Brooklyn Habiru

Till further notice, a semi-permanent...

2007-09-03T20:24:00.001-04:00

If you are interested in new posts check here: Secrets of Redemption

HaShem YeRachem

2007-08-16T22:54:00.000-04:00

Petach Tikva man dies after setting self on fire

There are many strange happenings occurring throughout the Land...

Purim in the Middle of the Summer ?

2007-08-03T12:15:00.000-04:00

Photo: Reuters

Missile-launcher aimed at Gaza!

Group from central Israel makes improvised projectile-launcher, lobs organic eggs, vegetables at Beit Hanoun, Gaza...

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If only they could have used rotten produce to avoid Baal Tashchis it'd have been perfect.

Happy Tu B'Av!

2007-07-30T18:10:00.000-04:00

אמר רבן שמעון בן גמליאל, לא היו ימים טובים לישראל כחמישה עשר באב וכיום הכיפורים, שבהם בני ירושלים יוצאין בכלי לבן שאולים, כדי שלא לבייש את מי שאין לו. וכל הכלים טעונין טבילה. ובנות ירושלים יוצאות וחונות בכרמים. וכך הן אומרות, שא נא בחור עיניך וראה, מה אתה בורר לך; אל תיתן עיניך בנואי, אלא תן עיניך במשפחה. וכן הוא אומר, "צאנה וראינה בנות ציון, במלך שלמה--בעטרה, שעיטרה לו אימו ביום חתונתו, וביום, שמחת ליבו" (שיר השירים ג,יא): "ביום חתונתו", זה מתן תורה; "וביום, שמחת ליבו", זה בניין בית המקדש. יהי רצון שייבנה בימינו

Faithful City - ע֣יר נאמנה

2007-07-22T16:32:00.000-04:00

The Haftorah for Parshas Devarim is taken from Sefer Yishayahu wherein we find the following passage:

"שר֣יך סורר֗ים וחברי֙ גנב֔ים כלו֙ אה֣ב ש֔חד ורד֖ף שלמנ֑ים יתום֙ ל֣א ישפ֔טו ור֥יב אלמנ֖ה לא־יב֥וא אליהם"

“Your rulers are rogues and cronies of thieves, every one avid for presents and greedy for gifts; they do not judge the case of the orphan, and the widow's cause never reaches them.”

Sadly this cry of moral outrage is still applicable. Knesset members are being tried in court, numerous MK's are under police investigation, and the leader of the pack has decided to release 250 Arab terrorists. Allegedly none of those released have “blood on their hands”… I don’t think Hitler Yemach Shemo literally had any on his either, but we still appropriately place the blood upon his head for having orchestrated it all. What is the difference between that vile NAZI scum and these murderers who are being freed to bolster a “moderate”? A moderate whose doctoral thesis asserts that the Holocaust never happened and whose henchmen just weeks ago were responsible for tossing their Arab brethren off of rooftops, and killing them in the street execution style? Olmert could not give a damn about the Jewish families shattered by these murderers, for all he cares the orphaned families, and the widows could rot. He and a good chunk of those sitting holding the reigns of power within the government of Israel are greedily concerned with their own skins. Olmert, and those around him have been charged with nepotism, cronyism, and corruption yet we still allow him and them to sit there pretending to represent the Jewish people.

I for one, anticipate the day when the words of the Navi are fulfilled:

"ואש֤יבה ידי֙ על֔יך ואצר֥ף כב֖ר סיג֑יך ואס֖ירה כל־בדיליך ואש֤יבה שפט֙יך֙ כבר֣אשנ֔ה ויעצ֖יך כבתחל֑ה אחרי־כ֗ן יק֤רא לך֙ ע֣יר הצ֔דק קרי֖ה נאמנה"

“I will turn My hand against you, and smelt out your dross as with lye, and remove all your slag: I will restore your magistrates as of old, and your counselors as of yore. After that you shall be called City of Righteousness, Faithful City.”

May we merit that day...

Replication

2007-07-15T13:44:00.000-04:00

I’ve officially been tagged by the Good Samaritan (literally), Ben-Yehudah of Esser Agaroth. Though normally I would refrain from engaging in this sort of activity, I figured it would be rude of me to ignore the call so here goes.

The rules:

Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

- I’ve been in love with fishing (though I do wonder if it qualifies as Tzaar Baalei Chaim, especially if it is just ‘catch and release’) since I was a toddler.

- My Dad and his brothers were all members of the JDL’s infamous ‘Chaya Squad’.

- If I were not extremely attached to Eretz HaTzvi then I’d choose to live in New Zealand.

- I was a vegetarian for about a year.

- I appreciate ‘urban art’ (aka graffiti) but have become perturbed as of late regarding the ethical aspect of it.

- I was born at the Miamonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, and the RaMBaM is one of my all-time philosophical heroes.

- I own some relatively old coins and as such confer upon myself the pretentious title of “amateur numismatist”.

- My favorite roller coaster of all time is ‘The Cyclone’.

Unfortunately, I do not always have much time to peruse the J-Blogosphere, though here are some bloggers that I have found to be of interest:

Elchonon, Mad Zionist, David Guttman, ManuscriptBoy, RebelJew, ReJewvanator, Beis Runner, and Ben Bayit.

To any of the bloggers who feel me having tagged them was very random, my apologies. Additionally please forgive me if you’ve already been tagged, and I have not realized it. Please do not feel burdened to continue with this meme.

Syncerus caffer

2007-07-01T00:46:00.000-04:00

It seems that some sources within Judaism indicate that the things we choose to eat, and in particular the animals we choose to eat carry potent symbolism and messages. Different species embody traits we are either to shun or emulate. The stork, is despite its generosity speciesist (or reflectively ethnocentric), the pig is inherently deceptive… This has led me to consider the dictum “you are what you eat”, particularly in light of some astounding footage that was taken by some tourists on safari in Kruger Park, South Africa. The buffalo’s status as a permitted kosher animal as percieved through the lens of this glimpse into the animal kingdom should encourage us as the Jewish nation to actively and collectively pursue the return of our captives in accord with the Torah’s command of ‘pidyun shvuyim’. If only the raw, natural instinct that drove these buffalo toward the course of action they took would be adopted, then our holy nation would be able to dwell securely within its own Land... sadly it seems that the so called "leaders" in Israel are addicted to a menu of treif spineless jellyfish.

Reishis Tzmichas Geulaseinu

2007-06-29T11:53:00.004-04:00

The First Flowering of Our Redemption

I opened up a new blog entitled Secrets of Redemption devoted to poetry (and some other artistic expressions), thematically the content reflects the title... Some folks have a general mistrust of poetry (as they’ve been lead to believe since childhood that it is all a lie, and throughout maturation having been taught - "oh thats just poetic license"), others see it as being entirely effeminate, and most fear it as being indecipherable. However within Judaism we have a very long standing tradition of poets, be it Dovid HaMelech in antiquity, Moshe ibn Ezra, Shmuel HaNagid, Rabbi Yehudah ben Shmuel HaLevi during the High Middle Ages, or HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook in the 20th Century CE. And, although I would never place myself on the same level as such holy sages, I do feel it important to follow their lead and continue the chain of active Jewish poïesis. The creative process itself emanating both from the poet via his/her poetry, and the audience in their interpretation. The power of the word as being an essential component of creation in Judaism is a concept heavily emphasized within Jewish tradition (particularly in the more mystically inclined manifestations of Judaism as is most prominently evidenced in the writings of Avraham ben Shmuel Abulafia). The might of the word is even humorously encapsulated within "magic's" most famous phrase 'Abra Cadabra' or more appropriately 'avra kehdabra' (in Aramaic), translated as “I will create as I speak.” On the more rational end of the spectrum however is Rabbeinu Moshe ben Maimon who for example pointed out to us the limits on our efficaciousness in verbalizing our praise of the Divine, and thus we must acknowledge with humility that our creative ability as expressed in words is in no way on par with the One Creator. Nonetheless, despite such hesitations having been largely ignored throughout history, and while in the modern era this art-form is largely neglected, poetry is certainly not in decay... so without further ado, here is my feeble attempt at perpetuating the long standing legacy that has been bequeathed unto us.

PS: Excellent treatment on the topic of Human Creativity: Art and Halakha

!כ כה כהנ כהנא מברוקלין

2007-05-21T18:54:00.000-04:00

Not that I am the biggest fan of Breslov in particular or Chassidus in general - but here goes...

Rebbe Nachman mentioned a "Song of Redemption" that would be revealed before Moshiach's arrival. This song would be in a "single, double, triple, quadruple" form (Likutei Moharan II, #8). Rabbi Yisroel Odesser proposed one, in his "Letter from Heaven" here I propose another. I chanced upon this letter after a long day of not fasting and am certain that it is not of Divine origin.... it states:

It was very hard for me to descend to you, my precious student, to tell you that I benefited greatly from your service. And to you I say, my fire will burn until the coming of the Messiah -- be strong and courageous in your service -- Ka Kaha Kahan Kahane Me'Brooklyn. And with this I shall tell you a secret: Full and heaped up from line to line, and with strong devotional service you will understand it. And the sign is: They will say you are not fasting on the 17th of Tammuz.

I hereby declare that henceforth "I am Ka Kaha Kahan Kahane Me'Brooklyn!"
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PS: To all those Nachmanis out there - please don't get too offended, I say this all in good jest - I always hear Breslovers saying "mitzvah gedolah l'hiyos b'simcha" and laughter is just another way of achieving that end. I intend no disrespect to the deceased - may their merit save us... I would just like to add though if one day I saw large swaths of the Land plastered with
"כ כה כהנ כהנא מברוקלין" I would be brimming with pride...

נשאר רק שבט יהודה לבדו

2007-05-20T23:49:00.000-04:00

I recently came across an article advocating for the creation of a state to be established alongside Israel in the eventuality that there be made attempts to expel the Jews of Yehudah and Shomron from their homes. There may be many practical impediments to the establishment of such a state to be known as the "State of Judea" but for some reason the notion struck a chord within me... This past Shabbos we read Bamidbar aka Parshas Digalim, and in the notes I chanced upon a reference to a Midrash that informs us that the flag of Yehuda was sky blue, and upon it was an image of a lion (Bamidbar Rabba 2) . So with that in mind, I set about creating a flag proposal for the hypothetical future state... and viola! The lion I used in this rendition should be more authentic than the ones Rastafarians use - it is derived from a seal of a servant of Melech Yerovoam discovered on an archaeological dig at Har Meggido in the 1920’s. Yerovoam was a pretty bad dude from Malchus Yisroel, but because of his military conquests he probably felt justified in using the official symbols of Malchus Yehudah. The reference to 'Gur Aryeh Yehudah' [ Yehudah is a lion's cub] is from Bereishis 49:9 . . . I've seen it used on other offerings for a potential flag. Additionally I've been curious whether the lion indigenous to Eretz Yisrael would have been the Barbary lion, the Asiatic lion... or some other possibility - any thoughts?

Kassam Completes Hachnasas Sefer Torah in Sderot

2007-05-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

Some pointed to the Divine protection that had shielded the hundreds of dancing and singing Jews who had left the building just moments before. “If people had not gone home,” said Moti Shitrit,” many would have been killed. G-d rescued us.”

Yom Yerushalayim - יום ירושלים

2007-05-15T13:34:00.000-04:00

"ירושלים הבנויה - כעיר שחברה להּ יחדו"

"The built up Yerushalayim is like a city that is united together"(Tehillim 122:3)

Unfortunately currently this does not seem to be the case while that abomination still sits atop Har HaBayis. Jews are forbidden from praying there - and arrested if their lips are seen in motion on the rare chance the State permits Jewish visitors. A small delegation of Rabbonim ascending makes headline news. I pray and dream for the day that Yerushalayim is just as in the vision described by Dovid HaMelech, and I acknowledge the outright miracles that HaShem has performed for us 1967. However our work is not yet done...

Regret

2007-05-04T16:33:00.000-04:00

וְהִתְוַדּוּ, אֶת-חַטָּאתָם אֲשֶׁר עָשׂוּ

"then they shall confess their sin which they have done"

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I am but a fool unsure of himself

I am the pauper and she is the wealth

Shall I plunder and make her my eternal treasure

Or remain a poor man by any standard or measure

She spoke of blooming flowers whilst I was in the shower

Proclaiming that alls doomed and ever more soured

Redemption however lays upon my lips

Repenting of all the stolen sips

She presumes to know when and if I feel pain

But she surely she must know that I’m struggling to stay sane

My love for her is deep and profound

She is the heavens and I am the ground

I’ve sinned I’ve transgressed I’ve committed iniquity

Yet I know I can return to the Garden ever so blissfully

If only entrance will be granted I swear

Strengthened we’d be from all this despair

גבעת איתם

2007-04-26T02:41:00.000-04:00

Beautiful photographs taken by Menachem Kuchar of a march to Givat Eitam, a hill that will soon God-willing be enveloped by Efrat.

יום העצמאות

2007-04-24T05:34:00.000-04:00

The Independence Day evening prayer service concludes with these words: "May it be Thy will that just as we have merited the beginning of the Redemption, we shall also merit to hear the Shofar of our righteous Messiah..." These words place the unyielding question in bold relief: "Can we ever get this wagon out of the mud? How do we continue to the final destination?"

Also for those interested, here is a version of Al HaNisim being proffered by Machon Shilo to be recited today.

Yom HaZikaron 5767

2007-04-23T03:55:00.000-04:00

In loving memory of Gila Sara Kessler H"yd, murdered in Yerushalayim on the 9th of Tammuz (the same day it was invaded in churban rishon) 5762 at a bus stop on the French Hill by an Arab bomber. May HaShem avenge the blood of all those who have fallen sanctifying His Name.

Benign Vandalism

2007-04-22T14:27:00.000-04:00

Rorschach for the Month of Ziv

2007-04-19T21:54:00.000-04:00

Nissan: Redemption on the Horizon

2007-03-20T20:21:00.000-04:00

“In Nissan our forefathers were redeemed from Egypt and in Nissan we will be redeemed”
(Maseches Rosh HaShana 11a)

Freilichin Purim!

2007-03-02T17:21:00.000-05:00

This coming Motzei Shabbos commences Purim. Ironically much akin to the events described in Megillas Esther today modern Jewry faces a genocidal threat from a Persian tyrant. I’d even speculate as going so far as to say perhaps Ahmadinejad is a descendant of Haman (himself a descendant of Agag, King of Amalek) – and if not genealogically certainly spiritually. This however should not dishearten us (of course we should do introspection in times of affliction) but we must stand proud, and stand strong. HaShem is with our people and this holy day we are about to celebrate is intended to remind us to put our faith in Him. On a related note, if you are wondering what that image is of (which I borrowed from: SalamIran ), it is the Tomb of Esther and Mordechai, the heroes through which the Divine plan was effectuated – it is located in Hamadan Iran. Many forget though that Jews are not only distant memories of antiquity in Iran… there are still 25,000 Jews still living there. May HaShem protect them and keep them so that we may never be placed in the situation of having to perform the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shvuyim for this population. My fear is that with all the rhetoric being ratcheted up in the global arena we may soon chas v’shalom be placed in this very hard situation. Ahmadinejad laughs in the face of the UN [a joke of an institution] at every obstacle they set before his nuclear ambitions but we can be sure that he will be hung. Towards the end of Midrash Rabbah on Esther it recounts an incident wherein Rabbi Chia Rabbah and Rabbi Shimon ben Chalafta were walking in the Arbel valley when they observed the Ayales HaShachar [the first rays of dawn] and Rabbi Chia Rabbah based on the pasuk in the Meggilah 8:6 [ לַיְּהוּדִים, הָיְתָה אוֹרָה וְשִׂמְחָה, וְשָׂשֹׂן, וִיקָר] [The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honour] stated “Such is the redemption of Israel, at first it comes little by little, then it grows rapidly greater”… Now, with the re-establishment of our people in our land currently in progress we can be sure that darkness is in its last throes and as such it is taking great (but futile) measures to attempt to preserve itself. Our day is on the horizon, and it will soon be clear as day – and our enemies shall fall. May HaShem continue to bless His nation with might, and bless His nation with peace.

Modern Revelations?

2007-01-08T14:39:00.000-05:00

We live in interesting times. It seems the pace at which things are moving are faster than ever. I am not sure whether it’s a matter of perception, a change in reality, or the confluence of events in the world coinciding with technologies that make information so instantaneously available. What I do know is that it is different [though, then again – most people believe the age in which they personally are living in to be of paramount significance and perhaps justifiably so]. I was recently at a friend’s house whose family is very into natural living, organic lifestyles, vegetarianism etc., and I picked up a magazine that had been sitting on their coffee table and began reading it. Within, there were many advertisements for the advice and help of various gurus, witchdoctors, shamans, so on and so forth… basically though probably well intentioned – quacks. However there was one article that referenced something known as Indigo Children, and this piqued my interest. Most of the attributes that these children possess sound more like a ben sorer umorer, however that is not what interested me. Allegedly these children have abilities that are of a seemingly spiritual nature, such as telekinesis, psychic talent, and communication with the “unseen world”. This reminded me of a now defunct website that had been around for a while that recorded the thoughts of a Jewish six year old boy in the NYC area that professedly was revealing ideas regarding Moshiach’s eminent arrival as per conversations with his father. Of course, it entirely could have been fakery, but nonetheless we do have a tradition according to the Zohar of the potentiality for such a scenario and its validity.

Zohar on Parshas Vayera : "Rabbi Shimon continued: HaKadosh Baruch Hu, does not wish that too much be revealed to the world. But when the Days of Moshiach are near, even infants in the world will discover the secrets of Wisdom and, through them, know how to calculate and figure the End of Days. At that time, it will be revealed to everyone. Therefore, it is written: "For then will I turn to the peoples a pure language..." (Tzefanyah 3:9). What is meant by "then"? It means at the time when the Knesses Yisrael shall rise from the dust, and HaKadosh Baruch Hu, shall raise her up. Then, "I will turn to the peoples a pure language that they may all call upon HaShem and serve Him with one consent"."

However that in and of itself of course is not enough of a justification for acceptance. We know that even within Orthodoxy the Zohar is not entirely accepted by everyone as being an authentic sefer to be learned – for example the RaMBaM oriented Dor Daim of Yemen who follow the judgments of the sefer Milchamos HaShem, lambast it as stinking of avodah zarah. Personally I am no expert on the matter and will reserve my opinion for a future date at which time I will God willing be more learned. Nonetheless I could not help but recall the stories I had heard about this child, and the passage of the Zohar referencing the intuitive capacity for young children in the days preceding Moshiach’s arrival. It may very well be that these alleged “Indigo Children” are simply spoiled brats, pampered by their parents into negative behaviors, an instance of a father who read too much into his son’s imagination, and an over-acceptance of the Zohar’s authenticity within Orthodox Judaism that led me to ponder these things – however it is very tantalizing and seducing to be able to point to concrete evidence of how close something is that we yearn so greatly for. Honestly, I want to believe these children have powers, and the boy in NYC had visions, and that the Zohar is dead on about this topic… it has great emotional appeal – but it may be a bit irrational, illogical and not in line with what the Torah wants of us. Before I run off accepting such ideas, it is probably best for me to recall “Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai taught: If you have a fruit-tree on your hands and someone says to you: Here is the Moshiach. Go and finish planting your fruit-tree just the same, and afterwards go out and welcome the Moshiach.” (Avos d’Rabi Nasan 31).

Perhaps I am best off continuing with the work at hand, conscientiously with full force, and not allow myself to be concerned with such proclamations - it is in the hands of heaven, and when Moshiach arrives I will not be plagued with questions of rationalism - it will {I hope} be blatantly obvious to all.

Blind Knowledge

2006-12-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

This image has been borrowed from M.W. Kaluta

Reinstitution of Censored Material

2006-12-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

Dreams Can Be Reality

2006-11-30T20:21:00.000-05:00

Tears flowing down the softest cheeks
fears growing lofty as mountain peaks
each drop more precious than diamonds
preach atop a holy soul un-wizened
her pain stabs me inside my gut
my strain of emotion visceral cuts
I will remove her sorrows despite mine
I’ll spill all the sands of time
Sometimes it is another that heals wounds
So sublime not a tick-tocking cocoon
I am the other to remove it all
despite my frequent internal falls
A sin to behold such beauty suffer
chagrin I’m told is rudely rougher
Our souls demand to be entwined
flowers wholly grow signs divine
The cosmos beckons one to another
the logos beseeching us to hover
Afloat above all sinking below
remote from all anguish carried in tow
an eternal station under the suns
A new creation her and I one

Mar Cheshvan

2006-11-09T12:07:00.000-05:00

Today is the Yahrzeit of HaRav Meir Kahane zt"l... please learn some Torah [perhaps the Sefer, Or Hara’ayon] in his name, a martyr who died Al Kidush HaShem, may HaShem avenge his blood.

Also - There will be a memorial at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 12, 2006 :
Ocean Avenue Jewish Center
2600 Ocean Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11229

Who Resembles God’s Myrtle of Bohemia

2006-11-02T13:05:00.000-05:00

This girl crawled into my head
now its all been done and said
its been over from the beginning
gnawing thoughts at my mind still clinging
was I a toy or a decoy ?
or just a boy lacking in joy
it was doomed from inception
my souls entombed from conception
shallow waters are in abundance
hallowed slaughter my hearts ascendance
rejection on a physical plane
seemingly an eternal stain
it is all truly for the best
it is only but another test
lessons learned and earned for tomorrow
my person churned toward avoiding sorrows
bliss was clearly not intended for today
but I presume it shall arrive another way...

Parshas Noach

2006-10-28T21:48:00.000-04:00

A bit of irony...

Treasure Hunting...

2006-10-20T02:59:00.000-04:00

Here is the trove of over 1,000 images requested by a minority's consensus. I acquiesce particularly because of the sincere desire of a young lion of Judah who hails from the holy establishment of Efrat... Enjoy!

Reappearance

2006-10-16T20:58:00.000-04:00

I’m back! . . . not that anyone missed me. Due to unpopular demand I will resume posting on the blog for the sake of my immense audience. In actuality I have been in Brooklyn (I’ve tried to argue that actually I am “visiting” the US until I return HOME to Eretz Yisrael) for quite a bit now, but have been contemplating deleting the blog, or simply abandoning it to cyberspace and letting it just float around like another piece of spacejunk. Perhaps at some point I will post a link to a digital photo album of my summer in Eretz HaTzvi if my lazy self gets around to it - or if enough people harass me about it [which is something I highly doubt would occur]. Rather than give a cap up of the events in my life, I’ve decided to simply resume in the same manner in which I have approached this enterprise from the beginning, that being to simply post whatever piques my interest at any given point in time, along with an image - usually one that I have created or captured myself... Oh yeah... and I hope everyone’s holidays went well [Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkos, Shmini Atzeres, Simchas Torah (did I miss any?)] - wishing everyone a belated happy, healthy and sweet new year - hoping we were all inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.

I've joined a commune...

2006-07-05T04:05:00.000-04:00

Today I am leaving to Eretz Yisrael to spend the next 7 weeks working on a Religious Kibbutz. The name of the Kibbutz is Sde Eliyahu and it is located in the Bet She’an Valley. I am considering pursuing a career in agriculture and so in a way for me this will be an internship... allowing myself to become more familiar with the field, and ultimately help in the decision making process as to whether I want to devote my life to a similar occupation. I also am very much so interested in what the Halachic obligations are in relation to The Land, and what the practical ramifications are [there is an entire order of the Mishnah/Talmud devoted to agriculture (Zeraim)]. Ultimately, God willing, it should be a very rewarding experience, allowing myself to become more fully immersed in Israeli society and becoming better acquainted with the culture and particularly the language in its modern usage. I really do not really know what to expect - aside from blistering heat and hard work... from what I understand though most of those working out in the fields get a mid-day break [kind of like the Spanish siesta] in order to avoid working during the harshest hours of the day. Before going to the Kibbutz my first stop on the way there will be Shabbos in Shiloh at my grandparents' home, who unfortunately I have not seen in some time... The fact that I am leaving has not fully registered yet - but on the other hand I am simultaneously highly anticipatory ... Well, I’m off - and since I don’t know if I will have an opportunity to post while there.. have a great summer everyone!

Uncle Sam's Birthday

2006-07-04T13:57:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July! Today is a day in which we can all show our HaKaras HaTov for this great nation, what better way to celebrate the ratification of the Declaration of Independence than to barbeque?! ... Anway for those of you wondering why that flag has 51 stars - then here is an option for you to consider: NYC Statehood. Well, off I go to enjoy the festivities.... enjoy!

PS - I know our national personification [Uncle Sam] as a figure didnt emerge until the War of 1812... but if I abide simply by the facts than the title of my post gets less interesting, heheh..

An Ode to Giovanni da Verrazano

2006-06-26T23:25:00.000-04:00

עֵת מִלְחָמָה וְעֵת שָׁלוֹם

2006-06-26T23:10:00.000-04:00

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

- King Solomon [Koheles 3:1-8]
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Let us not forget that although we hope and pray for peace, sometimes it can only be achieved through war. May HaShem strengthen us in the proper pursuit of redeeming our captives [pidyon shvuyim].

Madonna & Swee' Pea

2006-06-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

Not long ago I had been flipping channels on the tube and came across a classic cartoon that I had not seen in some time... It was Fleischer’s ‘Popeye’. As a child I found it amusing and entertaining, but had not really explored the depths of some of the messages and symbolism inherent in the work. This time around I began to notice things that I had not grasped previously and came to some possible conclusions about this fascinating cartoon. As a child it hadn’t really struck me that Olive Oyl was a single mother caring for her child Swee’ Pea. Perhaps part of the reason being, is that I grew up in the home of a single mother, and therefore didn’t recognize it as anything other than ordinary... but for the time period in which this cartoon initially debuted [1930's] such a notion to be presented in a mass media form, to children nonetheless, seems a bit ahead of its time.

So that was one cultural issue being addressed in a rather bold manner... but then I dug further and realized some other interesting parallels between some of the premises of 'Popeye' and Christian theology. Now if we look at the term “Christos” we realize that it is the Greek word [Χριστός] for Moshiach [מָשִׁיחַ]. Moshiach literally means annointed (obviously for a particular role, which the Jesus figure does not qualify for)... Annointed specifically with the Shemen Mishchat [שֶׁמֶן מִשְׁחַת-קֹדֶשׁ] (Shemos 30:22-25). One of the main components of the Shemen Mishchat is olive oil. Now lets look at the character Olive Oyl, who has a child that appears to have been immaculately conceived [speculative - because who Swee’ Pea’s father in fact is, is never stated] much like the alleged Jesus figure idolized by much of Christendom. Realizing that Olive Oyl is Mary - a conduit through which Swee’ Pea as Jesus is immaculately anointed/conceived blew my mind. When I realized this possible connection I attempted to explore the idea further - and so in such a theoretical circumstance, the other characters would have their parallels as well. Popeye would have to be Joseph. In the New Testament Joseph is often presented as the adoptive father of Jesus, in the cartoon Popeye sometimes plays this role for Swee’ Pea [lacking a carpenter - sailor connection... suggestions anyone?].

Now... why the name Swee’ Pea ? Well after looking into it apparently the Sweet Pea [Lathyrus odoratus] plant has beautifully colored flowers and a pleasant sweet fragrance however its seeds unlike most peas should not be consumed as they are poisonous. We know that in Midrash Tanhuma, Vayikra and Rashi on Toldos 26:34 that Edom [Rome/Christianity/Western Civilization] is compared to a pig. The pig is one the most repulsive non-kosher animals because outwardly it presents itself with split hooves but internally it does not chew its cud. Outwardly displaying and proclaiming “look I’m kosher!” but in reality fully treif veiled in the aesthetic trappings of something wholesome, a very deep hypocrisy. The Midrash is an attempt at a criticism of a culture in which primacy is placed upon seductive presentation rather than virtue and deed.

Were the animators and creators of ‘Popeye’ trying to subversively convince the youth via Swee’ Pea that indeed the trappings of Western Civilization often lead to the adoption of a theology in which an entity that outwardly appears pleasing is in fact harmful to the soul ? In other words - were they condemning Christian doctrines much in the same manner that our ChaZaL were ? Well... this all does sound a bit like a conspiracy theory - whilst still maintaining a degree of plausibility to me. It is always fun to speculate, maybe this will lead to the next ‘Davinci Code’, heheh... If anyone can think of any further connections, rationales and motivations for some of the other characters, I would truly enjoy hearing your thoughts on the matter.

- .מ.ה.ה -

2006-06-20T21:49:00.000-04:00

Achdus

2006-06-05T16:37:00.000-04:00

Seeing this display of unity with Am Yisrael at the parade made me a little bit confused, but otherwise happy...

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PS: Here are some unusual links
Arabs for Israel
Pro-Israel Sheikh
Former PLO member Walid Shoebat
Arab American Woman Nonie Darwish
Zachariah Anani - former Muslim Lebanese Terrorist

Israeli Day Parade

2006-06-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

Please come out today and show your support for Am Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael at the Salute to Israel Parade. It runs along 5th Ave. between 57th and 79th in Manhattan from 12:00-4:30 PM...

Afterwards there is the Israel Day Concert in Central Park. Thousands of people are expected to attend the concert this Sunday. It takes place each year in Central Park, the same day as the famous Salute to Israel Day Parade. This year, the concert has been moved to Central Park’s Summerstage, located near the 5th Avenue Park entrance at 69th Street from 2:30-7:00PM.

The concert’s theme will be to support the Jewish communities in the Biblical provinces of Judea and Samaria, which are now threatened under Ehud Olmert’s proposed ‘realignment’ plan. The highly controversial plan calls for the forced expulsion of nearly 100,000 Jews living in the regions, and the destruction of dozens of well-established communities.

Last summer, 21 Jewish communities in the region of Gush Katif were destroyed by the Israeli government, after the forced population transfer of nearly 9,000 Jewish residents.

The Israel Day Concert will protest Ehud Olmert’s proposed disengagement on the following points:

* YES to democracy and freedom!
* NO to the surrender of any part of Israel!
* NO to the expulsion of Jews from Judea and Samaria!
* NO to a PLO/Hamas Terrorist State!

Nachshon Ben Aminadav - The Shavuos Connection

2006-06-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

...Chazal say the waters had engulfed his body to his nostrils, and he still did not flinch. He continued. Then, and only then, did the waters split...

Yom Yerushalayim - Parshas Digalim

2006-05-26T17:03:00.000-04:00

אִישׁ עַל דִּגְלוֹ בְאֹתֹת לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם יַחֲנוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִנֶּגֶד סָבִיב לְאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד יַחֲנוּ

Lamed Gimel

2006-05-15T22:47:00.000-04:00

"Where are you going with these flowers?" - R' Shimon Bar Yochai

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"... I wish I were in Meiron right now..." - Me

Embryonic Blaine

2006-05-09T19:29:00.000-04:00

On Sunday a friend and I went to Lincoln Plaza to check out David Blaine’s latest stunt. I wasn’t expecting anything too exciting, and as such was not disappointed afterwards. Seeing a man in a giant bubble of water is rather interesting... for about a minute. One point I really enjoyed though was the visual resemblance to a fetus in utero. I am not a big fan of his stunts, but his street magic is incredible. I imagine Houdini was similar in that regard, except a grand spectacle in his day and age probably drew a relatively larger crowd. I heard recently that Blaine is Jewish (his mother being a Russian Jew, and his father Puerto Rican), and have already known that Houdini was a Jew (born Eric Wiess). What is it with Jewish illusionists (I prefer the term illusionist, as I would be hesitant to call such performances "magic")? What draws a Jewish soul to desire such large crowds gather in order to witness such spectacles? Is it simply ego? Or something grander? Anyway - I watched last night on ABC when he emerged for the first time in 7 days and then attempted to beat the record of longest amount of time spent underwater while holding ones breath. Ultimately he failed and came short of the record (which is 8 minutes, 58 seconds) with a nonetheless impressive 7 minutes and 8 seconds. After being rescued from the tank he seemed rather ill and depressed, I imagine it will take him some time to truly recuperate from this feat. His hands looked rather disgusting frankly and presumably large swaths of his skin will fall off (imagine the pruney look of your hands after a long bath multiplied by thousands). Hopefully there wasn’t extensive nerve damage which would put a bit of a handicap on his career. All in all... it was entertainment for the 21st century.

- Korban Pesach * Korban Omer -

2006-05-01T22:57:00.000-04:00

First I read this interesting article over at ArutzSheva:

Rabbi Yisrael Ariel: Paschal Sacrifice is Still Obligatory
"It's not a question of 'maybe' or 'if'," says the Temple Institute's Rabbi Yisrael Ariel. "Bringing the Paschal sacrifice is a Torah obligation incumbent upon the People of Israel these very days."
(Rest of article).

Then later on stumbled across this at JTA:

Wall Sacrifice Blocked
Israeli police prevented the attempted sacrifice of a Passover lamb at the Western Wall.
A group of religious Jews led by far-right activist Itamar Ben-Gvir, lamb in hand, was blocked from reaching Judaism’s holiest site Wednesday.They said they wanted to slaughter the lamb as part of pre-Passover rituals.
(Rest of article).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I have heard [though I have not yet had a chance to investigate myself ] that HaRav Kook held that in the Third Beis HaMikdash only non animal sacrifices will be offered such as the Omer. Any thoughts on wether the Korban Pesach should be re-instituted sans Temple? Any thoughts on wether animal Korbanos should be offered in the future Temple?

Counting

2006-04-27T17:06:00.000-04:00

What is the darkness within the trees
before whom the silent truths do flee
Rising to see the shade within
shining against the gleaning sin
Contrast to the last before the beginning
forecast of the trespassed is singing
Redeem the glow from its shell
renewed too slow under hypnotic spell
Falsehood a skin atop a fresh fruit
childwood to fan the flame of soot
Soon to emerge from the cocoon
rising once again like a new moon
Seven cycled immortally gathered
woven and eternally fathered
From whence will this be the resurrect
ascent and spired cleansed of defect
Pining for that moment to repeat
to be witnessed not solely in defeat
Let us grab a piece of infinitude
to find solace in what has been renewed.

Avian Flu in Israel

2006-04-03T16:56:00.000-04:00

I have read reports that Israel's Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar has allowed for the continued elimination of chickens over Shabbos because of possible contamination by the H5N1 avian influenza virus in order so that human life is not endangered. Who could rationally be against such a thing? - Clearly the issue of Pikuach Nefesh, the potential danger to human life outweighs the abrogation of the Melachos Shabbos and the loss of chickens. However I am curious why there has not been much said about the method being used to do the job. According to ArutzSheva “People are being offered 2,000 shekels a day to kill chickens in the Sharon region because there are not enough people willing to do the job, which involves denying the birds food and drink, and then offering them poisoned water.” Clearly we as the Jewish people are more prone to being under the sway of the Midah of Rachamim as it says “and He will give you mercy” - "וְנָתַן-לְךָ רַחֲמִים" (Devarim 13:18) and as such shy away from such activities. Why is it then that we have not heard about the issue of Tzaar Baalei Chaim here? It may be an unfortunate necessity to kill these birds... but the manner in which it is being done does not have to be so cruel. They are starving the birds and then poisoning them, which seems rather efficient but at least from my limited view - contrary to Halacha. I am certain that there is a manner in which both the concerns of Pikuach Nefesh and Tzaar Baalei Chaim can be addressed and am perplexed as to why it is seemingly not.

Getting closer...

2006-03-12T21:05:00.000-05:00

My mom and younger sister decided to embark an a real potchka job... the creation of Hamentaschen. I tasted them once they were done.... and they were too delicious. I was soon kicked out of the kitchen once I was assessed as a threat to the longevity of the Hamentaschen. Purim is one of the best holidays ever... I know I’m gonna be thinking about these bad boys during the fast tomorrow. I know they look a little messy but they will beat out any store bought ones you will ever taste by leaps and bounds.

Matthew Miller @ Hammerstein

2006-03-07T17:58:00.000-05:00

We arrived in time to only catch the last few minutes of the opening act Trevor Hall, which is a shame... but that’s not who we came to see. Last night my sister and I went to see Matisyahu perform at the Hammerstein Ballroom. It was one of the best concerts I have been to in a while. It is very interesting to see a crowd of primarily gentiles of many different subcultures congregating whilst being peppered with Orthodox yarmulka wearing Jews. I was a little bit surprised when he recited the Shema with HaShem’s name hand over his eyes before this humongous crowd in a venue that is walking distance to Times Square. Yossi Piamenta made an appearance for one song - which was really rather unexpected I thought... I think that unfortunately many people there had no clue who the aging rockstar was. Matisyahu was more polished this time around (I saw him play last year at Irving Plaza)... guess that’s what happens when you tour the country performing constantly. The concert coincided with the release of his new album “Youth” and its Dub counterpart as well as Moshe Rabbeinu’s Yartzeit/Birthday [7th of Adar]. The crowd was shaking and dancing and expressing their joy throughout the entirety of the event. I didn’t really plan on going initially but my little sister kept on bugging me to find a way to get tickets [despite them being sold-out], so I went on to Craigslist and found some for double the ticket booth price and bought ‘em. Needless to say - it was worth it. I received the new album in the mail today - and ripped open the packaging as soon as I saw it... it will be on heavy rotation for a while. Anyway, its always cool to see a Frum Yid singing about the Geulah and Moshiach in a pop culture forum without even attempting to dilute the message - and then on top of it seeing the masses drawn to its appeal. Aside from my sister being a little bummed out that he didnt do Reggae/Hip-Hop version of MiShenichnas Adar , all in all we had an excellent time.

Marbim B'Simcha

2006-03-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

A friend sent me this video - it is perfect for the month of Adar - these Yeshivah Bochers have way too much time on their hands...

Adar Commences

2006-02-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

In the Midrash Rabba on Meggilas Esther it is noted that the term karahu in:
“Mordechai told him of all that had happened to him (karahu).”(Esther 4:7)
" וַיַּגֶּד-לוֹ מָרְדֳּכַי, אֵת כָּל-אֲשֶׁר קָרָהוּ "
is reminiscent of the wording about Amalek:
“Remember what Amalek did to you on your way out of Egypt. When they encountered you (karcha) one the way, and you were tired and exhausted, they cut off those lagging to your rear, and they did not fear God”(Devarim 25:17-18).
זָכוֹר, אֵת אֲשֶׁר-עָשָׂה לְךָ עֲמָלֵק, בַּדֶּרֶךְ, בְּצֵאתְכֶם מִמִּצְרָיִם אֲשֶׁר קָרְךָ בַּדֶּרֶךְ, וַיְזַנֵּב בְּךָ כָּל-הַנֶּחֱשָׁלִים אַחֲרֶיךָ--וְאַתָּה, עָיֵף וְיָגֵעַ; וְלֹא יָרֵא, אֱלֹהִים
Mordechai is communicating that these events were linked to an ancient encounter with Amalek as Haman was a descendent of Agag, King of Amalek. Today is Rosh Chodesh Adar - last night R’ Efraim Klein was murdered (HaShem Yinkom Damo) in Crown Heights by cowards of the very same nature. How unfortunate that as we say “m’shenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha” “When Adar comes, joy is increased” - the same vile people that attacked us then attack us now in the same manner. As noted at MysticalPaths it matters not wether it be in Israel, France, Uzbekistan, or Brooklyn. Ultimately however we know that just as in the events of Purim, the evil decree will be overturned “v’nahafoch hu” and we will merit seeing the redemption of our people.

Joys of Youth

2006-02-23T11:20:00.000-05:00

Coney Island always has something interesting to say. I was walking along the boardwalk yesterday during some free time I had, when I noticed that the only other people around at the time were the elderly and the young. At another point I noticed a child feeding seagulls which triggered memories of an earlier self that flooded my mind. It was nice to partake in such frivolities when I was just a boy. Life was simple and uncomplicated. Thinking to my self, I came to the conclusion [it was more like a confirmation really] that it is truly a shame we can no longer imbibe in such innocent pleasures during adulthood without seeming like a loon (think of the pigeon-lady in Home Alone 2). Perhaps we are all born with a drop of sagacity that tells us “enjoy being crazy while ya still can” and over time it evaporates with the discovery of greater wisdom. Which reminds me of the adage brought to us by Rabbi Meir in Pirkei Avos Ch. 4:
" אל תסתכל בקנקן, אלא במה שיש בו: יש קנקן חדש, מלא ישן; וישן, אפילו חדש אין בו "
“Do not look at the flask but at what is in it; there may be a new flask that is full of old wine and an old flask that does not even have new wine in it.” Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have brand new flasks with old wine in it ? I guess we cant really have it both ways... to enjoy the reckless and carefree youth or to enjoy the enlightenment that comes with age. One is sacrificed to the other.

PS - Matisyahu is releasing a new album called "Youth" on March 7th for those of you who dig Judaeo-Reggae .

Tehillim 148: אֵשׁ וּבָרָד שֶׁלֶג וְקִיטוֹר רוּחַ סְעָרָה עֹשָׂה דְבָרוֹ

2006-02-16T00:44:00.000-05:00

Tu B'Shvat seemed a bit odd to me this year. It hadn’t really snowed all winter, and then suddenly the heavens dumped 2 feet of it upon us right before Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanos. There was a certain amount of irony in it I felt - but wasnt able to discern what precisely it meant. I played around and found that the Gematria of Sheleg (Snow) is 333, and that Ilan (Tree) is 91... when you subtract 91 from 333 you get 242...The Gematria of Ariel(Lion of HaShem) is 242. Incidentally the holy Ari [Yitzchak Luria] instituted the Tu B'Shvat Seder - vague connections ? Perhaps... but it certainly is striking.

I heard they named it מְתוּשָׁלַח [Methuselah]

2006-02-11T19:17:00.000-05:00

A 2,000-year-old date seed planted last Tu B’Shvat has sprouted and is over a foot tall. Being grown at Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava, it is the oldest seed to ever produce a viable young sapling.

Choosing Torah for Medinat Yisrael

2006-02-09T20:59:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in directing the flow of over 1 billion US dollars towards Torah institutions rather than those representing anti-Torah Hellenistic Fascism, than make your presence felt with a Vote for Torah in the 35th World Zionist Congress - this is a historic opportunity for those who believe the “Jewish State” should actually represent Jewish values. There is a nominal registration fee of $7.00, or $5.00 if you are a student - hurry up as registration ends after February 15, 2006. May we merit soon seeing the spiritual nature of the State change for the better in our days.

Learning Like Fish in Memory of Kaduri

2006-02-07T00:39:00.000-05:00

The Sage HaRav Kaduri has passed away last week, may his memory be a blessing upon Yisroel. He lived a long life - I have heard and read estimates anywhere between 103 and 111 years of age [birth records were not kept in Ottoman Iraq]. He was laid to rest at the Har HaMenuchos cemetery in Yerushalaim after being escorted there by 300,000 mourners who came to show their respects. Many newspapers have been writing articles about the life he lead and who he was as a man and what he represented. One thing I found of interest was that he was a vegetarian - except for Purim and Erev Yom Kippur on which he would eat some fish. I can only presume that he did such for some deep, hidden and mystical reason - nonetheless I will hypothesize as to why from my shallow perspective. For Purim the astrological [mazel] symbol of the month of Adar is the Fish ‘dagim’ or commonly referred to as Pisces. For Erev Yom Kippur this minhag of fish consumption has been adopted by some based on a Midrash in Bereshis Rabbah 11 . If anyone knows or would like to suggest any other possible reasons for why this righteous man has chosen such a path - I should love to hear it - and in doing so we would be collectively learning something in Rav Kaduri’s memory.

Chacham Yitzchak ben Tufacha Kaduri

2006-01-16T15:56:00.000-05:00

The revered Mekubal, Rav Kaduri has recently fallen ill and is in care at the Bikur Cholim Hospital in Yerushalayim for pneumonia. Many across the world are praying for a quick and immediate refuah shelaima for this sage. Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Shlomo Moshe Amar has called for a prayer gathering at the Kotel today. For those who wish to pray on his behalf the name is Yitzchak ben Tufacha (Tufacha means ‘apple’ in Arabic). It is said that when Rav Kaduri was a young man studying in Ottoman Turkish Iraq the Ben Ish Chai had told him in a blessing that he would merit being present during the Revelation of Moshiach. ArutzSheva's Yehoshua Meiri claims the Rav at his bedside has told him that "The time of Redemption has come."

2006-01-01T19:19:00.000-05:00

8th Night of Chanukah

Chashmona / Chashmonaim

2005-12-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

וַיִּסְעוּ, מִמִּתְקָה; וַיַּחֲנוּ, בְּחַשְׁמֹנָה
And they journeyed from Miskah, and pitched in Chashmonah.
וַיִּסְעוּ, מֵחַשְׁמֹנָה; וַיַּחֲנוּ, בְּמֹסֵרוֹת
And they journeyed from Chashmonah, and pitched in Moseros.

I don’t know who originally came to this realization, but I will relate it to you (someone suggested its from Maseches Shabbos 21b, but I haven’t had a chance to check) . There are naysayers who say that Chanuka is an unimportant holiday and has no basis in our Holy Torah. However amongst many other connections is this :

In Bamidbar 33 (Parshas Massey), it lists the many places that Bnei Yisroel encamped following Yetzias Mitzraim [the exodus from Egypt]. The 25th place they rested was named as Chashmona (33:29-30). As we all know ChanuKa, is the compounding of Chanu, they rested, and Ka [Kaf Hey] 25. For on the 25th day of Kislev the Maccabees/Chashmonaim [the priestly family who fought against the Hellenists ] rested from their enemies. So the 25th place Bnei Yisroel rested was named Chashmona, and the Chashmonaim rested on the 25th. The correlation is beautiful and simple.

I hope you enjoyed that small morsel, we must always remember that the significance of this holiday is the spiritual victory not the military one. In our day and age the Hellenists that we must not succumb to is the pervasive, and corruptive influences of western society. We all must search for that metaphorical bit of pure oil within ourselves and set it aflame so that it may burn until we are redeemed. If every day of Creation is equal to one millennium and the seventh millennium is the inevitable age of Moshiach, then the message of oil lasting for eight days is that we are granted a hidden stock of purity that we can magnify regardless of circumstance and it will last all the way through to Acharis HaYamim.

2005-12-26T17:03:00.000-05:00

Gerritsen Creek - Brooklyn

Shimshon HaGibor

2005-12-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

The story of Shimshon HaGibor in Shoftim has many parallels to the recent events in Azza [Gaza] with the expulsion of thousands of Jews from their homes. Often there are many connections that one can make between our early history as a nation and our current realities. We should seek to learn the lessons of our past, as well as seeing them as consoling guides to our future.

“for the child shall be a Nazir unto HaShem from the womb; and he shall begin to save Yisrael out of the hand of the Plishtim.”(Shoftim 13:5)

Residents of Gaza were unblemished children for HaShem coming forth from the womb of Religious Zionism and began the process through which we will be saved in Yisrael from our enemies.

“ Then Manoah entreated the HaShem, and said: 'Oh, Lord, I pray Thee, let the man of HaShem whom Thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.” (13:8)

And when Gaza was liberated the leaders sought guidance of HaShem’s directive and felt encouraged by His Torah (the ultimate teacher) that religious communities should be built (Atzmona, Bedolah, Gadid, Ganei Tal, Gan Or, Katif, Kfar Darom, Morag, Netzarim, Netzer Hazani, and Neve Dekalim).

“ And the Malach of HaShem said unto Manoah: 'Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread; and if thou wilt make ready a burnt-offering, thou must offer it unto HaShem.' For Manoah knew not that he was the Malach of HaShem.” (13.16)

The leaders did not entirely know that they were dealing with the forces of HaShem in establishing a Jewish presence in Azza and that a sacrifice would be made in His Name, that the community would be dismantled al kiddush hashem

“Manoah said unto his wife: 'We shall surely die, because we have seen HaShem.'
But his wife said unto him: 'If HaShem were pleased to kill us, He would not have received a burnt-offering and a meal-offering at our hand.” (13:22,23)

They were both correct, the Jewish community of Azza would cease to exist because in heeding HaShem’s will they have seen Him, while not understanding His plans. He recieved the community initially, a necessary circumstance in order to fulfill his will.

“'Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Plishtim?” (14:3)

The residents unfortunately had to make use of arab workers instead of toiling in entirety with the Avoda coming of the hands of our Holy Nation.

“ But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD”(14:4)

People did not understand that this as is everything is ultimately in HaShems hands and is guiding us.

“And he scraped it out into his hands, and went on, eating as he went, and he came to his father and mother, and gave unto them, and they did eat; but he told them not that he had scraped the honey out of the body of the lion.”(14.9)

This sacrifice being made by the community of Azza on the front line against the arabs renting them that roar like lions but fall as kid-goats yielded honey, rich sustenance for Religious Zionists but they did not truly know how it was being provided.

After Shimshon posed a riddle to the Plishtim wagering his possesions, they illicitly gained the answer through coercion.
“And he said unto them: If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.”(14.18)

The arabs deal deceitfully and use our language of Shelaima, peacefulness to gain what is rightfully ours.

“And when he had set the torches on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Plishtim, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing corn, and also the oliveyards.” (15.5)

For when the arabs gain the land through deciet the hand of HaShem does not allow for their land to be blessed as the arabs now once again call Azza cursed land [in Gerara] being unable to bring forth cultivated crops.

“And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire.”(15:6)

Arabs will kill their own brothers and sisters if they even suspect them to be complicit in helping the nation of HaShem The PA even has units dedicated to this task called the mukhabarat and istikhbarat, they will often murder these people in the streets to allegedly serve as a warning to others.

“And Samson said unto them: 'Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.'
And they spoke unto him, saying: 'No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand; but surely we will not kill thee.'” (15:12-13)

Just as the residents of Azza beseeched their brothers that they should not be the ones who perpetrate such heinous actions just as the Arabs would but they continued to uproot holy communities and set them before our enemies nonetheless.

“When he came unto Lehi, the Plishtim shouted as they met him; and the spirit of HaShem came mightily upon him, and the ropes that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands dropped from off his hands.”(15:14)

We will merit seeing a future when even the bindings of our own brothers will not prevent HaShem from setting us free and avenging that which is ours.

After the deciept that had allowed them to capture shimshon
“And the lords of the Plishtim gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said: 'Our god hath delivered Shimshon our enemy into our hand.'” (16.23 )

Just as the arabs rejoiced in the streets after the expulsion of the inhabitants of Azza proclaiming allahu akbar.

“And Shimshon called unto HaShem, and said: 'O HaShem, remember me, I pray Thee, and strengthen me, I pray Thee, only this once, O HaShem, that I may be this once avenged of the Plishtim for my two eyes.'” (16:28)

And we will come to realize that by following our straying eyes instead of that which is inscribed on our hearts, by appeasing the arabs through the folly of democracy we had erred, and will ask HaShem to redeem us .

“And Shimshon took fast hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house rested, and leaned upon them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left.
And Shimshon said: 'Let me die with the Plishtim.' And he bent with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead that he slew at his death were more than they that he slew in his life.” (16:29-30)

And so the residents of Azza through their self sacrifice and personal communal annihilation will merit to be the ones that began the process of bringing down the foreign temple built on the pillars of appeasement and vain democracy.

It is very unfortunate that the residents of Azza have been expelled from their homes, however we all know the righteous adage repeated by Rav Nachum ish Gamzu of Gam Zu LeTovah - that this too is for the best. We do not fully understand HaShem’s ways as they are infinite and we are mere mortals however we know that as HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook suggests, the process of Geulah, Redemption is an evolutionary one. It comes slowly through what appear to be natural social means inching closer and closer to a better world. We know that it is impossible to completely fathom HaShem’s ways ("Where were you when I laid the foundations of the world? Tell, if you know the understanding!"Iyov 38:3) but we also know Derache'cha darchei noam, her ways are ways of pleasantness (Mishlei 3:17). May we merit soon being able to perceive how these events were ultimately for our good.

Glory of the Bubble

2005-08-09T16:12:00.000-04:00

A post first on CannabisChassidis’ take on the month of Tammuz and a McKennaian inspired theory on Migdal Bavel led to a post on WonderingJew’s musings of the incident... this in turn aroused me to do some speculating of my own.
To me Migdal Bavel revolved around the idea the we can achieve all on our own through advancement, exclamations of “we no longer need rely upon God” likely being the prevalent sentiment. Collective ability of Man becomes the object of veneration rather than a means through which to come closer to God’s Truth. This concept has re-emerged in various fashions throughout history, to me it is the ‘Cult of Man’. Perhaps they believed that by geometrically aligning their tower with the constellations they would be able to usurp the Shamayim it is symbolic of and use it too for self aggrandizement, a tribute to themselves.
According to ChaZaL, Nimrod was the motivating individual in this whole scheme, he was the son of Cush, who was the son of Cham. Perhaps by this point several pseudo languages had already developed along the migratory routes of Shem, Cham, and Yafes (proto-semitic? , proto-african? , proto-indo european? etc.) but up until now had managed to maintain enough similitude to enable proper communication harkening upon the commonalities of the language. It is only once one of the descending ethnic groups has the audacity to recognize its own potential and use it for subversion that this dispersion takes place. The inhabitants of Shinar scattered across the earth amongst their cousins of old. The Shinarites each off on their own in new geographic regions, further separating the ties of the archetypal dialect shared by Noach’s sons by means of repeating the same mistake... Self glorification of the Collective which through its advances seeks to differentiate itself against the established “other”. This newfound and developing philosophy possibly leading to the erection of many other monuments over the face of the earth. One Ziggurat begetting another, and another, and.... soon enough we have Mesopotamians/Babylonians, and Greeks with Ziggurats... Egyptians, Nubians, Meso-americans with their own incarnation via Pyramids. In the end we see that unfortunately Man seemingly never tires of this charade - one might even recall the Space Race (I personally don’t but its in the Collective memory) between the “United” States and the Soviet “Union”, a battle of egos and glorification of the Collective Self once again using the mechanisms symbolic of advanced civilization..... Anyway I’m sure any credible person in the field of linguistics or philology would easily be able to shatter these notions...but I’ve got an affinity for this bubble I built...

Neve Dekalim & Ganei Tal

2005-08-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

Mogen Dovid shaped Shul faces destruction in expulsion plan, "he who is merciful to the merciless will in the end become merciless to the merciful"

Suffis vs. Kabbalists

2005-08-08T14:46:00.000-04:00

Sufism, quite possibly has some connections to Kabbalus... but who knows for sure ..could there be something to Rabbi Yishmael ben Elisha being the one to put into writing the Sefer Bahir and the Pirkei Heichalos, him being called Yishmael maybe because he was in touch with mystic Suffis (or pre-suffis?)? Or maybe it was the other way around.... maybe we were the ones to "enlighten" those 'other' semites. I mean it could be that the Gemara in Gittin that refers to Rav Yishmael ben Elisha as a child in Roman captivity, is alluding to the idea of a 'tinok shenishba', that he was not in fact a child but rather is considered to be similar to one, in the sense that he was robbed of his Yiddishkeit, and was placed in a situation where it was replaced with another theology/philosophy. Or maybe we should take a second look into the pasuk in Bareishis 25:6 "but to the concubine-children who were Avraham's, Avraham gave gifts; then he sent them away from Yitzchak his son, while he was still alive, eastward to the land of the east."I have heard that some say these 'gifts' refer to spirituality, metaphysics, theosophy and things of that nature, that these concepts thrived in the east however they failed to keep it rooted in ethos and more basic forms of truth, which would be preliminary steps towards attaining the 'ultimate truth'. Perhaps this too is part of their problem.... we believe in Ein Sof, that God's knowledge is limitless, where as they believe it is finite (Sof, Suf, Sufi ?) and entirely attainable by mere mortal men. Anyway this is all conjecture, I suppose there is no way of knowing entirely wether both traditions come from the same source back during Avraham Avinus time, and that they simply developed on somewhat parallel paths, or wether Suffism was an entirely new innovation, or it arose as having been in direct contact with Kabbalus and adapted for Islam at some point. Guess we will never know for sure, but its fun to wonder.

Shavuos

2005-06-14T23:52:00.000-04:00

Well, Shavuos just ended... I stayed up the first night learning the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch,Mishnah Bikurim, and Meggilas Rus. I am stuffed up to the kazoo with dairy food... it was excellent {blintzes, kisch, farmer cheese latkes, cheese cake - props to my mom}. One excellent dairy meal a year on Yuntif aint that bad.

2005-06-08T15:36:00.000-04:00

infamous balloon enlarged

2005-06-08T15:35:00.000-04:00

infamous balloon

2005-06-08T15:26:00.000-04:00

main stage

2005-06-08T15:20:00.000-04:00

interesting fellow decked out in orange

2005-06-08T15:04:00.000-04:00

walking towards the east meadow concert site

Gush Katif - Central Park

2005-06-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

I was somewhat disappointed with the concert supporting the residents of Gush Katif in Azza against the withdrawal. It took place in the park this past Sunday after the Israeli Day Parade. Although it was quite enjoyable and the atmosphere very festive, I felt that it was more a gathering of like minded people expressing their vague interest in solidarity as opposed to a true protest of Sharon's policies with flag waving and screaming and chanting (there was some, but minimally). Anyway I took a few photos and was trying to figure out what message was trying to be conveyed on this large yellow balloon. In Hebrew it says "Yechi HaMelech, Moshiach Muchan! U'Ma Atcha ?" ("the king lives, moshiach is ready! what about you?") this part I took to mean that Meshiachist Chabadniks believe that Moshiach is already here, then beneath that it says in English in large red letters "Giulian for PM". Now that's the part I got really confused about. Was 'Giulian' meant to be referring to former NYC mayor Rudolph Giuliani sans the I at the end ? And if so were the people who floated this balloon in favor of Giuliani becoming the Prime Minister of Israel ? of Canada ? of ? If so, why ? Would a Roman Catholic running the State of Israel really be beneficial ? Well here are some pics of the concert... and if anyone has any idea what that balloon is all about give me a shoutout.