9/25/13
Singing Jews block police border
Boaz Albert of Yitzhar is continuing his battle against
administrative distancing orders. Albert, a farmer and married father of
six, has repeatedly returned to his home despite the fact that doing so could mean jail time.
He has continued to return home despite being violently arrested in August in an incident that made national headlines, and forced police to temporarily freeze their use of tasers.
Albert was handed an administrative order in August that forbids him to enter the Judea or Samaria (Shomron) regions, despite the fact that his home and business are both located in Samaria. Defense officials refused to tell Albert why he had been distanced from his home, saying the information is classified.
The Alberts attempted to fight previous distancing orders using legal means, but say they have despaired of getting justice through the courts. Instead, they have begun a campaign of nonviolent resistance.
Boaz Albert was ready for the Border Police when they came again Tuesday to take him from his home by force. He handcuffed himself to the floor of his home using a special device he created.
At the same time, youth from the area blocked police non-violently by holding a Sukkot celebration, complete with singing and dancing, in the Albert home. Other Yitzhar residents showed their support for Albert by blocking the entrance to the town.
Local activists issued an urgent call to supporters to come to Yitzhar to help them. A message from the Women in Green movement noted that it could take police "a good few hours" to open Albert's device, giving supporters time to gather to resist the arrest.
source
He has continued to return home despite being violently arrested in August in an incident that made national headlines, and forced police to temporarily freeze their use of tasers.
Albert was handed an administrative order in August that forbids him to enter the Judea or Samaria (Shomron) regions, despite the fact that his home and business are both located in Samaria. Defense officials refused to tell Albert why he had been distanced from his home, saying the information is classified.
The Alberts attempted to fight previous distancing orders using legal means, but say they have despaired of getting justice through the courts. Instead, they have begun a campaign of nonviolent resistance.
Boaz Albert was ready for the Border Police when they came again Tuesday to take him from his home by force. He handcuffed himself to the floor of his home using a special device he created.
At the same time, youth from the area blocked police non-violently by holding a Sukkot celebration, complete with singing and dancing, in the Albert home. Other Yitzhar residents showed their support for Albert by blocking the entrance to the town.
Local activists issued an urgent call to supporters to come to Yitzhar to help them. A message from the Women in Green movement noted that it could take police "a good few hours" to open Albert's device, giving supporters time to gather to resist the arrest.
source
9/23/13
Tefilat Geshem - The Prayer for Rain
(scanned material from ArtScroll Sukkot Machzor)
What is "Tefilat Geshem?"There are three items in the Jewish Liturgy which have been called "Prayers for Rain." Two of these are really more accurately described as:
- the annual introduction and perhaps, request of permission, to praise G-d as The Deliverer of life-giving moisture to all of Humanity, and to all of Nature. This is "Tefilat Geshem," translated, again, somewhat erroneously as "The Prayer for Rain" and
- the daily, for half a year, praise of Hashem as the Deliverer and Provider of wind and rain
The third item, the actual "Prayer for Rain," is not incorporated into the Shemoneh Esrei until early in December, keyed to the rainy season in Israel, but allowing sufficient time for Pilgrim visitors to Jerusalem to get home before the rain.
"Geshem" is recited by the Prayer-Leader, "Chazzan," responsively with the congregation, during the repetition of the Shemoneh Esray.
In the prayer, we are informed that the "angel" in charge of the distribution of rain is named "Af-Bri." This name alludes to the two ways in which rain can be delivered to the earth. "Af" means "Anger" and represents torrential, flood-provoking rainfall. "Bri" denotes "Health" and corresponds to the gentle rain which is beneficial to humanity and to the environment in general.
"Af-Bri is designated as the name of the angel of rain; to thicken and to form clouds, to empty them and to cause rain.
Water with which to crown the valley's vegetation may it not be withheld because of our unredeemed debt.
In the merit of the faithful Patriarchs protect the ones who pray for rain.
Chazzan bends his knees at Blessed'; bows at 'You; straightens up at 'HASHEM
Blessed are You, HASHEM, Shield of Abraham. (Cong. - Amen.)
You are eternally mighty, my Lord, the Resuscitator of the dead are You; abundantly able to save.
May He obligate [the Angel Af-Bri] to give us portions of the segregated rain , to soften the wasteland's face when it is dry as rock.
With water You symbolized Your might in Scripture, to soothe with its drops those in whom was blown a soul, to keep alive the ones who recall the strengths of the rain."
G-d is implored to provide healthful rain to us in the merit of our forefathers and other great leaders of Israel, in connection with whom water-related verses are cited:
"Our God and the God of our forefathers:
Remember the Patriarch [Abraham], who was drawn behind You like water. You blessed him like a tree replanted alongside streams of water. You shielded him, You rescued him from fire and from water. You tested him when he sowed upon all waters.
Cong.- For his sake, do not hold water back!
Remember the one [Isaac] born with the tidings of, 'Let some water be brought. ' You told his father to slaughter him - to spill his blood like, water. He too was scrupulous to pour his heart like water. He dug and discovered wells of water.
Cong.- For the sake of his righteousness, grant abundant water!
Remember the one [Jacob] who carried his staff
and crossed the Jordan's water.
He dedicated his heart and rolled a stone
off the mouth of a well of water,
as when he was wrestled by an angel composed of fire and water.
Therefore You pledged to remain with him through fire and water.
Cong. - For his sake, do not hold water back!
Remember the one [Moses] drawn forth in a bulrush basket from the water. They said, 'He drew water and provided the sheep with water.' At the time Your treasured people thirsted for water, he struck the rock and out came water.
Cong.- For the sake of his righteousness, grant abundant water!
Remember the appointee [Aaron] over the Temple, who made five immersions in the water. He went to cleanse his hands through sanctification with water. He called out and sprinkled [blood bringing] purity as with water. He remained apart from a people of waterlike impetuosity.
Cong. - For his sake, do not hold water back!
Remember the twelve tribes You caused
to cross through the split waters,
for whom You sweetened the water's bitter taste.
Their offspring whose blood was spilt for You like water.
Turn to us - for woes engulf our souls like water.
Cong. - For the sake of their righteousness, grant abundant water!
Chazzan:
For You are HASHEM, our God,
Who makes the wind blow and makes the rain descend.
Cong. then chazzan - For blessing and not for curse. (Cong. - Amen.)
Cong. then chazzan- For life and not for death.
(Cong. - Amen.)
Cong. then chazzan - For plenty and not for scarcity. (Cong. - Amen.)
Cong. then chazzan - For blessing and not for curse. (Cong. - Amen.)
Cong. then chazzan- For life and not for death.
(Cong. - Amen.)
Cong. then chazzan - For plenty and not for scarcity. (Cong. - Amen.)
9/21/13
9/18/13
chag sameach!!
Wishing everybody a very joyful Sukkot,
May Your home be blessed with happiness and joy.
Chag Sameach, Shabbat Shalom, and Happy Holiday to us all!
The four species -arba minim
The Four Species are four different kinds of plants that have
symbolic significance during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. In Leviticus
23:40, which comes directly after a discussion of Sukkot, the Torah
tells us: "On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees,
branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook,
and you shall rejoice before Adonai your God seven days." From this
text emerged the Four Species: a citron, a palm branch, three myrtle
twigs and two willow branches.
During Sukkot the four species are brought together in the form of an etrog and the lulav. The etrog is a kind of citron, while the lulav is a composed of three myrtle twigs (hadassim), two willow twigs (aravot) and a palm frond (lulav). Because the palm frond is the largest of these plants, the myrtle and willow are wrapped around it.
The Four Species are waved together along with special blessings as part of the synagogue service during Sukkot. They can also be waved at home or near the sukkah. Traditionally the Four Species are not waved on Shabbat because doing so would violate the prohibition against carrying things during the sabbath.
During Sukkot the four species are brought together in the form of an etrog and the lulav. The etrog is a kind of citron, while the lulav is a composed of three myrtle twigs (hadassim), two willow twigs (aravot) and a palm frond (lulav). Because the palm frond is the largest of these plants, the myrtle and willow are wrapped around it.
The Four Species are waved together along with special blessings as part of the synagogue service during Sukkot. They can also be waved at home or near the sukkah. Traditionally the Four Species are not waved on Shabbat because doing so would violate the prohibition against carrying things during the sabbath.
Also Known As: The Four Kinds, Lulav and Etrog
9/17/13
9/15/13
shavua tov
Two rivers take you home: One flows with bitter tears of remorse,
the other with sweet tears of joy. For most of time, the first journey and the main journey was the bitter one.
Only once soaked in those waters could you rise to embrace your G‑d with joy.
But now we have experienced more than our fill of pain. That which our people suffered in lands across the ocean has purged every stain, bleached every garment of our souls, refined us and lifted us high.
The night is past. It is afternoon before Shabbat.
We have cried enough bitter tears. Now is time to return with joy.
See Margela B’Fuma D’Rava, 5746. Blessing of Erev Yom Kippur, 5750.
source
Only once soaked in those waters could you rise to embrace your G‑d with joy.
But now we have experienced more than our fill of pain. That which our people suffered in lands across the ocean has purged every stain, bleached every garment of our souls, refined us and lifted us high.
The night is past. It is afternoon before Shabbat.
We have cried enough bitter tears. Now is time to return with joy.
See Margela B’Fuma D’Rava, 5746. Blessing of Erev Yom Kippur, 5750.
source
9/13/13
Kol Nidrei - The Moroccan Version
Ten Tips for an Easy Yom Kippur Fast
Fasting doesn’t necessarily mean suffering. There’s quite a bit we can do to alleviate the bodily and mental stress that normally accompanies a fast. The day before the fast, follow the following guidelines:
1. Cut down your caffeine intake to minimize headaches. That means stop drinking coffee, tea, and cola at least eight hours before the fast, and preferably twenty-four hours before the fast.
2. Avoid salty, spicey, and fried foods on the day before the fast.
3. Avoid white sugar, white flour, and white rice. Eat whole-grained foods such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread or challa.
4. Drink a lot of water all day long.
5. Eat a good breakfast that includes fruits, veggies, eggs or sardines, and whole grains.
6. The pre-Yom Kippur meal (se'uda mafseket) should include baked or broiled fish, a veggy salad, consomme, a small portion of chicken or turkey, and a side dish of complex carbohydrates. Substitute sweet deserts with watermelon or other water-retaining fresh fruit, and a cup of herb tea with a whole-grain cookie.
On Yom Kippur:
1. Cut down your caffeine intake to minimize headaches. That means stop drinking coffee, tea, and cola at least eight hours before the fast, and preferably twenty-four hours before the fast.
2. Avoid salty, spicey, and fried foods on the day before the fast.
3. Avoid white sugar, white flour, and white rice. Eat whole-grained foods such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread or challa.
4. Drink a lot of water all day long.
5. Eat a good breakfast that includes fruits, veggies, eggs or sardines, and whole grains.
6. The pre-Yom Kippur meal (se'uda mafseket) should include baked or broiled fish, a veggy salad, consomme, a small portion of chicken or turkey, and a side dish of complex carbohydrates. Substitute sweet deserts with watermelon or other water-retaining fresh fruit, and a cup of herb tea with a whole-grain cookie.
On Yom Kippur:
Gmar Chatima Tovà
"Avinu Malkeinu p'sach sha'arei Shomayim l'sfiloseinu!"
Our Father our King, open up the Gates of Heaven to our prayers!
Yom Kippur war
(Photo credit: Chananiah Herman/ GPO)
Eretzysrael
1973, Yom Kippur War
Forty years after the Yom Kippur War, that cost over 2,500 Israeli lives
The war itself, a stunning military victory, which ended with Israeli forces in control of more territory than at the onset and perched a mere 30 and 50 miles from Damascus and Cairo respectively.
9/10/13
a journey into the vastness of creation
Rav Lazer Brody
See more at: lazer beams
A Journey into the Vastness of Creation
The Beams is happy to take you on a journey of the macrocosm, then of the microcosm. Now think how Hashem makes the effort to confine Himself within your heart and brain, to make sure they're functioning properly. The author of this presentation probably had no spiritual intentions, but, I find this a mind-boggling aid in contemplating the vastness of Hashem and His lovingkindness.
Please allow about 10 seconds for downloading, depending on the speed of your connection, to enjoy the most thought-provoking 10 minutes you've had in a long time, here: A Journey into the Vastness of Creation.
See more at: lazer beams
A Journey into the Vastness of Creation
The Beams is happy to take you on a journey of the macrocosm, then of the microcosm. Now think how Hashem makes the effort to confine Himself within your heart and brain, to make sure they're functioning properly. The author of this presentation probably had no spiritual intentions, but, I find this a mind-boggling aid in contemplating the vastness of Hashem and His lovingkindness.
Please allow about 10 seconds for downloading, depending on the speed of your connection, to enjoy the most thought-provoking 10 minutes you've had in a long time, here: A Journey into the Vastness of Creation.
9/8/13
Shofar...
The blasts of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah revitalize the soul and intelligence of every Jew.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.tzom kal
The day after Rosh Hashanah marks the Fast of Gedalia, one of the "minor fast days" in the Jewish calendar year. The fast begins in the early morning at dawn, and ends in the evening at dusk.
What is the meaning of this fast, and why does it occur during the intermediate days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
The Story of Gedalia
After the destruction of the First Temple 2,500 years ago, the majority of the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon. The conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, eventually eased some of his harsh restrictions and allowed some Jews to remain in the Land of Israel. He even appointed a righteous Jew named Gedalia to administer the territory. Gradually, more Jews who'd escaped from the horrors of the war into neighboring countries began to return to their homes in Israel.
Gedalia was realistic about the limitations of Jewish sovereignty. He understood that for their own self-preservation, the Jews in Israel needed to fully cooperate with the nation who had conquered their land.
But this political subservience was intolerable to some Jews. A man named Yishmael ben Netaniah, spurred on by jealousy and foreign influence, arose and ignored the King of Babylon. On the third of Tishrei, Yishmael treacherously killed Gedalia as well as many other Jews and Babylonians.
Answer On Yom Kippur
In the aftermath of Gedalia's murder, the Jews feared reprisal from the King of Babylon. They thought to flee to Egypt to save themselves. But since Egypt was a morally corrupt society, the Jews were in a quandary ― weighing the physical threat against the spiritual danger. So they turned to the prophet Jeremiah, who was secluded in mourning, to ask for advice.
For an entire week, Jeremiah pleaded with God for an answer. Finally, on Yom Kippur, he was answered. Jeremiah called the Jews and told them to stay in Israel and everything would be fine. God was planning to make the Babylonians act mercifully toward the Jews, and before long, all the exiled Jews would be permitted to return to their own soil. But, Jeremiah told them, if the Jews decided to go to Egypt, the sword from which they were running would kill them there.
Unfortunately, the prophet's words did not penetrate, and the people refused to believe. All the Jews remaining in Israel packed their bags and went down to Egypt. They even kidnapped Jeremiah and took him with them! Now the destruction was complete; the Land of Israel was completely barren.
You can guess what happened next. A few years later, Babylon conquered Egypt and tens of thousands of Jewish exiles were completely wiped out. The lone survivor of this massacre was Jeremiah. His prophecy had become painfully true.
The initial event ― the murder of Gedalia ― has been likened to the destruction of the Holy Temple, because it cost Jewish lives and brought the end of Jewish settlement in Israel for many years. The prophets therefore declared that the anniversary of this tragedy should be a day of fasting. This day is the third of Tishrei, the day immediately after Rosh Hashanah.
The Story of Gedalia
After the destruction of the First Temple 2,500 years ago, the majority of the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon. The conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, eventually eased some of his harsh restrictions and allowed some Jews to remain in the Land of Israel. He even appointed a righteous Jew named Gedalia to administer the territory. Gradually, more Jews who'd escaped from the horrors of the war into neighboring countries began to return to their homes in Israel.
Gedalia was realistic about the limitations of Jewish sovereignty. He understood that for their own self-preservation, the Jews in Israel needed to fully cooperate with the nation who had conquered their land.
But this political subservience was intolerable to some Jews. A man named Yishmael ben Netaniah, spurred on by jealousy and foreign influence, arose and ignored the King of Babylon. On the third of Tishrei, Yishmael treacherously killed Gedalia as well as many other Jews and Babylonians.
Answer On Yom Kippur
In the aftermath of Gedalia's murder, the Jews feared reprisal from the King of Babylon. They thought to flee to Egypt to save themselves. But since Egypt was a morally corrupt society, the Jews were in a quandary ― weighing the physical threat against the spiritual danger. So they turned to the prophet Jeremiah, who was secluded in mourning, to ask for advice.
For an entire week, Jeremiah pleaded with God for an answer. Finally, on Yom Kippur, he was answered. Jeremiah called the Jews and told them to stay in Israel and everything would be fine. God was planning to make the Babylonians act mercifully toward the Jews, and before long, all the exiled Jews would be permitted to return to their own soil. But, Jeremiah told them, if the Jews decided to go to Egypt, the sword from which they were running would kill them there.
Unfortunately, the prophet's words did not penetrate, and the people refused to believe. All the Jews remaining in Israel packed their bags and went down to Egypt. They even kidnapped Jeremiah and took him with them! Now the destruction was complete; the Land of Israel was completely barren.
You can guess what happened next. A few years later, Babylon conquered Egypt and tens of thousands of Jewish exiles were completely wiped out. The lone survivor of this massacre was Jeremiah. His prophecy had become painfully true.
The initial event ― the murder of Gedalia ― has been likened to the destruction of the Holy Temple, because it cost Jewish lives and brought the end of Jewish settlement in Israel for many years. The prophets therefore declared that the anniversary of this tragedy should be a day of fasting. This day is the third of Tishrei, the day immediately after Rosh Hashanah.
9/4/13
9/3/13
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