ARutz7 reports:
Hareidi UTJ Party Hints: We Will Join Kadima Government
01:54 Mar 24, '06 / 24 Adar 5766
The time has come to challenge their observance of Yiddishkeit. Are all their prayers for Eretz Yisroel simply lip service. Is the Land and the Commandments not relevant? Is the Torah therefore not really relevant to them? Why isn't anyone challenging them? Why aren't National Union and all the Religious Zionists and Manhigut Yehudit challenging these Chareidi parties and beg them to join forces. Why is everyone playing politics instead of trying to keep Torah and Mitzvoth?
SHas and UTJ is unwilling to take that giant, scary step to say that this Land is promised to us and we must keep the Mitzvoth pertaining to the Land. Having a secular gov't is an excuse for them not to take responsibility. They then have the lame excuse, well we weren't in power. What could we have done?
The simple truth is that the Chareidy Leadership are misguiding their followers. They lack sincere yearning for Eretz Yisroel. Their prayers, and Torah Learning are hollow and not for the same of doing. Their actions are in direct conflict with their education. Their children will eventally see through their hypocrocy. Their Torah is not authentic. They lack regard for the Land of Israel and for the Torah and to keep the Mitzvoth in the Torah. Because if they had that strong desire to keep the Mitzvoth then there is no way that they can even contemplate joining with Kadima. SHAME ON YOU!
Friday, March 24, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Virtual Mishloach Manot - Makeup Consultant
bs"d
To My Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors, amv"sh
This Mishloach Manot to you is focused on Gush Katif VeHashomron, Gam Ani Mitchaber, also I am joined with you, people of Gush Katif and the Shomron. The Mishloach Manot is in an orange manilla envelope with these words in black.
Inside is a Blood Orange, a Carrot and a Hamantash and literature on orange paper. Is this literature too wordy, too long for you? I suppose it is. I bet you have no patience to read it. And my own dishes are piled up in my sink after Shabbos and it's after 5:00am, my eyes are drooping and I would still like to get some sleep. I'm so sorry for burdening you. I wish I didn't have to. But I do.
The bloody orange symbolizes the bloody pogrom at Amona on February 1, 2006. This description is not an exaggeration. See for yourself at the following video clips online.
MOVIES AND ARTICLES EXPOSING THE Amona "POGROM'
and this one
and this one
There are many more live video clips. I will be more than happy to forward the links to you.
Also read a first hand teachers report from Batya in Shiloh on February 7, 2006 "More on Police Violence in Amona. My students told me".
The Carrot is a siman for Sheyigzaru Gezar Dineinu, May the evil decree against the suffering families from Gush Katif and the Shomron be torn up. Acheinu Beyisrael Anachnu Imachem..
The literature includes: A letter to Hakhel USA, a very special organization here in Flatbush, begging them to get involved with current events in Eretz Yisroel.
Also please find an eye witness report by Katrin Levy of the Jewish familes from Gush Katif entitled "Whatever happened to the Jews of Gush Katif?" March 2, 2006. Also worthwhile is to read a March 8th article on Arutz Sheva, "Comptroller´s Report Scathes Disengagement Executors".
Finally there is a beautiful uplifting Torah Message of the month of Adar by Roy Neuberger, author of World Storm and From Central Park to Sinai: How I Found My Jewish Soul. (No web link that I know of)
So what is my own personal response to these very depressing happenings in Eretz Yisroel and around the world?
I have decided to become a makeup consultant. No, I am not joking.
Yes it's true. Yes I barely own any makeup aside from blush (no pun intended) and asked my talented neighbor to do my daughters makeup for her school play. I'm pretty (no pun intended) ignorant about makeup.
But the times have called for extreme measures. Doesn't it say Bizchut Nashim Tzidkaniyot Nigalu Bnei Yisroel MiMitzraim? In the merit of righteous women, the Bnei Yisroel were redeemed from Egypt? So this has become my new calling.
So Ladies, the time has come for us to take out our mirrors...
Wishing you all a very Freilichin Purim...(My husband and children may be totally embarrassed or actually welcome, my new calling I hope that they too will derive benefit - Acne you're out! Being beautiful, that's in) And if I survive this come-on letter, you can call on me regarding your cosmetic needs. I have a wonderful mentor friend by the name of Hannah... After Pesach please!
Esther's Royal Beauty Treatment (taken from 1. "Looking Good This Purim" by Malkah Fleisher on Kumah.org)
Crush a grape or two on your face, and lie down for 15 minutes (on your
back). Follow up with your moisturizer. With daily treatment, in two weeks
you will likely see smoother skin and the disappearance of fine lines – you
might as well be wearing a crown.
Sincerely,
Robin Ticker (and if they don't disengage from me) the Ticker Family
--------------------------
Correspondance between myself and Hakhelusa@yahoo.com regarding Amona.
-----------------
Forwarded Message:
Subj: Fwd: Arutz-7: Must-Watch Exclusive Israel Video Footage
Date: 3/1/06 12:30:08 A.M. Central Standard Time
From: FaigeRayzel
To: postmaster@hakhel.info
bs"d
I love your newsletters.
But when the house is burning the time is not to continue business as usual. One is obligated to put out the fire.
The Rabbanim have been silent about the Covenant. The Land of Israel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel.
The Rabbanim have been silent to what happened at Amona. If they do not have access to this film then please show it to them.
Perhaps a delegation can go to Rav Eliashiv, Rav Shteinman and Rav Kanievsky asking them to finally make a statement that Eretz Yisroel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel. The youth at Amona are fighting this battle for Torah alone. The silence from the Rabbanim forced them to fight this battle alone. They took on a battle that should be taken on by the Rabbanim and men ages 20-60.
The silence to the atrocities perpetrated against the youth is betrayal once again.
Veheishiv Lev Avos al Banim velev Banim Al Avosom.
They replied in the following manner.
In a message dated 3/1/06 3:27:37 P.M. Central Standard Time,
hakhelusa@yahoo.com writes:
but this matter is not something that our organization is involved with.
I responded back to them:
Dear Hakhelusa,
Thank you so much for responding to my email regarding expulsions of Gush Katif and Amona.
I really wish I did not have to write you letters. Your newsletters are beautiful Torah. I wish I could ignore what's happening also. I wish I didn't have to write to Rabbanim begging and pleading with them. I wish I could simply cook and clean and organize my house and do homework with the kids and prepare for Shabbos and close my eyes to what is happening.
There is no hiding from it. If we are involved with Torah it is something we are involved with. In Parshath Nitzavim Hashem says Devarim 29 Pasuk 13 "Not with you alone do I seal this covenant and this curse, but with whoever is here standing with us today before Hashem, our G-d , and with whoever is not here with us today. " (that means us). By being silent, isn't the message broadcast loud and clear is that the Covenant between Hashem and Am Yisroel is not relevant today?
I have been receiving beautiful heart rendering inserts from Vaad Harabanim Le'inyanei Tzedaka B'Eretz Hakodesh, not to mention Kupat Hair and Vaad Haartzi LeHatzalas Mishpachos Bimetzuka. Posters have been plastered over Boro Park and Flatbush in Brooklyn My heart truly cries out for the widows and orphans and sick people with large Torah families and heart rending tragic stories. Yet I can't help but think that if only these same Chashuv Rabbanim (at least 42 were listed on one insert) would have put out a one page flyer (this was a glossy 22 page insert) in all the papers saying that Eretz Yisroel is the rightful inheritance of Am Yisroel and is a stira to the Roadmap, that would have stopped the expulsion from Gush Katif. Agudas Yisroel of America was silent. I do not know if they even sent a delegation to Eretz Yisroel asking the Rabbanim there to please make a statement that Eretz Yisroel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel. Hashem says Ki Li Kol Haaretz and Hashem chooses the Nation of Israel to keep the Mitzvoth specific to the Land.
At an OU dinner honoring Hillary Clinton, my friend, who also became an expellee of Gush Katif, approached her and talked about her association with Arafat. The gist of what Hillary answered her was. I know he's a terrorist. But if Israel and the Jewish Community are not speaking out, why should I be holier than thou.
These families from Gush Katif are now Aniyei Eretz Yisroel. And they became this way because we didn't speak up. How do I know? Well, Rabbanim please prove me wrong and speak up. We'll see what will happen with the next scheduled expulsions. Read Page 3 of the Jewish Press - Kadima Pullout Plans Confirmed. Avi Dichter confirms Kadima party is planning out a further disengagement in Judea and Samaria if it wins the March 28th election. The names of the settlements are listed in the Jewish Press. Yisroel Meidad, a former mayor of Shiloh, says we're talking about sixty-seventy thousand people. That's a lot of Aniyim.
I pray to Hashem that none of the youth at Amona were made infertile by the beatings they received to their reproductive organs. Yes, the reproductive organs were targeted, not only their heads. It's sickening but it did happen but was not reported. Do you need first hand reports? Just let me know. Why did the youth have to go on the front line for Eretz Yisroel. Are they between ages 20-60 male soldiers?
These Aniyim from Gush Katif are not even mentioned in glossy inserts of the above mentioned organizations, because if we did, it would point a finger back at us. Why did we let it happen? And it's still happening.
The name of your organization is Hakhel. Where is that name from? It comes from Hakhel following the Shemitta year when all men, women and children were gathered to hear words of Torah read by the King or Nasi. What was read? Portions regarding truma, maaser, vidui maaser, shemittah etc. These are all Mitzvoth directly related to Eretz Yisroel.
We physically are living in USA but since we are Bnei Yisroel, we are also bound by the Covenant just like our brethren in Israel. The security of the Land and the blessing of the world at large is dependant on Am Yisroel to keeping the Mitzvoth. The Mitzvoth are spelled out. Rambam among others count the Mitzvoth. Appreciating and thanking Hashem for the goodness He has bestowed upon us is a beautiful concept. They are wonderful suggestions. However, when we are confronted with enemies surrounding us and within us in Eretz Yisroel, Hizbollah, Hamas, Al Qaeida now in Gaza, (Not to mention the threat of missionaries (the work of Yad Laachim) it makes sense to focus on the Mitzvoth that would bring security in the Land, specifically, the Mitzvoth read by the Nasi at Hakhel.
To My Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors, amv"sh
This Mishloach Manot to you is focused on Gush Katif VeHashomron, Gam Ani Mitchaber, also I am joined with you, people of Gush Katif and the Shomron. The Mishloach Manot is in an orange manilla envelope with these words in black.
Inside is a Blood Orange, a Carrot and a Hamantash and literature on orange paper. Is this literature too wordy, too long for you? I suppose it is. I bet you have no patience to read it. And my own dishes are piled up in my sink after Shabbos and it's after 5:00am, my eyes are drooping and I would still like to get some sleep. I'm so sorry for burdening you. I wish I didn't have to. But I do.
The bloody orange symbolizes the bloody pogrom at Amona on February 1, 2006. This description is not an exaggeration. See for yourself at the following video clips online.
MOVIES AND ARTICLES EXPOSING THE Amona "POGROM'
and this one
and this one
There are many more live video clips. I will be more than happy to forward the links to you.
Also read a first hand teachers report from Batya in Shiloh on February 7, 2006 "More on Police Violence in Amona. My students told me".
The Carrot is a siman for Sheyigzaru Gezar Dineinu, May the evil decree against the suffering families from Gush Katif and the Shomron be torn up. Acheinu Beyisrael Anachnu Imachem..
The literature includes: A letter to Hakhel USA, a very special organization here in Flatbush, begging them to get involved with current events in Eretz Yisroel.
Also please find an eye witness report by Katrin Levy of the Jewish familes from Gush Katif entitled "Whatever happened to the Jews of Gush Katif?" March 2, 2006. Also worthwhile is to read a March 8th article on Arutz Sheva, "Comptroller´s Report Scathes Disengagement Executors".
Finally there is a beautiful uplifting Torah Message of the month of Adar by Roy Neuberger, author of World Storm and From Central Park to Sinai: How I Found My Jewish Soul. (No web link that I know of)
So what is my own personal response to these very depressing happenings in Eretz Yisroel and around the world?
I have decided to become a makeup consultant. No, I am not joking.
Yes it's true. Yes I barely own any makeup aside from blush (no pun intended) and asked my talented neighbor to do my daughters makeup for her school play. I'm pretty (no pun intended) ignorant about makeup.
But the times have called for extreme measures. Doesn't it say Bizchut Nashim Tzidkaniyot Nigalu Bnei Yisroel MiMitzraim? In the merit of righteous women, the Bnei Yisroel were redeemed from Egypt? So this has become my new calling.
So Ladies, the time has come for us to take out our mirrors...
Wishing you all a very Freilichin Purim...(My husband and children may be totally embarrassed or actually welcome, my new calling I hope that they too will derive benefit - Acne you're out! Being beautiful, that's in) And if I survive this come-on letter, you can call on me regarding your cosmetic needs. I have a wonderful mentor friend by the name of Hannah... After Pesach please!
Esther's Royal Beauty Treatment (taken from 1. "Looking Good This Purim" by Malkah Fleisher on Kumah.org)
Crush a grape or two on your face, and lie down for 15 minutes (on your
back). Follow up with your moisturizer. With daily treatment, in two weeks
you will likely see smoother skin and the disappearance of fine lines – you
might as well be wearing a crown.
Sincerely,
Robin Ticker (and if they don't disengage from me) the Ticker Family
--------------------------
Correspondance between myself and Hakhelusa@yahoo.com regarding Amona.
-----------------
Forwarded Message:
Subj: Fwd: Arutz-7: Must-Watch Exclusive Israel Video Footage
Date: 3/1/06 12:30:08 A.M. Central Standard Time
From: FaigeRayzel
To: postmaster@hakhel.info
bs"d
I love your newsletters.
But when the house is burning the time is not to continue business as usual. One is obligated to put out the fire.
The Rabbanim have been silent about the Covenant. The Land of Israel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel.
The Rabbanim have been silent to what happened at Amona. If they do not have access to this film then please show it to them.
Perhaps a delegation can go to Rav Eliashiv, Rav Shteinman and Rav Kanievsky asking them to finally make a statement that Eretz Yisroel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel. The youth at Amona are fighting this battle for Torah alone. The silence from the Rabbanim forced them to fight this battle alone. They took on a battle that should be taken on by the Rabbanim and men ages 20-60.
The silence to the atrocities perpetrated against the youth is betrayal once again.
Veheishiv Lev Avos al Banim velev Banim Al Avosom.
They replied in the following manner.
In a message dated 3/1/06 3:27:37 P.M. Central Standard Time,
hakhelusa@yahoo.com writes:
but this matter is not something that our organization is involved with.
I responded back to them:
Dear Hakhelusa,
Thank you so much for responding to my email regarding expulsions of Gush Katif and Amona.
I really wish I did not have to write you letters. Your newsletters are beautiful Torah. I wish I could ignore what's happening also. I wish I didn't have to write to Rabbanim begging and pleading with them. I wish I could simply cook and clean and organize my house and do homework with the kids and prepare for Shabbos and close my eyes to what is happening.
There is no hiding from it. If we are involved with Torah it is something we are involved with. In Parshath Nitzavim Hashem says Devarim 29 Pasuk 13 "Not with you alone do I seal this covenant and this curse, but with whoever is here standing with us today before Hashem, our G-d , and with whoever is not here with us today. " (that means us). By being silent, isn't the message broadcast loud and clear is that the Covenant between Hashem and Am Yisroel is not relevant today?
I have been receiving beautiful heart rendering inserts from Vaad Harabanim Le'inyanei Tzedaka B'Eretz Hakodesh, not to mention Kupat Hair and Vaad Haartzi LeHatzalas Mishpachos Bimetzuka. Posters have been plastered over Boro Park and Flatbush in Brooklyn My heart truly cries out for the widows and orphans and sick people with large Torah families and heart rending tragic stories. Yet I can't help but think that if only these same Chashuv Rabbanim (at least 42 were listed on one insert) would have put out a one page flyer (this was a glossy 22 page insert) in all the papers saying that Eretz Yisroel is the rightful inheritance of Am Yisroel and is a stira to the Roadmap, that would have stopped the expulsion from Gush Katif. Agudas Yisroel of America was silent. I do not know if they even sent a delegation to Eretz Yisroel asking the Rabbanim there to please make a statement that Eretz Yisroel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel. Hashem says Ki Li Kol Haaretz and Hashem chooses the Nation of Israel to keep the Mitzvoth specific to the Land.
At an OU dinner honoring Hillary Clinton, my friend, who also became an expellee of Gush Katif, approached her and talked about her association with Arafat. The gist of what Hillary answered her was. I know he's a terrorist. But if Israel and the Jewish Community are not speaking out, why should I be holier than thou.
These families from Gush Katif are now Aniyei Eretz Yisroel. And they became this way because we didn't speak up. How do I know? Well, Rabbanim please prove me wrong and speak up. We'll see what will happen with the next scheduled expulsions. Read Page 3 of the Jewish Press - Kadima Pullout Plans Confirmed. Avi Dichter confirms Kadima party is planning out a further disengagement in Judea and Samaria if it wins the March 28th election. The names of the settlements are listed in the Jewish Press. Yisroel Meidad, a former mayor of Shiloh, says we're talking about sixty-seventy thousand people. That's a lot of Aniyim.
I pray to Hashem that none of the youth at Amona were made infertile by the beatings they received to their reproductive organs. Yes, the reproductive organs were targeted, not only their heads. It's sickening but it did happen but was not reported. Do you need first hand reports? Just let me know. Why did the youth have to go on the front line for Eretz Yisroel. Are they between ages 20-60 male soldiers?
These Aniyim from Gush Katif are not even mentioned in glossy inserts of the above mentioned organizations, because if we did, it would point a finger back at us. Why did we let it happen? And it's still happening.
The name of your organization is Hakhel. Where is that name from? It comes from Hakhel following the Shemitta year when all men, women and children were gathered to hear words of Torah read by the King or Nasi. What was read? Portions regarding truma, maaser, vidui maaser, shemittah etc. These are all Mitzvoth directly related to Eretz Yisroel.
We physically are living in USA but since we are Bnei Yisroel, we are also bound by the Covenant just like our brethren in Israel. The security of the Land and the blessing of the world at large is dependant on Am Yisroel to keeping the Mitzvoth. The Mitzvoth are spelled out. Rambam among others count the Mitzvoth. Appreciating and thanking Hashem for the goodness He has bestowed upon us is a beautiful concept. They are wonderful suggestions. However, when we are confronted with enemies surrounding us and within us in Eretz Yisroel, Hizbollah, Hamas, Al Qaeida now in Gaza, (Not to mention the threat of missionaries (the work of Yad Laachim) it makes sense to focus on the Mitzvoth that would bring security in the Land, specifically, the Mitzvoth read by the Nasi at Hakhel.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Yahrzeit Ilan Ramon
The following was a letter I sent on February 9, 2003 to the family of Ilan Ramon
bs"d
To the Dear Family of Ilan Ramon, zt"l
This letter is one of tens of thousands to you. I hope it will bring words of comfort to you, the family of a beautiful Jew. Ilan, as a pilot, bombed the Iraqi nuclear plant thereby saving the world from a potential holocaust. We are once again on the brink of nuclear, biological and/or chemical war. Ilan's message to the Jews before his death, when analyzed, is the one that is the key to preventing another holocaust. Please read this letter before the others because action is needed. A careful analysis of events will I believe, decode Hashems message to us. Necessary action will be spelled out later in the letter.
Before Ilan's death, Ilan did many Mitzvot to sanctify G-d's name and the Torah. He showed how important the Torah was to the world and to the Jewish people by taking with him:
A miniature Sefer Torah from Auschwitz,
A credit size microfiche of the Bible from President Katzav,
He instructed the Rabbi to read from the Pasuk in Chumash (Devarim 4:33) "Has a people ever heard the voice of G-d speaking from the midst of the fire as you have heard, and survived?"
He showed how he valued the Mitzvot by:
Taking a Mezuzah,
Saying Tefilat Haderech
Keeping Kosher in flight
Asking Sheelot about keeping Shabbos and trying to observe Shabbos up in space.
Bringing a Kiddush cup for Shabbos
Saying Shma over Yerushalyim
I am sure there are many more as well.
In the analysis, I will be quoting brief quotations, with permission from "The Medrash Says" the book of Devarim pps 62-69 by Rabbi Moshe Weissman. (Rabbi Weissman has allowed brief quotations in critical articles in his copyright statement.)
Ilan's message to us comes from the portion in the Torah in the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy). This is the portion from which the verse (Devarim 4:33) requested by Ilan, is from. This Parsha (Devarim 4:25-40), is the annual morning Torah reading on the fast of the Ninth of Av. In this Parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu admonishes the Jews to do Teshuvah and urges the Jews to return to Hashem amidst the tribulations of exile .
To quote from The Midrash Says:
"The greatness of Teshuva is illustrated in the time of Rabbi Elazar, R. Yehoshua and R. Gamliel when they visited Rome and the Roman Senate had just drafted a secret edict which required all Jews to be exterminated after thirty days. " One of the Roman Senators, in an act of sanctification of G-d's name prevented the tragedy from occurring by paying with his own life.
"Why did the Jews deserve such an unusual deliverance from the terrible decree of annihilation? When they heard of the edict, they did Teshuva and prayed. Thus we see the power of Teshuva."
In this portion in Devarim, Moshe foretold "When you will be in distress and all these things will come upon you at the end of days, if you return to Hashem, your G-d - He will not forsake you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your forefathers, which he swore to them."
We are told in the Torah that if we return to Hashem, we will be saved. The question is "how do we return to Hashem?" "Where did we go wrong?" What specifically can we do to change?
Ilan means tree. Ramon can be read as Rimon. Rimon is a pomegranate, one of the holy fruits of Israel. The seeds represent the 613 Mitzvot. Ilan recognized that for a tree to survive it needs to be connected to its roots. Ilans connection with the Torah was his attempt to connect with his roots. Though not to any fault of his own, the connection wasn't strong enough to save his life. His connection was very strong in a symbolic sense. The reason I believe that it didn't save him was because Ilan, was representing the Jewish people. His connection via Torah and Mitzvot to his roots corresponded to this particular generation's connection with its roots in Torah and Mitzvot. He consulted with Rabbinic Leaders, the President and Prime Minister of Israel. To quote Uncle Moishy, a popular childrens Jewish singer, "A family is like a tree, our roots go deep down in history, to our ancient ancestors Avraham Aveinu, throughout all the ages to me and you".
G-d has not forgotten his covenant with our forefathers, which he swore to them... But have we forgotten our part of the covenant? The covenant is to give the land of Israel to the Israelites and we in turn are obligated to keep the Torah and observe the Mitzvot. Our observance is presently on the symbolic level but we are not observant. Please read further and I will explain which Commandment specifically in the Torah we are not observing that has resulted in a weakness in connecting to our roots.
I quote from The Midrash Says. "Moshe continued to explain, 'And you should ask, 'Why does G-d treat us more strictly than the other idolatrous nations" - The answer is because of two historical events that no other nation experienced."
The first historical event is the verse Ilan asked the Rav to quote on Shabbat.
1. Matan Torah - "Ask all the peoples on earth since Creation whether anything similar was ever heard of. Did an entire nation ever become prophets and hear G-d's Voice reach them from amidst the fire, as you did at Har Sinai? Did it ever happen that an entire nation expired when they heard G-d's Voice and were then miraculously revived.
2. Yetziat Mitzrayim
I will address the historical event of Matan Torah and why Ilan specifically chose this verse. Ilan was an astronaut. His journey into space gave him first hand knowledge of the vastness of the heavens and of G-d's universe. He saw how fabulous and immense his journey to the heights was from Man's perspective while at the same time he recognized as a believing Jew, how miniscule it must appear from G-d's perspective, G-d is the master of the earth, the heavens and the stars. If Man's journey was so great up to the heavens, imagine G-d's journey so to speak, descending down to earth, on the lowly mountain of Har Sinal in order to present His revelation the Torah, to the Jewish people. Also in last weeks Parsha Teruma, we see that G-d, so to speak, constricts Himself to a finite space between the Cherubim in the Holy Ark.
"Why did G-d distinguish you from all the nations? It was in order to show you that Hashem is the ruler, there is none beside him." That realization was voiced by Ilan when he said the Sh'ma over Jerusalem.
Turn Pain into Action, Tragedy into Growth
Ilan talks about the revelation at Har Sinai. There is another Parsha in the Torah in the book of Leviticus Chapter 25 called Behar. Behar means "On the Mountain". The Parsha begins with the verse "Hashem spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai saying". The Torah then continues to talk about the commandment of Shemittah, the Sabbatical year. Rashi in his commentary on the words "On Mount Sinai" asks "What is the connection between Shmittah and Mount Sinai? The reference teaches that not only the broad outlines, but the details of all the commandments were given at Sinai - as were those of Shemittah. "
Now I will answer to the question above. Which commandment are we not observing properly today? I believe that performance of the Mitzva of Shemittah as specified in the Torah, is the answer. It is the key to our survival. It is the Mitzva where we proclaim that G-d is the ruler over the Land of Israel and the entire earth.
Please read the following letter to the Rabbis of our generation. Also please read the mentioned articles in the Torah Section of Arutz7 for a more thorough discussion about the Sabbatical year.
It is now the end of the 6th millennium. Most believe that it is the time of redemption, the end of days. Ilan ventured into unexplored territory in outer space. There is also unexplored territory here on earth. This unexplored territory is in the realm of politics and economics. It is the politics of setting up a State in Israel based on the laws of the Torah and all its ramifications. As you will see from the articles about Shemittah, trying to observe the laws of Shemittah, including leaving the land fallow and not planting trees in the Sabbatical year and not having to repay back loans results in an upheaval of the political and economic systems of our generation. Please raise consciousness and set up a Think Tank and fund in Ilan's memory. Call it "Ilan Rimon". Let's collectively study the laws of the Sabbatical year as specified in the Torah. Let's examine its political, social and economic ramifications. That is our way of Teshuva. It requires our full heart and soul and belief in Hashem and His Holy Torah and His commandments. We hope and pray to Hashem that our Teshuva will be accepted. Our connection to the Torah and our roots will thereby be strengthened. Hashem, in His infinite mercy will save us from our enemies and not destroy us as He has promised.
What follows is an open letter to the Rabbanim and leaders of our generation:
Adar 1 5763
Lichvod Harabbonim, biz 120
It is not my place to address the Gedolei Torah in words of Torah. I am a woman and my primary responsibilities over the past 14 years are family and household related. Before that I did some computer programming and word processing. I ask you to please spend a few minutes of your precious time to read through these articles. The reason I offer is that there are times when the emes is hidden in unexpected places. It is a way of fooling the Satan. Is it possible that a layperson such as myself, especially a woman, has words of Torah to address to the Gedolei Hador of this generation? It does say that Torah was first given in generalities to women and then with details and halachos to the men. Therefore it is conceivable that perhaps there is significance and something new to what I have to offer. Please do not reject it before you have read further. I pray to Hashem that the emes in these words will be recognized as being emes from Hashem and His Holy Torah and not mere foolishness of a female. I am simply the vehicle through which these words are delivered. I do not Chas Veshalom wish to in any way denigrate the role of Rabbanim and Torah Shebaal Peh. Torah and Halacha is what makes a marriage. It is the Torah Shebichtav part that I am addressing and the Halacha is left to you.
The purpose of this letter is to talk about Shmita. We have been told that 70 years of the Churban correspond with 70 years of not keeping Shmitta properly. Why bring it up now? I believe with my heart and soul that if we would keep Shmitta as the Torah specified, it is the key to Moshiach. I believe that the recent events on Shabbos Kodesh, of the space shuttle disintegrating over Palestine, Texas with 7 crewmembers on board as well as a Sefer Torah is not coincidental. Is it Hashem's way of warning us and foreshadowing future events if we don't keep the Torah.
It made us proud as Jews to see the Torah up in space. If we think about it however, The Torah is not meant for space. Lo Bashamayim hi. Shabbos can not be kept in space. Neither can Mitzvot Teluyot Baaretz.
You may argue that Jews in Eretz Yisroel are keeping Shmitta. They are keeping it with Takanot Rabbanim of Pruzbul and Heter Mechira. I, as a single girl, in search of the truth of Torah tried to understand what the Torah expected of us. How can I loan my money to someone in need and not expect to get it back. There are things that I too need. Do I dare ask for a loan knowing that I don't have to pay it back. Of course I would, if I could. Who wouldn't? What I realized was that this kind of economy was similar to Socialism. Here I was, a simple girl merely trying to keep the Mitzva, which resulted in trying to live with a breakdown of accepted economics, the economic system I was familiar with and treasured. I realized then that I was onto something revolutionary. Does Hashem want us to live in a capitalist society for 6 years and a socialist society for the Shmitta year. It was so new and scary. This happened in Shmita year 5747 when I was living in Kiryat Arba. That Shmitta year was an experiment for me. I was in no way trying to dictate the right way to live but simply trying to adhere to the laws of the Torah. Why not make life easy and adhere to Pruzbul? Pruzbul was a product of the Galus. It was because our emunah was weak that Pruzbul was instituted. With childlike Emunah, we need to believe and follow Hashem's word. We will see the blessings for sure. Even though, I personally do not have what to show as proof of material blessings of that year, I am patient. I have gained in wisdom and Emunah and love of Hashem and His Torah and of our role and mission of Am Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel.
Please read the article posted in the Torah Section of Arutz7 entitled "Israel Does Not Own the Land" and two articles posted on January 1, 2003 entitled "Not only "In Your Blood Live" Part 1" and "Not only "In Your Blood Live" Part 2"..
Sincerely,
Robin Ticker
bs"d
To the Dear Family of Ilan Ramon, zt"l
This letter is one of tens of thousands to you. I hope it will bring words of comfort to you, the family of a beautiful Jew. Ilan, as a pilot, bombed the Iraqi nuclear plant thereby saving the world from a potential holocaust. We are once again on the brink of nuclear, biological and/or chemical war. Ilan's message to the Jews before his death, when analyzed, is the one that is the key to preventing another holocaust. Please read this letter before the others because action is needed. A careful analysis of events will I believe, decode Hashems message to us. Necessary action will be spelled out later in the letter.
Before Ilan's death, Ilan did many Mitzvot to sanctify G-d's name and the Torah. He showed how important the Torah was to the world and to the Jewish people by taking with him:
A miniature Sefer Torah from Auschwitz,
A credit size microfiche of the Bible from President Katzav,
He instructed the Rabbi to read from the Pasuk in Chumash (Devarim 4:33) "Has a people ever heard the voice of G-d speaking from the midst of the fire as you have heard, and survived?"
He showed how he valued the Mitzvot by:
Taking a Mezuzah,
Saying Tefilat Haderech
Keeping Kosher in flight
Asking Sheelot about keeping Shabbos and trying to observe Shabbos up in space.
Bringing a Kiddush cup for Shabbos
Saying Shma over Yerushalyim
I am sure there are many more as well.
In the analysis, I will be quoting brief quotations, with permission from "The Medrash Says" the book of Devarim pps 62-69 by Rabbi Moshe Weissman. (Rabbi Weissman has allowed brief quotations in critical articles in his copyright statement.)
Ilan's message to us comes from the portion in the Torah in the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy). This is the portion from which the verse (Devarim 4:33) requested by Ilan, is from. This Parsha (Devarim 4:25-40), is the annual morning Torah reading on the fast of the Ninth of Av. In this Parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu admonishes the Jews to do Teshuvah and urges the Jews to return to Hashem amidst the tribulations of exile .
To quote from The Midrash Says:
"The greatness of Teshuva is illustrated in the time of Rabbi Elazar, R. Yehoshua and R. Gamliel when they visited Rome and the Roman Senate had just drafted a secret edict which required all Jews to be exterminated after thirty days. " One of the Roman Senators, in an act of sanctification of G-d's name prevented the tragedy from occurring by paying with his own life.
"Why did the Jews deserve such an unusual deliverance from the terrible decree of annihilation? When they heard of the edict, they did Teshuva and prayed. Thus we see the power of Teshuva."
In this portion in Devarim, Moshe foretold "When you will be in distress and all these things will come upon you at the end of days, if you return to Hashem, your G-d - He will not forsake you, nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your forefathers, which he swore to them."
We are told in the Torah that if we return to Hashem, we will be saved. The question is "how do we return to Hashem?" "Where did we go wrong?" What specifically can we do to change?
Ilan means tree. Ramon can be read as Rimon. Rimon is a pomegranate, one of the holy fruits of Israel. The seeds represent the 613 Mitzvot. Ilan recognized that for a tree to survive it needs to be connected to its roots. Ilans connection with the Torah was his attempt to connect with his roots. Though not to any fault of his own, the connection wasn't strong enough to save his life. His connection was very strong in a symbolic sense. The reason I believe that it didn't save him was because Ilan, was representing the Jewish people. His connection via Torah and Mitzvot to his roots corresponded to this particular generation's connection with its roots in Torah and Mitzvot. He consulted with Rabbinic Leaders, the President and Prime Minister of Israel. To quote Uncle Moishy, a popular childrens Jewish singer, "A family is like a tree, our roots go deep down in history, to our ancient ancestors Avraham Aveinu, throughout all the ages to me and you".
G-d has not forgotten his covenant with our forefathers, which he swore to them... But have we forgotten our part of the covenant? The covenant is to give the land of Israel to the Israelites and we in turn are obligated to keep the Torah and observe the Mitzvot. Our observance is presently on the symbolic level but we are not observant. Please read further and I will explain which Commandment specifically in the Torah we are not observing that has resulted in a weakness in connecting to our roots.
I quote from The Midrash Says. "Moshe continued to explain, 'And you should ask, 'Why does G-d treat us more strictly than the other idolatrous nations" - The answer is because of two historical events that no other nation experienced."
The first historical event is the verse Ilan asked the Rav to quote on Shabbat.
1. Matan Torah - "Ask all the peoples on earth since Creation whether anything similar was ever heard of. Did an entire nation ever become prophets and hear G-d's Voice reach them from amidst the fire, as you did at Har Sinai? Did it ever happen that an entire nation expired when they heard G-d's Voice and were then miraculously revived.
2. Yetziat Mitzrayim
I will address the historical event of Matan Torah and why Ilan specifically chose this verse. Ilan was an astronaut. His journey into space gave him first hand knowledge of the vastness of the heavens and of G-d's universe. He saw how fabulous and immense his journey to the heights was from Man's perspective while at the same time he recognized as a believing Jew, how miniscule it must appear from G-d's perspective, G-d is the master of the earth, the heavens and the stars. If Man's journey was so great up to the heavens, imagine G-d's journey so to speak, descending down to earth, on the lowly mountain of Har Sinal in order to present His revelation the Torah, to the Jewish people. Also in last weeks Parsha Teruma, we see that G-d, so to speak, constricts Himself to a finite space between the Cherubim in the Holy Ark.
"Why did G-d distinguish you from all the nations? It was in order to show you that Hashem is the ruler, there is none beside him." That realization was voiced by Ilan when he said the Sh'ma over Jerusalem.
Turn Pain into Action, Tragedy into Growth
Ilan talks about the revelation at Har Sinai. There is another Parsha in the Torah in the book of Leviticus Chapter 25 called Behar. Behar means "On the Mountain". The Parsha begins with the verse "Hashem spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai saying". The Torah then continues to talk about the commandment of Shemittah, the Sabbatical year. Rashi in his commentary on the words "On Mount Sinai" asks "What is the connection between Shmittah and Mount Sinai? The reference teaches that not only the broad outlines, but the details of all the commandments were given at Sinai - as were those of Shemittah. "
Now I will answer to the question above. Which commandment are we not observing properly today? I believe that performance of the Mitzva of Shemittah as specified in the Torah, is the answer. It is the key to our survival. It is the Mitzva where we proclaim that G-d is the ruler over the Land of Israel and the entire earth.
Please read the following letter to the Rabbis of our generation. Also please read the mentioned articles in the Torah Section of Arutz7 for a more thorough discussion about the Sabbatical year.
It is now the end of the 6th millennium. Most believe that it is the time of redemption, the end of days. Ilan ventured into unexplored territory in outer space. There is also unexplored territory here on earth. This unexplored territory is in the realm of politics and economics. It is the politics of setting up a State in Israel based on the laws of the Torah and all its ramifications. As you will see from the articles about Shemittah, trying to observe the laws of Shemittah, including leaving the land fallow and not planting trees in the Sabbatical year and not having to repay back loans results in an upheaval of the political and economic systems of our generation. Please raise consciousness and set up a Think Tank and fund in Ilan's memory. Call it "Ilan Rimon". Let's collectively study the laws of the Sabbatical year as specified in the Torah. Let's examine its political, social and economic ramifications. That is our way of Teshuva. It requires our full heart and soul and belief in Hashem and His Holy Torah and His commandments. We hope and pray to Hashem that our Teshuva will be accepted. Our connection to the Torah and our roots will thereby be strengthened. Hashem, in His infinite mercy will save us from our enemies and not destroy us as He has promised.
What follows is an open letter to the Rabbanim and leaders of our generation:
Adar 1 5763
Lichvod Harabbonim, biz 120
It is not my place to address the Gedolei Torah in words of Torah. I am a woman and my primary responsibilities over the past 14 years are family and household related. Before that I did some computer programming and word processing. I ask you to please spend a few minutes of your precious time to read through these articles. The reason I offer is that there are times when the emes is hidden in unexpected places. It is a way of fooling the Satan. Is it possible that a layperson such as myself, especially a woman, has words of Torah to address to the Gedolei Hador of this generation? It does say that Torah was first given in generalities to women and then with details and halachos to the men. Therefore it is conceivable that perhaps there is significance and something new to what I have to offer. Please do not reject it before you have read further. I pray to Hashem that the emes in these words will be recognized as being emes from Hashem and His Holy Torah and not mere foolishness of a female. I am simply the vehicle through which these words are delivered. I do not Chas Veshalom wish to in any way denigrate the role of Rabbanim and Torah Shebaal Peh. Torah and Halacha is what makes a marriage. It is the Torah Shebichtav part that I am addressing and the Halacha is left to you.
The purpose of this letter is to talk about Shmita. We have been told that 70 years of the Churban correspond with 70 years of not keeping Shmitta properly. Why bring it up now? I believe with my heart and soul that if we would keep Shmitta as the Torah specified, it is the key to Moshiach. I believe that the recent events on Shabbos Kodesh, of the space shuttle disintegrating over Palestine, Texas with 7 crewmembers on board as well as a Sefer Torah is not coincidental. Is it Hashem's way of warning us and foreshadowing future events if we don't keep the Torah.
It made us proud as Jews to see the Torah up in space. If we think about it however, The Torah is not meant for space. Lo Bashamayim hi. Shabbos can not be kept in space. Neither can Mitzvot Teluyot Baaretz.
You may argue that Jews in Eretz Yisroel are keeping Shmitta. They are keeping it with Takanot Rabbanim of Pruzbul and Heter Mechira. I, as a single girl, in search of the truth of Torah tried to understand what the Torah expected of us. How can I loan my money to someone in need and not expect to get it back. There are things that I too need. Do I dare ask for a loan knowing that I don't have to pay it back. Of course I would, if I could. Who wouldn't? What I realized was that this kind of economy was similar to Socialism. Here I was, a simple girl merely trying to keep the Mitzva, which resulted in trying to live with a breakdown of accepted economics, the economic system I was familiar with and treasured. I realized then that I was onto something revolutionary. Does Hashem want us to live in a capitalist society for 6 years and a socialist society for the Shmitta year. It was so new and scary. This happened in Shmita year 5747 when I was living in Kiryat Arba. That Shmitta year was an experiment for me. I was in no way trying to dictate the right way to live but simply trying to adhere to the laws of the Torah. Why not make life easy and adhere to Pruzbul? Pruzbul was a product of the Galus. It was because our emunah was weak that Pruzbul was instituted. With childlike Emunah, we need to believe and follow Hashem's word. We will see the blessings for sure. Even though, I personally do not have what to show as proof of material blessings of that year, I am patient. I have gained in wisdom and Emunah and love of Hashem and His Torah and of our role and mission of Am Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel.
Please read the article posted in the Torah Section of Arutz7 entitled "Israel Does Not Own the Land" and two articles posted on January 1, 2003 entitled "Not only "In Your Blood Live" Part 1" and "Not only "In Your Blood Live" Part 2"..
Sincerely,
Robin Ticker
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Jim Vinyard speaks up about Amona. Rabbis, Jewish Media and Radio still silent
b"d
Please read this letter to Olmert that I have been waiting to read from Jewish Leaders written by Jim Vinyard a Christian Minister. Please forward it to your Rabbi's and to Nachum Segal and to the Jewish Newspapers saying that most Jews have no idea of what happened in Amona because the Jewish media have been relatively silent. No Passionate letter such as this to wake up people as to the reality of what really happened.
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2006/02/link-to-letter-to-olmert.html
The following is an open letter to be passed around to all Rabbanim and Jewish Leaders.
Are you aware that the kids at Amona were beaten with clubs smashed on the heads, both girls and boys were attacked on their reproductive organs to the point where there were some that are worried about infertility and there was sexual molestation as well. You can see live coverage on http://shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com/2006/02/videos-of-brutal-police-attacks-in.html These youth who separated themselves by gender because of Tzniut considerations love Eretz Yisroel and were willing to sacrifice their own lives. They were protesting peacefully the expulsion of Jews from their homes in Eretz Yisroel.
Why haven't the Rabbanim spoken up for the Covenant that Eretz Yisroel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel. Why has there been no statement regarding the Roadmap which is mutually exclusive with the Covenant? Shtika Kehodaya. Why is there silence when innocent youth are being attacked for their love of Eretz Yisroel?
The root of Lashon Hara came about from the Religious Leaders, the Gedoilim, of a generation that preferred to stay in the spiritual desert than to enter Eretz Yisroel.
I am sharing the pain of the youth who were attacked. My thoughts are how are they feeling that no one is speaking up for them among the Gedoilim. It's silent here in America about the Covenant and about the horrible atrocities that were perpetrated against them. Their bitter cries are piercing the Shamayim. Yet the Jewish media is silent, the Rabbanim are silent and most caring Yidden who would be horrified if they really knew what happened don't have any clue.
If this is interpreted that I am making light of Rabbanim and Torah Leaders then I bring my case to the Ribono Shel Olam. And the truth is I don't even want to be a winner. Because if I win on this then we all lose. Let me be wrong. Perhaps the Rabbanim really are speaking up for Eretz Yisroel and that they have a love and desire to keep the Mitzvoth that can only be done in Eretz Yisroel. If the desire was there, then there would be no question that the Land is only meant for those that can bring forth the Kedusha of the Land by keeping the Commandments. I pray to G-d that I will be proven wrong Beezrat Hashem..
Why hasn't there been a Mishlachat of Rabbanim from Agudas Yisroel of America to Eretz Yisroel to Rav Shteinman, Rav Eliashiv, Rav Kanievsky etc. asking these Gedoilim why hasn't a statement been made regarding the Covenant? The world interprets the silence that Orthodox Jewry has no problem with the Roadmap plan and with a Palestinian State in the heartland of our forefathers.
Please read this letter to Olmert that I have been waiting to read from Jewish Leaders written by Jim Vinyard a Christian Minister. Please forward it to your Rabbi's and to Nachum Segal and to the Jewish Newspapers saying that most Jews have no idea of what happened in Amona because the Jewish media have been relatively silent. No Passionate letter such as this to wake up people as to the reality of what really happened.
http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com/2006/02/link-to-letter-to-olmert.html
The following is an open letter to be passed around to all Rabbanim and Jewish Leaders.
Are you aware that the kids at Amona were beaten with clubs smashed on the heads, both girls and boys were attacked on their reproductive organs to the point where there were some that are worried about infertility and there was sexual molestation as well. You can see live coverage on http://shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com/2006/02/videos-of-brutal-police-attacks-in.html These youth who separated themselves by gender because of Tzniut considerations love Eretz Yisroel and were willing to sacrifice their own lives. They were protesting peacefully the expulsion of Jews from their homes in Eretz Yisroel.
Why haven't the Rabbanim spoken up for the Covenant that Eretz Yisroel is the inheritance of Am Yisroel. Why has there been no statement regarding the Roadmap which is mutually exclusive with the Covenant? Shtika Kehodaya. Why is there silence when innocent youth are being attacked for their love of Eretz Yisroel?
The root of Lashon Hara came about from the Religious Leaders, the Gedoilim, of a generation that preferred to stay in the spiritual desert than to enter Eretz Yisroel.
I am sharing the pain of the youth who were attacked. My thoughts are how are they feeling that no one is speaking up for them among the Gedoilim. It's silent here in America about the Covenant and about the horrible atrocities that were perpetrated against them. Their bitter cries are piercing the Shamayim. Yet the Jewish media is silent, the Rabbanim are silent and most caring Yidden who would be horrified if they really knew what happened don't have any clue.
If this is interpreted that I am making light of Rabbanim and Torah Leaders then I bring my case to the Ribono Shel Olam. And the truth is I don't even want to be a winner. Because if I win on this then we all lose. Let me be wrong. Perhaps the Rabbanim really are speaking up for Eretz Yisroel and that they have a love and desire to keep the Mitzvoth that can only be done in Eretz Yisroel. If the desire was there, then there would be no question that the Land is only meant for those that can bring forth the Kedusha of the Land by keeping the Commandments. I pray to G-d that I will be proven wrong Beezrat Hashem..
Why hasn't there been a Mishlachat of Rabbanim from Agudas Yisroel of America to Eretz Yisroel to Rav Shteinman, Rav Eliashiv, Rav Kanievsky etc. asking these Gedoilim why hasn't a statement been made regarding the Covenant? The world interprets the silence that Orthodox Jewry has no problem with the Roadmap plan and with a Palestinian State in the heartland of our forefathers.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel - clarifications - Discussion between Batya and Robin
bs"d
Batya Writes:
Once I became Torah observant, I couldn't understand how some religious Jews could ignore the mitzvah of yishuv ha'aretz.
Robin responds:
One will ignore something that he feels is beyond his ability or something that will indicate that he/she is not a good Jew.
I think it's important for each and every Jew to declare in principle that Eretz Yisroel is the Biblical birthright of Am Yisroel and that is relevant to our times as well. By extension, expulsions of Jews from the Land are bad and the Roadmap Plan is bad. Even if actual Yishuv Eretz Yisroel is difficult for whatever reason, this declaration connects us to Eretz Yisroel. Stating this fundamental principle of Judaism is easier to do than going on Aliya and is perhaps the first positive step in that direction. It engages the Diaspora Jew in our struggle rather than disengages and unites this Jew to the masses in Eretz Yisroel who believe and live this fundamental truth. This act of Unity is crucial and necessary for the redemption process. No Jew will be left behind....Just as the Kohanim and Leviim daven for the Masses of Bnei Yisroel to keep the Mitzvah of Truma and Maaser for their own sustenance the Jews of Eretz Yisroel must daven for the Masses in Chutz Laaretz to connect to the Land to the best of their ability for their own survival (the physical survival of the settlers on the Land as well as the spiritual survival of the Jew in the Diaspora).
Batya responds:
Remember with tshuva, first you admit your sin. Most chutz l'aretz Jews won't admit that they're sinning. You recognize that you should be in Aretz; that's important.
Robin responds:
Mipnei Chataeinu. The Jew is Eretz Yisroel at times is hard on the Jew in Chutz Laaretz because they don't realize, unless it happens to them personally, that at times they are not in control of whether they are able to be in Eretz Yisroel. G-d controls the world. It is possible that G-d wants a person to live outside of Eretz Yisroel. From all of the Avos only Yitzchok had the commandment to stay in the Land. Yaakov was forced to leave the Land to escape from Eisav and to find a wife. In fact the entire Bnei Yisroel were born outside of Eretz Yisroel. Avraham left the Land of Israel because of the famine though some commentaries said he should not have left.
I wouldn't focus on the sins of the Jew in the Diaspora because I don't know the whole story. Some Jews may be sinning others may not be. Only G-d is Bochen Balev to judge ones sins. G-d will judge each individual wherever they live. Perhaps there is a Jew in Eretz Yisroel who is sinning by living there and should really be in Chutz Laaretz because it is G-ds will that he be there. Whether or not one lives in the Land of Israel is not the issue. We are connected to it whether we live there or not. It is a Statement of fact and not one that tells a Diaspora Jew what to do. A believing Jew has to internalize the fact that the Land is his as a gift from G-d and has obligations that go along with it and that is part and parcel of being a Jew. Each person then has Bechira Chafshis about how and where to lead their life.
I of course will do whatever I can to encourage and promote Aliya and G-d willing may it happen again for me and the rest of my family.
Batya writes:
wonderful
Batya Writes:
Once I became Torah observant, I couldn't understand how some religious Jews could ignore the mitzvah of yishuv ha'aretz.
Robin responds:
One will ignore something that he feels is beyond his ability or something that will indicate that he/she is not a good Jew.
I think it's important for each and every Jew to declare in principle that Eretz Yisroel is the Biblical birthright of Am Yisroel and that is relevant to our times as well. By extension, expulsions of Jews from the Land are bad and the Roadmap Plan is bad. Even if actual Yishuv Eretz Yisroel is difficult for whatever reason, this declaration connects us to Eretz Yisroel. Stating this fundamental principle of Judaism is easier to do than going on Aliya and is perhaps the first positive step in that direction. It engages the Diaspora Jew in our struggle rather than disengages and unites this Jew to the masses in Eretz Yisroel who believe and live this fundamental truth. This act of Unity is crucial and necessary for the redemption process. No Jew will be left behind....Just as the Kohanim and Leviim daven for the Masses of Bnei Yisroel to keep the Mitzvah of Truma and Maaser for their own sustenance the Jews of Eretz Yisroel must daven for the Masses in Chutz Laaretz to connect to the Land to the best of their ability for their own survival (the physical survival of the settlers on the Land as well as the spiritual survival of the Jew in the Diaspora).
Batya responds:
Remember with tshuva, first you admit your sin. Most chutz l'aretz Jews won't admit that they're sinning. You recognize that you should be in Aretz; that's important.
Robin responds:
Mipnei Chataeinu. The Jew is Eretz Yisroel at times is hard on the Jew in Chutz Laaretz because they don't realize, unless it happens to them personally, that at times they are not in control of whether they are able to be in Eretz Yisroel. G-d controls the world. It is possible that G-d wants a person to live outside of Eretz Yisroel. From all of the Avos only Yitzchok had the commandment to stay in the Land. Yaakov was forced to leave the Land to escape from Eisav and to find a wife. In fact the entire Bnei Yisroel were born outside of Eretz Yisroel. Avraham left the Land of Israel because of the famine though some commentaries said he should not have left.
I wouldn't focus on the sins of the Jew in the Diaspora because I don't know the whole story. Some Jews may be sinning others may not be. Only G-d is Bochen Balev to judge ones sins. G-d will judge each individual wherever they live. Perhaps there is a Jew in Eretz Yisroel who is sinning by living there and should really be in Chutz Laaretz because it is G-ds will that he be there. Whether or not one lives in the Land of Israel is not the issue. We are connected to it whether we live there or not. It is a Statement of fact and not one that tells a Diaspora Jew what to do. A believing Jew has to internalize the fact that the Land is his as a gift from G-d and has obligations that go along with it and that is part and parcel of being a Jew. Each person then has Bechira Chafshis about how and where to lead their life.
I of course will do whatever I can to encourage and promote Aliya and G-d willing may it happen again for me and the rest of my family.
Batya writes:
wonderful
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
