Jameel's Personal Rosh HaShana Message

Dear JBlogosphere and others, (**see below for special update)

I'm reminded of the "outatime" license plate from "Back to the Future" --

since it's Erev Rosh HaShana, and there are so many posts I wanted to write, emails to send, good wishes to convey, and yet, I found myself without enough time to do so.

Luckily, I did managed to accomplish a few important items over the past few days

- completed a pruzbul

- allocated loan money not to be affected by the pruzbul

- managed to get to the bank today so I can pay our HVAC installer before Rosh HaShana

- posted about the opportunity to help save a life.

- went on milluim.

- studied over shabbat with son #2 for his gemara test.

On the other hand, I didn't get to post about milluim, didn't post what I wanted to about Rosh HaShana, didn't post about Nefesh b"Befesh, didn't do a Treppenwitz-type post where he links to many friends of his, which is really a great idea (and I would do it if I had the time...) -- Treppenwitz even calls from time to time, "just to say hi" -- which is truly heart-warming that blog people call sometimes just to say hi.

And therefore, there's something I needed to say. This past year was rather amazing for me on a personal level -- as I managed to meet many of you in person (whether at the JBlogger convention, or in the US, or simply around Israel). Without a doubt, there's something to be learned from everyone, their take on life, their contribution to society, whatever it is that makes them unqiue -- and I appreciate meeting each and everyone one of you.

This past milluim, while sitting around in between exercises I took some pictures of our unit. To my surprise, someone said to me, "Are you going to put that on your blog?" And then another said, "don't put a smiley face on me...put a frowny face on me...", and yet another said, "make my face green"...and yet another said, "don't put anything on my face at all". I guess my blogger identity is quickly becoming the worst kept secret in the JBlogosphere. So I turned to the guy next to me, and said, you really read my blog? He replied that he and his wife read it religiously...

And with that comes responsibility. Not so much the pressure to post quality, informative, and entertaining content -- but that people are actually reading what goes up here. Blogs can ruin lives and have all sorts of negative consequences -- and I hope that this blog still manages to convey something positive.

Some people think that the virtual blogosphere means ignoring "reality" -- and I sincerely apologize if reality took second seat to the virtualness of the blog world.

Additionally, I would like to apologize if you sent me an email to which I didn't reply, to those who sent me links to publish and I didn't, to those I should have linked to...but didn't, and to those commenters who I should have acknowledged with followup comments -- but didn't. It was never malice -- just lack of time...or even a bit of laziness on my part, for which I'm sorry. Not any less important -- is that I'm sorry to those who were upset or offended by anything I may have written (what comes to mind is my posting about shabbat guests).

As we welcome the new year, may we all be inscribed in the books of health, well-being, repentance...and the book redemption. Redemption on a personal level and a national one. May this be a year of increased Jewish unity instead of divisiveness, and may the JBlogosphere bring about positive change.

Shana Tova -- a good year to all of us,

Jameel.

PS: Obligatory Srugim comment: I spoke to Laizy Shapiro for a minute today, and his message to you all is that he appreciates your comments and insights about the Srugim show (they put alot of thought into he writing of it, and many of your comments are spot on.). He also added, "its only a TV show".


Shana Tova!


** Special Update:


Thanks to everyones help & generousity, we managed to raise the full ammount to cover the costs of Gili's surgery.

Gili flew this morning to London, where she is supposed to undergo surgery on this comming Tuesday (first day rosh hashana).

Her name for tefilot is: גילי חיה צביה טובה בת רוית

Shana tova & ktiva vechatima tova



Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Man of the Year

With the year winding down, and Rosh Hashana imminently approaching, we've decided to spend one of the remaining posts of the year to announce our choices for the "Man of the Year" award. As opposed to limiting it to one winner, we've chosen to announce our choices for these awards in a few different categories.

Men of the Year
There was no question as to who should be awarded the man of the year. Though with these candidates, we couldn't choose just one. Each candidate selflessly risked his life to save other Jews, ignoring the possible repercussions of being thrown in jail or killed for their actions.

These 5 are the heroes who lived up to the adage in Pirkei Avot "where there is no (police)men, strive to be a man.". They are Yitzhak Dadon, David Shapira, Yakki Asa-El, Moshe Plesser, and Elad Amar.

[Double Tapper raised a valid point. What about Rabbi Erez Bar-On, who killed the terrorist near Shiloh in April 08? And if we are including him, what about the school counselors who killed the 2 terrorists that tried to infiltrate the Makor Haim (Steinzaltz) High School in January 08?

I think we need to include them all.]


Legal Affairs:
One would hope that is a modern democratic state one can't be arrested and detained indefinitely for one's political views, but we unfortunately know that not to be the case.

This year a group of young girls (all minors in fact) had the temerity and will to stand up against a politicized judicial, legal, and prison system. They successfully fought back by simply not disclosing their names (even though, those in charge knew them already), and in return suffered weeks (and months) of physical abuse at the hands of the police and prison authorities, along with legal abuse and attempts of "reeducation" at the hand the judges. They withstood it all, and prevailed.

Human Rights:
There's a sector of society that is constantly under attack, whose basic civil and human rights are constantly ignored and dismissed, a sector that while suffering terrorist attacks is vilified.

There is a person who has consistently fought for their rights, and created an organization called "The Organization for Human Rights in Yesha" specifically for that purpose. While it was a close race with Nitzana Darsha-Leitner, In the human rights category this award goes to none other than Orit Struck.

Culture:
There's no question that the most revolutionary cultural event this year which has taken this country by storm is the show Srugim. Probably no other show has so many sectors of society watching and discussing it, and perhaps even influencing them, not to mention the number of comments each post gets on this blog. This award obviously goes to "Laizy" Shapiro for Srugim.

Criminal of the Year
With so many politicians and public figures to choose from, it was a tough choice. Between the Minister of Finance, the Vice-Prime Minister and former Minister of Justice, the Commissioner of the Police, the Director of the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister, the Abutbul crime family, Boaz Yona, this list could go on for pages.In the end we've decided to award this one to "Peace Now", because unlike everyone else mentioned above, they've gotten away with it.

Peace Now has managed to implement a tax fraud scheme on an international level - and get away with it, Peace Now has managed to create standing in the courts, when it doesn't even exist as a legal entity - and get away with it, Peace Now is openly funded by foreign (and not necessarily friendly) governments looking to influence and manipulate Israeli society and policy - and get away with it, and Peace Now has managed to infiltrate into the highest levels of the government - and get with it. Clearly the winner.

Pollster of the Year
While all the media pollsters where giving completely wrong numbers regarding the Kadima primary, only one lone voice gave an accurate number. Despite being off by a mere few hundred votes (which can be explained by ballot stuffing and fraud) this award goes to Shaul Mofaz.

Event of the Year
None other than the First International Jewish Bloggers Convention, Hosted by Nefesh B'Nefesh and Powered by WebAds. No further explanation needed, it was simply awesome.

Blogger of the Year
This is a tough one. I'm biased, but as it's not nice to vote for myself, I'm awarding it to the Muqata.

Jameel adds: Joe, even if you nominate me as blogger of the year, its still not nice to bump down my posts...

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Haveil Havalim #184 A Barbarian Roars Again

It is now live. You can check it out here.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Register to Vote - NOW!!!

-- Public Service Message --

Forget about voting in Israel, Elections for President of the US are coming up quickly.

If you are an American living in Israel and want to exercise your right to vote, you MUST register in advance.

If you don't register, you can't vote. Period.

And registration ends Monday, October 6, 2008. That's in a week!!!!!


Here is how to register:

(1) Go to the Vote from Israel site.

(2) Enter your name and other info to get the registration form.

(3) The form is a PDF.

(4) Fill it out.

(5) PRINT IT OUT. You can not email it. PRINT IT OUT.

(6) Sign it.

(7) Drop it off by October 6 at one of the convenient drop-off points listed on the site.

(8) Wait by the mailbox, and get your voter info.

(9) Vote!

Americans in Israel - Register to Vote before it is too late.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Help Save a Life

Ive received the following so many times in the past few days, both from local friends and neighbors...and now even from bloggers in the US, so I decided to post it and do what I can to help out. 

While I don't know the family personally, I do know for a fact that this baby has this condition, and the people behind the campaign are serious and respected individuals. 

Six weeks ago, Gili Rossler was born with a rare defect, which causes severe tracheal constriction -- and only one lung.

The combination of these two conditions is extremely dangerous and causes a constant deterioration in her ability to breathe and to the supply of oxygen to her body.

A surgical procedure has been recently developed for the treatment of this condition.

Only two medical centers in the world have experience in the performance of this procedure:

One in London (where three procedures were performed with a 70% success rate) and one in Chicago (ten procedures with an 80% success rate).

Under the instructions of the treating physician Dr. Tommy M. Schonfeld, Director of Pediatric ICU, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, the procedure must be performed urgently! 

The cost of this procedure, including the necessary ambulatory flight comes to about $600,000.

We welcome any and all contributions (before Hoshana Raba 5769 – the day Yom Kippur’s verdicts are ratified):

Please send cash or checks (even postdated) to “Save Gili”, or wire-transfers to Mizrachi Bank, Account No. 176373, Branch No. 483 (Karne Shomron).

Israeli donors please advise if you wish “Section 46” invoices for tax deduction purposes.

When transferring funds from the USA to the Mizrachi Bank account, please use the SWIFT Code: MIZBILIT

USA donors interested in eligibility for tax deductions, please make out checks to 

"American Friends of Kedumim"

At the bottom of the check, note: Memo : Saving Gili

And please mail the checks to this address:

American Friends of Kedumim

P.O. BOX 55

UNION NJ

07083-0055

For further contact, please email Fern at peace4gen@aol.com

And write the telephone number where you can be reached if necessary

For further details, please contact:

Shani: 972-3-9089605, 972-57-81-51526, 972-50-74-66771

yosesh@smile.net.il

Rokach: 972-2-9605246, 972-52-5665117 052-5665117

anrokach@netvision.net.il 

Please pray for: גילי צביה טובה בת רוית

Tizku L'Mitzvot -- please pass this on.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Bridge over troubled waters

Rafi G, host of the notable LifeInIsrael blog uncovered another gem for us.

The newly opened Jerusalem "Calatravva" Bridge seems to be cursed with problems.  Despite the immense pricetag for planning, architecture, building and planned maintenance (close to 10 millions dollars annually for maintenance alone), Rafi notes that the latest issue is that women are complaining that partially transparent areas of the bridge allow for people below to look up and see beneath the clothes of those walking above.

The Calatravva Bridge is a bridge that has been trouble since day 1, with the main debate being whether it should ever have been built, considering the high cost.

Regardless of that, the newest issue to arise is one in which residents are complaining that in certain areas near the bridge, one can look up and catch a upskirt view of females above.

The newspaper article is comparing this to the fiasco of the dance troupe at the inaugural party of the bridge a few months ago in which women participants were forced to wear sacks and hats to cover their body shapes. That was a true fiasco, because that is something that should have never happened, and whatever solution was going to be implemented should have been dealt with in advance, not at the last minute.

The truth is though, that this problem has nothing in common with that fiasco. that fiasco was part of the battle of the extreme Haredi against the secular over the atmosphere and style of Jerusalem. This is just a problem. It is not just Haredi women who do not want men looking up their skirts. Any woman who wears a skirt would not want to be exposed like that. (read the rest here)

Of course, the bridge has already been been sprayed with grafitti more than once -- so it can now also look like every other building and landmark in Jerusalem.

(click image to see what was spray painted on the bridge)

I wonder how long before this grafitti appears on the Kotel...

photo credit: Amshi.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Thought provoking video

I found this video very thought provoking.

Its not preachy -- and its refreshingly apolitical.

Give yourself 6 minutes to watch it today before Rosh HaShana.



Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Thinking the Unthinkable

After reading Rafi's post which references a burgeoning child molestation scandal in RBS (yes, those are my usual ranting comments down below), I have to ask the studio audience here: If a few students (or even one student) accused a teacher of molestation and the school was refusing to remove him/her from his/her duties pending an investigation, how would you, as a parent, react?

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Call it coincidence, or is that just Jewish Geography?

Yes, after yesterday's terror attack at Kikar Tzahal, everyone was asking, "who is connected to who?"

Well, of course the terrorist came from the same neighborhood as the previous Jerusalem terrorists: Jabel Mukhaber.

And the IDF officer that killed him?

Hold on to your chairs.

Lt. Elad Amar who killed the terrorist is a graduate of the Pirchei Aaron Yeshiva High School in Haifa, and his former commander in the Paratrooper unit where he served before moving over to artillery was none other than... David Shapira - the hero of Mercaz Harav.

Source

Lurker adds:

For those not familiar with the details behind the last four major terror attacks in Jerusalem, the incredible nature of the coincidence that Joe is describing might not be entirely obvious. In each one of these four incidents, the bloodshed was ended by the brave action of a quick-thinking person who happened to be present at the scene of the attack. And in each case, the hero was a dati leumi (religious Zionist) person. That itself is a statistical improbabilty. But the full proportions the improbabilities here only start to become clear once one realizes the direct, single degree-of-separation connections beween each of these four people. Here is a brief connect-the-dots guide:

• David Shapira was a passer-by who, along with Yitzhak Dadon, shot the terrorist in the Merkaz HaRav massacre in Jerusalem on the night of March 6.
  
  
• Moshe Plesser, the passer-by who shot the first bulldozer terrorist in Jerusalem on July 2, is David Shapira's brother-in-law.
  
  
• Yakki Asa-el, the passer-by who shot the second bulldozer terrorist in Jerusalem on July 22, was Moshe Plesser's yeshiva high school teacher.
  
  
• And today, we find out that Elad Amar, who shot the terrorist in the attack last night, served in the Paratrooper unit commanded by David Shapira.
  

I'm not going to attempt to present an explanation of this incredible triple confluence. I will simply note the obvious: That the likelihood of it being random has got to be infintessimally miniscule.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem

Will update this as information becomes available.

Terrorist attack in Kikar Tzahal in Jerusalem. 15-20 17 Wounded. Two seriously.


Arab terrorist drives through crowd of people.

Many Most of the injured are soldiers that were touring the Old City before Slichot.

Terrorist killed by first shot by armed civilian on Shivtei Yisrael Street, and then killed by soldiers an IDF Officer from the unit, and (perhaps) police.


---

IDF Soldier may lose his eye after a Palestinian terrorist threw acid at him today.

The terrorist passed through the Shchem (Nablus) checkpoint humanitarian lane (which is meant for those in need of immediate medical attention, and bypasses the normal line) bypassing the normal security check. Upon reaching the soldier, she threw the acid at him and fled back to where she came from.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Failing Grade

Cross Posted on JoeSettler

On June 1, a Philosophy bogrut (matriculation exam) was given in the Beit Hannah-Chabad girls' school in Jerusalem, as it has been for decades.

A Ministry of Education proctor showed up to proctor the exam, as always.

But this time the proctor showed up very inappropriately dressed for a Chareidi school (apparently in pants and a tank-top).

The principal, Rabbi Asher Solomon welcomed the proctor into the school, but told her she can’t go into the girls classrooms dressed like that as they are a Chareidi school, and they are teaching their girls that a certain mode of dress is permitted and a certain mode isn’t.

Rabbi Solomon told the proctor that if she fixes her clothing she can go in, the proctor said there is nothing wrong with her clothing, and left.

In the decades that the bogruts have been given in this school, there have been almost no tests disqualified for cheating.

But the ministry (under Yuli Tamir guidance) in retaliation has disqualified all 243 exams that were given.


The only failing grades in this story go to the Ministry of Education and the Proctor.



By the way, this reminds me of the story a few years back of the girl who came for her driving test very minimally dressed. The Tester (not religious) refused to test her saying that her lack of clothing was very inappropriate (and as far as he was concerned, she came dressed that way to help her pass the test), and he wouldn’t test her until she put a shirt on. I believe it may have even gone to court. Either way, the girl had to take the test again, this time with clothing on.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Haveil Havalim- Best of The Jewish/Israeli Blogosphere

Hi Friends,

Haveil Havalim #183, the weekly carnival of The Jewish/Israeli Blogosphere is now live. You're invited to come take a look at what we have been speaking about the past week.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Srugim Lurkers

** Episode 13 spoiler alert **

Despite the bans, despite the prohibition of owning a TV in the first place, all sorts of people are watching the Srugim TV show.

One of those lurkers is Dan Illouz from the "Tzipiyah" blog. He admits he's a closet Srugim fan:

I’m coming out of hiding and admitting that I have been watching the show “Srugim”. While I’m not necessarily comfortable with everything shown on that show, I do believe it brings up a number of powerful serious issues in the religious community in Israel.

Not surprisingly, his posting about the previous Srugim episode is very similar to what I had planned on writing, including creating the short video segment, as well as using the exact same video clip of the jam-packed shul in Neve Dekalim, hours before the Disengagement eviction.

Dan discusses the issue that "no is also an answer" -- when discussing the theological issue of why G-d didn't answer the prayers, that Israel does not evict and destroy the communities of Gush Katif and the Shomron. I thought the issue was well done, and found the acting of Hodaya's teenage cousin,"Shvut" to be a realistic and accurate portrayal of teenage angst, irresponsibility, rebellion and searching.

While Shvut rails against G-d for abandoning the "good people" and for ignoring their prayer, Hodaya chastises her, "there are worse things than the Disengagement"..."No is also an answer [from G-d]".

Shvut runs off that night, and Hodaya worries incessantly about her. When Shvut returns and Hodaya screams at her for going off to party, and Shvut locks herself in the bathroom, Shvut quiety reveals that she was at the Kotel...praying.

What Dan does not touch upon is that while Hodaya may have scolded Shvut, Shvut is still passionately enraged at G-d -- she still believes.



Hodaya's "no is also an answer" lecture comes from cynicism as she no longer cares enough -- or believes enough -- to be angry at G-d.

The show concludes with Ms. Hodaya...watching TV on Friday night...

But I'm not done.

More and more Israeli Chareidim are watching the show. Despite all the criticism of the show, including this rather scathing review in Maariv, Chareidim are watching the show (not on TV, G-d forbid, but by downloading the episodes from the web)

Popular sites are chock full of discussions about the show, despite it being the about "srugim". (Note: Srugim is definitely IMHO, referring to the crocheted kippot of the national religious crowd, not being interwoven into society or anything to do with bars on Jerusalem windows).

While we continue to discuss srugim, be aware that many eyes are lurking as well...

Lastly, I absolutely despise the Nitzan character. Here she is, playing the scared female to enable Nati to show his masculine bravado and kill a roach (jook). Personally, I would have stomped on it...even barefoot.




Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Day of Judgement for Israel's Pollsters

At 10 PM last night, you could hear the glee in their voices on TV and Radio:

The exit polls predict that Tzippi Livni is the new leader of Kadima!

Channel 10's Poll - 49%
Channel 1's Poll - 47%
Channel 2's Poll - 48%

It's becoming almost routine for Israel's pollsters and media pundits to get it wrong time after time. True, Tzippy Livni did win, but by 341 votes. The margin of error for a win by 341 votes makes it statistically impossible to have accurately predicted that Livni would win -- based on scientific statistical models.

One should tip their hat to the "Yisrael Hayom" (Israel Today) newspaper whose headline this morning read: "Ma'avak Tzamud" (or "neck and neck") and refused to print outright that Livni won. At one point last night during the count, Mofaz was even leading Livni by 40 votes.

So what happened? How does it happen that time after time, Israel's pollsters and media get it wrong? How did every single polling company predict that Livni would win by a double digit landslide, yet in reality she won by 1 percent?

The red-faced pollsters (and Israel's media pundits, like IDF radio host Razi Barkai) placed the blame this morning not upon themselves, but due to "the lying, conneiving Israeli."

Instead of looking at the pollsters for answers, one should be turning to sociologists and societal psychologists...or ask the pollsters why they skew results?

Everyone laughed at Shaul Mofaz when he made his "bombastic" announcement a few days ago, that he would win the primaries with a result of 43.7% of the vote -- after all, Haaretz 's poll predicted a landslide victory for Livni.

Of everyone who made predictions, Shaul Mofaz was the closest to reality! While he did lose -- Livni received 43% and himself 42%, he was closer than any other polster or pundit. Mofaz knew his people were showing up to vote, which is why he was so certain of his win. What is he secret -- perhaps he really should be the leader of Kadima?

Why would an Israeli "lie" to a pollster?

Perhaps because people enjoy getting egg on the face of the arrogant media outlets that try to run our lives on a daily basis.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

JPost acknowledges, defends censorship

Guest post by Lurker:

To David Horovitz [Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief]:

I am disappointed that you have chosen not to respond to my query below, regarding the Jerusalem Post's censorship of Edwin Bennatan's blog article.

Today, I found a new notice* posted on this same blog, which surprisingly acknowledged that "the Jerusalem Post found nothing improper in Mr. Bennatan's article itself". In spite of this, the notice says, the article "was removed from this site last week in resolution of a legal dispute concerning 'talkback' comments posted in response to his article".

If there were indeed defamatory or libelous talkback comments, then I can certainly understand why the Post would remove them. I can even understand why the Post might pay Mr. Freedman damages for libel. But what legitimate explanation can there possibly be for removing the article itself, which, according to Post's own statement, contained "nothing improper"?

It is painfully clear what happened here: Mr. Freedman obviously threatened legal action, and blackmailed the Post. Removal of the offending talkbacks along with an apology was not enough for him, and neither was an offer of a cash payment. No, Freedman wanted more, didn't he? He wanted the Post to censor an article that contained embarrassing criticism of his political opinions. And the Post cravenly complied.

The Post's capitulation to extortion raises serious questions about your paper's commitment to fundamental journalistic ethics: If a little-known two-bit extremist blogger is somehow capable of forcing the Post to completely censor an opinion piece that politely criticizes his opinions, then who is to say that powerful political figures cannot – and do not – force the Post to do the same thing, or worse? What reason is there to assume that the Post is not refraining from publication of criticism, or embarrassing information, regarding individuals far more important and powerful than Seth Freedman – people who might blackmail the Post into hiding things they don’t want the public to see, just as Freedman has?

If you have a legitimate explanation for your paper’s behavior in this matter, I’d certainly be interesting in hearing it.

In a related matter, I ask you once again: To which "charity", exactly, has the Jerusalem Post contributed money at Mr. Freedman's behest?

Want to let the Post know what you think, too? Send an e-mail to David Horovitz and/or their blog administrator.

UPDATE: This morning, the notice was at the top of this page. But apparently, the Post had second thoughts, and removed the notice a few hours later. However, they seem to have forgotten to remove it from this other page containing the same blog article. I changed the link above to use the page that still contains the notice. And I've saved a copy, of course, in case the Post removes the notice from the second page as well.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

The Line of the Week

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was just interviewed on Channel 2 Israel TV News.

He was questioned about the US financial crisis and what would he do if he were Prime Minister or Finance Minister.

Bibi's response:

1. Ensure that the Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer quickly examines what the state of Israel's banks are, and their exposure to the US financial crisis, in order to reassure and instill confidence in Israel's banking industry. This is being done already, as Fischer is meeting with all the heads of the banks tomorrow morning.

2. Lower taxes for both citizens and corporations.

3. Improve and invest in Israel's infrastructures and free up land for infrastructure investments, to encourage foreign investment in Israel.

The interviewer then asked about politics, and here comes the line.

Bibi was asked, "Tomorrow is Kadima's primaries, assuming you get a call to join an emergency unity government the day afterwords, what do you say?

Bibi replies, "There is no way I would join."

The interviewer queried, "Why not? This is for an issue of national importance. Why not?"

Bibi responded with this amazing line, "Asking me to join a government led by Kadima, is like asking me to join the board of directors of Lehman Brothers. Just like Lehman Brothers went bankrupt so has Kadima, which hasn't succeeded in anything, in any field."


As transcribed by Jameel in the field (on his way home from work).

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Can you shoot better than this girl?

-- Advertisement --

Thanks to the Caliber 3 Shooting Range this girl is a crack shot.

And so are the guys!



Even him! (Just Kidding)




What about you?

If you're visiting Israel (or live here) then learn to shoot at the Caliber 3 Shooting Range with top Israeli anti-Terror experts.

The basic package includes explanations of the security situations Israelis face, examples of different anti-Terrorist techniques, and of course the fun part - Shooting pistols and M-16s.

The program is open to individuals, groups, and families. As you can see from the photos on their site everyone is having a great time.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Srugim's last episode to air on Rosh HaShana?!

Several Srugim aficionados have already contacted me about this alleged travesty -- how can Srugim's final season one episode be aired on Rosh HaShana night (Monday evening, Sept 29th)?!

This reminds me of life in Israel during the 1970s.

Eons ago, before cable TV in Israel, before Satellite TV, before Channel 2, before commercials, when there was only one TV channel for Israeli viewers (excluding Jordan and Lebanon TV channels) -- a new TV show was due to air..."Eishet Chayil", a woman of valor. The problem was that it was to air on Friday afternoons, either just before Shabbat was about to start or after Shabbat started already.

If I recall correctly, the Ulta-Orthodox Aguda party spearheaded the effort against the Israel Broadcasting Authority to have the show moved to earlier on Friday. After all, a show entitled "Eishet Chayil" should be viewable to all, especially the religious TV-watching community without worrying about desecrating the Shabbat.

As a result of Aguda's pressure, the IBA heeded their request and changed the viewing hour to earlier on Friday afternoon.

Imagine how shocked people were, when they found out that the show "Eishet Chayil"...the show which Aguda had gone head-to-head with the IBA over moving it's Friday broadcast to an earlier time...was the translated name for..."Wonder Woman!"

Have no fear dear readers -- I just got off the phone with the show's director, Laizy Shapiro, and he said YES had moved the viewing date for the season finale of Srugim to the following week, Monday evening of October 6th.

As as an aside, I'm in contact with Maaleh about the full version of Eicha...will keep you posted.















Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Olmert's Pogrom Against the Settlers

Shabbat Morning, 7:50 AM.

I was rudely awakened by my pager's buzzing, as an incoming message from the IDF spelled out that a terror attack just took place not from from us in the settlement of Yitzhar. A Palestinian terrorist infiltrated the Shalhevet Yam neighborhood of Yitzhar, set fire to a building, and stabbed a nine year old boy. The terrorist fled and was not apprehended. Security should be tightened in the surrounding areas.

Additional details came in ... the terrorist tried burning down a second home as well, and the 9 year old discovered the attack and started yelling for help. It was then the terrorist stabbed him 5 times in the back until the knife broke....he then threw him off the balcony of a caravan -- a 12 foot drop.

What we all found out on Saturday night was that the terror attack against the 9 year old was a minor detail -- the big story was the settler reprisal against the village that hosted the terrorist.

The IDF's inaction of not chasing after the terrorist infuriated the residents of Yitzhar -- this terror attack came on the heels of their fields routinely burnt down by Palestinians. Yes, the settlers reacted, took the law into their own hand and went into the village. Were their actions a beacon of democracy and good will towards their Palestinian neighbors? Nope. Should the IDF have done their job? Yes. Should the police have done their job? Yes.

No one did their job except for the Palestinian terrorist.

Yitzhar's community spokesman reported the following:

The stabbing attack and torching of an empty home in the settlement marked the "climax of the abuse perpetrated by Arab residents of the nearby village," Yitzhar Spokesman Yigal Amitai told Ynet. He also slammed the IDF conduct earlier in the day, referring to the army's failure to identify or capture the terrorist behind the attack.

"It's clear to everyone that this incident could have ended disastrously," Amitai said. "A whole family would have been butchered and burned. Yitzhar residents said that in recent months Arabs set seven fires in the settlement's wheat fields.

"To our regret, in all those incidents no real deterrent activity was conducted by the military and army," Amitai said.

The settlement spokesman also slammed the reactions issued by leftist Knesset members and groups during the Shabbat.

"They knew well that because of the sanctity of Shabbat we won't be able to respond in the media, and therefore took advantage of it," he said. Meanwhile, members of the Jewish National Front said that "the time has come for the Arabs to realize that Judea and Samaria residents aren't suckers…it would be better for the IDF and police to address Arabs who stab a nine-year-old Jewish boy, rather than target those who seek to defend themselves." (YNET)

The media pogrom against the settlers was swift and brutal, everyone conveniently refusing to condemn or acknowledge the severity of the terror attack that triggered yesterday's events.

MK Ahmed Tibi: referred to the settlers as "two-legged animals" following the riots. (ynet)

MK Zahava Gal-on: It's impossible to have a situation whereby the army is doing nothing while this is going on... the time has come to end the policy of inaction vis-à-vis the settlers." (ynet)

Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheim: "The settlers do not miss any opportunity to hurt Palestinians and endanger human life" (ynet)

But the best is reserved for Ehud Olmert to comment:

"There will be no pogroms against non-Jewish residents in the State of Israel -- a terror attack took place over the weekend in northern Samaria against a Yitzhar resident. A terrorist entered the community, a young boy was injured and there was an attempt to carry out a more severe attack. This is a serious and grave matter." (YNET)

It's much more serious and grave to Ehud Olmert that the Yitzhar residents should be upset at the torching of 2 buildings, upset at the IDF's inaction against terrorists, upset at the terror attack against a 9 year old -- and then they overturn a car and charge through the village which harbors terrorists....all that is much more grave and serious than the terrorist attack against a nine year old.

Yet let's take a step back. Can you imagine what the Arabs would do when there's an attack against them by a Jew? I'm sure they are the epitome of calm, and coldly calculated reasoned action. And if they would lose their cool, they would be soundly criticized by Ehud Olmert and the MKs of the left...?

Let's examine an actual case study from 2005.

Situation; Four people were killed and at least six others were wounded after army deserter Eden Natan Zada opened fire aboard a bus in the Arab town of Shfaram, in northern Israel.

Eyewitnesses said angry locals, or possibly bus passengers, managed to storm the bus following the attack and killed the shooter. Police reportedly had trouble retrieving the body, which was lying on the stairs of the bus, as a result of the angry Arab mob gathered at the scene.

Reaction against the terrorist: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued a special statement following the Shfaram shooting saying, “This is a vile act by a blood-thirsty Jewish terrorist who aimed to hurt innocent citizens.” “Terror by citizens against citizens is the most dangerous thing regarding Israel’s future and its democratic character,” the statement said

What happened to the blood thirsty Palestinian terrorist this past Shabbat that tried killed a 9 year old? Did anyone dare call him a vile, blood thirsty terrorist?

At the scene in Shfaram, a lynch mob disarmed the Jewish terrorist, and then rioted, taking the law into their own hands, and killed Eden Zada. In response to the possibility of charges being brought against those who took the law into their own hands MK Barakeh said, "We will take action to break any hand that is raised against us."

Balad chairman, MK Jamal Zahalka slammed the Haifa prosecution's decision to subpoena the Shfaram residents in the case: "This is an act of provocation. The police failed to find out who was assisting Zada and who sent him, and are blaming the victims. If they indict they will have riots on their hands"

Any comments from MK Tibi about the 2 legged animals in Shfaram?

Any comment from MK Zehava Gal-on the impossibility of a situation whereby the police is doing nothing while this is going on -- or has he time has come to end the policy of inaction vis-à-vis the Arabs?"

I don't recall Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheim saying the "The arabs do not miss any opportunity to hurt Jews and endanger human life"

And of course, Olmert was uncharacteristically silent then too.

It seems that its settler season again.

I was reminded of the painful artistic expression on road 60 near Beit-El, 10 years ago after many terror attacks on the roads.

A congregation of benevolent, smart and wise
gave guns to the foxes.
And as the days grew, the era of peace they hallucinated
turned [us] to a flock of ducks.






Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Interview with Srugim's Laizy Shapiro

The early bird gets the worm. 

The Jerusalemite has an interesting interview with Srugim's director, Laizy Shapiro.  

Don't worry -- the Muqata will be interviewing him soon as well (I think I'm going to do the interview with Lurker as well...maybe even this week)

In the meantime, see the interview over at the Jeruselamite.  I'm copying the background info on Laizy because the links are fantastic (see other movie's he's done...including one of my favortie's, "Eicha")

Laizy Shapira, 32, spent his childhood in Philadelphia, where his father served as a shaliachof the Jewish Agency. After moving back to Karnei Shomron, he served in a Hesder programfor yeshiva studies combined with IDF service. Shapira graduated from Jerusalem's Ma'ale School of Television, Film and the Arts, the only communications production program in the country targeted towards observant Jews, when he was in his late 20s.

Professional doors began to open for Shapira in the years that followed, largely thanks to acclaim he received for two of his student projects, Eicha and Saving Private Finklestein,but he soon found himself struggling, with day jobs cleaning houses and giving tours at theKotel Tunnels and at the Davidson Archeological Park. But an association with producerYonatan Aroch eventually landed Shapira a deal to co-create, co-write (with long-time collaborator Chava Divon) and direct Srugim (literally, "knitted"), a surprise hit for Yes TV.

The show, which focuses on the lives of five central 30-something religious Jerusalemite bachelor and bachelorettes in a manner that is refreshing and clever, has taken Israeli pop culture by storm. When not attending screenings of episodes at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, Shapira is working on plans to hopefully export a translated version of the show to North America and to possibly air Season One on Israel's Channel 2 this winter – all while developing ideas for Season Two, which should air by the end of 2009.

Read it all, here

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Haveil Havalim #182

Batya has done an outstanding job. You can follow the carnival here or here.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Obama Waffles - Not Carried by the Muqata

The Muqata Management would like it to be known that we do not carry Obama Waffles.

While it is true that Obama waffles (quite a lot in fact) and has in the past tried to pander to the Muqata audience, we found parts of the packaging to be inappropriate and the actual contents of unknown origin and quality, which most definitely shift during transport (all the time in fact).

So while it is a brisk seller at US-based Republican conventions, Obama Waffles will not be available in any Muqata outlets.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Censorship in the Jerusalem Post

Guest post by Lurker:

Thanks to JoeSettler for bringing to our attention the Jerusalem Post's recent outrageous act of censorship. I sent the following letter tonight to the Post's editor-in-chief, David Horovitz:

To David Horovitz:

Why has the Jerusalem Post censored this blog article by Edwin Bennatan? (The link is a snapshot from Google's cache.)

The entire article has disappeared, and has been replaced with this apology.

I understand from the apology that there were some user comments to the article that were deemed “defamatory, threatening, and inappropriate”, and I can certainly understand why the Post would delete such a comment.

But why was the article itself taken down? Did it contain something that you find to be “defamatory, threatening, and inappropriate”? If so, then what was it, exactly? And if it did not contain anything “defamatory, threatening, and inappropriate”, then why has it been deleted and replaced with an apology?

I would point out that the Post's censorship of this article has already become a subject of discussion in the blogosphere. (See here for an example.) This action calls into question the Post's journalistic standards, and its commitment to freedom of speech.

Mr. Horowitz: In the past, I have admired you for your defense of Israel against egregious media bias against Israel. The article by Bennatan was very similar to many such defenses that you yourself have presented in the past. His article was well-written, reasoned, and free of any ad hominem attacks or anything even remotely inappropriate. I am shocked that the newspaper under your editorship has chosen to censor it. I would not have expected this from you.

I (along with many others) am interested in an explanation of why the Post has done this.


P.S.: I am also quite curious to know which charity Mr. Freedman has selected for the Jerusalem Post to make a contribution to.

If you are also disturbed by the Post's censorship of this article, why not tell them? Here is David Horovitz's e-mail address.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Did the JPost capitulate to legal threats?

http://joesettler.blogspot.com/2008/09/free-speech-is-one-way-street.html

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

A brief history of divorce halacha

Shavua tov,

Being that one of the mitzvot in this weeks parsha is about divorce, I happened to see a few divrei torah related to the subject of divorce and agunot. Below is a dvar torah from Rabbi Avi Weiss of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale that I think gives a short history as to why we have the problem of agunot nowadays. This ties in very nicely with Jameel's post the other day.

Jcop

RABBI AVI WEISS Shabbat Forshpeis

This week's portion touches upon the controversial issue of spouses who refuse to grant a Jewish divorce (get).

The Torah states "and he [the husband] shall write her a bill of divorce and place it in her hands" (Deuteronomy 24:1). In other words, the giving of a get is the husband's exclusive domain. While it is difficult to pinpoint why the Torah so decreed, it could be suggested that since women in biblical times found it difficult and even impossible to fend for themselves socio-economically, they would never desire a get. Yet, as pointed out to me by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, the pendulum swung as time went on.

The unilateral right of the husband to divorce his wife was limited by the advent of the ketubah (marital contract) which details the many obligations that a husband has to his wife, including an amount of money that his wife would receive in case of divorce. In this way, a husband's absolute power to divorce his wife was severely restricted through this financial obligation.

The unilateral power of the husband to give the get totally disappeared one thousand years ago when Rabbenu Gershom declared that a get could not be given without the wife's consent. If the ketubah made it difficult for a husband to unilaterally divorce his wife, Rabbenu Gershom obviated that unilateral power in its entirety. The get became a bilateral process rather than a unilateral one.

With time, the get process entered yet a different stage, a stage in which women could initiate a get. In the middle ages, for example, central communities in Europe were governed by the Va'ad Arba Aratzot, the committee of the four major Jewish population centers. Jews there had their own political sovereignty and judicial autonomy. If the bet din found a wife's claim reason for divorce, it was powerful enough to order the husband to give the get. As long as the bet din was strong enough, the agunah matter was resolved.

The situation here in the United States is different. Because of the principle of separation of Church and State, the bet din has no legal power to implement its decisions. This has created a situation where a husband could blackmail his wife by demanding exorbitant sums of money or custody of their child(ren) before giving his wife a get, even when the bet din believes the get should be issued.

While America has seen an unprecedented amount of Jewish life and activity, it has not reached the level of the Va'ad Arba Aratzot. Both the leadership and the people are at fault. The population refuses to submit to the will of the Bet Din, and the Bet Din has not worked hard enough to earn the respect its constituents. Until this vicious circle is broken, the agunah problem, a problem that has been successfully addressed in the past, will remain one of the most painful issues we face today. © 2008 Hebrew Institute of Riverdale & CJC-AMCHA. Rabbi Avi Weiss is Founder and Dean of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, the Open Orthodox Rabbinical School, and Senior Rabbi of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

9/11 News Roundup from Israel

An Israel Air-force Cobra helicopter crashed last night around 6:30 PM in Northern Israel as a result of the tail rotor flying off the helicopter.

It was rather distressing hearing all the MDA volunteers responding trying to locate the pilots -- as ammunition exploded all over the places making it impossible to approach the crashed helicopter.

Two pilots died in the crash -- one of them was identified as Major (res.) Shai Danor, 35, a father of five from Rosh Ha'ayin. The other pilot's name has not been released for publication at the request of his family.

All IAF Cobras have been grounded till an investigation reveals why the rotor flew off.



Today is 9/11.

Two years ago I dedicated my 9-11 post to the memory of Nancy Morgenstern, one of the victims. Go see it, it's worth reading.

In a poll for the University of Maryland, people were asked who they thought was behind the attack.

On average, only 46% believe that Al-Qaida was behind the attack. 15% believe the US was behind it. 7% believe that Israel masterminded it. One in four doesn't have any idea who was behind it.

43 percent of Egyptians say Israel was responsible.

Wackos.

The poll, managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland, of surveyed 16,063 people July 15 to Aug. 31. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3-4 percent.

On IDF radio this morning, a professor from Tel Aviv University was asked about Islamic Fundamentalism and 9/11, and out of the blue, he started comparing "Noar HaGvaot" (hilltop youth) with Islamic fundamentalists. To his credit, the reporter was slightly incredulous that the interview had just made such a bizzare turn, and he said, "Noar HaGvaot have never done anything like this, how can you make such a comparison?!" The TAU professor replied, "they are very similar in their mindset, and I worry that 9-11 done by Al-Alqaida was only the beginning and that Jewish extremists like Noar HaGvaot will do the next [mega attack.]"

The hatred from Israeli's left knows no bounds -- and using 9-11 as a springboard to bash "Noar HaGvaot" and Israel's right wing is particularly offensive.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Muqata Wordle

A Muqata wordle. Very fun toy.

Lurker, feel free to analyze and offer any deep insights.



Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Getting Tough: Israel Most Wanted

Have you seen these "men"?

All of these people shown above have one thing in common: they all refuse to give their wives a get, a religious divorce, leaving their wives stranded as agunot -- unable to remarry -- and these men have gone into hiding.

On the radio yesterday, I heard the interview of one woman as she bitterly explained her situation as an aguna. Surprisingly, (though very encouraging), when asked if she harbored any complaints against the Israeli Rabbinate, she alternatively praised their efforts to find her husband.

The Chief Rabbinate has gone on the offensive to help agunot, and is posting pictures on their website with descriptions of each individual recalcitrant husband; last know whereabouts, possible methods they used to change their appearances, and they provide the option to leave anonymous tips as to there where these people might be.

If you have seen any of them, PLEASE contact the Chief Rabbinate through their website (or email me and I'll send it to them).

The aguna on the radio asked for an additional minute on the radio station, to which the interviewer gladly granted. "The biggest problem is not the religious establishment -- I believe they are honestly doing their best to help me. The problem is the families of the men who help hide and protect them -- while our lives are held hostage [from remarrying]"

Do you know these people? Have you seen them? These moral and Jewish degenerates need to be found quickly, so their wives can be freed. If you've seen them, or have a clue where they are -- please contact the Israeli Chief Rabbinate via their website, their phone number 02-658-2822, or you can even contact the Israeli police (100).

In particular, 33 year old son of Anglo immigrants to Israel, Meir Briskman has refused to grant his wife a divorce for the past five years -- and he may have fled Israel. He may live in your community! Have you seen him?

"From our experiences, we believe that refusing a get [divorce] is a social problem," said Rabbi Eliyah Ben-Dahan, director of the rabbinic courts. "If we reveal the identity in a public forum of those men who refuse to grant their wives a get‚ then he will stop being accepted in his immediate environment."

Ben-Dahan added that even if the man in question has gone into hiding, it is likely that his close family may know his whereabouts. Publishing the man's name will bring shame upon his family, he said, hopefully prompting them to come forward with information that will ultimately free the woman in question."

Robyn Shames, director of the International Coalition of Agunah Rights, said she welcomed the move. "I think it's fantastic - any move by the rabbinic courts to find men in an unwanted marriage should be applauded. Efforts need to be made to encourage society to change how they relate to men who refuse to give divorces - they should be treated just like men who violently abuse their wives, because it is a form of abuse." (JPOST)

Let's use the JBlogosphere to find this guy...and bring him to justice.

Additional sources (in Hebrew) NRG

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Spoiler Alert

I don't know about the rest of you, but forget advertising, I don't like seeing S'rugim spoilers open in front of me when I visit.

The solution is quite simple and you can learn all about it in the text between the brackets.

[
Dear Fellow Posters, Change the text of your spoiler to white, and on most browsers it will disappear, and can only be seen if you block it off like you are probably doing right now.
Thank you.
]

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Live Blogging Srugim 12

****Spoiler Alert******

Hmm, so Amir slept over. He's happily making breakfast, singing a tune while chopping salad. They go for a walk around the yishuv. They both look very happy, playing house.

Back to Nati at Ein Karem, where he's informed that he was chosen by a donor to represent the residents at a fundraising meeting.He doesn't want to go, but then is told that the last person chosen for this role was also sent to Mount Sinai hospital for an internship. He quickly accepts.

Back to Reut and Yochai. Yochai informs her that he's going into his uncle's office supply business. Reut is not happy. How can he stop learning? They get into an amazing discussion about learning vs. working. He's like "I'm almost thirty I have to start working". She's like "How can you go into sales and stop learning Torah?" Go Laizy for exploring the essence of modern Orthodoxy!

Then back to Nati and Amir. Amir is once again eating a salad- man he eats a lot of salad.

Nati tells him about how the daughter of donor who hosted the fundraising meeting hit on him and this starts a new storyline between him and the rich chick who drives a mercedes?!!! Whoa. She runs a Gemach of leftover rich people's clothes. They go on a date.


Yifat comes back for shabbat. Yay! At dinner the girls inform Nati that he was ambushed by the rich girl (She spotted him at Ohel Necahama, the singles shul and gather a lot of intel on him) He realizes that the fundraising meeting was kind of a set up for her father to check him out and he's upset about this. Yifat and Amir keep quiet about themselves, but Amir is upset about this. When Amir asks about this she says it's not you it's me.

Yifat and Hodaya are reading by the bathroom light (of course, Makor Rishon!)

Towards the end, Nati is anxious to make havdala because he wants to call Nitzan, the rich girl, to tell her off (he feels like she's using him, though it's not clear why?) He calls and Nizan kind of takes control of the conversation and tells him she'll pick him in an hour.

The show ends with Yifat back in the yishuv.

I missed a lot of details. Please feel free to fill them in in the comments.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Olmert to Olim: America is here?!

Continuing their mission of bringing World Jewry to Israel, yet another Nefesh B'Nefesh chartered airplane landed in Israel this morning, as 235 more Jews returned home -- as new immigrants. Dubbed, The "Singles" flight, 92 of the immigrants are singles (57 women and 35 men)...let's hope they don't get sucked into the Katamon "Srugim" swamp! (btw, How do we know Srugim isn't authentic? Because the characters never talk about the Srugim TV show! If they were authentic, they would be talking about the show, just as religious Jews are talking about the show all the time...)

Yet as Israel's Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert is being recommended by the Israel police for charges to be brought against him for: fraud, bribery, and corruption, he found the time to welcome the new immigrants.

"You have come to the greatest country in the world. It's true that we face dangers and threats, but they cannot harm the State of Israel. The State of Israel will live forever as a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. The olim are the answer to any threat."

The prime minister went on to praise the Israeli economy, and added, "America is here."

America is here?!

Jews move to Israel because it's Israel, and not America.

Israel is not the "greatest country" in the world -- it is the most special country to the Jewish people, but not the "greatest". If Israel were America, Olmert would have resigned in shame months ago, instead of brazenly continuing as Prime Minister and pushing dubious political discussions with Syria and the Palestinians without a moral mandate.

Welcome home Olim -- and please try to ignore our Prime Minister. He's just an insignificant blip on the radar of Jewish history.

Among those who arrived in Israel on Monday were a three-month old baby and an 86-year-old woman, as well as 34 families, 48 children and 18 youths who will soon join the Israel Defense Forces. Ten new dogs will also have to get used to the Israeli climate from now on.

Israeli climate...and the Knesset.

Despite them -- welcome home! You will make this country better, and hopefully we will eventually be proud of our nation's government.

Lurker adds:

Olmert's stupid remark about Israel being America wasn't the only inappropriate comment he made to the olim. Apparently, he also saw fit to make some partisan politcal remarks, too:

"[MK Yoel] Hasson is a member of Kadima, he will be one of the party's senior
leaders, and it will remain a leading party in Israel."

Seeing a planeload of olim juxtaposed with Ehud Olmert is a study in contrasts. As a rule, olim are sincere idealists, committed to their Jewish and Zionist values. They are living models of Jewish selflessness, and tend to be interested in doing whatever they can to contribute to the Jewish people, and to strengthen the Jewish people's hold on its eternal homeland. Olmert, on the other hand, is practically the very opposite: He's a conniving cynic, interested in little but his own personal advancement. He has demonstrated his willingness to make tens of thousands of Jews homeless, and to jepoardize the security of his people, just in order to score a few political points. And his level of corruption has raised eyebrows even among the jaded Israeli public.

So its hardly surprising that Nefesh b'Nefesh felt compelled to take the embarrassing precaution of appealing to the olim to bite their tongues, and to refrain from showing any disrespect to this odious man while he was addressing them. You might imagine that Olmert, for his part, would have the minimal good sense to steer clear of politics when speaking to them. But you would be wrong.

This is one of the talkbacks on the article (#14), from Dr. David M. Feigenbaum of Netanya:

I attended the cermony. We were asked to respect the office of the Prime
Minister at least twice before he spoke. We honored that request until he
injected politics into his speech. When he mentioned Kadima we booed him.

Olmert is a boorish nincompoop.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

America's Largest Independent Jewish Weekly

-- Advertisement --

OK, here's an advertisement guaranteed to start a comment war (and not because I put up 2 advertisements in a row).

Forget influential for a minute, it's amazing how the Jewish Press is sometimes considered the most controversial Jewish Paper around - especially with some of the other really controversial Jewish papers out there.

My theory is that it has nothing to do with its strongly held opinions and positions, but rather that it has such a wide readership in the Orthodox community that many people consider themselves obligated to read it, even if they disagree with parts of it, so they'll know what the rest of the Orthodox community is talking about over by the water cooler (you know who you are).

(I liked the Golem comics myself.)

So it's considered controversial because so many people that disagree with it are reading it (unlike really controversial papers that have limited audience appeal) - because it is a must read.


Anyway, here's the deal. For a short time only, you can subscribe to the Jewish Press and get your choice of a free Rav Soloveitchik Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur Machzor. (Certain restrictions apply).

You save money, and get a free machzor - but subscribe now, before it's too late.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Tachlis 2.0

-- Advertisement --

Following in the footsteps of the NBN convention is none other than Tachlis 2.0.

Apparently Jewish bloggers were left hungry for a little more Tachlis, so here it is.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008 in the Old City of Jerusalem (clearly the center of the Jewish blogging world).

From the website: "Tachlis 2 Point Oh! has no agenda other than the effective dissemination of practical information based on real life examples and years of experience."

Register now for Tachlis 2.0.



Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Real-Life Role Models

While browsing through a shopping mall in Ra'anana a few weeks ago, my wife and I were amused by a poster of Albert Einstein which we thought was apt for our oldest son's dorm room; "Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater."

Encouraging children by reflecting on our own difficulties provides a much needed comfort zone -- we experienced many of their same challenges.

I find solace and hope when reading gems from our rabbinical leaders about their personal challenges and limitations.

Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski shares a very personal and eye-opening essay, "My Own Struggle with Low Self-Esteem" which I highly recommend.

Excerpted:

I first became aware that I had a self-esteem problem at age thirty-eight. For three years, I had been director of a huge, 300 bed psychiatric facility with a very busy emergency room. If a nurse could not reach an attending doctor, I was called. Every other night I was on call to the emergency room. On a good night, I was awoken only five times; on a bad night, ten or more times.

I had a vacation coming, and was desirous of getting away from an impossibly hectic situation. I sought a vacation spot that would allow me to do nothing other than vegetate. I wanted no sightseeing or activities. I finally decided on Hot Springs, Arkansas, which promised to allow me total rest.

...

People assume that low self-esteem is caused by parental neglect, abuse, comparison to other siblings, illness or failures. None of these applied to me. I had loving parents and a nanny who thought I was G-d’s gift to the world. I was a chess prodigy, and achieved excellence in school that enabled me to graduate high school at 16. There was simply no logical reason for me to feel inferior, yet I suffered from low self-esteem and was not aware of it until the incident at Hot Springs.

...

That’s the way I felt even after being a psychiatrist for several years. If you find that you have any of the traits I discussed in Life’s Too Short, you are suffering unnecessarily from low self-esteem. Do whatever it takes to get over this.

Read and hear the rest of it over at TorahWeb.

This story is what inspires people to work on their own faults and improve themselves, not stories of perfect, flawless icons with no faults that always do the right thing. Such a person, if he actually existed, while certainly worthy of respect is completely irrelevant to our own day to day lives.

R' Twerski learned that he had an inner conflict and went about working on it, and that's why he wrote this essay and shared it with others -- to help others do the same thing.

Some might this story and censor it at best or scoff at it at worse, casting out the "insulting suggestion" that a great talmid chacham would have such faults...or if they did accept the the story as true, they would say it would be "insulting to a talmid chacham" to publicize his condition.

Such behaviour would leave this story buried and hidden, and the benifit that R' Twerski wanted to bring by sharing it with others would be lost.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

What is Srugim about?

Guest post by Lurker



Jameel's post about R. Aviner's ban on Srugim seems to have ignited quite a debate. This debate goes to the heart of what the show is actually about, as well as what value it holds.

One of the objections that has been raised is that the characters on the show are not good role models. And as Jameel pointed out, they are not really intended to be. Others have responded to this by suggesting that in fact, they ought to be. But is this really true?

This particular criticism of the show seems to stem from the view that the only legitimate form of literature about people -- or, in this case, drama -- is one in which the characters are role models. In this genre of literature/drama, all the actions of all major characters are justified and perfect, and in complete accordance with the rules of behavior set out in Mesilat Yesharim. I call this the “ArtScroll genre”. And people who favor this genre exclusively tend to view any other sort of human portrayal as "cheap, low and stupid".

The big problem with the ArtScroll genre is that it bears little resemblance to reality. This is true when it's used to rewrite the biographies of gedolim, and all the more so when it's used in fiction about "regular" people. Simply put, stories are not all that interesting when they are about people with no failings or inner conflicts.

Srugim is about a few (fictional) characters who are part of the dati leumi (religious Zionist) community, and it depicts those characters as flawed, imperfect human beings: They are committed to their values and principles, but at the same time, they struggle to deal with the conflicts that arise between those values and other aspects of their lives. Sometimes they succeed, and sometimes -- often to their own chagrin -- they fail. As a rule, this is what real people are like. That's true in general -- and not for just 30-year old religious singles in the Jerusalem bitza.

Some might say, so what? What value is there in portraying people wracked by such dilemmas and conflicts, even if it is realistic? Well, there's the simple entertainment value for one, and I don't think that's a value that should be dismissed out of hand. But in fact, there are other values in this as well:

• We live in a society where dati'im (religious people) are commonly portrayed by the media as one-dimensional, strange people who are estranged from the modern world, and who do everything they do out of unthinking, blind obedience. It is therefore a very helpful thing for hilonim (secular people) to see a portrayal of dati'im as three-dimensional, real people, who are similar to themselves in many ways, who very much live in the modern world, and who struggle with real conflicts.
  


• It is a good thing for many dati'im to see a portrayal of other dati'im who face many of the same difficulties in life as their own, and with whose struggles they can identify. From this perspective, the portrayal of flaws can potentially be very constructive: When someone sees a character on the show with whom he identifies, and that character's failings start coming to light as the show progresses, many people may come to recognize similar failings in themselves. I have already run into more than one person who has been watching Srugim, and who said, "Oh my God -- that character is me!" In the month of Elul, it hardly needs to be repeated that conscious recognition of one’s own personal failing is the first step toward rectifying it.
  
  Shadkhaniot (matchmakers) are telling us that Srugim is doing their job for them; effectively conveying to religious singles the critical message that the shadkhaniot have been trying desperately to tell them for years: That the singles need to become more realistic and open-minded in their search for a mate (hattip: Shimon). And who knows; maybe there's a real-life "Nati" out there who, after recognizing the stupidity and self-destructiveness of the fictional Nati's behavior, might finally wise up, turn around and settle down with his own "Yifat". R. Aviner and anyone else can say whatever they want about the show, but if there are even a small number of people for whom this might be true, then Laizy Shapiro has earned his place in olam haba...
  

One can even make the argument that these characters are role models, in a certain way: They are positive role models inasmuch as they succeed in doing the right things and adhering to their principles. These things should be emulated. And they are negative role models inasmuch as they fail. And these things should be avoided.

“Wait a minute!” you might object. “That makes them no different from people in real life!”

And you would be absolutely right.

This, of course, brings us to another charge that’s been discussed here against Srugim: The claim has been made that portraying people -- even fictional ones -- in such a true-to-life manner constitutes lashon hara (slander) against the larger community to which they belong -- in this case, the dati leumi community. As one of the commenters asked, "Why wouldn't this be a problem of lashon hara against a community, and therefore each of its members?"

When one thinks about it, the suggestion that this portrayal constitutes lashon hara against the entire dati leumi community is really quite silly. Human nature is such that all communities have people with flaws, as does humanity as a whole. Haza"l teach us that we all are plagued by our yetzer hara (evil inclination), and that we often succumb to it. Are Haza"l therefore guilty of lashon hara against the Jewish people? The book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) tells us that people are vain, and that they waste their time on pointless foolishness. Is Kohelet thus guilty of lashon hara against all humanity?

Furthermore, to suggest that Srugim is guilty of lashon hara against each and every member of the dati leumi community (as the same commenter suggested) is even more baseless. There is no reason for anyone to suppose that the particular flaws of any given fictional character on the show is shared by any particular real-life person.

All the religious characters on Srugim have a commitment to Torah and mitzvot, to one degree or another. The never-ending struggle between this commitment on the one hand, and one's opposing desires on the other, is the core of what Srugim is all about. It is a struggle we all face, each in our own way, and it is a worthwhile endeavor indeed to portray this struggle in a stimulating, sensitive way -- which is exactly what this show does.

Pay attention to the words of Srugim’s hauntingly eloquent theme song, Ana Efneh ("Where Will I Turn"), sung by Erez Lev-Ari. (This is a highly appropriate song for Elul, btw. If I were to give it my own title, I would call it Vidui ["Confession"].) In it, you will find this conflict framed brilliantly in its poignant lyrics (translated here by yours truly, with a hattip to Moze):

I pursue Your laws, on the one hand On the other, my passion pursues me. Ashamed and embarrassed, I will enter Your gates. And the long nights and the loneliness and the years, And this heart that has not known peace. Until the sea becomes quiet, until the shadows disappear.	אני רודף אחר חוקיך, מחד מאידך תשוקתי אותי רודפת בוש ונכלם אבוא בשעריך והלילות הארוכים והבדידות ושנים והלב הזה שלא ידע מרגוע עד שישקוט הים, עד שינוסו הצללים
Where shall I go, to where will I turn, when Your eyes gaze upon me? Where shall I flee, how will I not turn away? Between truth and truth, Between law and practice. Between the days of yore and modern times. Between the hidden and the revealed, Between the world to come and this world.	לאן אלך, אנה אפנה, כשעיניך מביטות בי איכה אברח, איך לא אפנה בין אמת לאמת בין הלכה למעשה בין הימים ההם לזמן הזה בין הנסתר לנגלה בין העולם הבא לעולם הזה
I pursue Your laws, on the other hand my passion burns me Fierce as death, terrible as troops with banners The long nights and the loneliness and the years, And this heart that has not known peace. Until the sea becomes quiet, until the shadows disappear Bring me back!	רודף אחר חוקיך, מאידך תשוקתי אותי שורפת עזה כמוות, איומה כנדגלות הלילות הארוכים והבדידות והשנים והלב הזה שלא ידע מרגוע עד שישקוט הים, עד שינוסו הצללים השיבני
Where shall I go, to where will I turn ...	לאן אלך, אנה אפנה ...

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Eruv Wars in Jerusalem

One of the more distressing aspects of Jewish Disunity around the globe is that of "Eruv Wars". While Orthodox or Chareidi shuls and mikvaot are high on the list of "annoyances" to anti-religious Israelies, secular or non-Orthodox Jews (see "Battle of the Mikva"), the most bizarre hostility is towards the "eruv."

The eruv is a framework of wires and poles (though they could be actual walls, or even natural borders) that allows religious Jews to carry on Shabbat. Without it, one cannot carry outside one's home, building or enclosed courtyard -- and it greatly inconveniences the Jewish community (difficult to carry keys, push baby carriages, water bottles, etc.)

In Jerusalem, the eruv wars have been heating up and for the past few weeks, unknown people have been maliciously cutting the eruv on Shabbat -- thereby invalidating it and wrecking havoc for those who want to carry on Shabbat.

YNET reports:

These altercations [Eruv wars] came after the eruv committee installed more than 200 posts withing a 32 kilometer (20 mile) range on the road leading to the city’s Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

In one of these instances, the Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood’s local administration decided to saw off a number of posts placed on the neighborhood streets.

When ultra-Orthodox inhabitants noticed what occurred, a riot ensued and in light of the confrontation which broke out between the sides, the police were called to the scene in an attempt to restore the calm.

As of late, the eruv issue has taken a worrisome turn for the worse. Every Shabbat for the past three weeks, a group of unknowns arrive at the site and cut the eruv’s wires.

This sabotage is caused to the eruv erected by the religious council, the haredi sector and the eruv committee alike.

In certain instances, the unknowns even ignited some of the posts. This eruv vandalization has occurred in numerous Jerusalem neighborhoods including Kiryat Menachem, Armon Hanatziv, Bayit VeGan, Givat Mordechai and Givat Shaul.

Excuses provided on behalf of the eruv vandals in the Kiryat Hayovel:

The source of the battles is the Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood which is situated above the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

According to one of the area’s residents, the whole story began two years ago when haredim began placing eruv posts inside the neighborhoods in addition to those already placed by the religious council.

This phenomenon, in his opinion, is very characteristic in haredi neighborhoods but bothersome to Kiryat Hayovel’s secular inhabitants.

“They began placing an eruv which cut the Kiryat Hayovel neighborhood,” said Danny who prefers remaining anonymous in light of threats he has already received.

“In many cases they used an existing fence or house entrances and started welding posts on them. Posts were definitely placed and ruined the view or were sidewalks; causing a real safety hazard.

“We did not know who was installing these posts. They would come at odd hours and when the police were called, they would leave,” said Danny.

According to Danny, the basis for their opposition to placement of eruv posts is first and foremost the illegality of it all especially since the posts are not placed in accordance with neighborhood authorities or backed by necessary legal permits.

“I can’t insert a post anywhere I want. You have to undergo an organized process and not every private body can do whatever they feel like doing,” he said.

In addition the ultra-Orthodox character the neighborhood is getting with the placement of eruv posts is undesired by many inhabitants.

In Danny’s estimation, “an eruv is definitely a haredi symbol and we don’t want an influx of haredim in southwest Jerusalem.

“It is not healthy for them or for us. The eruv equips the neighborhoods for haredim to a certain degree and this immixture with the ultra-Orthodox public only causes unnecessary friction.”

Eruv polls and wires are rather innocuous, unless of course, you're looking for a fight. I remember a chat with Rabbi Brovender a few years ago, when he told me how wonderful it was that one of the first things done when an IDF unit sets up camp, is that they build an eruv.

I'll be the first to say it's a challenge for religious and secular Jews to live in harmony, but cutting down an eruv on Shabbat is about as low as you can get.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

NewsFlash: R' Shlomo Aviner vs. Srugim

In the SMS halachik Q&A section of the upcoming weekly Shabbat pamphlet "Olam Katan", R' Aviner is asked the following question:

Is one allowed to watch "Srugim", the TV show about religious singles and "shiduchim"?

The answer was a resounding "NO."

"Of course this is forbidden [to watch]. There is bad language and licentiousness. It is not enough to be "shomer negia", and this is also not always followed [on the show] -- one needs purity and modesty.

It [the show] doesn't lack cheap, low and stupid content and its a disgrace to the religious Zionist community. To learn about how one should act, a person should read "Messilat Yesharim" (story source: Ynet via Rotter.Net)

A few comments:

1. Perhaps R' Aviner is retaliating for his mention in the previous show from last week?

2. I find it disappointing that there is a common knee-jerk reaction to the show that it doesn't positively portray the "religious Zionist" community. The show isn't about positively portraying the religious Zionist community -- it's about reality as it takes place. Yes, it's a show, but ask anyone who's been in the Katamon swamp, and they'll say it reflects reality. The point of Ma'aleh (their website is being re-done), the religious film school is not to exclusively produce promotional films that advocate for everyone to join the "religious Zionist" lifestyle.

The show really does not need a disclaimer/warning at the beginning stating: "The following show depicts the behavior of religious singles in the Katamon. You should not draw any conclusions that their behavior is proper or in accordance with halacha and that the characters are truly representative of the religious Zionist community. The scenes and actions shown are not under any halachik authority but were written by 2 graduates of the Maaleh film school and are self-defined as religious Zionists. In doubt, please consult your local Religious Zionist Orthodox Rabbi or see the Messilat Yesharim"

3. The person who asked the question in the first place should have prefaced his question if he is allowed to watch ANY TV at all, since I don't believe it falls within R' Aviner's worldview to begin with.

4. I seriously doubt R' Aviner's halachik opinion forbidding someone from watching the show is going to affect the show's ratings in the slightest...and will probably only increase them.

It's Elul. Please keep your comments respectful.


Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

IKEA in Israel - 30% higher prices?

The Marker, one of Israel's leading economic magazines reports today what many of us have long suspected: IKEA's prices in Israel are significantly more expensive than other IKEA branches around the globe -- a hand towel (choose your own appropriate catalog word; frap, kwoodle, blargo...) in IKEA Sweden costs 1 NIS and in IKEA Israel costs 15 NIS.

On average, the prices in IKEA Israel are 30% higher than IKEA Britain and Holland, and 24% higher than France and Sweden. The Marker price checked 21 items that in Israel totaled
17,000 NIS, yet the exact same items in France or Sweden would have cost 13,000 NIS. In England and Holland the total price tag was even lower; only 12,000 NIS.

Shlomo Gabbai, CEO of IKEA Israel provided 2 main reasons for the higher cost;

1. The high shipping and Logistics costs of getting their merchandise from Sweden to Israel.

2. The strong Shekel vs. the weaker foreign currencies.

I personally only discovered IKEA after I made aliya, since it was only starting to gain popularity in the US when I made aliya. We were very excited about it at first, and purchased many items for our "lift", but we were soon underwhelmed by the quality of the items -- some are definitely sturdier than others.

On the bright side, the food court is Kosher, they are closed on shabbat, and IKEA Israel even has its own shul!

Follow me, the rabbi whispers to me mysteriously, and leads me to a hidden door, between the recliner department and the sofa display. We go down one floor, he opens a door, and I am totally stunned. Not a corner, not a small prayer room, but a synagogue. An honest-to-goodness synagogue. The Great Synagogue of IKEA.

Little by little, more good Jews gather in the secret bunker. Some work in the store, others are customers - the rabbi has assured their wives that he will personally see to it that they return within 15 minutes to the same mirrored shelf unit in the same model bathroom. I go to check out the bookshelves and am bowled over. Everything is so neat and spiffy. Every synagogue should be so orderly. Printed on each book is "Property of IKEA." There's an IKEA-siddur, and IKEA-chumash, a new set of IKEA-Rambam and even a Torah ark with a velvet curtain on which the following is embroidered: "For out of Zion shall go forth the Torah and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem. Donated by Yehiel Moshe (Edgar) and Matityahu Bronfman." HaAretz

From what I can see around the web, many people are disappointed with IKEA's customer service department, but for those of us living in Israel, it should be par for the course! (It can't possibly be worse than dealing with Highway-6 customer service or the Ministry of the Interior)

The adjoining comic was too good not to include, even if it may not be fully justified.














Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

Grains of Sand....everywhere

While Commenter Abbi had a blast down south, the Muqata family ventured up North last week via a first-time-ever family camping experience on the beach of the Mediterranean.

Camping on the beach was the fulfillment of a promise I made to the kids that during the summer we would camp out one night...and I'm happy to report, the kids had an amazing time (which is ultimately the reason we do such things.)

However, the #1 downside issue with the beach and kids is: SAND.

It gets everywhere: Clothes, tent, food, cellphones, hair, eyes.

BLECH.

We tried valiantly to keep it out of the tent, but we were only partially successful. My wife's idea to pack a separate sand-free suitcase for the rest of our trip up North was a lifesaver.

I did a decent job of keeping the sand out of the food I grilled...but some of the hotdogs had that gritty, "beach" taste.

Sleeping on the sand in our tent was not the most comfortable experience for me (not that the kids care), and I think my wife decided this would be her first and last tent camping trip on a beach. Yet in her ever-optimistic philosophy on life, my wife summed it up as follows:

The only redeeming factors of the beach camp-out were:

1. The kids had an absolute blast.
2. Maybe the experience will help with our understanding that the Jewish people will be as countless as grains of sand...and we should merit that blessing.

And since life in Israel is incessantly interwoven with the Jewish experience, I guess it wasn't a coincidence that I heard the following advertisement on the radio this morning:

Want a great job? Israel is now starting the once-every-ten-years national census! We need people in your area to coordinate and manage teams of census takers in a highly rewarding job that pays well too. Contact us at our website... (note: The English Website for the press release "Recruitment Of Coordinators For 2008 Population Census" is blank but the Hebrew one works)

And of course, how can one count the Jewish people in land of Israel? Aren't we countless as the grains of sand in our tent? This question comes up every 10 years, as people are discouraged from participating in the census due to religious issues.

A fascinating roundup of the issue can be found here by R' J. David Bleich, "The Controversy Concerning the Israeli Census" -- which can be viewed online here in "Contemporary Halachik Problems"

More on our vacation later...but I think we will start a regular section here about kid-friendly vacation ideas around Israel (and we welcome submissions too! Thanks Abbi!)

PS: The tent picture above isn't our tent. In our rush to leave for our vacation, I forgot our camera, so I don't have pictures of it. Then again, it was probably for the best as I probably would have gotten it full of sand anyway)

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד

'What? You Went SOUTH?!'

Contrary to 95% of the country, our family actually went to visit Machtesh Ramon (the Ramon Crater) in the Negev for our end of the summer getaway. I kept feeling like I had to justify it beforehand, as I encountered the inevitable "You're going to the DESERT in August? You're crazy!" Hey, it was hot, but at least it was dry heat, as opposed to the steam bath otherwise know as Tiberias at this time of year.

We took this deal that Isrotel's Ramon Inn offered, that included two nights at the hotel and entrance to all kinds of attractions in the area for a great price (pretty much the same as a tzimmer up north.) The room turned out to be a two bedroom suite with a full kitchen and living room (the hotel is actually a renovated Amidar building, so this was basically a fixed-up low-income apartment). It was clean and nicely decorated, but there was only one a/c unit in the living room that was a bit noisy. The rest of the rooms had ceiling fans.

[As a side note, I have only had great experiences at Isrotel hotels. Their food is always great, the atmosphere is generally low-key and relaxing and any entertainment they provide is actually tasteful and enjoyable. Not that we go away all that much, but I pretty much will only stay in their hotels when we do.]

Anyway, the place was packed with lots of other crazy families from the Merkaz who took this deal. But unlike Chayei Sarah's vacation experience , these Israelis were so well-behaved, the only people who drove us crazy at breakfast were our own kids.


The first day we checked out the Visitor's Center, which is a really great way to take an air-conditioned tiyul to the crater. They have a nice sound and light show about how it came to be and exhibits and explanations of the different types of rocks found in the crater. They also have a nice panoramic lookout. My three year old daughter did a great interpretive dance in front of the window, which topped off our trip there. (Since we don't even have a camping/packing list for the kids to burn, I can't even show you pictures because we stupidly forgot our camera!)

We also got a great map from the center that directed us to all the cool spots in the crater. So that evening, we took a drive in to the crater, did a very mini tiyul (like 20 minutes) to check out the ruins of an ancient inn and the spring it was next to and then had a barbecue at a SPNI campsite. Unfortunately, we got to the campsite after dark, which threw a bit of a wrench in our bbq plans due to the limited outdoor lighting (duh, it's the desert!). I just kept praying there was no salmonella in our chicken breasts. Of course, the pple next to us brought their own light and extension cord (apparently, there are outlets at these places) and pretty much set up a make-shift kitchen at the picnic table next to us.

On the drive back, we got to see a skyfull of stars, Milky Way and all. It was gorgeous, but the moonless darkness thing freaked the kids out.

The next day, we checked out the local alpaca farm, which was fun, but the alpacas were a bit aggressive. They had llama rides for the kids and all kinds of nice indoor activities with wool and stuff.

On the way home, we tried to stop at some kind of Negev nature center at kibbutz Revivim, but it was closed by the time we got there. But we did stumble on this great JNF park on the way out, Golda Meir Park that was beautiful, green and even had a nice lake! And bathrooms! and playgrounds! You know you're traveling with kids when it's the last two things that really excite you. It also has some nice bike trails that we tried to explore on foot/stroller, but I had the wrong stroller with me to really enjoy it.

We had a fantastic time in the DRY 40 degree heat. We cooled off in the hotel pool as needed and actually did stop at the Nitzanim beach in Ashdod on the way down. (Great, well-cared for beach with beautiful water.) Very recommended trip, and I'm sure in the winter it's even more gorgeous with the wildflowers in bloom.

BTW, an even cheaper way to experience the crater is to stay at the Har Hanegev Field School, which I did as a camper and madricha on this Israel trip as a teenager. That was even more breathtaking because you're right at the edge of the crater. They can also organize all types of hikes for you, jeep trips, etc.

Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד