Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem. Sydney, Australia; EU Hamas; USA Cuba;Chanuka

141219

19th December 2014

Shabbat Shalom, Happy Chanuka. I hope all my Christian readers are counting on their Advent Calendars - only 6 days to go!!!!

The news this week has been terrifying and confusing.

The dreadful and dramatic hostage situation in the very heart of Sydney, Australia caught the attention of the worlds media and of course of each and every one of us who has loved ones in Sydney. We watched every second of the long hours with bated breath, identifying with the hostages and angry that terror had travelled down-under to the seemingly immune society of Australia. It woke us up to the fact that none of us is immune to terror or to the fact that unless we either stand firm or bow down to Fanatical Islam this will grow and invade our every move, ever aspect of our lives. I fear for tolerant Moslems as I fear for Jews and Christians. Sadly as a result of the Sydney tragedy the Municipality came to the decision to cancel the public Hanukkah candle lighting at Sydney’s Martin Place for the first time in 30 years following the terror attack that killed two Australians.

As diabolical as the situation in Sydney was, it shows the incredible racism of the media that the murder, nay slaughter, of over 150 children in a Pakistani school.  The slaughter by members of Taliban barely made the headlines. Why? Equally the beheading of Christian children in Iraq was virtually ignored despite the emotional cry of Canon Andrew White. Why? For the same reason that over 200,000 Syrians have died already in a dire civil war; for the same reason that North Sudan killed hundreds of thousands of South Sudanis with barely a whisper; for the same reason that hundreds of thousands died of Ebola and not a word until it seemed to hit the USA.......... the media is racist. The world media is only interested when it touches their comfortable Western orientates audience because dying poor people don't attract advertising. It is irrelevant to the same media that virtually all the wars and ethnic cleansing in our world today are based upon fanatical Islam, they choose to blame Israel and convince the world thus.

Ask Jerusalemite Kay Wilson about terror. Kay has turned her scars to stars and yesterday she wrote  -" Four years ago today, Palestinian terrorists were hacking at Kristine Luken “Z”L and I with machetes. Simultaneously on that terrible day, Jewish people worldwide were studying "VaYachi" the Torah portion of that week. In this remarkable narrative, Yosef faces the people who tried to murder him. He looks them in the eye and declares, "“As for you, you meant evil against me, but G-d meant it for good.”  May G-d make good out of this heinous, senseless evil. 

May He do it for Kristine’s memory, for me and for my beautiful Israel.  May He do it for the sake of a world that has forgotten that humanity was created in His image.  Am Israel Chai".  http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=22229

After 54 long and vengeful years, the United States has finally made peace with Cuba. There are many Cubans who live in the United States who are saddened and angry at this political and diplomatic move. I know that it is hard to accept after their suffering, but, as an Israeli I can tell you that a cold peace is better than a hot war. One important outcome is the freedom of prisoner Alan Gross, who went to Havana on behalf of Jewish organisations to help the Jewish Community and was imprisoned. Maybe now the American administration will free Jonathan Pollard.

While the The Luxembourg-based General Court of the European Union ruled on Wednesday that Hamas does not merit the designation of Terror Organisation there are those who claim it is purely procedural. The problem is it is not perceived as procedural it is perceived as actual. Want to understand how they pull the wool over your eyes? http://www.idfblog.com/blog/2014/07/21/hamas-teaches-gazas-facebook-users-secret-spinning-terror/  Maybe the Court should have spoken to Gazans who return to the hell that is Gaza under Hamas. In this interview with Khaled Abu Toameh they go so far as to compare it to Iraq under Saddam Hussein. http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4948/palestinians-israeli-jails 

Remember the insistence of world leaders and of course the UN that Israel resume delivery of cement for the urgent rebuilding of Gaza (why rebuild such a brilliant location for sad news?) Well, it's tunnels, tunnels, tunnels again. http://www.timesofisrael.com/cement-for-rebuilding-gaza-diverted-to-attack-tunnels/

Dr Malcolm Hoenlein has long been my hero. Unafraid and outspoken, Malcolm understands the USA-Israel relationship more than anyone else. Here he talks about American Jews and their relationship to Israel. http://www.voiceofisrael.com/malcolm-hoenlein-insights-american-jewish-mind/?utm_source=ZohoCampaigns&utm_campaign=Dec+16+2014_2014-12-16&utm_medium=email

Chloe Valdery is a phenomenal speaker, lobbyist and verbal fighter for Israel she calls herself the Angry Black Woman......... but in a good way!!!! Chloe wrote this amazing poem for Chanuka http://www.cameraoncampus.org/blog/spirit-of-hanukkah/#.VJL1GSuUc0F

Not all the news is bad you see. Mugoya Shadrach Levi is now a Rabbi and it is official! Mugoya prayed for this day. This is what he wrote. "Dear brothers,sisters,friends and all well-wishers, shalom. Please share with me the happiness and responsibility given to me as the new Rabbi of Namutumba Synagogue,Uganda "!! Mazal tov Mugoya!!!!

Stephen Spencer Ryde came to Israel and as we sat together he asked what he can do to promote Israel in the media. Stephen was already writing brilliant letters to newspapers and media outlets in the UK and to any politicians that he felt were not fair to his beloved Israel. What more can I do? he asked. See the result. Stephen has become a prolific writer and proved what I have been saying for years - the power of one works. http://www.jpost.com/Blogs/The-Ordinary-Londoners-Letter-from-London/Letter-from-London-8th-Dec-14-and-16-Kislev-5775-384967

In my infinite ignorance I had never heard of Chazan (Cantor) Yosele Rosenblatt until we went to the theatre last night to see a play with the unlikely name of Rosenblatt Express. Apart from the fact that the play was outstanding I discovered Chazan rosenblatt. What a voice! What a story! What ................. listen for yourselves  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ8dYrbAIZA

Chanuka!! Festival of lights; significant battle for the right to be Jews in our own land; story of miracles and determination - after all the Greeks were not interested in killing us - just in denying us all the rites and traditions that make us Jews. They did not simply destroy the Temple - they defiled our holiest site.

Many Rabbis write that the body is compared to a candle and our soul to a flame. The connecting force between the two is the wick, in Hebrew, פתילה. This word, when the letters are shifted, creates the word תפילה, prayer. Such a beautiful thought that as we light an additional candle each day greater light enters our souls.

Our first night Chanuka was delightful. Firstly we lit the candles with Zvi's boys and families with a special treat when Ilana Podolsky came too! From there we went to the most glorious wedding in Tel Aviv, the daughter of our friends Esti and Eliezer Elkon. Eliezer really surprised us when he sang the blessings over the Chanuka candles - I thought Zvi was the only Cantorial expert in the crowd!!! Second night we went to the home of Roz and Eli Ben Tovim where we were delighted by the brilliant piano accordianist Uzi Rozenblatt and sang songs from way back when..........

In Jerusalem the Chanukiot (Menorot) are traditionally glass boxes and sit outside the homes, on a window ledge or outside the gatepost so that the world can see that we are Jews celebrating the bravery of a local family. Judah was the third son of Mattathias the Hasmonean, a Jewish priest from the village of Modiin. In 167 BCE Mattathias, together with his sons Judah, Eleazar, Simon, John, and Jonathan, started a revolt against the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who since 175 BCE had issued decrees that forbade Jewish religious practices. It isn't just about gifts and doughnuts it is so very much more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Maccabeus

This morning began with a delightful "Hangouts" call from London and my beautiful Stephanie and the three London grandchildren. It was like a huge injection of energy! I took Zvi to a performance of his choir, right in the centre of Jerusalem then went over the road to Givat Zeev, past the Prophet Samuels Tomb, where the glorious panorama of Jerusalem was shrouded in a gentle mist giving it an even more ethereal spirituality. Arriving at the bustle of Nehamas bakery and the conveyor belt of piping hot challot and gooey sufganiyot is so funny, but I survived the crush and carefully chose big, fat, jammy sufganiyot for the children. The children were out at their other saftas home so I actually had a few precious moments with my daughter - one on one!!!

Tonight Zvi's boys are coming to be with us and hopefully will also stay over. I love watching the childrens faces as they first light the Chaunuka Candles then help me light the Shabbat Candles. Imagine, if all the candles being lit for Chanuka and Shabbat brought enlightenment to our world. We are so desperate for some light, love, joy and tolerance to change our world and banish darkness, intolerance and the subsequent hatred.

I love making everybodys favourite food. We will begin with Kitchen Sink Soup - it has just about everything in it but the kitchen sink!!!!! Leek, courgette, lots of pumpkin, sweet potato, potato, a little parsnip and celeriac all finely diced then beans, barley, lentils added and cooked for hours. Real winter joy!!! this will be followed by meatballs, Boeuf Bourguignon and piles of rice............ and doughnuts for dessert of course!!!

The time is almost nigh and Shabbat is nearing. Zvi went to Mahane Yehuda to get some final items before he comes home on the light rail. Actually I know he will bring a lot of totally unnecessary items but he has so much fun walking through the shouk and cannot resist the incredible variety, the veritable cornucopia of delicious seasonal fruits and wonderful fresh produce. I am really kinda jealous!!!

I wish you and yours a truly wonderful Shabbat and Chanuka. Again I pray that the light of our candles with bring enlightenment to an increasingly dark world.

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem.

With much love

Sheila

By the way - if you want an explanation of the vagaries of Israeli politics and the upcoming election................ I am almost as confused as you are! Next week OK?

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If the media does not inform us we must inform the media

Sheila's blog http://shabbatshalom-theviewfrommyveranda.blogspot.com/

Facebook      Sheila Silver Raviv
Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   http://www.yurishtern.org.il/eng/content.php?id=17

Shabbat Shalom from Sydney

131129

29th November 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom from Sydney Australia

This week Zvi and I received some very sad news. A dear dear friend, Guiora Esrubilsky,  passed away suddenly and prematurely in Florida. The official obituaries will tell you that Guiora was the President of Maccabi World Union, Vice-President of the World Jewish Congress, Member of the Board of the Latin American Jewish Congress, Member of North Dade Committee AIPAC. For Zvi especially Guiora was an old and beloved friend alongside his wonderful wife Marta.  Born in Argentina Guiora, came to and loved Israel. He spoke a wonderful, musical Hebrew, with a strong Argentinian lilt, and promoted Israel and Maccabi in his every thought and word. There is an old Jewish saying that a man has three names; the one he is born with, the only his friends call him and the one he leave behind. Guiora left a fine name behind him. He will be sadly missed, personally and most certainly in the Jewish World where his determination to put forward Israel's case was unmatched. Baruch Dayan Emet 

We wish Marta and their children the ancient Jewish Blessing.  "May God comfort you among the  mourners of Zion and Jerusalem" (המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים, transliterated HaMakom yenachem etchem betoch sha'ar aveylei Tziyon viYerushalayim) May the family know no more sorrow.

David Horovitz has written extensively on the Iranian-USA-Western situation and its intricacies, here he elucidates on a complex situation made infinitely more complicated.   http://www.timesofisrael.com/when-the-us-let-iran-off-the-hook/

I fear that the talks promised a great deal but ultimately led to a return of the "overseers" of the Iranian nuclear ambitions - just as we had before when Mohammed El Baradei led the watchdog team that ignored the nuclear facilities built in underground bunkers - and El Baradei turned out to be a front for the Moslem Brotherhood. Who will be todays watchdogs? I pray that my cycism is unwarranted yet somehow the words of Winston Churchill keep ringing in my head - when virtually alone 75 years ago, he warned of the follies of Munich, his words are frighteningly relevant today "We have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences of which will travel far with us in history. Do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup" Thanks to Tom Gross for posting it.

Perhaps the most disturbing statement on Iran came from that well known democratic leader, Assad of Syria who said that Rouhani has succeeded in enshrining rights of developing countries to pursue nuclear energy. http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Assad-to-Rouhani-Iran-nuclear-deal-boosts-Tehrans-position-in-region-world-333312

Our dear friend Dr. Kimball Taylor's Children of Israel Foundation has a brand new website. I am so honoured that he has chosen to include the video of me showing you my veranda  - when scrolling down to my photo, remember to read of the incredible work of the Foundation.  http://www.children-of-israel.org/default.aspx

We left Melbourne for Sydney and I must tell you of our incredible adventures down under where we saw everything except Ned Kelly!!!!

For starters, as we headed to the hotel breakfast room we bumped into our dear friend Robert Simons! Robert, who like many of our Australian friends, was one of Zvi's original UIA young leadership which Zvi set up in 1974. Robert was in town for the meetings of the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University of which he is the President. 

On Friday night we went to the home of Saul Same for Shabbat Dinner. Saul, who celebrated his 96th birthday at our home this summer is one of our very favourite people in the world and it was a joy to spend time with him, his sisters, sons and grand-daughters. Saul Same - mensch.

Our next stop was a visit to the Country. Rolling hills, exquisitely manicured vineyards, amazing natural landscapes and a view that only Mother Nature could have created. The ocean, Phillips Island and most incredibly........ kangaroos (roo, jack, buck, boomer, Jill, flyer and of course the baby Joey) About ten in a field among the eucalyptus, the big Boomer standing to attention, watching his ladies and babies.

The next day we visited the heritage town of Maldon - created during the Gold Rush of Australia which lasted from 1850-1915 when all the men went off to war and there were no miners left. This is a particularly Australian situation since they have supported their allies in every battle and war, never reneging on their duties.The Union Hill Mine is in Central Victoria and we drove down into the belly of the earth and right under the town of Maldon. I particularly loved Ians pride in the fact that his mine will soon contribute to Australias impressive production of gold. We had an amazing time and were so impressed with Ians knowledge, then my delight was complete as on our way back to Melbourne I saw an entire flock of white cockatoos dipping and playing above a field.

Our visit to Melbourne ended with breakfast with Dr Paul Zimmet, who is hosting a 10,000 person conference on Diabetes this weekend and a delightful dinner at a vegan restaurant with Deidre and Keith Beville. Again the topic of the conversation, after our mutual grandchildren bragging, was the poor hasbara of Israel.

From Melbourne we flew to Sydney and to Kitty Hammerman's welcoming smile beside the baggage reclaim! We took the spectacularly scenic route to Peter and Kitty's home in Double Bay. 

We had lunch with Rabbi Jeremy and Mandy Lawrence who I have known since we were all  much younger, and now they are the Rabbi and Rebbitsen of the Sydney Great Synagogue and parents of 4 children! I am so proud of their incredible contribution to their community. Kol ha Kavod  http://rabbilawrence.net/frnt_1.html

Wednesday evening was very special. In honour of the first night of Chanuka, Kitty and Peter invited dear friends from the former UIA (Keren Hayesod)  Trendsetters and Young Leadership that Zvi established in 1974. Most were spontaneous invites and Stanley and Harold were there to represent the "younger generation" who today have risen to major leadership positions in Australia and in Keren Hayesod worldwide. 

The talk of old times was truly heart warming and Bobby came armed with old letters between himself and Zvi. Old photos of Zvi sporting a Viva Zapata moustache leading the "Yachdav" mission to Israel that bonded so many friendships. Fond memories of outstanding work and a time when it was easier to fire people up into action or maybe it isn't the times but the lack of impetus from head office to excite todays youngsters. In those days Zvi motivated people to be as excited as he was about Israel, Aliya and education, through his ability to convey his love of his country. It never fails to amaze me how a shared love of Israel draws people together and creates lifelong friendships. 

Few people within the powers that be in Israel understand the deep concerns of Israel lovers worldwide at the apparent lack of positive hasbara. In general it seems to be left to people like me, people who write newsletters and blogs; ordinary Israelis who "adopt" foreign journalists; writers who receive information that bypasses the official press office. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that the press office puts out excellent information mailings that are never picked up by an antagonistic media. I just miss Danny Seaman.

My gorgeous nephew and niece, Claire and Steven Bloom, are going to Buckingham Palace - just like Christopher Robin and Alice! An invitation to the Royal Garden Party depends not on aristocracy or wealth but rather on exceptional charitable and community work. Well done Steve...... I am inordinately proud of you and Cardiff is a safer place with your taking great care working with the local Welsh police. 

Israel lost a great singer/composer this week. Arik Einstein was more an institution than an entertainer and his beautiful songs will live for many generations to come.  

Ani ve Ata - You and I will change the world.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETqJxlBrQbc and  Ouf Gozal - fly fledgling (the story of children leaving the nest)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOpb-g_kF0k

The phenomenal generosity of the Aussies, the glorious scenery, the flora and fauna have made this visit wonderful, but I must admit I miss my view! I miss collecting my grandchildren from school and driving past the panorama of sparkling white Jerusalem from the Prophet Samuels Tomb and the hug at the end of my journey as I reach Rachel. I miss the scent of ethnic Shabbat dishes of our neighborhood; the garbage collectors, road sweepers, shopkeepers and passers-by wishing me "Shabbat Shalom" and the ever present aroma of freshly baked Challah. I miss our little grand-daughters blessing the Candles and Challah and Zvi's beautiful voice singing the Kiddush- the blessing over the wine- as we all admire the view from our veranda. 

Talking of Zvi, he and Peter "did an Oprah" and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I wonder if the Bridge developed a new height record when Zvi stood up  up! Tonight we went for dinner with Charmaine and Stanley Roth, Harold and Rebecca Finger and Robert Simons to put world to rights, feed the hungry, solve all Israel's problems and decide what to do about the Iran situation... and enjoy a giggle and chatter. 

Today we are going to the Jewish Museumhttp://www.sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au/ and then take a yacht ride in the harbour to absorb the exceptional aesthetic beauty of this city, thanks to Ian's unending generosity we will do so in comfort, well fed and cared for and with dear friends. Then it will be Shabbat again - even though here in Oz it is more likely to be called Shabbes!!! Shabbat dinner wherever we are in the world, candles, kiddush, challah and calm, friends and tradition.  

Chanuka, each day brings a new story and another candle. Chanuka - the time of miracles, lights, heroes and chanuka Gelt! By the way, do you know why we give Chanuka Gelt (Chanuka coins)? Apparently as an act of triumph the Maccabees minted a new set of coins, thus we commemorate their victory. Interesting eh? Here are 8 things to do in Israel for Chanuka http://israel21c.org/headlines/the-top-eight-things-to-do-in-israel-on-the-eight-days-of-hanukkah/

So it is time for me to choose a few songs for your delectation

We start with Nefesh b Nefesh Chanukahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdQ-dCue8

Wonderful children of Kinderlech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGraezJ3PYk

We wish you a joyful Chanuka, a happy Thanksgiving and a peaceful and contemplative Shabbat, remembering our blessings and forgetting our grudges. My prayer is that we will not need to be heroic yet again but rather that we will simply be accepted.

Happy 60th  birthday to Martin Lindenfeld - it was just a bit too far to come to give you a kiss! Martin received the best birthday gift in the world - a new grandson!!! Love you Martin - Ad 120https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-g5l17lsSI 

Shabbat Shalom, thinking of Jerusalem and that amazing view from our veranda

With love