B"H
I was running around through Tel Aviv tonight, looking for a "kasher le'Pessach" cup of coffee. The AROMA branches are my favourite but only one is "kasher le'Pessach". The one in Shenkin Street (downtown Tel Aviv).
The two "Aroma" branches in Dizengoff Center as well as the one in Gordon Street (corner Dizengoff) are not kosher for Pessach at all. Although one of the workers in Gordon Street told me that they are "half kosher for Pessach"!!! She said that they have both: Chametz as well as kosher Pessach goods.
It is not easy in Tel Aviv during Pessach ! So, I made my own coffee but still miss the great Aroma taste.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Edah HaCharedit and the "Birkat HaChama"
B"H
On Wednesday morning, the "Birkat Chama - Blessing of the Sun" was said all over the Jewish world. Only every 28 years, this blessing is said and it symbolically represents the position of the sun at the creation of the world. Halachically, every 28 years, the sun is in this exact position. According to science, however, it is neither the real date nor the position. The Rabbis chose this cycle because we humans are able to grasp the concept of 28 years. All over the world, the blessing was taken seriously and countless Jews got up early and said the blessing during the morning prayer Shacharit.
Here some pictures from the event:
The anti - Zionist Edah HaCharedit saying the blessing in Jerusalem / Mea Shearim
On Wednesday morning, the "Birkat Chama - Blessing of the Sun" was said all over the Jewish world. Only every 28 years, this blessing is said and it symbolically represents the position of the sun at the creation of the world. Halachically, every 28 years, the sun is in this exact position. According to science, however, it is neither the real date nor the position. The Rabbis chose this cycle because we humans are able to grasp the concept of 28 years. All over the world, the blessing was taken seriously and countless Jews got up early and said the blessing during the morning prayer Shacharit.
Here some pictures from the event:
The anti - Zionist Edah HaCharedit saying the blessing in Jerusalem / Mea Shearim
Third from the right: The Toldot Aharon Rebbe David Kahn
All pictures can be seen here:
http://bhol.co.il/news_read.asp?id=8995&cat_id=2
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Chag Sameach - Happy Passover
B"H
It has never happened to me before but there is always a first time for almost anything. I am not too much in a Seder mood and first thought about just sitting somewhere at the beach and doing Hitbodedut with a few Mazzot. I had some invitations but there is just no feeling and energy inside of myself.
What I finally decided, something last minute so to speak, was going to Jerusalem and doing some Seder there with a friend. Leaving Tel Aviv is always hard and I will be back right after the first holiday tomorrow night.
There are religious Jews who don't write on the intermediate days (Chol HaMoed) of Sukkot and Pessach. However, I do so and will let you know about some Pessach events happening at Israel's coastal line. About Jerusalem I don't need to say much, as most activities and events are going to take place in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Including the "Blessing of the Cohanim - Birkat HaCohanim" on Sunday morning.
The Archeology Park at the Kotel will be open but it does cost an entrance fee. If you want something for free, go further down, out of the Dung Gate and to the left. In the middle of the Arab village of Silwan, you can find the "City of King David - Ir David". In case you want a tour, it does cost about 25 - 30 Shekels. However, if you just like to walk around, it is for free and you can spend there a whole day.
In any case, I would strongly recommend you to bring your own food and drinks with you, as it is far too expensive to buy anything at the local stores.
If you are in Tel Aviv, go to the beach or visit the Hayarkon Park. The nearby city of Holon also offers lots of Pessach activities.
I am trying to get away from the pollution and instead do some hiking at the coast.
Whatever you choose, have a great holiday.
"Chag Sameach - Happy Passover" to all of you !!!!!
It has never happened to me before but there is always a first time for almost anything. I am not too much in a Seder mood and first thought about just sitting somewhere at the beach and doing Hitbodedut with a few Mazzot. I had some invitations but there is just no feeling and energy inside of myself.
What I finally decided, something last minute so to speak, was going to Jerusalem and doing some Seder there with a friend. Leaving Tel Aviv is always hard and I will be back right after the first holiday tomorrow night.
There are religious Jews who don't write on the intermediate days (Chol HaMoed) of Sukkot and Pessach. However, I do so and will let you know about some Pessach events happening at Israel's coastal line. About Jerusalem I don't need to say much, as most activities and events are going to take place in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Including the "Blessing of the Cohanim - Birkat HaCohanim" on Sunday morning.
The Archeology Park at the Kotel will be open but it does cost an entrance fee. If you want something for free, go further down, out of the Dung Gate and to the left. In the middle of the Arab village of Silwan, you can find the "City of King David - Ir David". In case you want a tour, it does cost about 25 - 30 Shekels. However, if you just like to walk around, it is for free and you can spend there a whole day.
In any case, I would strongly recommend you to bring your own food and drinks with you, as it is far too expensive to buy anything at the local stores.
If you are in Tel Aviv, go to the beach or visit the Hayarkon Park. The nearby city of Holon also offers lots of Pessach activities.
I am trying to get away from the pollution and instead do some hiking at the coast.
Whatever you choose, have a great holiday.
"Chag Sameach - Happy Passover" to all of you !!!!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Matzo Man
B"H
Reminder:
Don't forget to say the "Blessing over the Sun - Birkat HaChamah" tomorrow morning !!!
Food from Heaven
B"H
Do you know this feeling ?
It is Shabbat and someone comes up to you in order to invite you for a meal. There are times when the person does it because he knows or he likes you and there are other times, when the person doesn't know you and someone else asked him to invite you.
However, it can happen you go for a Shabbat meal and you simply feel that the host is not too keen on having you but wanted to do you or someone else a favour.
This feeling of being invited but actually not wanted would never occur at the Machlis family in Jerusalem. Invited or not, you just walk into their living room and anyone is warmly welcomed. You don't feel like being a burden and are just part of a family.
I know that nowadays hardly anyone has money anymore and I am very much aware that all of you are being bothered with junk mail asking for donations of all kind. The same is happening to me as well. However, once again, I would like to draw your attention to a new site of the Machlis family:
http://themachliscampaign.com/panoply.php
At least have a look because this might be the place for your next Shabbat meal in Jerusalem. Even if you are unable to help financially.
Do you know this feeling ?
It is Shabbat and someone comes up to you in order to invite you for a meal. There are times when the person does it because he knows or he likes you and there are other times, when the person doesn't know you and someone else asked him to invite you.
However, it can happen you go for a Shabbat meal and you simply feel that the host is not too keen on having you but wanted to do you or someone else a favour.
This feeling of being invited but actually not wanted would never occur at the Machlis family in Jerusalem. Invited or not, you just walk into their living room and anyone is warmly welcomed. You don't feel like being a burden and are just part of a family.
I know that nowadays hardly anyone has money anymore and I am very much aware that all of you are being bothered with junk mail asking for donations of all kind. The same is happening to me as well. However, once again, I would like to draw your attention to a new site of the Machlis family:
http://themachliscampaign.com/panoply.php
At least have a look because this might be the place for your next Shabbat meal in Jerusalem. Even if you are unable to help financially.
One Day before Pessach
B"H
Jerusalem is full of Jews from abroad arriving for Pessach. At the same time, thousands of Christians are spreading all over the Old City because they are celebrating Easter this week. Most Christians are staying in Arab hostels or hotels in or near the Old City. A rip - off place, as the Palestinians are aware of the tourist's desire to celebrate a holiday. If you stay at a hostel near Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate, the owner will charge you double or more for a dirty and sometimes even moldy room without windows. So, watch out in order not to loose too much money. And don't buy the so - called handmade items in the Arab market. The salespeople call it "handmade" but if you have a closer look, you will see the little sign on the bottom "Made in Taiwan".
Next Sunday morning, during the morning prayer Shacharit, the famous "Birkat HaCohanim - Blessing of the Cohanim) is taking place. An hour or so later, the former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu is giving a speech at the square in the Jewish Quarter.
I am spending almost the entire Chag (holiday) in Tel Aviv and thus escaped the Jerusalem pressure and chaos. And as most of you know, Tel Aviv works different; many stores sell Chametz (forbidden grains during Pessach) and the atmosphere may be not too religious. Nevertheless, Pessach is also vacation time and I am going hiking. At the coast, in the north ...
Chabad in Shenkin Street is offering some Pessach events. They even hung out a list with all the "kasher le'Pessach" places in Tel Aviv. A great idea and in case that you are in the "city which never sleeps", go to the Dizengoff Center or the Azrieli Tower and you find many kosher restaurants. Not everything is treife (impure) and, as I saw this morning, even the boycotted (by Chassidut Gur and the Edah HaCharedit) chain "AM:PM" is cleaning for Pessach.
The worst for me as an Ashkenazi is finding proper food during Pessach. Additionally, I don't eat Gebrochts which makes it even more complicated. Potatoes, vegetables, fruit, fish, meat and eggs. That's all.
Sounds like enough food but in Israel you need to pay attention: Many products contain Kidniot and sometimes it takes a while until you find something eatable. Especially cold meat, sausages or canned food.
At least I am not Vishnitz; otherwise I wouldn't be allowed to eat fish. Many (not all) Vishnitzer still follow and old custom not eating fish during Pessach because in the Middle Ages, fish was packed in the same bags as flour. Anyway, I heard that the Satmarer have the same custom.
Jerusalem is full of Jews from abroad arriving for Pessach. At the same time, thousands of Christians are spreading all over the Old City because they are celebrating Easter this week. Most Christians are staying in Arab hostels or hotels in or near the Old City. A rip - off place, as the Palestinians are aware of the tourist's desire to celebrate a holiday. If you stay at a hostel near Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate, the owner will charge you double or more for a dirty and sometimes even moldy room without windows. So, watch out in order not to loose too much money. And don't buy the so - called handmade items in the Arab market. The salespeople call it "handmade" but if you have a closer look, you will see the little sign on the bottom "Made in Taiwan".
Next Sunday morning, during the morning prayer Shacharit, the famous "Birkat HaCohanim - Blessing of the Cohanim) is taking place. An hour or so later, the former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu is giving a speech at the square in the Jewish Quarter.
I am spending almost the entire Chag (holiday) in Tel Aviv and thus escaped the Jerusalem pressure and chaos. And as most of you know, Tel Aviv works different; many stores sell Chametz (forbidden grains during Pessach) and the atmosphere may be not too religious. Nevertheless, Pessach is also vacation time and I am going hiking. At the coast, in the north ...
Chabad in Shenkin Street is offering some Pessach events. They even hung out a list with all the "kasher le'Pessach" places in Tel Aviv. A great idea and in case that you are in the "city which never sleeps", go to the Dizengoff Center or the Azrieli Tower and you find many kosher restaurants. Not everything is treife (impure) and, as I saw this morning, even the boycotted (by Chassidut Gur and the Edah HaCharedit) chain "AM:PM" is cleaning for Pessach.
The worst for me as an Ashkenazi is finding proper food during Pessach. Additionally, I don't eat Gebrochts which makes it even more complicated. Potatoes, vegetables, fruit, fish, meat and eggs. That's all.
Sounds like enough food but in Israel you need to pay attention: Many products contain Kidniot and sometimes it takes a while until you find something eatable. Especially cold meat, sausages or canned food.
At least I am not Vishnitz; otherwise I wouldn't be allowed to eat fish. Many (not all) Vishnitzer still follow and old custom not eating fish during Pessach because in the Middle Ages, fish was packed in the same bags as flour. Anyway, I heard that the Satmarer have the same custom.
Monday, April 6, 2009
America and its Muslim President
B"H
America and its Muslim President
Muslim greeting Muslim: Barak Hussein Obama bowing down to the Saudi King.
America and its Muslim President
Muslim greeting Muslim: Barak Hussein Obama bowing down to the Saudi King.
Two Days before Pessach
B"H
The Machane Yehudah Market in Jerusalem was full of people until late this evening. Everyone is running, cleaning and busy with the necessary shopping for Pessach. New clothes and shoes are being bought. The Jerusalemites are just storming into any kind of shop.
I did join a bit but have to say that "Jerusalem after 9pm" is a kind of boring. Although many shops were, due to the holiday, open until late, the famous Ben Yehudah Mall is just dead at night.
The Machane Yehudah Market in Jerusalem was full of people until late this evening. Everyone is running, cleaning and busy with the necessary shopping for Pessach. New clothes and shoes are being bought. The Jerusalemites are just storming into any kind of shop.
I did join a bit but have to say that "Jerusalem after 9pm" is a kind of boring. Although many shops were, due to the holiday, open until late, the famous Ben Yehudah Mall is just dead at night.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Is this MODESTY or DISINFORMATION ?
B"H
Do you call this MODESTY or DISINFORMATION ?
The Israeli litvishe newspaper "Yated Ne'eman" changed the picture of the new Israeli cabinett. Two women were simply cut out of the photo. Thanks to Photoshop !
The above picture is the original and shows the two female ministers Limor Livnat (Sports and Culture) as well as Sofa Landver (Immigration and Absorption). Right behind and next to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The photo below is the offical government photo from "Yated Ne'eman" where the women were cut out.
"Yated Ne'man" claimed that no female pictures are published in the haredi press and even Zipi Livni was cut out.
If you like showing female faces out of modesty, so don't publish the pictures at all but don't start faking ! Otherwise we may ask the question: What else are you censoring ?
Do you call this MODESTY or DISINFORMATION ?
The Israeli litvishe newspaper "Yated Ne'eman" changed the picture of the new Israeli cabinett. Two women were simply cut out of the photo. Thanks to Photoshop !
The above picture is the original and shows the two female ministers Limor Livnat (Sports and Culture) as well as Sofa Landver (Immigration and Absorption). Right behind and next to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The photo below is the offical government photo from "Yated Ne'eman" where the women were cut out.
"Yated Ne'man" claimed that no female pictures are published in the haredi press and even Zipi Livni was cut out.
If you like showing female faces out of modesty, so don't publish the pictures at all but don't start faking ! Otherwise we may ask the question: What else are you censoring ?
Trip to Gan Sacher
B"H
It is springtime; trees and plants are blossoming and I cannot understand why people stay at home on Shabbat.
I got up early yesterday, the weather was perfect and I spend almost the entire Shabbat afternoon at the Rose Garden inside the Sacher Park in Jerusalem. It was crowded though but worth seeing nature and enjoying G - d's creation.
Personally, I enjoyed it much more than sitting inside and chewing at a Shabbat meal for hours.
Here a few impressions I found on the Internet:
The Supreme Court in the back.
You can find the Sacher Park (Gan Sacher) near the Nachlaot neighbourhood. Located between the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister's and Foreign Minister's Office.
It is springtime; trees and plants are blossoming and I cannot understand why people stay at home on Shabbat.
I got up early yesterday, the weather was perfect and I spend almost the entire Shabbat afternoon at the Rose Garden inside the Sacher Park in Jerusalem. It was crowded though but worth seeing nature and enjoying G - d's creation.
Personally, I enjoyed it much more than sitting inside and chewing at a Shabbat meal for hours.
Here a few impressions I found on the Internet:
The Supreme Court in the back.
You can find the Sacher Park (Gan Sacher) near the Nachlaot neighbourhood. Located between the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister's and Foreign Minister's Office.
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