What resolutions will we make and keep in 2008?
1. Every day let's get exercise- we can all feel better and be in better shape a year from now Now let's increase our Learn/Live/Love
2. Learn: Talmud Torah is the greatest mitzvah because it leads to all else.Every day learn something Jewish you did not know before. If you are reading this you know how to use a computer so use it to learn because the resources on Jewish subjects are vast. You can watch one video of mine each day. Weekly- commit to read the weekly parasha.
3. Live Jewishly increasg or start one new ritual m itzvah observance each month and keep doing it. Suggestions:
January-Join in a Tubishvat seder or make one if you have not.
February-cut out one trief item permanently. The crabs, lobsters, pigs, oysters etc will thank you.
March- hear the Megillah of Esther read or read it yourself if you can't hear it
April- keep a higher level of Pesah kashrut-change dishes/get rid of your hometz/no hometz in the mouth.
May-Commit to do one more thing to help Israel in honor of her 60th birthday, :plan a trip, (we still have a few spots on our trip) donate more, buy Bonds, pester your Congressman and Senators, join AIPAC, read an Israeli newspaper
June: commit to one more religious service at your local synagogue per week-(if you already go 10x or more, you are exempt. People who attend services more live longer.
July-commit to hamotzei before each meal and at least one paragraph
of Birkat Hamazone
August-Add one Shabbat observance: candles, kiddush Friday, Services, Havdalah, kiddush at lunch, no errands/shopping,
September/October 1.Erect A sukkah if you can/ attend one Sukkot Service at least once
2. Commit to saying at least one bracha unrelated to food daily. Best way to meet God and bring holiness into our day. The siddur has hundreds. Pick one.
November-pick shaharit or minha,or maariv. The last 2 take 10 minutes. Recite one a day. if you need help finding them, let me know.
December: Light the candles every night of Hannukah no matter what
4. Love God and your fellow creatures Jewishly-add a mitzvah a month
January: mediate 10 minutes a day on God. Gail will make videos explaining how
February: Figure out how to love thy neighbor as thyself more
March If you hear someone is sick that you know, offer a prayer for them and call or send a note-
April-if someone is gossiping around you, walk away. If they try and gossip to you, change the subject. Do not curse the deaf or spread richiolos, as the good book says.
May go to that funeral/make that shiva call. Hesed shel emes
June: tell no lies unless its a fib to keep the peace
July: Do not profit from false weights and measures or take bribe
August: Do not put a stumbling block before the blind
September:Love the stranger: Do not oppress the widow, orphan or stranger
October: Eat things that had parents less often-this one is for Gail
November: Make peace between 2 people not at peace
December: Save the world-consume less energy every way you can
Let me know how you did Dec. 31 2008.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Palestinians need to stop the killing
Israel: No peace until militants stopped By MARK LAVIE, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 58 minutes ago
JERUSALEM - Furious over the killing of two Israelis hiking in the West Bank, Israel's prime minister said Sunday that no peace will come until Palestinians crack down on militants, a declaration that clouds a coming visit by President Bush.
ADVERTISEMENT
To clear the way for Bush to push for progress, the two sides had just agreed to paper over another spat: Israel's plan to build 307 new apartments in a Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem, the section claimed by the Palestinians.
But that was before the shooting of two off-duty Israeli soldiers Friday by Palestinian attackers, in a valley near the West Bank city of Hebron. There were two claims of responsibility: one from Hamas and Islamic Jihad; the other from Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, which has ties to Abbas' Fatah movement.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaking before the weekly meeting of Israel's Cabinet, denounced the hikers' shooting deaths.
"As long as the Palestinian Authority doesn't take the necessary steps and act with the necessary vigor against terror organizations, Israel won't be able to carry out any change that would expose it to any jeopardy or endanger Israel's security," he said.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, however, saw the talks as an answer to violence. "To address this issue between Palestinians and Israelis, we need the resumption of a meaningful peace process," Erekat said.
Israel's demand for a crackdown on Palestinian militants derives from the internationally backed "road map" peace plan, the agreed basis for the talks. The road map requires dismantling militant groups and Israel has long demanded that such a crackdown precede implementation of any peace accords.
Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had pledged to restart peace talks at Bush's Mideast conference last month in Annapolis, Md., aiming for a peace agreement by the end of 2008. But periodic crises are already hampering the efforts.
2 hours, 58 minutes ago
JERUSALEM - Furious over the killing of two Israelis hiking in the West Bank, Israel's prime minister said Sunday that no peace will come until Palestinians crack down on militants, a declaration that clouds a coming visit by President Bush.
ADVERTISEMENT
To clear the way for Bush to push for progress, the two sides had just agreed to paper over another spat: Israel's plan to build 307 new apartments in a Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem, the section claimed by the Palestinians.
But that was before the shooting of two off-duty Israeli soldiers Friday by Palestinian attackers, in a valley near the West Bank city of Hebron. There were two claims of responsibility: one from Hamas and Islamic Jihad; the other from Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, which has ties to Abbas' Fatah movement.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaking before the weekly meeting of Israel's Cabinet, denounced the hikers' shooting deaths.
"As long as the Palestinian Authority doesn't take the necessary steps and act with the necessary vigor against terror organizations, Israel won't be able to carry out any change that would expose it to any jeopardy or endanger Israel's security," he said.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, however, saw the talks as an answer to violence. "To address this issue between Palestinians and Israelis, we need the resumption of a meaningful peace process," Erekat said.
Israel's demand for a crackdown on Palestinian militants derives from the internationally backed "road map" peace plan, the agreed basis for the talks. The road map requires dismantling militant groups and Israel has long demanded that such a crackdown precede implementation of any peace accords.
Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had pledged to restart peace talks at Bush's Mideast conference last month in Annapolis, Md., aiming for a peace agreement by the end of 2008. But periodic crises are already hampering the efforts.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
US-Israel items by Richard Baehr
It appears that Ehud Olmert is agreeing to be raped by the US.
David Landau would be pleased. Shmuel Rosner (who is too good for
Haaretz) and Aluf Benn on American pressure ,and Condi's
resentments. It appears that Rice is upset with Israel, and carries
a grudge, because of the bombing of the apartment building at Q'ana
during the war in Lebanon, at the time she arrived in the region to
try to halt the war. Does she believe that this attack, which turned
media coverage of the war sharply against Israel, was designed to
undercut her mission? Can she be that lame? Michael Freund is also
none too happy with her. Ruth King says President Bush has to answer
for Rice. Scott Johnson says Bush and Rice should stay home. Many NFL
playoff games to watch in January.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/124734#replies
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/939202.html
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1196847313474&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/homeland.php?id=1385991
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2007/12/019388.php
David Landau would be pleased. Shmuel Rosner (who is too good for
Haaretz) and Aluf Benn on American pressure ,and Condi's
resentments. It appears that Rice is upset with Israel, and carries
a grudge, because of the bombing of the apartment building at Q'ana
during the war in Lebanon, at the time she arrived in the region to
try to halt the war. Does she believe that this attack, which turned
media coverage of the war sharply against Israel, was designed to
undercut her mission? Can she be that lame? Michael Freund is also
none too happy with her. Ruth King says President Bush has to answer
for Rice. Scott Johnson says Bush and Rice should stay home. Many NFL
playoff games to watch in January.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/124734#replies
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/939202.html
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1196847313474&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FPrinter
http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/homeland.php?id=1385991
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2007/12/019388.php
Items on the Palestinians and settlers from Baehr
Another Rosner column: What will the PA do with all that new
money? Khaled Abu Toameh, another gem, on why Hamas might act like
they are interested in a ceasefire. Those IDF helicopter gunships may
be getting too close for comfort.. Evelyn Gordon laments some Israeli
policy errors. Shmuel Katz lays out the legal case for settler
rights in the West Bank.
http://www.slate.com/id/2180891/
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
c=JPArticle&cid=1198517229330&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1198517230494&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://imra.org.il/story.php3?id=37387
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1198517217393&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1198517224676&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
money? Khaled Abu Toameh, another gem, on why Hamas might act like
they are interested in a ceasefire. Those IDF helicopter gunships may
be getting too close for comfort.. Evelyn Gordon laments some Israeli
policy errors. Shmuel Katz lays out the legal case for settler
rights in the West Bank.
http://www.slate.com/id/2180891/
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
c=JPArticle&cid=1198517229330&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1198517230494&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://imra.org.il/story.php3?id=37387
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1198517217393&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?
cid=1198517224676&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Iran It gets worse and worse
Iran's Point Defense Upgraded
Russia has signed a deal with Iran to sell 29 of its TOR M-1 Anti-Aircraft/Anti-Missile systems, a development that will complicate any planned pre-emptive attack on the rogue nation's nuclear facilities. Russian officials claim the Tor system is "a weapon of defense" and does not represent a danger to the U.S. as long as Washington does not attack Iran.
The 9K331 Tor [SA-15 GAUNTLET land-based, SA-N-9 naval version] low-to-medium altitude SAM system is capable of engaging not only aircraft and helicopters but also RPVs, precision-guided weapons and low flying cruise missiles. The sophisticated Tor system could ensure reliable protection for government, industrial and military sites.
Western intelligence reports indicate that efforts to increase Iran's air defense capability have lately been stepped up. Mostafa
Russia has signed a deal with Iran to sell 29 of its TOR M-1 Anti-Aircraft/Anti-Missile systems, a development that will complicate any planned pre-emptive attack on the rogue nation's nuclear facilities. Russian officials claim the Tor system is "a weapon of defense" and does not represent a danger to the U.S. as long as Washington does not attack Iran.
The 9K331 Tor [SA-15 GAUNTLET land-based, SA-N-9 naval version] low-to-medium altitude SAM system is capable of engaging not only aircraft and helicopters but also RPVs, precision-guided weapons and low flying cruise missiles. The sophisticated Tor system could ensure reliable protection for government, industrial and military sites.
Western intelligence reports indicate that efforts to increase Iran's air defense capability have lately been stepped up. Mostafa
Words to Psalm 150 for video below
Psalm 150
Ha-l'lu-yah!
Ha-l'lu Eil b'kawd-sho, ha-l'lu-hu bir-ki-a u-zo.
Ha'l'lu-hu big-vu-ro-tav, ha-l'lu-hu k'rov gud-lo.
Ha-l'lu-hu b'tei-ka sho-far, ha-l'lu-hu b'nei-vel v'chi-nor.
Ha-l'lu-hu b'tof u-ma-chol, ha-l'lu-hu b'mi-nim v'u-gav.
[Some congregations start singing aloud together here.]
Ha-l'lu-hu b'tsil-ts'lei sha-ma, ha-l'lu-hu b'tsil-ts'lei t'ru-ah.
Kol han-sha-ma t'ha-leil Yah, Ha-l'lu-yah.
( Kol han-sha-ma t'ha-leil Yah, Ha-l'lu-yah. )
Ha-l'lu-yah!
Ha-l'lu Eil b'kawd-sho, ha-l'lu-hu bir-ki-a u-zo.
Ha'l'lu-hu big-vu-ro-tav, ha-l'lu-hu k'rov gud-lo.
Ha-l'lu-hu b'tei-ka sho-far, ha-l'lu-hu b'nei-vel v'chi-nor.
Ha-l'lu-hu b'tof u-ma-chol, ha-l'lu-hu b'mi-nim v'u-gav.
[Some congregations start singing aloud together here.]
Ha-l'lu-hu b'tsil-ts'lei sha-ma, ha-l'lu-hu b'tsil-ts'lei t'ru-ah.
Kol han-sha-ma t'ha-leil Yah, Ha-l'lu-yah.
( Kol han-sha-ma t'ha-leil Yah, Ha-l'lu-yah. )
Torah service for video above
EIN KA-MO-CHA va-e-lo-him, A-do-nai,
v'ein k'ma-a-se-cha.
Mal-chu-t'cha mal-chut kawl o-la-mim,
u-mem-shal-t'cha b'chawl dor va-dor.
A-do-nai me-lech, A-do-nai ma-lach,
A-do-nai yim-loch, l'o-lam va-ed.
A-do-nai oz l'a-mo yi-tein,
A-do-nai y'va-reich et a-mo va-sha-lom.
AV HA-RA-CHA-MIM,
hei-ti-va vir-tso-n'cha et Tsi-on,
tiv-nei cho-mot Y'ru-sha-la-yim.
Ki v'cha l'vad ba-tach-nu,
me-lech Eil ram v'ni-sa,
a-don o-la-mim.
Va-y'hi bin-so-a ha-a-ron
va-yo-mer Mo-she:
Ku-ma A-do-nai v'ya-fu-tsu o-y've-cha
v'ya-nu-su m'sa-ne-cha mi-pa-ne-cha.
Ki mi-Tsi-on tei-tsei To-rah
u-d'var A-do-nai mi-ru-sha-la-yim.
Ba-ruch she-na-tan To-rah
l'a-mo Yis-ra-eil bik-du-sha-to.
JLW
ZOHAR EXCERPT:
B'rich Sh'mei d'ma-rei a-l'ma,
b'rich kit-rach v'at-rach.
Y'hei r'u-tach im a-mach Yis-ra-eil l'o-lam,
u-fur-kan y'mi-nach a-cha-zei l'a-mach b'veit mak-d'shach,
......
......
......
Bei a-na < ra-chitz | racheitz >
v'lish-mei ka-di-sha ya-ki-ra,
a-na ei-mar tush-b'chan.
Y'hei ra-a-va ka-da-mach
d'tif-tach li-ba-i b'o-ra-y'ta,
v'tash-lim mish-a-lin d'li-ba-i,
v'li-ba d'chawl a-mach Yis-ra-eil,
l'tav ul-cha-yin v'lish-lam. ( A-mein. )
rengaw
xx
THE READER TAKES THE TORAH:
nadroj
Sh'ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.
Sh'ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.
E-chad E-lo-hei-nu, Ga-dol A-do-nei-nu, Ka-dosh Sh'mo.
E-chad E-lo-hei-nu, Ga-dol A-do-nei-nu, Ka-dosh Sh'mo.
Gad-lu la-A-do-nai i-ti
u-n'ro-m'ma sh'mo yach-dav.
L'cha A-do-nai, ha-g'du-la,
l'ha-g'vu-ra, v'ha-tif-e-ret,
v'ha-nei-tsach v'ha-hod,
ki chol ba-sha-ma-yim u-va-a-rets,
L'cha A-do-nai, ha-mam-la-cha,
v'ha-mit-na-sei, l'chol l'rosh.
Ro-m'mu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
v'hish-ta-cha-vu
la-ha-dom rag-lav, ka-dosh hu.
Ro-m'mu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
v'hish-ta-cha-vu l'har kad-sho
ki ka-dosh. A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu.
Y'ha-l'lu et sheim A-do-nai, ki nis-gav sh'mo l'va-do.
HO-DO AL^E-RETS v'sha-ma-yim
va-ya-rem ke-ren l'a-mo
t'hi-lah l'chawl cha-si-dav
li-v'nei Yis-ra-eil am k'ro-vo
Ha-l'lu-Yah.
Miz-mor l'Da-vid:
Ha-vu La-do-nai b'nei ei-lim
Ha-vu La-do-nai ka-vod va-oz
Ha-vu La-do-nai k'vod sh'mo
Hish-ta-cha-vu La-do-nai b'had-rat ko-desh.
Kol A-do-nai al ha-ma-yim
Eil ha-ka-vod, hir-im,
A-do-nai al ma-yim ra-bim.
Kol A-do-nai ba-ko-ach
Kol A-do-nai be-ha-dar.
Kol A-do-nai sho-veir a-ra-zim
Va-y'sha-beir A-do-nai et^ar-zei ha-L'va-non.
Va-yar-ki-deim k'mo ei-gel
L'va-non, v'sir-yon
k'mo ven^r'ei-mim.
Kol A-do-nai cho-tseiv la-ha-vot eish.
Kol A-do-nai ya-chil mid-bar,
Ya-chil A-do-nai mid-bar Ka-desh.
Kol A-do-nai y'cho-leil a-ya-lot
va-ye-che-sof y'a-rot
uv-hei-cha-lo
ku-lo, o-meir ka-vod.
A-do-nai la-ma-bul ya-shav
va-yei-shev A-do-nai me-lech l'o-lam.
A-do-nai oz l'a-mo yi-tein
A-do-nai y'va-reich et^a-mo va-sha-lom.
The Torah is returned to the Ark
Uv-nu-cho yo-mar:
Shu-va, A-do-nai, ri-va-vot al-fei Yis-ra-eil.
Ku-ma A-do-nai lim-nu-cha-te-cha, a-tah va-a-ron u-ze-cha.
Ko-ha-ne-cha yil-b'shu tse-dek, va-cha-si-de-cha y'ra-nei-nu.
Ba-a-vur Da-vid av-de-cha, al ta-sheiv p'nei m'shi-che-cha.
Ki le-kach tov na-ta-ti la-chem, to-ra-ti al ta-a-zo-vu.
Eits cha-yim hi
la-ma-cha-zi-kim ba
v'to-m'chey-ha m'u-shar.
D'ra-chey-ha, dar-chei^no-am
v'chawl^n'ti-vo-te-cha sha-lom.
Ha-shi-vei-nu A-do-nai ei-le-cha, v'na-shu-va
cha-deish ya-mei-nu k'ke-dem.
v'ein k'ma-a-se-cha.
Mal-chu-t'cha mal-chut kawl o-la-mim,
u-mem-shal-t'cha b'chawl dor va-dor.
A-do-nai me-lech, A-do-nai ma-lach,
A-do-nai yim-loch, l'o-lam va-ed.
A-do-nai oz l'a-mo yi-tein,
A-do-nai y'va-reich et a-mo va-sha-lom.
AV HA-RA-CHA-MIM,
hei-ti-va vir-tso-n'cha et Tsi-on,
tiv-nei cho-mot Y'ru-sha-la-yim.
Ki v'cha l'vad ba-tach-nu,
me-lech Eil ram v'ni-sa,
a-don o-la-mim.
Va-y'hi bin-so-a ha-a-ron
va-yo-mer Mo-she:
Ku-ma A-do-nai v'ya-fu-tsu o-y've-cha
v'ya-nu-su m'sa-ne-cha mi-pa-ne-cha.
Ki mi-Tsi-on tei-tsei To-rah
u-d'var A-do-nai mi-ru-sha-la-yim.
Ba-ruch she-na-tan To-rah
l'a-mo Yis-ra-eil bik-du-sha-to.
JLW
ZOHAR EXCERPT:
B'rich Sh'mei d'ma-rei a-l'ma,
b'rich kit-rach v'at-rach.
Y'hei r'u-tach im a-mach Yis-ra-eil l'o-lam,
u-fur-kan y'mi-nach a-cha-zei l'a-mach b'veit mak-d'shach,
......
......
......
Bei a-na < ra-chitz | racheitz >
v'lish-mei ka-di-sha ya-ki-ra,
a-na ei-mar tush-b'chan.
Y'hei ra-a-va ka-da-mach
d'tif-tach li-ba-i b'o-ra-y'ta,
v'tash-lim mish-a-lin d'li-ba-i,
v'li-ba d'chawl a-mach Yis-ra-eil,
l'tav ul-cha-yin v'lish-lam. ( A-mein. )
rengaw
xx
THE READER TAKES THE TORAH:
nadroj
Sh'ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.
Sh'ma Yis-ra-eil, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, A-do-nai E-chad.
E-chad E-lo-hei-nu, Ga-dol A-do-nei-nu, Ka-dosh Sh'mo.
E-chad E-lo-hei-nu, Ga-dol A-do-nei-nu, Ka-dosh Sh'mo.
Gad-lu la-A-do-nai i-ti
u-n'ro-m'ma sh'mo yach-dav.
L'cha A-do-nai, ha-g'du-la,
l'ha-g'vu-ra, v'ha-tif-e-ret,
v'ha-nei-tsach v'ha-hod,
ki chol ba-sha-ma-yim u-va-a-rets,
L'cha A-do-nai, ha-mam-la-cha,
v'ha-mit-na-sei, l'chol l'rosh.
Ro-m'mu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
v'hish-ta-cha-vu
la-ha-dom rag-lav, ka-dosh hu.
Ro-m'mu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
v'hish-ta-cha-vu l'har kad-sho
ki ka-dosh. A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu.
Y'ha-l'lu et sheim A-do-nai, ki nis-gav sh'mo l'va-do.
HO-DO AL^E-RETS v'sha-ma-yim
va-ya-rem ke-ren l'a-mo
t'hi-lah l'chawl cha-si-dav
li-v'nei Yis-ra-eil am k'ro-vo
Ha-l'lu-Yah.
Miz-mor l'Da-vid:
Ha-vu La-do-nai b'nei ei-lim
Ha-vu La-do-nai ka-vod va-oz
Ha-vu La-do-nai k'vod sh'mo
Hish-ta-cha-vu La-do-nai b'had-rat ko-desh.
Kol A-do-nai al ha-ma-yim
Eil ha-ka-vod, hir-im,
A-do-nai al ma-yim ra-bim.
Kol A-do-nai ba-ko-ach
Kol A-do-nai be-ha-dar.
Kol A-do-nai sho-veir a-ra-zim
Va-y'sha-beir A-do-nai et^ar-zei ha-L'va-non.
Va-yar-ki-deim k'mo ei-gel
L'va-non, v'sir-yon
k'mo ven^r'ei-mim.
Kol A-do-nai cho-tseiv la-ha-vot eish.
Kol A-do-nai ya-chil mid-bar,
Ya-chil A-do-nai mid-bar Ka-desh.
Kol A-do-nai y'cho-leil a-ya-lot
va-ye-che-sof y'a-rot
uv-hei-cha-lo
ku-lo, o-meir ka-vod.
A-do-nai la-ma-bul ya-shav
va-yei-shev A-do-nai me-lech l'o-lam.
A-do-nai oz l'a-mo yi-tein
A-do-nai y'va-reich et^a-mo va-sha-lom.
The Torah is returned to the Ark
Uv-nu-cho yo-mar:
Shu-va, A-do-nai, ri-va-vot al-fei Yis-ra-eil.
Ku-ma A-do-nai lim-nu-cha-te-cha, a-tah va-a-ron u-ze-cha.
Ko-ha-ne-cha yil-b'shu tse-dek, va-cha-si-de-cha y'ra-nei-nu.
Ba-a-vur Da-vid av-de-cha, al ta-sheiv p'nei m'shi-che-cha.
Ki le-kach tov na-ta-ti la-chem, to-ra-ti al ta-a-zo-vu.
Eits cha-yim hi
la-ma-cha-zi-kim ba
v'to-m'chey-ha m'u-shar.
D'ra-chey-ha, dar-chei^no-am
v'chawl^n'ti-vo-te-cha sha-lom.
Ha-shi-vei-nu A-do-nai ei-le-cha, v'na-shu-va
cha-deish ya-mei-nu k'ke-dem.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The meaning of life
Tom Brady, quaterback for 15-0 New Englad Patriots football team, and owner of 3 Superbowl rings was interviewed on 60 minutes Sunday. He has a 60 million dollar contract, is dating a supermodel, and is the most popular fellow in Boston and is 30 years old, at the prime of his ability. What struck me was him saying repeatedly that he keeps thinking there must be more. What could be more? And how will he feel when he's 45, a has been, and has 45 more years?
Three bricklayers are building a synagoge. They are asked what they are dojng. The first says he is laying bricks, the second says he is earning a living, the third saying he is helping build the House of the Lord. Which one felt most fulfilled?
Three bricklayers are building a synagoge. They are asked what they are dojng. The first says he is laying bricks, the second says he is earning a living, the third saying he is helping build the House of the Lord. Which one felt most fulfilled?
Rabbi Reflects on message from the beyond
New story ASHLAND, Ore. - Even in death, Chet Fitch is a card. Fitch, known for his sense of humor, died in October at age 88 but gave his friends and family a start recently: Christmas cards, 34 of them, began arriving — written in his hand with a return address of "Heaven."
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The greeting read: "I asked Big Guy if I could sneak back and send some cards. At first he said no; but at my insistence he finally said, 'Oh well, what the heaven, go ahead but don't (tarry) there.' Wish I could tell you about things here but words cannot explain.
"Better get back as Big Guy said he stretched a point to let me in the first time, so I had better not press my luck. I'll probably be seeing you (some sooner than you think). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Chet Fitch"
A friend for nearly 25 years, Debbie Hansen Bernard said, "All I could think was, 'You little stinker.'"
"It was amazing," she said. "Just so Chet, always wanting to get the last laugh."
The mailing was a joke Fitch worked on for two decades with his barber, Patty Dean, 57. She told the Ashland Daily Tidings this week that he kept updating the mailing list and giving her extra money when postal rates went up. This fall, she said, Fitch looked up to her from the chair.
"You must be getting tired of waiting to mail those cards," he told her. "I think you'll probably be able to mail them this year."
He died a week later."
Rabbi Refletcs: Let's start planning how we want to communicate with the living when we are gone. Through the messages we leave while we are alive.
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The greeting read: "I asked Big Guy if I could sneak back and send some cards. At first he said no; but at my insistence he finally said, 'Oh well, what the heaven, go ahead but don't (tarry) there.' Wish I could tell you about things here but words cannot explain.
"Better get back as Big Guy said he stretched a point to let me in the first time, so I had better not press my luck. I'll probably be seeing you (some sooner than you think). Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Chet Fitch"
A friend for nearly 25 years, Debbie Hansen Bernard said, "All I could think was, 'You little stinker.'"
"It was amazing," she said. "Just so Chet, always wanting to get the last laugh."
The mailing was a joke Fitch worked on for two decades with his barber, Patty Dean, 57. She told the Ashland Daily Tidings this week that he kept updating the mailing list and giving her extra money when postal rates went up. This fall, she said, Fitch looked up to her from the chair.
"You must be getting tired of waiting to mail those cards," he told her. "I think you'll probably be able to mail them this year."
He died a week later."
Rabbi Refletcs: Let's start planning how we want to communicate with the living when we are gone. Through the messages we leave while we are alive.
Fending off the proslityzers videos
all on youtube
Jews and Jesus JewU 35
Messianic Jews?/Jews Not for Jesus 1 JewU 200
Messianic Jews?/Jews Not for Jesus 2 JewU 201
Messianic Jews?/Jews Not for Jesus 3 JewU 202
Christian and Jewish differences JewU 182
History of religion -what order? JewU 171
False Messiahs in Jewish History JewU 165
Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots JewU 164
How do non-Jews achieve salvation? Noahide laws JewU 155
Choseness and Judaism Jewu151
Jews and Evangelical Christians JewU 83
Resurrection from a Jewish perspective JewU 57
Anti-Semitism-a brief history JewU 40
A Jewish view of the Messiah and Messianic era JewU 30
How we know Jews did not kill Jesus Jewu300
Jews and Jesus JewU 35
Messianic Jews?/Jews Not for Jesus 1 JewU 200
Messianic Jews?/Jews Not for Jesus 2 JewU 201
Messianic Jews?/Jews Not for Jesus 3 JewU 202
Christian and Jewish differences JewU 182
History of religion -what order? JewU 171
False Messiahs in Jewish History JewU 165
Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots JewU 164
How do non-Jews achieve salvation? Noahide laws JewU 155
Choseness and Judaism Jewu151
Jews and Evangelical Christians JewU 83
Resurrection from a Jewish perspective JewU 57
Anti-Semitism-a brief history JewU 40
A Jewish view of the Messiah and Messianic era JewU 30
How we know Jews did not kill Jesus Jewu300
Jewish education curriculum by my videos on youtube
All the videos-find them on Youtube.com Just paste the topic into search there and you will find it
1. God/Mitzvote
Terms for Intro to Judaism class session 1 Jewu 219
What Jews believe
The Shem-Hear O Israel the Lord our God the Lord is One
God and the Holocaust-evil
Judaism: Learn, Live, Love-the spiritual essence
What are the basics of Judaism? JewU 120
What does God really want from us? JewU 121
Choseness and Judaism JewU 151
Why God? JewU 173
Happiness from a Jewish view JewU 156
Devil and Judaism/ What do we believe? JewU 180
God’s Names, Bible, Talmud, Prayers JewU 141
2. Christianity/Holy Books/ Mitzvote
Terms for Intro to Judaism class session 2 Jewu 220
a. Christianity and Judaism
Jews and Jesus
Jews Not for Jesus 1 JewU 200
Jews and Evangelical Christians JewU 83
Jews Not for Jesus 2 JewU 201
Jews Not for Jesus 3 JewU 202
Cardinal George and the Chgo Bd Rabbis Jewu295
Jews and Evangelical Christians JewU 83
Jews Not for Jesus 2 JewU 201
Jews Not for Jesus 3 JewU 202
Cardinal George and the Chgo Bd Rabbis Jewu295
Chrisitian and Jewish differences JewU 182
Do Jews need to be perfected ala Coulter jewu271
B. Holy Books
is the Bible myth, legend, literal jewu315
Who wrote the Torah and who cares? I care. Jewu 249
Introduction to the Torah JewU 154
Ten Commandments
Mishnah Gemarah Talmud 101
Hebrew Bible introduction
Have a problem with a Biblical verse? JewU 161
Tour a Rabbi's Library of Holy Books Jewu323
Building a Jewish library JewU 177
Books for your jewish Library 2 JewU 191
Books for your Jewish Library 3 JewU 192
c. Jewish Law and mitzvote
Change in Jewish Law JewU 128
Women's Rights in Judaism JewU 127
Mitzvote series 2 Circumcision Jewu297
Mitzvote series 1 Procreate Jewu296
What is a mitzvah? Is it a good deed? JewU 122
Can we add new mitzvote? Jewu304
3. Spiritual models/denominations/Mysticism
Terms for Intro to Judaism class session 3 Jewu 221
Jewish Spirituality-Five models
The Jewish Star as a teaching tool
Basic Kabbalah Jewish Mystical terms Jewu 260
Judaism: Learn, Live, Love-the spiritual essence JewU 98
Gematria Jewish numerology JewU 142
Jewish Denominations Movements
Reform Judaism Strength and Challenges JewU 119
Conservative Judaism JEwU 114
Orthodox Judaism strengths and challenges JewU 120
Is Reform really becoming Conservative? jewu 270
Non and trans denominational Judaism Jewu 265
Secular Jewish Humanism JewU 169
Jewish superstitions 18x, too too, evil eye, aliyote jewu311
4. Synagogue and Ritual Objects:
Intro to Judaism #4 Terms Jewish life/synagoue Jewu 222
Geography of the Synagogue JewU 186
Tour our Holiday themed Stained glass windows Jewu324
Tour a Rabbi's Library of Holy Books Jewu323
Tour a Rabbi's Library of Holy Books Jewu323
Jewish ritual home items
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 How to have an aliyah
Jewish prayer shawl Tallit Tallis 101
fillin Phylacteries JewU 187
Jewish Kippot, Yarmulkes, Head Coverings
Mezuza-what is that box on a Jewish home?
Minyon Prayer quorum: rules and history JewU 140
Virtual synagogue JewU 185
Basic Kabbalah Jewish Mystical terms Jewu 260
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 1 this series on on Google vide
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 2
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 3
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 4
5. Prayer
Intro to Judaism #5 Terms Prayer Jewu 223
The Hebrew alphabet Jewu322
a. About prayers
Must men and women pray separately? jewu282
Minyon Prayer quorum: rules and history JewU 140
Minha The Jewish Afternoon Prayer service
Jewish prayer service-Maariv/Evening
Sacrifices and Judaism
Cohenim Priests In Judaism
What are those strange movements in Jewish prayer? JewU 174
Amen-what does it mean? JewU 178
Cohenim Priests In Judaism
What are those strange movements in Jewish prayer? JewU 174
Amen-what does it mean? JewU 178
b. Learning Daily Prayers
Shma first and last paragraphs sung JewU 149
Shaharit-the Jewish morning Prayer service
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
Ashrei psalm 145 sung Jewu 262
Mourner's kaddish how to say it jewu 139
Half and Full Kaddish sung Jewu 237
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 JewU 2
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 JewU 2
Final prayers: ein kelohenu, alenu, adon olam sung Jewu 232
c. Learn Shabbat prayers
1. Friday Night
Sabbath Kiddush sanctification and havdalah JewU 96
Holiday version
Chant Holiday Kiddish Jewu 250
Cyber Friday night service in 2 parts Jewu 261
Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Service part 1 of 2
Shabbat Maariv service part 2 of Kabbalat of 2 videos
Yigdal Prayer ends Shabbat eve services Jewu 236
2. Morning
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 JewU 2
Haftorah blessings before and after jewu321
3. Musaf
a. Half Kaddish
Half and Full Kaddish sung Jewu 237
b. First 2 blessings of Shabbat amidah
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
c. Kedusha Shabbat Musaf Kedusha JewU 263
d. Full kaddish see a
e. Final prayers
Final prayers: ein kelohenu, alenu, adon olam sung Jewu 232
Haftorah blessings before and after jewu321
3. Musaf
a. Half Kaddish
Half and Full Kaddish sung Jewu 237
b. First 2 blessings of Shabbat amidah
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
c. Kedusha Shabbat Musaf Kedusha JewU 263
d. Full kaddish see a
e. Final prayers
Final prayers: ein kelohenu, alenu, adon olam sung Jewu 232
d. General
Travelers Prayer Jewu 258
Jewish Healing Prayer Jewu 217
Do it yourself Jewish unveiling dedication Jewu 216
Thank God Blessings in Judaism JewU 129
Jewish Blessings Brachote -2 JewU 166
Cliff notes on Jewish prayer and Bible melodies JewU 168
Jewish Songs series 1 Birkat hamazone JewU 134
Jewish Songs and Prayers series 2 JewU 136
Jewish Songs and prayers series #3 JewU 137
Jewish Songs and Prayers JewU 144
Jewish Songs and Prayers JewU 145
Jewish Songs and Prayers JewU 146
Parashat Parah dvar Torah for March 10 2007
Amen-what does it mean? JewU 178
Mourner's kaddish how to say it JewU 139
Jewish Memorial prayer chanted-El Moleh rahamim jewu 215
6. Jewish History
Intro to Judaism #6 Terms Jewish History Jewu 224
History of religion -what order? JewU 171
Jewish history Abraham to Hannukah
Hasidim 101
False Messiahs in Jewish History JewU 165
Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots JewU 164
12 tribes of Israel JewU 143
Taste of American Jewish History Jewu 214
Great Jews series Maimonides Rambam JEwU 118
Great Jews series Abraham Joshua Heschel 100 years JEwU 117
7. Shabbat
Terms for Intro to Judaism class #7 Shabbat Jewu 225
Shabbat-an introduction
Sabbath Kiddush sanctification and havdalah ceremonies chant
History of Shabbat Candle Lighting JewU 176
Beatrice 1 Shabbat Dog Blessing JewU 204
8. Jewish Time/ High Holidays
Intro to Judaism #8 Terms Time/ Jewu 226
Jewish understanding of TIME
Origins of Jewish holidays
Selihote-penitential service prior to Rosh Hashanah JewU 123
Prepare for Rosh Hashanah-Elul JewU 189
An Amazing Shofar Ram's Horn Service Jewu 233
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jR20-0sy1Y
Blessings for Home Rosh Hashanah JewU 190
Rosh Hashanah Jewish New year
High Holiday Bible readings JewU 153
Rabbi stories: shofar, messages, reward Jewu 210
Shofar-Ram's horn
Yom Kippur Jewish Atonement Day
Repentance-Teshuva in Judaism
How world's smartest person helps with Yom Kippur JewU 163
Biblical Book of Jonah-its meaning JewU 152
Books referred to in High Holiday sermon JewU 234
Destination High Holidays JewU 188
9. Sukkot/Hanukah/Purim
Intro to Judaism terms #9 Terms Sukk/hannu/ Jewu 227
Sukkot and Simhat Torah
Sukkah 123 an easy to assemble canvass SUKKAH JEWU 238
Guests to the Sukkhah-ushpizim jewu 242
13 reasons to build a Sukkah Jewu 241
Sukkot Lulav and etrog shown and discussed Jewu 240
Sukkot-Hannukah connection Jewu 244
Chanukah miracle needed today jewu305
Hannukah The real story
Jews and the Christmas dilemma JEWU290
Hannukah songs and blessings sung
How to play Chanukah dredyl Jewu281
Tu bshvat Jewish New Year trees & mystical seder jewu286
Purim Homintaschen vs. Hannukah Latke debate
Purim the true story
10. Passover/Shavuot/Tisha Bav
Intro to Judaism #10 Terms Pesah/Shavuot Jewu 229
Seder Plate Basics for Passover
Passover Haggadah explained briefly
The 4 Passover questions in Yiddish -Yiddish 1
Passover joke: Why is this night Passover song
Haggadya the little goat explained
Earth Day and Judaism Environmental concerns JewU 74 April 22
Omer-the 49 day period between Passover and Shavuot
Lag Baomer 33rd day Holiday in the midst of sadness JewU 85
The Festival of Shavuot First fruits Hag Habikorim
Cicadas, Shavuot, Memorial day and Ruth's conversion JewU 93
Tisha bAV Ninth of Av saddest day in Jewish year
11. Kashrut
Intro to Judaism terms #11 Kashrut/ Jewu 230
Kosher 101
Meat and Milk JewU 172
Vegetarianism and Judaism JewU130
More on Kosher-lists of yes and no Jewu 253
12. Jewish Peoplehood/Conversion/Jews and others
Intro toJudaism terms #12 Peoplehood/Convert/ Jewu 231
Who Is a Jew? Jewu273
Converting to Judaism
Long distance conversion JewU 183
Kosher evangelism proseltyzing Jewu 275
How do non-Jews achieve salvation? Noahide laws JewU 155
Islam and Judaism Jew U 198
Baha'i and Judaism JewU 147
Understanding Jewish talk, terms usage
Jewish organizations by initials Jewu284
Jewish last names JewU 181
Hebrew and Yiddish
Is there a Jewish language? JewU 124
Some Yiddish expressions JewU 167
Yiddish 2 Greetings in Yiddish
Yiddish 3 Being Polite in Yiddish
Yiddish 4 Body Parts in Yiddish
Yiddish 5 Days of the week in Yiddish
Basic Hebrew vocabulary Jewu 254
Proper Jewish greetings JewU 256
13. Anti Semitism/Holocaust
Intro to Judaism terms #13 Anti semitism/Holocaust Jewu 232
Anti-Semitism-a brief history
Righteous Gentiles and anti-semitism jewu279
Holocaust 2007 Shoah
What happened to 1.4 million Jews in the Ukraine?Jewu 246
(especially if you have young children-these 2)
The story of the Tattooed Torah Holocaust story for children
How we know Jews did not kill Jesus Jewu300
About the Tattooed Torah-how it got to be written
Key issue of the time:Iran Iran Iran JewU 212
14. ISRAEL
New York Times year of ideas Biofuels meteors danger jew319
Intro to Judaism terms #14 Israel Jewu 233
Israel's 59th birthday Happy birthday
Palestinian Refugees "return" wrong
Mearsheimer/Walt -shoddy and anti-semitic? Jewu 239
Israel: the greatest country
What can we personally do to help Israel
Zionism-The Jewish people's right to Israel Jewu 243
It's Not Israel's Fault
AIPAC Crucial for America and the World
Refuting Kristof's March 17 NYT piece on Israel
hat's Wrong with Jimmy Carter's Book?
Shameful British Boycott
Bond to Israel with Israel Bonds Jewu 266
Travel with us to Israel JewU 138
15. Life Cycle through Marriage
Intro to Judaism terms #15 life cycle 1 Jewu 234
Bris Milah and Jewish Baby namings
Status of Jewish children JewU 203
Raising Children to be Jewish
Raising Children to be Jewish -2 JewU 115
Jewish Marriage Ceremony
Sheva Brachote sung seven Jewish wedding benedictions jewu30
Tattooing and Piercing in Jewish Tradition
Euthanasia Mercy Killing from a Jewish view
Capital Punisment Death Penalty from a Jewish View
Abortion from a Jewish perspective
16. Life Cycle Divorce through Death and beyond
Intro to Judaism terms #16 life cycle 2 Jewu 235
Jewish Divorce
Aging well -a Jewish view JewU 158
Jewish Funeral Practices 101
Do it yourself Jewish unveiling dedication Jewu 216
Origin of Yizkor memorial service
Jewish view of the Messiah and Messianic era
Resurrection from a Jewish perspective
Life After Death-a Jewish View of Olam Habah JewU 175
Reincarnation and Judaism JEWU 179
17. Values
Jewish Values 1-3 JewU 13
Jewish Values 4-6 JewU 14
Jewish Values 7-9 JewU 15
Jewish values 10-14 JewU16
Jewish Values 15-21 JewU 17
Jewish Values 22-27 JewU 18
Jewish values 28 on JewU 26
Bikur Cholim Visit the sick JewU 252
Life not death-see the positive Jewish future jewu276
Is it ever ok to fib? Jewu 267
Maimonides 8 laws of giving JewU 255
Videos to help with the
18.100 Q EXAM
100 Q's Jews Should Know -1 Bible
100 Q's Jews Should Know -2-Synagogue and prayer
100 Q's Jews Should Know -3 Home
100 Q's Jews Should Know -4 Sabbath and Holidays Home
100 Q's Jews Should Know -5 Sukkot and Passover
100 Q's Jews Should Know -6 Minor Holiday and High Holidays
100 Q's Jews Should Know -7 Jewish Life
100 Q's Jews Should Know -8 Jewish belief
100 Q's Jews Should Know -9 History
100 Q's Jews Should Know -10 Israel
19. Weekly Torah portion
Introduction to the Torah JewU 154
Read the weekly Torah Portion JewU 257
Have a problem with a Biblical verse? JewU 161
Have a problem with a Biblical verse? JewU 161
Genesis Breisheet
Breisheet
Voyager, Earth,100 million species & Genesis JewU 248 1/54
Creationism Evolution A Jewish View JewU 84 1/54
Torah Portion Breisheit Genesis JewU 58 1/54
Noah
Torah portion Noah and the flood JewU 60 2/54
Sputnik, Bears half-time speech and rainbows Jewu 245 2/54
Noah, water-too much and too little Jewu 247 2/54
Lech lecha
Torah Portion Lech Lecha- Abraham's call JewU 61 3/54
Vayera
Torah Portion Vayera-the binding of Isaac JewU 62 4/54
Genesis 22 a close reading of the binding of IsaacJewU 193 4/54
Halloween, 3 visiting angels and their missions jewu 264 4/54
Chaye Sarah
Parashat Chaye Sareh Jewu 272 5/54
Aging well -a Jewish view also parshat Chayai Sarah JewU 158 5/54
Improving marriages with Abraham Sarah example Jewu 268 5/54
Toldot
Tunnels, Balfour, Kristallnacht, Nazis, Hamas Jewu280 6/54
Parsha Toldot Isaac Genesis 25 jewu277 6/54
Parashat Veyetze Jacob's dream, ladder,angels Jewu283 7/54
vayishlach Jacob wrestles and gets renamed Israel jewu285 8/54
God was on Jacob's side as Jacob wrestlesd himself jewu292 8/54
Vayeshev
In a pit or jail? How was Joseph sustained Jewu299 9/54
Miketz
Parashat Miketz Genesis 41 10/54 portions
Forgiveness and the Joseph stories Jewu298 10/54
Vayigash
Parashat Vayigash Joseph meets his jewu303
Vayechi
Parshat Veyehi Jacob meets his grandsons 12/54 jewu 313
Exodus Shmot
Is the Exodus from slavery true Shmot 13/54 jewu314
Leviticus Vayikra
Torah portion Tazria Mezora Dvar Torah speech ethics JewU 56 27-28/54
Torah portion Kedoshim-Love thy neighbor as thyself JewU 79 30/54
Behar Behukotai Torah portion Sabbatical, Jubilee JewU 87 32-33/54
Numbers Bamidbar
Torah portion Naso Explained-Priestly benediction JewU 52 35/54
Torah Portion Behaalotcha Numbers 8-12:16 JewU 95 36/54
Torah Portion Sh'lah l'kha-the spies JewU 63 37/54
Torah Portion Korach -Debate ok? JewU 111 38/54
Torah portion Parah /Hukkat JewU 7 39/54
Torah portion Balak-May tovu How goodly thy tents JewU 51 40/54
What we learn from the daughters of Zelophad JewU 157 41/54
Torah Portion Pinhas dvar Torah JewU 50 41/54
Torah Portion Matot Masei ends Numbers JewU 148 42-43/54
Dueteronomy Dvarim
Intro to Devarim-Deuteronomy JewU 160 44/54
Parashat Shoftim Judges JewU 184 48/54
Ki Teze
Don't make a mess in God's Camp JewU 197 Deut. 23 49/54
Deuteronomy 21-25 Kiteze 1 JewU 195 49/54
Deuteronomy 21-25 Kiteze 2 JewU 196 49/54
Parashat Ki Tovo-Optimistic future depends on "If"JewU 205 50/54
The Bible says "Be strong and of good courage" jewu 218 51/54
Parashat Netzavim- Free will, Jewu 213 51/54
20. Humor and Jokes
Favorite Jewish Jokes oneJewU 73
Favorite Jewish jokes number two JewU 132
My favorite Jewish jokes three JewU 77
Favorite Jewish Jokes 5 JewU 135
21. Thoughts and sermons
New York Times year of ideas Biofuels meteors danger jew319
New York Times year of ideas maid and mindfulnes jewu320
New York Times year of ideas appendix Judaism jewu321
baseball steroid abuse and Judaism jewu317
Ask the RABBI WEEKLY VIDEOS ON JEWTUBE JEWU269
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 1 jewu287
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 2 jewu288
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 3 jewu289
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 4 jewu293
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 5 Jewu301
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 6 Jewu308
ask the Erabbi 7 jewu316
A Rabbi's Daily Thought-TV, Bible and Whales JewU 100
Rabbi Reflects on the news ed.1 Jewu 206
Rabbi Reflects on the news ed.2 Jewu 207
Rabbi Reflects on the news ed.3 Jewu 208
Rabbi Reflects on the news 4 Jewu 209
Rabbi Reflects on News 5 JewU 235
Rabbi Reflects on News 6 fanatics,Hiroshima,chimps jewu274
evil vs good inclination & Freud jewu278
Idea behind all these webs and blogs jewu 211
Asceticism, Puritanism, Enjoying Life Jew U 199
Da Vinci, genius, the senses and Judaism JewU 170
Interpreting Dreams,a Jewish view JewU 162
Asking Good Jewish questions, JewU 159
Happiness from a Jewish view JewU 156
Hidur mitzvah-doing something for God's honor JewU 131
The book "Secrets" and Judaism JewU 126
Dumpster diving, sunken treasures and Judaism JewU125
Soprano's end and a Rabbi responds- no ending JewU 116
1. God/Mitzvote
Terms for Intro to Judaism class session 1 Jewu 219
What Jews believe
The Shem-Hear O Israel the Lord our God the Lord is One
God and the Holocaust-evil
Judaism: Learn, Live, Love-the spiritual essence
What are the basics of Judaism? JewU 120
What does God really want from us? JewU 121
Choseness and Judaism JewU 151
Why God? JewU 173
Happiness from a Jewish view JewU 156
Devil and Judaism/ What do we believe? JewU 180
God’s Names, Bible, Talmud, Prayers JewU 141
2. Christianity/Holy Books/ Mitzvote
Terms for Intro to Judaism class session 2 Jewu 220
a. Christianity and Judaism
Jews and Jesus
Jews Not for Jesus 1 JewU 200
Jews and Evangelical Christians JewU 83
Jews Not for Jesus 2 JewU 201
Jews Not for Jesus 3 JewU 202
Cardinal George and the Chgo Bd Rabbis Jewu295
Jews and Evangelical Christians JewU 83
Jews Not for Jesus 2 JewU 201
Jews Not for Jesus 3 JewU 202
Cardinal George and the Chgo Bd Rabbis Jewu295
Chrisitian and Jewish differences JewU 182
Do Jews need to be perfected ala Coulter jewu271
B. Holy Books
is the Bible myth, legend, literal jewu315
Who wrote the Torah and who cares? I care. Jewu 249
Introduction to the Torah JewU 154
Ten Commandments
Mishnah Gemarah Talmud 101
Hebrew Bible introduction
Have a problem with a Biblical verse? JewU 161
Tour a Rabbi's Library of Holy Books Jewu323
Building a Jewish library JewU 177
Books for your jewish Library 2 JewU 191
Books for your Jewish Library 3 JewU 192
c. Jewish Law and mitzvote
Change in Jewish Law JewU 128
Women's Rights in Judaism JewU 127
Mitzvote series 2 Circumcision Jewu297
Mitzvote series 1 Procreate Jewu296
What is a mitzvah? Is it a good deed? JewU 122
Can we add new mitzvote? Jewu304
3. Spiritual models/denominations/Mysticism
Terms for Intro to Judaism class session 3 Jewu 221
Jewish Spirituality-Five models
The Jewish Star as a teaching tool
Basic Kabbalah Jewish Mystical terms Jewu 260
Judaism: Learn, Live, Love-the spiritual essence JewU 98
Gematria Jewish numerology JewU 142
Jewish Denominations Movements
Reform Judaism Strength and Challenges JewU 119
Conservative Judaism JEwU 114
Orthodox Judaism strengths and challenges JewU 120
Is Reform really becoming Conservative? jewu 270
Non and trans denominational Judaism Jewu 265
Secular Jewish Humanism JewU 169
Jewish superstitions 18x, too too, evil eye, aliyote jewu311
4. Synagogue and Ritual Objects:
Intro to Judaism #4 Terms Jewish life/synagoue Jewu 222
Geography of the Synagogue JewU 186
Tour our Holiday themed Stained glass windows Jewu324
Tour a Rabbi's Library of Holy Books Jewu323
Tour a Rabbi's Library of Holy Books Jewu323
Jewish ritual home items
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 How to have an aliyah
Jewish prayer shawl Tallit Tallis 101
fillin Phylacteries JewU 187
Jewish Kippot, Yarmulkes, Head Coverings
Mezuza-what is that box on a Jewish home?
Minyon Prayer quorum: rules and history JewU 140
Virtual synagogue JewU 185
Basic Kabbalah Jewish Mystical terms Jewu 260
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 1 this series on on Google vide
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 2
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 3
Gail's Kabbalah lecture part 4
5. Prayer
Intro to Judaism #5 Terms Prayer Jewu 223
The Hebrew alphabet Jewu322
a. About prayers
Must men and women pray separately? jewu282
Minyon Prayer quorum: rules and history JewU 140
Minha The Jewish Afternoon Prayer service
Jewish prayer service-Maariv/Evening
Sacrifices and Judaism
Cohenim Priests In Judaism
What are those strange movements in Jewish prayer? JewU 174
Amen-what does it mean? JewU 178
Cohenim Priests In Judaism
What are those strange movements in Jewish prayer? JewU 174
Amen-what does it mean? JewU 178
b. Learning Daily Prayers
Shma first and last paragraphs sung JewU 149
Shaharit-the Jewish morning Prayer service
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
Ashrei psalm 145 sung Jewu 262
Mourner's kaddish how to say it jewu 139
Half and Full Kaddish sung Jewu 237
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 JewU 2
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 JewU 2
Final prayers: ein kelohenu, alenu, adon olam sung Jewu 232
c. Learn Shabbat prayers
1. Friday Night
Sabbath Kiddush sanctification and havdalah JewU 96
Holiday version
Chant Holiday Kiddish Jewu 250
Cyber Friday night service in 2 parts Jewu 261
Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Service part 1 of 2
Shabbat Maariv service part 2 of Kabbalat of 2 videos
Yigdal Prayer ends Shabbat eve services Jewu 236
2. Morning
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
Torah Aliyah Honors 101 JewU 2
Haftorah blessings before and after jewu321
3. Musaf
a. Half Kaddish
Half and Full Kaddish sung Jewu 237
b. First 2 blessings of Shabbat amidah
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
c. Kedusha Shabbat Musaf Kedusha JewU 263
d. Full kaddish see a
e. Final prayers
Final prayers: ein kelohenu, alenu, adon olam sung Jewu 232
Haftorah blessings before and after jewu321
3. Musaf
a. Half Kaddish
Half and Full Kaddish sung Jewu 237
b. First 2 blessings of Shabbat amidah
Sing the weekday and Shabbat amidah beginning jewu 251
c. Kedusha Shabbat Musaf Kedusha JewU 263
d. Full kaddish see a
e. Final prayers
Final prayers: ein kelohenu, alenu, adon olam sung Jewu 232
d. General
Travelers Prayer Jewu 258
Jewish Healing Prayer Jewu 217
Do it yourself Jewish unveiling dedication Jewu 216
Thank God Blessings in Judaism JewU 129
Jewish Blessings Brachote -2 JewU 166
Cliff notes on Jewish prayer and Bible melodies JewU 168
Jewish Songs series 1 Birkat hamazone JewU 134
Jewish Songs and Prayers series 2 JewU 136
Jewish Songs and prayers series #3 JewU 137
Jewish Songs and Prayers JewU 144
Jewish Songs and Prayers JewU 145
Jewish Songs and Prayers JewU 146
Parashat Parah dvar Torah for March 10 2007
Amen-what does it mean? JewU 178
Mourner's kaddish how to say it JewU 139
Jewish Memorial prayer chanted-El Moleh rahamim jewu 215
6. Jewish History
Intro to Judaism #6 Terms Jewish History Jewu 224
History of religion -what order? JewU 171
Jewish history Abraham to Hannukah
Hasidim 101
False Messiahs in Jewish History JewU 165
Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots JewU 164
12 tribes of Israel JewU 143
Taste of American Jewish History Jewu 214
Great Jews series Maimonides Rambam JEwU 118
Great Jews series Abraham Joshua Heschel 100 years JEwU 117
7. Shabbat
Terms for Intro to Judaism class #7 Shabbat Jewu 225
Shabbat-an introduction
Sabbath Kiddush sanctification and havdalah ceremonies chant
History of Shabbat Candle Lighting JewU 176
Beatrice 1 Shabbat Dog Blessing JewU 204
8. Jewish Time/ High Holidays
Intro to Judaism #8 Terms Time/ Jewu 226
Jewish understanding of TIME
Origins of Jewish holidays
Selihote-penitential service prior to Rosh Hashanah JewU 123
Prepare for Rosh Hashanah-Elul JewU 189
An Amazing Shofar Ram's Horn Service Jewu 233
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jR20-0sy1Y
Blessings for Home Rosh Hashanah JewU 190
Rosh Hashanah Jewish New year
High Holiday Bible readings JewU 153
Rabbi stories: shofar, messages, reward Jewu 210
Shofar-Ram's horn
Yom Kippur Jewish Atonement Day
Repentance-Teshuva in Judaism
How world's smartest person helps with Yom Kippur JewU 163
Biblical Book of Jonah-its meaning JewU 152
Books referred to in High Holiday sermon JewU 234
Destination High Holidays JewU 188
9. Sukkot/Hanukah/Purim
Intro to Judaism terms #9 Terms Sukk/hannu/ Jewu 227
Sukkot and Simhat Torah
Sukkah 123 an easy to assemble canvass SUKKAH JEWU 238
Guests to the Sukkhah-ushpizim jewu 242
13 reasons to build a Sukkah Jewu 241
Sukkot Lulav and etrog shown and discussed Jewu 240
Sukkot-Hannukah connection Jewu 244
Chanukah miracle needed today jewu305
Hannukah The real story
Jews and the Christmas dilemma JEWU290
Hannukah songs and blessings sung
How to play Chanukah dredyl Jewu281
Tu bshvat Jewish New Year trees & mystical seder jewu286
Purim Homintaschen vs. Hannukah Latke debate
Purim the true story
10. Passover/Shavuot/Tisha Bav
Intro to Judaism #10 Terms Pesah/Shavuot Jewu 229
Seder Plate Basics for Passover
Passover Haggadah explained briefly
The 4 Passover questions in Yiddish -Yiddish 1
Passover joke: Why is this night Passover song
Haggadya the little goat explained
Earth Day and Judaism Environmental concerns JewU 74 April 22
Omer-the 49 day period between Passover and Shavuot
Lag Baomer 33rd day Holiday in the midst of sadness JewU 85
The Festival of Shavuot First fruits Hag Habikorim
Cicadas, Shavuot, Memorial day and Ruth's conversion JewU 93
Tisha bAV Ninth of Av saddest day in Jewish year
11. Kashrut
Intro to Judaism terms #11 Kashrut/ Jewu 230
Kosher 101
Meat and Milk JewU 172
Vegetarianism and Judaism JewU130
More on Kosher-lists of yes and no Jewu 253
12. Jewish Peoplehood/Conversion/Jews and others
Intro toJudaism terms #12 Peoplehood/Convert/ Jewu 231
Who Is a Jew? Jewu273
Converting to Judaism
Long distance conversion JewU 183
Kosher evangelism proseltyzing Jewu 275
How do non-Jews achieve salvation? Noahide laws JewU 155
Islam and Judaism Jew U 198
Baha'i and Judaism JewU 147
Understanding Jewish talk, terms usage
Jewish organizations by initials Jewu284
Jewish last names JewU 181
Hebrew and Yiddish
Is there a Jewish language? JewU 124
Some Yiddish expressions JewU 167
Yiddish 2 Greetings in Yiddish
Yiddish 3 Being Polite in Yiddish
Yiddish 4 Body Parts in Yiddish
Yiddish 5 Days of the week in Yiddish
Basic Hebrew vocabulary Jewu 254
Proper Jewish greetings JewU 256
13. Anti Semitism/Holocaust
Intro to Judaism terms #13 Anti semitism/Holocaust Jewu 232
Anti-Semitism-a brief history
Righteous Gentiles and anti-semitism jewu279
Holocaust 2007 Shoah
What happened to 1.4 million Jews in the Ukraine?Jewu 246
(especially if you have young children-these 2)
The story of the Tattooed Torah Holocaust story for children
How we know Jews did not kill Jesus Jewu300
About the Tattooed Torah-how it got to be written
Key issue of the time:Iran Iran Iran JewU 212
14. ISRAEL
New York Times year of ideas Biofuels meteors danger jew319
Intro to Judaism terms #14 Israel Jewu 233
Israel's 59th birthday Happy birthday
Palestinian Refugees "return" wrong
Mearsheimer/Walt -shoddy and anti-semitic? Jewu 239
Israel: the greatest country
What can we personally do to help Israel
Zionism-The Jewish people's right to Israel Jewu 243
It's Not Israel's Fault
AIPAC Crucial for America and the World
Refuting Kristof's March 17 NYT piece on Israel
hat's Wrong with Jimmy Carter's Book?
Shameful British Boycott
Bond to Israel with Israel Bonds Jewu 266
Travel with us to Israel JewU 138
15. Life Cycle through Marriage
Intro to Judaism terms #15 life cycle 1 Jewu 234
Bris Milah and Jewish Baby namings
Status of Jewish children JewU 203
Raising Children to be Jewish
Raising Children to be Jewish -2 JewU 115
Jewish Marriage Ceremony
Sheva Brachote sung seven Jewish wedding benedictions jewu30
Tattooing and Piercing in Jewish Tradition
Euthanasia Mercy Killing from a Jewish view
Capital Punisment Death Penalty from a Jewish View
Abortion from a Jewish perspective
16. Life Cycle Divorce through Death and beyond
Intro to Judaism terms #16 life cycle 2 Jewu 235
Jewish Divorce
Aging well -a Jewish view JewU 158
Jewish Funeral Practices 101
Do it yourself Jewish unveiling dedication Jewu 216
Origin of Yizkor memorial service
Jewish view of the Messiah and Messianic era
Resurrection from a Jewish perspective
Life After Death-a Jewish View of Olam Habah JewU 175
Reincarnation and Judaism JEWU 179
17. Values
Jewish Values 1-3 JewU 13
Jewish Values 4-6 JewU 14
Jewish Values 7-9 JewU 15
Jewish values 10-14 JewU16
Jewish Values 15-21 JewU 17
Jewish Values 22-27 JewU 18
Jewish values 28 on JewU 26
Bikur Cholim Visit the sick JewU 252
Life not death-see the positive Jewish future jewu276
Is it ever ok to fib? Jewu 267
Maimonides 8 laws of giving JewU 255
Videos to help with the
18.100 Q EXAM
100 Q's Jews Should Know -1 Bible
100 Q's Jews Should Know -2-Synagogue and prayer
100 Q's Jews Should Know -3 Home
100 Q's Jews Should Know -4 Sabbath and Holidays Home
100 Q's Jews Should Know -5 Sukkot and Passover
100 Q's Jews Should Know -6 Minor Holiday and High Holidays
100 Q's Jews Should Know -7 Jewish Life
100 Q's Jews Should Know -8 Jewish belief
100 Q's Jews Should Know -9 History
100 Q's Jews Should Know -10 Israel
19. Weekly Torah portion
Introduction to the Torah JewU 154
Read the weekly Torah Portion JewU 257
Have a problem with a Biblical verse? JewU 161
Have a problem with a Biblical verse? JewU 161
Genesis Breisheet
Breisheet
Voyager, Earth,100 million species & Genesis JewU 248 1/54
Creationism Evolution A Jewish View JewU 84 1/54
Torah Portion Breisheit Genesis JewU 58 1/54
Noah
Torah portion Noah and the flood JewU 60 2/54
Sputnik, Bears half-time speech and rainbows Jewu 245 2/54
Noah, water-too much and too little Jewu 247 2/54
Lech lecha
Torah Portion Lech Lecha- Abraham's call JewU 61 3/54
Vayera
Torah Portion Vayera-the binding of Isaac JewU 62 4/54
Genesis 22 a close reading of the binding of IsaacJewU 193 4/54
Halloween, 3 visiting angels and their missions jewu 264 4/54
Chaye Sarah
Parashat Chaye Sareh Jewu 272 5/54
Aging well -a Jewish view also parshat Chayai Sarah JewU 158 5/54
Improving marriages with Abraham Sarah example Jewu 268 5/54
Toldot
Tunnels, Balfour, Kristallnacht, Nazis, Hamas Jewu280 6/54
Parsha Toldot Isaac Genesis 25 jewu277 6/54
Parashat Veyetze Jacob's dream, ladder,angels Jewu283 7/54
vayishlach Jacob wrestles and gets renamed Israel jewu285 8/54
God was on Jacob's side as Jacob wrestlesd himself jewu292 8/54
Vayeshev
In a pit or jail? How was Joseph sustained Jewu299 9/54
Miketz
Parashat Miketz Genesis 41 10/54 portions
Forgiveness and the Joseph stories Jewu298 10/54
Vayigash
Parashat Vayigash Joseph meets his jewu303
Vayechi
Parshat Veyehi Jacob meets his grandsons 12/54 jewu 313
Exodus Shmot
Is the Exodus from slavery true Shmot 13/54 jewu314
Leviticus Vayikra
Torah portion Tazria Mezora Dvar Torah speech ethics JewU 56 27-28/54
Torah portion Kedoshim-Love thy neighbor as thyself JewU 79 30/54
Behar Behukotai Torah portion Sabbatical, Jubilee JewU 87 32-33/54
Numbers Bamidbar
Torah portion Naso Explained-Priestly benediction JewU 52 35/54
Torah Portion Behaalotcha Numbers 8-12:16 JewU 95 36/54
Torah Portion Sh'lah l'kha-the spies JewU 63 37/54
Torah Portion Korach -Debate ok? JewU 111 38/54
Torah portion Parah /Hukkat JewU 7 39/54
Torah portion Balak-May tovu How goodly thy tents JewU 51 40/54
What we learn from the daughters of Zelophad JewU 157 41/54
Torah Portion Pinhas dvar Torah JewU 50 41/54
Torah Portion Matot Masei ends Numbers JewU 148 42-43/54
Dueteronomy Dvarim
Intro to Devarim-Deuteronomy JewU 160 44/54
Parashat Shoftim Judges JewU 184 48/54
Ki Teze
Don't make a mess in God's Camp JewU 197 Deut. 23 49/54
Deuteronomy 21-25 Kiteze 1 JewU 195 49/54
Deuteronomy 21-25 Kiteze 2 JewU 196 49/54
Parashat Ki Tovo-Optimistic future depends on "If"JewU 205 50/54
The Bible says "Be strong and of good courage" jewu 218 51/54
Parashat Netzavim- Free will, Jewu 213 51/54
20. Humor and Jokes
Favorite Jewish Jokes oneJewU 73
Favorite Jewish jokes number two JewU 132
My favorite Jewish jokes three JewU 77
Favorite Jewish Jokes 5 JewU 135
21. Thoughts and sermons
New York Times year of ideas Biofuels meteors danger jew319
New York Times year of ideas maid and mindfulnes jewu320
New York Times year of ideas appendix Judaism jewu321
baseball steroid abuse and Judaism jewu317
Ask the RABBI WEEKLY VIDEOS ON JEWTUBE JEWU269
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 1 jewu287
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 2 jewu288
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 3 jewu289
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 4 jewu293
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 5 Jewu301
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 6 Jewu308
ask the Erabbi 7 jewu316
A Rabbi's Daily Thought-TV, Bible and Whales JewU 100
Rabbi Reflects on the news ed.1 Jewu 206
Rabbi Reflects on the news ed.2 Jewu 207
Rabbi Reflects on the news ed.3 Jewu 208
Rabbi Reflects on the news 4 Jewu 209
Rabbi Reflects on News 5 JewU 235
Rabbi Reflects on News 6 fanatics,Hiroshima,chimps jewu274
evil vs good inclination & Freud jewu278
Idea behind all these webs and blogs jewu 211
Asceticism, Puritanism, Enjoying Life Jew U 199
Da Vinci, genius, the senses and Judaism JewU 170
Interpreting Dreams,a Jewish view JewU 162
Asking Good Jewish questions, JewU 159
Happiness from a Jewish view JewU 156
Hidur mitzvah-doing something for God's honor JewU 131
The book "Secrets" and Judaism JewU 126
Dumpster diving, sunken treasures and Judaism JewU125
Soprano's end and a Rabbi responds- no ending JewU 116
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Haftorah blessings go with above video and podcast
Benediction before reading the Haftarah:
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
E-lo-hei-nu, me-lech ha-o-lam,
a-sher ba-char bin-vi-im to-vim,
v'ra-tsa v'div-rei-hem,
ha-ne-e-ma-rim be-e-met.
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
ha-bo-cheir ba-To-rah
uv-Mo-she av-do,
uv-Yis-ra-eil a-mo,
u-vi-n'vi-ei ha'e-met va-tse-dek. ( A-mein. )
WLJ
Four Benedictions after reading the Haftarah:
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
E-lo-hei-nu, me-lech ha-o-lam,
tsur kol ha-o-la-mim,
tsa-dik b'chawl ha-do-rot,
ha-Eil ha-ne-e-man,
ha-o-meir v'o-seh,
ha-m'da-beir um-ka-yeim,
she-kol d'va-rav e-met va-tse-dek.
Ne-e-man a-tah hu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
v'ne-e-ma-nim d'va-re-cha,
v'da-var e-chad mi-d'va-re-cha,
a-chor lo ya-shuv rei-kam,
ki Eil me-lech ne-e-man, ( v'ra-cha-man ) a-ta.
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
ha-Eil ha-ne-e-man b'chawl d'va-rav. ( A-mein. )
Ra-cheim al Tsi-on, ki hi beit cha-yei-nu,
v'la-a-lu-vat ne-fesh to-shi-a, bim-hei-ra v'ya-mei-nu.
Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
m'sa-mei-ach Tsi-on b'va-ne-cha. ( A-mein. )
Sa-m'chei-nu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
b'Ei-li-ya-hu ha-Na-vi av-de-cha,
uv-mal-chut beit Da-vid m'shi-che-cha.
Bim-hei-ra ya-vo, v'ya-geil li-bei-nu;
Al kis-o lo yei-shev zar,
v'lo yin-cha-lu od a-chei-rim et k'vo-do,
ki v'sheim kawd-sh'cha nish-ba-'ta lo,
she-lo yich-beh nei-ru l'o-lam va-ed.
Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
ma-gein Da-vid. ( A-mein. )
Al ha-Torah, v'al ha-a-vo-dah, v'al ha-n'vi-im,
v'al yom ha-Sha-bat ha-zeh,
she-na-ta-ta la-nu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
lik-du-sha v'lim-nu-cha, l'cha-vod ul-tif-a-ret.
Al ha-kol, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, a-nach-nu mo-dim lach,
um-va-r'chim o-tach.
Yit-ba-rach shim-cha b'fi kawl chai, tamid, l'o-lam va-ed.
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
m'ka-deish ha-Sha-bat. ( A-mein. )
nadroj
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
E-lo-hei-nu, me-lech ha-o-lam,
a-sher ba-char bin-vi-im to-vim,
v'ra-tsa v'div-rei-hem,
ha-ne-e-ma-rim be-e-met.
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
ha-bo-cheir ba-To-rah
uv-Mo-she av-do,
uv-Yis-ra-eil a-mo,
u-vi-n'vi-ei ha'e-met va-tse-dek. ( A-mein. )
WLJ
Four Benedictions after reading the Haftarah:
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
E-lo-hei-nu, me-lech ha-o-lam,
tsur kol ha-o-la-mim,
tsa-dik b'chawl ha-do-rot,
ha-Eil ha-ne-e-man,
ha-o-meir v'o-seh,
ha-m'da-beir um-ka-yeim,
she-kol d'va-rav e-met va-tse-dek.
Ne-e-man a-tah hu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
v'ne-e-ma-nim d'va-re-cha,
v'da-var e-chad mi-d'va-re-cha,
a-chor lo ya-shuv rei-kam,
ki Eil me-lech ne-e-man, ( v'ra-cha-man ) a-ta.
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
ha-Eil ha-ne-e-man b'chawl d'va-rav. ( A-mein. )
Ra-cheim al Tsi-on, ki hi beit cha-yei-nu,
v'la-a-lu-vat ne-fesh to-shi-a, bim-hei-ra v'ya-mei-nu.
Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
m'sa-mei-ach Tsi-on b'va-ne-cha. ( A-mein. )
Sa-m'chei-nu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
b'Ei-li-ya-hu ha-Na-vi av-de-cha,
uv-mal-chut beit Da-vid m'shi-che-cha.
Bim-hei-ra ya-vo, v'ya-geil li-bei-nu;
Al kis-o lo yei-shev zar,
v'lo yin-cha-lu od a-chei-rim et k'vo-do,
ki v'sheim kawd-sh'cha nish-ba-'ta lo,
she-lo yich-beh nei-ru l'o-lam va-ed.
Ba-ruch a-tah A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
ma-gein Da-vid. ( A-mein. )
Al ha-Torah, v'al ha-a-vo-dah, v'al ha-n'vi-im,
v'al yom ha-Sha-bat ha-zeh,
she-na-ta-ta la-nu, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu,
lik-du-sha v'lim-nu-cha, l'cha-vod ul-tif-a-ret.
Al ha-kol, A-do-nai E-lo-hei-nu, a-nach-nu mo-dim lach,
um-va-r'chim o-tach.
Yit-ba-rach shim-cha b'fi kawl chai, tamid, l'o-lam va-ed.
Ba-ruch a-tah, A-do-nai, ( Ba-ruch hu u-va-ruch sh'mo! )
m'ka-deish ha-Sha-bat. ( A-mein. )
nadroj
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Requiem for a Good Tree
Gail's new spirit builder
Requiem for a Good Tree
Friday, December 21, 2007
Our backyard neighbors had a enormous cottonwood tree that hung over our yard. One one hand, this tree was a nuisance, littering our yard with sticks, cottonwood fluff and leaves. On the other hand,...
at http://www.neshamah.org/
Requiem for a Good Tree
Friday, December 21, 2007
Our backyard neighbors had a enormous cottonwood tree that hung over our yard. One one hand, this tree was a nuisance, littering our yard with sticks, cottonwood fluff and leaves. On the other hand,...
at http://www.neshamah.org/
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Richard Baehr on the aid to the PA
5. 7.4 billion promised in aid to the Palestinians in one day. That even beats Ron Paul's one day haul. A few things we know about these pledges and how the money will be used: the Arab countries will not send the cash, and nothing will change within the PA. This is welfare, pure and simple. When the UNWRA counts 20 million Palestinians as refugees in 50 years, the bureaucracy will be many times bigger, and there will still be millions in camps.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847366262&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Daniel Pipes say cut the US funding off: http://www.jewishworldreview.com/1207/pipes121807.php3
Frank Gaffeny also wants no US money for the UN Durban Conference: http://www.townhall.com/columnists/FrankJGaffneyJr/2007/12/17/not_on_our_dime
Even Tony Blair says there has to be greater accountability and proof that the PA is functional: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4d67f7dc-ac41-11dc-82f0-0000779fd2ac,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F4d67f7dc-ac41-11dc-82f0-0000779fd2ac.html&_i_referer=
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1196847366262&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Daniel Pipes say cut the US funding off: http://www.jewishworldreview.com/1207/pipes121807.php3
Frank Gaffeny also wants no US money for the UN Durban Conference: http://www.townhall.com/columnists/FrankJGaffneyJr/2007/12/17/not_on_our_dime
Even Tony Blair says there has to be greater accountability and proof that the PA is functional: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4d67f7dc-ac41-11dc-82f0-0000779fd2ac,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F4d67f7dc-ac41-11dc-82f0-0000779fd2ac.html&_i_referer=
#1 Conversion synagogue in USA
"31 Conversions in 2007!" To read this exciting and informative
article about the most successful Conversion to Judaism program in
the United States (guess whose?) go to: www.neshamah.org and look at
the Spirit Builder Blog.
article about the most successful Conversion to Judaism program in
the United States (guess whose?) go to: www.neshamah.org and look at
the Spirit Builder Blog.
NYT Year of Ideas Rabbi Reflections
Every year, for 7 years. the New York Times Magazine has a YEAR OF IDEAS issue.
Great Opportunity for Jewish reflections. Here is my first set.
1. Alzheimer's Telephone screeing-test of cognitive vital signs. A test like this should be as common as talking blood pressure.
RR We need a Jewish telephone test to determine basic Jewish knowledge and fill in holes
2. Appendix rationale Until this year "Medicine thought it was useless. It is a safehouse for healthy bacteria. When our gut is ravaged by disease, the appendix quietly goes to work
repopulating the gut with healthy baceteria. A reboot function. We can stay alive today without it because modern hygeiene and medicine."
Rabbi Reflects a. rationale/ metaphor for Jewish knowledge and prayer literacy. Substitute words soul for gut. b. Never assume because you think a Jewish tradition is "a shrunken reminder of some organ our ancestors required.In a word "useless" is true.
3. Best way to deflect an asteroid"-not much of a chance but if it happened it would be horrible. Scientists keep working on it.
RR My first thought-Iran. Even if US Intelligence reports are right, we need to be planning as if they aren't.
4 Biodegradable coffins-Paper stresses the simplicy and green nature. "Who needs embalming, cement vaults, ." RR coming around to the Jewish way
5. Biofuels
Unlocking its complex compounds of sugars, whose potential yield is 4 times that of corn on a gallons-per-acre basis, typically requires an aggressive, four-step thermo-chemical process. Taken together, these steps have been too costly or too energy intensive for cellulosic fuel production to become economically viable. Cracking the conundrum of plant cell walls cheaply has become a Brigadoon-like dream that has been “5 years away,” as one wry observer put it, “for the last 30 years.”
Until now — at least if you believe Vinod Khosla, one of the best-known venture capitalists in America, who was a founder of Sun Microsystems and an early investor in Google, and who has in recent years invested hundreds of millions of dollars into a dozen different biofuel companies using new and potentially revolutionary techniques...
According to Khosla, within the next two decades, petroleum, which accounts for 40 percent of the current total energy use in the United States, can be entirely replaced by biofuels. That’s a half-trillion-dollar market. In a kind of biofuels roulette, Khosla, a man with a big stack of chips, has covered the table with many different bets. One of them seems bound to hit, which would be a Google-like home run for Khosla and would similarly revolutionize life for the rest of us.
RR and help wean us off Arab oil.
Great Opportunity for Jewish reflections. Here is my first set.
1. Alzheimer's Telephone screeing-test of cognitive vital signs. A test like this should be as common as talking blood pressure.
RR We need a Jewish telephone test to determine basic Jewish knowledge and fill in holes
2. Appendix rationale Until this year "Medicine thought it was useless. It is a safehouse for healthy bacteria. When our gut is ravaged by disease, the appendix quietly goes to work
repopulating the gut with healthy baceteria. A reboot function. We can stay alive today without it because modern hygeiene and medicine."
Rabbi Reflects a. rationale/ metaphor for Jewish knowledge and prayer literacy. Substitute words soul for gut. b. Never assume because you think a Jewish tradition is "a shrunken reminder of some organ our ancestors required.In a word "useless" is true.
3. Best way to deflect an asteroid"-not much of a chance but if it happened it would be horrible. Scientists keep working on it.
RR My first thought-Iran. Even if US Intelligence reports are right, we need to be planning as if they aren't.
4 Biodegradable coffins-Paper stresses the simplicy and green nature. "Who needs embalming, cement vaults, ." RR coming around to the Jewish way
5. Biofuels
Unlocking its complex compounds of sugars, whose potential yield is 4 times that of corn on a gallons-per-acre basis, typically requires an aggressive, four-step thermo-chemical process. Taken together, these steps have been too costly or too energy intensive for cellulosic fuel production to become economically viable. Cracking the conundrum of plant cell walls cheaply has become a Brigadoon-like dream that has been “5 years away,” as one wry observer put it, “for the last 30 years.”
Until now — at least if you believe Vinod Khosla, one of the best-known venture capitalists in America, who was a founder of Sun Microsystems and an early investor in Google, and who has in recent years invested hundreds of millions of dollars into a dozen different biofuel companies using new and potentially revolutionary techniques...
According to Khosla, within the next two decades, petroleum, which accounts for 40 percent of the current total energy use in the United States, can be entirely replaced by biofuels. That’s a half-trillion-dollar market. In a kind of biofuels roulette, Khosla, a man with a big stack of chips, has covered the table with many different bets. One of them seems bound to hit, which would be a Google-like home run for Khosla and would similarly revolutionize life for the rest of us.
RR and help wean us off Arab oil.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Ask the Erabbi7
Ask the Erabbi7
Video sent by rjhgins
Questions
Flowers at Jewish funerals? Do Conservative rasbbis accept reform conversions? Circumcision done as an adult?Daniel chapter 9? God and evil? Transliterati
Yes I'm available
New York Post RENT-A-RABBI
EXECS PAY BIG FOR ON-THE-JOB RELIGION
By CATIE LAZARUS
December 16, 2007 -- Inside a windowed conference room at Morgan Stanley, Scott Beck is discussing the Holocaust with his rabbi, Henry Harris.
Harris had recently returned from a trip to Poland. "It looks just like it did in 'The Pianist' and 'Schindler's List.' Did you see 'Schindler's List,' and do you remember the part when they are in Krakow?" he asked.
Beck, an executive director at the bank, nods as he sneaks a peek at his BlackBerry. "I got my eye on the market, too," he says.
Atoning for his sins? Well, sort of.
Beck and many other corporate titans have a regular "take your rabbi to work day," when trading and the Torah go hand in hand.
For guilty Jews who can pay as much as $250,000 a year, a rabbi from Aish New York, a nonprofit educational center, will get religious with you anytime, anywhere. Everyone from Kirk Douglas to executives at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and major hedge funds are clients, the company says.
There is no set curriculum, and the only expectation is that the students contribute a minimum annual donation of $10,000. Clients use their half-hour to hour sessions to talk about Torah verses, relationships - even how to make Jewish bread.
"If they can't meet at their office, maybe a conference room is taken, we'll just meet at Starbucks," Aish's Rabbi Stephen Schiff says.
"Successful executives don't have the time to devote," says Schiff, sitting in Aish's four-floor Upper West Side headquarters, a collection of plush event rooms, a library and a boardroom. "We'll make cold calls, referrals, whatever it takes to inspire a Jewish New York."
The center has four rabbis on call five days a week for individual sessions in what Aish calls their Executive Learning Program. Jews of more modest means can attend group activities after work, such as speed dating and Shabbat dinners for singles."
$10,000 a year to EHNTJC and I'll meet you anytimne, anywhere to bring you Judaism
EXECS PAY BIG FOR ON-THE-JOB RELIGION
By CATIE LAZARUS
December 16, 2007 -- Inside a windowed conference room at Morgan Stanley, Scott Beck is discussing the Holocaust with his rabbi, Henry Harris.
Harris had recently returned from a trip to Poland. "It looks just like it did in 'The Pianist' and 'Schindler's List.' Did you see 'Schindler's List,' and do you remember the part when they are in Krakow?" he asked.
Beck, an executive director at the bank, nods as he sneaks a peek at his BlackBerry. "I got my eye on the market, too," he says.
Atoning for his sins? Well, sort of.
Beck and many other corporate titans have a regular "take your rabbi to work day," when trading and the Torah go hand in hand.
For guilty Jews who can pay as much as $250,000 a year, a rabbi from Aish New York, a nonprofit educational center, will get religious with you anytime, anywhere. Everyone from Kirk Douglas to executives at Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and major hedge funds are clients, the company says.
There is no set curriculum, and the only expectation is that the students contribute a minimum annual donation of $10,000. Clients use their half-hour to hour sessions to talk about Torah verses, relationships - even how to make Jewish bread.
"If they can't meet at their office, maybe a conference room is taken, we'll just meet at Starbucks," Aish's Rabbi Stephen Schiff says.
"Successful executives don't have the time to devote," says Schiff, sitting in Aish's four-floor Upper West Side headquarters, a collection of plush event rooms, a library and a boardroom. "We'll make cold calls, referrals, whatever it takes to inspire a Jewish New York."
The center has four rabbis on call five days a week for individual sessions in what Aish calls their Executive Learning Program. Jews of more modest means can attend group activities after work, such as speed dating and Shabbat dinners for singles."
$10,000 a year to EHNTJC and I'll meet you anytimne, anywhere to bring you Judaism
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Mystbreathng
Mystbreathng
Video sent by rjhgins
Gail’s mystical kabbalistic calming breathing technique 3-6-3
www.neshamah.org
Friday, December 14, 2007
Baseball
"On matters of race, on matters of decency, baseball should lead the way." - A. Bartlett Giamatti Former Comm Baseball and Yale president and
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone...Of course, there are those who learn after the first few times. They grow out of sports. And there are others who were born with the wisdom to know that nothing lasts. These are the truly tough among us, the ones who can live without illusion, or without even the hope of illusion. I am not that grown-up or up-to-date. I am a simpler creature, tied to more primitive patterns and cycles. I need to think something lasts forever, and it might as well be that state of being that is a game; it might as well be that, in a green field, in the sun. From A Great and Glorious Game: Baseball Writings of A. Bartlett
Giamatti, © 1998 by A. Bartlett Giamatti.
" Source: The Green Fields of the Mind (Yale Alumni Magazine, November 1977)
Editorial
Fixing baseball
December 14, 2007
Thursday's blockbuster report on the widespread use of steroids and other illegal performance-enhancing substances in baseball could be the first step in the rehabilitation of the game's reputation. Commissioner Bud Selig responded quickly and -- here's a novelty for baseball -- forcefully to the devastating indictment. What a shame that it all took so long. Baseball hasn't just lost a World Series, as it did with the 1919 Black Sox scandal. It hasn't just lost a home run derby. This is well beyond the cloud over the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa chase of Roger Maris' iconic single-season record in 1998.
No, baseball has lost more than a decade. All that time, all those games, have been spoiled.
Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell's report tells us that the use of these drugs has been rampant. Players from all 30 teams were implicated. The report alleges that superstars such as Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mo Vaughn, McGwire, Kevin Brown and Eric Gagne were users. And the report says there have been more users than its investigation uncovered.
The report details brazen behavior: drug runs to Mexico when visiting teams swung through San Diego, team restrooms used as injection stations, syringes left on clubhouse floors. "Everybody in baseball -- commissioners, club officials, the players association, players -- shares responsibility," Mitchell said Thursday...
2. News article
slander angle
Donald Fehr, head of the players' union, advised players not to cooperate with Mitchell because of the potential for unfair findings.
"Many players are named," Fehr said Thursday. "Their reputations have been adversely affected, probably forever, even if it turns out down the road that they should not have been [named]."
Mitchell's report found fault with everyone involved in the sport -- "the commissioners, the club officials, the players association and the players" -- for contributing to an environment that allowed the widespread use of steroids and human growth hormone in baseball.
"There was a collective failure to recognize the problem as it emerged and to deal with it early on," he said.
(Remember Joseph was in prison on false grounds)
3. They cheat themselves (besides cheating us Chgo Trib 12/14
Dr. Gary Green, a UCLA chemist who works as a consultant for MLB, said he believes steroid users eventually cheat themselves, as well as their fans and fellow competitors.
He cited a statement by East German swimmer Rica Reinisch, who won three gold medals in the 1980 Olympics while using steroids.
"The worst thing is they took away from me the opportunity to ever know if I could have won the gold medals without the steroids," Reinisch said. "That's the greatest betrayal of all."
To Green, that rings true.
"One of the shames of this is that the players who took steroids won't know how good they could have been without steroids," Green said.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone...Of course, there are those who learn after the first few times. They grow out of sports. And there are others who were born with the wisdom to know that nothing lasts. These are the truly tough among us, the ones who can live without illusion, or without even the hope of illusion. I am not that grown-up or up-to-date. I am a simpler creature, tied to more primitive patterns and cycles. I need to think something lasts forever, and it might as well be that state of being that is a game; it might as well be that, in a green field, in the sun. From A Great and Glorious Game: Baseball Writings of A. Bartlett
Giamatti, © 1998 by A. Bartlett Giamatti.
" Source: The Green Fields of the Mind (Yale Alumni Magazine, November 1977)
Editorial
Fixing baseball
December 14, 2007
Thursday's blockbuster report on the widespread use of steroids and other illegal performance-enhancing substances in baseball could be the first step in the rehabilitation of the game's reputation. Commissioner Bud Selig responded quickly and -- here's a novelty for baseball -- forcefully to the devastating indictment. What a shame that it all took so long. Baseball hasn't just lost a World Series, as it did with the 1919 Black Sox scandal. It hasn't just lost a home run derby. This is well beyond the cloud over the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa chase of Roger Maris' iconic single-season record in 1998.
No, baseball has lost more than a decade. All that time, all those games, have been spoiled.
Former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell's report tells us that the use of these drugs has been rampant. Players from all 30 teams were implicated. The report alleges that superstars such as Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mo Vaughn, McGwire, Kevin Brown and Eric Gagne were users. And the report says there have been more users than its investigation uncovered.
The report details brazen behavior: drug runs to Mexico when visiting teams swung through San Diego, team restrooms used as injection stations, syringes left on clubhouse floors. "Everybody in baseball -- commissioners, club officials, the players association, players -- shares responsibility," Mitchell said Thursday...
2. News article
slander angle
Donald Fehr, head of the players' union, advised players not to cooperate with Mitchell because of the potential for unfair findings.
"Many players are named," Fehr said Thursday. "Their reputations have been adversely affected, probably forever, even if it turns out down the road that they should not have been [named]."
Mitchell's report found fault with everyone involved in the sport -- "the commissioners, the club officials, the players association and the players" -- for contributing to an environment that allowed the widespread use of steroids and human growth hormone in baseball.
"There was a collective failure to recognize the problem as it emerged and to deal with it early on," he said.
(Remember Joseph was in prison on false grounds)
3. They cheat themselves (besides cheating us Chgo Trib 12/14
Dr. Gary Green, a UCLA chemist who works as a consultant for MLB, said he believes steroid users eventually cheat themselves, as well as their fans and fellow competitors.
He cited a statement by East German swimmer Rica Reinisch, who won three gold medals in the 1980 Olympics while using steroids.
"The worst thing is they took away from me the opportunity to ever know if I could have won the gold medals without the steroids," Reinisch said. "That's the greatest betrayal of all."
To Green, that rings true.
"One of the shames of this is that the players who took steroids won't know how good they could have been without steroids," Green said.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hannukah don't let the lights go out
Hannukah don't let the lights go out
Video sent by rjhgins
the real meaning of Hannukah
Sheva Brachoter
Sheva Brachoter
Video sent by rjhgins
seven wedding benedictions of Jewish wedding ceremony
Sheva Brachote 7 blessings of Jewish wedding service 12/13/07
The seven blessings of a Jewish wedding service--text to above video
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Boreh Pri HaGafen.
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, creator of the fruit of the vine.
2. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, SheHakol Barah Lichvodo
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created everything for his glory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Yotzer Ha'Adam
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, the creator of man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Yatzar Et Ha'Adam Betzalmo, b'Tzelem Dmut Tavnito, VeHitkon Lo Mimenu Binyan Adei Ad. Baruch Ata HaShem Yotzer Ha'Adam
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created man in His image, in the pattern of His own likeness, and provided for the perpetuation of his kind. You are blessed, Lord, the creator of man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Sos Tasis VeTagel HaAkarah, BeKibbutz Bane'ha Letocha BeSimchaa. Baruch Ata HaShem, Mesame'ach Tzion BeVaneha
Let the barren city be jubilantly happy and joyful at her joyous reunion with her children. You are blessed, Lord, who makes Zion rejoice with her children.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Sameach TeSamach Re'im Ahuvim, KeSamechacha Yetzircha BeGan Eden MiKedem. Baruch Ata HaShem, MeSame'ach Chatan VeKalah
Let the loving couple be very happy, just as You made Your creation happy in the garden of Eden, so long ago. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride happy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Barah Sasson VeSimcha, Chatan VeKalah, Gila Rina, Ditza VeChedva, Ahava VeAchava, VeShalom VeRe'ut. MeHera HaShem Elokeinu Yishama BeArei Yehudah U'Vchutzot Yerushalayim, Kol Sasson V'eKol Simcha, Kol Chatan V'eKol Kalah, Kol Mitzhalot Chatanim MeChupatam, U'Nearim Mimishte Neginatam. Baruch Ata HaShem MeSame'ach Chatan Im Hakalah.
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created joy and celebration, bridegroom and bride, rejoicing, jubilation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard, Lord our G-d, in the cities of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of joy and the sound of celebration, the voice of a bridegroom and the voice of a bride, the happy shouting of bridegrooms from their weddings and of young men from their feasts of song. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride rejoice together.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.ou.org
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Boreh Pri HaGafen.
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, creator of the fruit of the vine.
2. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, SheHakol Barah Lichvodo
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created everything for his glory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Yotzer Ha'Adam
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, the creator of man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Yatzar Et Ha'Adam Betzalmo, b'Tzelem Dmut Tavnito, VeHitkon Lo Mimenu Binyan Adei Ad. Baruch Ata HaShem Yotzer Ha'Adam
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created man in His image, in the pattern of His own likeness, and provided for the perpetuation of his kind. You are blessed, Lord, the creator of man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Sos Tasis VeTagel HaAkarah, BeKibbutz Bane'ha Letocha BeSimchaa. Baruch Ata HaShem, Mesame'ach Tzion BeVaneha
Let the barren city be jubilantly happy and joyful at her joyous reunion with her children. You are blessed, Lord, who makes Zion rejoice with her children.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Sameach TeSamach Re'im Ahuvim, KeSamechacha Yetzircha BeGan Eden MiKedem. Baruch Ata HaShem, MeSame'ach Chatan VeKalah
Let the loving couple be very happy, just as You made Your creation happy in the garden of Eden, so long ago. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride happy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Baruch Ata HaShem Elokainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Barah Sasson VeSimcha, Chatan VeKalah, Gila Rina, Ditza VeChedva, Ahava VeAchava, VeShalom VeRe'ut. MeHera HaShem Elokeinu Yishama BeArei Yehudah U'Vchutzot Yerushalayim, Kol Sasson V'eKol Simcha, Kol Chatan V'eKol Kalah, Kol Mitzhalot Chatanim MeChupatam, U'Nearim Mimishte Neginatam. Baruch Ata HaShem MeSame'ach Chatan Im Hakalah.
You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created joy and celebration, bridegroom and bride, rejoicing, jubilation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard, Lord our G-d, in the cities of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of joy and the sound of celebration, the voice of a bridegroom and the voice of a bride, the happy shouting of bridegrooms from their weddings and of young men from their feasts of song. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride rejoice together.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.ou.org
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Israel rejects intelligence on Iran
Israeli officials reject U.S. findings on Iran
By Dion Nissenbaum, McClatchy Newspapers Tue Dec 4, 1:29 PM ET
JERUSALEM - Israeli officials, who've been warning that Iran would soon pose a nuclear threat to the world, reacted angrily Tuesday to a new U.S. intelligence finding that Iran stopped its nuclear weapons development program in 2003 and to date hasn't resumed trying to produce nuclear weapons.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak directly challenged the new assessment in an interview with Israel's Army Radio, and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the new finding wouldn't deter Israel or the United States from pressing its campaign to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability.
"It seems Iran in 2003 halted for a certain period of time its military nuclear program, but as far as we know, it has probably since revived it," Barak said.
"Even after this report, the American stance will still focus on preventing Iran from attaining nuclear capability," Olmert said. "We will expend every effort along with our friends in the U.S. to prevent the Iranians from developing nuclear weapons."
Probably no country felt more blindsided than Israel by the announcement Monday that 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, in a stunning reassessment, had concluded with "high confidence" that Iran had halted its nuclear program in 2003 and with "moderate confidence" that it hadn't restarted that program as of mid-2007.
For years, Israel has been at the forefront of international efforts to isolate Iran , with Israeli intelligence estimates warning that Iran was on the brink of a nuclear "point of no return," an ominous assessment that often fueled calls for a military strike.
Israeli officials also have sought to isolate Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , citing his calls for Israel's destruction and his skepticism that the Holocaust took place.
The U.S. intelligence finding said that evidence "suggests" that Iran isn't as determined as U.S. officials thought to develop a nuclear weapon and that a diplomatic approach that included economic pressure and some nod to Iranian goals for regional influence might persuade Iran to continue to suspend weapons development.
On Tuesday morning, Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper called the U.S.
findings "a blow below the belt." An analysis in the competing Haaretz newspaper suggested that Israel might come to be viewed as a "panic-stricken rabbit" and said that the U.S. intelligence estimate established "a new, dramatic reality: The military option, American or Israeli, is off the table, indefinitely."
"This is definitely a blow to attempts to stop Iran from becoming nuclear because now everybody will be relaxed and those that were reluctant to go ahead with harsher sanctions will now have a good excuse," said Efraim Inbar , the director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies at Israel's Bar-Ilan University .
The estimate created an awkward situation for Israeli leaders, who mostly tried to sidestep direct criticism of the Bush administration.
Olmert sought to focus on the report's finding that Iran had been deterred in 2003 from pursuing its nuclear weapons program by international pressure. That, said Olmert, made continued sanctions essential.
Barak was tougher and promised that the report wouldn't influence Israeli policy.
"We cannot allow ourselves to rest just because of an intelligence report from the other side of the earth, even if it is from our greatest friend," he said.
Israeli officials also highlighted where the U.S. and Israeli assessments agree.
They noted that while the latest U.S. assessment said that the earliest Iran was likely to develop enough weapons-grade material for a nuclear bomb was 2010, Israeli assessments weren't dramatically different, finding that Iran could develop the workings for a nuclear bomb by 2009.
Gerald Steinberg , the chairman of the political science department at Bar-Ilan University , suggested that the findings might increase the chances that Israel will attack Iran because they reduce the chances that the United States will act.
"I think it may introduce a lot of stress in the Israeli-American relationship," he said.
But Emily Landau , the director of the Arms Control and Regional Security Program at Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies , said it would be very difficult for Israel to launch an attack without explicit support from the United States .
"If Israel were to carry out a military action, it would have to be in coordination with the United States , so if the United States is moving away from that option, it would have implications for Israel as well," she said.
( McClatchy special correspondent Cliff Churgin contributed to this report from Jerusalem .)
By Dion Nissenbaum, McClatchy Newspapers Tue Dec 4, 1:29 PM ET
JERUSALEM - Israeli officials, who've been warning that Iran would soon pose a nuclear threat to the world, reacted angrily Tuesday to a new U.S. intelligence finding that Iran stopped its nuclear weapons development program in 2003 and to date hasn't resumed trying to produce nuclear weapons.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak directly challenged the new assessment in an interview with Israel's Army Radio, and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the new finding wouldn't deter Israel or the United States from pressing its campaign to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability.
"It seems Iran in 2003 halted for a certain period of time its military nuclear program, but as far as we know, it has probably since revived it," Barak said.
"Even after this report, the American stance will still focus on preventing Iran from attaining nuclear capability," Olmert said. "We will expend every effort along with our friends in the U.S. to prevent the Iranians from developing nuclear weapons."
Probably no country felt more blindsided than Israel by the announcement Monday that 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, in a stunning reassessment, had concluded with "high confidence" that Iran had halted its nuclear program in 2003 and with "moderate confidence" that it hadn't restarted that program as of mid-2007.
For years, Israel has been at the forefront of international efforts to isolate Iran , with Israeli intelligence estimates warning that Iran was on the brink of a nuclear "point of no return," an ominous assessment that often fueled calls for a military strike.
Israeli officials also have sought to isolate Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , citing his calls for Israel's destruction and his skepticism that the Holocaust took place.
The U.S. intelligence finding said that evidence "suggests" that Iran isn't as determined as U.S. officials thought to develop a nuclear weapon and that a diplomatic approach that included economic pressure and some nod to Iranian goals for regional influence might persuade Iran to continue to suspend weapons development.
On Tuesday morning, Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper called the U.S.
findings "a blow below the belt." An analysis in the competing Haaretz newspaper suggested that Israel might come to be viewed as a "panic-stricken rabbit" and said that the U.S. intelligence estimate established "a new, dramatic reality: The military option, American or Israeli, is off the table, indefinitely."
"This is definitely a blow to attempts to stop Iran from becoming nuclear because now everybody will be relaxed and those that were reluctant to go ahead with harsher sanctions will now have a good excuse," said Efraim Inbar , the director of the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies at Israel's Bar-Ilan University .
The estimate created an awkward situation for Israeli leaders, who mostly tried to sidestep direct criticism of the Bush administration.
Olmert sought to focus on the report's finding that Iran had been deterred in 2003 from pursuing its nuclear weapons program by international pressure. That, said Olmert, made continued sanctions essential.
Barak was tougher and promised that the report wouldn't influence Israeli policy.
"We cannot allow ourselves to rest just because of an intelligence report from the other side of the earth, even if it is from our greatest friend," he said.
Israeli officials also highlighted where the U.S. and Israeli assessments agree.
They noted that while the latest U.S. assessment said that the earliest Iran was likely to develop enough weapons-grade material for a nuclear bomb was 2010, Israeli assessments weren't dramatically different, finding that Iran could develop the workings for a nuclear bomb by 2009.
Gerald Steinberg , the chairman of the political science department at Bar-Ilan University , suggested that the findings might increase the chances that Israel will attack Iran because they reduce the chances that the United States will act.
"I think it may introduce a lot of stress in the Israeli-American relationship," he said.
But Emily Landau , the director of the Arms Control and Regional Security Program at Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies , said it would be very difficult for Israel to launch an attack without explicit support from the United States .
"If Israel were to carry out a military action, it would have to be in coordination with the United States , so if the United States is moving away from that option, it would have implications for Israel as well," she said.
( McClatchy special correspondent Cliff Churgin contributed to this report from Jerusalem .)
Confusions
don't know whether to be proud or cry about this
Youtube message:
you are such an inspiration to me rabi gensburg ive watched your shabbats listened to what you have to say and it has really been an inspiaration to me as a jew. but iam a messianic jew and am a cantor at a messianic shaul and why do you think it religous treasen to belive yeshua in the yisreal messiah
My reply:
Because it is heresy to believe a man is God. You are not a Jew if you believe that. repent. Believe in the truth. Shma Yisrael. Only God is God. Watch my 6 videos on Jesus and Jews and see the truth.
First read Gail's blog on modern day Maccabees. Find it at www.neshamh.orgo
Ham for Hannukah
Grocery store goofs with Hanukkah ham ad
Fri Dec 7, 10:18 AM ET
This was REALLY not kosher.
A grocery store in Manhattan made a food faux pas, advertising hams as "Delicious for Chanukah."
Chanukah - an alternate spelling for Hanukkah - is the eight-day Jewish holiday that began Tuesday evening, and hams - as well as pork and other products from pigs - can't be eaten under Jewish dietary laws.
Youtube message:
you are such an inspiration to me rabi gensburg ive watched your shabbats listened to what you have to say and it has really been an inspiaration to me as a jew. but iam a messianic jew and am a cantor at a messianic shaul and why do you think it religous treasen to belive yeshua in the yisreal messiah
My reply:
Because it is heresy to believe a man is God. You are not a Jew if you believe that. repent. Believe in the truth. Shma Yisrael. Only God is God. Watch my 6 videos on Jesus and Jews and see the truth.
First read Gail's blog on modern day Maccabees. Find it at www.neshamh.orgo
Ham for Hannukah
Grocery store goofs with Hanukkah ham ad
Fri Dec 7, 10:18 AM ET
This was REALLY not kosher.
A grocery store in Manhattan made a food faux pas, advertising hams as "Delicious for Chanukah."
Chanukah - an alternate spelling for Hanukkah - is the eight-day Jewish holiday that began Tuesday evening, and hams - as well as pork and other products from pigs - can't be eaten under Jewish dietary laws.
videos
Videos on Youtube for Parashat Vayigash
Parashat Vayigash Joseph meets his brothersjewu 303
Forgiveness and the Joseph stories Jewu298
New Videos
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 6 on Jewtube
Parashat Vayigash Joseph meets his brothersjewu 303
Forgiveness and the Joseph stories Jewu298
New Videos
Ask the ERABBI -WEEKLY VIDEOS 6 on Jewtube
Tevet
The new month we are in TEVET
The text in II Kings (25:1-4) tells us that on the 10th day of the 10th month, in the ninth year of his reign, (588 BCE), Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, began the siege of Jerusalem. Three years later, on the 17th of Tammuz, he broke through the city walls. The siege ended with the destruction of the Temple three weeks later, on the 9th of Av, the end of the first Kingdoms and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. It can thus be considered part of the cycle of fasts connected with these events: Tzom Gedaliah (3rd of Tishrei); Shivah Asar B'Tammuz (17th of Tammuz) and Tisha B'Av (9th of Av).
The first mention of this fast appears in Zechariah (8:19) where it is called the "fast of the tenth month..." (counting from the month of Nisan, which was the first month in Biblical times). Other references to the fast and the affliction can be found in Ezekiel 24:1-2 (the siege); Jeremiah 52:4-6.The Tenth of Tevet - Asarah B'Tevet
According to tradition, as described by the liturgy for the day's selichot, the fast also commemorates other ignominious events that occurred throughout Jewish history on the tenth of Tevet and the two days preceding it:
On the eighth of Tevet, 246 BCE (year 3515 on the Hebrew calendar), during Greek rule of Israel during the Second Temple period, Ptolmey, Greek of Egypt ordered the Septuagint, the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek. This was seen as a meddling in religious affairs by Greek interlopers and a debasement of the divine nature of the Torah and a subversion of its spiritual qualities by packaging it for a gentile audience whose interest in it was academic instead of theistic.
Ezra the Scribe, the great leader who brought the Jews back to the holy land from the Babylonian exile and who ushered in the era of the Second Temple, died on the ninth of Tevet
The text in II Kings (25:1-4) tells us that on the 10th day of the 10th month, in the ninth year of his reign, (588 BCE), Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king, began the siege of Jerusalem. Three years later, on the 17th of Tammuz, he broke through the city walls. The siege ended with the destruction of the Temple three weeks later, on the 9th of Av, the end of the first Kingdoms and the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. It can thus be considered part of the cycle of fasts connected with these events: Tzom Gedaliah (3rd of Tishrei); Shivah Asar B'Tammuz (17th of Tammuz) and Tisha B'Av (9th of Av).
The first mention of this fast appears in Zechariah (8:19) where it is called the "fast of the tenth month..." (counting from the month of Nisan, which was the first month in Biblical times). Other references to the fast and the affliction can be found in Ezekiel 24:1-2 (the siege); Jeremiah 52:4-6.The Tenth of Tevet - Asarah B'Tevet
According to tradition, as described by the liturgy for the day's selichot, the fast also commemorates other ignominious events that occurred throughout Jewish history on the tenth of Tevet and the two days preceding it:
On the eighth of Tevet, 246 BCE (year 3515 on the Hebrew calendar), during Greek rule of Israel during the Second Temple period, Ptolmey, Greek of Egypt ordered the Septuagint, the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek. This was seen as a meddling in religious affairs by Greek interlopers and a debasement of the divine nature of the Torah and a subversion of its spiritual qualities by packaging it for a gentile audience whose interest in it was academic instead of theistic.
Ezra the Scribe, the great leader who brought the Jews back to the holy land from the Babylonian exile and who ushered in the era of the Second Temple, died on the ninth of Tevet
Ask the erabbi 6
Ask the erabbi 6
Video sent by rjhgins
Ask the rabbi
Why am I not objective and nice when I talk about Bahai, Jews for Jesus, Orthodox Jews? Why was Gd so mean in killing the first born of Egypt? Doesn't Christianity complete Judaism? How can one be jewish and not believe in Gd?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Candlelighting Chanukah party part 1
Candlelighting Chanukah party part 1
Video sent by rjhgins
Chnuakh aprty
I don't whether to be proud or cry
Youtube message:
you are such an inspiration to me rabi gensburg ive watched your shabbats listened to what you have to say and it has really been an inspiaration to me as a jew. but iam a messianic jew and am a cantor at a messianic shaul and why do you think it religous treasen to belive yeshua in the yisreal messiah
My reply:
Because it is heresy to believe a man is God. You are not a Jew if you believe that. repent. Believe in the truth. Shma Yisrael. Only God is God. Watch my 6 videos on Jesus and Jews and see the truth.
you are such an inspiration to me rabi gensburg ive watched your shabbats listened to what you have to say and it has really been an inspiaration to me as a jew. but iam a messianic jew and am a cantor at a messianic shaul and why do you think it religous treasen to belive yeshua in the yisreal messiah
My reply:
Because it is heresy to believe a man is God. You are not a Jew if you believe that. repent. Believe in the truth. Shma Yisrael. Only God is God. Watch my 6 videos on Jesus and Jews and see the truth.
Our Annual Chanukah party part 1
Our Annual Chanukah party part 1
Video sent by rjhgins
CHANUKAH PARTY
CHGO TRIB EDITORIAL TODAY ON IRAN
They said in a new National Intelligence Estimate that, contrary to previous assessments, Iran's secret program to build a nuclear weapon was mothballed in 2003.
Not so fast. Iran may not have an active nuclear weapons program now. But the new NIE also says Iran is "continuing to develop a range of technical capabilities that could be applied to producing nuclear weapons, if a decision is made to do so." Once Tehran has mastered the ability to enrich uranium, building a bomb wouldn't take long.
The international inclination to ease up on sanctions, to let Iran continue its uranium enrichment program, may grow. That's a bad idea. There are plenty of strong reasons to keep the pressure on Iran.
Amid the spectrum of reactions to the new U.S. report, the most compelling came from a senior official close to the International Atomic Energy Agency, quoted in The New York Times. "To be frank, we are more skeptical," the official said of the report. "We don't buy the American analysis 100 percent. We are not that generous with Iran."
... Officials reportedly will use the new report to redouble efforts to dig out more information about Iran's decades of nuclear deceit.
Even a cursory reading of IAEA reports on Iran over the past few years would lead to the undeniable conclusion that Tehran is still hiding much about its nuclear efforts.In November, the agency reported that while a few of the blanks finally had been filled in, many more remained. The IAEA reported that it still was "not in a position to provide credible assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran." It demanded Iran's full cooperation on a tougher set of inspection rules. But Iran hasn't followed those rules since early 2006. As a result, the agency reported that its knowledge about Iran's current nuclear program was "diminishing."
...Without full access, without the ability to inspect all of Iran's nuclear facilities, without answers on all of its past clandestine nuclear activities, the IAEA can't -- and shouldn't -- let Iran off the hook. Nor should the rest of the world.
Not so fast. Iran may not have an active nuclear weapons program now. But the new NIE also says Iran is "continuing to develop a range of technical capabilities that could be applied to producing nuclear weapons, if a decision is made to do so." Once Tehran has mastered the ability to enrich uranium, building a bomb wouldn't take long.
The international inclination to ease up on sanctions, to let Iran continue its uranium enrichment program, may grow. That's a bad idea. There are plenty of strong reasons to keep the pressure on Iran.
Amid the spectrum of reactions to the new U.S. report, the most compelling came from a senior official close to the International Atomic Energy Agency, quoted in The New York Times. "To be frank, we are more skeptical," the official said of the report. "We don't buy the American analysis 100 percent. We are not that generous with Iran."
... Officials reportedly will use the new report to redouble efforts to dig out more information about Iran's decades of nuclear deceit.
Even a cursory reading of IAEA reports on Iran over the past few years would lead to the undeniable conclusion that Tehran is still hiding much about its nuclear efforts.In November, the agency reported that while a few of the blanks finally had been filled in, many more remained. The IAEA reported that it still was "not in a position to provide credible assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran." It demanded Iran's full cooperation on a tougher set of inspection rules. But Iran hasn't followed those rules since early 2006. As a result, the agency reported that its knowledge about Iran's current nuclear program was "diminishing."
...Without full access, without the ability to inspect all of Iran's nuclear facilities, without answers on all of its past clandestine nuclear activities, the IAEA can't -- and shouldn't -- let Iran off the hook. Nor should the rest of the world.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Parasha Vayigashe Genesis 44 11/54 portions
Parasha Vayigashe Genesis 44 11/54 portions
Video sent by rjhgins
Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg
Friday, December 7, 2007
Dershowitz on Iran Intelligence flaws
Stupid Intelligence
By Alan M. Dershowitz
FrontPageMagazine.com | 12/7/2007
The recent national intelligence estimate that concluded that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 is just about the stupidest intelligence assessment I have ever read. It falls hook, line and sinker for a transparent bait and switch tactic employed not only by Iran, but by several other nuclear powers in the past.
The tactic is obvious and well-known to all intelligence officials with an IQ above room temperature. It goes like this: There are two tracks to making nuclear weapons: One is to conduct research and develop technology directly related to military use. That is what the United States did when it developed the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. The second track is to develop nuclear technology for civilian use and then to use the civilian technology for military purposes.
What every intelligence agency knows is that the most difficult part of developing weapons corresponds precisely to the second track, namely civilian use. In other words, it is relatively simple to move from track 2 to track 1 in a short period of time. As Valerie Lincy and Gary Milhollin, both experts on nuclear arms control, put it in a New York Times Op Ed on December 6, 2007:
“During the past year, a period when Iran’s weapons program was supposedly halted, the government has been busy installing some 3,000 gas centrifuges at its plant at Natanz. These machines could, if operated continuously for about a year, create enough enriched uranium to provide fuel for a bomb. In addition, they have no plausible purpose in Iran’s civilian nuclear effort. All of Iran’s needs for enriched uranium for its energy programs are covered by a contract with Russia.
“Iran is also building a heavy water reactor at its research center at Arak. This reactor is ideal for producing plutonium for nuclear bombs, but is of little use in an energy program like Iran’s, which does not use plutonium for reactor fuel. India, Israel and Pakistan have all built similar reactors—all with the purpose of fueling nuclear weapons. And why, by the way, does Iran even want a nuclear energy program, when it is sitting on an enormous pool of oil that is now skyrocketing in value? And why is Iran developing long-range Shahab missiles, which make no military sense without nuclear warheads to put on them?
“…the halting of its secret enrichment and weapon design efforts in 2003 proves only that Iran made a tactical move. It suspended work that, if discovered, would unambiguously reveal intent to build a weapon. It has continued other work, crucial to the ability to make a bomb, that it can pass off as having civilian applications.”
Duh! What then can explain so obvious an intelligence gaffe. One explanation could lie in the old saw that “military intelligence is to intelligence as military music is to music”. But I simply don’t believe that our intelligence agencies are populated by the kind of nincompoops who would fall for so obvious an Iranian ploy. The more likely explanation is that there is an agenda hiding in the report. What then might that agenda be? To find a hidden agenda one should always look for the beneficiaries. Who wins from this deeply flawed report? Well, certainly Iran does, but it is unlikely that Iranian interests could drive any American agenda. Lincy and Milhollin surmise that:
“We should be suspicious of any document that suddenly gives the Bush administration a pass on a big national security problem it won’t solve during its remaining year in office. Is the administration just washing its hands of the intractable Iranian nuclear issue by saying, ‘[i]f we can’t fix it, it ain’t broke?’”
My own view is that the authors of the report were fighting the last war. No, not the war in Iraq, but rather what they believe was Vice President Cheney’s efforts to go to war with Iran. This report surely takes the wind out of those sails. But that was last year’s unfought war. Nobody in Washington has seriously considered attacking Iran since Condolleezza Rice and Robert Gates replaced Cheney as the foreign policy power behind the throne.
Whatever the agenda and whatever the motive this report may well go down in history as one of the most dangerous, misguided and counterproductive intelligence assessments in history. It may well encourage the Iranians to move even more quickly in developing nuclear weapons. If the report is correct in arguing that the only way of discouraging Iran from developing nuclear weapons is to maintain international pressure, then the authors of the report must surely know that they have single-handedly reduced any incentive by the international community to keep the pressure up.
If Neville Chamberlain weren’t long dead I would wonder whether he had a hand in writing this “peace in our time” intelligence fiasco.
I wish the intelligence assessment were correct. So does most of the media, which accepted its naïve conclusion with uncritical enthusiasm. The world would be a far safer place if Iran had indeed ended its efforts to develop deliverable nuclear weapons. But wishing for a desirable outcome does not make it so. Pretending that a desirable outcome is happening, when the best information indicates that it’s not, only encourages the worst outcome.
The authors of this perverse report, which is influencing policy so immediately and negatively, will have much to answer for if their assessment results in a reduction of pressure on Iran—which is the only nation actually to threaten to use nuclear weapons to attack its enemies—to stop its obvious march toward becoming the world’s most dangerous nuclear military power.
By Alan M. Dershowitz
FrontPageMagazine.com | 12/7/2007
The recent national intelligence estimate that concluded that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 is just about the stupidest intelligence assessment I have ever read. It falls hook, line and sinker for a transparent bait and switch tactic employed not only by Iran, but by several other nuclear powers in the past.
The tactic is obvious and well-known to all intelligence officials with an IQ above room temperature. It goes like this: There are two tracks to making nuclear weapons: One is to conduct research and develop technology directly related to military use. That is what the United States did when it developed the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. The second track is to develop nuclear technology for civilian use and then to use the civilian technology for military purposes.
What every intelligence agency knows is that the most difficult part of developing weapons corresponds precisely to the second track, namely civilian use. In other words, it is relatively simple to move from track 2 to track 1 in a short period of time. As Valerie Lincy and Gary Milhollin, both experts on nuclear arms control, put it in a New York Times Op Ed on December 6, 2007:
“During the past year, a period when Iran’s weapons program was supposedly halted, the government has been busy installing some 3,000 gas centrifuges at its plant at Natanz. These machines could, if operated continuously for about a year, create enough enriched uranium to provide fuel for a bomb. In addition, they have no plausible purpose in Iran’s civilian nuclear effort. All of Iran’s needs for enriched uranium for its energy programs are covered by a contract with Russia.
“Iran is also building a heavy water reactor at its research center at Arak. This reactor is ideal for producing plutonium for nuclear bombs, but is of little use in an energy program like Iran’s, which does not use plutonium for reactor fuel. India, Israel and Pakistan have all built similar reactors—all with the purpose of fueling nuclear weapons. And why, by the way, does Iran even want a nuclear energy program, when it is sitting on an enormous pool of oil that is now skyrocketing in value? And why is Iran developing long-range Shahab missiles, which make no military sense without nuclear warheads to put on them?
“…the halting of its secret enrichment and weapon design efforts in 2003 proves only that Iran made a tactical move. It suspended work that, if discovered, would unambiguously reveal intent to build a weapon. It has continued other work, crucial to the ability to make a bomb, that it can pass off as having civilian applications.”
Duh! What then can explain so obvious an intelligence gaffe. One explanation could lie in the old saw that “military intelligence is to intelligence as military music is to music”. But I simply don’t believe that our intelligence agencies are populated by the kind of nincompoops who would fall for so obvious an Iranian ploy. The more likely explanation is that there is an agenda hiding in the report. What then might that agenda be? To find a hidden agenda one should always look for the beneficiaries. Who wins from this deeply flawed report? Well, certainly Iran does, but it is unlikely that Iranian interests could drive any American agenda. Lincy and Milhollin surmise that:
“We should be suspicious of any document that suddenly gives the Bush administration a pass on a big national security problem it won’t solve during its remaining year in office. Is the administration just washing its hands of the intractable Iranian nuclear issue by saying, ‘[i]f we can’t fix it, it ain’t broke?’”
My own view is that the authors of the report were fighting the last war. No, not the war in Iraq, but rather what they believe was Vice President Cheney’s efforts to go to war with Iran. This report surely takes the wind out of those sails. But that was last year’s unfought war. Nobody in Washington has seriously considered attacking Iran since Condolleezza Rice and Robert Gates replaced Cheney as the foreign policy power behind the throne.
Whatever the agenda and whatever the motive this report may well go down in history as one of the most dangerous, misguided and counterproductive intelligence assessments in history. It may well encourage the Iranians to move even more quickly in developing nuclear weapons. If the report is correct in arguing that the only way of discouraging Iran from developing nuclear weapons is to maintain international pressure, then the authors of the report must surely know that they have single-handedly reduced any incentive by the international community to keep the pressure up.
If Neville Chamberlain weren’t long dead I would wonder whether he had a hand in writing this “peace in our time” intelligence fiasco.
I wish the intelligence assessment were correct. So does most of the media, which accepted its naïve conclusion with uncritical enthusiasm. The world would be a far safer place if Iran had indeed ended its efforts to develop deliverable nuclear weapons. But wishing for a desirable outcome does not make it so. Pretending that a desirable outcome is happening, when the best information indicates that it’s not, only encourages the worst outcome.
The authors of this perverse report, which is influencing policy so immediately and negatively, will have much to answer for if their assessment results in a reduction of pressure on Iran—which is the only nation actually to threaten to use nuclear weapons to attack its enemies—to stop its obvious march toward becoming the world’s most dangerous nuclear military power.
Caroline Glick on Iran and Intelligence
Caroline Glick carefully reads and interprets the NIE on Iran's nuclear program from the perspective of Israel. Doing so, she draws a bead on the meaning of the report's internal contradiction:
The US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran's nuclear intentions is the political version of a tactical nuclear strike on efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear bombs.
The NIE begins with the sensationalist opening line: "We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Teheran halted its nuclear weapons program." But the rest of the report contradicts the lead sentence. For instance, the second line says, "We also assess with moderate-to-high confidence that Teheran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons."
Indeed, contrary to that earth-shattering opening, the NIE acknowledges that the Iranians have an active nuclear program and that they are between two and five years away from nuclear capabilities.
The NIE's final sentence: "We assess with high confidence that Iran has the scientific, technical and industrial capacity eventually to produce nuclear weapons if it decides to do so," only emphasizes that US intelligence agencies view Iran's nuclear program as a continuous and increasing threat rather than a suspended and diminishing one.
But the content of the NIE is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is the opening line - as the report's authors no doubt knew full well when they wrote it. With that opening line, the NIE effectively takes the option of American use of force to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons off the table.
Glick observes:
[T]he NIE makes a strange distinction between Iran's "civilian" nuclear program which has not stopped for a moment and its "military" program which supposedly ended in 2003. Since both programs are controlled and run by the Revolutionary Guards, it is obvious that no such distinction exists for the Iranians. And as former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton wrote Thursday in The Washington Post, "It has always been Iran's 'civilian' program that posed the main risk of nuclear 'breakout.'"
Glick also looks beyond the confines of the report to challenge its principal theme:
[T]he US intelligence community's pathetic track record must be taken into account. American intelligence agencies failed to take note of the al-Qaida threat to US security before September 11. It misjudged Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction capabilities and intentions. And most recently, it failed to take notice of Syria's nuclear program even though the North Korean nuclear facility which Israel reportedly destroyed on September 6 was built above ground.
As for that, the Israeli strike showed clearly that there is no reason to assume that Iran's nuclear program is located only in Iran. It is reasonable to assume that some of its components are located in Syria, North Korea and Pakistan and perhaps in China and Russia as well.
At Connecting the Dots Gabriel Schoenfeld -- a skeptic of the thesis that the NIE could have been manipulated to advance the agenda of the report's authors -- reconsiders his skepticism here. The Jerusalem Post reports (via Time) that "US intel ends option of military strike against Iran."
The effect of the NIE puts me in mind of Churchill's words in Parliament condemning the Munich Agreement. Referring to the relief felt by the people of England to the temporary avoidance of war with Germany, he avowed that "they should know that we have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences of which will travel far with us along our road[.]"
The US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran's nuclear intentions is the political version of a tactical nuclear strike on efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear bombs.
The NIE begins with the sensationalist opening line: "We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Teheran halted its nuclear weapons program." But the rest of the report contradicts the lead sentence. For instance, the second line says, "We also assess with moderate-to-high confidence that Teheran at a minimum is keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons."
Indeed, contrary to that earth-shattering opening, the NIE acknowledges that the Iranians have an active nuclear program and that they are between two and five years away from nuclear capabilities.
The NIE's final sentence: "We assess with high confidence that Iran has the scientific, technical and industrial capacity eventually to produce nuclear weapons if it decides to do so," only emphasizes that US intelligence agencies view Iran's nuclear program as a continuous and increasing threat rather than a suspended and diminishing one.
But the content of the NIE is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is the opening line - as the report's authors no doubt knew full well when they wrote it. With that opening line, the NIE effectively takes the option of American use of force to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons off the table.
Glick observes:
[T]he NIE makes a strange distinction between Iran's "civilian" nuclear program which has not stopped for a moment and its "military" program which supposedly ended in 2003. Since both programs are controlled and run by the Revolutionary Guards, it is obvious that no such distinction exists for the Iranians. And as former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton wrote Thursday in The Washington Post, "It has always been Iran's 'civilian' program that posed the main risk of nuclear 'breakout.'"
Glick also looks beyond the confines of the report to challenge its principal theme:
[T]he US intelligence community's pathetic track record must be taken into account. American intelligence agencies failed to take note of the al-Qaida threat to US security before September 11. It misjudged Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction capabilities and intentions. And most recently, it failed to take notice of Syria's nuclear program even though the North Korean nuclear facility which Israel reportedly destroyed on September 6 was built above ground.
As for that, the Israeli strike showed clearly that there is no reason to assume that Iran's nuclear program is located only in Iran. It is reasonable to assume that some of its components are located in Syria, North Korea and Pakistan and perhaps in China and Russia as well.
At Connecting the Dots Gabriel Schoenfeld -- a skeptic of the thesis that the NIE could have been manipulated to advance the agenda of the report's authors -- reconsiders his skepticism here. The Jerusalem Post reports (via Time) that "US intel ends option of military strike against Iran."
The effect of the NIE puts me in mind of Churchill's words in Parliament condemning the Munich Agreement. Referring to the relief felt by the people of England to the temporary avoidance of war with Germany, he avowed that "they should know that we have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences of which will travel far with us along our road[.]"
John Bolton exposes flaws on Intelligence about Iran
From Powerlineblog.
John Bolton assesses the NIE in the Washington Post column "The flaws in the Iran report." My favorite ambassador itemizes the flaws as follows:
Consider these flaws in the NIE's "key judgments," which were made public even though approximately 140 pages of analysis, and reams of underlying intelligence, remain classified.
First, the headline finding -- that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 -- is written in a way that guarantees the totality of the conclusions will be misread. In fact, there is little substantive difference between the conclusions of the 2005 NIE on Iran's nuclear capabilities and the 2007 NIE. Moreover, the distinction between "military" and "civilian" programs is highly artificial, since the enrichment of uranium, which all agree Iran is continuing, is critical to civilian and military uses. Indeed, it has always been Iran's "civilian" program that posed the main risk of a nuclear "breakout."
The real differences between the NIEs are not in the hard data but in the psychological assessment of the mullahs' motives and objectives. The current NIE freely admits to having only moderate confidence that the suspension continues and says that there are significant gaps in our intelligence and that our analysts dissent from their initial judgment on suspension. This alone should give us considerable pause.
Second, the NIE is internally contradictory and insufficiently supported. It implies that Iran is susceptible to diplomatic persuasion and pressure, yet the only event in 2003 that might have affected Iran was our invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, not exactly a diplomatic pas de deux. As undersecretary of state for arms control in 2003, I know we were nowhere near exerting any significant diplomatic pressure on Iran. Nowhere does the NIE explain its logic on this critical point. Moreover, the risks and returns of pursuing a diplomatic strategy are policy calculations, not intelligence judgments. The very public rollout in the NIE of a diplomatic strategy exposes the biases at work behind the Potemkin village of "intelligence."
Third, the risks of disinformation by Iran are real. We have lost many fruitful sources inside Iraq in recent years because of increased security and intelligence tradecraft by Iran. The sudden appearance of new sources should be taken with more than a little skepticism. In a background briefing, intelligence officials said they had concluded it was "possible" but not "likely" that the new information they were relying on was deception. These are hardly hard scientific conclusions. One contrary opinion came from -- of all places -- an unnamed International Atomic Energy Agency official, quoted in the New York Times, saying that "we are more skeptical. We don't buy the American analysis 100 percent. We are not that generous with Iran." When the IAEA is tougher than our analysts, you can bet the farm that someone is pursuing a policy agenda.
Fourth, the NIE suffers from a common problem in government: the overvaluation of the most recent piece of data. In the bureaucracy, where access to information is a source of rank and prestige, ramming home policy changes with the latest hot tidbit is commonplace, and very deleterious. It is a rare piece of intelligence that is so important it can conclusively or even significantly alter the body of already known information. Yet the bias toward the new appears to have exerted a disproportionate effect on intelligence analysis.
Fifth, many involved in drafting and approving the NIE were not intelligence professionals but refugees from the State Department, brought into the new central bureaucracy of the director of national intelligence. These officials had relatively benign views of Iran's nuclear intentions five and six years ago; now they are writing those views as if they were received wisdom from on high. In fact, these are precisely the policy biases they had before, recycled as "intelligence judgments."
That such a flawed product could emerge after a drawn-out bureaucratic struggle is extremely troubling. While the president and others argue that we need to maintain pressure on Iran, this "intelligence" torpedo has all but sunk those efforts, inadequate as they were. Ironically, the NIE opens the way for Iran to achieve its military nuclear ambitions in an essentially unmolested fashion, to the detriment of us all.
Bolton's assessment brings experience and judgment -- i.e., real intelligence -- to the NIE. Wouldn't one who believes in the use of "intelligence" to formulate policy err on the side of caution in relying on the NIE under the circumstances?
John Bolton assesses the NIE in the Washington Post column "The flaws in the Iran report." My favorite ambassador itemizes the flaws as follows:
Consider these flaws in the NIE's "key judgments," which were made public even though approximately 140 pages of analysis, and reams of underlying intelligence, remain classified.
First, the headline finding -- that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 -- is written in a way that guarantees the totality of the conclusions will be misread. In fact, there is little substantive difference between the conclusions of the 2005 NIE on Iran's nuclear capabilities and the 2007 NIE. Moreover, the distinction between "military" and "civilian" programs is highly artificial, since the enrichment of uranium, which all agree Iran is continuing, is critical to civilian and military uses. Indeed, it has always been Iran's "civilian" program that posed the main risk of a nuclear "breakout."
The real differences between the NIEs are not in the hard data but in the psychological assessment of the mullahs' motives and objectives. The current NIE freely admits to having only moderate confidence that the suspension continues and says that there are significant gaps in our intelligence and that our analysts dissent from their initial judgment on suspension. This alone should give us considerable pause.
Second, the NIE is internally contradictory and insufficiently supported. It implies that Iran is susceptible to diplomatic persuasion and pressure, yet the only event in 2003 that might have affected Iran was our invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, not exactly a diplomatic pas de deux. As undersecretary of state for arms control in 2003, I know we were nowhere near exerting any significant diplomatic pressure on Iran. Nowhere does the NIE explain its logic on this critical point. Moreover, the risks and returns of pursuing a diplomatic strategy are policy calculations, not intelligence judgments. The very public rollout in the NIE of a diplomatic strategy exposes the biases at work behind the Potemkin village of "intelligence."
Third, the risks of disinformation by Iran are real. We have lost many fruitful sources inside Iraq in recent years because of increased security and intelligence tradecraft by Iran. The sudden appearance of new sources should be taken with more than a little skepticism. In a background briefing, intelligence officials said they had concluded it was "possible" but not "likely" that the new information they were relying on was deception. These are hardly hard scientific conclusions. One contrary opinion came from -- of all places -- an unnamed International Atomic Energy Agency official, quoted in the New York Times, saying that "we are more skeptical. We don't buy the American analysis 100 percent. We are not that generous with Iran." When the IAEA is tougher than our analysts, you can bet the farm that someone is pursuing a policy agenda.
Fourth, the NIE suffers from a common problem in government: the overvaluation of the most recent piece of data. In the bureaucracy, where access to information is a source of rank and prestige, ramming home policy changes with the latest hot tidbit is commonplace, and very deleterious. It is a rare piece of intelligence that is so important it can conclusively or even significantly alter the body of already known information. Yet the bias toward the new appears to have exerted a disproportionate effect on intelligence analysis.
Fifth, many involved in drafting and approving the NIE were not intelligence professionals but refugees from the State Department, brought into the new central bureaucracy of the director of national intelligence. These officials had relatively benign views of Iran's nuclear intentions five and six years ago; now they are writing those views as if they were received wisdom from on high. In fact, these are precisely the policy biases they had before, recycled as "intelligence judgments."
That such a flawed product could emerge after a drawn-out bureaucratic struggle is extremely troubling. While the president and others argue that we need to maintain pressure on Iran, this "intelligence" torpedo has all but sunk those efforts, inadequate as they were. Ironically, the NIE opens the way for Iran to achieve its military nuclear ambitions in an essentially unmolested fashion, to the detriment of us all.
Bolton's assessment brings experience and judgment -- i.e., real intelligence -- to the NIE. Wouldn't one who believes in the use of "intelligence" to formulate policy err on the side of caution in relying on the NIE under the circumstances?
Arnold Eisen "stole the show"
Arnold Eisen "stole the show"
According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency reporter Ben Harris, Chancellor
Arnold Eisen "stole the show" at the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism biennial conference with an impassioned plenary
address that culminated in a standing ovation.
Read what Harris has to say:
Eisen Energizes Conservative Parley
ORLANDO (JTA)--Delegates to the United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism biennial apparently didn't expect much when Arnold Eisen took
the stage here last week, offering only tepid applause for the Jewish
Theological Seminary chancellor.
Less than an hour later, however, they were on their feet, cheering a
Conservative leader who has wowed movement audiences frequently since
he took the seminary helm this summer.
Eisen's speech on the opening night of United Synagogue's biennial
convention set the tone for an event that featured an energy missing
in previous years.
More than any other arm of Conservative Judaism, the United Synagogue
has been roiled by the larger challenges bedeviling the
movement--not just its declining membership rolls but the
dilemmas posed by intermarriage, the difficulty of retaining youth and
the seeming ossification of its message.
Not surprising, perhaps, the organization's biennial convention hasn't
been distinguished by its dynamism--younger attendees at the Nov.
29-Dec. 3 gathering joked about the advanced average age of its 400 or
so delegates.
But Eisen brought some vigor on Thursday, and the next night hundreds
danced and joined hands during Sabbath services. On Saturday morning,
multiple worship options demonstrated a willingness to experiment and
innovate that many say has been absent of late.
Raymond Goldstein, United Synagogue's international president, said
the atmosphere was notably different from the 2005 conclave in Boston,
where "a cloud was hanging over us" due to the impending decision of
the movement's law committee on whether to ordain openly gay rabbis.
"The mood is up," Goldstein told JTA. "The mood is up."
In his speech, Eisen delivered something the movement has been
agitating for while watching its numbers decline and its position as
the largest American denomination eclipsed by the Reform movement: a
definition.
As is his inclination as a sociologist, Eisen offered no grand
statements of theology but rather the comparatively simple suggestion
that Conservative Judaism define itself by what Conservative Jews do.
"We are those Jews committed to full and authentic engagement with the
Jewish people and the Jewish tradition, heart and soul and mind, as
well as full engagement with the society and culture of which we are a
part, again heart and soul and mind," Eisen said.
For the most part, that definition is more aspirational than
descriptive. Conservative Jews largely don't live such lives, a
point driven home in remarks the following evening by the United
Synagogue's excecutive vice president, Rabbi Jerome Epstein.
In a forceful address that surprised movement insiders for its
directness, Epstein said Conservative Judaism was quite clear in its
principles--it was Conservative Jews who were not living up to
them.
"We don't need more definitions of Conservative Judaism in order
to make Conservative Judaism come alive," Epstein said. "What we stand
for is abundantly clear. What we do need is commitment on the part of
Conservative Jews to live the definition. We have been too timid in
declaring our vision."
Despite the enthusiasm at the biennial, especially for Eisen, ample
skepticism remains over how his and Epstein's objectives would be put
into practice.
Goldstein said he was doing his part to increase the level of Jewish
practice in the movement by requiring those he named to leadership
positions to commit to keeping kosher and observing the Sabbath, among
other requirements.
One appointee, he said, had been forced to make his kitchen kosher
before accepting the post.
Though a marked shift in emphasis from his 2005 address, when he urged
greater outreach to intermarried couples on the margins of the
movement, Epstein's remarks generally were well received by the
synagogue lay leaders and professionals in attendance. But it was
Eisen who stole the show.
Over the past year, Eisen has emerged as the movement's
indisputable leader and the repository for its hopes of reversing a
generation of decline.
In April, at the annual gathering of the movement's rabbinical
association, the Rabbinical Assembly, Eisen earned a similarly
enthusiastic response as he laid out his assessment of where
Conservative Judaism had come up short and outlined his plans for the
coming year.
Last week, in his first address to leaders of the movement's
congregational arm, Eisen laid out in plain language 10 principles
that should guide Conservative Judaism. Among them: learning Torah,
building strong communities, tikkun olam, commitment to Israel and
Hebrew literacy.
Eisen also reiterated his threefold agenda: articulating a clearer
message about what Conservative Judaism stands for, improving the
quality of programming and improving cooperation among the
movement's bodies.
Beyond the particulars, Eisen established a tone of confidence and
optimism as he enjoined Conservative Jews not to see Judaism as a
lifestyle choice, but to build strong communities and live lives of
Torah.
As he has before, Eisen rejected talk of crisis and malaise, urging
listeners to see that Conservative Judaism "got it right" and is an
authentic bearer of the Jewish tradition.
"I listened to him absolutely mesmerized," said Harriet Moldau from
Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, Mass. "I think Eisen gets it."
With further leadership changes looming--both Epstein and the
head of the Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Joel Meyers, are due to retire
in 2009--the future remains uncertain.
"He has an amazing vision for the future of the Jewish
community," Moldau said of Eisen. "I hope he gets to
implement it."
According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency reporter Ben Harris, Chancellor
Arnold Eisen "stole the show" at the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism biennial conference with an impassioned plenary
address that culminated in a standing ovation.
Read what Harris has to say:
Eisen Energizes Conservative Parley
ORLANDO (JTA)--Delegates to the United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism biennial apparently didn't expect much when Arnold Eisen took
the stage here last week, offering only tepid applause for the Jewish
Theological Seminary chancellor.
Less than an hour later, however, they were on their feet, cheering a
Conservative leader who has wowed movement audiences frequently since
he took the seminary helm this summer.
Eisen's speech on the opening night of United Synagogue's biennial
convention set the tone for an event that featured an energy missing
in previous years.
More than any other arm of Conservative Judaism, the United Synagogue
has been roiled by the larger challenges bedeviling the
movement--not just its declining membership rolls but the
dilemmas posed by intermarriage, the difficulty of retaining youth and
the seeming ossification of its message.
Not surprising, perhaps, the organization's biennial convention hasn't
been distinguished by its dynamism--younger attendees at the Nov.
29-Dec. 3 gathering joked about the advanced average age of its 400 or
so delegates.
But Eisen brought some vigor on Thursday, and the next night hundreds
danced and joined hands during Sabbath services. On Saturday morning,
multiple worship options demonstrated a willingness to experiment and
innovate that many say has been absent of late.
Raymond Goldstein, United Synagogue's international president, said
the atmosphere was notably different from the 2005 conclave in Boston,
where "a cloud was hanging over us" due to the impending decision of
the movement's law committee on whether to ordain openly gay rabbis.
"The mood is up," Goldstein told JTA. "The mood is up."
In his speech, Eisen delivered something the movement has been
agitating for while watching its numbers decline and its position as
the largest American denomination eclipsed by the Reform movement: a
definition.
As is his inclination as a sociologist, Eisen offered no grand
statements of theology but rather the comparatively simple suggestion
that Conservative Judaism define itself by what Conservative Jews do.
"We are those Jews committed to full and authentic engagement with the
Jewish people and the Jewish tradition, heart and soul and mind, as
well as full engagement with the society and culture of which we are a
part, again heart and soul and mind," Eisen said.
For the most part, that definition is more aspirational than
descriptive. Conservative Jews largely don't live such lives, a
point driven home in remarks the following evening by the United
Synagogue's excecutive vice president, Rabbi Jerome Epstein.
In a forceful address that surprised movement insiders for its
directness, Epstein said Conservative Judaism was quite clear in its
principles--it was Conservative Jews who were not living up to
them.
"We don't need more definitions of Conservative Judaism in order
to make Conservative Judaism come alive," Epstein said. "What we stand
for is abundantly clear. What we do need is commitment on the part of
Conservative Jews to live the definition. We have been too timid in
declaring our vision."
Despite the enthusiasm at the biennial, especially for Eisen, ample
skepticism remains over how his and Epstein's objectives would be put
into practice.
Goldstein said he was doing his part to increase the level of Jewish
practice in the movement by requiring those he named to leadership
positions to commit to keeping kosher and observing the Sabbath, among
other requirements.
One appointee, he said, had been forced to make his kitchen kosher
before accepting the post.
Though a marked shift in emphasis from his 2005 address, when he urged
greater outreach to intermarried couples on the margins of the
movement, Epstein's remarks generally were well received by the
synagogue lay leaders and professionals in attendance. But it was
Eisen who stole the show.
Over the past year, Eisen has emerged as the movement's
indisputable leader and the repository for its hopes of reversing a
generation of decline.
In April, at the annual gathering of the movement's rabbinical
association, the Rabbinical Assembly, Eisen earned a similarly
enthusiastic response as he laid out his assessment of where
Conservative Judaism had come up short and outlined his plans for the
coming year.
Last week, in his first address to leaders of the movement's
congregational arm, Eisen laid out in plain language 10 principles
that should guide Conservative Judaism. Among them: learning Torah,
building strong communities, tikkun olam, commitment to Israel and
Hebrew literacy.
Eisen also reiterated his threefold agenda: articulating a clearer
message about what Conservative Judaism stands for, improving the
quality of programming and improving cooperation among the
movement's bodies.
Beyond the particulars, Eisen established a tone of confidence and
optimism as he enjoined Conservative Jews not to see Judaism as a
lifestyle choice, but to build strong communities and live lives of
Torah.
As he has before, Eisen rejected talk of crisis and malaise, urging
listeners to see that Conservative Judaism "got it right" and is an
authentic bearer of the Jewish tradition.
"I listened to him absolutely mesmerized," said Harriet Moldau from
Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, Mass. "I think Eisen gets it."
With further leadership changes looming--both Epstein and the
head of the Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Joel Meyers, are due to retire
in 2009--the future remains uncertain.
"He has an amazing vision for the future of the Jewish
community," Moldau said of Eisen. "I hope he gets to
implement it."
Arnold Eisen "stole the show"
Arnold Eisen "stole the show"
According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency reporter Ben Harris, Chancellor
Arnold Eisen "stole the show" at the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism biennial conference with an impassioned plenary
address that culminated in a standing ovation.
Read what Harris has to say:
Eisen Energizes Conservative Parley
ORLANDO (JTA)--Delegates to the United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism biennial apparently didn't expect much when Arnold Eisen took
the stage here last week, offering only tepid applause for the Jewish
Theological Seminary chancellor.
Less than an hour later, however, they were on their feet, cheering a
Conservative leader who has wowed movement audiences frequently since
he took the seminary helm this summer.
Eisen's speech on the opening night of United Synagogue's biennial
convention set the tone for an event that featured an energy missing
in previous years.
More than any other arm of Conservative Judaism, the United Synagogue
has been roiled by the larger challenges bedeviling the
movement--not just its declining membership rolls but the
dilemmas posed by intermarriage, the difficulty of retaining youth and
the seeming ossification of its message.
Not surprising, perhaps, the organization's biennial convention hasn't
been distinguished by its dynamism--younger attendees at the Nov.
29-Dec. 3 gathering joked about the advanced average age of its 400 or
so delegates.
But Eisen brought some vigor on Thursday, and the next night hundreds
danced and joined hands during Sabbath services. On Saturday morning,
multiple worship options demonstrated a willingness to experiment and
innovate that many say has been absent of late.
Raymond Goldstein, United Synagogue's international president, said
the atmosphere was notably different from the 2005 conclave in Boston,
where "a cloud was hanging over us" due to the impending decision of
the movement's law committee on whether to ordain openly gay rabbis.
"The mood is up," Goldstein told JTA. "The mood is up."
In his speech, Eisen delivered something the movement has been
agitating for while watching its numbers decline and its position as
the largest American denomination eclipsed by the Reform movement: a
definition.
As is his inclination as a sociologist, Eisen offered no grand
statements of theology but rather the comparatively simple suggestion
that Conservative Judaism define itself by what Conservative Jews do.
"We are those Jews committed to full and authentic engagement with the
Jewish people and the Jewish tradition, heart and soul and mind, as
well as full engagement with the society and culture of which we are a
part, again heart and soul and mind," Eisen said.
For the most part, that definition is more aspirational than
descriptive. Conservative Jews largely don't live such lives, a
point driven home in remarks the following evening by the United
Synagogue's excecutive vice president, Rabbi Jerome Epstein.
In a forceful address that surprised movement insiders for its
directness, Epstein said Conservative Judaism was quite clear in its
principles--it was Conservative Jews who were not living up to
them.
"We don't need more definitions of Conservative Judaism in order
to make Conservative Judaism come alive," Epstein said. "What we stand
for is abundantly clear. What we do need is commitment on the part of
Conservative Jews to live the definition. We have been too timid in
declaring our vision."
Despite the enthusiasm at the biennial, especially for Eisen, ample
skepticism remains over how his and Epstein's objectives would be put
into practice.
Goldstein said he was doing his part to increase the level of Jewish
practice in the movement by requiring those he named to leadership
positions to commit to keeping kosher and observing the Sabbath, among
other requirements.
One appointee, he said, had been forced to make his kitchen kosher
before accepting the post.
Though a marked shift in emphasis from his 2005 address, when he urged
greater outreach to intermarried couples on the margins of the
movement, Epstein's remarks generally were well received by the
synagogue lay leaders and professionals in attendance. But it was
Eisen who stole the show.
Over the past year, Eisen has emerged as the movement's
indisputable leader and the repository for its hopes of reversing a
generation of decline.
In April, at the annual gathering of the movement's rabbinical
association, the Rabbinical Assembly, Eisen earned a similarly
enthusiastic response as he laid out his assessment of where
Conservative Judaism had come up short and outlined his plans for the
coming year.
Last week, in his first address to leaders of the movement's
congregational arm, Eisen laid out in plain language 10 principles
that should guide Conservative Judaism. Among them: learning Torah,
building strong communities, tikkun olam, commitment to Israel and
Hebrew literacy.
Eisen also reiterated his threefold agenda: articulating a clearer
message about what Conservative Judaism stands for, improving the
quality of programming and improving cooperation among the
movement's bodies.
Beyond the particulars, Eisen established a tone of confidence and
optimism as he enjoined Conservative Jews not to see Judaism as a
lifestyle choice, but to build strong communities and live lives of
Torah.
As he has before, Eisen rejected talk of crisis and malaise, urging
listeners to see that Conservative Judaism "got it right" and is an
authentic bearer of the Jewish tradition.
"I listened to him absolutely mesmerized," said Harriet Moldau from
Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, Mass. "I think Eisen gets it."
With further leadership changes looming--both Epstein and the
head of the Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Joel Meyers, are due to retire
in 2009--the future remains uncertain.
"He has an amazing vision for the future of the Jewish
community," Moldau said of Eisen. "I hope he gets to
implement it."
According to Jewish Telegraphic Agency reporter Ben Harris, Chancellor
Arnold Eisen "stole the show" at the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism biennial conference with an impassioned plenary
address that culminated in a standing ovation.
Read what Harris has to say:
Eisen Energizes Conservative Parley
ORLANDO (JTA)--Delegates to the United Synagogue of Conservative
Judaism biennial apparently didn't expect much when Arnold Eisen took
the stage here last week, offering only tepid applause for the Jewish
Theological Seminary chancellor.
Less than an hour later, however, they were on their feet, cheering a
Conservative leader who has wowed movement audiences frequently since
he took the seminary helm this summer.
Eisen's speech on the opening night of United Synagogue's biennial
convention set the tone for an event that featured an energy missing
in previous years.
More than any other arm of Conservative Judaism, the United Synagogue
has been roiled by the larger challenges bedeviling the
movement--not just its declining membership rolls but the
dilemmas posed by intermarriage, the difficulty of retaining youth and
the seeming ossification of its message.
Not surprising, perhaps, the organization's biennial convention hasn't
been distinguished by its dynamism--younger attendees at the Nov.
29-Dec. 3 gathering joked about the advanced average age of its 400 or
so delegates.
But Eisen brought some vigor on Thursday, and the next night hundreds
danced and joined hands during Sabbath services. On Saturday morning,
multiple worship options demonstrated a willingness to experiment and
innovate that many say has been absent of late.
Raymond Goldstein, United Synagogue's international president, said
the atmosphere was notably different from the 2005 conclave in Boston,
where "a cloud was hanging over us" due to the impending decision of
the movement's law committee on whether to ordain openly gay rabbis.
"The mood is up," Goldstein told JTA. "The mood is up."
In his speech, Eisen delivered something the movement has been
agitating for while watching its numbers decline and its position as
the largest American denomination eclipsed by the Reform movement: a
definition.
As is his inclination as a sociologist, Eisen offered no grand
statements of theology but rather the comparatively simple suggestion
that Conservative Judaism define itself by what Conservative Jews do.
"We are those Jews committed to full and authentic engagement with the
Jewish people and the Jewish tradition, heart and soul and mind, as
well as full engagement with the society and culture of which we are a
part, again heart and soul and mind," Eisen said.
For the most part, that definition is more aspirational than
descriptive. Conservative Jews largely don't live such lives, a
point driven home in remarks the following evening by the United
Synagogue's excecutive vice president, Rabbi Jerome Epstein.
In a forceful address that surprised movement insiders for its
directness, Epstein said Conservative Judaism was quite clear in its
principles--it was Conservative Jews who were not living up to
them.
"We don't need more definitions of Conservative Judaism in order
to make Conservative Judaism come alive," Epstein said. "What we stand
for is abundantly clear. What we do need is commitment on the part of
Conservative Jews to live the definition. We have been too timid in
declaring our vision."
Despite the enthusiasm at the biennial, especially for Eisen, ample
skepticism remains over how his and Epstein's objectives would be put
into practice.
Goldstein said he was doing his part to increase the level of Jewish
practice in the movement by requiring those he named to leadership
positions to commit to keeping kosher and observing the Sabbath, among
other requirements.
One appointee, he said, had been forced to make his kitchen kosher
before accepting the post.
Though a marked shift in emphasis from his 2005 address, when he urged
greater outreach to intermarried couples on the margins of the
movement, Epstein's remarks generally were well received by the
synagogue lay leaders and professionals in attendance. But it was
Eisen who stole the show.
Over the past year, Eisen has emerged as the movement's
indisputable leader and the repository for its hopes of reversing a
generation of decline.
In April, at the annual gathering of the movement's rabbinical
association, the Rabbinical Assembly, Eisen earned a similarly
enthusiastic response as he laid out his assessment of where
Conservative Judaism had come up short and outlined his plans for the
coming year.
Last week, in his first address to leaders of the movement's
congregational arm, Eisen laid out in plain language 10 principles
that should guide Conservative Judaism. Among them: learning Torah,
building strong communities, tikkun olam, commitment to Israel and
Hebrew literacy.
Eisen also reiterated his threefold agenda: articulating a clearer
message about what Conservative Judaism stands for, improving the
quality of programming and improving cooperation among the
movement's bodies.
Beyond the particulars, Eisen established a tone of confidence and
optimism as he enjoined Conservative Jews not to see Judaism as a
lifestyle choice, but to build strong communities and live lives of
Torah.
As he has before, Eisen rejected talk of crisis and malaise, urging
listeners to see that Conservative Judaism "got it right" and is an
authentic bearer of the Jewish tradition.
"I listened to him absolutely mesmerized," said Harriet Moldau from
Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, Mass. "I think Eisen gets it."
With further leadership changes looming--both Epstein and the
head of the Rabbinical Assembly, Rabbi Joel Meyers, are due to retire
in 2009--the future remains uncertain.
"He has an amazing vision for the future of the Jewish
community," Moldau said of Eisen. "I hope he gets to
implement it."
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