Shabbath Shalom

Their shadow (tzilam) is removed from them" [14:9]

"Their shadow is removed from them, that is, their shield and their strength [are departed from them]. The worthy ones among them have died. Another interpretation: the shade (protection) of G-d is departed from them." - Rashi

It is possible that Scripture is alluding to the well-known fact that there will be no shadow over the head of a person who is [destined] to die that year, on "the night of the seal." [This is a term signifying the night of Hoshana Rabbah when the "Heavenly seal" is put upon the judgment, which was decided on the New Year and Day of Atonement for each individual and his fate in the coming year.] Therefore it says: "their 'shade' is already removed from them, meaning that death has been decreed upon them, and the Eternal is with us, for it is He Who dwells in our midst and does miracles and wonders for us in the eyes of all who behold us; therefore, fear them not."

Or it is possible that the verse alludes to the princes above [in heaven], for no nation falls unless its prince falls first, as it is written, The Eternal will punish the host of the high heaven on high etc., and afterwards, on the kings of the earth upon the earth, and as is explained in the Book of Daniel. Thus the verse is saying: "the power under whose protection the nations [in the land of Canaan] live is already removed, and the Eternal Who lowered them is with us, therefore fear them not." And thus the Rabbis said in Midrash Shir Hashirim: "And the shadows flee away. These are the princes of the nations and their angels," for they are the protection over the nations. I have already mentioned this is other places.

(adapted from the 13th century classic by the illustrious scholar, philosopher and defender of the faith, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman-known as 'RAMBAN' or 'Nachmanides', a master kabbalist in his own right and a major link in the transmission of Jewish mysticism-based on the excellent annotated English translation by Rabbi Dr. Charles B. Chavel)

For the rest of "The Masters of Kabbala and Chumash"

our Jewish little place: Parashah Shelach

our Jewish little place: Parashah Shelach

Another soldier suspended for defending his country and himself

Times of Israel

The IDF suspended an officer Tuesday after he was filmed using live fire against stone-throwing Palestinian protesters two weeks ago. The protesters were partaking in a weekly protest against Israeli settlements next to the village of Nabi Saleh in the West Bank.

A video, uploaded by activist Bilal Tamimi of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Coordination Committee, shows an Israel Defense Forces soldier first respond to Palestinian stone-throwers by throwing rocks, and then firing what appears to be live ammunition.

The IDF said it is looking into the incident.

“Upon receipt of the video, we started researching the incident and preliminary examination suggests that use of live ammunition,” the army said in a statement, according to Ynet news. The army added that the officer would be suspended until the investigation ends.

Senior IDF officials stressed that the use of live fire represents a violation of army orders.

In the video clip, Palestinian protesters can be seen throwing stones at Israeli soldiers standing on a nearby hill. One soldier throws stones in their direction, while the soldier in question responds by shooting what is believed to be a stun grenade or tear gas.

Two of the protesters, masked-Palestinian men, continue to throw stones in the soldiers’ direction. The soldier in question then approaches them, throws stones at them, and retreats up the hill. He then comes toward the two protesters and throws stones at them again — and then comes even closer, and shoots what appears to be two to three shots of live fire at them.

ANOTHER SOLDIER SUSPENDED FOR DEFENDING HIS COUNTRY AND HIMSELF. ARE THE LIVES OF CITIZENS NOT IMPORTANT TO THE GOVERNMENT. 

THE FAKE PALESTINIANS AND PEACE ACTIVISTS ARE ALLOWED TO THROW ROCKS WITHOUT THE ARMY RETALIATING. THEY WERE THROWING ROCKS AT SOLDIERS, THESE ROCKS CAN KILL, ISN'T A SOLDIER SUPPOSED TO SHOOT IF HIS OWN LIFE IS IN DANGER.

A SOLDIER HAS ALL THE RIGHTS TO SHOOT AND TO DEFEND HIMSELF AND HIS PEOPLE AGAINST THE ENEMY. 

LET IT CALL WITH THEIR NAME: THEY'RE NOT PACIFISTS THEY'RE JUST THE ENEMY!

These fake pacifist, these unbereable idiots throw stones at the soldiers, stones can kill. M16 can kill. They have stones, we have guns...haven't learned yet? Their problem. WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEFEND OURSELVES!!! SUPPORT OUR SOLDIER AND OUR OFFICIERS!

"Prime Minister Netanyahu: Honor the principles of justice and decency on which our nation is based."

This Ongoing War: A Blog: 10-Jun-12: "Prime Minister Netanyahu: Honor the pr...: 6-Jun-12 Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Jerusalem Dear Mr Prime Minister, This is the third time we are writing to you. ...

Mitzvot require intention

source: Halacha Yomit

There is a very important rule regarding all Mitzvot that when one performs them, he must have in mind at the time he is performing the Mitzvah that at this moment he is fulfilling this specific Mitzvah. Similarly, Maran HaShulchan Aruch rules (Chapter 60, Section 4), “Some say that Mitzvot do not require intention while others say that Mitzvot do require intention, and the Halacha follows this view.” For instance, if one hears the Shofar blasts without having in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah of Shofar, rather he had in mind to hear the sound of a Shofar he happened to have been playing as a musical instrument, he has not fulfilled his obligation of hearing the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Similarly, one who reads Keri’at Shema but does not have in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah of reading Keri’at Shema must read Keri’at Shema once again. It would seem that this law applies to the eating of Matzah on the night of Pesach as well that when one partakes of the Matzah he must have in mind that he is doing so to fulfill the Mitzvah of eating Matzah. However, if one has already eaten the Matzah without having in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah of eating Matzah, according to the letter of the law he has in fact fulfilled his obligation of eating Matzah (the reason for this is because the Mitzvah of eating Matzah is different from other Mitzvot in that one has enjoyment through the eating of the Matzah; we cannot go into so much more detail about the explanation of this matter). This is especially true if one recited the blessing of “Al Achilat Matzah” before eating, for there is the no greater form of “having in mind” than when one verbally states that he is now eating for the sake of the Mitzvah of Matzah.

Shelach

Parashas Shelach

Moshe's suspected conspiracy against Yehoshua

 "And Moshe called Hoshea Bin Nun, Yehoshua." Rashi explains that Moshe davened for Yehoshua - "Kah Yoshiacha MayAtzas Meraglim; Hashem should save you from the plan of the spies." Why did Moshe specifically daven for Yehoshua more than the other spies?   

Maskil L'Dovid answers that since Eldad and Meidad prophesized,   "Moshe will die and Yehoshua will be bring them into Eretz Yisrael," Moshe wanted to make sure that Yehoshua will not die during this ordeal. If Yehoshua were to die, people might have accused Moshe of specifically sending Yehoshua on this excursion to have him killed and allow Moshe to return as leader. That is why he singled out Yehoshua to daven for him. 

Revach Lists

Zippori National Park

Historical site in Lower Galilee, (Between the Movil Junction and Nazareth). Remains of early settlements, mainly from the Roman and Byzantine periods, were discovered here. Among them are public and residential buildings, a theater, a colonnaded street, a Crusader castle and a church. A reconstructed Roman villa protects a magnificent mosaic floor. Other mosaics have been uncovered as well, in extensive ongoing excavation works at the site. Sepphoris is mentioned in various sources such as Josephus’ writings and in Talmudic literature, it was devastated by an earthquake in 363, but was rebuilt. The city was an important site for Jews

http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~685252593

Nahal Brigade, Aged 30, Holds Intensive Drill

shavua Tov!

"...In which to take pride."
Since every Jew’s soul is an actual part of G-d, each and every Jew — man, woman, and child — praises G-d by virtue of his very existence. “Even the sinners of Israel are filled with mitzvos as a pomegranate is filled with seeds.”
This teaching serves as an introduction to each chapter of Pirkei Avot because Pirkei Avot focuses on ethical development and personal refinement. When one becomes aware of the essential G-dly core of every individual, one appreciates: a) the necessity to refine oneself so that this essential quality can be expressed, and b) that every individual, regardless of his present level of development, has the potential to achieve such refinement.

Lubavitcher Rebbe (1)

Shabbath Shalom

Beha'alotecha
Teshuvah has the power to wipe away a person's past deeds, and transform him into a new person.
This is the inner reason why the account of the Second Pesach offering (Beha'alotecha 9:2) which represents the concept of correcting and compensating for the mistakes of the past - was recorded out of chronological order, because teshuvah has the power to re-arrange a person's life ''out of chronological order'', wiping away his past mistakes.

Based on Likutei Sichos Lubavitcher Rebbe

a little bit of music...

Asaph Neve Shalom Aleichem

fear of the world

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he has concerns over the Regulation Bill, which faces a vote Wednesday. The bill would protect Israeli homes built legally on unused Judea and Samaria land from demolition by providing any person who claims the land after the fact with financial compensation rather than destruction of the homes.
“We could find a legislative solution” to protect Judea and Samaria homes, Netanyahu told his ministers. However, he warned, “There is a price to pay – including in the international community.”
Netanyahu said he seeks to strengthen Israeli communities in Judea and Samaria, but will respect the Supreme Court’s verdicts as well.
As Netanyahu expressed his doubts, pro-Regulation Bill activists continued a campaign to pressure two Likud ministers who have frequently spoken in favor of the bill, but who plan to be absent from Knesset on the day it faces a crucial vote.
Ministers Yisrael Katz and Silvan Shalom are both planning to be abroad on Wednesday. Shalom has previously said that the bill is the only chance to prevent destruction in Judea and Samaria, while Katz has said that if the bill leads to trouble on the international scene, he is willing to face the Hague court and argue Israel’s position.
Activists sent the two letters saying, “Ministers Katz and Silvan Shalom, we’re waiting for you at home… As you know, on Wednesday there will be a vote on law(s) to save settlement in Judea and Samaria. Young communities will flourish – or, G-d forbid, be emptied… Your voices will decide.”
They noted that former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin had once decided to turn down a chance to appear at an event with many famous, wealthy supporters of Israel in order to vote on an important bill. “Do the same,” they urged. “The fate of the settlements rests on you.”

Arutz Sheva

if you back settlements...you will be fired!!

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to fire any minister or deputy minister who votes in favor of the settlement regulation bill, which is due to be brought before the Knesset plenum on Wednesday, Ynet has learned. If passed, the legislation would retroactively legalize the Ulpana neighborhood in the Beit El settlement, as well as other Jewish outposts built on privately owned Palestinian land in the West Bank. According to the bill, any land owner in the West Bank who did not challenge construction on the land he claimed to own within four years would lose the legal right to do so.  
Following Netanyahu's announcement, Shas ministers said they will be absent from the Knesset plenum during the vote on the settlement regulation bill. Ministers belonging to Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party are also expected to skip the vote.  
Shas members of Knesset said they will vote in favor of the bill.  
The High Court of Justice ordered the state to evict five homes in Ulpana, but the bill, which was tabled by rightist MK Zevulun Orlev (Habayit Hayehudi), aims to circumvent the ruling and prevent the evacuation. Netanyahu opposes the bill and has presented an alternative plan, by which the homes will be relocated several hundreds yards away, effectively placing them within a military zone in Beit El.

'Remember what we promised.' Rightist rally in Jerusalem (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

"We are facing major (domestic) challenges, such as promoting equality in the bearing of the national burden, passing the state budget and dealing with the infiltrators. Only a unified and responsible government can deal with these issues," the PM said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, some 400 people demonstrated Tuesday evening at a protest tent set up by hunger-striking residents of Ulpana near the Supreme Court in Jerusalem.

Tires delivered to Ulpana

Heads of West Bank local councils were also present, as were Likud MK Danny Danon and Kiryat Arba Rabbi Dov Lior, both of whom oppose the planned evacuation of Ulpana.

"The Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people… the Jewish people want their leaders to tell the truth. Tomorrow, vote for true democracy – I believe that (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) also feels this way. Let G-d give him the strength to say what he really thinks," Lior said during the demonstration.

MK Danon addressed the Likud ministers, saying "Remember what we promised – that we would not be like Kadima or the Independence Party. This is the moment of truth. The struggle is not only for Ulpana. If we surrender, there will be thousands of other concessions in the West Bank."

Yesha Council Chairman Danny Dayan also took part in the demonstration: "Tomorrow the Netanyahu government must make the Jewish-Zionist-moral decision on whether it chooses the path of the liberation of Jerusalem in 1967 or the path of destruction," he said.

The residents of Ulpana are already preparing for their expected evacuation. A few days ago a truck delivered dozens of tires to the neighborhood. The tires may be used by those who oppose the eviction if and when security forces arrive in the neighborhood.

march to Jerusalem

March from Ulpana Neighborhood to Jerusalem

a little bit of music...

Yossi Azulay - Vehi she amda

the 7 names of Yitro

 

Yisro was a man of many names suiting his colorful life.  Rashi in the beginning of Yisro gives a list of the names and various scattered Medrashim including the Mechilta and the Zohar explain what they represent.

1.  Reu'el - Rei'a Kel - He became a friend of Hashem (Mechilta).  Some say that Reu'el who took Moshe in when he came to Midyan was actually a grandfather of Tziporah and not her father Yisro.
2.  Yeser - Literally "added".   The Mechilta says that because of good advice he gave Moshe in setting up a court system, an extra parsha was added in the Torah.  Others says that this was his name before he was Migayer.
3.  Yisro -  Because of his abundance of good deeds (Mechilta).  Rashi says the "Vav" was added when he was Migayer.
4.  Chovav - Chovav Es HaTorah - we don't find other geirim who were "Michavev", loved the Torah as much as Yisro (Shemos Rabba).  He was beloved to Hashem (Mechilta).
5.  Chever - Chaver Kel - He was friend of Hashem (Mechilta).
6.  Keini - The Zohar says because he separated himself from Kayin.  The Arizal explains that he was Gilgul of Kayin.  The Mechilta says because he sold himself (Knei) to Hashem in Shamayim and to the torah by dedicating his life to acquiring torah.
7.  Putiel - He was Niftar (moved on) from Avodah Zara (Mechilta).  The Gemara in Sotah (43a) says that he fattened (Piteim) calves for Avoda Zara. 

revach lists

shavua tov!

1    Speaks before someone older or smarter than him.
2    Cuts off his friend while he is talking.
3    Answers from hip.
4    Asks irrelevant questions and replied inaccurately.
5    Discusses first things last and last things first.
6    Says that he heard about matters that he did not hear.
7    Doesn't acknowlege the truth.
   
    A wise person acts in the opposite matter.

Shabbath Shalom

G-d spoke to Moshè, telling him to speak to Aaron and his sons saying: This is how you must bless the Israelites…"

This is the blessing with which the priests bless their brother Jews. This has always been a special blessing, because it includes all blessings. There is however a big difference in the saying of this blessing between the time of the Temple and the time of exile. When the Temple existed, the priests would pronounce
G-d's Name as it appears in the wording of the blessing - the Name's most holy form. Through this was expressed the high level of G-dly revelation that existed at that time.

In the time of exile we are forbidden to pronounce the "explicit Name" and in the priestly blessing G-d's Name is said in the "regular" way.

At the time of the redemption, the priests will again bless the Jewish people with
G-d's explicit Name. Not only will the blessing regain its previous level, it will be even more elevated than at the time of the First and Second Temple, since with the redemption the whole world will be filled with G-dly revelation.
(Pninei HaGeulah)

of blessed memory!

Sgt. Netanel Moshiashvili , 21.

Baruch Dayan Emet

Golani Staff-Sergeant Netanel Moshiashvili, 21, from Ashkelon.

Killed Friday in a clash with a Palestinian terrorist, near Kissufim.
The Islamic Jihad says that it was one of its operatives who infiltrated Israel. The al-Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad's military wing, said that their mission was to abduct an IDF soldier. According to available details, the incident took place at around 4 am, when the gunman, using the heavy fog covering the area, was able to reach the security fence, cut it and infiltrate Israel. A Golani force was scrambled to the area and engaged the terrorist, who opened fire. The terrorist – later identified as Ahmed abu Nasser, from the border village of Abassan – was killed. The gunfight left Moshiashvili, one of the force's medics, mortally wounded. IDF medics attempted to stabilize his condition, but he succumbed to his wounds.
 
Staff-Sergeant Moshiashvili will be laid to rest at the Ashkelon Military Cemetery at noon, Friday. 
OF BLESSED MEMORY