Why do bad things happen to good people ?

B"H

A few thoughts on Yom Kippur

If G - d is good, then He wouldn’t want bad things happen to good people, and if G - d is omnipotent, He could prevent bad things from happening to good people. Therefore, when bad things do happen to good people, we wonder if G - d is really good or omnipotent, or whether He exits at all. 

Ten Explanations 

1. We can predict that more intelligent beings will often to things that less intelligent beings won't understand. 

2. The suffering might not be caused by actual evil, but a perfectly fine circumstance which this person is responding to irrationally. 

3. The circumstances might not be a punishment but rather an opportunity to grow (a test). 

4. The difficulties might be just a means to push someone towards a wonderful circumstance. 

5. In many cases, what seems like evil at the hand of G - d might be evil at the hand of man. 

6. We might not appreciate the value of a kindness or the seriousness of cruelty. 

7. Since the only fair reward is based on effort, not on objective accomplishment, then a good G - d might send obstacles to maximize our effort and consequent reward. 

8. A person might be given to stimulate them to rethink their plans or past behaviour -- as sort of wake - up call. 

9. There are times when progress towards history 's - successful - conclusion necessitates supernaturally limiting the success of the righteous. When they are supernaturally handicapped, that allows forces of evil to become more manifest. People then realize more clearly what it means to live with evil, and choose good -- not out of fear of punishment, but out of clarity about the difference between good and evil. In the end days, in order to accelerate us the final outcome (of man choosing good), G - d thus accentuates the choice. 

10. Reincarnation (Gilgul) 

______________________________

(Text from Yeshivat Aish HaTorah)

Parashat EKEV - פרשת עקב

Is G - d going to provide us with our needs ? The Shopping Mall "Dizengoff Center" in Tel Aviv.

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

Parashat Ekev is mostly an encouragement for the Jews and it makes us feel good studying it. G - d begins by listing all the miracles happening in the wilderness and that we (the Jews) should always remember them. The RAMBAN states that the 40 years in the wilderness stand for a proof how G - d is providing sufficient food for all of us.

Many times we may worry too much about whether we have enough money to make a living. Personally I know many religious Jews saying that G - d will take care of each of us and we simply need enough trust in Him. If we do the first step and make an effort to make a living, e.g. look for a job, G - d will help us on the way to our goal. Not always openly and with many hinderances but behind the scenes.

It is very hard for me following this concept. On the one hand, I know that this is true but, on the other hand, of course I sometimes worry. Making a living in Israel is not that easy. Especially not as a new immigrant -  due to many reasons. Of course, almost everyone in this country worries, as everything costs lots of money. And there are familie not having enough food and depending on Chesed organizations. In the end, no one is starving to death but, at the same time, we cannot get rid of our worries and take the Israelits in the desert as an example of perfect trust in G - d.

Today we may be lacking in trust but it could be the worries forcing us to do the first step in order to improve a situation.

Shabbat Shalom

Highway to Jerusalem

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

I would love to go to Jerusalem over Shabbat but I simply don't have the time to travel on Fridays. Finishing work about one or two hours before Shabbat comes in can be a real pain.

To everyone going to Jerusaem this Shabbat: Enjoy and include us "slaves" in your thoughts and joy.:-)

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all of you !

"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). 

Shabbat Shalom

View over the Old City of Zfat (Safed).

Photo: Miriam Woelke

B"H

I am going to rush to Jerusalem tomorrow. Just for a few hours and just over Shabbat. Right after Shabbat ends, I already have to go back to Tiberias.

At least I will have some time on Shabbat to go to Mea Shearim, participate in a meal there and maybe go to a chassidic Tish. I definitely should get some spirituality although Tiberias and especially Zfat are more than spiritual.

The main reason for me taking a few hours break is that I am still thinking about moving to Zfat. Hopefully I will find some more time to think or even a kind of an answer in Jerusalem.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to everyone !

Not to forget the fast tomorrow:

At the beginning of next week I am going to publish a longer article about the reasons why we fast on 10 Tevet.

Creativity and Insults

B"H

Nothing destroys creativity like unkind criticism and insults. If a person has a creative tendency, try to encourage him. Even if you think that his present creative ideas are impractical, be supportive of his attempts to be creative. By nurturing someone's creativity you will help him to grow in many ways. When you feel a need to voice constructive criticism do it tactfully.

Insults: "Oh no, not another crazy idea. That's a total waste of time".

"Your imagination is weird. Stop dreaming so much. Be practical and live in the real world. You'll never get anywhere. You just don't have any real talent".

Positive approach: "It's wonderful that you are so creative. All you need to do is channel your creativity and you will be able to accomplish very much".

"Since you have a strong desire to be creative I would suggest that you consult some successful creative people for ideas on how you can utilize your creativity in positive ways".

____________________

Source:

"The Power of Words"

by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

Shabbat Shalom

Entrance to Jerusalem

Photos: Miriam Woelke

B"H

Today, its been four years since Gilad Shalit was kidnapped by the Hamas. His parents, Aviva and Noam Shalit together with thousands of other people are going to start a march to Jerusalem on Sunday. The parents want their son back but, on the other hand, the Israeli government has to take care about all citizens and not "only" of Gilad Shalit. What if those high - ranking terrorists would be released and cause other families pain ? Who is going to take responsibility ?

Gilad Shalit has pushed the haredi Emmanuel issue out of today's headlines. What secular papers not report is that on Wednesday, Netanyahu made a statement saying that what is going against haredi society at the moment, is unacceptable. If any foreign country would act in such a way against religious Jews, Israel would cry out. However, in the Jewish State of Israel, no one is crying out but hatred between Haredim and Haredim and secular Jews is going on an on and leading to more separation.

Secular Ashkenazi Ramat Aviv (the Beverly Hills of Tel Aviv) Jews protest against Chabad in their neighbourhood. Where are we going to ? Becoming a society of assimilated Jews who anxiously strive for being just as anybody else in the world ?

I know Chabad in Ramat Aviv and don't see anything wrong with offering kids to put on Tefillin. Would the people in Ramat Aviv rather prefer Christian missionaries ?

I need to call up someone in Mea Shearim and apologize that I haven't been to a wedding of their granddaughter. Then I have to explain myself for the 1000th time why I am not like this and that. Then I have to explain why I am still in Tel Aviv and then I have to explain my whole personality. And then I will start thinking who I am. For the 1000th time.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all of you !

Shabbat Shalom

Source: Tel Aviv Graffiti Blog

B"H

Shabbat together with Rosh Chodesh Tammuz. This is supposed to be spiritual and especially chassidic Synagogues are offering many events and prayers. For me there is nothing more packed with Kavanah (concentration) than a prayer service at a chassidic Synagogue. Despite all Kavanah, my big two problems are:

- I am tired from work during the week.

- I have my moods. Sometimes I am totally inside somewhere haredi but there are orhter days where I need a distance. This show me that I am not the right person committing herself to the haredi society. I am here and there and there are times when this is bothering me. Bothering because I am unable to go on in life. There are also other days where I simply cannot imagine belonging to haredi society and I enjoy my other side of life.

After all those years traveling from here to there I got used to a lot. One day I am in the deepest Bnei Brak or Mea Shearim and on the next day am I sitting at the regular (not religious) beach in Tel Aviv or Netanya.

Last night, I was at the beach and was watching the sunset. Today, Tel Aviv has an event which should be rather ignored. The local gay parade is on but no one else except for Tel Aviv inhabitants notices it. Haredi society in Israel has decided to ignore such events and concentrate on Kedusha (holiness) instead of a bunch of people who definitely need psychcological help. The city is full of gays and just like San Francisco. However, the gays I have met so far didn't make such a normal impression and seemed to be rather nuts and disturbed by their own desires. The Arizal (Rabbi Yitzchak Luria) once said that (see Kitvei HaArizal "Sefer Shaar Ruach HaKodesh") that people with mentally disturbances should look for professional help.

Despite all the negativity in the world we should try focusing on positive things. I am escaping Tel Aviv in a few hours (in order not to see any gay guy walking along the beach wearing a bra) and will be in Jerusalem for Shabbat where I keep on thinking positive.:-)

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes and Chodesh Tov" to all of you !

Shabbat Shalom

Chassidic Tish

B"H

It has been a short week (due to Shavuot) and Israeli newspapers today wonder about the American authorities building a mosque on Grund Zero. Isn't it strange ? The terrorist Osama Bin Laden blows up the Twin Towers and then gets a mosque as a present.

But can we in Israel complain ?

We have the Dome of the Rock instead the Beit HaMikdash (Third Temple). An ugly Muslim courtyard with trees on the Temple Mount. The first thing we have to do when then Third Temple is around, we have to cut those trees off, as in ancient times, trees were considered as idol - worship and thus not allowed on the Temple Mount (see Talmud Tractate Avodah Zarah).

Shabbat is right ahead and thus hopefully some Tishes in Jerusalem's haredi neighbourhoods. If anyone has a chance, could you please let me know when the Kaliver Rebbe is giving his Tish ! I would be so interested in going there and finding out whether he speaks to women. He may be a great person to talk to concerning the Holocaust and the information is definitely interesting to my German readers. Today's Germany where the Holocaust almost seems to be forgotten and where the left loves the Palestinians.

Tel Aviv is warm and sunny this morning. As usual, I will be going to Jerusalem this afternoon. What a difference ! From Tel Aviv where you see gay couples walking in the streets holding hands to holy Jerusalem. Last night I saw two male gay couples in Tel Aviv holding hands. This, you wouldn't see in Jerusalem and those are the moments when I miss the Holy City and it's still existing moral laws.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to everyone !

Shabbat Shalom

The Nana - Breslovers in Tel Aviv (beach area)

Photo: Tapuz

B"H

It is Friday and Shabbat will be coming in within the next few hours.

As mentioned before, during Pessach I went to a few museums in order to get some culture. To my surprise, the Tel Aviv Art Museum showed a movie (an art installation) about Haredim in Jerusalem ensuring that the streets leading into their areas are being shut off for the traffic right before Shabbat comes in. The (art) movie only shows Haredim at different neighbourhoods in Jerusalem pushing around the famous metal barriers and thus close the street for any passing cars.

The movie is about 15 minutes long. No word is spoken, only the Haredim are seen when they push the barriers up and down.

I think that it is a mistake to just show the movie without any further explanation. Especially secular Jews walk in, see all those barriers being pushed and thus may think that everywhere in Jerusalem it looks like that. Not all areas are closed for the traffic and not all Haredim are involved in this action.

Without any further details, the movie is too artificial and stereotype for a secular Israeli who has no idea on what is going on. It just strengthen the stereotype opinions against Haredim. However, for me this kind of installation was interesting because I am familiar with the background.

I am still in Tel Aviv and enjoying myself before I am returning to Jerusalem this afternoon. There are times when I am very much involved in haredi society and then there are other times where I need to go away and feel a distance. So far, I could not make up my mind in which society to live permanently. I do love the change though and, at first, it caused me great emotional difficulties having my feet in two completely different societies. It is the moment when you feel that you don't really have a "home" but are a wanderer. On the other hand, maybe it is part of G - d's plan for me to be like that. In the meantime I am quite comfortable with the situation and maybe wait for a miracle to happen.

As a matter of fact, certain haredi behaviour drives me nuts and makes me escape. Back in secular society, the secular drive me crazy. Who always goes on my nerves are the national religious but with them I am hardly in contact.

Tonight I will be back in haredi society and will see how it goes. How far the edge for the escape is.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to everyone. On whatever side you are.

Shabbat Shalom

Photo: Tapuz

B"H

A warm and sunny Shabbat is right ahead of us. I decided to stay in Tel Aviv and I am only going back to Jerusalem for sixth and seventh day of Pessach.

It is unbelievable how much money Israelis are spending during those Pessach holidays. The shock is going to come afterwards and the overdrafts will be severe. Going out to eat during the holiday already is a disaster for the purse. Especially when one has kids.

Just a few hours ago, I passed the Chabad Synagogue near Shenkin Street and a "Se'udat Meshiach" is taking place within the Chassidut on the seventh day of Pessach. However, I don't know if this particular meal is only taking place for the Chabad Meshichistim or for anyone within the group. Even without believing that the last Rebbe is the Meshiach.

In Jerusalem, "kasher le'Pessach" has become a huge business. Many cafes and restaurants cleaned before the holiday and now sell their meals with Mazzot or rolls made of Mazze flour.

Israelis love to travel and thousands of people are going on trips these days. Even the haredi population (from Bnei Brak) is barbecuing in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon Park.

What else did I do ?

I went to the cinema and watched "The Ghost Writer" and "Nowhere Boy". Ghost writer was long but actually quite good. The former British Prime Minister's wife turned out to be a CIA agent. I should speak to some English guys about it.

In "Nowhere Boy", John Lennon's family relations were described quite well. I am more with Paul Mc Cartney but some English told me that both were / are stupid; without any education. Personally I liked the Beatles but never understood Lennon's relationship with Yoko Ono who seems to be a real bitch. Excuse my words. Couldn't he find a more proper wife ? 

(The rassist inside of me is talking).

However, soon Shabbat is coming in and we should concentrate on holy things. Sometimes I really do imagine to shut myself away from society in order to study and not to face all kinds of negativity going on. Just like inside the Toldot Aharon backyard.

There are negative matters going on in EVERY society but it would be great to keep oneself separate. What would we really miss ?

On the other hand, we are in this world in order to do our Tikunim (soul rectifications) and how are we supposed to do this when we are locked up into holiness ?

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to everyone !

Shabbat Shalom

B"H

Cloudy weather and too cold for the season. This is the weather forecast for this upcoming Shabbat.

Sometimes I am in my great spiritual mood and start running to any kind of chassidic event. At other times I am just the complete opposite and I guess that so far, I am somewhere in between today.

It is wrong to judge an entire society when you hear about negative issues going on. However, this week I read about certain Takanot in a book and I was a kind of devastated. How can I, at least for the moment, look into some people's eyes knowing what they do ? 

Or to define it properly: You hear about the internal group laws and suddenly you realize how people act.

People can do whatever they like and anyone has to decide for himself if he wants to stay in a chassidic group and listen to a Rebbe or not. Nevertheless, there are times when I just need a break and get a clear mind.

But, as I said, I am not yet sure about this Shabbat.

At the moment, I am still in Tel Aviv where it is quite cold. Later on, I am going to return to Jerusalem. Pessach is right ahead of us and there is a definitely more intense holiday feeling in Jerusalem than in Tel Aviv. Nevertheless, I am going to spend most of the Pessach holiday in Tel Aviv, at the coast and I may go to Safed and Tiberias for a day or two. It is an Ashkenazi custom not to visit any cemeteries during Chol HaMoed Pessach and Sukkot (the intermediate holidays). However, I would like to go to the Rambam's grave in Tiberias and maybe to the Arizal's in Safed (Rabbi Yitzchak Luria).

I can't wait until Pessach because then it is time to relax. Freedom without running to work.

Just a short remark: I have received a few e - mails I still need to answer. This way, I am just letting those people know that I haven't forgotten about them answering their questions.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all of you !

Taking G - d for Granted

B"H

How many times do we take G - d's existence for granted ? Other totally deny Him.
We get up in the morning, maybe say a prayer (or a few prayers) and what do we do afterwards ? Breakfast and rushing through the day.

While men touch their Zizit, do they really think of G - d or is their mind wandering around somewhere else ?

In the "Shema" we say that we should ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE think of G - d but who really does so ?


Sounds too pessimistic ?


I would rather say realistic and keep on promising myself to do more but a few minutes later, life comes along and most of my promises and plans are forgotten. The sun is shining for granted and the food appears for granted. However, I know where everything is coming from and where the original source is. And this is, at least, something optimistic and thus encouraging.

Shabbat Shalom

B"H

Shabbat, Tu be'Shevat, Shabbat Shira + Parashat Beshlach. The Jews are leaving Egypt and crossing "Yam Suf - the Red Sea". All together this sounds so spiritual and many interpretations have been written.

However, when I studied the Ramban's (Nachmanides, 1194 - 1270) commentary on this week's Parasha, I found myself confronted with a question which has been bothering me for a long time. Although the Ramban, based on Rabbeinu Bachya (Spain, died in 1340), provides an answer, we will never know for sure.

"Why is it that the Israelites always started complaining ? They witnessed all the miracles G - d Himself did for them but, after a while, they started being rebellious. No food, desert, no future. Wouldn't it be better to return to Egypt ?"

On the other hand, the Israelites showed trust in G - d. Today they complained, tomorrow they were being loyal to G - d.

How is that ?

Both commentators have the same answer:

Because there were different groups within the camp. Each group had a different agenda and thus, conflicts arouse. Moshe's task was being a leader of all people and solve the conflicts. Today we would call this "Mission Impossible".

When we study the Parasha today, we are completely sure of ourselves that, if we had been in the desert, we would have not been among those rebels. We, of course, would have trusted in G - d, being overwhelmed by the miracles and totally religious. No more doubts and Yetzer HaRah - only G - d, Mitzvot and prayer. How there be any doubt about it ? We would have been so terribly frum, unbelievable.

Is this true ?

Look at us. Many of us live in Jerusalem but do we appreciate living there or aren't we just get used to our environment. Being in Jerusalem, having kosher food everywhere, Synagogues, religious books, etc. Anything you want but the truth is that we get used to it and forget the miracle of being in Israel.

We should compare the two situations and then question ourselves if we had reacted so much better in the desert at the times of Moshe. Humans are humans and we always tend to complain but also trust in G - d.

This Shabbat I will be in Jerusalem myself and I may forget about the excitement I should show due to the need for sleep. Well, at least I don't rebel.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" !

Shabbat Shalom

Searching for a meaning in Life

Photo: Lumq

B"H

Tel Aviv back and forth or vice versa - this is how my life looks. Despite all the heavy rain showers and flooded streets in Tel Aviv, my biggest personal surprise was the positive reaction on my writings in Hebrew. Not only that but the amount of readers.

Not to mention my spellings mistakes but people don't seemed to be bothered too much. I am improving and I hope I am succeeding in doing the same in English.:-) Through my Hebrew writings I found a few new friends. Believe it or not - in Jerusalem: Frum Haredim.

I was planning to write a more or less spiritual soul root explanation on the Erev Rav (Mixed Multitude) before Shabbat but couldn't make it anymore. So, at the beginning of next week, I am trying to get this done.

One of the Ten Plagues of this week's Parasha is "Darkness - Choshech". Lets admit: Each one of us has times of his own spiritual darkness. Depression, doubts and negative personal events.

Our task is to overcome all that. Throw all negativity into the garbage and simply be happy ! Nevertheless, reality is that even the Breslover Nanas sometimes do look unhappy.

There are things in life we have to deal with; if we like it or not. Trying to find answers and thus, a solution should eventually cause us leaving the darkness. But until then, you can still make look your life a little more shiny.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all of you !!!

Existence -קיום

Sitting at a Bar: Is this only the Yetzer HaRah ?

Photo: Tapuz

B"H

As soon as you get off the bus in Jerusalem you hear Torah. Not constantly and not at any place but you do hear it.

I heard it last Friday afternoon when I walked out of the Central Bus Station and was waiting for a local bus taking me to the Machane Yehudah Market. Some young American Yeshiva guys passed me and they seemed to be deeply involved in a Parasha talk.

Having something completely different in my mind, the Parasha talk reminded me of my first Yeshiva (seminary) steps. Actually my very first steps were some basic Jewish classes (litvish as well as chassidic) later leading to the AISH HATORAH "Discovery" programme. Let alone further classes at the "ESSENTIALS" (also run by AISH). Not all beginner classes teach you Halachot and what you have to do. Seeing the huge amount of Mitzvot may scare people away. Just strangle them and threats that G - d will punish you by not being observant can cause you to run away.

Many programmes though start teaching "philosophy". Making you aware of why you were created. Why are you here in this world and what is your task. Is there a task at all or everything happened just by accident ?

Those programmes will prove you in detail that nothing happens by accident. There is a G - dly masterplan and we (especially the Jews) have to follow it. This is the reason for our creation and entire being. G - d wants us to do something. To carry out Mitzvot and to search for our task in life.

Haredi groups, in particular strict chassidic groups, even go a step further. They develop their own internal rules the members must keep. The Rebbes teach that if you don't follow Torah and the rules of the group, G - d may punish you. Let alone the group itself.

All this gives you the feeling that your whole life is just a huge Mitzvah box. No thinking, no freedom and no personality but rules, Mitzvot and giving up yourself in order to function. This is the reason why you were created.

When those Yeshiva guys were passing me at the bus stop, I was in the middle of my own thoughts: "Where am I in G - d's masterplan ? Not only me but my existence, my personality ?

Does my entire life consist of following rules and if not, am I doomed to punishment ?"

There is a great difference between those Haredim who were born into society and Baalei Teshuva. As a Baal Teshuva you are either getting so terribly carried away and just jump into religion or you jump but still remain questioning. Many born Haredim don't ask but just do. "This is my duty, those are the rules, this is what G - d wants from me !"

I am just having a problem with the idea of living in and with a society. A society where the individual doesn't count. Where the entire existence stands for following the way of the masses.

Sudden Baalei Teshuva giving up themselves, their "ME" in order to fulfill their task in life.

But what about myself ?

Why did G - d create me with a personality when I don't really need one because He shows me the way ? Was I only created this way in order to live off my "Free Will - Bechirat Chofshit" ?

I think that there is so much more about life. Developing freedom but still fulfilling Mitzvot. A totally secular friend of mine once said that "following Mitzvot or rules and living in a frum society is a sign of people who are not able to manage their own lives". "Those people would need guidance because otherwise they couldn't make it".

In a way, my friend is right.

In the long run, getting overwhelmed is never such a positive way. After a while you may loose your excitement and then start questioning whether you are still a person or a robot.

G - d gave us this world in order to enjoy it. Enjoy it in a moral and Mitzvah frame.

Being religious doesn't mean giving up oneself !

איפה אני מוצאת את עצמי

ב"ה

כמה מחשבות על העולם החרדי ועל עצמי

http://www.tapuz.co.il/blog/userblog.asp?foldername=offderech

Shabbat Shalom

B"H

The main topic most people look at at this week's Parasha is "Sulam Yaakov - Jacob's Ladder". There are countless of commentaries available. However, the most important interpretation is that everything was a prophecy. One opinion says that G - d showed Yaakov that him and the Jewish people won't be under the supervision of the angels but directly under G - d's influence.

What we learn from Parashat Vayetze is also that despite all difficulties and evil Lavan, Yaakov stuck to his morality and to G - d. He did not give in to all viciousness and remained on his path.

We should take him as an example because as soon as many Israelis go abroad or Jews living in the Diaspora, they just become like the nations in many ways. Unfortunately we forget our uniqueness too easily. But not only in the Diaspora ! Just look at Israel and the secular world. It is so easy to get lost and sometimes I am experiencing this myself.

There are people who need to run on Shabbat. Hurry from one event to the next in order not to miss anything or fight their own loneliness. However, to me Shabbat means to relax from the busy week. I am glad when I can sit, relax, sleep or read a good book. I am not into running from one event to the next. I don't need all this invitations. Honestly, I find this rather strange anyway because from a certain age you should make your own Shabbat and not hang around with a strange crowd.

It is supposed to rain but in case it won't, I am definitely going out into nature. Just like the Breslovers but maybe not into such a quiet Hitbodedut, as there may be too many people around. If there is some sun in the winter, people just stream into the forests and parks.

All my life, I have been into books. For the past years, mainly into "Sifrei Koidesh - holy books" but, nevertheless, I do read worldly literature as well. History, Israeli and Arab politics (in Hebrew, written by Israeli army generals or other experts). I just bought a great book about the civil war in Lebanon. Despite all religion, we should not get lost into a total spiritual world but deal with the present as well. This is why G - d placed us here. To do Tikunim (rectifications) and to live our present. Take the Torah as a tool and try living it today.

Too many people spend their lives in their own ghettos and I am asking how they are able to do any Tikunim. Only with themselves ?

Separation is never too positive and even Yaakov went out living in an entirely different environment. This way we do Tikunim and not by locking us up.

Nevertheless, there are days when a lock is necessary in order to think and relax.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all readers !

Shabbat Shalom

Photo: Wallcoo.Net

B"H

"Dead Tired" - this is my feeling today. The weather change, not enough sleep, whatever. November is always a boring month. A least the Jewish month of Kislev has started. This already provides us a taste of Chanukkah, success and spirituality. At least, when I am awake.

What do we learn from this week's Parashat Toldot ?

Our foremothers were all barren but after all those years of long prayers, they finally became pregnant.

Do not take it too literally, as I am not talking about fertility but about the fact that we should never give up hope. "Hope" is also the keyword for Chanukkah. The Talmud tells us that even when we have the sword on our throat, we should still hope for the best.

Especially in our times, people look for something positive called hope. For the light at the end of the tunnel but unfortunately, many look into the wrong directions. I do not want to sound like a preacher but maybe we should concentrate on the source. The being which created us and everything around. His name: "G - d".

In bad times, we always remember Him. Admit. Even if you are the most secular person, as soon as you are in trouble you call out for G - d.

In good times, we mostly forget about Him. Why pray and for what ?

However, the Talmud also tells us that we should thank G - d for the good as well as for the bad happening to us.

Just imagine yourself as this tiny little point in the universe still being part of a whole entire world. You are a world within yourself. So, do not make yourself smaller than you are but start asking G - d for help. What do you have to loose ?

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to everyone !

Shabbat Shalom

B"H

The weather cooled down a bit but it is still going to be a warm Shabbat (25 degrees Celsius, something 80 Fahrenheit).

The Shabbat countdown has begun. People run to the markets and I am rushing back to Jerusalem this afternoon. Usually my Shabbat activities depend on my mood and this week, I feel like something quiet and spiritual. No big meals ( as I am on a diet anyway) and not being around too many people. Just something small and a Synagogue.

Israeli newspapers are always full of bad news and blood. However, this morning when I opened it up, a good news showed up right as a headline. Many Israeli soldiers are being sworn in at the square in front of the Kotel (Western Wall). This also happened last night with a unit called "Shimshon" but the event was different: As soon as a commander of the Kfir unit began to speak, the new Shimshon soldiers held up a sign that they did not join the army in order to pull settlers out of their houses but fight the enemy (called Palestinians, Iran, etc).

It looks like, despite all the secularity in our country, some people finally wake up. Not religiously but rather realize the importance of having a Jewish state and that we have to fight for it in order to protect our existence. Not only G - d alone is supposed to help us but we have to do the first step towards him and show action.

The Kfir commander said afterwards that obviously the soldiers did not know what they were doing and that the whole action was a desecration of the holy site.

This is wrong because the soldiers were a "Kiddush HaShem" and the only people desecrating G - d (Chillul HaShem) are those like the commander, our governement and others who want to be so terribly liberal and stupid. Those people will only realize what damage they have done when the Hamas is knocking on their door and in order to throw them into the sea.

It is unbelievable how Jews can be so ignorant and secular but there always is a certain point in life when many of them finally rebel. Rebel in order to protect their Jewish identity. This is what has kept us alive for all those thousands of years. An ability and strive no one can destroy. All the others left behind on the way seem to be the Erev Rav who are not included in the Jewish nation anyway.

I am proud that some soldiers and their parents finally made a positive point towards the Jewish nation.

"Shabbat Shalom - Gut Schabbes" to all of you !