Shabbat Shalom from Las Vegas

121026

12th October 2012

Shabbat Shalom from Las Vegas!!!!

Beautiful air, glorious mountains and a great host but let's start with the news, good and bad, and then I'll tell you about our San Diego leg.

The despicable Gideon Levy is creating and spreading calumny about Israel. Thank heavens for Ben-Dror Yemini to debunk Levy's claim that Israel is already an Apartheid State. He proves that there are "lies, damned lies and statistics"or polls!!! http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/haaretz-gideon-levy-and-the-israel-apartheid-canard/

Netanyahus Likud Party and Libermans Israel Beitenu have decided to unify under one party. It is time to reduce the number of parties in the Israeli system and hopefully the centrist parties will also amalgamate and so too the left and the Arab parties. A three or four party system is infinitely more logical.  

Hamas and Hezb-Allah, are Iranian backed terror organisations.  Hamas is currently raining salvos of missiles on Southern Israel - a virtual blitz - harming innocent people,  destroying homes , and wreaking terror among children who will never be the same. An attack from Hamas is tantamount to the puppet masters Iran attacking Israel every day. Ergo, Mr President, Israel is under attack from Iran through proxies so why is the United States still financially supporting that proxy? As this article says "Silence on Gaza rockets gives terror a green light! http://www.timesofisrael.com/silence-on-gaza-rockets-gives-terror-a-green-light-israeli-envoy-warns-un/

The last Presidential debate, on foreign policy, turned into a battle of words at the end of which neither candidate stated that they would stand beside Israel if she were in danger of attack from Iran just that if Israel were attacked they will react. Gee thanks, by then it will be too late and another 6 million Jews will be at the end of a final solution! Listen to the rhetoric - when someone says he wants to kill you he means it!!

If you are pro-Obama then don't watch this video because you will be cross with me. Pat Condell talks about the plight of Christians in the ME since "Arab Spring". He tends to blame Obama but I would say that previous administrations, the West in general and the  predominantly churches that do nothing for their flock who are being systematically erased in the Arab countries, bear the blame.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1PnMWCOeH4

If you want to see a true  leader then watch and listen to Canadas PM Stephen Harper. He is brave, moral, straight talking and incredible http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=53736

If you believe the NY Times, Guardian, LA Times, CNN and BBC who claim that Israel mistreats her Arab citizens and or Palestinians then read this article by Arab Jerusalemite Khaled Abu Toameh, "Why Palestinians Want Israeli Citizenship" http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/3407/palestinians-israeli-citizenship 

In Los Angeles Lidia took us to the Getty Museum Gardens and the Museum of Tolerance - which blew me away. The manner of the presentation and the deep effect it was having on the schoolchidren who visited left a deep impression. We visited the Pico region too - full of Jewish shops and kosher restaurants - we tested one with Pablo Nankin and found it good!!!!

We left Los Angeles on a high note after going to breakfast with my cousin Lynnes son Tim, his wonderful wife Elisabeth and gorgeous boys. I love being with friends, listening and watching and learning but you know guys - a cousin is a cousin!!! I am thrilled that this most British of gentlemen has settled into the Los Angeles life and even has a son with an American accent!!!

Later that day we said goodbye to our lovely hosts Lidia and Mauricio as Becky Guttin drove all the way from San Diego to collect us! Indeed, since they had no idea how much luggage we had Becky's adorable father Fallo came too! We all fitted into Fallo's car and Becky was an absolute trouper driving us down south to San Diego to cousin Becky's home.

The next few days were a blur of family, food and fun as it was Zvi's turn to be thrilled by family and memories, sweet and bitter, of his 5 years in Mexico as a teenager. These cousins, Becky and Sylvia, share his memories in a way no-one else can, no matter how close. We were honoured to see the fabulous art of Fallo and his love letter to his beautiful wife..on canvas.

What impressed me most throughout our trip, is the incredible support for Israel and unabashed determination to show Jewishness in every way from all our friends and family. Mostly not religious they are all deeply spiritual, honour the traditions and love Israel.

Ilana and Eddies children - Alan, Jessica and Denise are a perfect example. All three go to Jewish schools, all speak and read Hebrew, in addition to Spanish and English - even the little one who is only 6, and they are deeply Jewish in their souls. Their artwork from school oozes Jewish knowledge without the children even realising it. I loved it and I could see the pride in Zvi's eyes at his little cousins achievements

.

And so from Gan Eden to S'dom........... Las Vegas!!!! For Zvi the bright lights and constant activity is the ultimate fulfillment of man's imagination and for me it is the gaudy noise of obscene opulence!! Our host Richard is yet again incredible. After he and his wife Danit took us all over Boston and New England he has now volunteered to take us around in Las Vegas. Yesterday he took us to the Hoover Dam which, although not the largest dam in the world showed the innovation and determination of one American President to resuscitate a dying economy through public works bringing pride back to a despondent America. In the evening we went to see the Cirque du Soleil performance of "Love" - quite phenomenal especially since I could sing along with the Beatles songs!!

So dear friends, as we reach the last portion of our trip, we celebrate another Shabbat away from Jerusalem, the family and the view from our veranda. The mountains around Las Vegas are beautiful but nothing, nothing compares with the spiritual beauty of Jerusalem. This has been an amazing journey, seeing the United States as she goes through the election process. What amazes me most of all is the devotion to party, irrespective of candidate, that pervades all aspects of the elections. So few are willing to cross the line in either direction because the candidate fulfills their requirements. Amazing. In Israel the politicians cross the line if their own party doesn't fulfill their requirements!!!

Enough of politicians, enough of strife we must bring our thoughts to sweeter things; to the serenity of Shabbat. I leave you with a beautiful medley dedicated to Israel and Zahal (the IDF) by Dedi Graucher http://www.torahcafe.com/dedi/a-tribute-to-tzahal-video_4c5839665.html

Shabbat Shalom with love from Las Vegas

Shabbat Shalom from LA

121019

12th October 2012

Shabbat Shalom from Los Angeles!

What a waste of public money!! The Israeli Public Prosecutor decided to lodge an appeal against the acquittal and mild sentence of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, a decision that was reached unanimously by a panel of three judges in the regional court - a unanimous decision of such a panel is normally considered legally binding. The vast amount of money wasted on the continued public vendetta, which has halted all effective government for fear of reprisals for about 6 years, will continue despite the fact that the crime was risible and all other accusations proven false. Time to stop the charade and let Israel move forward. Politicians who fear prosecution at every turn have their hands tied and Israel cannot afford to stagnate. Having just visited Salem we feel that the world looks at Israel as conducting a witch-hunt of the most popular politician we have produced in many a year. http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=288110

While getting on with life, however, Israelis should now make quite sure they drive slowly - speed cameras have been installed all over country!!!!!

Two Ambassadors presented their credentials to President Peres this week - Egypt and Jordan. The Egyptian also presented a warm letter from President Morsi to President Peres which created uproar in Egypt but has been approved by the Egyptian regime. Simply shows that rush to judgement is never a good thing. http://www.timesofisrael.com/morsi-letter-to-peres-sparks-uproar-in-egypt/?

The Jordanian Ambassador, however, was disowned by his entire tribe for taking the position and should be applauded for his bravery The Obeidat tribe condemned the appointment of Walid Khalid Obeidat as Jordan's new ambassador to Israel, saying that a person who accepts such an appointment is "violating all prohibitions, crossing all red lines and offending the nation and the tribe. " Why? Because they claim Israel has stolen Palestinian land etc etc etc - what and Jordan is made up of..........?

David Horovitz hits the nail on the head yet again with his article "Debates? Ugh! Who needs them". http://www.timesofisrael.com/debates-ugh-who-needs-them/ and comes to the conclusion that we Israelis really need them too. Zvi and I have had the privilege of watching the debates with great curiosity - particularly the  "He won -no he won" attitude of the press. Both participants are erudite, eloquent and well prepared. Both participants represent their constituencies and whether I agree with one over the other is irrelevant but I pray that people will choose a leader and not just follow a party.

In Boston we went to the JFK Museum with our hosts Danit and Richard; a stupendous museum in an exquisite setting, exhibiting so much more than the life of JFK.  The exhibit that impressed me above all was inaugural speech in which JFK spoke about the United Nations and the deep relevance of that speech today. Congressman Mike Pence apparently feels as I do and spoke thus

"Following the defeat of tyranny throughout Europe in 1945, and in the ashes of the Holocaust, the United Nations was born. It was formed to create a forum to confront dictators before they rose to global power. President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address warned some four decades ago that the United Nations must not become a forum for invective against the West.

"But as we saw yesterday with the leader of Libya decrying Israel in the terms of the ‘Israeli demon.' As we saw the leader of the discredited regime in Tehran denounce the ‘barbaric attacks of the Zionist regime' and continue to deny the Holocaust in public forums, we see the United Nations has become not only a forum for invective against the West, but especially a forum for invective against our most cherished ally, Israel.

"Today, the American people provide 20 percent of the financial support for the United Nations. And today the American people are asking, ‘why?'" http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/jfk-inaugural61/

Now for an amazing story. Zvi and I decided to go to Boston from NY by bus - a fast and picturesque way to travel. Our bus driver was Indian, very amusing and I loved the fact that I giggled at his jokes and Zvi couldn't understand his accent, sweet revenge for all the Spanish spoken on this trip! Half way through the journey the bus took a pit-stop and the driver came back to check the passengers had all returned. As he passed us he looked down at Zvi's Hebrew novel and said "I asked for that at the library but they didn't have it" Zvi laughed thinking it was a joke but then the driver continued in Hebrew!!!!! His name is Shlomo Benjamin - born in Bombay but raised in Israel who came to the States many years ago to learn to drive tour buses and stayed. Most of his and his wifes family are still in Israel. What a terrific story eh?

From Boston we flew to LA and to our gracious hosts Lidia and Mauricio Epelbaum who have opened their home and their hearts to us. Yesterday Lidia and I just sat and talked while the energiser bunny went to see friends who took him to see Rodeo Drive etc. Lidia took me to a ladies luncheon at the Jewish University where Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson spoke beautifully about the story of Abraham and Isaac. I loved his comment that in his imagination G-d first came to Sarah and asked her to sacrifice her son to which she answered "No way, are you kidding? I will not sacrifice the thing I love most in the world because you ask me and if you ask me such a thing then you are not the Almighty" G-d then went to Avraham who said "A test? OK I'll take my son and sacrifice him" When Abraham stood with the knife poised G-d realised that Sarah was right - it was not a demand that the Almighty would make and stopped Abrahams hand. Loved it!!!

In the evening two friends from my British past came to see us. Shirley and Ramon Greene, formerly of Reading, Berkshire, came over and it was as if nearly 40 years disappeared and we simply continued the conversation where we left off. We spent a delightful evening together and hopefully it was the first of many either here or in Israel.

Today Lidia took us on a drive-through tour of this side of LA. I love the UCLA campus, it really is beautiful, and then we went on to the Getty Museum where we walked thorugh the gardens and listened fascinated to the talk on the external architecture and its purpose - absolutely stunning. Sadly my energy levels dropped and we didn't see the inside - next time!!!

So this week we will spend Shabbat with Lidia and Mauricio before wending our way to San Diego and all our lovely family there. Becky Guttin is driving here to pick us up and take us down the coast.....nothing is too much for these wonderful people - they love us enough to put themselves out and believe me it is deeply, deeply appreciated.

I wish you friends and family who are always willing to put themselves out for you because they love you so much they need to be near you. Me? I would walk a million miles...........!!!

Finally, I leave you with my favourite Shabbat song. The song we sing on a Friday evening in synagogue, gently turning to greet the bride of Shabbat - Lecha Dodi - Come my beloved, come to welcome the bride of Shabbat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlJuY21J-WQ&feature=related 

Shabbat Shalom to you and yours. I wish you peace and gentleness to greet the Shabbat bride with love for each other and those who may annoy you but share your history and your future. Tolerance.

With love from Los Angeles - looking toward Jerusalem

Sheila

Shabbat Shalom from Boston

121012

12th October 2012

Shabbat Shalom from Boston!! We just arrived having caught a bus in NYC, travelled through beautiful countryside with the leaves just turning and arrived in Boston where Richard met us and helped us "schlepp" our multitude of suitcases on the train and tram to their house to be greeted with smoked salmon and a smile by Danit.

You cannot imagine this week!! So many of you think Zvi and I are the energiser bunnies at home but right now we are doing  far more!! Let's think about the week..................

Let's start on Sunday evening in the town of Bedford, NY, after a day which began at 05:00 when Joshua wanted to know if it was morning yet so that he could climb into bed with me for his cuddle!! I had no intention of speaking to any groups but I have a special soft spot for Sari Singer who garnered great support from her community for Kinneret Chaya and find it hard to refuse her anything and I took Rivka and Michael with me for support! Sari and  Rabbi David, promised me about 20 people and question and answer, well it was actually about 60+ people but the minute the delightful people began to talk to me at the pre-talk reception it all worked out. Ron Meyerson, with whom I have had a wonderful email conversation for some weeks turned out to be a truly beautiful man who is now a dear friend, David Weinstein who helped Kinneret Chaya so much was also at least as charming as he appeared and Harriet who is a long time reader was just as much fun as I imagined................. indeed when my turn came to speak I was ready and relaxed.

I began by reading about Kinneret Chaya, since the community already knew about her and helped her, the story only I knew, Kinneret Chaya before and after, and how she reached the after of a beautiful, strong, spiritual, devoted woman with two and 8/9th children!! From that point on the questions came thick and fast - but almost all were about war, will we attack Iran, the Haredim, what I think of Obama and such like and all I wanted was to tell everyone about the incredible life we lead. I wanted them to know that  we have fun, much more than most, going out to theatre, restaurants, shows, each others homes, Israeli singing and sometimes just "schpatzeering" or for coffee, rather than sitting home and worrying about Iran! I wanted them to hear about Friday and how we shop til we drop and then cook until................. Shabbat with the family!!! I wanted them to know what a full and fulfilling life we lead that is filled with joy and purpose......... but sadly Rivka's question was never asked as I ran out of time arguing with people that our problem is not the religious Jews but that both Israeli Arabs and Haredim must take part in society and that both are now beginning to do so. Basically - I wanted this audience of marvellous people to realise jut how marvellous it is living in Israel and how privileged I am to live in Jerusalem.

Obviously we are overpowered and over-newsed- out by the debates........DEBATES!!! When will the politicians realise that people hear what they want to hear? OK so the first debate was probably a Romney win, but then he was attacking and the President had to defend his policies - always a difficult position. I felt the whole Big Bird campaign was ridiculous - conduct unbecoming of a President. The second debate had a handsome, smiling older statesman against a rough around the edges very young and inexperienced, but practically clever, politician. One either heard that Joe Biden smirked or that he was clever and smiling - and that Paul Ryan was either a poor debater or a refreshingly naive politician depending upon whether you are a Dem or a Rep!. Me - I don't know!

The next day Lenny and Ruth Cole called in and Lenny told us of his latest academic publication concerning anti-Semitism. Both Lenny and Ruth are fierce defenders of Israel and very much initiators rather than responders.

Then it all broke out as House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrel Issa made it very clear that the government attempted a cover-up concerning security and premeditation of the horrific attack on the American Embassy in Benghazi, a cover-up which distressed me, a cover-up of the extent of the attack and the dreadful personal attack on the Ambassador and the claims that it was an inside job. He said "Well, some of the diplomatic correspondence from the ambassador himself described a deteriorating situation. It described continued problems. It described the volatile nature. And these were in actual cables. But more importantly, they were reporting on an almost successful attempt to murder the ambassador, the successful looting of the Tunisian consulate nearby in Benghazi, 234 separate attacks, and I think, oddly enough, Ambassador Kennedy said, well, only 20 percent of them were in Benghazi. Now, 20 percent of 234 sounds like an awful lot of violent attacks, and it was." Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/on-the-record/2012/10/11/issa-benghazi-gate-its-clear-it-was-terrorist-attack-video-theory-couldnt-be-further-trut#ixzz297QUJGNR

American Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice comes out worst but Hillary Clinton a close second. Were their statements under White House directive or are they following State Dept. line?

Directly on the heels of this inquiry followed another attack, this time on the American Embassy in Yemen. How many flags must be burned for the US leaders to know that they are hated? Not hated because of policy, hated because they represent the antithesis to Islamic Fundamentalism and thus the greatest  obstacle.

  

Moslem Brotherhood supporters and anti-Morsi rebels fought violently in Tahrir Square where it all started. Who knows what the outcome may be. 

Israel? Well we downed a drone.......... a big drone which was on its way from Hezb-Allah to Dimona, a gift from Iran. Iran testing the waters I guess. A Grad rocket landed in a school, but no-one really cares about that unlike the rocket that landed in Turkey to which Turkey reacted by attacking Syria - of course Turkey is considered correct wheras when we respond........... forget it it depresses me!!!

 

As brilliant as our hosts are, as amazing it was to grab seconds and minutes, hugs kisses and giggles with children and grandchildren, I miss Jerusalem. I miss the "View from my Veranda"; I miss the hustle and bustle, the laughter and chatting to anyone next to you on the bus or tram; I miss the glorious food, the variety of "Shabbatot"; I miss the friendliness of the ladies on the cashier desks at the supermarket and the open rowdy arguments on just about every and any subject because we all care SO MUCH.We may not always be polite but we are honest and straighforward and we DO talk of politics, religion and even ask strangers how much they paid for their purchases, how much they earn and what they paid for their home!!!!

Tonight we spend Shabbat with Danit and Richard Farwell, right across the road, and tomorrow we will walk around Boston.

We wish you Shabbat Shalom from Boston with a song that the lovely Michael Bertisch Meir is particularly fond of Amir Benayon and here Amir sings the most "Shabbesdik" of all Shabbat songs. Shalom Aleichem.......... Peace be with youhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc8Y7Tz3Wsc&feature=related

Shabbat Shalom dear friends

With love

Sheila 

Shabbat Shalom from Fort Lee

121005

5th October 2012

Dear Friends Shabbat Shalom

We are not sitting on the veranda nor are we preparing Shabbat, not even salivating at the aromas of ethnic Jewish foods wafting from our neighbours........... we are in Fort Lee New Jersey at the home of our unbelievably kind hosts Drs Rivka and Michael Bertisch Meir. It isn't Jerusalem but the sheer warmth and "nedivut" generosity and warmth of both Rivka and Michael and their infinite patience with three tiny girls and four adults taking over their home is worthy of the Israel prize!!!!

The Middle East has gone even more berserk since we left with the Syrians lobbing a mortar over Turkey and the Turks responding with an armed attack. Of course the world reacted - after all this isn't thousands of missiles over Jews this is one idiotic missile launched by Syrians over Turks - yes yes I know that the world ignores the suffering of Israelis and furies over any response we make while accepting Turkeys response but, hey nothing is new in this world. I wonder if Turkey has apologised to Syria for bombing the heck out of them!

The situation in Syria worsens daily. Why isn't someone doing something rather than talking about it? Thousands of people lose their lives between the two sides and the world talks.......... talks........... talks. The powers that be talk when a huge and infinitely wealthy fanatic Islamist country threatens to wipe out a fellow member of the United Nations and burns the flags of the two greatest democracies in the world - actually the three greatest democracies in the world. There is a point when talk is not sufficient one has to confront the bully. Confrontation on a genuine level can prevent war - bullies do not respond to reason but calling their horrendous bluff may just work. The most common question asked here is "Is Israel going to attack Iran"? Sorry guys but it annoys me.......... why should the smallest possible country, surrounded by enemies just waiting for an excuse to join Iran's attack on her, attack a huge and highly armed country to save the world when the rest of the world can't be bothered to stand by our side? Henry Kissinger may be brilliant but his comment that no-one else has the right to decide on Iran apart from the United States is more than a little arrogant. The American decision to reject the Iranian 9 part proposition may well be right but surely it should be discussed.

Moslems rioted on the Temple Mount and rushed the Mugrabi Gate requiring a strong reaction from the Israeli Police who held the crowd back. Since the Mugrabi leads directly to the Western Wall where Jews pray one would assume that even the foreign press would understand the need to hold the hordes back although I'm sure they concentrated on the cruel Israeli police! http://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-of-arabs-assault-guards-at-temple-mount/?utm_source=The+Times+of+Israel+Daily+Edition&utm_campaign=187688e64c-2012_10_05&utm_medium=email 

The Christians of Nigeria, although the vast majority, have been suffering terrible terror attacks, particularly on churches for some years. This week they chose to respond. Finally and at last the Christians of Nigeria are fighting back against the Islamic Extremists in that nation. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/January/Nigeria-Christians-Vow-to-Fight-Islamic-Radicals/Actually http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/January/Nigeria-Christians-Vow-to-Fight-Islamic-Radicals/Actually

Flying home to South Africa after visiting Toronto for a family function should be a straighforward affair. It should be but it isn't if you land in an Arab country in transit. 77 year old  Dr Cyril Karabus thought he was just resting in a hotel before his onward flight only to find himself arrested, suspected of murder. Some years ago Dr Karabus treated a young girl for leukemia and she sadly died and that is the case held against him. Doctors of the world unite and express your disgust. http://www.7daysindubai.com/Family-say-doctor-arrested-Abu-Dhabi-airport/story-17021470-detail/story.html

I am usually a very "on the ball "news fiend and it is a little strange for me to be on vacation and not in touch......... except for the Presidential Debate, vacation or not I had to watch it! It fascinated me to see the formality of the debate, the precise timing and the questioner or chairman demanding fair play........ loved that! I thought both men performed well, it is much harder to be the defendant than the accuser/prosecutor and Mitt Romney was, of course, the prosecutor who found all the holes in the current administration, with extreme civility but very strongly and it was the encumbents duty to defend his policies. Mr Obama pointed out that economic problems are inherited but didn't reveal that the problem goes back through many Presidencies to Mr Carter!! As you well know I do not comment on who I would support, and certainly want the best man for America but I think round one went to Mr Romney in terms of debate, he was cool and ready with answers but then his position in the debate was easier to defend because he is not the man in the hot seat.

I love Manhattan - not only because my little grandson Joshua is here although that is a great reason - but I love the city. I am very very much a country bumpkin yet the trees and of course Central Park make this a wonderful place to be. It is a city for people watchers and shoppers, the variety of folk is quite incredible and their reactions to the homeless that increasingly occupy their sad positions on the streets tell the story of their characters. As always, the sound of Hebrew permeates the stores, museums and streets as Israelis find each other. Israelis love travelling and absorbing the cultures around them........ especially the store culture we are great shoppers!!!!

Going to Joshuas school was the absolute highlight for me. Watching his face light up as he realised that Safta came with Daddy obviously helped but the beauty of his classmates was exceptional and warmed my heart. Joshuas class is special with normative and complex needs children sharing a curriculum that includes communication, not of the Steve Jobs variety but of actually communicating and touching and talking. I loved it!!!!

Two days ago I met with our wonderful friend Daniel Schwartz, my favourite Zionist!!! Daniel grew up in a home that understood the importance of teaching children responsibility through example especially responsibility of being a good Jew. Daniel understands the need to act instead of just talking.

On Sunday night I will be going with our friend Sari Singer to speak at her synagogue and take a Q&A about Israel. I hope to explain the joy of Israel as well as the reasons we must defend ourselves.

Tonight we will celebrate Shabbat with our hosts, with Zvi's son Leor and his beautiful family and with friends and my son Daniel who will pop in to wish us all good Shabbes as Jews all over the world have been doing for centuries. Tradition, tradition in the food, tradition in the blessings, tradition in the songs. Tradition we pass on to our children and to their children and their childrens children. Tradition as three little girls - our grnd-daughters Amit, Gili and Ori - help light the Shabbat Candles, the light leaving a glow on their faces that is so much more than candlelight, joining Saba and Michael in singing the Kiddush and then the blessing over the two challot........ followed by Rivkas epicurean delights. Tradition.

 I leave you with a special song, one that I have given to you before but it embodies the spirit of Shabbat as no other. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wsax3A4mS8

Shabbat Shalom from the great USA with my heart in Jerusalem.

Love

Sheila

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

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

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Involvement   http://www.impact-se.org/   www.knessetforum.org   www.mfa.gov.il

Yom Kippur 2012

120924

24^th September 2012.

“The Middle East is replete with both new and old threats. One should not underestimate these threats, but not be alarmed by them either. Israel is stronger today than ever.” -- Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel 

It is almost Yom Kippur or Yom haKippurim – the Day of Atonement. My apologies have been made, my intentions reviewed and along with Jews wherever they may be- I promise G-d to be a better person this year than I was last.

Netanel Yahalomi, z"l aged just 20, was killed when terrorists opened fire on IDF soldiers securing the construction of the fence along the Israel-Egypt border. The terrorists, dressed in civilian clothing, followed a group of African migrants. When the migrants arrived at the border, several soldiers left their post to offer them water. The terrorists emerged from behind the migrants, and opened fire killing Netanel. When our soldiers returned fire, killing three terrorists, a suicide belt worn by one of the terrorists exploded. IDF sappers found a large number of firearms and explosives on the terrorists, including and RPD machine gun, a rocket propelled grenade, Kalashnikovs, ammunition, grenades, and more. http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism+Obstacle+to+Peace/Memorial/2012/Victims/Netanel_Yahalomi.htm

The riots and killing spree engendered by an ill conceived and badly made video, began with the rape and assassination of, Ambassador Christopher Stevens, a fine American diplomat who was dragged alive through the streets of Benghazi (I will not show you the horrific photographs I received as a journalist or refer to his diary because it is disrespectful to his memory) expresses an intolerance not seen in this world for 70 years. The rampages and attacks upon American Embassies throughout the Moslem world, the burning of American flags shows unbelievable ingratitude and bestiality unseen outside their own countries. The misuse of freedom of speech in OUR countries and its consequences was behind my short essay in the Times of Israel. "Never in their wildest nightmares did those who fought hard to achieve freedom of speech believe it could be turned on its head to deny democracy rather than defend it." http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/freedom-of-speech-is-a-two-way-street/   

Jon Stewart got it right. Reaction to a stupid internet video? What about Monty Python? What do Jews do if really riled by anti-Jewish material? We write a letter to the NY Times! Assessing the situation with humour he really hit the nail on the head.   http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/6363201/51310487/daily_show_over_innocense_of_muslims.html Pat Condell, on the other hand, also made a video about the riots – his views are somewhat less delicate!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCXHPKhRCVg 

Sadly this letter began with some less than pious (but essential) thoughts but as Yom Kippur fast approaches I want to change my tone to a more contemplative and beautiful direction. I want to think of Jerusalem as she dresses herself for Yom Kippur. At first the city closes down much as she does on Shabbat, but the silence is deeper and the sense of prayer descends tangibly over the entire country, not just Jerusalem. Traditional "aruchot mafsekot" (pre-fast meals) are prepared as families sit down to foods their families have eaten over the generations. Some eat a hard boiled egg and bread whereas others eat a full meal with chicken soup and roast meats – each insisting that their way to prepare for the fast is the most effective!  Then each family dresses in white and as the siren calls out the beginning of Kol Nidre. Suddenly the streets are silent, not a vehicle moves, Israel is atoning, their entreaty as one for a kinder world. One cannot appreciate the beauty of a country without the daily hubbub and clamour until it happens. The silence encourages prayer, contemplation, peace and contentment while the chest beating promises to better ourselves are accompanied by atonement for the worlds ills.

Actually, I am not telling a whole truth. While it is true that the silence is (almost) complete; families walk to synagogue dressed in white and the sense of piety is tangible, there is another sound which pervades the "holy silence"……. Children having fun!!! The empty streets become one giant playground of scooters, bicycles and rollerskates. Young children run and play and yell and giggle in the streets without the fear of a car coming round the corner an activity that tends to continue until their parents come out of synagogue after Kol Nidre and well beyond.

Kol Nidre is a truly beautiful, mournful prayer which opens the Day of Atonement. Particularly soulful it has been sung by great and small my two favourite versions are a million light years apart – Al Jolson in "The Jazz Singer"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVhAXr_5Ag4&feature=related and Johnny Mathis, a non-Jew who puts so much soul into his prayer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30HKyLhGCjk My Kol Nidre and Kippur will be spent on our veranda, quietly praying to myself from the prayer book I used as a child sitting beside my Mother in the old synagogue in Cardiff. My reasons for praying at home are multiple – the synagogues near us are Moroccan, Iraqi, Kurdish, Sefardi, Reform and many other unfamiliar forms – all perfectly good but unfamiliar -  and the Ashkenaz synagogue, our family synagogue, which prays with my childhood tunes and follows my Machzor, is too far for my legs to take me. In truth, I love the solitude which allows me to pray undisturbed. My style of religion is my own; my prayers go out over Jerusalem which lies before me as if a prayer within herself.

Jerusalem, ah Jerusalem. It is time to pay heed to King David and the Prophet Isaiah who understood that Jerusalem was our heart and if we do not honour Jerusalem and protect her she will stop beating. Come travel with me through Jerusalem, If I forget thee.. http://vimeo.com/15034110 

Finally, Benny Gatz, Commander in Chief of the Israel Defence Forces wishes you all a Shana Tova, a Happy New Year.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FFaQw3RElc&feature=em-subs_digest

Gmar Chatima Tova dear friends – may you be inscribed in the good book and let's all pray that next year will bring enlightenment where there is darkness; wisdom to our leaders, whoever and wherever they may be; that the oppressed will break free; that the ideals of democracy may just filter through the wall of hatred that brings only bitterness and fear and that joy will come into all our lives.

With love from both Zvi and I and our beloved home, Jerusalem

Sheila

PS If you go into my blog on Times of Israel please leave a commenthttp://blogs.timesofisrael.com/freedom-of-speech-is-a-two-way-street/   

Shana Tova 5773

120916

Dear Friends, dear loyal friends – Shana Tova 5773

Looking back over the last year I want to apologise if at any point I have offended you or said or written anything that may have hurt you or your sensibilities. It is my intention to inform but I am human and occasionally my emotions come through. You are important to me, important to us and very important to Israel so please forgive me.

My prayers for next year are multitudinous but I will make a list of my most important desires and prayers.

1. Greater understanding that violence and anger bring only violence and anger
2. Greater understanding that teaching hatred begets hatred
3. Tolerance – Sovlanut – to understand each other and accept our differences with love (www.impact-se.org)
4. That the people of the great United States will elect the man who THEY deem best for their country and that he, whoever he may be, will recognize that his actions and leadership affect the entire world in every way.
5. That our little but immensely important country will be recognized for her huge achievements and tolerance rather than for being endangered.
6. I pray that the leaders of once great countries with ancient traditions will recognize the importance of their history and not allow it to be changed
7. I pray that Jews, and Christians, but at this time of year I concentrate on Jews, will stand up and be proud of who and what they are. If you choose not to be religious or traditional that's your choice and none of my business, but be proud of who you are and our traditions and history and don't denounce them out of ignorance! Remember that Israel is based on the Tenach, on ancient teachings, on tolerance and acceptance and above all accept that we live in a very tough neighborhood – this isn't Westchester, Knightsbridge or Chadstone, but our life is joyous and our search for knowledge insatiable!
8. Jerusalem, Jerusalem – if I forget thee oh Jerusalem. I love this city, I love this heart, and I want to be free to pray and live as and where I wish and allow the same right to others, but demand that right from them.
9. Finally I pray for your health, joy, fulfillment and determination for Tikkun Olam. Don't allow the media to dictate your mood, you be a vessel for change within your family, your circle, your town, your country… We can all do it!

So we are on the very edge of the five thousand, seven hundred and seventy third year of Judaism – 5773 – Be proud, be strong and be positive.

To my beautiful children, all of you, mine and Zvi's, I am proud of you and want you to be the upright, thinking, kind and honest people you have become. I wish you health and joy and that your children smile up at you with pride.

I wish you and yours a good year and much love and don't forget to Dip the Apple! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=FlcxEDy-lr0&NR=1

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem

120914

14^th September 2012

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova!

I just heard a joke – Doctor tells patient “I am afraid you have hypochondria” Patient “Oh no not that sickness  as well” Our world is currently very sick and a hypochondriac to boot.

The world has become an upside down place and Nero is fiddling while Rome is burning. Israel was horrified at the news that an American Ambassador had been cruelly murdered in Benghazi in a trail of rage which hit this area because someone posing as an Israeli put a short video (badly made) on the internet lampooning Mohammed. On the one hand I disapprove of derision of anyones religion, on the other hand the Arab countries create cartoons of Jews and Christians which put Goebbels to shame and children's television programmes which teach entire generations that Jews are monkeys and Christians pigs and we should all convert to Islam or die.

Why do I feel that Nero is fiddling? Read this article which shows that the Ambassador, may G-d rest his soul, was in a temporary facility without bullet proof windows or armed guards and that it took 5 hours to find his body. When his body was found it was discovered he had been sodomised before his death. I am sorry but it is true. Time to rethink the State Department which has constantly given bad advice to the leader of the free world and think about who accepts that advice unthinkingly. Remember the last time that an American Diplomat was assassinated? During the term of James Earl Carter, sadly an Obama advisor. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2202409/Safe-house-Ambassador-died-Marine-guard-body-missing-hours-Full-scale-chaos-surrounding-Libyan-killings-revealed.html

Bret Stephens on the trailer, yes trailer for an video which caused all the furore, killing and burning of American flags http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443524904577649891086383820.html 

There never was an Israeli involved, the amateur filmakers are Klein, an Evangelical Christian and “Bacile” is Nakoula Basseley Nakoula a Coptic Christian. Yes, it is the American flag they burned and the American Ambassador they killed. Time for President Obama to admit that Israel is his only ally and not allow petty personal dislikes to change the face of the Middle East. He doesn't have to love our Prime Minister just stand by his allies when they are threatened with extinction! Today is a repeat of 1939, and, not through evil intent but rather through a decision toward insular policies in an attempt to save the American economy, Americas allies are being left on the sidelines and the USA is fighting the wrong war.... whoever the President.

Condoleeza Rice was wrong about the Syrian nuclear facility and Hillary Clinton is wrong now, Iran is a threat to us all and on the 11th Anniversary of 9/11 we appear to have learned nothing.

Canada, has a strong sense of moral history history, severed diplomatic relations with Iran, closing its embassy in Tehran and asking Iranian diplomats in Ottowa to leave - because “the Iranian regime is providing increasing military assistance to the Assad regime; it refuses to comply with UN resolutions pertaining to its nuclear program; it routinely threatens the existence of Israel and engages in racist anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement to genocide.” Canada we love you!!!http://www.timesofisrael.com/canada-boots-iranian-envoys-pulls-its-diplomats-from-tehran/

It is irrelevant to most of the media but missiles are falling on on Southern Israel. No-one cares when it sells more advertising space to show the 18 work-seekers we didn't let in through the border rather than destroyed Israeli houses. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4278748,00.html

Rosh Hashana is around the corner and I am tired of bad news. There are plenty of great things happening in the world.

For instance, Noam Gershony was already an Israeli hero when he wheeled up to the winners podium to receive his Olympic Gold in the Paralympic Tennis. His tears were of joy, joy at beating the odds and surviving and joy at hearing his country's anthem play.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmbjEG9K5io&feature=player_embedded

Another instance is Boris Johnson, Mayor of Greater London who gave this wonderful speech the other day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j51MbbAi0A8&feature=player_embedded

Last night I travelled to Tel Aviv on the bus, together with my friend Sue. We started at the bustling Jerusalem Central Bus station with its huge shopping mall and happy faces, soldiers and Moslem women rubbing shoulders with priests and religious Jews, climbed on board and rapidly found ourselves in the Tel Aviv Central bus station, and seemingly another world. Dirty, creepy, crime ridden and abandoned shops at all levels. On our onward journey we passed large open areas filled with Eritrean and Sudanese work seekers with nothing better to do than lay around..... oddly enough around the police station. It was so sad to see the local residents tentatively making their way to their homes, both black and white Israelis seemed like frightened deer in the headlights.

We were on our way to a concert in honour of a dear friend of ours who died as a result of breast cancer, at the same time as her daughter suffered the same fate. It was then discovered that of the 5 daughters 3 had inherited the gene from their mother. Lisa, one of the three daughters, has worked hard here in Israel to get recognition of the situation, persuading health authorities and the government to ensure greater screening and awareness in order to save lives. The concert was brilliant. Held in a beautiful building on the renovated Bauhaus Bialik Street, the young violinist who performed gratis, came all the way from Austria. Jaleh Perego, born to a Jewish father,had a difficult childhood but when she visited Israel with her orchestra she found peace and home on a Kibbutz.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2hy6N8Ltvw Her performance was a fitting memorial to Joyce Freed Cohen z'l and the women who were not saved because they did not know they carried the gene. The evening was amazing and as always it was wonderful to spend time with our beautiful Cardiff friends. We left Tel Aviv from the Arlosorof bus station, not risk going back to the Central, but although clean and safe it was deserted by 11 o'clock at night!!! We scrambled onto the bus and suddenly everything came to life! Jerusalemites chattering and snoozing, discussing and laughing and of course when we got back to the Jerusalem bus station everything was lively again. Those Tel Avivim......... they need to come to Jerusalem to discover night life and fun!!!!

The shops of Jerusalem are fast emptying themselves of stock as everyone is out buying clothes, gifts, food and of course honey. There is a wonderful sense of expectancy in which world turmoil is forgotten, or put on a back burner with the Tzimmes and chicken soup on the front. Rosh Hashana – time for new beginnings and family – selichot (atonement) and repairing relationships. These are the days of contemplation and kindness......... wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone in the world spend more time in contemplation and forgiveness than hatred and bloodshed?

The inimitable David Attenborough, zoologist and teacher of nature to the world shows us that everything can be beautiful in his rendition of "What a wonderful World" SHANA TOVA TO YOU ALLhttp://www.youtube.com/embed/auSo1MyWf8g?rel=0

Time to get back to the cooking, this is a long festival. Shabbat will come tonight, with her gentle peace and a chance to catch our breath and spend time resting and praying, talking and laughing before the final “onslaught” of foods!!! What is is about the Jewish religion that imposes vast quantities of food on all of us? It is irrelevant if the air is redolent with Kurdish Kubeh; Romanian Mamliges; Russian peroshkies; Moroccan stuffed vegetables; Bukharian Cholent; Ethiopian Doro Wat Chicken and of course Hungarian Goulash - as Zvi is wont to say, the basic precept of all Jewish festivals is “They tried to kill us, we survived, now let's eat” However, the High Holy days are different, they provide the answer as to why we survived........through food!!!!!

Shabbat Shalom dear friends, please please, whatever your religious leaning, pray for a kinder, more aware, enlightened and tolerant world.

Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem with a special treat thanks to Yaffa Glass who sent me this beautiful song Hu Yuvarech which literally means He will Bless or "Protect our soldiers"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXS4esYOJs4 

We will talk before the New Year but in the meantime – remember that Jerusalem is our heart, the centre of the world and we should never forget it.

Sheila