B"H
Religious Jerusalemites love to look down on secular Tel Aviv and gossip. What's in Tel Aviv and who could live among all the leftists and secular ? It is rather like Sodom and Gomorrha.
But people let me tell you - It is not so. G - d is also in a place like Tel Aviv and there are actually many good people here.
When I tell the story about what happened to me a few hours ago, you might think that I am completely out of my mind. Nevertheless, it is a true story and it shows that Tel Aviv is not lost.
I was on my way to the Carmel Market near the beach when I decided to sit down in a small but very nice park for a few minutes. I sat down on a bench and suddenly noticed chassidic music coming from a certain building. Someone played a tape and everyone could hear the music through loudspeakers. I already had a thought but wanted to be sure. I walked around the building which turned out to be a synagogue. And whose synagogue ?
Chabad, of course.
As it looks very nice, I spontaneously decided to come back for Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night service). I always love it so see something new.
For tomorrow, I am planning to go to Bnei Brak but who knows. Maybe I will end up with Chabad.....
Shabbat Shalom to everyone and to those of you who don't know what to do tonight:
Just go into a park and hopefully you will hear chassidic music. Or to say it in Chabad - language: Even a place like Tel Aviv can be elevated !!!!!
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Jewish Meshiach (Part 1)
B"H
Religious Jews constantly talk about the Ge'ulah (Redemption) and Meshiach (Messiah) but how many of them are really aware of the Jewish Meshiach concept ?
Other religions believe in different aspects of a Meshiach concept. The strange thing is that other religions never deal with the Jewish concept. What are the conditions for accepting someone as the Meshiach ? And what is going to change in the future after his arrival ? Why have others claiming to be the long expected Meshiach never been accepted ? Why was the Christian figure J. never accepted ?
The Rambam (Maimonides) writes in his Mishna Torah (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) that it was Judaism teaching the Meshiach concept to the nations. Thus, at least, the idol worshipping nations learned about the G – d "Yud – Keh – Vav – Keh). In Midrashic literature it says that after the arrival of the Meshiach, other nations will say that they knew about the Meshiach idea but their ancestors interpreted it wrong and thus gave them the wrong information.
The following explanations are mostly based on the Talmud but do include some Prophet writings as well. Those who are planning to study the Book of Prophets should either have the Hebrew original texts or a precise translation. Most translations are wrong and thus, misinterpretations and false concepts come up all the time. The best example is the Book of Yechezkel (Ezekiel). Whoever doesn't understand its symbolic metaphoric language and hasn't studied the commentaries (Talmud Chagigah, Sanhedrin, etc.), might get some strange ideas about the context.
I am exclusively presenting the Jewish point of view without explaining other religions views.
The Gemara (rabbinic discussions) in Talmud Sanhedrin 97 teaches that before the Meshiach is coming, different events are going to take place. Nothing happens at once but in stages. After the Meshiach's arrival, two more stages are going to take place: the "Resurrection of the Death" and the "Day of Judgment". However, first I am writing about the issue of Meshiach. When exactly is he coming and how do we recognize him ?
The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97a as well as in Sotah 49b gives a description about the time right before Meshiach:
- In some parts of the world, people are starving and in other parts, people are rich.
- The wisdom of the Torah will be almost forgotten.
- Morality doesn't count too much anymore and everyone does what he wants. Younger people don't show respect to older people or to their parents.
- The generations is completely corrupt and no one says the truth anymore.
- There are going to be wars between the Jews (Israel) and other nations.
The Talmud commentator Maharsha said that the Jews will finally come to the conclusion that their only hope is G – d and that they should rather do Teshuva (repent). Historically, this already happened once – in the times of Esther and Mordechai. Throughout the centuries, people used to claim that there are signs showing that the Meshiach is on his way. And if you look into the Talmud you will realize that the listed events preceding the coming of Meshiach could fit into any time period. Don’ we have wars with the nations ? Isn't there hunger all over the world ?
The Rambam (Maimonides) writes in his Mishna Torah (Hilchot Melachim 12:2) that nobody knows for sure what will happen after Meshiach's arrival. The Prophets used hidden hints and our commentators can do nothing except discussing certain interpretations and ideas. Precise details are unknown to us.
G – d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. These six days represent 6000 years and it says in Talmud Sanhedrin 97a that our world is going to exit for 6000 years (6000 years according to the Jewish calendar). The Gemara also divides these 6000 years into three time periods:
The first 2000 years are the years of Tohu (Chaos). Later, Avraham was born and the following 2000 years were the years of Torah. The last 2000 years, however, are the years of the Ge'ulah (Redemption) and thus the coming of the Meshiach. And we are living in those last 2000 years. The Hebrew year is now 5768.
The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97a and many other commentators have different opinions about the events taking place towards the year 6000. There are those who see a partial destruction coming and there are those who don't see any of this kind. If there was a destruction, then Meshiach would be coming. Whatever, the commentator Me'iri has a wonderful explanation: The complete destruction is only to be seen as a metaphor and the real meaning is that pogroms are going to take place. A further explanation of the Me'iri: A total destruction could also mean that the Yetzer HaRah (the evil side in each of us) is destroying us. According to the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Second World War already was the predicted destruction and thus represents the war between Gog and Magog.
Each generation has a potential Meshiach. However, we and himself don't know anything about it and no one can claim that he is the Meshiach. If G – d considers a certain generation worthy of having the Meshiach, He would reveal him. The Gemara in Sanhedrin continues with speculations about the arrival. I don't want to list all the speculations because I do agree with the opinion that we should patiently wait and not getting lost in all the speculations. Usually someone is coming when you don't expect him and it is probably the same with Meshiach. There are opinions claiming that we have to count different Shemittah or Yovel years but personally I regard this as a waste of time. There even exists and opinion that if we are getting lost in too many speculations, Meshiach is going to delay his arrival (see Sanhedrin 97a and the Maharsha).
So, when exactly are we seen as worthy receiving the Meshiach ? The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97 ff. lists different opinions. One of them is, of course, that we should return to G – d. When the Jews return to G – d, they will find mercy (Sanhedrin 97b). If they don't return, G – d could force them by giving them a hard time in order to make them repent. It says in Malachi 3:7: First the people have to return to G – d and then G – d will return to them and redeem them. Furthermore, it says in Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) 3:14: G – d can force the people to return to Him. Even if they don't want the Meshiach, they cannot stop his arrival.
Result:
Ramban (Nachmanides), Rashi and the Maharsha said that G – d Himself has a firm date for Meshiach's arrival but the date is unknown to us humans.
The Jews can return to G – d voluntarily and G – d can force them to do so.
Part 2 will be following soon !!!!
Religious Jews constantly talk about the Ge'ulah (Redemption) and Meshiach (Messiah) but how many of them are really aware of the Jewish Meshiach concept ?
Other religions believe in different aspects of a Meshiach concept. The strange thing is that other religions never deal with the Jewish concept. What are the conditions for accepting someone as the Meshiach ? And what is going to change in the future after his arrival ? Why have others claiming to be the long expected Meshiach never been accepted ? Why was the Christian figure J. never accepted ?
The Rambam (Maimonides) writes in his Mishna Torah (Hilchot Melachim 11:1) that it was Judaism teaching the Meshiach concept to the nations. Thus, at least, the idol worshipping nations learned about the G – d "Yud – Keh – Vav – Keh). In Midrashic literature it says that after the arrival of the Meshiach, other nations will say that they knew about the Meshiach idea but their ancestors interpreted it wrong and thus gave them the wrong information.
The following explanations are mostly based on the Talmud but do include some Prophet writings as well. Those who are planning to study the Book of Prophets should either have the Hebrew original texts or a precise translation. Most translations are wrong and thus, misinterpretations and false concepts come up all the time. The best example is the Book of Yechezkel (Ezekiel). Whoever doesn't understand its symbolic metaphoric language and hasn't studied the commentaries (Talmud Chagigah, Sanhedrin, etc.), might get some strange ideas about the context.
I am exclusively presenting the Jewish point of view without explaining other religions views.
The Gemara (rabbinic discussions) in Talmud Sanhedrin 97 teaches that before the Meshiach is coming, different events are going to take place. Nothing happens at once but in stages. After the Meshiach's arrival, two more stages are going to take place: the "Resurrection of the Death" and the "Day of Judgment". However, first I am writing about the issue of Meshiach. When exactly is he coming and how do we recognize him ?
The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97a as well as in Sotah 49b gives a description about the time right before Meshiach:
- In some parts of the world, people are starving and in other parts, people are rich.
- The wisdom of the Torah will be almost forgotten.
- Morality doesn't count too much anymore and everyone does what he wants. Younger people don't show respect to older people or to their parents.
- The generations is completely corrupt and no one says the truth anymore.
- There are going to be wars between the Jews (Israel) and other nations.
The Talmud commentator Maharsha said that the Jews will finally come to the conclusion that their only hope is G – d and that they should rather do Teshuva (repent). Historically, this already happened once – in the times of Esther and Mordechai. Throughout the centuries, people used to claim that there are signs showing that the Meshiach is on his way. And if you look into the Talmud you will realize that the listed events preceding the coming of Meshiach could fit into any time period. Don’ we have wars with the nations ? Isn't there hunger all over the world ?
The Rambam (Maimonides) writes in his Mishna Torah (Hilchot Melachim 12:2) that nobody knows for sure what will happen after Meshiach's arrival. The Prophets used hidden hints and our commentators can do nothing except discussing certain interpretations and ideas. Precise details are unknown to us.
G – d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. These six days represent 6000 years and it says in Talmud Sanhedrin 97a that our world is going to exit for 6000 years (6000 years according to the Jewish calendar). The Gemara also divides these 6000 years into three time periods:
The first 2000 years are the years of Tohu (Chaos). Later, Avraham was born and the following 2000 years were the years of Torah. The last 2000 years, however, are the years of the Ge'ulah (Redemption) and thus the coming of the Meshiach. And we are living in those last 2000 years. The Hebrew year is now 5768.
The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97a and many other commentators have different opinions about the events taking place towards the year 6000. There are those who see a partial destruction coming and there are those who don't see any of this kind. If there was a destruction, then Meshiach would be coming. Whatever, the commentator Me'iri has a wonderful explanation: The complete destruction is only to be seen as a metaphor and the real meaning is that pogroms are going to take place. A further explanation of the Me'iri: A total destruction could also mean that the Yetzer HaRah (the evil side in each of us) is destroying us. According to the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Second World War already was the predicted destruction and thus represents the war between Gog and Magog.
Each generation has a potential Meshiach. However, we and himself don't know anything about it and no one can claim that he is the Meshiach. If G – d considers a certain generation worthy of having the Meshiach, He would reveal him. The Gemara in Sanhedrin continues with speculations about the arrival. I don't want to list all the speculations because I do agree with the opinion that we should patiently wait and not getting lost in all the speculations. Usually someone is coming when you don't expect him and it is probably the same with Meshiach. There are opinions claiming that we have to count different Shemittah or Yovel years but personally I regard this as a waste of time. There even exists and opinion that if we are getting lost in too many speculations, Meshiach is going to delay his arrival (see Sanhedrin 97a and the Maharsha).
So, when exactly are we seen as worthy receiving the Meshiach ? The Gemara in Sanhedrin 97 ff. lists different opinions. One of them is, of course, that we should return to G – d. When the Jews return to G – d, they will find mercy (Sanhedrin 97b). If they don't return, G – d could force them by giving them a hard time in order to make them repent. It says in Malachi 3:7: First the people have to return to G – d and then G – d will return to them and redeem them. Furthermore, it says in Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) 3:14: G – d can force the people to return to Him. Even if they don't want the Meshiach, they cannot stop his arrival.
Result:
Ramban (Nachmanides), Rashi and the Maharsha said that G – d Himself has a firm date for Meshiach's arrival but the date is unknown to us humans.
The Jews can return to G – d voluntarily and G – d can force them to do so.
Part 2 will be following soon !!!!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Perversion of Christian Missionaries
B"H
Messianic Jews / Christian missionaries become more and more mentally ill. Just have a look at the latest article on the "Yad Le'Achim - Site".
This is not the work of regular missionaries, this is the work of psychopaths.
Messianic Jews / Christian missionaries become more and more mentally ill. Just have a look at the latest article on the "Yad Le'Achim - Site".
This is not the work of regular missionaries, this is the work of psychopaths.
Bnei Brak instead of Mea Shearim
B"H
In fact, there are people who claim that the litvishe Bnei Brak is the home of more chassidic groups than the famous Jerusalem neighbourhood of Mea Shearim. The claim seems to be right, as Bnei Brak is the home of the Vishnitzer Rebben, the Rebbe of Sadigura, the Shomrei Emunim, the Gerer (Gur) Rebbe, the Rebbe of Alexander, the Spinka Rebbe, the groups Komarno, Nadvorna, Slonim, Zhvil, Skver, Lelov, Modzitz, Satmar (the followers of Rebbe Aharon Teitelbaum) and countless other small groups. Of course, the Neturei Karta also has its Synagogue. Furthermore, Bnei Brak is the headquarter of an organization from where I am planning to interview a person I know working there: the Israeli anti - missionary organization "Yad Le'Achim".
The next upcoming months, I am going to spend my Shabbatot almost entirely in Bnei Brak. Also in order to get to know different people and groups. Not only chassidic but the Livish as well. I am really looking forward to the change and also the change in mentality. There definitely is a mentality difference between the inhabitants of Mea Shearim and those from Bnei Brak.
For those who prefer staying in Tel Aviv over Shabbat: The Breslover Nanas invite people for meals.
And for those who prefer to remain in Mea Shearim: The Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe is gone to the States and won't give a Tish for a longer period of time. I suspect that the Toldot Aharon Rebbe is planning the same.
In fact, there are people who claim that the litvishe Bnei Brak is the home of more chassidic groups than the famous Jerusalem neighbourhood of Mea Shearim. The claim seems to be right, as Bnei Brak is the home of the Vishnitzer Rebben, the Rebbe of Sadigura, the Shomrei Emunim, the Gerer (Gur) Rebbe, the Rebbe of Alexander, the Spinka Rebbe, the groups Komarno, Nadvorna, Slonim, Zhvil, Skver, Lelov, Modzitz, Satmar (the followers of Rebbe Aharon Teitelbaum) and countless other small groups. Of course, the Neturei Karta also has its Synagogue. Furthermore, Bnei Brak is the headquarter of an organization from where I am planning to interview a person I know working there: the Israeli anti - missionary organization "Yad Le'Achim".
The next upcoming months, I am going to spend my Shabbatot almost entirely in Bnei Brak. Also in order to get to know different people and groups. Not only chassidic but the Livish as well. I am really looking forward to the change and also the change in mentality. There definitely is a mentality difference between the inhabitants of Mea Shearim and those from Bnei Brak.
For those who prefer staying in Tel Aviv over Shabbat: The Breslover Nanas invite people for meals.
And for those who prefer to remain in Mea Shearim: The Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe is gone to the States and won't give a Tish for a longer period of time. I suspect that the Toldot Aharon Rebbe is planning the same.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Who is gossiping about Belz ?
B"H
The streets of Mea Shearim and the nearby neighbourhood Ge'ulah were full of pamphlets. In fact, the streets looked like a garbage dumb over the holiday of Shavuot. I picked up one of those pamphlets in order to read what it says. The headline was: Mishmeret HaZniut - Modesty Police". The rest turned out to be something about Chassidut Belz but I couldn't figure exactly out what. Some people were accused of lying and that no one should believe them anyway.
I showed the pamphlet to a Vishnitzer Chassid and, the same as me, he couldn't figure out the context either. Then I met a Belzer Chassid who I know and he explained me the background:
A very small unknown chassidic group from Bnei Brak claims to belong to Chassidut Belz. And this group accused the Belzer Chassidim of lying and not accepting them as part of Belz.
This is the whole story behind thousands of pamphlets.
Why do some chassidic groups always try to get attention through something negative ? Where are the Talmidim Chachamim today ? Wouldn't it be a better headline writing about a new uprising Talmid Chacham instead of causing gossip over Shavuot ?
The streets of Mea Shearim and the nearby neighbourhood Ge'ulah were full of pamphlets. In fact, the streets looked like a garbage dumb over the holiday of Shavuot. I picked up one of those pamphlets in order to read what it says. The headline was: Mishmeret HaZniut - Modesty Police". The rest turned out to be something about Chassidut Belz but I couldn't figure exactly out what. Some people were accused of lying and that no one should believe them anyway.
I showed the pamphlet to a Vishnitzer Chassid and, the same as me, he couldn't figure out the context either. Then I met a Belzer Chassid who I know and he explained me the background:
A very small unknown chassidic group from Bnei Brak claims to belong to Chassidut Belz. And this group accused the Belzer Chassidim of lying and not accepting them as part of Belz.
This is the whole story behind thousands of pamphlets.
Why do some chassidic groups always try to get attention through something negative ? Where are the Talmidim Chachamim today ? Wouldn't it be a better headline writing about a new uprising Talmid Chacham instead of causing gossip over Shavuot ?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
"Shabbat Shalom" or "Shalom Shabbat" ?
B"H
"Shabbat Shalom" or "Shalom Shabbat" - this is the headline of a new Fakshvili (news poster) in Mea Shearim. And once again, the boycott of the Shefa - Market is the subject. The Shefa - Market belongs to the Israeli Dor Alon - Group and the company also owns the grocery chain AM:PM. Until the start of the boycott a few months, Shefa mostly attracted haredi customers but now many of them stay away. The reason is that the owner, the Dor Alon - Group, keeps its secular grocery chain AM:PM open 24 hours a day, including Shabbat. And through the boycott on Shefa, the Haredim want to force Dor Alon to close the AM:PM branches on Shabbat. So far, without any sign of success. There is definitely a need for groceries around the clock and most AM:PM branches in Tel Aviv are always full of customers.
Some time ago I heard from the haredi side that AM:PM also sells non - kosher groceries. Maybe I shouldn't admit it but I do: Already a few times I went to AM:PM in Tel Aviv and bought a few groceries. While I was looking through the shelves, I didn't see any non - kosher items. All groceries were either produced in Israel and had a Hechsher or were manufactured abroad but still had a Hechsher. Of course, the products from abroad didn't have a Badatz (Beit Din Zedek of the Edah HaCharedit or Chassidut Belz) Hechsher but they had some kind of a recognized one by the Chief Rabbinate.
Now, new pamphlets appeared in Mea Shearim and the Haredim call for an extension of the Shefa Market boykott. And everyone seems to see the Shabbat Menucha (Shabbat rest) in great danger. AM:PM branches are spreading all over the country and cause Jews either to work or to buy. Other grocery merchants would soon be ruined, as many customers only buy at the non - kosher AM:PM. And more and more factories would keep on working on Shabbat. Where is the biblical Shabbat commandment ? Where are G - d and His Torah ?
I don't have a satisfying answer to this question. Of course, there is a great danger that more and more factories start producing on Shabbat and AM:PM won't change its Shabbat policy. But no Jew keeping Shabbat would be animated to suddenly storm into the grocery chain to buy, neither would he agree to work on Shabbat. On the other hand, people who keep a traditional Shabbat fear about their jobs. If the boss decides to let his employees work on Shabbat what should the staff do ? And I admit that there is a danger of breaking Shabbat (Chilul Shabbat). Laws should be added and make the situation quite clear. But what if the jurisdiction doesn't care at all, and neither the trade unions ?
I have no answer and doubt that, at the moment, anyone has an answer to this issue.
"Shabbat Shalom" or "Shalom Shabbat" - this is the headline of a new Fakshvili (news poster) in Mea Shearim. And once again, the boycott of the Shefa - Market is the subject. The Shefa - Market belongs to the Israeli Dor Alon - Group and the company also owns the grocery chain AM:PM. Until the start of the boycott a few months, Shefa mostly attracted haredi customers but now many of them stay away. The reason is that the owner, the Dor Alon - Group, keeps its secular grocery chain AM:PM open 24 hours a day, including Shabbat. And through the boycott on Shefa, the Haredim want to force Dor Alon to close the AM:PM branches on Shabbat. So far, without any sign of success. There is definitely a need for groceries around the clock and most AM:PM branches in Tel Aviv are always full of customers.
Some time ago I heard from the haredi side that AM:PM also sells non - kosher groceries. Maybe I shouldn't admit it but I do: Already a few times I went to AM:PM in Tel Aviv and bought a few groceries. While I was looking through the shelves, I didn't see any non - kosher items. All groceries were either produced in Israel and had a Hechsher or were manufactured abroad but still had a Hechsher. Of course, the products from abroad didn't have a Badatz (Beit Din Zedek of the Edah HaCharedit or Chassidut Belz) Hechsher but they had some kind of a recognized one by the Chief Rabbinate.
Now, new pamphlets appeared in Mea Shearim and the Haredim call for an extension of the Shefa Market boykott. And everyone seems to see the Shabbat Menucha (Shabbat rest) in great danger. AM:PM branches are spreading all over the country and cause Jews either to work or to buy. Other grocery merchants would soon be ruined, as many customers only buy at the non - kosher AM:PM. And more and more factories would keep on working on Shabbat. Where is the biblical Shabbat commandment ? Where are G - d and His Torah ?
I don't have a satisfying answer to this question. Of course, there is a great danger that more and more factories start producing on Shabbat and AM:PM won't change its Shabbat policy. But no Jew keeping Shabbat would be animated to suddenly storm into the grocery chain to buy, neither would he agree to work on Shabbat. On the other hand, people who keep a traditional Shabbat fear about their jobs. If the boss decides to let his employees work on Shabbat what should the staff do ? And I admit that there is a danger of breaking Shabbat (Chilul Shabbat). Laws should be added and make the situation quite clear. But what if the jurisdiction doesn't care at all, and neither the trade unions ?
I have no answer and doubt that, at the moment, anyone has an answer to this issue.
Jerusalem before and on Shavuot
B"H
This time, no one can claim that I was lazy and didn't go to any chassidic Tish last Shabbat. However, all my energy and activities were in vain because no chassidic Tish whatsoever took place. Obviously everyone got ready for the coming Shavuot. It is a custom to study throughout the night of Shavuot and with a friend I went to the "Israel Center of the Orthodox Union" in Jerusalem in order to listen to some religious Shiurim (classes). A decision I soon regretted except for the great buffet with junk food and fruit.
The first speaker, a woman, turned out to be a complete failure, as she misinterpreted her subject. Already after a few sentences I realized that her speech will lead us to nowhere and decided to take a nap on the chair. The following speakers, two litvishe rabbis, on the other hand, were brilliant and my conclusion was that you shouldn't allow every woman who turns to be out the wife of a rabbi, to teach.
At 4 o'clock in the morning we went to the Kotel (Western Wall). Thousands were on their way to the morning prayer Shacharit and police as well as the army border police were guarding the entire way. We went through the Arab market and arrived without any difficulties at the Kotel. Although millions of visitors had been announced, there was still plenty of space and the line - ups were managed fast by the security staff. In the middle of the place in front of the Kotel, a Mechitzah (separation wall between men and women) was placed but not too many paid so much attention. This was more or less fine with me but what started bothering a lot was a group of national religious girls sitting in a big circle at the women's site. Approx. 25 teens with short skirts and no sox sat down and sung religious songs.
Halachically a woman is forbidden to sing out loud when she is accompanied by strange men. Only a married men is allowed to hear the singing of his wife or daughters but he is forbidden listening to songs of other women. This would arouse in him certain immodest feelings and, thus, his Yetzer.
A few haredi guys coming to the Kotel passed the girls group quickly and on their way they closed their ears. This, on the other hand, seemed a little too exaggerated for me. But I still asked myself why no one complained about the national religious sitting there and singing. Usually the Haredim are the first to complain about anything.
Suddenly a haredi woman showed up and started yelling at the girls group. If they are not ashamed of sitting here immodest and singing. The national religious first appeared to be stunned but then got up and the group disappeared quickly. They knew that the haredi woman was right but still couldn't really get the point.
One can say that the haredi woman was a religious fanatic but, on the other hand, she also was right. If you are at a place like the Kotel, you should behave in a certain way. And the national religious who claim to be religious should know Halachot.
Lately, the Jerusalem national religious girls appear far too immodest anyway. Short skirts, no sox, shiny colours and short sleeves. Okay, okay, I do wear pants and maybe shouldn't complain but still….The national religious should know better and realize that soon hardly anyone will consider them religious.
By the way, I did wear a long skirt that morning on Shavuot.
This time, no one can claim that I was lazy and didn't go to any chassidic Tish last Shabbat. However, all my energy and activities were in vain because no chassidic Tish whatsoever took place. Obviously everyone got ready for the coming Shavuot. It is a custom to study throughout the night of Shavuot and with a friend I went to the "Israel Center of the Orthodox Union" in Jerusalem in order to listen to some religious Shiurim (classes). A decision I soon regretted except for the great buffet with junk food and fruit.
The first speaker, a woman, turned out to be a complete failure, as she misinterpreted her subject. Already after a few sentences I realized that her speech will lead us to nowhere and decided to take a nap on the chair. The following speakers, two litvishe rabbis, on the other hand, were brilliant and my conclusion was that you shouldn't allow every woman who turns to be out the wife of a rabbi, to teach.
At 4 o'clock in the morning we went to the Kotel (Western Wall). Thousands were on their way to the morning prayer Shacharit and police as well as the army border police were guarding the entire way. We went through the Arab market and arrived without any difficulties at the Kotel. Although millions of visitors had been announced, there was still plenty of space and the line - ups were managed fast by the security staff. In the middle of the place in front of the Kotel, a Mechitzah (separation wall between men and women) was placed but not too many paid so much attention. This was more or less fine with me but what started bothering a lot was a group of national religious girls sitting in a big circle at the women's site. Approx. 25 teens with short skirts and no sox sat down and sung religious songs.
Halachically a woman is forbidden to sing out loud when she is accompanied by strange men. Only a married men is allowed to hear the singing of his wife or daughters but he is forbidden listening to songs of other women. This would arouse in him certain immodest feelings and, thus, his Yetzer.
A few haredi guys coming to the Kotel passed the girls group quickly and on their way they closed their ears. This, on the other hand, seemed a little too exaggerated for me. But I still asked myself why no one complained about the national religious sitting there and singing. Usually the Haredim are the first to complain about anything.
Suddenly a haredi woman showed up and started yelling at the girls group. If they are not ashamed of sitting here immodest and singing. The national religious first appeared to be stunned but then got up and the group disappeared quickly. They knew that the haredi woman was right but still couldn't really get the point.
One can say that the haredi woman was a religious fanatic but, on the other hand, she also was right. If you are at a place like the Kotel, you should behave in a certain way. And the national religious who claim to be religious should know Halachot.
Lately, the Jerusalem national religious girls appear far too immodest anyway. Short skirts, no sox, shiny colours and short sleeves. Okay, okay, I do wear pants and maybe shouldn't complain but still….The national religious should know better and realize that soon hardly anyone will consider them religious.
By the way, I did wear a long skirt that morning on Shavuot.
Photos from the Jerusalem Mall Ben Yehudah
B"H
The Ben Yehudah before Schavuot
Street shows - The bride who is still waiting for her groom.
A Kipa store in the Ben Yehudah
Bomb alarm in the Ben Yehudah
The singer who was fighting with Chabad on Pessach
The Ben Yehudah before Schavuot
Street shows - The bride who is still waiting for her groom.
A Kipa store in the Ben Yehudah
Bomb alarm in the Ben Yehudah
The singer who was fighting with Chabad on Pessach
Friday, June 6, 2008
Again a Holiday
Shavuot morning in Jerusalem
B"H
Shabbat is coming in soon and a day or two later we are going to celebrate Shavuot. Therefore, I am taking a short break and will only write new articles on Tuesday.
Most of the time I am going to spend in Jerusalem and I will let you know all about the Shavuot celebrations in the Holy City. There is nothing greater but spending the holiday here. Thousands of people are going to stream to the Kotel for Shacharit on Monday morning. Before, we study through the whole night and I hope that I can make it. Usually I always fall asleep at a certain point.
I heard that the OU - Israel Center has some good teachings. For those of you who are more into Carlebach and modern Orthodoxy: You shouldn't miss the Shiurim night with Rabbi David Aharon from Isralight at the Kol Rina Synagogue in Jerusalem - Nachlaot.
Last year, Rabbi Aharon taught at his Isralight - Center but was mostly promoting his books. So, my friend and I decided not to go again. Furthermore, only one Rabbi teaching comes out pretty boring, as after some time he always repeats himself.
This year, we try the Israel Center where every hour another Rabbi is going to teach. In between refreshments and some food are served. And hopefully no one is trying again to sell us his books.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach to all of you !!!!
Gut Shabbes and Gut Yom Tev to all of you !!!!
Invitation
B"H
Rabbi Yosef Yedidiahu Klausner invites everyone to his "Chanukat HaBait" - the opening of his new Beit Midrash and Beit Knesset (Synagogue) !!!
Date: Friday, 20th June 2008 - 17 Sivan 5768
Location: The national religious yishuv (settlement) Efrat near Jerusalem. Take bus no. 160 from the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem.
Details: The participants should be halachically Jewish or students in a serious orthodox conversion course.
Programme:
People arriving early can participate in a synagogue prayer service at 9pm.
10.30am: Blessings and short Torah shiur.
11.00am: Seven Hakafor and Kriat Torah
12.30pm: Lunch from the caterer
13.17pm: Great Mincha prayer
Afterwards concert until Shabbat comes in. Probably Carlebach - Style.
Rabbi Klausner was born in the US but has been living for many years in Jerusalem and now in Efrat (20,000 inhabitnats with Rabbi Shlomo Riskin as local chief rabbi). Rabbi Klausner got his Semicha (rabbinic ordination) from Rabbi Yosef Dov HaLevy Soloveitchik and is now opening his new study center.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Sometimes
B"H
Sometimes I am not here and not there. I am neither in the religious nor in the secular world. If this is happening, I need to go away and be alone. Then, I am dealing with anything but not with religion. And I think that due to this behaviour, I am unable to become a member of a chassidic group. I am too introverted and unable to survive in a closed chassidic group.
In the past, I always thought that it is only me behaving this way. It is hard to go to other Haredim and tell them how you feel. Often they look at you and think that you are leaving religion. "Off - the - Derech (Leaving the path)" is the expression for that. Someone is religious but does break certain rules. And many people already consider small things as "Off - the - Derech". On the other hand, I am simple happy to take a break, relax and enjoy talking to people without all this "Baruch HaShem - May G - d be blessed".
I need my breaks and I do take them. Even if there are people who do refer to me as "Off - the - Derech". Doing something else doesn't mean escaping from religion or G - d. Unfortunately, haredi society interprets it this way and there is no change at sight. The minds are stuck. One has to make a Bitul and only do G - d's will. You don't count but His will. This is the reason why we were created. And sometimes I am so sick of it and just go somewhere else where I can be "normal".
Normal, but not "Off - the - Derech".
Sometimes I am not here and not there. I am neither in the religious nor in the secular world. If this is happening, I need to go away and be alone. Then, I am dealing with anything but not with religion. And I think that due to this behaviour, I am unable to become a member of a chassidic group. I am too introverted and unable to survive in a closed chassidic group.
In the past, I always thought that it is only me behaving this way. It is hard to go to other Haredim and tell them how you feel. Often they look at you and think that you are leaving religion. "Off - the - Derech (Leaving the path)" is the expression for that. Someone is religious but does break certain rules. And many people already consider small things as "Off - the - Derech". On the other hand, I am simple happy to take a break, relax and enjoy talking to people without all this "Baruch HaShem - May G - d be blessed".
I need my breaks and I do take them. Even if there are people who do refer to me as "Off - the - Derech". Doing something else doesn't mean escaping from religion or G - d. Unfortunately, haredi society interprets it this way and there is no change at sight. The minds are stuck. One has to make a Bitul and only do G - d's will. You don't count but His will. This is the reason why we were created. And sometimes I am so sick of it and just go somewhere else where I can be "normal".
Normal, but not "Off - the - Derech".
Hiding behind Religion
B"H
There is no perfect society whatsoever in this world. If you get to know a different way of life, first you might be excited and overwhelmed; after a closer look, however, you also might get disappointed or just wake up. Welcome to reality !!!
Nothing is as perfect as it seems to be. I admit that there are ways of life which are better or, at least, more positive. Nevertheless, every society has its failures, mistakes and lacks such as child abuse, drugs, rape, theft, betrayal, etc. Haredi society is not excluded from these kind of problems.
A few years ago, I spoke to a haredi neighbour and she claimed that there is nothing bad in haredi society because everyone is haredi and so terribly religious and G – dfearing. Every negative aspect is just an invention by the secular press. A few weeks ago, an acquaintance of mine from Mea Shearim denied any society problems within her chassidic group. "Yes, of course, there are all kinds of problems but not in my group. Everyone studies Torah and is too busy for criminal activities".
These days, Israeli papers report about the self – appointed Rabbi Elior Chen who escaped to Brazil. The Israeli police were searching for him all over the world. Elior Chen is accused of child abuse in very severe cases. Now the police in Brazil arrested him and he is in jail. The papers claimed that the Neturei Karta hid him because Chen claimed that the "Zionist" police were after him but he was innocent. If the Neturei Karta was really hiding Elior Chen is now in doubt, as Chen presents different versions of his story. Fact is that he abused countless Israeli children or told their mothers to torture the kids, as they are obsessed by evil spirits.
Those Haredim I know say that the families and the so – called Rabbi Chen are people who became religious later on in their lives (Baalei Teshuva). And, ahmmm, they are sephardi Jews who want to be Breslov or think that they are Breslov but they are not. So, what do you expect from such people ?
More and more Jewish religious websites report about such cases. There are chassidic or litvishe Rabbis abusing children and how does haredi society react ? Well, the websites don't come to such a great positive conclusion. In case the child is getting molested by a Rabbi, so, who believes the child making such a claim ?
And, as we know haredi society, everything "strange" is considered a blemish. In many cases , the police are not informed just in order to avoid a public scandal. But what about the abused child ? If the public knows, other children might look down on the child and constantly pick on him. And who later wants a Shidduch with someone raped ? Therefore, many Haredim don't involve the authorities.
But times are changing a bit and finally there are some haredi parents calling the police. However, their number is still pretty low and the vast majority prefers to keep quiet. Especially closed chassidic societies, as the "Zionist" police are seen as an enemy and thus an intruder. The group members rather go to the Rebbe and ask for advice. As usual, children, raped women or drug addicts suffer most because they are simply left alone. There are social workers within haredi society but not enough. And who wants a social worker from the municipality coming to his neighbourhood let alone to his house ? What are the neighbours going to say ?
In order to understand the haredi reaction, you have to understand haredi society. Orthodox Jews react in very different ways; especially in order to protect their reputation. There is nothing worse than loosing one's reputation and becoming an outlaw. Therefore haredi society always tries to calm down everyone and thus avoid scandals published by the secular press.
Whoever is looking for haredi or even national religious insider news should either be part or have good friends within society. An outsider would never get certain information and sometimes even I have to ask haredi friends to call up others and get the required information. Haredi or religious society as a whole wants to protect its own society. Unfortunately, an individual is sometimes seen as less important when there is a greater priority: the continuation and the well – being of the group.
The main question is if I am entitled to do anything as soon as I am a member of haredi (or extreme haredi) society ? Am I allowed to break the law and then run to anti – Zionist rabbis keep me in hiding ? Can I justify anything when I wear religious clothes and pray three times a day ? As soon as another scandal is being published I feel ashamed and at the same time I am upset because some lunatics destroy the reputation of a whole society. And this Rabbi Chen has destroyed a lot. For me he is neither religious, haredi nor a rabbi but only a criminal without any intellect and brains.
There is no perfect society whatsoever in this world. If you get to know a different way of life, first you might be excited and overwhelmed; after a closer look, however, you also might get disappointed or just wake up. Welcome to reality !!!
Nothing is as perfect as it seems to be. I admit that there are ways of life which are better or, at least, more positive. Nevertheless, every society has its failures, mistakes and lacks such as child abuse, drugs, rape, theft, betrayal, etc. Haredi society is not excluded from these kind of problems.
A few years ago, I spoke to a haredi neighbour and she claimed that there is nothing bad in haredi society because everyone is haredi and so terribly religious and G – dfearing. Every negative aspect is just an invention by the secular press. A few weeks ago, an acquaintance of mine from Mea Shearim denied any society problems within her chassidic group. "Yes, of course, there are all kinds of problems but not in my group. Everyone studies Torah and is too busy for criminal activities".
These days, Israeli papers report about the self – appointed Rabbi Elior Chen who escaped to Brazil. The Israeli police were searching for him all over the world. Elior Chen is accused of child abuse in very severe cases. Now the police in Brazil arrested him and he is in jail. The papers claimed that the Neturei Karta hid him because Chen claimed that the "Zionist" police were after him but he was innocent. If the Neturei Karta was really hiding Elior Chen is now in doubt, as Chen presents different versions of his story. Fact is that he abused countless Israeli children or told their mothers to torture the kids, as they are obsessed by evil spirits.
Those Haredim I know say that the families and the so – called Rabbi Chen are people who became religious later on in their lives (Baalei Teshuva). And, ahmmm, they are sephardi Jews who want to be Breslov or think that they are Breslov but they are not. So, what do you expect from such people ?
More and more Jewish religious websites report about such cases. There are chassidic or litvishe Rabbis abusing children and how does haredi society react ? Well, the websites don't come to such a great positive conclusion. In case the child is getting molested by a Rabbi, so, who believes the child making such a claim ?
And, as we know haredi society, everything "strange" is considered a blemish. In many cases , the police are not informed just in order to avoid a public scandal. But what about the abused child ? If the public knows, other children might look down on the child and constantly pick on him. And who later wants a Shidduch with someone raped ? Therefore, many Haredim don't involve the authorities.
But times are changing a bit and finally there are some haredi parents calling the police. However, their number is still pretty low and the vast majority prefers to keep quiet. Especially closed chassidic societies, as the "Zionist" police are seen as an enemy and thus an intruder. The group members rather go to the Rebbe and ask for advice. As usual, children, raped women or drug addicts suffer most because they are simply left alone. There are social workers within haredi society but not enough. And who wants a social worker from the municipality coming to his neighbourhood let alone to his house ? What are the neighbours going to say ?
In order to understand the haredi reaction, you have to understand haredi society. Orthodox Jews react in very different ways; especially in order to protect their reputation. There is nothing worse than loosing one's reputation and becoming an outlaw. Therefore haredi society always tries to calm down everyone and thus avoid scandals published by the secular press.
Whoever is looking for haredi or even national religious insider news should either be part or have good friends within society. An outsider would never get certain information and sometimes even I have to ask haredi friends to call up others and get the required information. Haredi or religious society as a whole wants to protect its own society. Unfortunately, an individual is sometimes seen as less important when there is a greater priority: the continuation and the well – being of the group.
The main question is if I am entitled to do anything as soon as I am a member of haredi (or extreme haredi) society ? Am I allowed to break the law and then run to anti – Zionist rabbis keep me in hiding ? Can I justify anything when I wear religious clothes and pray three times a day ? As soon as another scandal is being published I feel ashamed and at the same time I am upset because some lunatics destroy the reputation of a whole society. And this Rabbi Chen has destroyed a lot. For me he is neither religious, haredi nor a rabbi but only a criminal without any intellect and brains.
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