B"H
Just a week ago, the two Israeli chief rabbis were visiting Germany, and according to what they said, they seemed to be very enthusiastic about German Jewry. I couldn't believe they that such a thing. Obviously, I am not the only one thinking this way, as different websites from Boro Park or Williamsburgh (both NY) agreed with me.
The main reaction of their readers was that apparently German Jews haven't learned anything from the war. How can they still settle in Germany and enjoy life ?
However, it looks as if the two chief rabbis were just visiting the main orthodox Jewish communities in Germany. Such as Frankfurt, Berlin or Munich. In those cities it is possible to have a Jewish life according to Halacha. You can find kosher stores and restaurants, but if you want something really kosher, you should rather go to Chabad.
Although Chabad is not very popular in Germany, they seem to attract more and more people. According to my experience, they are also the only one's teaching halachic Jews about Judaism and chassidic thought.
Before Chabad came to Germany, regular orthod. rabbis just demanded high salaries from German communities but didn't bother too much giving classes to the community members. Abroad we are used to all kinds of classes in any subject. Not so in Germany.
Chabad came and immediately the other orthod. rabbis saw in them a competitor. They started spreading rumors about Chabad.
Nevertheless, a few months ago, Chabad opened a huge community center including their own synagogue in Berlin. Hopefully, more German halachic Jews will learn more about Judaism and getting interested. That's already a great improve, as Germany is well - known for its reform movement.
This is also the reason why I stress the words "halachic Jews" in this article. The German reform movement is converting a great amount of Gentiles into their movement who are, according to orthodox thought, not Jewish at all. Well, when I hear the reform views about different Torah subjects I feel like I am listening to another religion anyway. A religion I wouldn't call Judaism.
I have two religious sites: this one in English and another one in German. Responses to both sites are very very different from each other. This site is mostly being read by Jews who know something about Judaism. Which makes it much easier for me, as I don't have to explain every word.
Responses to the German site are different. Most German Jews have no real clue about Judaism let alone the Jewish vocabulary. There my footnotes keep on growing.
Pessach is coming soon and it keeps on reminding me of my life in Germany during my last year before I made Aliyah.
I had lived in Israel many years before, then I had gone back to Germany for a little more than two years, and finally I made Aliyah. I haven't been back to Germany for almost seven years now. Baruch HaShem.
When I was still living in Germany, one needed to be an enrolled community member in order to get Mazzot for Pessach and join the Seder. In my small Bavarian town I wasn't a member which meant that I had to organize my own Pessach celebrations. I was lucky having a very good friend in Brussels and for the Chag, I went to see her. The Seder I had with Rabbi Menachem Hadad in Brussels. A sephardi Chabad Seder. We had a great time although everything was in French and I didn't understand too much. I had a great time but, on the other hand, it is very sad that there are such rules in German Jewish communities. And I am sure that if the two chief rabbis were living there for some time, they wouldn't be too enthusiastic any more.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
A Story from the Baal Shem Tov
B"H
The following Story from the Baal Shem Tov I heard from Rabbi Machlise's wife Henny:
Once the Baal Shem Tov was invited for a Shabbat meal by a poor farmer. The Baal Shem Tov told his students who were supposed to accompany him to eat as much as possible at the farmer's house. The poor farmer had not enough food but did not say anything to the Baal Shen Tov. Instead he decided to slaughter his only cow in order to provide enough meat.
The Shabbat was very delightful but on the next day the farmer was very sad. He had lost his only cow, and in order to get food for his family he sold all his belongings including his farm. After one week he went out into the fields, wept and started praying to G-d. He asked G-d for money and a livelihood.
After a while, Ivan, the drunkard of the village, came by and told the farmer that he was the only person ever being nice to him. And therefore, Ivan wants him to have his treasure hidden under a tree. Ivan showed the tree to the farmer and a few the days later, Ivan passed away.
The farmer became rich and he went to see the Baal Shem Tov. "Why did G-d not tell me about the treasure before? And you, great master, knew the whole time about the treasure and Ivan.
"Well, said the Baal Shem Tov, the treasure has been waiting for you all these decades but you never asked for it. In order to get something from G-d you have to pray for it. As soon as you prayed, G-d answered your prayer."
This we also see in Parashat Lech Lecha. Sarah and Avraham were waiting for children for many years but only when they prayed, G-d answered their prayer.
I wish everybody that all their prayers are being answered.
Shabbat Shalom
The following Story from the Baal Shem Tov I heard from Rabbi Machlise's wife Henny:
Once the Baal Shem Tov was invited for a Shabbat meal by a poor farmer. The Baal Shem Tov told his students who were supposed to accompany him to eat as much as possible at the farmer's house. The poor farmer had not enough food but did not say anything to the Baal Shen Tov. Instead he decided to slaughter his only cow in order to provide enough meat.
The Shabbat was very delightful but on the next day the farmer was very sad. He had lost his only cow, and in order to get food for his family he sold all his belongings including his farm. After one week he went out into the fields, wept and started praying to G-d. He asked G-d for money and a livelihood.
After a while, Ivan, the drunkard of the village, came by and told the farmer that he was the only person ever being nice to him. And therefore, Ivan wants him to have his treasure hidden under a tree. Ivan showed the tree to the farmer and a few the days later, Ivan passed away.
The farmer became rich and he went to see the Baal Shem Tov. "Why did G-d not tell me about the treasure before? And you, great master, knew the whole time about the treasure and Ivan.
"Well, said the Baal Shem Tov, the treasure has been waiting for you all these decades but you never asked for it. In order to get something from G-d you have to pray for it. As soon as you prayed, G-d answered your prayer."
This we also see in Parashat Lech Lecha. Sarah and Avraham were waiting for children for many years but only when they prayed, G-d answered their prayer.
I wish everybody that all their prayers are being answered.
Shabbat Shalom
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The wheelings and dealings of the Chief Rabbi
B"H
Once again, the ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Jonah Metzger is under attack. For a long time he has been accused of taking bribery and now the government’s legal advisor Menny Mazuz is planning to renew investigations.
Already after his election as the chief rabbi, Rabbi Metzger was very controversial. It is well - known that he is anything but a halachic authority and the only reason why he came into office were his excellent relations to Rabbi Eliyashiv.
His predecessor Rabbi Israel Lau had the same reputation and was even forced to pay back money he had received illegally. Rabbi Lau is now the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and running for presidency.
The last Chief Rabbi who was a real halachic authority and who took his job seriously was Rabbi Shlomo Goren. Unfortunately we do not have such candidates anymore.
Once again, the ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Jonah Metzger is under attack. For a long time he has been accused of taking bribery and now the government’s legal advisor Menny Mazuz is planning to renew investigations.
Already after his election as the chief rabbi, Rabbi Metzger was very controversial. It is well - known that he is anything but a halachic authority and the only reason why he came into office were his excellent relations to Rabbi Eliyashiv.
His predecessor Rabbi Israel Lau had the same reputation and was even forced to pay back money he had received illegally. Rabbi Lau is now the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and running for presidency.
The last Chief Rabbi who was a real halachic authority and who took his job seriously was Rabbi Shlomo Goren. Unfortunately we do not have such candidates anymore.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Whose fault is it ?
B"H
Some months ago a guy made a strange speech at my rabbi's house. The guy was at the end of his fourties and is originally from Canada. I have already known him for a few years but just by sight. I only know that he was homeless at the time when he made the speech. Now it looks like as if he has finally sorted out his life.
Anyway, in his speech he accused the rabbis and two different Yeshivot in Jerusalem of having destroyed his life. In none of the Yeshivot he got adjusted and the rabbis were not of a great help either. Eventually he left. He not only left the Yeshiva but also religion and became completely irreligious.
I wanted to get up and tell him something but I did not. The truth is that I did not want to get into a fight with him.
There are plenty of people complaining about their hard and depressing Yeshiva life. I know from my own experience that it really can be very depressing. However, as soon as I feel that I don't fit in for whatever reason, I do leave. I still have free choice. Either I am going to look for a different place or try to find friends or a rabbi to talk to. But giving up Yeshiva does not mean giving up religion.
I can understand that people might be disappointed from the system and its pressure but one can still keep Mitzvot and lead a religious life. Not everyone fits into the haredi or another religious society, however, one should try to manage his own life and not blaming everybody else when he does not succeed. Some people are simply not made for the Yeshiva life and have to learn to accept it.
Some months ago a guy made a strange speech at my rabbi's house. The guy was at the end of his fourties and is originally from Canada. I have already known him for a few years but just by sight. I only know that he was homeless at the time when he made the speech. Now it looks like as if he has finally sorted out his life.
Anyway, in his speech he accused the rabbis and two different Yeshivot in Jerusalem of having destroyed his life. In none of the Yeshivot he got adjusted and the rabbis were not of a great help either. Eventually he left. He not only left the Yeshiva but also religion and became completely irreligious.
I wanted to get up and tell him something but I did not. The truth is that I did not want to get into a fight with him.
There are plenty of people complaining about their hard and depressing Yeshiva life. I know from my own experience that it really can be very depressing. However, as soon as I feel that I don't fit in for whatever reason, I do leave. I still have free choice. Either I am going to look for a different place or try to find friends or a rabbi to talk to. But giving up Yeshiva does not mean giving up religion.
I can understand that people might be disappointed from the system and its pressure but one can still keep Mitzvot and lead a religious life. Not everyone fits into the haredi or another religious society, however, one should try to manage his own life and not blaming everybody else when he does not succeed. Some people are simply not made for the Yeshiva life and have to learn to accept it.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Pessach - Seder in Jerusalem
B"H
If anyone of you is spending Pessach in Jerusalem and does not yet have a place for the Seder (either first or second night) can contact me:
miriam_woelke@nana.co.il
There are different places offering a Seder (strictly orthodox or chassidic) and everyone is invited.
If anyone of you is spending Pessach in Jerusalem and does not yet have a place for the Seder (either first or second night) can contact me:
miriam_woelke@nana.co.il
There are different places offering a Seder (strictly orthodox or chassidic) and everyone is invited.
Religious....to be or not to be ???
B"H
For whatever reason some people think that becoming or being religious means giving up all the pleasures in life. Only wearing black suits and hats, no more cheeseburgers and living in a religious ghetto. They only look at the negative side, see the amount of 613 Mitzwot and decide that this is just too much for them.
Becoming religious is usually a long process which can take many years. You should not decide to become religious at once, put a kipa your head and try to keep all the Mitzwot (today we are only able to keep about 70 from the 613 Mitzwot, as most of the others apply to the Cohanim and the Temple service).
If you rush you are in danger of getting depressed very soon, as I know very well from my own experience. You will not be Mrs or Mr Mea Shearim within a few days.
At a Yom Kippur class I learned from a rabbi that if you pick yourself 1 Mitzwa and keep it, you are already being considered orthodox. After keeping this particular Mitzwa you might choose doing another one after some time.
But do give it time and choose the right rabbi. Do not be upset about having bads days and not succeeding in anything. As Rabbi Nachman of Breslov taught: "Tomorrow is a new day."
Concentrate on the positive side. After some time of learning and doing, many people start understanding the Mitzwot and their inner meanings.
Each of us has a different approach to Judaism. Some succeed very easily in becoming religious and for others it seems to take ages.
There are people who get closer to Judaism by learning Torah, others start with Talmud or Chassidut let alone Kabbalah. Everyone according to his neshama (soul).
It is important to choose your own pace and if you succeed at your level you might realize that being religious does not mean loosing all the pleasures in life
For whatever reason some people think that becoming or being religious means giving up all the pleasures in life. Only wearing black suits and hats, no more cheeseburgers and living in a religious ghetto. They only look at the negative side, see the amount of 613 Mitzwot and decide that this is just too much for them.
Becoming religious is usually a long process which can take many years. You should not decide to become religious at once, put a kipa your head and try to keep all the Mitzwot (today we are only able to keep about 70 from the 613 Mitzwot, as most of the others apply to the Cohanim and the Temple service).
If you rush you are in danger of getting depressed very soon, as I know very well from my own experience. You will not be Mrs or Mr Mea Shearim within a few days.
At a Yom Kippur class I learned from a rabbi that if you pick yourself 1 Mitzwa and keep it, you are already being considered orthodox. After keeping this particular Mitzwa you might choose doing another one after some time.
But do give it time and choose the right rabbi. Do not be upset about having bads days and not succeeding in anything. As Rabbi Nachman of Breslov taught: "Tomorrow is a new day."
Concentrate on the positive side. After some time of learning and doing, many people start understanding the Mitzwot and their inner meanings.
Each of us has a different approach to Judaism. Some succeed very easily in becoming religious and for others it seems to take ages.
There are people who get closer to Judaism by learning Torah, others start with Talmud or Chassidut let alone Kabbalah. Everyone according to his neshama (soul).
It is important to choose your own pace and if you succeed at your level you might realize that being religious does not mean loosing all the pleasures in life
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Sikarikim
B"H
Not only at the time of the Second Temple, the Sikarikim made headlines. Even today they are having a real revival in Mea Shearim.
For all those who have never heard about them: 2000 years ago, the Sikarikim were a Jewish radical group fighting the Romans and even other Jews who supported the Roman occupation.
Nowadays there are a few of them in the ultra - orthodox neighbourhood Mea Shearim in Jerusalem. Only very few people know their identity.
Last October they were accused of throwing bleach onto chassidic modestly dressed women walking around in the Ge'ulah / Mea Shearim neighbourhood. The attacks were not against the women themselves but rather a demonstration against the so - called immodest clothing stores in the hood. The very ultra - orthodox consider clothing stores where men and women can enter together as immodest. Certain stores received warnings that they should only allow either men or women into the store. However, shops which did not take the warnings too seriously were burned down.
After a few months of peace, the Sikarikim took more action last week. They stoned the deputy mayors' car in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood. The deputy mayor went to the Police but, so far, no one got arrested.
Not only at the time of the Second Temple, the Sikarikim made headlines. Even today they are having a real revival in Mea Shearim.
For all those who have never heard about them: 2000 years ago, the Sikarikim were a Jewish radical group fighting the Romans and even other Jews who supported the Roman occupation.
Nowadays there are a few of them in the ultra - orthodox neighbourhood Mea Shearim in Jerusalem. Only very few people know their identity.
Last October they were accused of throwing bleach onto chassidic modestly dressed women walking around in the Ge'ulah / Mea Shearim neighbourhood. The attacks were not against the women themselves but rather a demonstration against the so - called immodest clothing stores in the hood. The very ultra - orthodox consider clothing stores where men and women can enter together as immodest. Certain stores received warnings that they should only allow either men or women into the store. However, shops which did not take the warnings too seriously were burned down.
After a few months of peace, the Sikarikim took more action last week. They stoned the deputy mayors' car in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood. The deputy mayor went to the Police but, so far, no one got arrested.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Shabbat in Jerusalem
B"H
I know many people who come here as tourists for 1 - year - programmes and experience Shabbat in Jerusalem for the first time in their lifes. The same happened to me after I immigrated from Germany to Israel.
Shabbat in Jerusalem is very different from the Shabbatot abroad. Especially when you go to the Kotel, the Western Wall. Usually there are huge Shabbat celebrations with all kinds of Yeshiva students. Singing, dancing and afterwards the "most important" thing takes place: the Shabbat dinner placement.
It is almost impossible going to the Wall and not being invited by strangers for a Shabbat meal. People tell me that abroad this does not exist. I know that myself.
In case no one is coming up to you with an invitation, just place yourself at the water fountain at the men's side in front of the Wall and you will meet Jeff Seidel who is definitely getting you a placement. If not Jeff so his colleague Rabbi Schuster.
The same procedure on Shabbat morning: Meet Jeff at the fountain or just look around at noon and you will find Rabbi Mordechai Machlis doing a public Kiddush for anybody right in front of the Wall. Then he will ask you to join him and his family for lunch. Walk with him for about half an hour into the new city and you will have the most wonderful Shabbat experience. Never leave Jerusalem without going to the Machlis family at least once.
For the third meal there are two great places which I can recommend:
1. Rabbi Shalom Brod with Carlebach - Style and
2. Rabbi Me'ir Weiner.
The very special thing in Jerusalem is that you will never be alone. There are always people to celebrate with and for the places I mentioned, you do not need to be religious. Just be yourself.
I know many people who come here as tourists for 1 - year - programmes and experience Shabbat in Jerusalem for the first time in their lifes. The same happened to me after I immigrated from Germany to Israel.
Shabbat in Jerusalem is very different from the Shabbatot abroad. Especially when you go to the Kotel, the Western Wall. Usually there are huge Shabbat celebrations with all kinds of Yeshiva students. Singing, dancing and afterwards the "most important" thing takes place: the Shabbat dinner placement.
It is almost impossible going to the Wall and not being invited by strangers for a Shabbat meal. People tell me that abroad this does not exist. I know that myself.
In case no one is coming up to you with an invitation, just place yourself at the water fountain at the men's side in front of the Wall and you will meet Jeff Seidel who is definitely getting you a placement. If not Jeff so his colleague Rabbi Schuster.
The same procedure on Shabbat morning: Meet Jeff at the fountain or just look around at noon and you will find Rabbi Mordechai Machlis doing a public Kiddush for anybody right in front of the Wall. Then he will ask you to join him and his family for lunch. Walk with him for about half an hour into the new city and you will have the most wonderful Shabbat experience. Never leave Jerusalem without going to the Machlis family at least once.
For the third meal there are two great places which I can recommend:
1. Rabbi Shalom Brod with Carlebach - Style and
2. Rabbi Me'ir Weiner.
The very special thing in Jerusalem is that you will never be alone. There are always people to celebrate with and for the places I mentioned, you do not need to be religious. Just be yourself.
Teaching from the Baal Shem Tov
B"H
A man is where his thoughts are; if they are in the upper worlds, so is he. If they are in the lower worlds, so is he.
A man is where his thoughts are; if they are in the upper worlds, so is he. If they are in the lower worlds, so is he.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
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