can,
To live the dream,
To be himself,
In good, in bad, in sickness, and in health.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

...in Good and in Bad...

We all have our rough spots in life. You've had yours, and I've had mine. Our resilience and perseverance is what enables us to keep on going, but what else is there to the equation? My new-found belief in G-d (it's only been about five years thus far) has given me the jolt I needed to keep going in difficult times. I believe that we all need to internalize the presence and onenness of Hashem, and to allow Him into our world.

"...in good and in bad, in sickness and in health..."I've never heard these words in first person, but these are the words the groom says to the bride during a secular wedding ceremony. These are appropriate words in describing the Jewish people's relationship with Hashem. In every generation since Avraham Avinu, we've held on to our deep-rooted belief in the G-d of Hosts, Redeemer of Israel, Rock of Ages. Whether under the threat of death or in good times, we've stayed loyal to the One who gave us what we have in this world.

I've come to the realization that there's something beyond me, beyond my silly, little needs and ugres in the world. Beyond me, beyond you, beyond the stones and trees, the sun, the sea, and the skies. Something beyond...

We need to "keep and to hold...in good and in bad..." Not our spouse or even our parents, but our belief in the One eternal G-d of Israel because people will come and go. They will leave our lives as suddenly as they came, disappear without as much as a whimper, and we will eventually be left with ourselves...and our belief in Him.

It's of utmost importance especially as the month of Elul dawns upon us to maintain our belief no matter if the going is good--or bad, no matter if you're having a great day or the worst day of your life. Easy for me to say? No. Very, very difficult as life has testified. But now that I keep to this "method," to this fundamental framework of life, I'm much better off than I was before.

We need to hold on to Him who gave us life, to Him who provides for us, nourishes us, and gives us strength. No matter how many people have turned you down, no matter how much money you've lost, no matter how bad it is. And I, perhaps more than anyone else, need to keep this belief near my heart. Always. In all circuimstances.

From the eternal capital of the Jewish people,

Eitan Divinsky.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Chill J'lem Night

Still up,
More thoughts to drown out the brain noise,
More unexpected emotions to blend in with everything around,
Dark, chill J'lem night
Moves in
To claim another day,
It's dark--not simply dim!
I want to tell the world about my life,
Want to share hidden secrets,
Night.

R' Nachman's tikkun hatzot:
The time for it has long passed,
Another squandered chance?
Or a newly-discovered opportunity for tshuva?
Whichever way,
I yearn sleep,
Night.

More people come 'n go
Fall by the wayside of my life journey,
More girls met,
More dates cancelled,
Memories lost,
Memories don't die--only we do!
Memories remain etched within us,
Night.

Tomorrow
I'll awaken to witness the sunrise above Baka
Arabs used to live here
Now, it's our turn
Oh, now I see--
Day.

Eitan Divinsky
Eitan Divinsky
Eitan Divinsky

Monday, July 30, 2012

The Connection Between Aliya to Israel and Repentance in Accordance to Rav Kook Z"TL

I'm almost finished reading Sparks of Repentance by Rav Kook Z"TL. It's a revolutionary work that espouses the central ideas of repentance (on the idividual, national, and global level). I'm extremely grateful to Gabe and Nehemia of Yeshivat Ha'mivtar in Efrat for helping and inspiring me to continue my in-depth study of Sparks.

Rav Kook uses fundametally socialist ideas (H/T Nehemia) in his approach to repentance. He traces both the progress and the premenitions of tshuva to a global approach, one in which the Jewish nation needs to be united in mission and purpose in order to achieve its calling. Whereas socialism was destined to failure and misery from the go, Rav Kook's teachings have inspired an entire generation of followers. A majority of these have taken it upon themselves to spread the light of Torah in Israel and abroad.

R' Kook stresses the connection of living in Israel with an individual's ability to repent--in the broadest sense of the term. "Repentance" for R' Kook isn't limited to feeling sorry for stealing an apple or paying the owner for his loss. The highest level of repentance is when stealing that apple is construed as the thief's merit. He has, in essense, not only repented for his sin, but in effect carried out an act of kindness towards himself and the entire world. The process of turning a petty theft, for example, into an act of selfless kindness, may occupy a lifetime to accomplish. It's not an easy one and one is likely to feel the "pangs of repentance" along the way. He has the innate ability to turn bad into good however.

R' Kook views the return of the Jewish People to their historic homeland as the beginning of a universal Redemption. While we're responsible for this process, we're also held accountable for being a "Holy People, a Nation of Priests." Based on Parshat Dvarim, Rav Yitzchok Snyder of Baka has conveyed the message that "Those of us living in Israel are undoubtedly held to a higher standard."

He's absolutely right: on a personal level, I know what the results of moral depravity in the Holy Land are capable of leading to. The fact that there are a few million Israelis who've settled in North America is telling when it comes to making this point. Who's left the country? I'd like to stipulate that it's been mostly those whom the land has "vomitted out."

Universal redemtion and repentance may be construed as one and the same. A congregant at the Baka Chabbad told me yesterday that there's an important reason I've come home and that those living abroad are simply "missing the point," that it's not about Moshiach being here (it's widely believed he's already here and hasn't appeared due to a lack of unity amongst the Jewish people) or not, that the very essence of Judaism, what every mekubal in every century has tried to instill in our "heavy-necked" people, is the return to Israel. This return is tantamount to the "return" of tshuva, of "returning" to a Torah way of life and it's the "return" my close friend and Rabbi, Shlomo Epshteyn was privileged to make a few weeks ago.

May we all merit to repent in the full sense of the word soon in our day. May we return to the land "Hashem sets His eyes upon from the beginning to the end of the year."

Friday, July 27, 2012

Arab MK's Should Be Outlawed Along With Their Political Parties

When right wing Jewish political parties are banned from the Knesset by liberal Israeli governments, when all of Europe is crying because a young, innexperienced Israeli soldier head-butts an Arab who's not even supposed to be in a military zone in Hevron and because the army makes a few soft-handed arrests here and there, when the world is blind, we need to fight back and strike where it hurts most. Arab parties should--no, must be banned from the Knesset.

Today, MSN Israel News reported that MK Zuabi blamed Israel for the Burgas bombing and claimed that the Munich Massacre of 1976 was Israel's fault as well. Of course! What more can be expected of a terrorist wannabe mascarading as an open-minded intellectual (the majority of Political Science staff at Tel-Aviv University would agree with her)!? Zuabi should be arrested for incitement along with the rest of the Arab MK's in the Knesset. There's absolutely no reason I can think of this should not happen.

But the Supreme Court will block any incentive to ban Arab parties, siting these as "racist."  The Supreme Court here is a trojan horse, a cancer that continues coming back like an undesired ex-girlfriend. Moshe Feiglin has long been battling the Supreme Court because he realizes that with it dictating to the government, nothing can be done. Literally nothing. There will simply be no real progress made until the Supreme Court has either ceased to exist, or is stripped of its choke-hold on Israeli real politik.

Zuabi, Tibi and the crew are using the Knesset as a podium to voice their rabid anti-Semitism. Their words and actions shouldn't go unnoticed. The Palestinians are noticing their elected leaders calls to annihilate us, and are heading these. Why shouldn't we notice when our land and the country that signals the beginning of the Redemption of the entire world is in danger?
Finally a quote: "We left Minsk and we left Pinsk and we came back to Minsk and we came back to Pinsk."

May we know only good times, good deeds, and may we merit the Redemption soon in our day! Have a meaningful fast and may the Temple be rebuilt ASAP!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

On Prayer and Terror in Bulgaria

I had an opportunity to learn with a wonderful young man by the name of Mordechai yesterday. We went over some passages from the Shulchan Aruch/Mishna Brura on prayer. It's written that all our thoughts should be focused on G-d while we pray. Prayer should be a special time in one's day dedicated solely to our relationship with Hashem. We should try to get rid of all foreign thoughts, espcially thoughts dealing with worldly matters.

Mordechai related to me how meditation may be used towards strengthening one's ability to focus on G-d during prayer. He stressed that it shouldn't be the other way: we shouldn't pray to be able to meditate better, but rather, use meditation as a means of improving the quality of our prayer. We should beseach Hashem to grant us all our prayers whether we're asking for seemingly trivial things or matters of life and death.

I've often felt that prayer has provided me a time to reflect on the day and on my plans for the future. In fact, the Shulchan Aruch teaches that we should stop praying when foreign thoughts infiltrate our minds.

Jews have prayed for their daily needs, trusting in G-d to provide for them for as long as we've existed. Our forefathers did it. Our kings and prophets did it and today, we continuing praying. Perhaps, it's the longest-standing tradition in the annals of humankind.

Today, I'm going to pray for Jewish blood to be avenged. Yesterday's suicide bombing in Burakas, Bulgaria cannot go unnoticed. Like the Munich Olympics massacre of '76, it will be ignored by the world, but at least we can do something about it.

I'm not calling for us to take matters into our own hands, but for the Israeli government and the IDF to clamp down on terrorists wherever they may be. The army should conduct pre-emptive strikes in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza and the Mossad should not feel restrained to hit terrorist targets abroad. We're in the middle of a war being waged against us on all fronts whether it be in the press, amongst our civilians or on foreign soil. We must be first to strike lest we're forced to strike after a terrorist act has already taken place, G-d forbid. We must make our enemies realize that Jewish blood is not cheap; that terrorism will not be taken for granted.

May the lives of the pure and righteous victims of the Burgas terror attack be avenged. May we use our power to pray for good!

11th Anniversary of Aliya to Israel

This past Tuesday, I marked the 11th anniversary of my Aliya to Israel. It was a special occassion for me. I took the time to reflect on how much has happened since I came here on July 17th, 2001. It was a tumultous move and a difficult time at first. I felt lost, not knowing what to do and where to begin. There were people who helped me along the way. Many people. But I still ran into trouble. I got into a lot of unnecessary fights with people I hardly knew. I was extremely aggressive and unsettled. I was a troubled young soul looking for a place to fit in.

Then there were the years in Ramat Aviv and Ramat Hasharon, the university studies, the dating scene and everything that followed. I had jobs, I lost jobs, I had a peace of mind, only to lose that as well, and finally, I had a woman I loved only to realize our ways were meant to seperate. I came closer towards organized Judaism, and drew away. The time wasn't ripe. I wasn't there yet.

I returned to America in a state of dizziness. I didn't know where to go or whom to turn to. I felt lost and far from home. My home was now Israel and I was a stranger in this land. I stayed there for four years, recooperated from everything that had happened, and eventually rekindled my love for the Jewish way of life. I came closer to organized Judaism, attended a yeshiva in N.J., read everything I could get my hands on, and gained strength. I made lots of good friends who provided the moral support I needed at the time.

Half a year ago, I returned to the land of my dreams, a land I plan on staying in, marrying in, having a family and growing as a person in. I love this land with all my heart and soul and wouldn't be against volunteering for the army here at some point after I've worked for a period of time. I feel that everything is ahead of me. I've gained new strength and new inspiration. I'm back to writing poetry and running: two of my favorite hobbies. I'm working. I'm reading a lot. I'm back home.

I want to thank Israel for everything this country has given me. The country and the the state because I love the country and state just as much as I love the land. It's a special place and a special society. No, we're not perfect and Moshiach hasn't arrived yet, but we have a deeply-rooted obligation to settle the land. We can never reach completeness living in the Diaspora. It's pretty simple. I want to thank Israel for being there for me. It's great to be back!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Why?

I posted last about a week ago. It's been a busy time since then. I found some work, and it's been pretty good. There are things that bother me to no end like PA Head, Fayyad and US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton visiting in Jerusalem (heads up to Josh Hasten for posting about this on FB).

Hillary's husband, Bill, was key in forcing Rabin's hand at Oslo and propelling Bibi out of office in the '98 elections when the self-hating Ehud Barak was elected. Despite his close ties to Jewish groups, Bill has caused more damage to Israel than any other American president (Obama included). Hillary's achievements include serving under an anti-Semitic president. As for Fayyad, it's all too simple. The guy's a terrorist responsible for thousands of Jewish casualties.

Why does the clearly right wing Israeli government (arguably the most right wing government ever even with Kadima on board) continue appeasing murderers and dictators (Putin visited here last month)? Why do we allow any world dignitary who wants to visit into Israel? I don't get it. I'm sick of posting about these things and coming up with empty answers whereas I have no idea why things take place. Maybe you have some ideas....

From Jerusalem,

Eitan Divinsky

Thursday, July 12, 2012

On Running

My second wind, my second chance at life,
For you I beckon,
For mere burden and strife--
Cannot accomplish what love can,
I long for you,
My second wind,
In this here, Holy Land.

I run,
No stops, I run for running's sake.
I run to end all running,
To cease all that is fake,
I run for promises of better days to come,
I run because I can,
I run because I love to run!

And if you see me running one Jerusalem night,
Yell out to me,
Tell me of my peoples' might,
The might to keep on going,
To run when everyone around's sitting still,
To run without fear of running from an ill,
To run and not know how to harm, injure, kill,
How to be the best one can and yet,
Allow others to be that too,
To run and know that even though you can outrun others,
You shouldn't follow through.
To run,
To feel the sweat upon your face, the wind upon your back,
To always run,
To never crack.
To keep on steady,
"All aboard" the captain shouts!
To keep on running
As the pressure mounts.

You know, you can keep on running from the things you fear,
Or you can run for running's sake alone,
Whichever one you choose,
You're not alone!
I've run my whole life and you have probably too,
I run to keep on running,
Why do you?

On Parshat Pinchus

This post should be a z'chut to my grandmother's, Yulia bat Berta's speedy recovery and was inspired largely by Rabbi Yitzchok Snyder's d'var Torah today.

People, sometimes those from our own communities, may sometimes lead us astray. This sounds like an oversimplified axiom, right!? It is, but it's also one to reflect upon. How many times have you seen things taking place right under your nose that you thought were simply outrageous? How many times have you witnessed fellow Jews performing public acts of hillul Hashem--the defamation of G-d's name?

This week's parsha's first Rashi evokes a situation in which while G-d approves of the actions of Pinchus, the Jewish community does not. I'd assume some members of the community did, in fact, approve of Pinchus' slaying the Jewish tribal chief, Zimri and the Midianite princess, Kosbi who were openly fornicating in the Israelite camp, but from the simple pshat, it seems that the majority were strongly opposed to it. Why else would the Text list Pinchus' lineage dating back to Aharon the Priest, known for his ability to settle family feuds and instill ahavat Yisrael, the love for the Jewish people amongst his nation in the opening verse of the parsha?

Both Rashi and Nachmonides stress the fact that Pinchus' zealotry was the one factor that saved the Jewish people from G-d's wrath after they'd sinned with the Midianite women and after thousands of them had already been doomed to death. Nevertheless, the majority of our people were strongly opposed to Pinchus' actions, deeming them innaprorpriate in light of his lineage. They correctly believed Pinchus' maternal grandmother had been an idol worshipper and were up in arms because Zimri, the Jew he'd slayed was a tribal prince. Thus Rashi explains the verse's review of Pinchus' lineage.

We can learn a very important lesson from all this. Just because a majority of people, be they Jews or Gentiles, believe in an ideology, this doesn't, by any means, make this ideology true in the eyes of G-d. We can believe in the underlying themes of the French Revolution: equality and brotherhood, but while these are beautiful ideas, they haven't passed the litmus test of history. Millions, perhaps billions of people have been murdered in cold blood as a direct result of the French Revolution, the October Revolution, the spread of Socialism and the erosion of the Torah way of life.

We can blame Haredim for "picking" on women, for not paying taxes, or not serving in the army, but at the end of the day, they're in large part responsible for carrying on Jewish tradition. We can blame the Zionist establishment for enroaching on the human rights of illegal aliens and Arabs, but the Zionist establishment is largely a halachic entity that cares about sanctifying the Name of G-d and performing good deeds.

Point is, we have to be very careful what positions we take. We need to try to fashion ourselves in accordance with what G-d wants of us--not with what mere mortals would have us believe.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Insights From This Shabbat

May this post/d'var be a z'chut to my grandmother's, Yulia bat Berta's return to health.

Jerusalem, 7/8/12: Shabbat Parshat Balak was one of the more spiritual Shabbatot I've experienced thus far in Israel. Friday night dinner at the R. home was exceptional. Mr. R's brilliant recap of the parsha was the focal point. He made an emphasis on Bilam's blessing to the Jewish people which states: "How goodly are your tents, Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel..." aluding, as he stated, to the modesty of the Children of Israel. This modesty, coupled with our upkeep of tradition, according to Mr. R., is what has allowed the Jews to maintain our national character, and persevere in the face of overwhelming odds while in the Diaspora.

The high point of Shabbat came just before Mincha/Arvit at a nearby Sephardic synagogue I've made a point of frequenting. The Rabbi there is a very soft-spoken, learned man whom I've come to appreciate. The d'var he gave touched on the merit of being able to be grateful for the bad along with the good and accepting both as Divine providence.

He told us of King David's biggest sin: when he sent Uriah, who had been Goliath's arms carrier, and who had provided the young David Goliath's sword so that the latter could slay him in return for "whatever he asked" to certain death on the battlefield. David had agreed to grant Uriah his wish and Uriah had asked for Batsheva's (by some accounts, the most beautiful woman depicted in the Mikrah) hand in marriage. Batsheva had been "designated" for King David and while Uriah gave the king reason enough to sentence him to death (Uriah at one point alluded to David's nemesis as "my lord" in the king's presence, thus, in fact, openly rebelling against the king), this death should have come at the hands of the Sanhedrin--not an enemy army. David ended up marrying Batsheva when she was three-months pregnant with Uriah's child. He thus pre-empted Divine will.

David ended up sending not only Uriah, but his entire brigade (Uriah had been appointed the equivalent of a modern-day general, second only to the "Chief of Staff,") into a trap layed by the enemy in which they were all slain. Shmuel visited King David and produced one of the most powerful monologues in Nach, in which he compared Uriah to a shepherd whose one "little sheep" has been stolen from him by a rich man. He asked David what the punishment for this crime should be and David's ready answer was that the rich man should be sentenced to death. Shmuel then disclosed to David that he, himself, was the "rich man" who'd stolen Uriah's "sheep."

The Rabbi related to us how David would suffer greatly due to his sin. He'd lose 16 children and Avshalom would sleep with his concubines (only the king was allowed to have concubines after revelation of the Torah at Sinai) while he was away. Avshalom would also claim the throne and pursue David and his flock of loyalists till he, himself, died a painful death when his hair got tangled in a tree and he ended up hung upside down). But while being pursued by his own son, David composed a psalm that reads: "A song to David in his fleeing his son Avshalom."

The quesition of "Why is the word 'son' emphasized here begs to be asked and may be answered as follows: David preferred to be pursued by his son rather than by a more "natural" enemy. Why? Because the fact that his own son was trying to kill him allowed David to realize that G-d was behind the action--no one but G-d, and that a decree from Above was being carried out (and how much better to be in the hands of G-d than mortal man?, as David, himself, stipulates in another psalm).

What's the lesson to be learned here? When something bad happens that's within the realm of the "natural," we may be prone to be angry and upset, but when we know G-d is behind our troubles, we should have the strength (and this is far from easy) to be grateful to Him for providing us trials in this world and not the world to come. This is an important principle in halacha.

Shavua tov and may you have a meaningful (not necessarily easy) fast! May we all merit the pure faith to be grateful to our Creator for the good along with the bad!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Happy (Belated) Birthday, America!

America,
The land of all, of all for one,
America, you let us in when we were weary,
You showed us the sun,
You fed us, gave us drinking water, you clothed us, you bathed us,
You gave us everything we needed,
You saved us!

America,
To you I'm grateful today!
America,
Your name rings true to me till my last day!

America,
Your open fields, rolling hills, eye-opening expanses,
Your majestic cities, your multitude of sights and senses,
All excite me and all at once
For you, America, I laugh and cry,
For your mighy, mighty arms,

America,
I yearn to see you,
To feel your warmth and glory,
Great men shall yet write chapters
Of your amazing story.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

On Parshat Balak

Parshat Balak appeals to me for its multi-facetness and its extraordinary connection to modern times. Reading the parsha with Rashi's commentary, I had two questions: 1st: Balak and Bilam don't end up hurting or, for that matter, negatively affecting the Jewish People. Why are the stories of Balak's trying to pursuade Bilam to curse the Jewish People, then of the elders of Balak coming to Bilam and appealing to him for his help in staving off the Jews, then of Bilam and his infamous donkey, then Bilam's three "curses," and finally of Balak giving up on Bilam and their parting ways appear in the Text at all? How are they relevant to our national history?

And 2nd: How's the episode of the daughters of Mo'av and their attempt to tempt the Children of Israel towards promiscuity and idol worship related to Bilam's "curse"? I also had another question of "How can we tell Bilam is evil/anti-Semitic at all from the pshat", but I won't delve into this right now.

Rabbi Y.S. from the shul I learned in this evening, told me the following: "Bilam's "curse" and the attempt of the daughters of Mo'av to temp the Children of Israel is directly related (I should probably be quoting Rashi and not Rabbi Y.S. but hey, I'll give you the credit, Rabbi!). While Bilam failed in cursing the Jews, he ended up striking them where it "hurt most," where we, as Jews, and as human beings are most succeptible. Rashi relates that Bilam was behind the Moavite women enticing the Children of Israel.

How can we related this scenario to modern day? That's the question we should always try to answer when trying to disect the parsha.

We see the immense damage that assimilation and inter-marriage have caused our people--especially  in the Galut. This is one of the biggest reasons for living in Israel. Western culture, or Edom, attempted--and continue to try to take the "winds out of our sails" following the inferno of Nazi Germany. American society, with its unmistakable appeal towards diversity and pluralism, has, perhaps unintentionally, brought out the worst traits the Jewish People are known for. Intermarriage is perhaps at its peak in America and assimilation runs rampant in Western society.

Balak and Bilam, in their attempt to curse and then tempt the Jews towards promiscuity have all the bearings of Edom--modern-day America. Notice how they don't try to destroy us by fighting us head-on but rather, take a more cunning approach. And notice, how they end up succeeding in a big way. Until Pinchas has his say that is.

Who's the more dangerous enemey: the Islamofascists or Hollywood, the Internet and modern Western values? This, I believe, is one of the key issues in parshat Balak, or at least one of the issues we're faced with when trying to make sense of events from the Tanach.
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