New Age "Kabbalists"

B”H 

It seems as if everyone is calling himself a KABBALIST these days. Everyone learning a few pages or concepts from the ZOHAR or the history of Kabbalah suddenly becomes a Kabbalist. No doubt that this kind of "Profession" attracts plenty of people and can gain you lots of profits. As soon as you are a Kabbalist, giving lectures or presenting some books, cash is floating in. There are millions of people out there interested in Kabbalah and Yehuda Berg already showed you how to improve your standard of living. So, be a Kabbalist even if you have no clue about the meaning of Kabbalah. Cheat people, as those who call themselves Kabbalists are cheaters. 

Any learned and well – respected Rabbi would never call himself by that name although they mostly do have some knowledge in Kabbalah. I find it an amazing how the self – appointed Kabbalists can get away with their claim but today, people want quick answers provided by the Kabbalah. If you mumble "Abracadabra", many people already consider you a Kabbalist.

No Jews, No Arabs, No Haredim !

From right to left:

Umm - al - Fachem: Not for Jews !

Zfat: Not for Arabs !

Ramat Aviv: Not for Haredim !

The Oracle of Delphi

B"H

Rabbi Yitzchak Ginzburgh states in his book "Turning Darkness into Light" that secular Jews define their goal in life like this:

"Find yourself" or "I have to find myself, know who I am and then I will find constant pleasure".

The Rabbi explains that the words "Find yourself" were actually engraved in the hall of the famous ancient Greek "Oracle of Delphi".

The Jewish way of life was defined by David HaMelech (King David) when he spoke to his son Shlomo (Salomon) shortly before he died:

"Know your G - d, your father, and serve Him with all your heart and soul".

Know in front of whom you are standing !

All of us were created by G - d and each of us has his specific mission in life only he is able to fulfill. However, our common main goal in life is to be aware of G - d. To know that there is a creator. ONE eternal G - d ruling the entire universe. Every human being should be aware of the infinite presence of G - d.

I always have problems when I read that we should mostly forget about our needs and desires but serve G - d. There is no question that there is a G - d but, without being too selfish (hopefully) each one of us has a personality. Not everyone can just jump into the Mitzvot and nullify himself (Self - nullification is a Chabad concept mentioned in the Book of Tanya).

Am I already selfish when I still want to find out who I am and how I can be happy with myself ?

Shabbat Shalom

Banana plants near Tiberias

Photo: Miriam Woelke

 

B"H

A rather strange night in Tel Aviv and once in a while, people actually should go out and see what is going on in different neighbourhoods. I have been to south Tel Aviv. In the pit with African and workers from the Philippines. Plenty of Africans sleep at the Levinsky Park across the Central Bus Station. Now I am moving on to the more positive side of Tel Aviv at night !

Tomorrow I am going to return to Jerusalem and then I definitely need some rest from society.:-)

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all readers !

A Mitzvah for a Drug Addict ?

B"H

Last night me and a friend spent some time in Tel Aviv's IN street "Rothschild Boulevard". Rothschild where the wealthy live or at least those who try to look richer than others.
Suddenly a woman as thin as a concentration camp survivor walked along the street and started begging. She was rather staggering around than walking. Wearing a pair of used black old shoes obviously pulled out of the garbage.


I gave her a Shekel and something because I didn't know what to do. Should anyone give Zedakah to a drug addict even when it is known where the money goes to ?
My friend was embarressed and couldn't get the woman out of her mind afterwards. Maybe we should have bought her a meal and not just let her go ? On the other hand, the woman may have asked for the money we were prepared to spend for her meal.


It was a strange situation I am not used to at all and we were too shocked to react in the right way. What would you have done ?

Deport all Foreign Workers from Israel !

Israel's daily YEDIOT ACHARONOT two weeks ago: Illegal Africans waiting for odd job offers in Ashdod.

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

The Knesset made one of its worst decisions:
Only 400 of at least 1200 children of Israel's foreign workers from Africa, the Philippines, Thailand, Nepal, etc. are being deported into their countries of origin. Why do Israeli politicians have difficulties to face the time bomb sitting in our country?
The US, Germany or Switzerland don't make such a public fuss about their illegals but deport them immediately. Within the past few years, Israel has become the "FREYER" of the entire world. Every Gentile suffering from economical problems can just float into the Jewish state and some Jewish leftists instantly feel sorry for them.

It is not the responsibility of the Israeli government but of the foreign worker parents bringing their children into a foreign land. Although they are fully aware of the fact that their time in Israel is limited. Today you hardly see any Philippina not having a least one child or being pregnant ! This way they try to make their way in order to get a new visa.

The Knesset decision was a fatal mistake Israel will regret in the near future because we are turning into a country of Africans and Philippinas. Into a country of idol - worship loosing its Jewish identity. EVERY single Israeli who obviously cares so much about foreign workers must have a look at the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv and the nearby Levinsky Street, Bnei Brak Street or Finn Street. In case he can do so because Israelis are not really wanted anymore in Finn Street ! Unless you dress up as an African. 

Further information HERE !

Eritrea Shop across the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station

Finn Street or LITTLE AFRICA in the heart of Tel Aviv.

Photos: Miriam Woelke

Artikel & Details:


Jerusalem Post

ARUTZ 7

Nimrod

B"H

Religion does play an important role in Israel; even though the most secular Israelis would love to extinguish anything religious. Nevertheless, the question whether someone is religious (Dati) or not comes always up. If not religious, then, at least, traditional and if so, how far do you go ?

I once learnt that sometimes a name represent the person's background. Especially in Tel Aviv would will find quite a few guys with the name "Nimrod". Most of us know who Nimrod was. He was Avraham Avinu's enemy, who tried to kill him. Furthermore, Nimrod built the Tower of Bavel and tried to attack and even kill G - d. The last section in the kabbalistic book "Brit Menucha" has a serious and complicated kabbalistic explanation about the Tower of Bavel and how Nimrod used black magic in order to influence the angels.

Honestly, is NIMROD necessarily a name you would give to your son ? Generally Jews wouldn't tale this into consideration but, despite all intentions of destroying the Jews, there are very secular Jews who name their son Nimrod. And this is an example how some secular Israelis ignore the teachings of the Torah.

The former owner of Israel's daily MAARIV, Ofer Nimrodi, named his son Nimrod. I don't know if someone called Nimrod Nimrodi would be seen as a religious Jew. At least not from the outside. If he became religious, he would definitely change his name, I suppose.

It is strange in Israel but especially the name Nimrod tells you a lot about the parents of such a guy.

SRUGIM - סרוגים

B"H

For about six months, the TV series "SRUGIM" has been running on the Israeli TV. The series concentrates on the young (very) modern - Orthodox single societz in Jerusalem's neighbourhoods Katamon / German Colony. Emek Refa'im Street is appearing all the time.

Photos - Article: TheBigFalafel

The video below gives you a brief impression. Young national religious Jews looking for a Shidduch. In contrast to haredi society, those characters in "SRUGIM" don't take the modesty rules that seriously.

The funniest part is the Shidduch meeting where all participants sit in a cafe and every few minutes, they have to switch their conversation partner. People tell each others background. One comes from Petach Tikvah and believes that the Lubavitcher Rebbe is the Meshiach, etc.

The series is in HEBREW only (with Hebrew subtitles) !

The second video:

The boyfriend of one of the two female flatmates stayed overnight. This causes a modesty dispute. Furthermore, although the guy stayed overnight, he is not ashamed to ask for Tefillin in the morning. Showing the attitude of the very modern - Orthodox: They don't have a problem with staying overnight and though break the modesty rules but, on the other hand, they want to put on Tefillin.

Finally the guy gets his Tefillin from the female neighbour and accuses her of being a Reform lesbian.

On the one hand, breaking the rules himself and on the other hand accusing others of misbehaviour.

Modest Bus Ride

B"H

Bus no. 405 from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem got stuck yesterday afternoon. In front of Moshav Shoresh, only a few kilometers aways from Jerusalem, the motor stopped working. The bus driver tried and tried but this was it. The engine refused moving and we passengers had to get off. The driver stopped other busses passing us in order to organize a new ride for us. The first one stopping was filled up after a few minutes.

A second bus came along and picked up the rest. We were a mixture of secular and religious Jews. Many soldiers among us.

It was a funny situation because the second bus stopping was no. 400 from Bnei Brak to Jerusalem. The bus driver was a Sephardi Haredi and the passenger's range was chassidic with long Peyot (side curls) to national religious. Many women with Sheitels (wigs) further in the back and the really frum guys in the front.

No. 400 is not an officially gender separated bus; however, coming and going to Bnei Brak, Haredim like to sit in a modest way. Only married couples sit together, women in the back and men in the front.

We just walked in. People coming from Tel Aviv and not always, what you would call "modest - Be'Zniut". None of the Haredim said a word. No bad looks, no stones or rotten tomatoes were thrown at us. Most of us stranded stood in the alleyway in the middle of the bus and it was quiet.

I am just mentioning this incident because there have been quite a few negative press reports in the past. People claimed having being attacked by Haredim. Especially women and one or two claimed to have been beaten up. I do not believe that all those negative incidents were true. Sometimes certain Haredim may make a bad remark but these reactions are quite rare. What we were experiencing yesterday was just the complete opposite but, unfortunately, no one ever reports about positive behaviour.

About a year ago, I witnessed almost the same situation. It was an hour before Shabbat was supposed to come in and I was on no. 405 to Jerusalem. This time, our bus stopped to pick up passengers from a broken bus. It was no. 417 coming from Ramat Beit Shemesh and most passengers were Haredim. Also then, none of the people complained but everyone was just happy to get to Jerusalem on time to celebrate Shabbat.

Assaf Ramon - The Death of a Hero

To the right: Assaf Ramon


B"H

Israel loves it's heros; even those who are not yet heros.
Ilan Ramon's oldest son Assaf died in a training accident yesterday. Only about two months ago, he became a pilot in the army. After 47 exercises, his F – 16 jet crashed near Hebron.

The death of Assaf Ramon is not only a personal tragedy for his mother Rona but also a national one. Since his father, the astronaut Ilan Ramon, died more than six years ago, the Ramon's were thought of the perfect family. Every day we read in the newspapers about murder, abuse or theft. We start asking ourselves where our society is going to. Are there any more honest people in Israel ? Where are all the morals, values and where is the respect for each other gone ?
When we looked at the Ramon family we saw all these seemingly lost attributes. Assaf was the perfect caring and successful teenager who walked in the ways of his father. He took care of his other three siblings and mother Rona never made a fuss about having lost her husband. The Ramon family served as a quiet modest example for all of us.

Assaf was not yet a military hero but he was a social one. I hope his mother won't loose all hope by loosing a second beloved family member.


Details:

ARUTZ 7

Condolences for Assaf Ramon

Jewish Israelis converting to Islam

B"H

There is an opinion that the biggest threat to Judaism in Israel are Christian missionaries spreading around their false ideology. Nevertheless, two days ago, Israel's daily MAARIV reported that more and more Jewish Israelis are converting to ISLAM.
In 2008, 142 Israelis changed their religion. Among those were 112 who converted to Islam. Believe it or not !
Or in other words, they joined the religion of the local "enemy".

How can that be ? Jews in Israel are confronted with daily terror and convert to Islam.

For many years there has been a big problem in Israel and no one seems to be able to solve it: Plenty of young Jewish women marry Palestinians. This is especially taking place in those areas where Jews and Palestinians live together. Places like Haifa or Nazeret (Nazareth), for instance.

Although Jews and Arabs have their own neighbourhoods in the city of Nazareth, many people of the two nations mix. When they go out they meet and get involved. Becoming friends and maybe more.
In Jerusalem countless young male Palestinians walk around yelling after young Israeli girls.

The anti - missionary group YAD LE'ACHIM explained that there are Israeli girls who grow up in a rather poor environment. Some are even getting beaten at home. Suddenly they meet a young guy (e.g. a Palestinian) who is treating them nicely. Making presents like cell phones or jewellery. Someone who is giving them attention and the feeling that they are not useless in this world. Then they marry the Palestinian despite all the hatred within Israeli society towards those Jews marrying Arabs. Mostly the nice Palestinian turns out to be violent once the Jewish woman is married to him. Women are being taken into Arab villages, have to live together with the rest of his family and are being treated like slaves. YAD LE'ACHIM rescued many of those women and their children from Arab villages in order to re - integrate them into Jewish and Israeli society.

In my opinion, this is the main reason making out the figure 112 (Jews converting to Islam). Probably those Israeli women who are willing to marry a Palestinian.
Maybe I am wrong. However, MAARIV also stated that 112 is the official number but how many cases where Israelis convert to Islam are known to the public ? If this could be a security threat ?

Chassidut Gur and the African Refugees

B"H

I didn't know that there is a Gerrer (Gur) community in the town of Arad. About Ashdod I knew but Arad ... Nevertheless it is nice to know the Gerrer there, as Arad is flooded with Christian missionaries.

And it is in the Negev town Arad where Chassidut Gur is facing some severe difficulties at the moment. 1000 refugees from Sudan are living right across their apartment complex and now Gur has complained to the local mayor.

Gerrer Chassidim

For some time, Israel has been flooded with refugees from Africa and as the Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Chulda'i threw most of them out, the refugees went to Lod and also seemingly to Arad. The refugees are confronting Israel with many problems, as most of them are Muslims. They are not wanted by the local population, don't integrate and are mostly used as cheap workers. But I do have to say that they learn Hebrew quite fast and are able to communicate.

Chassidut Gur, however, doesn't want the black refugees in its neighbourhood and we will see what is going to happen. If anything is happening at all.

Haredi Bashing

B"H

I am sick of my own Israeli society. Since the latest Mea Shearim riots of started, many secular and national religious Israelis are awakening and starting again their favourite haredi bashing.
The journalist Yair Borochov (Ynet) brought it to the point !

And by the way, the undercover cops mentioned in the article are here:



Further pictures:

http://www.bhol.co.il/news_read.asp?id=10451&cat_id=1

Koogle

B"H

Orthodox Jewry launched its own KOSHER Google called KOOGLE:

http://www.koogle.co.il/English/

If you are becoming a Koogle user, no more "dirty" sites show up on your screen. Tell this to Chassidut Gur and others, as they are not (yet) allowed to use the Internet.

Positive and Negative

B"H

When you look around in the chassidic blog world, you mostly find bloggers writing about great Rebbes and Chassidim. Many of them write with such a devotion and enthusiasm that the reader may get the impression everything inside the chassidic (or haredi) world is perfect. Just like an untouched island where there are no worldy affairs but only peace and harmony.
Furthermore, those bloggers tell us readers about Kedusha (Holiness), great deeds, Mitzwot and a perfect lifestyle.

There are times (not too many but there are) when I feel like a traitor while reading these blogs. However, there are also other times when I feel more like a realist because I don't "only" write about the great and positive side of the chassidic (haredi) world but I am pretty much aware of society problems. As expected, some people don't like that because, according to their opinion, we should rather concentrate on the positive. There is enough negativity in the world and we don't need to add more. And don't we elevate everything when we prefer writing about positive matters ?

I am rather a realist because I don't succeed (and I don't even try) "flying" away as soon as I see a chassidic Rebbe. Last summer, I was standing three meters away from the Nadvorna Rebbe (Bnei Brak) and about two weeks ago, the Rebbe of Chassidut Ruzhin – Boyan overtook me and my friend while we were walking to his Tish. Suddenly he passed us outside in the street and we didn't faint because we may have been so overwhelmed.

Nevertheless, a few months ago, it got me very much by surprise when the Kretchnifer Rebbe (Jerusalem) passed us in a street in the Shmuel HaNavi area. I did have a feeling of Kedusha but it didn't make me faint. I am more of a pragmatist and also let the reader know about society problems and about the topics I don't agree with. There is no perfect society in this world and chassidic society is no exception. Of course, it is great when you can only concentrate on positive issues but, nevertheless, sometimes there may be a danger of getting too carried away.

A Single is a Nothing

B"H

I was lunching in Mea Shearim last Shabbat. The family inviting me lives in one of the backyards; there where the Neturei Karta, Toldot Aharon, Toldot Avraham Yitzchak, Satmar and followers of the Chatam Sofer live.

I took a friend of mine with me and, to our surprise, we were alone with the host. As soon as the family has guests they start sitting in separate rooms and thus, the men were sitting in the small room right at the entrance whereas the women were placed in the livingroom right behind. We women only hear Kiddush but don't actually see it.
I know quite a few chassidic families following this procedure and one host even told me that she considers her decision separating the genders (only if the family is having guests) as her own Tikun (soul rectification).

After a while, a neighbour walked into our hosts livingroom. An American woman living in the same backyard and being Lubavitch (Chabad). This was a surprise and although the woman claimed not to be a Meshichist, she definitely was. Singing "Yechi Adoneinu …" at the table. Afterwards she took my friend and me to her home to show us her apartment and there I saw a "fresh" edition of the "Beit Moshiach" edition laying on the table.
She can be lucky that her neighbours haven't found out so far, as they would probably put a stick of dynamite into her mailbox.

People from Mea Shearim are extremely curious. So terrible curious that is sometimes goes on my nerves. As soon as they talk to you, they think they own you. Then you become their information slave. They listen carefully and slightly pick on you.
I was also picked on last Shabbat. I am in my early 40ies and not married. This is unbelievable and the 78 - year - old Lubavitcher together with our host from the Chatam Sofer went wild. Just imagine two old ladies driving you crazy with their questions and imaginations. The men next door even had to close the door to the livingroom when the two ladies screamed that I should do something with my womb and bear children. I didn't notice the door being closed because I thought that I am in the middle of a bad dream.
Here we are, two old Mea Shearim ladies talk about wombs and feelings.

The Lubavitcher eventually told us that she had got married at the age of 76 (Her second marriage, I think). To another Lubavitcher being a direct descendant of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi. Ten days after the wedding, her husband had a heart attack. Well, I can imagine why.

Not all Haredim are like Mea Shearim but especially in that neighbourhood it is just unheard of that a woman of my age is single. As I pointed out that I am too busy and don't have the patience dealing with a husband the ladies just kept on saying that G - d created a woman to have children. I finally said that I used to have boyfriends and then the ladies got really excited.

As soon as I meet someone from Mea Shearim, two subjects are coming up:
1. Why am I still single and 2. Why am I not as religious as I obviously should be ? Wouldn't then my life be totally happy and perfect ? And when I respond with a NO, people are shocked.

It doesn't matter where, haredi society is always talking about Shidduchim and kids. At least the Lubavitcher told me that the Rebbe wasn't against the Internet and everything could be used for Kedusha (Holiness). The Chatam Sofer lady, however, fell almost off her chair, as for her a computer is evil and unacceptable. Already the Chatam Sofer rejected any new changes in life; everything has to go according to the old ways, as they have proven to be right.

The two old ladies found their own way of bringing me back onto the right track. The Lubavitcher is planning to introduce me to someone German marrying a Polish guy who both became members of a chassidic group. "Such a Zaddekes (righteous woman), the ladies claimed. You should take her as an example. Today even people from the outside world show us the way we should be normally finding ourselves".

I have to say that I enjoy my time visiting extreme chassidic groups and backyards but, nevertheless, I am always glad to get out after a while. This kind of society pressure, the neighbours, the Chatam Soifer, the backyard … is just too much for me. Maybe even too much for G - d Himself.

And where were "You" ? - Haredi Society and the War

B"H

In times of war, it becomes much more obvious to everyone. To secular Jews as well as to haredi society itself: Haredi men study in Yeshivot (religious institutions) and don't go to the army.

Actually I am not too keen on writing or commenting on the subject why Haredim don't go to the army and why some do. First of all, it doesn't change anything in reality and secondly, some people could use my reports in a negative sense. Pointing their fingers at the Haredim and say: "Look, they are lazy and just hang around the whole day !" People making that claim should know that no one in Israel discussed this subject during the last war in Gaza.

Today, we have the "Chok Tal - the Tal Law" in Israel. It stipulates that male Haredim who are enrolled in a Yeshiva, don't have to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Usually young men serve for three and women for two years in the army. Those who refuse have to go to jail.

National religious girls do a social service instead called "Sherut Le'umit". Their haredi counterparts often marry at the age of 18 - 20 and whoever is married, doesn't have to join the army anymore. Men likewise.

"Sherut Le'umit" is organized by several Israeli institutions and the girls have the choice. Sometimes the service lasts longer and sometimes the opposite is the case.

While the Israeli population has been extremely concerned about the well - being of its soldiers, haredi populations seems to be somewhere outside. Should Haredim show their solidarity and if so, how ? Especially Haredim seem to ask why things are happening and for what reason. They like to analyze and the question was, how they should behave and deal with the war in Gaza.

Countless litvish - haredi Yeshivot organized additional Torah studies and prayers for the soldiers. There is no doubt, lots of solidarity was shown and those who don't believe it can simple have a look into the haredi forum world.

On the other hand - how do Haredim deal with the war ? How does it effect them internally ?

Chabad and Breslov are known to be everywhere; mostly at the front. They usually help soldiers putting on Tefillin and there actually was a campaign run by ALL kinds of Haredim. Zizit were donated for the soldiers going to the front line. Those soldiers joining were afraid and asked themselves if they ever come back safe and sound. So, the Zizit also served as a private emotional protection shield.

Last week, a colleague of mine told me a certain war story. She emphazised that everything is true and really took place this way. A day later, I read the ame story in a secular Israeli newspaper mentioned in an article about Haredim and the war in Gaza.
The story goes that a group of soldiers was about to enter a house in Gaza in order to search for terrorists. Before they could enter, suddenly a woman dressed in white appeared and warned the soldiers not to enter the house. It was a trap.
The soldiers went to the next house and the same women re - appeared. She made the same claim and the soldiers began to wonder who this woman was. "Rachel Imenu - Your mother Rachel (biblical Yaakov's wife)", she responded.

Haredi society loves to quote and see miracles in everything. G - d gives us a sign and actually does interfere to our very best. At the same time, society never seems to get tired of investigating why this and that is happening to us. Does everything only happen without any reason because it appears to be so rational ?
No, as G - d rules about everything. It is Him making ALL decisions and not us. But why does He go against us Jews ? Why is there Good and Evil in this world ? Why do Israeli soldiers die and the Hamas rejoices ? Shouldn’t it be the other way around ?

When G - d created this world, He enabled us having our "Free Will". And in order to have Free Will, we need Good and Evil in this world; otherwise there wouldn't be a choice. Evil is going to exist until Meshiach comes and then it will be "slaughtered" (in a symbolic sense).

In Judaism, and our own history proves it, we follow the concept that if the Jews move further away from G - d and don't keep the Torah Mitzwot, G - d is punishing us. And here we have found the reason of how haredi society argues: More and more Jews are becoming secular or marry a non - Jewish spouse. The result is that G - d is punishing us for our misbehaviour. A collective punishment (e.g. Diaspora). In case someone doesn't keep Shabbat, he doesn't only effect himself but the entire Jewish nation.

Many Haredi argue that G - d is sending us all those hostile nations in order to do Teshuva (repentance). Find our way back to G - d and He will help us; send the Meshiach. But as long as we follow our evil ways, the nations are going to pick on us and force us into wars. This exactly is the reason why there is evil in the world. Our task is to overcome it and thus bring Meshiach.

And now, our corrupt government, once again, made an agreement with the nations. The government decided for a cease fire or in other words "gave up". How does our interpretation now look ?
Again, we or better, the government, didn't trust in G - d but relies on the nations. Instead of using our own strength, Israel gave in.

It looks like Meshiach has still a long way to go.
_________________

Speaking about myself, I am not too much into all those predictions of why things happen this or that way. In fact, only G - d decides and it is Him who knows all reasons, and we shouldn't get lost in too many unnecessary speculations.

A statistic:
In the 50ies, when the former prime minister David Ben Gurion agreed to free the Haredim from the arme service, there were only 400 Haredim. Today we have 35.000 not joining the army.

Today we also have quite a few Haredim who do joing the army (in the special unit Nachal HaCharedi). Those who refuse are often afraid of going against their own society and thus facing disadvantages by the rabbis and society as a whole.

I am innocent

B"H

Just recently I overheard the following conversation between an English tourist and a born Israeli:


Tourist:
You Israelis always claim that everything is someone else's fault. If I go and complain, I am always told that this his not his or her fault because his boss is in charge. So, the boss is guilty.
Not me, the teacher, but the whole school system. Not me, the clerk, but the general manager. Not me, the shop keeper but the tax office.


Israeli:
Yes, we love doing this but actually it is not our fault. When we go to the army, it is not the soldier's fault but the officer or general is guilty. We learn to say this in the army and thus, it is the army's fault and not ours.

Do not disturb tonight !

B"H

Do not disturb any Israelis tonight. Not even some Haredim. Don't make unnecessary phone calls to our country and expect people to answer.

Everyone will be too busy doing one thing:
Watching the final of the BIG BROTHER show.
Who is going to win BIG BROTHER tonight ?
This is the most important question in our country today. I heard that people even delayed trips in order to watch BIG BROTHER.

It wouldn't be so terribly important if one guy wasn't there. "Yossi Bublil" who is expected to be the big winner tonight. Bublil is 54 years old and from Ashkelon.

I just watched the show once and to me, Bublil seemed like an idiot. Arrogant and bossy. The typical Arsi (Sephardic Macho).
He is not that popular but, for some reason, people love to watch him.


Yossi's encounter with a door

The Edah against the Ministry of Education

"Let's go and demonstrate !"
Fakshivili (news poster) in Mea Shearim.


B"H

The Israeli Ministry of Education is planning to modernize the haredi school system. Until today, haredi schools made up their own curriculum without being bothered too much by the state authorities. This is going to change now; at least according to the Ministry of Education.

Most of the haredi population in Israel doesn't have an efficient education in mathematics, English (foreign languages as a whole), geography, biology or physics. So far, haredi teachers "only" concentrate on Torah, Halachot, Mussar or Talmud. The girls' education is even worse. Some Torah "light" with Rashi but the more challenging commentators like the Ohr HaChaim, Kli Yakar or the Ramban (Nachmanides) are not being discussed at all. Some haredi schools claim that there are a few exceptions.

Those of you talking to a Litvak or a Chassid from Israel find out very quickly that, indeed, many of them do lack a proper education. Not in Torah but in secular studies. For instance, I have been repeatedly asked by various Chassidim why it doesn't work when you write the address of a website in Hebrew.

In my opinion, the whole education system is a delicate subject. Even in the Middle Ages, Jewish children and adults learned more than the kids today. Just look at the Rambam (Maimonides), the GRA (Vilna Gaon) and plenty of other famous rabbis. They all had an extraordinary education and didn't consider secular studies, such as science, as "impure", as the Edah HaCharedit does today. Do I have to mention Rashi's three daughters as well ? Including the rumour that it was them writing the entire commentary on the Talmud Tractate Nedarim.

And what if a family has a very gifted and talented child ? Is this child being robbed of a better future or even of becoming a great scientist who can contribute to society ? Are Mishnayiot and Torah enough ? What if a haredi woman has the ability of being a great doctor ?

Already in the early childhood, any thoughts about going to a university are being banned. Actually haredi children grow up in a system where they don't even have such thoughts, as they are already aware of your place in society.
But doesn't teach us especially science about G - d's great and perfect creation ? Why is it so wrong studying this ? Didn't G - d Himself give us special abilities in order to use them ?

The Chatam Sofer claimed that everything new is bad. No changes should be made and a Jew has to stick to Torah. The old system cannot be bad, as it always worked out. So why make changes ?

Everything new becomes a threat.
A threat to whom ? To the Rabbi / Rebbe or haredi society ? Has a rebbe an interest in limiting the education of his followers in order to keep up his own power ? Are scientific studies a danger and confuse a religious Jew ?

The Ministry of Education has a more practical point of view:
The haredi population is widely uneducated (regarding secular studies) and therefore cannot compete on the job market. The State of Israel is not willing to support haredi society financially and is going to make further budget cuts. The Haredim have to go to work and how are they going to find a job with hardly any education ?

Indeed, the Ministry got a point; however, it should be mentioned that many Haredim do work and that the Edah members don't accept any government money anyway. Most Haredim work within their own community as teachers, rabbis, Shochet, sales people, etc.

For many weeks, the dispute has been going on and plenty of Fakshivilim (news posters) were hung up by the Edah in Mea Shearim. Just yesterday, another demonstration took place at Kikar Shabbat in Jerusalem. The Edah HaCharedit doesn't even consider for a second fulfilling the conditions of the "Zionist" Ministry.


Remains the question:
Is "too much" education a danger to haredi society and to its rabbis ?


Link:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3634458,00.html