Letter from Jerusalem - 18 years Chaver

131014

14^th October 2013

Remembering a Prime Minister and praying for the future

It is 18 years since an Israeli Prime Minister was assassinated by a Jewish extremist sending the entire country into a tail spin of emotions.

Did Israeli leaders lose the quest for peace through fear of the consequences? No. Unequivocally no. We still search for peace, we still offer peace, we still desire and prepare for peace but our neighbours believe that the killing of a Prime Minister who wanted peace revealed our Achilles heel and we will give them whatever they wish expecting nothing in return. Our strength is in our determination for a better life for our grandchildren and the day we give up that determination we lose our battle.

I loved and admired Yitzchak Rabin. He was a hero, a soldier, a leader and nothing whatsoever like the revised version that the far left try to impose upon us. Yitzchak Rabin was a proud Israeli who cared first and foremost about the security of this wonderful country and put his life on the line for us many times, leading his troops to phenomenal victories and giving us, the world, the most famous photograph of Israel's history as he walked through the Lion's Gate toward the Western Wall in June 1967.

Last night was the Hebrew anniversary of his death and the traditional gathering in Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, took place at the site of his assassination after singing Shir l'Shalom smaller each year but still strong.

18 years. 18 years have passed, 18 years since we lost a hero, 18 years in which the left re-wrote his history, 18 years since Israel lost her innocence.

This is what I wrote in my Shabbat Shalom letter three years ago

Incredibly on November 4th it will be 15 years since Yitzchak Rabin's assassination. The Hebrew date just passed with a large gathering in his memory but for me it is the dreadful date of the 4th of November that I remember.
Just ten days prior we stood listening to him speak before a crowded Rotunda, the Hall linking the Senate and the House, as we celebrated the opening of the United States Jerusalem 3,000 celebrations. The day was especially historic since the previous day, as my husband sat in the gallery, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem!
Just ten days prior to his death I received my last hug from this shy, exceptional man who preferred his “wounded soldier” citizen to the room full of politicians.
Just ten days prior to his death when Israel felt invincible from without and within.
Just ten days before a Jew raised his gun and took away not only a Prime Minister but our innocence and our invincibility.
I find it odd that the left have made him their symbol, although he was far from left-wing; the press has chosen him as their idol although he would have shown them his feet of clay, and the right have vilified him for deeds he never did.
Yitzchak Rabin, son of Rosa Cohen, was the archetypal soldier; Israeli; Sabra; hero; man, and I miss his shy disposition and humility horribly.
May his soul rest in peace, his memory be preserved and his prayer for a safe and secure Israel be fulfilled.

As the Knesset opened its Winter Session today, the Prime Minister spoke eloquently and the Arab Members of Knesset heckled him unashamedly about their lack of freedom. Life goes on, Prime Ministers come and go and our neighbours still hate us. It takes great courage to forge a relationship that can lead to a tenable future, courage and willingness to face disparagement.

May his soul rest in peace, his desires for this amazing country be fulfilled and his memory be honoured without revision as the incredible man he was. It was his pride in Israel and his honesty that drew world leaders to love him, a rare and beautiful thing in the world of politics and probably the most important aspect of policy toward Israel.

With love

Shabbat Shalom letter - Nobel Prizes, Jerusalem elections, Don Giovanni in Jerusalem

131011

11^th October 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

Such a strange week, in a world of strange weeks. A week filled with oxymorons like “Arab Democracy” , of Israelis who won Nobels prizes for Chemistry as Americans, of a phenomenal young girl who fought the horrific religious powers in Pakistan was pipped at the post for the Nobel Prize for Peace by................ the UN Team in Syria! A week of continued killing in Syria despite the watchdogs of the UN; of the horrors of oppression in the Congo, Eritrea and so many other parts; the lack of understanding that the Egyptian Army is succeeding to bring some form of freedom to normal people where a “democratically elected” government did the opposite; and of course of the interminable discussions with the Iranians concerning the nuclear facilities that they claim are for electrical power yet they hide them in vast underground bunkers hidden from inquisitive eyes.

In Jerusalem a great Rabbi died at the age of 93 and hundreds of thousands of Israelis, predominantly religious but including many secular admirers, paid him the ultimate honour of going to his funeral, following the cortege to his final resting place in Sanhedria. His power and influence reached levels unheard of in Israel, far beyond his own Mizrachi (Eastern) community, yet his wonderful wisdom and unchallenged knowledge were slightly muddied as those around him drew him into politics in the Shas party that he founded. HaRav Ovadia Yosef was an undoubted Torah scholar of huge proportions, yet, as with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, lesser humans rode on his wisdom and used his spiritual power to more earthly ambitions. Two dear friends, coming from disparate religious backgrounds yet equally spiritual and pure wrote about the Rabbi. Canon Andrew White who knew Rabbi Ovadia well and admired his outstanding brain and Rabbi Jeremy Rosen who wrote. http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/2013/10/ovadia-yosef-zl.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+jeremyrosen/tAYl+(Jeremy+Rosen's+Blog) May he rest in peace and may his family be consoled among the mourners of Zion.

I don't know if my last piece of local news counts as an oxymoron, more an inconsistency, but a non-Jerusalemite is challenging the incumbent for the position of Mayor without even bothering to move here! Although unashamedly pro-Israeli, I am not a political animal. I support the best man/woman for the job irrespective of party, which is why this time I have very clear cut views. Our Mayor, Nir Barkat, has all the necessary elements to put Jerusalem's case to the world, through visiting diplomats and politicians and of course the foreign press. His English is outstanding, he is bright and highly presentable and representative – and he knows this city having grown up here and bringing his children up here and is supported by the current government – he is not perfect and we have disagreements but he is doing a good job. On the other hand we have a very capable man, Moshe Lion, who does not live in Jerusalem, is the favourite of Avigdor Liberman and has already signed a political pledge with the Haredim. So you see, grammatically it is not an oxymoron, but the vagaries of politics distress me nonetheless. Nir Barkat, the secular Mayor, held up all civic events and culture to honour the Ovadia family during the week of mounring whereas the new Shas leaders stepped from the mourning tent and used the hiatus to push their candidate Moshe Lion!!!

I am sure of two things, Zvi and I are voting for Nir Barkat as Mayor and Hitorerut for the council. HITORERUT – Awakening – the fabulous group of young people who chose to fight for the Jerusalem they want to raise their children in and ensure it remains a city that young people want to stay in. Most importantly, although capable of fighting for what they believe to be right, Hitorerut is in tandem with Mayor Barkat which is a rarity in local politics.

Last night Zvi and I were invited to an exceptional performance of the Jerusalem Opera Company - Don Giovanni performed in the incredible beauty of David's Citadel. The architecture is phenomenal and the history even more so. The historical periods were clear in the ancient stones in four obvious architectural styles. The lowest area showed the Herodian style taken from the original Temple supporting walls for secondary use when Suleiman the Magnificent decided to refurbish Davids Citadel, which is when he also added the Mosque and Minaret. The incredible arched openings, the archers slits and the crenellations and the ramparts formed an incredible backdrop to the familiar story of love and betrayal.

We were invited by Yaakov and Nadia Shtrizak, our beautiful young new Olim from Russia. Yaakov, a resounding bass, sang with the Rimsky Korsakov Opera in Leningrad before he and his beautiful Nadia came home. After hearing him sing for a Jewish Agency event Zvi pulled every string in his arsenal to help Yaakov achieve auditions with both the Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Operas both of whom accepted him to the their regular troupes. Yaakov sang the part of the old man, Commendatore, Donna Anna's father who is killed in the first act but makes a ghostly reprise in the last act resulting in Don Giovanni's ultimate demise. It was as much a delight to watch Nadias face as her beloved Yaakov sang to perfection as it was to hear him for ourselves!

I love operas that have familiar music, but this production held more than one surprise. In the first act as the young bride and groom walked across the grounds the audience was delighted to see that the groom and the groomsmen wore white kippot (skullcaps) and carried a chuppa (marriage canopy)!!! It just gave a perfect Jerusalem touch to this Jerusalem performance!

I admit it was hard to concentrate on the story as my eyes constantly wandered around the sheer beauty of the Tower of David Museum and archaeological site. It really is stupendous!http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/English/The_Museum/About_the_Museum

So, it is almost Shabbat. The buses no longer pass our window as the drivers are home with their families preparing for Shabbat, the cars have emptied from the shopping mall car park and that oh so beautiful peace is descending upon our incredible city. I want Jerusalem to be for all her residents but never ever to forget what she means to us all and the Biblical importance of every stone.

Talking of Biblical importance, Babylon (modern day Iraq) is so closely tied to our Bible, it is where we were taken from Zion in captivity as slaves. Today Iraq is suffering as never before as our dear friend Canon Andrew White tells us. Listen to the words of this simple song http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-fGyfxOCYvtM/boney_m_rivers_of_babylon_1978/

Although this is not Shabbat Bereshit I absolutely loved this choir singing Lecha Dodihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FCgE49vwT8

I wish you love, joy and laughter in your lives and a special sense of gentleness and contemplation that comes with our day of rest. This weeks Torah reading, Lech Lecha http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/576513/jewish/Aliyah-Summary.htm in which Abraham and Sarai (Sarah) are rewarded by the Almighty for their goodness and their ability to rebuff temptation to evil. Maybe a few of our politicians should be reading this parasha.......... and understand its relevance.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom letter - Putin Nobel, Rouhani duplicity, Netanyahu USA

131004

4^th October 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Here I am over my jet-lag, still smiling from the thought of baby Callie, my new grand-daughter in New York, my grandson (her brother) Joshua and Daniel and Karen. I saw a few wonderful friends and family but I was somewhat limited since I had a rotten coughing bug for half of my visit so saw few people but those I saw were a joy.

Since returning to reality I decided that the world has gone insane! Why is it even worse than the insanity of prior to my USA visit? Well try these for size.

While happy to see that the imminent cold war between the US and Russia was averted over Syria, can they really be serious in nominating Putin for a Nobel Prize? http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/2/russias-vladimir-putin-nominated-nobel-peace-prize/#.Uk3RuFwVXfo.facebook

I am not surprised that the UN accepted Rouhani's duplicity but when the real Rouhami expresses his Machismo and utter lack of respect for America with “Washington called us five times before we agreed to meet Obama. “ I cannot for the life of me understand why the White House did not respond. This administration sees fit to punish Israel but not those who wish death to the USA. They see weakness in our leaders and pounce on it like the scavengers that they are. http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13920710001093

Mahmoud Abbas spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4001/abbas-un-speech What was clearer than his obvious political rhetoric is that Abbas is more concerned about Jews visiting the Temple Mount than thousands of Palestinians who are being butchered and expelled from their homes in Arab countries; he sees evil only in the actions of Israel and Jewish settlers.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, had he gone the obvious route, could have charmed the United Nations and the American leadership with the ease of a polished and experienced diplomat, but he chose to tell the unvarnished truth instead. Israel is under existential threat; Israel is on the front line but do not be fooled, if Israel falls the domino effect on Western Society will be fast and furious so if the current leadership is not willing to stand up to this threat Israel is. We will defend ourselves and do not need anyones permission to do so. http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Netanyahu-addresses-the-United-Nations-General-Assembly-327576

I have long felt that many of the problems in the Middle East, other than those caused by the dangerous naiveté (at best) of James Earl Carter, were created by the changing of borders, the introduction of leaders brought far from their future Kingdoms as a diplomatic pay-off and the ensuing ethnic mixing which forced previously unknown challenges on entire populations forcing old ethnic enemies to share a country. http://www.thetower.org/article/the-map-that-ruined-the-middle-east/

I really want you to watch this brilliant video of South African Politician Kenneth Meshoe. He speaks on apartheid and Israel saying what I have always maintained, that to call the open and free society that is Israel an apartheid state is to insult the very real and horrific suffering of black South Africans and those who fought to end real Apartheid, many of whom are Jews who now live in Israel. http://www.prageruniversity.com/Political-Science/A-Black-South-African-Israel-and-Apartheid.html#.UkzzRzssUU1

Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, told the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem’s annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration that the Jewish people are grateful for their support of Israel and challenged the two faith communities to work more closely together on such issues as the unity of Jerusalem and Muslim persecution of Christians. The message by the most prominent Jewish Diaspora leader today delivered at the premier global gathering of pro-Israel Christians each year marks a watershed in Jewish-Christian relations. http://int.icej.org/news/special-reports/lauder-embraces-christian-support-israel-feast-gathering

London has a brand spanking new Jewish Centre. Situated in North West 3 (NW3) it has been nicknamed JW3. A beautiful building donated by Dame Vivien Duffield, the JW3 makes a clear statement to Londoners – We are here and getting stronger. Well done London, Well done Dame Vivien.http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-Features/Doors-open-at-Londons-new-Jewish-community-center-327387

In a situation diametrically opposed to the wonderful new London JCC a recent poll finds that 1 in 5 American Jews describe themselves as having no religion. Terrifying http://www.jpost.com/Jewish-World/Jewish-News/Survey-1-in-5-US-Jews-say-they-have-no-religion-Orthodox-share-of-population-grows-327545

Back here in Israel we are entering the run-up to municipal elections and all that that entails. Jerusalem is of course the prime target for all political parties, since the position of Mayor of Jerusalem carries enormous influence – and responsibility. Every politician, diplomat or film star who comes to Israel meets with the Mayor. He must be a diplomat, politician, linguist and have an encyclopaedic knowledge of Jerusalem, her history and the sectors of this complex city. In other words he must be a Jerusalemite. Zvi and I are choosing the incumbent, Mayor Nir Barkat, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nir_Barkat for Mayor and the wonderful young people of Hitorerut (Awakening) http://in-jerusalem.org/en/ for the City council. I normally keep my political leanings to myself but this is a special city and we need a Mayor who respects ALL sectors but favours none and wants to complement the definition of Jerusalem from the centre of government and religious capital of the world to a wonderful city to live in. Mayor Barkat grew up in Jerusalem and lives in the city, while having studied in the United States – he doesn't spout rhetoric, he quietly gets on with the work and does not see Jerusalem as the springboard to higher positions.

Gosh I didn't intend writing that much about Jerusalem politics but it is clearly very important to me

It was a delight to drive over to see my grandchildren and help the girls sort out their summer-winter clothes. Gosh they have grown!!! Lots of clothes to pass down from Talia to Ayala and even more to pass on to their younger cousins. As I did that ever incredible drive home past the panorama of Jerusalem at Samuels Tomb it was as if a great artist had painted the sky (well He had hadn't he!!) in a vivid azure blue with fluffy white clouds scudding across the sky creating patterns of light and shade on the white buildings of Jerusalem. No matter how many times I pass this site I feel the excitement rising as it nears.

Since we are a bit late today – almost Shabbat, Jerusalem has already gone into peaceful mode as Shabbat nears. The quiet is almost tangible, I know that if I could just reach out over the entire view from our veranda that I could feel the houses, the people, the culinary delights – I can tell you where they came from by the aromas wafting from kitchen windows, where they fled when they were dispersed from this land and from whence they returned, most of them fleeing oppression. What a glorious melding of traditions – culinary, musical, ritual – yet coming together with the same blessings, the same gentleness of Shabbat, the same candle-lighting, the same shining faces of children as they follow their family traditions. In every way, however you look at this country, it is a miracle.

Our veranda is at it's fruitful best. The tiny orange tree bears a surprising 8 fruits just beginning to turn from a rich dark green to the familiar orange colour; the pomegranate tree has 10 beautiful fruits which I will leave on the tree to feed the birds as their skins split to reveal the luscious red seeds within; The kumquat tree is absolutely full of fruits – tiny and ranging in colour from dark green through to their bright orange edible state; the lemon tree, ah the lemon tree, I saved from almost certain death and it is now full of young fruits; The herb garden, rosemary, lemon balm, louisa, mint, spearmint, garlic chives, lemon grass, thyme and myrtle are enjoying the slightly cooler weather – even the magical hibiscus flowers are showing their faces in the hope of a gentler sun!

You would think our veranda is huge but it is a mere 40 sq metres!!! It may not be huge but every time I walk outside I am amazed afresh by the view – the View from our Veranda.

I wish you well, I wish you Shabbat Shalom and I wish you hope. To end we have two videos of Shabbat songs – one Mizrachi (Eastern) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at4HQssvFCY and one Ashkenazi about the prayer for the 3^rd Temple https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQy2W659fwQ and because I love you an extra just because it is exceptional! Adon Olam, Lord of the Universe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-NEbNW9h_s

With much love from Jerusalem, the most amazing city in the whole world.

130916 After Kippur almost Sukkot

130916

16th September 2013

After Kippur almost Sukkot.

Dear Friends

Today saw another cowardly terror attack in the US as a shooting took place in Washington's Navy Yard. The report from Sky Newshttp://news.sky.com/story/1142428/washington-navy-yard-shooting-several-dead

Apparently our prayers helped! If one can trust politicians (ha ha) then the USA and Russia have diverted, if not averted, a terrible catastrophe. The cold war seems to have become just a mite tepid.

I am primarily thrilled with any agreement between the USA and Russia just now because my fears of an imminent Bay of Pigs, Middle East style, under the willing auspices of fundamentalist Islam, have been assuaged somewhat. I believe that some kind of watchdog situation whereby the caretakers make it clear that any breeches cause a loss of face for both the US and  Russia is ideal.

Syria is just too dangerous, with huge stockpiles of conventional, chemical and G-d knows what other arms both bought and adopted from Iraq (the WMDs sent overland 6 months before the Iraq war) and made in their own very sophisticated arms factories, none of which we can consider attacking or bombing. There is no knowing the after effects of bombing Syrian arsenals because we know what is in there.......... Sarin is the least worrisome!!!!

I can only say thank you a million times that Israel did not heed the USA and bombed the bejeebers out of the Syrian nuclear facility a few years back!!!

OK It can now be said that I have run the gamut of Yom Kippur services. From the very traditional shule of our childhood, whose addressed amused many (Cathedral Road Synagogue, Cardiff http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4786696)- to a student synagogue in Stanford University - to a conservative shule in Toronto that my Dad kept beaming at my sister Eddie and I because we sat together - to Mickey Rosen (z"l) s beautiful service in Yakar London which was the first time I found out that my Zvi has a phenomenal voice and thus gained the approval of Mickey as my beau- to an ultra-orthodox one in Kiriat Moshe, Jerusalem - to the Iraqi Beit Knesset in Malha Village with the women screaming out bids in the auction of aliyot for their husbands - to a Conservative synagogue in Long Island wth Arlene and Milty and this Yom Kippur to a delightful Conservative synagogue near Dan and Karen with a beautiful and familiar service but sitting beside my amazing eldest son, something we had not done since his bar-mitzva since he normally sits downstairs while I have the gallery grandstand view.

As the day wore on we went to a Reform synagogue children's service complete with four piece band (piano, flute, guitar and drums), hand clapping and singing of Israeli songs finally dancing around shule ending in a huge blast of about 10 shofars blown by members of the community. My little grandson was thrilled! The service really spoke to him rather than playing with his Daddy's tallit and falling asleep from boredom he was very involved and wide awake. I kept imagining my old Rabbi Rogoznitsky's face - he was a stickler for orthodox Judaism! My Dad would have loved it, although very traditional he loved anything new, but me? Maybe I am just an old-fashioned girl!

I went to visit a friend's new apartment yesterday for brunch. As I was waiting for my adorable Arlene to arrive Deborah gave me a Foreword to read; foreword to a book she highly recommended. The words are those of Sir Harold Evans, written to introduce a book called A Convenient Hatred - a History of Antisemitism. Read his words, his wise words, conceivably the wisest words I have read in a very long time. http://convenienthatred.facinghistory.org/content/foreword-sir-harold-evans

And so to Succot, Sukkes, Tabernacles. In the four days between Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) and Succot Israelis are in a flurry of activity as almost every veranda sprouts a temporary structure - a succah, booth or tabernacle. They vary from the very professional looking prefabricated wooden structures that are easily put together with a few locks and clasps and go down to four flimsy planks of wood and some brightly coloured fabric to ensure the three walls are more than virtual. The greatest difference between the traditional succah of the Diaspora and that of Israel is that Diaspora succot have a plethora of fresh fruits hanging from the slatted roof or "schach" whereas in Israel unless you wish to be either eaten alive by insects or be covered in rotten fruit falling on your head you tend to use glittery decorations and put the fruit on the table! The usage of said succah ranges from the very orthodox who also sleep in the succah to the traditional Jews who eat in the succah and then those who have a succah to entertain friends - or ishpuzin. Each morning we take a lulav (palm fronds with myrtle and osier) and etrog (a special citrus) and pray, and we also ensure that there are four species in the succah. The Biblical origin is in the Book of Vayikra "And you shall take for yourselves on the First Day the fruit of a beautiful tree, the branches of date palms, branches of the myrtle tree, and branches of the willow tree, and you shall rejoice before Hashem, your G-d, for Seven Days." (Vayikra 23:40)

Since you always ask me about food, oh yes you do! I will tell you about the traditional foods. One that I never liked as a child is Hollishkes or stuffed cabbage - of course my tastes have changed and now I put out all varieties of stuffed vegetables to complement the cabbage leaves, usually stuffed with rice and meat. Some people eat Kreplech, yummy pockets of meat filled dough eaten in - what else - chicken soup!

The Pilgrim Fathers, before their treacherous journey to the New World, spent time with the other group of persecuted people, the Sefardi Jews who were expelled from Spain and lived in Holland and thus spent their Tabernacles together. When they arrived in the New World it was the time of the Autumn Harvest Festival and they celebrated the first meal - which became Thanksgiving. I thought you would like that. In the meantime - rather than give you the full list I found this website which has each country and its traditional Succot fare. http://www.cyber-kitchen.com/rfcj/category.cgi?category=SUKKOT

Each year in Jerusalem we still spend our Tabernacles together as the fabulous Festival of Tabernacles organised by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem draws tens of thousands of Christians to our city to express their joy and support. It is spectacular!!! http://int.icej.org/category/main-menu/events/feast-tabernacles

So, I loved my time in NYC. My little grandson Joshua is delighted with his little sister Callie and also having fun with Safta! The baby is glorious and my son and daughter-in-law have grown even closer - something I thought impossible! So rewarding to see.

Tomorrow I will go walkabout with Callie and Daniel and then off to see Joyce Claar for lunch before playing with Joshua in the park and then packing my bags ready.

I am nearly homeward bound, arriving in Ben Gurion is such a wonderful "homecoming" feeling. That incredibly well organised ultra-modern airport where the luggage arrives moments before you even reach the beltway!!!! Then the climb or Aliya up to Jerusalem as the air changes and the crisp clear air of Jerusalem tells me I am home......... to kiss my grandchildren and then home, home to open the electric blinds which will rise to give me the most spectacular view of all - Jerusalem.

Have a good Sukkot/Tabernacles and I will speak to you from Jerusalem and talk of "The View from my Veranda"

Gmar Chatima Tova, Shana Tova and Chag Sameach

Shabbat Shalom - the view from my veranda: Yom Kippur 2013- 10 Tishrei 5774

Shabbat Shalom - the view from my veranda: Yom Kippur 2013- 10 Tishrei 5774: 130912 12th September 2013 Shabbat Shalom dear friends This is a very special Shabbat which coincides with Yom Kippur, the Day of...

Yom Kippur 2013- 10 Tishrei 5774

130912

12th September 2013

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

This is a very special Shabbat which coincides with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Traditionally this is a day that we fast - not as a punishment but rather to indicate that we are so deeply into our devotions and determination to improve ourselves that we forget about the self-indulgences of food and drink.

What always impressed me is that we do not simply beg for forgiveness of our sins but rather of mankind in general and Jews in particular.

We are aware of the usual sins - killing, lying, being snobbish, harming others physically, etc etc but often forget about the sin that requires the forgiveness of another human being rather than of the Almighty. That is the sin of public humiliation. It can be face to face or through gossip but for that sin we must beg forgiveness from the one we harm indeed it goes even further - we must continue to beg their forgiveness but if they refuse to forgive after three attempts the sin reverts to them.

What does that teach us? That to lie and harm the quality of life of another human being is the ultimate sin.

Israel does everything possible to make this world a better place. We give and give, saving lives of friend and foe alike, creating medicines, medical technology and high-tech but still there are many who slander us. We would not need three apologies should they accept us for what we are,  we would accept the first apology with open arms!!!!

Norman and Lola Cohen are exceptional people whose purpose in life is to make the world a better place by extolling the virtues of Israel - the real Israel. This week they wrote of all the wonderful things that Israel does for those who offer no apologies for their libel. We tend the sick of our neighbours, we have offered succour to Syrian injured who cross the border, Syrian doctors bringing their worst cases to the border and handing them over to IDF doctors who either tend to them in the field hospital on the Golan or take them to major Israeli hospitals;  we send out love and aid to the most heavily stricken parts of the globe and we do not need apologies before doing good -we also do not apologise for being good.

That is the secret of Yom Kippur. Not just to apologise to G-d and beat our chests for our sins of the past but to determine to do better - tikkun olam. We should not wait for someone to prove friendship in order to offer the hand of friendship; we should not wait for other countries to accept us before improving their lives

We must not forget the Yom Kippur war. The war that caused many a brave young man to leave his prayers and  save our country. Men and women who were not eligible for call-up volunteered and took the workplaces of those who went to the fronts - yes fronts for we have more borders than land! Avigdor Kahalani was a hero of the Yom Kippur war. Here you see him in the clips that accompany the IDF Cantor Shai Abrahamson, who sings for Yom Kippur.http://www.thejewishweek.com/videos/idf-cantor-sings-unetaneh-tokef

I wish you a peaceful year, a better year, an easy fast, a heart full of love and love requited. I don't want everyone to be like me, of like us, or like you........ I just want us to accept each other and our differences. Indeed I want us to celebrate our differences.

Of all music that represents Yom Kippur it must be Kol Nidre - the evening and opening prayer of that solemn day. This exquisite music, sung by even the most simple of men, opens our hearts and minds to change - to acceptance and to recogniition that we are not alone in this world.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOzmq887oKE  Itzhak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir Helfgot - Kol Nidrei

With much love to you from New York City where I am thrilled to be with my beautiful children and grandchildren. My heart is in Jerusalem, always will be, but I cannot foget what happened here in this city 12 years and two days ago........... for that we must expect repentance.

If I have in any way offended you, harmed you or anyone you love then please accept my repentence and know that I will try to do better

Shana Tov from Jerusalem 5744 - Syrian injured in Israeli hospitals

3^rd September 2013

Rosh Hashana 5744

Shana Tova to you all – a year of joy, laughter and a great deal more logic and compassion!

If you had any doubts as to the insanity of diplomacy, this is the only piece of news I feel I must give you before we start the New Year. I suggest that all the Western leaders beg forgiveness for their negligence in their duty to protect those who have no power and atone their sin of turning a blind eye to their suffering http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23908846

In an unexpected and positive move, 5 East Jerusalem schools have switched to the Israeli curriculum http://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-hamas-enraged-by-introduction-of-israeli-curriculum/

From Australian Ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma in the town of Sfat (Safed) in the north of Israel, one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities, the front-line of the conflict in Syria feels very close. At Ziv Medical Centre, without fanfare or publicity, they are treating a steady and growing stream of wounded Syrians from the conflict. Some 72 Syrian patients have been admitted to Ziv Medical Centre since February. http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/israeli-compassion-amidst-the-atrocities/

There are now 8.081 million Israelis! The most recent census shows that this little country is not only economically astute but we are good at producing citizens too!

Jewish population numbers about 6.066 million (75.1% of the total population).

Arab population number about 1.67 million (20.7%).

Non-Arab Christians, members of other religions and the non-affiliated about 345,000 residents (4.2%).

In 5773 (October 2012 – September 2013), population increase was 1.8%, similar to that in the past few years. 163,000 babies were born in Israel and about 40,000 people died. 19,000 people came to Israel on Aliya.

The Chinese are very clever. As opposed to the West and their idiotic BDS movement the Chinese search out the label “Made in Israel”! Could this be yet another reason the West is waning while China is waxing?

Australian friend Barry Pryer sent me this fascinating trivia question for Rosh Hashana

When was the last time Rosh Hashanah began as early as September 5th?
Give up? Try 1899!
It will be another 76 years (2089) until this Rosh Hashanah comes this early again.
Rabbis everywhere are scrambling to finish sermons and Jews everywhere are asking, “has the Jewish calendar gone crazy!?”
Well, not exactly. In reality the Jewish calendar works on a 19 year cycle adding a 13th month (Adar 2) in years 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17 and 19. This is year 17 of that cycle and represents the longest possible year in the Jewish calendar of 385 days.
The Jewish calendar which is based primarily on the lunar cycle, makes these adjustments in order to keep the holidays in sync with with solar seasons. This keeps Passover in the spring and Sukkot in the autumn. Every four years the calendar adds a month during leap years for the holidays to be “early” or “late”, what is different this year is the extreme “earliness” in relation to the secular calendar.
The next time Rosh Hashanah will fall on September 5th will as mentioned above be in 2089 or in the Jewish counting 5850 which is why this year is so special.

Latma's New Year video is very very close to the bone and quite excellent! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S2vLcArd8g&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Another video that I love is this one - Shana Tova le'chooooooolam (to everyone)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OAdF8jZEBM&feature=youtu.be

Remember what I said about the Chinese wisdom? Well a Chinese new year blessing is “I wish you a boring year” and the curse? “I wish you an interesting year” I don't quite know what happened last year but it certainly was interesting!!!

So my dear friends, I wish you a boring year with patches of interesting fun and laughter, huge dollops of love and smiles and the power to change the world for the better. We all have the power of tikkun olam, bit by bit, person by person and minute by minute – we just need to try.

To change the world we must first change our view and wipe out preconceptions. Here is a fun video, I call it the flying “yeshiva bochers” and it tells us so much in a fun way  http://www.aish.com/h/hh/video/Get-Clarity-Aishcoms-Rosh-Hashanah-Music-Video.html

I send you love from Jerusalem, our Jerusalem. A city that holds 9 of the 10 portions of beauty in this world and is so incredible that everyone wants her. Everyone wants her but she is ours – ours to care for, ours to share, ours to protect and ours to hold.

Shana Tova

Sheila