151014 Day of Incited Rage and more

151014

14^th October 2015

I hate writing Mid-Week updates but you deserve to know what is really going on. Quite rightly little appeared in the media because, frankly, there are a hundred places in the world that are in infinitely worse situations. You, and I, want to know because we love this country and know that all the "hasata" incitement is untrue.

In fact, I want to start from there.

Under no circumstances has the status quo changed on the Temple Mount. We promised faithfully that we would ensure religious freedom in all the Holy sites and we have kept that promise. Indeed, the IDF presence on the Temple Mount is both limited, discreet and to prevent Jews and Christians from actually praying, rather than visiting. Yes you may need to re-read that one; we are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount for fear of offending Moslems. This is a strange city where the Jews and Christians are not allowed to pray on the Temple Mount but Muezzins call to prayer is deafeningly loud!!!

Reiterating that the status quo is unchanged is essential because the Islamic leadership, in the North of Israel herself, under Sheik Raeed Salah (yes the one who dug 400 truckloads of history from underneath Al Aqsa) and from Hamas, has been running a campaign of incitement decrying the Jewish control of Islams Holiest sites (Mecca and Medina??) on Harm Al Sharif (The Temple Mount). From Salah's words, repeated in many a mosque and heard by angry youngsters looking for an identity, the current wave of violence emanates. He cleverly used the social media to spread his poison. He is currently on trial in Jerusalem, having returned to Israel after he was refused entry into the UK as a result of his hate activities.

My preamble has purpose because without understanding the background you cannot understand the present – as any good historian will tell you.

The attacks are terrifying.  Their purpose is to terrify, that's why it is called TERROR. to bring the "Palestinian cause" back onto the worlds agenda. The script for a poor and bloody action B movie could not be written with a more complex plot. A 13 year old Arab child leaves his home with his mother's kitchen knife, stabs an Israeli 13 year old who was riding his bicycle near home, the MDA ambulance service, including an Arab paramedic, takes the injured Israeli child to Hadassah Hospital on Mount Scopus where his life is saved by Prof. Ahmed Eid, head of the Department of General Surgery.

A Bezeq worker (Israeli citizen working in the equivalent of Telecom) suddenly decided to use his car as a weapon, ramming into two people at a bus stop then hacking at others with a machete. A passing security man shot him to stop him, but he continued, after the third shot he finally stopped wildly hacking at the air. Only later they found his Facebook page which said clearly he wanted to be a Shahid.

Two young Arabs from Jabel Mukaber, Israelis, set off to pastoral Raanana and decided to stab anyone in sight. I love the fact that they were stopped by an umbrella wielding Israeli

Finally two youngsters, again from Jabel Mukaber, caught a bus in Jerusalem, paid their ticket, sat down then ran rampage with knife and guns, killing two and injuring several.

What is the result? Closure. Yes closure. Israeli Arabs who had total freedom of movement, will now suffer. Two lovely young men who work in my convenience store here in our neighbourhood, both Jerusalemites, are scared. They are scared that Jews will think they are responsible for the outrages perpetrated by their compatriots. Men and women will find it difficult to get to work which deeply affects our hospitals, general medical clinics, pharmacies, and many other municipal services because in Jerusalem, indeed everywhere in Israel, Arabs are an integral part of society, study and take positions of responsibility. Be it Hadassah, Shaare Zedek, Tel Hashomer, our Social Medical services all have a large percentage of Arab doctors, technicians and nurses…… and patients.

Alon Ben-David is a senior correspondent for Channel 10 television and his explanation of the situation, in a video made for Keren Hayesod, is excellent and clear https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT6CxkzfKCA

Zvi insists I tell you about my experience, which wasn't that awful! I had cause to visit Hadassah Hospital Sunday and Monday. Hadassah, like all Israeli hospitals serves everyone,  and all are in their ethnic dress too! Arab, Jew, Ethiopian, ......hijab, wigs and payot. The news was excellent and we don't need to go back for a year but as we left Mevasseret, on our way home, Rachel saw a large rock flying in the air and we both heard  a boom as it hit the car. I didn't stop, one should never stop, and Rachel called the police to tell them. Apparently I was not the first to be hit from workers at the building site at the top of the hill. The young policemen were delightful, the car barely damaged and I got loads of compliments on my composure. Hey, we had good news from Hadassah and we got away scot free……….. that's good no? I told them that they threw the rock because I was too old for them to wolf whistle! 

Unfortunately, since Zvi was not 100%, we missed the Gala Opening – in the Knesset – of Reconectar, the organization to help Anusim, those whose family history shows that they are descendants of Jews who were forcibly baptized during the Spanish Inquisition and the following years. The purpose is to reconnect not to proselytise.  We were invited by Ashley Perry- Perez, the Director. http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/A-Knesset-conference-on-reconnecting-with-the-descendants-of-Spanish-and-Portuguese-Jews-421375

In the meantime, Jerusalem Hotels are full, no cancellations! Partly because Jerusalem hosted the IAF-IAC 66th Congress in Jerusalem by the Ministry of Science Technology and Space and their wonderful guest of honour was none other than Buzz Aldrin – remember his enthusiastic leap onto the moon and we all thought he would fly off into the ether! He absolutely loved Jerusalem. http://www.iac2015.org/

Next week sees the Jewish Agency Board of Governors meetings which will bring fine leaders in from all over the world, and they will brainstorm our situation and yours – it is becoming difficult to be an "obvious" Jew all over the world. A kippa makes one a target. One who will make his voice heard loud and clear will be my husband. Gosh he is clever! My amazing big sister Doreen will be here for the Gala opening, her first time meeting the PM. Even better she will get to meet Tova Ben Dov, President of World WIZO, dear friend both of Zvi and I and old friend of my family.

We went to the theatre on Monday, the shops on Tuesday and are off to a wedding this evening. Life is good, we have no intention of allowing life to change!!

I chose you songs even though it isn't Shabbat. 

The first is kinda hip, and about our love of Jerusalem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRAbW6oCgHM

The second is an ancient prayer, If I Forget Thee Oh Jerusalem, may my right hand lose its power and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth  Sung by the Chief Cantor of the IDF Shai Abramson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjbuwf9wR2A

Finally, most important of all –  Shai Abramson – the Prayer for the State of Israel. All have English subtitles  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q5--mNIZhU

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

Sheila

-- 

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

151009 The news, The Mirror, Al Kol Eleh

151009

9^th October 2015

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. Shabbat Shalom, Salaam, Paz, Pax, Peace, Pais……. I am happy to use any word, especially that magic word Peace.

The Chagim are over, and I still haven't worked out what day of the week it is, except for the aroma of Shabbat preparations rising from the apartments beneath us. Life goes on, a new year and new incitement. Indeed incitement from Members of Knesset Ahmed Tibi and Haneen Zoabi fan the flames of discontent. Ahmed Tibi who lied about the WAQF invitation to PM Ariel Sharon to the Temple Mount and incited the 2^nd Intifada.

The eyes of the world have rightly been on Syria, Yemen, Nigeria,  Iran, Iraq and other tragically mismanaged areas of the world and the PA is feeling ignored, the world is tired of their moaning with no attempt to rectify their own situation. What do you does a child do when he is ignored? He fights, bites, screams and kicks and that is what is happening now – a cry for attention. I believe that the main reason for this wave of terror attacks is that the world is tired of the Palestinian situation and has much bigger fish to fry so they want their place in the headlines back again.

One in Kiriat Arba (Hebron), Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Afula, Kiriat Gat, Petah Tikva, Tekoa, young people who's entire education has inculcated them with hatred so extreme, so deep that they are willing to forego their futures for a moment of ecstasy before Allah and a lifetimes pension for his family by trying to kill Jews. Such cruel leadership, such abuse of youngsters, I feel deep sympathy for those who are naive enough to think that their acts of terror can bring happiness and for the families who give up their sons and daughters for a cause that their leaders and UNWRA will never allow to happen. They choose very Jewish looking people, Haredi, people with kippa and soldiers for fear of killing another Arab.

We are not going anywhere and it saddens me that the normal hard working folk, Arabs, both Israeli and from the disputed territories, who just want to do a days work, earn a crust and go home again at night, will find themselves distrusted and ultimately closed in behind a big fence.

I was thinking to myself that the current situation is like a bad divorce, whereby an abusive partner not only wants the family home, children, effects, but is determined to make the life of the other partner hell through lies and perfidy in order to achieve their aims. Everyone suffers but the instigator.

Yesterday I went to a brilliant press briefing at the Jerusalem Press Club and listened carefully to two men, representatives of the middle left and middle right, one a diplomat who lives in Tel Aviv the other a young lawyer who is the Mayor of Efrat. The Mayor of Efrat was the only one who spoke of visiting his neighbours, local Moslems, who remember the days, not so long ago, when Israelis used to go to do their shopping in Hebron market on a Friday and enjoyed the company of Arabs, Jews and Christians together.

One, among many interesting aspects, was raised – if Shamir had accepted the Jordanian proposal in 1988 the West bank would have been the responsibility of Jordan. I wonder how many would have dared to fight against that regime? When there was an uprising against King Hussein, led by Yassir Arafat, Hussein simply sent his army in and killed 10,000 PLO followers. The history is fascinating http://www.palestinefacts.org/pf_1967to1991_jordan_renounce_claims.php

My favourite part of going to the Press Club is talking to the infinitely wise Dr Cyril Sherer, who at 90+ is not only still practicing medicine, is still involved in research and has a unique view of the current situation having come on Aliya many many years ago. I met him through Harry and Nancy Bloomfield and love his stories of treating the4 rich and famous of the Laromme, later the Inbal Hotel.

Back to the present though - Fred Maroun, is ashamed to be a Palestinian. He writes-  "From the start, we have refused to accept the existence of one tiny Jewish state. We fought that state tooth and nail using all the venom and anti-Semitism that we could muster. We isolated and mistreated our own Palestinian siblings so we could use them as tools against the Jews. We have not relented. We have not shown an ounce of compassion, humanity, or even smarts. We made the destruction of the Jewish home our signature cause. We made hate our religion. When will this nonsense stop?  http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/i-am-embarrassed-to-be-an-arab/

According to Jewish thought, if one looks in the mirror and smiles ones reflection is happy so it is when dealing with others. In other words if one is nice to other they will be nice to us and the entire world will live in peace. Yeah right!!! In our current world a smile to ones enemy is considered an invitation to use and abuse, an open invitation to oppress. In our current world we rely on our leaders, who in the most part have failed us, perhaps because they looked in the mirror and smiled at their own image too many times, and we rely on our military leaders who are often a great deal wiser than our political leaders. Here in Israel it is young men and women, the IDF, police, Border Guards, who put themselves on the front line to protect us – and on occasion to protect innocent Arabs who are set upon by suspicious and over-aggressive Jews.

Please understand, one can dramatise the situation but that is giving in to their need for international recognition and their right to terrorise, to be in the headlines, and the less fuss we make, the less it reaches your headlines the better it is for Israel. Remember, this is minor compared to what is happening in the rest of our region. In fact, the far more serious terror of criminal killings happen every day in your society, something that is rare in Israel.

We woke to a beautiful morning. Jerusalem, indeed Israel, was washed by life-giving rain for two days and suddenly everything smells fresher.  Life will go on as usual on a Friday morning. Israel will prepare for Shabbat, either secular or religious, and families will visit each other laden with saucepans filled with goodies for the Shabbat meal. Israel doesn't scare that easily.

Today was delightful. It started with cooking and I began to write this letter before heading off to the Katamon neighbourhood where I met Angela Hexner Bengur, an old friend from Cardiff, and we sat in the gentle sunshine having breakfast. It was delicious! A finely chopped Israeli salad, with cucumbers, tomatoes, purple onion and parsley, and a cheese platter with crispy baguette, all served with wonderful coffee. Israeli cheeses are improving by leaps and bounds, rather like Israeli wines, and the array of incredible flavours (the smellier the better for my cheese tastes) was astonishing. No blood tests for me this week because none of them was exactly low fat!!!

From celebrating Angelas birthday I went to collect Rachels girls from school. I never fails to amaze me how Ramallah is closing in on Jerusalem daily yet no-one, not one leader, seems to bat an eyelid!!!! To balance my thoughts I drove over the hilltop of Samuels Tomb very slowly, taking in that incredible panorama, counting the ever increasing towers, Augusta Victoria, the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus, St Johns Church, The Leonardo Plaza, the YMCA, the Calatrava Bridge the old and the new and the myriad of white buildings, apartments, schools, houses and stores dotted in between. The hills that make up Jerusalem undulating into the distance.

Zvi is at his parliament, after a good session at the gym, and enjoying the lively discussions. It is much less noisy since Elihu BenOn took over the "chairmanship" and they choose current subjects and all discussions go through the chair. Much nicer than the verbal free for all that used to be. By the way, if you listen to Kol Yisrael overseas, especially if you speak Hebrew, should contact Elihu, he welcomes points of view. Follow him on Facebook too.

Tonight Amiad and Noga are coming with little Ella and Yonatan. Since we are just a few and the children love chicken I made Moroccan style chicken with plain rice. Since it may be cool this evening I think we will have some lovely warming pumpkin and carrot soup to start – the children love soup without "bits" as long as it is accompanied by Telma soup almonds (which by the way have never seen almonds, is nothing like croutons but they love them). Dessert………. Still uncertain I may just do fresh fruit since the honeydew melons are phenomenal right now.

I hope I haven't tired you, this is rather a long missive and not the jolliest but I try to keep my promise to keep you up to date.

I am thrilled out of my mind and cleaning our apartment as if there is no tomorrow because in another week my beautiful sister Doreen is coming to visit! I have created a whole itinerary for her and am more excited than you can imagine!!! All the glorious flowers that I planted in her honour are blooming and the trees look amazing. I can't wait! Everyone here is excited she is coming " When is Auntie Dordi coming"? was the first question on Rachel's children's lips. "When is your sister coming? " asked Zvi's grandchildren. She is coming soon. We will sit together on the veranda and just………… just…….. relax. Far from the madding crowd!!!

There is only one song that is appropriate to this week. Shabbat and weekday it lifts my spirits and soothes my soul Al Kol Eleh – Above all this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbw2FTYHCTg#t=18

Shalom Aleichem Malachei ha Shalom - Come to us Angels of Peace, may peace be upon you. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trUaSv1-jIk

Shabbat Shalom dear friends. May peace come to you and to Israel. Please God we will look in the mirror and see the smiles of our neighbours in the reflection. Amen!

Sheila

-- 

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

151002 Eitam and Na’ama Henkin , PM's UN Speech, Simchat Torah

150210

2^nd October 2015

Shabbat Shalom everyone! Sorry this is so late but I was deep in my Shabbat preparations and only just sat down to write. I was also a little intimidated by the news since I last put fingers to keyboard – one can no longer say pen to paper after all.

I will come to the Prime Ministers speech in a moment but, I have to start with a very sad event, one which as the PM said brought absolute silence, inaction from the foreign media. True at the same time there were other murders – a family of 6 in Houston, Texas and 6 in California, but this is different, this is hatred not criminal. An Israeli mother and father in their 30s were gunned down and killed yesterday evening in front of four of their children in the West Bank. The attackers reportedly fled to a nearby Palestinian village. The attack happened shortly before 9pm on a road between the settlements of Itamar and Elon Moreh. Eitam and Na’ama Henkin were driving four of their six children when the attack occurred. Initial reports suggest that as they slowed to turn a corner, a car sped up alongside them and opened fire. Paramedics who arrived on the scene pronounced both parents dead on arrival, while the four children aged between four months and nine years old escaped physical injury. Their 9 year old said the mourners kaddish at the funeral today. May their souls rest in peace and may their children have no memories of the horror. http://www.bicom.org.uk/news-article/27048/

Incredibly, Fatah, President Abbas own organization, proudly claimed responsibility while Hamas praised them. Apparently they are working together after all.

 I couldn't work out why PM Netanyahu stood in silence before beginning his speech in the UN. I was also baffled at the first half of his speech which was rather same-old, same-old, Iran and that darned agreement again – in fact I half expected him to come up with another picture of a cartoon bomb, and then it happened. He began to speak of what is behind his distress at the Iran deal and that clear and present threats to Israel specifically, and the world in general, with the Iranian nuclear programme. As he said, if they wanted to wipe out Israel they already could, the war heads they want to manufacture will reach Europe and the USA! He spoke out about the silence, the deafening silence of world leaders when yet again Jews are the target of mass death threats. Then he was again silent, for 45 seconds, which sadly drew attention from what he had to say.

The PM continued describing the wonderful inventions and innovations of Israel, without which the modern world would be so different, and the ludicrous actions of the UN Security and Human Rights Councils against those who really threaten our world. Worth listening to.  

http://israelemb.org/washington/NewsAndEvents/Pages/PM-Netanyahu-Speech-at-the-UN.aspx

After our lovely visit up north with the children, playing beside the Kinneret, horse riding, kayaking and eating too much and too often, Zvi and I went to visit Zvi's lovely cousins Gabby and Dvora. Gabby is an excellent chemist (not pharmacist but chemistry type chemist) and Gabby explained the entire situation with Iran, that it is really a political sidetracking throughout the West because the greatest danger is not of a nuclear holocaust but rather from a dirty bomb carried on the back of a willing member of ISIS, Al Qaeeda, Hamas, Hezb-Allah or any of the myriad of other murderous fanatics. A small bomb, in a backpack, when released could cause infinite deaths and poison the earth for eternity. How do we know who? We don't. We are gullible, naïve and ingenuous all mixed up together. We are kind hearted fools, our fear of past xenophobia has made us ideal targets. It terrified me.

So, dare I look at the gorgeous things that happened to us this week? I think it is essential!!!

As I told you our trip to the Kinneret was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable with 5 grandchildren, Amit, Gili, Ori, Ella and little Yonatan and 6 adults the ratio was ideal.

Yesterday Zvi and I took Yosef, Talia and Ayala on an adventure day. We started with horse-riding at Amirs stables, a marvelous place near Ramot which has facilities for disabled riding too. We went on to a huge playground, ate lunch then to the climbing walls under the football stadium near our home. Zvi was very brave holding the support ropes and the children climbed to their hearts content. We were both exhausted at the end of the day – but the children were happy!!!

What do you think of when you hear the word Israel? Bible, war, terror, news………….. well Diane Steinfink sent me this link to remind you what Israel really is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=8&v=yd3V3JC35-U

Nearly Simchat Torah – literally the Joy of the Torah – where we read the final weekly portion of the Torah and rewind the ancient scroll to the beginning to start all over again. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, talks of the love of the Jewish people for the Torah, and how it turns into a bride on Simchat Torah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzoa7eKKlMw

Not just a bride but a joyous bride! Dancing in the streets https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=2&v=o4mG6hw-kfI

Have you noticed how often we say Shalom? Shalom, peace is in almost every Israeli song and most Jewish songs. It is what we seek and what we believe in. Shalom Lecha Dodi is a beautiful Shabbat Song. Not Lecha Dodi but Shalom Lecha Dodi, Peace be with you my friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1&v=BGw0R3BAjJs

Shabbat Shalom, Chag Sameach and back to the preparation because it is almost Shabbat. We have friends coming for supper tonight so we have a full menu. Home-made Challot this week, Salads galore, roasted cauliflower, both in Turmeric and olive oil and in Tehina, Roast vegetables, Quenelles of fish in Chraimeh, Whole Sea Bass in Lemon and spices, Salmon in Teriyaki, and lots of other surprises. So I must run before Shabbat.

I am so grateful as I look over Jerusalem, quiet and peaceful as Shabbat nears. Grateful that this city honours the Muezzin and the Church bells just as she does the Jewish festivals. I am truly grateful for the view from my veranda – and the trees and flowers which garland our panorama.

Shabbat Shalom to you all

With much love

Sheila

150925 Succot, Tabernacles, David Efron, Pope

150925

25^th September 2015

Shabbat Shalom, Gmar Hatima Tova and finally -  almost Chag Succot Sameach,  a Blessed Tabernacles and a peaceful Eid-Ul-Adha, the Day of Arafat and Hajj.

Actually, looking at what I just wrote above, hopefully using the traditional blessings for the Jewish and Christian festivals, Succot is happy, Tabernacles blessed and Ei-Ul-Adha I chose to use the word peaceful because I do not know what is traditional. Our hearts should, however, go out to the families of the 700+ dead in Makka, men who simply wanted to walk past the Kaaba.

The next time someone tells you that it is dreadful that Israel wants to impose stronger punishment for the throwing of stones by Palestinian youth get them to watch this video of Israel soldiers stopping stones with their bare hand and shooting in the air. Look at the youngsters total lack of fear of the soldiers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=67&v=GP3IArOzrOQ

Another point is that Jews and Christians are not trying to go into Al Aqsa, we just want to go onto the Temple Mount and silently pray. How on earth is that offensive? I see Moslems stop work and kneel down to pray all over Jerusalem and no one bothers them.

This is going to be a relatively short missive. For some that in itself is a blessing but the reason is a good one. We are going away, as do many, many Israelis, for the long weekend. We are heading North to Lake Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, with Zvi's sons and their families. We try to go away with them every year since a long weekend is a rare occasion in Israel!

Our dear friend David Efron has received his papers!! These are very special papers however, honouring Davids devoted work for Israel. On the 29^th of this month David will be installed as the Honorary Consul of Israel to Puerto Rico. In one year David became a grandfather for the first time, his youngest daughter got engaged to be married and now he will represent Israel in his beloved Puerto Rico. Well done David. Mazal Tov!

As Kippur ended the sounds of hammers began. Succot (Tabernacles) going up on verandas all over Israel. Traditionally one puts the first nails into the structure immediately after Kippur goes out. The trinket markets open on many street corners as decorating the Succah becomes quite competitive. Another Succot tradition is to welcome guests in to partake of a meal. Unlike in colder climes we don't hang fresh fruit from the slatted roof, in Israel we use either plastic fruits or something very close to Christmas decorations!!! Occasionally one hangs the yellow clusters of dates, fresh from the tree but rotting fruit in hot weather is really not a Succot tradition!!!

I often talk about our friend Professor Gabby Barkay and his incredible Temple Mount Sifting Project, well this time one of his visitors, a child, found a tiny stone seal from the time of King David. Such an exciting experience!

http://www.timesofisrael.com/tiny-stone-seal-from-king-david-era-found-in-temple-mount-fill/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=f292f702cb-2015_09_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_adb46cec92-f292f702cb-54393189

So today we leave the view from our veranda, drive to Tel Aviv to collect some of the children, hopefully going through Givat Zeev to kiss Rachel and her family Shabbat Shalom, then start up the coast. As we drive we pass history, ancient Roman (Caesaria), modern British (Atlit) and then cut across the country finally arriving at the Sea of Galilee and the town of Tiberias. We will make Shabbat in the hotel, it is fun watching all the other families stop what they are doing and look in amazement as Zvi begins to sing Kiddush. We are staying in the countryside so we will take long walks along the River Jordan (as Shimon Peres said the River Jordan has more history than water!) on Sunday the others (not me) will kayak and go down the Banyas fast waters. I still have memories of my son Gideon who decided to white water raft without the huge inner tubes they provide and got caught on a rock! He was only 16 at the time!

I wish His Holiness Pope Francis a wonderful visit to America, may his message of peace be heard and his followers enjoy every moment.

We return to a wonderful Tabernacles event by the International Christian Embassy – thousands of people who came to be in Israel, support Israel and celebrate their own religion in joy.

Succot in Jerusalem, such a happy time https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=50&v=JmIWJyOWlus

What is a Succah? Well here it is – a hug from above. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RWfTmmoCA8

As one enters the Succah in addition to the regular prayers one says a special prayer thanking God for bringing us to this moment Shehechiyanu https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=63&v=QddXlKSS4fg We never miss a chance to say thank you!

With much love from both Zvi and I, here in Jerusalem. I will take a final look over our view before setting off, I find it hard to leave Jerusalem even for a few days, almost as hard as I find it to write a short missive!!!

Love

Sheila

-- 

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

150922 Yom haKippurim

150922

22nd September 2015

Erev Yom haKippurim - Eve of the Day of Atonement

Dear Friends, Did you know that Yom Kippur has nothing to do with food? I know that the Jewish world is obsessed with fasting, "Well over the fast" "Easy fast", the morning television programmes are full of dieticians telling us how to eat leading up to the fast but few talk about the purpose, the reason behind the fast. We are supposed to be so deeply within our contemplation and prayer that we do not feel the need for physical sustenance since we are filled with spiritual sustenance.

Traditionally we ask for forgiveness from our fellow man as well as from the Almighty, we take the sins of the world upon ourselves, not just our own, and promise to be better people - to be more tolerant, less arrogant, to open our hearts and minds to others - it is most certainly not only the obvious ones of murder, blasphemy, coveting ones neighbours belongings and adultery. Indeed our prayers go far deeper than that - we beg forgiveness for our thoughts. Does this mean we get a clean slate and begin all over again - not in Judaism, the forgiveness comes with a condition - we must create a new reality without the stains that mar our lives and the lives of those around us.

Our world today is one of fear and uncertainty, especially if you are a Jew yet we are told to be tolerant. There is no mention of revenge, only of tolerance. 

This has been a year of paradoxes. Saudi Arabia heads the Human Rights Council; Russia (and most other leaders) back the vile regime of President Assad for fear of what will replace him, accept his killing of hundreds of thousands, yet find it rational to lambaste Israel for defending herself; Israelis rush to provide aid and sustenance to those fleeing oppression in Moslem countries yet are labelled Apartheid; the IDF created a field hospital on the Syrian border to treat the most severely injured in the Syrian civil war yet the UN claims Israeli medical system is anti-Moslem; Christian leaders criticise Israel which is the only country in the Middle East where the Christian community is thriving and growing yet remain silent about the dire situation of the Christians in the PA; young Palestinians throw stones and Molotov cocktails on Israeli civilians yet when we attempt to impose firmer laws to deter them we are criticised; Palestinian police beat a 15 year old half to death - on camera - yet the media is silent! The list is unending and deeply distressing.

We are not perfect and I am deeply ashamed of the behaviour of our Chief Rabbinate this week in their proclamation against the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. They claim that they are proselytising. I am ashamed at such a public show of lack of tolerance and diplomacy. The ICEJ is conceivably the finest organisation of Christians who support Israel through thick and thin, bring thousands upon thousands of Christians to Israel, particularly now at Tabernacles time and all our Prime Ministers and Presidents have proudly taken part in their events.I beg forgiveness from all of our dear friends, past and present leaders of the ICEJ, for forgiveness.

I would hate you to think there are no rays of sunshine in this troublesome year. While the UK Labour Party elected Jeremy Corbyn, Australia has a new Minister, Josh Frydenberg, sworn in on a Chumash - Hebrew Bible http://www.timesofisrael.com/australian-minister-sworn-in-with-hebrew-bible/

IsraAid workers discover "To the refugees it doesn't matter that I am Israeli"  Israelis continue to give sustenance to the world  http://www.israel21c.org/to-the-refugees-it-doesnt-matter-that-were-israeli/?utm_content=buffer22695&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

We must never lose sight of who we are. Many have tried, some succeeded, to dehumanise Jews so that no-one would care when we are killed. Others didn't kill us, they simply stop us performing our rites and traditions. Many Jews are in danger of losing their inherited memory, inherited traditions, inherited identity by joining the hedonistic, egotistic society of today, unwilling to give up one day a week, a month, a year without shopping. We do not have to forego even one joyful or fun activity to be a traditional Jew. We must be proud and give our children the genetic justice that is inherent in true Judaism.

To remind us of who we are this beautiful video shows the traditions passed from grandparents to children- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8_8z2quiBs&feature=youtu.be

And so to Jerusalem. Take all of the issues above and bring them to one simple fact - Jerusalem. Jews do not claim to be the sole owners of the Temple Mount, we do not wish to desecrate the Moslem Holy places, far from it we choose to honour their rights, all we ask is that they honour ours. The Temple Mount is Jewish and Christian too. 

Qanta Ahmed provides a beam of tolerant light "This is my prayer in these Days of Awe. This is my appeal, as I reflect and account for my actions. That for each and every Jewish person at these times of holy worship, reflection and redemption, we as Muslims might welcome them as gently and wholeheartedly at the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa on Mount Moriah as I was once welcomed at the Kotel." http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/at-al-aqsa-a-sentinel-moment-for-islam/#.VgBxb7FTRUk.facebook

The music of Yom Kippur is famous. Kol Nidre which opens the prayers has been sung by many famous stars, from Andy Williams, Perry Como, Johnny Mathis - and their renditions are exceptional, the spirituality of the music rising above their lack of Hebrew. Al Jolson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTufuWn3jv8 sings the traditional Ashkenaz niggun; Moroccan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SjVRAIDbz4; Sefardi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lh5rVwS8_Q; indeed we come in every colour, a veritable rainbow, yet we all, from whence we came home, turn to Jerusalem in prayer and lamentation. 

Unetaneh Tokef sung by Lt Col. Shai Abrahamson expresses our prayers - with translation https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=89r_N4hxw7M

Finally, a niggun from Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. It is so familiar, often used between the words of the Priestly Blessing.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7dLIT4sRQk

Perhaps the best example of what Judaism is about comes on Yom Kippur. While we beg forgiveness from the Almighty for our general sins, if at any time we publicly or privately embarrassed someone by our words or actions, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we do not ask for G-ds forgiveness, we must go to that person and ask for their forgiveness.One continues to ask for forgiveness three times,  after thrice asking for forgiveness they remain adamant in their refusal the sin reverts to them. There is so much to be learned from that simple tradition/rule. 

If I have in any way offended you or hurt you, if my writings have been sharper than they should or if you felt indignant, exasperated or piqued by my words I beg forgiveness. I promise to do better in the future. Although I do not know many of you I feel close to you. I love your responses to my outpourings, love the contact with you all.

As I look out over our veranda, Jerusalem before me, the pomegranate tree has several fruits hanging from its branches, having revived from our Greek sojourn; the little lemon tree given to me by my Cardiff girlfriends has loads of fruits, tiny and green but aplenty, the kumquat tree is filled with blossom and the little orange tree, well the little orange tree is a bit like the Jews - although it lost all its leaves and seemed unable to revive it is now filled with greenery and ready to produce juicy fruits next year.

From tonight no cars will travel on the lanes, streets, highways and byways of Israel. A wonderful silence broken only by the delighted shrieks of children riding their bicycles freely on the empty roads. That silence that was cruelly broken in 1973 as Israel was attacked on the one day our enemies knew an entire nation would be at prayer.

It was conceivably the most traumatic of wars waged on Israel, when every border was attacked. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/isdf/text/barjoseph.html May those who lost their lives be remembered and rest in peace. 

I wish you well over the fast - may it be filled with contemplation and may your lives be enhanced and advanced by your thoughts over this day of awe.

With love from Jerusalem.

Sheila

-- 

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

150911 9/11, Rosh Hashana

150911

11th September 2015

14 years. Incredibly 14 years have passed since we all thought that we were watching a movie reconstruction, a disaster movie.

14 years since the worst 8 hours of my life, then the best moment of my life when Kim discovered that both Rachel and Daniel were OK

14 years since the world changed and 3,000 families would never be the same

14 years since we discovered that the Fire and Police services were our heroes

14 years and we learned nothing.

Those days after the Twin Towers fell I was on Manhattan and found a different city where the profound trauma of the attack softened the New Yorker and  they greeted strangers and cared for them, irrespective of creed. Sadly, NYC returned to minding its own business. 

We forgot who did it. We forgot that vengeance only works if you cut the root not the branches. We forgot to be proud of who we are - and I am not only talking about Americans, it fits the Brits, French, Germans, Jews, Christians............. and Israelis. Being proud of ones identity is a far cry from xenophobia, indeed only when one loves oneself can one love others. Until we stand proudly 9/11 is just the beginning. Until we learn from the past we can never improve the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld6fAO4idaI

And so to Rosh Hashana!

Rosh Hashana is both very personal and has a much wider perspective. We beg for forgiveness for our sins and the sins of our world, not through another being but straight to the Holy One - to God. We learn to forgive but not forget; to atone and not repeat; to be humble yet never bend down to another human being; to be a better person than we ever imagined we could be. While the devout do so through Slichot prayers, being secular does not preclude atonement nor self-improvement.

Strangely, even though we call it New Year - it isn't, not the first Jewish paradox!!!! It isn't even the renewal of the reading of the Torah - that is after Sukkot on Simchat Torah - the Joy of the Torah- so what is it? Rabbi Jeremy Rosen will explain. My mentor and my wonderful old friend is not only wiser than I, but I owe him for not being angry when I lost his white mouse in his grandparents greenhouse!!! http://jeremyrosen.blogspot.co.il/

Ashley Perry is a British Jew, who came on Aliya and like my children, had Rabbi Jeremy Rosen as his headmaster at Carmel College. Since his Aliya, Ashley held a number of important positions as Advisor to MK's. Now Ashley has taken his family heritage, indeed family pedigree, as a member of the Spanish and Portuguese community as a project. Ashley does not do anything with selfish intent, thus he is not just researching his own family history but helping those whose ancestors were forced to convert to Christianity during the Inquisition and its aftermath, yet feel in their bones that they have Jewish blood, to research their families. This project in no way encourages religious changes, just a way to find out who or what we are. Watch this space - I will post the website just as soon as it is ready.

My childhood friends Michael and Shirley Fine, travelled all the way from Perth Australia to come to Jerusalem and despite the three days of the worst dust/sand storm I have ever had the misfortune to see in Jerusalem /Israel as a whole, and crippling heat (not I am not exaggerating) they had a wonderful time. They used public transport, especially the light rail, to get about and became Israelis for that short 8 day trip. We managed to go out, to visit and to spend time together although not enough - and to Zvis dismay, we spent a lot of time reminiscing our Cardiff childhood. 

We live in a world of easy superlatives, I have been guilty of falling into that trap myself. A few too many exclamation marks, calling a clever person a genius - we all do it. However, once in a very rare while one meets a real hero. He isn't a soldier, nor a politician, in fact chances are you have never heard his name but he is still my hero, and that of Zvi. Izaak Verbitsky has fought Multiple Sclerosis for 53 years. He never allowed it to put him into bad humour, or lose hope. This week Isaak came to Israel. It was no small feat, performed by Zvi, to arrange for him to fly here - Isaak is a quadriplegic, in an electric wheelchair. He came with his nurse and helper, his son and daughter-in-law and told Zvi, through his nurse, that he has a few special wishes. To go to the Western Wall, to climb Massada and to spend both his 79th birthday and Shabbat in Jerusalem. He indeed went to the Western Wall, his muttered prayer of deep significance as he kissed those ancient stones, we will have Shabbat in Jerusalem, tonight Zvi and I will eat dinner with them at the King David Hotel, Zvi's kiddush bringing a smile to Isaaks lips, and he will go up Massada. My amazing husband made it his project to ensure all promises were fulfilled and Chaim Shkedi, Manager of the King David gave Isaak a grand reception in the Royal Suite on the 6th Floor of the Hotel. 

What do I wish us for the coming year? Peace - always peace. We say it when we meet or part; we pray for it at every occasion; Shalom. I loved it when, in the old days, as the El Al flight landed in Israel the planes tannoy used to play Hevenu Shalom Alaichem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB4RMIWroMY

I wish us an IDF that does not need to fight and has no necessity to defend because our enemies will understand that we do not threaten them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR9eQPcY788

I wish us the determination to retain the traditions of our forefathers, the beauty of our heritage, whoever and whatever it may be. I love this blessing given to children, especially girl children on a Friday night before sitting to a traditional meal. "May the Lord bless you and keep you" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChIA3Pu53dY

May the Lord bless you and keep you through this coming year, remember that we enter year 5776 of Jewish life. We may not be huge like China or India but we reached 8.4 million Israelis - and they said we'd never last!!!! http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/On-eve-of-Jewish-New-Year-Israels-population-hits-84-million-415579

A special hug over the miles to the best Rosh Hashana present any grandparent ever received -  my glorious little grandson Joshua - Happy Birthday beautiful boy.

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova. Traditionally we say a sweet year, so I leave you with a song Shana Tova U Metuka. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dLv9HSfgOY

With love

Sheila

-- 

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

Reuven Rivlin and Pope Francis, Iran, Israel best, Canary Mission

150904

4th September 2015

Shabbat Shalom dear friends and a special one to Zachary David, my grandson, Chelsea fan and gorgeous boy, who was 7 years old yesterday! Happy birthday darling boy. Incredibly my wonderful, wise eldest son Daniel celebrates his 46th birthday this week too.  How did that happen?????

My favourite story of the week came out of President Reuven Rivlin's visit to His Holiness Pope Francis. While discussing the wave of anti-Semitism plaguing the world the Pope agreed with the President that anti-Semitism should be seen as an evil malady, while all those who sought to threaten Israel’s existence were rooted in anti-Semitism. President Rivlin told the Pope stories of his childhood, growing up in Jerusalem, playing near the Western Wall. They continued to cover world issues then His Holiness asked the most important question of all "Who is the best footballer the world has ever known - Pele or Maradonna"? President Rivlin thought deeply about the question and responded "Each generation produces its football heroes, all are excellent". Yet again you did us proud Mr President.

My least favourite story is the ongoing and seemingly never ending story of the "Iran Agreement". I fully accept keeping ones enemy close, but how can one make an agreement with a country whose leaders do not cease deriding, berating, calling for the destruction of your country, burning your flags and creating hate-filled cartoons of your President. I am not talking about Israel, we are the hors d'ouevres, it is time the USA understood that you are the main course.

If you want to know where YOUR Senator or Congressperson stands on Iran https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/where-lawmakers-stand-on-iran/#sen-no

One of the most believable and pragmatic journalists that I know, David Horovitz, wrote an op-ed on the political battle between PM Netanyahu and former PM Barak over Iran. I love David's no-nonsense approach and agree with him! http://www.timesofisrael.com/baraks-iran-bombshell-sounds-like-a-case-of-premature-detonation/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=7c80737996-2015_08_24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_adb46cec92-7c80737996-54393189

The Guardian is hardly a pro-Israel newspaper, but they held a marvellous photographic exhibit of Israelis and Palestinians playing football together. The city of my birth, the Welsh Capital city, Cardiff, has a City Council that prior to the major football match on Sunday evening - Wales/Israel in the qualifying rounds of the European cup - it was not politically correct to hold the self same exhibition. Why? Perhaps it shows that all preconceptions of our region are false http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3221924/Fury-Cardiff-Council-cancels-photography-exhibition-Muslims-Jews-Christians-playing-football-pictures-taken-Israel.html

The Canary Mission is a logical extension of our concerns as to the political leanings of people we employ. No I am not talking about which party one votes for, whether you smoked pot in university or stood on anti-war rallies, or even if you are an anti-Semite or not; this organisation keeps records of those who openly threaten life and limb of Americans, Jews, Israel etc. Do you want to check if the person you trust with teaching your children International Affairs is a radical?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJgXa1Pf8p0&feature=youtu.be

Some American Yeshiva students, visiting Israel, decided to go to Hebron in their own car, took a wrong turn and wound up in a problematic Palestinian neighborhood. They would have been lynched by a group of youngsters but Fayez Abu Hamdia saw something was wrong and took the men into his home and safety. I tell you for two reasons. Firstly that there are good people everywhere and secondly, go to Hebron but go with someone who knows the route or take a tour!!!! http://www.bicom.org.uk/news-article/palestinian-shelters-jewish-tourists-from-mob-attack/

And so to something entirely different. I intend putting a smile on your face this tough week.

Young people, and young families travel these days. They travel far and wide and parents would be much happier if they knew their companions and that they had somewhere to spend a Shabbat, Yom Tov or just a name to keep in contact. Especially important before Rosh Hashana. That is where Jewgether comes in! This organisation gets young Jews together to travel, matches them with hosts appropriate to their religiosity and generally gives them information relative to the country they want to travel to. I think it is terrific. Takes a bit of parent concern away when children a a long long way away on the adventure of their lives. http://www.jewgether.org/

A Palestinian entrepreneur tired of waiting for the PA to build housing so he took the situation into his own hands and built an entire town!!! Rawabi. Rawabi has opened its doors and people are moving in. Excellent - finally someone got it right. Happy families in happy homes. http://www.jewishjournal.com/feature/article/lights_on_planned_palestinian_city_welcomes_first_rawabians

Do you remember the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld? "No soup for you" was his cry to those who broke his stringent rule. Well, the Soup Nazi was in Israel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qaK7ihiSIY

Bravo Haisam, when you arrived from Egypt to study in Israel you learned far more than a Masters Degree from Tel Aviv University - You learned that one must always question our assumptions. Your world changed when you saw an IDF soldier reading the Koran an a train.The one thing one should expect from life is that life will defy your expectations. Haisam's valedictorian speech at Tel Aviv University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=24&v=aJAL1mjrFe8

10 ways that Israel feeds the world. Yes, not through Aid, nor outreach, this is serious folks http://www.israel21c.org/the-top-12-ways-israel-feeds-the-world/

Which are the top ten cities in the world? Well, I will give you a clue - Jerusalem is 10! http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/cities#overall

Which are the best countries to raise a family? This is independent research and Israel came in number 4 after Austria, Finland and Sweden  https://uk.style.yahoo.com/post/127548821239/a-list-of-the-top-20-countries-to-raise-a-family?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=fb

I AM AN ISRAELI. That isn't a hollow statement, it is something I am so proud of. This video makes me cry and before giving it to you I saw it several times and cried my eyes out in pride every time. I dare you to try and watch it without a Kleenex nearby - it's like trying to eat a sugared doughnut without licking your lips!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWtKoAVfL9M&feature=youtu.be

What a week (again). This week we saw all sorts of people that I really love! Gloria Goldstein is a wonderful lady and she brought us Dorothy, Michael and Ilana, as a special treat. Gloria shares her time between Sydney and Israel and Ilana is getting married in Jerusalem so life is busy for them. We had lunch in the Botanical Gardens then they came and ate Raya's 7 minute Chocolate cake on our veranda. It was so lovely and I especially loved it when Michael asked to have a photograph on himself with the Israeli flag and Jerusalem behind him.

Yesterday we spent time with Dalia Herman and her sister and brother. Dalia is the Mother of Flory Hariton and her face lit up when we took her to see the music centre that Flory and Paul donated. That is where HaKol Yachassi recorded this song, My Israel in Ladino https://youtu.be/8oZfs4WjDpU

Tonight I have a special treat as my dear Cardiff friends, although they emigrated to Perth Australia many years ago, Shirley and Michael Fine are coming for supper. I will collect them early and take them for a ride around Jerusalem before Shabbat then to ours for candle lighting.

Each week I find you songs to welcome Shabbat - but this time I thought you would love this video of an IDF soldier playing Shalom Aleichem on his violin.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwYkzgnA-EY and another rendering of Shalom Aleichem with a modern twist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQQOtt6VZUI

Now I am off to see Yosef, Talia and Ayala. I will climb over the high point of Samuels Tomb, down toward Givat Zeev. I know it cannot be true but I think I can smell Rachels Challah already! My children say they still remember coming home from school on a Friday, the aroma of freshly baked, hot Challah wafting toward them as they got off the school bus. I always made them little "bulkes" which would come out of the oven as they walked in the door, broken open and spread with thick butter (it was considered healthy then). After all my hugs and stories of school from all three children (Yosef took his first exam in a new school this week and got 102%) I will come home and set the Shabbat Table.

Supper will be just the four of us, but no Welsh food. Moroccan fish, Teriyaki salmon, baked potatoes and the usual multitude of salads. 

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, the city most worth visiting - in my view!!!!!

Love

Sheila

-- 

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