Netanyahu speech to the AIPAC

 

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to the the AIPAC yesterday. My personal opinion is that Israel shouldn't concentrate too much on Iran but rather on Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, as those countries are our direct neighbours and enemies. 

Ancient Beer from the Middle East

B"H 

Some time ago, I wrote about the ancient Babylonian food "Kutach". This kind of food is also mentioned in the Talmud. Moreover, the Talmud Tractate Pesachim 42a teaches us how people in the Middle East region were brewing beer in ancient days. The standard beer was made out of dates. Dates only and without any further additions or ingredients. 

At a different place, the Talmud tells us that there actually existed a certain kind of dates causing people to get drunk. The Talmud states that if a Cohen ate a certain kind of date, he was not allowed carrying out his Temple service. Drunk Cohanim are forbidden to work in the Temple. 

The Midianites were brewing their beer from water and barley whereas the Egyptians made their beer out of barley or wheat, salt and safflower.

"Mi she nichnas Adar" and the "Riots in Egypt"

 Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

My Shabbat was full of sportive activities. Mainly walking around in Tel Aviv. Sunny and warm weather, I met some new people and I also got a good portion of spirituality, as I went to the Synagogue. 

No doubt, Chabad invested lots of money renovating its Chabad House near Shenkin Street. The entrance doors are surrounded by silver shining metal with a rather posh design. 

What I forgot to mention before Shabbat: 

Shabbat Mishpatim was a "Shabbat Mevarchin" where we blessed the new upcoming month of Adar. This time ADAR 1 because we are adding a second month of Adar to the first one due to this year's leap year. 

One of the Chabad Rabbis started off his Drasha by mentioning the riots in Egypt. Israel is being more and more surrounded by its enemies and whether there is a reason for us to be afraid. The answer was no, as all events are just taking us closer to the time of Meshiach and it is all G - d's plan. 

Not only because of the Drasha but rather due to the nice prayer service I have to say that I really enjoyed the Shabbat service (Parashat Mishpatim). 

The Middle East Problem