B"H
Next week, the national Israeli Holocaust - Memorial (Yom HaShoah) is taking place. The day is always depressiv for each of us. The whole day we hear about this only subject. Holocaust - survivors speak on the radio and TV, memorial services everywhere and in the morning, we stand still to a two - minute sirene sound.
Today's Israeli daily paper MAARIV reports about survivors. According to Maariv, today there are 250,000 Holocaust - survivors in Israel of whom 80,000 live below poverty line.
This is a disgrace for Israel. Offcials say that the government does not have any money to support survivor organizations and, therefore, has to make budget cuts all the time.
Here a video about the Holocaust - Day in Israel
Friday, April 13, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Eshet Chayil - the womens' role in haredi society
B"H
People meeting haredi women in the streets might automatically think of them as modern slaves to their husbands and haredi society. For outsiders, they seem to have hardly any rights due to the rabbis predominance. But how is the daily life of a haredit (haredi woman) and what does she think about her role ?
First of all, we have to differentiate between various haredi groups. The role of a haredit in Israel is not the same as the one in New York or London. Furthermore, there is a big difference between chassidic, litvish and modern - orthodox society.
For the haredit born into haredi society (who did not join the society later), her role already starts in her earliest childhood. At the age of three, they go to a haredi kindergarden and later join the haredi girls school Beit Yaakov. Almost each chassidic group has its own Beit Yaakov and even if there are other names for the schools, the systems remains the same. Litvishe haredim do have their own Beit Yaakov and do not mix with chassidim.
The Beit Yaakov system in Israel is very different from the one abroad. For example, in New York, Beit Yaakov is more open minded and more intellectual. This is one of the reasons why many Israeli haredim avoid marrying a girl from abroad. Some think that the girls might be too open minded. However, today many Israeli haredim changed their minds and do marry girls from abroad. Many times the reasons are money and a foreign passport. In general, Americans are considered as rich, and who does not want to live in the US ?
What exactly do learn haredi girls in Beit Yaakov or other haredi schools ? Also here we find differences between chassidim and litvish. In general, girls learn Torah, how to raise their future children, maths, geography, history and Tehillim (Psalms). The Torah level taught is not on the highest level, as you can surely imagine. Talmud is not taught at all and foreign languages such as English, are only taught in certain schools.
Haredim like to quote a certain Passuk from the Talmud where it says that men have different tasks in life than women. And the womens' task is not to study Talmud. However, we could discuss many interpretations of this Passuk but those women cannot, as they do not have the knowledge. However, the latest Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, decided that women do have to study the Talmud.
After high school, most girls are already getting married at the age of 17 or 18. Once they are married, they do not have to serve in the Israeli army, and also do not serve in the national social service (Sherut Leumi), as the girls from the national religious movement.
From the earliest childhood, hredi girls are being prepared for their future family life. The haredit should find a suitable husband, preferably a Ben Torah (a Torah student). I should mention, that many haredim have already changed their minds about this. At least among the litvishe haredim. There, the husband should go to work, earn money and not study Torah the whole day.
Nevertheless, in chassidic circles this is unacceptable. The husband has to study and the woman is earning the money and taking care of the household. The chassidim from Gur (Gerer) are quite helpful and support their wifes while the Belzer chassidim would only like to see their wifes earning the income and taking care of the house.
The main task of the haredit is raising the kids and taking care of the household. She should be the perfect Eshet Chayil and be very modest. Wear modest clothes and behave accordingly in public.
Besides her tasks she can have certain hobbies and go out. Usually the women go to shiurim (relig. classes). Furthermore, they join music groups and cooking or sports classes. They go on trips to cemetries where famous rabbis are buried or to famous synagogues. All events are organized by their own group and the harediot do stick to it. Each chassidic group has its own womens' organization for social services such as visiting the sick or collecting donations.
You hardly find any women in the haredi press. Neither as authors nor in articles about women issues. Photos showing women are strictly forbidden in the haredi press.
So far, your prejudices are probably being confirmed but there are harediot who have a different life. Not everyone is stuck in society. There are women studying the Talmud, even with their husbands. There are even famous wifes of rabbis. The wife of the former Satmarer Rebbe, Feiga Teitelbaum, was as famous as a popstar in chassidic society. Even men asked her questions.
The wife of a former Vishnitzer Rebbe advised her husband in many issues. In Chassidiut Belz, the wife of the Rebbe (Admor) should be an example for all the women. In Chassidut Gur, the womens' role is very limited.
There are academic women in litvish and chassidic society. Lawyers, doctors, professors, scientists etc. It very much depends on where you live, if the husband agrees and if society accepts it. Israeli harediot are less educated for two reasons: 1. They don't like to study at universities because of modesty reasons. At universities, men and women study toegether.
2. Most of them are not qualified for university studies, as the Israeli Beit Yaakov does not provide its students with higher education.
Now many of you will ask how those women suffer and still remain in haredi society. The common sense says that they should run away as fast as they can. However, your opinion about life is not their opinion. What seems best to me doesn’t mean it is the best for everyone else.
Whoever speaks to harediot will hardly hear the word "Feminism". They grow up in a certain way and never learned anything else which makes it much easier to accept their life style. They do not miss anything because they don't know anything else. In their eyes, they lead the most perfect religious life, and sometimes they do look down on the non – religious.
Neither world is perfect and as soon as a haredit starts to rebell, applies for divorce or is causing trouble in oher ways, she will be confronted with the mens' society which does not support rebells.
Each women has to make up her own mind in which society she will be happy. If there are no problems whatsoever, the women can be very happy and enjoy life. The problems only start when there is trouble. A rebellion against the system would never be successful or change anything. Convincing the rabbis is hard and sometimes it takes years or even centuries.
One thing should be very clear: In my home I can do whatever I want and it is no ones business. Not even the neighbour's business.
At the end, I should mention that I completely left out the sephardi women. In sephardi society is is totally unacceptable that women study Talmud or have an academic education let alone higher Torah knowledge.
People meeting haredi women in the streets might automatically think of them as modern slaves to their husbands and haredi society. For outsiders, they seem to have hardly any rights due to the rabbis predominance. But how is the daily life of a haredit (haredi woman) and what does she think about her role ?
First of all, we have to differentiate between various haredi groups. The role of a haredit in Israel is not the same as the one in New York or London. Furthermore, there is a big difference between chassidic, litvish and modern - orthodox society.
For the haredit born into haredi society (who did not join the society later), her role already starts in her earliest childhood. At the age of three, they go to a haredi kindergarden and later join the haredi girls school Beit Yaakov. Almost each chassidic group has its own Beit Yaakov and even if there are other names for the schools, the systems remains the same. Litvishe haredim do have their own Beit Yaakov and do not mix with chassidim.
The Beit Yaakov system in Israel is very different from the one abroad. For example, in New York, Beit Yaakov is more open minded and more intellectual. This is one of the reasons why many Israeli haredim avoid marrying a girl from abroad. Some think that the girls might be too open minded. However, today many Israeli haredim changed their minds and do marry girls from abroad. Many times the reasons are money and a foreign passport. In general, Americans are considered as rich, and who does not want to live in the US ?
What exactly do learn haredi girls in Beit Yaakov or other haredi schools ? Also here we find differences between chassidim and litvish. In general, girls learn Torah, how to raise their future children, maths, geography, history and Tehillim (Psalms). The Torah level taught is not on the highest level, as you can surely imagine. Talmud is not taught at all and foreign languages such as English, are only taught in certain schools.
Haredim like to quote a certain Passuk from the Talmud where it says that men have different tasks in life than women. And the womens' task is not to study Talmud. However, we could discuss many interpretations of this Passuk but those women cannot, as they do not have the knowledge. However, the latest Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, decided that women do have to study the Talmud.
After high school, most girls are already getting married at the age of 17 or 18. Once they are married, they do not have to serve in the Israeli army, and also do not serve in the national social service (Sherut Leumi), as the girls from the national religious movement.
From the earliest childhood, hredi girls are being prepared for their future family life. The haredit should find a suitable husband, preferably a Ben Torah (a Torah student). I should mention, that many haredim have already changed their minds about this. At least among the litvishe haredim. There, the husband should go to work, earn money and not study Torah the whole day.
Nevertheless, in chassidic circles this is unacceptable. The husband has to study and the woman is earning the money and taking care of the household. The chassidim from Gur (Gerer) are quite helpful and support their wifes while the Belzer chassidim would only like to see their wifes earning the income and taking care of the house.
The main task of the haredit is raising the kids and taking care of the household. She should be the perfect Eshet Chayil and be very modest. Wear modest clothes and behave accordingly in public.
Besides her tasks she can have certain hobbies and go out. Usually the women go to shiurim (relig. classes). Furthermore, they join music groups and cooking or sports classes. They go on trips to cemetries where famous rabbis are buried or to famous synagogues. All events are organized by their own group and the harediot do stick to it. Each chassidic group has its own womens' organization for social services such as visiting the sick or collecting donations.
You hardly find any women in the haredi press. Neither as authors nor in articles about women issues. Photos showing women are strictly forbidden in the haredi press.
So far, your prejudices are probably being confirmed but there are harediot who have a different life. Not everyone is stuck in society. There are women studying the Talmud, even with their husbands. There are even famous wifes of rabbis. The wife of the former Satmarer Rebbe, Feiga Teitelbaum, was as famous as a popstar in chassidic society. Even men asked her questions.
The wife of a former Vishnitzer Rebbe advised her husband in many issues. In Chassidiut Belz, the wife of the Rebbe (Admor) should be an example for all the women. In Chassidut Gur, the womens' role is very limited.
There are academic women in litvish and chassidic society. Lawyers, doctors, professors, scientists etc. It very much depends on where you live, if the husband agrees and if society accepts it. Israeli harediot are less educated for two reasons: 1. They don't like to study at universities because of modesty reasons. At universities, men and women study toegether.
2. Most of them are not qualified for university studies, as the Israeli Beit Yaakov does not provide its students with higher education.
Now many of you will ask how those women suffer and still remain in haredi society. The common sense says that they should run away as fast as they can. However, your opinion about life is not their opinion. What seems best to me doesn’t mean it is the best for everyone else.
Whoever speaks to harediot will hardly hear the word "Feminism". They grow up in a certain way and never learned anything else which makes it much easier to accept their life style. They do not miss anything because they don't know anything else. In their eyes, they lead the most perfect religious life, and sometimes they do look down on the non – religious.
Neither world is perfect and as soon as a haredit starts to rebell, applies for divorce or is causing trouble in oher ways, she will be confronted with the mens' society which does not support rebells.
Each women has to make up her own mind in which society she will be happy. If there are no problems whatsoever, the women can be very happy and enjoy life. The problems only start when there is trouble. A rebellion against the system would never be successful or change anything. Convincing the rabbis is hard and sometimes it takes years or even centuries.
One thing should be very clear: In my home I can do whatever I want and it is no ones business. Not even the neighbour's business.
At the end, I should mention that I completely left out the sephardi women. In sephardi society is is totally unacceptable that women study Talmud or have an academic education let alone higher Torah knowledge.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Chassidic Groups
B"H
After a long break I am going to continue describing chassidic groups. The next group I am writing about will be Seret - Vishnitz, and afterwards Toldot Aharon including its split - off Shomrei Emunim. In the near future I will continue with Satmar, Alexander, Karlin, Nadvorna and many more.
After a long break I am going to continue describing chassidic groups. The next group I am writing about will be Seret - Vishnitz, and afterwards Toldot Aharon including its split - off Shomrei Emunim. In the near future I will continue with Satmar, Alexander, Karlin, Nadvorna and many more.
Customs of Chassidut Gur
B"H
For an outsider, it is very hard to find out details about the customs of the Gerer Chassidim (Chassidut Gur). If you know them a little better they can be very open minded, but the main problem is that they do not have a website. Unfortunately, they do not publish anything about themselves online and though, remain to most of us as a closed group.
One of the reasons why they are not on the internet may be that they very much emphasize modesty.
However, eventually I did find out a few of their customs. I found some great books and I asked a haredit who grew up with Gur.
1. There is no special Sidur (prayer book) for Chassidut Gur. In the synagogues, any chassidic Sidur can be used.
2. They usually do not shave or cut their beards but let them grow.
3. The men like to roll their Peyot (side curls) around the ears or just tight them around their heads under the kipa.
4. The famous Chassidic gartel (belt) is only used on holidays and during the daily prayer service.
5. Their traditional long black kaftan (coat) can also be of the colour blue. Blue is considered as modern, however, it is not issur (forbidden).
6. The Shabbat coat (kaftan) has four buttons.
7. One of the former Rebbes (Admorim) made a decree which forbade unmarried men to sleep in a pyjama until they are married. They are only allowed to sleep in long johns (long underwear) and a shirt. Getting dressed and undressed is only done under the blanket – for modesty reasons.
I am not sure if this decree is still valid.
8. They do not have any special Pessach customs and keep it as everyone else.
For an outsider, it is very hard to find out details about the customs of the Gerer Chassidim (Chassidut Gur). If you know them a little better they can be very open minded, but the main problem is that they do not have a website. Unfortunately, they do not publish anything about themselves online and though, remain to most of us as a closed group.
One of the reasons why they are not on the internet may be that they very much emphasize modesty.
However, eventually I did find out a few of their customs. I found some great books and I asked a haredit who grew up with Gur.
1. There is no special Sidur (prayer book) for Chassidut Gur. In the synagogues, any chassidic Sidur can be used.
2. They usually do not shave or cut their beards but let them grow.
3. The men like to roll their Peyot (side curls) around the ears or just tight them around their heads under the kipa.
4. The famous Chassidic gartel (belt) is only used on holidays and during the daily prayer service.
5. Their traditional long black kaftan (coat) can also be of the colour blue. Blue is considered as modern, however, it is not issur (forbidden).
6. The Shabbat coat (kaftan) has four buttons.
7. One of the former Rebbes (Admorim) made a decree which forbade unmarried men to sleep in a pyjama until they are married. They are only allowed to sleep in long johns (long underwear) and a shirt. Getting dressed and undressed is only done under the blanket – for modesty reasons.
I am not sure if this decree is still valid.
8. They do not have any special Pessach customs and keep it as everyone else.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Back to Normal
B"H
We Israelis just finished Pessach and I am so glad that I can eat again. We ashkenazi Jews are so limited in our food habits on Pessach. As I learned for many years with Chassidim, I do keep certain chassidic customs as well, which makes it all worse. But after Pessach I am always proud of myself that I did it.
Actually the only custom I do add is not eating GEBROCHTS (Mazzeknedelsoup). I do not keep the Chabad custom eating the Mazzot from a plastic bag or not eating fish, as Vishnitz does.
Abroad Jews do have an additional day and they keep on celebrating tomorrow. Enjoy while we already line up in front of the bakeries.
We Israelis just finished Pessach and I am so glad that I can eat again. We ashkenazi Jews are so limited in our food habits on Pessach. As I learned for many years with Chassidim, I do keep certain chassidic customs as well, which makes it all worse. But after Pessach I am always proud of myself that I did it.
Actually the only custom I do add is not eating GEBROCHTS (Mazzeknedelsoup). I do not keep the Chabad custom eating the Mazzot from a plastic bag or not eating fish, as Vishnitz does.
Abroad Jews do have an additional day and they keep on celebrating tomorrow. Enjoy while we already line up in front of the bakeries.
Getting help
B"H
Of course, everybody wants his prayers to be answered. Each of us has special wishes he is praying for. No, I am not only talking about a lottery win but rather about health, a job, family matters etc.
Maybe one way to have our payers answered is that we start praying for others as well. If you go to the unemployment office, don't only pray that you are getting a job. Pray for all the people sitting there.
If you go to the doctor, don't only pray for your own health. Pray that everybody is being cured. We should take everyone into consideration.
Of course, everybody wants his prayers to be answered. Each of us has special wishes he is praying for. No, I am not only talking about a lottery win but rather about health, a job, family matters etc.
Maybe one way to have our payers answered is that we start praying for others as well. If you go to the unemployment office, don't only pray that you are getting a job. Pray for all the people sitting there.
If you go to the doctor, don't only pray for your own health. Pray that everybody is being cured. We should take everyone into consideration.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
The Splitting of the Sea in the Beit Midrash
B"H
A strange custom is taking place on the 7th day of Pessach. The chassidim of Toldot Aharon will gather in their Beit Midrash and throw water onto the floor. This custom represents the Splitting of the Sea. Then their Rebbe (Admor) is going to dance while standing in the water.
He is going to dance in such ecstasy that it is said that his soul (Neshama) is going straight to HaShem.
A strange custom is taking place on the 7th day of Pessach. The chassidim of Toldot Aharon will gather in their Beit Midrash and throw water onto the floor. This custom represents the Splitting of the Sea. Then their Rebbe (Admor) is going to dance while standing in the water.
He is going to dance in such ecstasy that it is said that his soul (Neshama) is going straight to HaShem.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Jews, Crusaders and Mazzot
B"H
I just finished reading the book THE CRUSADERS by Robert Payne. Whoever wants to know all the details about the crusades, the kings of Jerusalem and the battles with the Muslims should read this book.
However, the author entirely left out the murder of the Jewish population by the crusaders. The killings already started back in Europe and continued in Jerusalem.
After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Temple menorah was stolen by the Romans. Most people today agree that the menorah is being hidden in the Vatican.
Many years later the crusaders continued stealing Temple objects and sending them to Rome.
The present Israeli chief rabbis have been to the Vatican many times in order to speak to the pope. Until today, the Vatican refuses giving out any information about what kind of Temple objects they possess. Additionally, their library includes the greatest original works of the Rambam and other great Jewish writers. But no comment from the Vatican let alone a thought about giving it back to the real owners: The Jews.
A subject which always comes up on Pessach is the Blood Libel. During the Middle Ages, Jews were accused of baking their Mazzot with blood from Christian children. It is unknown how many Jews were persecuted just because this rediculous accusation. In last weeks Parashat Zav we were commanded not to consume blood. It is an Issur Deoraita.
How can other religions come to such stupid conclusions and make such false accusations ? Just read the Torah and see what commandments (Mitzwot) the Jews got.
I just finished reading the book THE CRUSADERS by Robert Payne. Whoever wants to know all the details about the crusades, the kings of Jerusalem and the battles with the Muslims should read this book.
However, the author entirely left out the murder of the Jewish population by the crusaders. The killings already started back in Europe and continued in Jerusalem.
After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Temple menorah was stolen by the Romans. Most people today agree that the menorah is being hidden in the Vatican.
Many years later the crusaders continued stealing Temple objects and sending them to Rome.
The present Israeli chief rabbis have been to the Vatican many times in order to speak to the pope. Until today, the Vatican refuses giving out any information about what kind of Temple objects they possess. Additionally, their library includes the greatest original works of the Rambam and other great Jewish writers. But no comment from the Vatican let alone a thought about giving it back to the real owners: The Jews.
A subject which always comes up on Pessach is the Blood Libel. During the Middle Ages, Jews were accused of baking their Mazzot with blood from Christian children. It is unknown how many Jews were persecuted just because this rediculous accusation. In last weeks Parashat Zav we were commanded not to consume blood. It is an Issur Deoraita.
How can other religions come to such stupid conclusions and make such false accusations ? Just read the Torah and see what commandments (Mitzwot) the Jews got.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
The Blessing of the Cohanim at the Western Wall
B"H
Tomorrow morning, at the end of the Shacharit prayer, the famous Bircat HaCohanim (the Blessing of the Cohanim) is going to take place at the Western Wall (Kotel). Here a video for all those who cannot be there live:
And here a link if you would like to see a few live pictures:
http://www.aish.com/wallcam/
Tomorrow morning, at the end of the Shacharit prayer, the famous Bircat HaCohanim (the Blessing of the Cohanim) is going to take place at the Western Wall (Kotel). Here a video for all those who cannot be there live:
And here a link if you would like to see a few live pictures:
http://www.aish.com/wallcam/
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
The Seder
B"H
The first Pessach holiday is already over. At least for Israelis. We only have one Seder which is enough for us. I don't envy the Jews abroad having two Seders (Sedarim).
Anyway I had a great Seder together with Chassidut Gur. It was a nice and warm atmosphere and I am glad I went. The food was great and I think that I need a diet now. I asked the chassidim and learned that neither Gur nor Bobov have special customs or rules for Pessach. They do everything just as everybody else.
However, the best things are always their teachings and I would like to share two teachings / thoughts from last night.
In the Haggadah we read the word "Nitzak" - We cried out....
The Israelites cried out to G-d due to their sufferings in Egypt. Only then He helped them.
From there we can learn that also today we have to cry out to G-d. Whenever we have a problem we should first cry out to G-d, as only He can help us. Afterwards we can still think about different solutions solving the problem.
Another thought from the Gerer Chassid Rabbi Shalom Mark:
Pessach is the holiday of freedom. When the Jews came out of Egypt they first had to learn again how to use freedom in a proper way.
What about us today ? Do we use our freedom in a proper way ?
The first Pessach holiday is already over. At least for Israelis. We only have one Seder which is enough for us. I don't envy the Jews abroad having two Seders (Sedarim).
Anyway I had a great Seder together with Chassidut Gur. It was a nice and warm atmosphere and I am glad I went. The food was great and I think that I need a diet now. I asked the chassidim and learned that neither Gur nor Bobov have special customs or rules for Pessach. They do everything just as everybody else.
However, the best things are always their teachings and I would like to share two teachings / thoughts from last night.
In the Haggadah we read the word "Nitzak" - We cried out....
The Israelites cried out to G-d due to their sufferings in Egypt. Only then He helped them.
From there we can learn that also today we have to cry out to G-d. Whenever we have a problem we should first cry out to G-d, as only He can help us. Afterwards we can still think about different solutions solving the problem.
Another thought from the Gerer Chassid Rabbi Shalom Mark:
Pessach is the holiday of freedom. When the Jews came out of Egypt they first had to learn again how to use freedom in a proper way.
What about us today ? Do we use our freedom in a proper way ?
Monday, April 2, 2007
Pessach Sameach
B"H
Have a great and happy Passover wherever you are.
Pessach Sameach ve Kasher.
פסח שמח וכשר !!!
Have a great and happy Passover wherever you are.
Pessach Sameach ve Kasher.
פסח שמח וכשר !!!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
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