Agudah's reflection on the demonstration

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What was Avi Shafran's of Agudath Yisroel's take on the demonstration? Please read A ‘successful’ rally that forgot to invite the One who can actually make a difference
By Rabbi Avi Shafran

Rabbi Shafran was not impressed. He says that they emphasized "Kochi VeOtsem Yadi", my strength and my might instead of the Creator of the World.

I am glad that Rabbi Shafran saw that the organizers were not on the mark. Let me suggest to Rabbi Shafran that Shemittah is the antidote of Kochi VeOtsem Yadi. I suggest that he subscribe to this blog and read it from the beginning. If you know him directly please recommend this blog to him.

Thank you very much!

Message from Agudas Yisroel support the Rally and an important ADDENDUM

A MESSAGE FROM AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA

The scheduled visit to New York of the Iranian President – a man who has described the Holocaust as "a myth" and called for Israel to be "wiped off the map," a man who pursues destructive nuclear capacity in defiance of the entire world community, a man who sponsors terror and mayhem in the Middle East and beyond – should fill every civilized heart with revulsion.

And it should fill every Jewish heart with something more.

The arrival of this would-be heir to Hitler should remind all Jews how little has truly changed since millions of Jews were last targeted for destruction, r"l. And it should remind us, no less, of the uniquely vulnerable position of Yisroel bein ho'amim, Jewry among the nations, and of the fact that ein lonu al mi lehishoein ela al Avinu She'baShomayim – We can depend on no one but Our Father in Heaven.

Therefore, at this critical time, and during this season of introspection and repentance, we call upon all Jews to return to our sacred heritage, with tefillah and renewed allegiance to Torah, our eternal wellspring of life, the source of our strength to withstand all our enemies.

Along with our supplications, we feel it is our duty as well to express to the world our deep anguish over the presence in our midst of a vicious ruler who threatens genocide against Jews.

A number of Jewish groups are planning to gather outside the United Nations headquarters, at

Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza (2nd Avenue and 47th Street in Manhattan)

on Wednesday 27 Elul / September 20 at 12:00 noon

to present a collective Jewish expression of outrage at the General Assembly's hosting of the Iranian leader, of support for Israel's security and soldiers, and of solidarity in the fight against the global scourge of terrorism.

Whatever differences may separate us from some of those groups, we stand united here with all Jews.

Therefore, after consultation with the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and following the precedent of the previous generation's Gedolim in similar circumstances, we urge all who are able to do so to participate in the planned gathering. We have been assured that a special section will be made available for men and women to gather in separate areas, and we will lift our voices in tefillah to Hashem, secure in the knowledge that

Bechol dor vodor omdim aleinu lechaloseinu veHakodosh Boruch Hu matzileinu miyodom.

In every generation, there are those who stand against us to annihilate us, but Hashem saves us from their hand.

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Hakhel MIS
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ADDENDUM

Dear Agudath Yisroel of America and Malcolm Hoenlein, amv"sh

We are right to be concerned about Iran's nuclear capabilities and his rhetoric that Ahmadenojad will try to actualize if given the chance. That is why it is correct to try to stop him.

Only the Jew will be able to neutralize the threat.

But Agudath Yisroel of America and Malcolm Hoenlein, when we act on the interests of America only and forget what it means to be a Jew we are not effective.

The war is between Democracy vs. radical Islamic Fundamentalism. The Torah can mitigate the evils of both powers.

That is why these curses are happening. Our inactions, have shown that Democracy comes first and Torah second.

Bush's Roadmap and Torah are mutually exclusive. By SILENCE or by actual support, to choose Bush's Roadmap with Chaloimos (dreams) of 2 Democratic States living side by side in peace is a choice of Democracy over the Torah. That is where we Err big time. If we don't support Bush's Roadmap and the Convergence Plan then why don't we SPEAK UP at this rally! Now we have an audience!

There are many fine secular Jews like Buddy Macy that recognize that the Roadmap is suicidal. Yet, those of us that claim to be Orthodox Jews, and religious go to shul every Shabbos and listen to the Torah Readings still remain SILENT to the Roadmap Plan and Convergence Plan which blatantly disregards and reverses the Torah. That is a Chilul Hashem.

Only the Torah is an eternal agreement between G-d and the Nation of Israel - not Oslo and not the Roadmap Plan and not Convergence Plan.

Yesha, Hebron, Shchem, Aza is an integral part of Eretz Yisroel that is within the delineated borders specified in Parshas Masei.

It is no wonder that we have not spoken out against OLMERT, PERES, PERETZ, LIVNI AND HALUTZ the "leaders" of the State who have no regard for the Torah as well.

It is just a pity that we are misguiding people so wrongly.

A person will be judged by the influence he/she had. One's judgment be it good or bad will be magnified by those that he/she have influence over. We can choose between LIFE and DEATH. We can choose the Torah or we can Choose Democracy.

We can speak out for the Torah or choose to disregard the Torah and simply speak against Ahmadenojad. What we may fail to realize is that G-d is sending Ahmadenojad as his messenger because of us for disregarding the Torah.

The policies of the present Israel government and policies that we have tolerated, in exchange for payment of subsidies, has been the factor that has made us as a Jewish Nation deserving chas vechalila of the likes of Ahmadenojad. But not only have these policies that we have allowed to happen WITHOUT protest brought tragedy to Am Yisroel, starting with the Disengagement from Gaza and communities in the Shomron and Hebron, it spread then to the War in Lebanon and the inept way it was conducted. Now the cancer is spreading to affect the entire world. Am Yisroel is the vessel through which the entire world receives blessings and curses. The Christians know it and proclaim it.

This rally will be ineffective even if hundreds of thousands of people show. But even worse, if we continue to choose to disregard the Torah, we personally Chas Vechalila will be held responsible for the tragedies that will fall not only our people but also the entire world as a direct consequence of us, the Nation of Israel, disregarding the Torah.

Saying Tehillim is not enough. Renewing our Allegiance to Torah is a good start.

Publicly state that Torah and Eretz Yisroel are inseparable.

If we believe what the Torah says is true, then by doing Mitzvoth properly shouldn't we be experiencing blessings? Time for Cheshbon Hanefesh. Let us focus on the Mitzvoth in Parshath Devorim, that are specific to Eretz Yisroel and a physical piece of property, the actual LAND. As a starter let's desire to keep these Mitzvoth. And if we choose to focus on Lashon Hara rather than focusing on the Mitzvoth read at Hakhel in Sefer Devorim, then let's focus on the root cause of Lashon Hara which were the Spies.

If we wake up with nightmares and can not sleep, if we see another Holocaust in the horizon, now is the time to reverse the evil decrees.

The Iranian President is not the root of our problems. He is simply a manifestation of the symptoms of the disease. . The time is for us Am Yisroel, specifically the Leaders of Am Yisroel, like Agudath Yisroel of America, for once and for all time SPEAK LOUD AND CLEAR for the Torah and for the Mitzvoth that can only be done in Eretz Yisroel (whose boundaries are delineated in Parshas Masei) by Am Yisroel. VeShavu Banim Legvulum.

Hashem has called upon Heaven and Earth to be witnesses. The curses can come in many forms. The Iranian President is only one kind of a curse. Even if we succeed to knock him down, we would still have to contend with Mother Nature.

Sincerely,

Robin Ticker

Moshe Feiglin and Relational Database Theory

 

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Politics is not my thing but I can't understand why the most obvious merger is not being considered. Why don't the parties that have a common belief system and have consistently shown by their actions that  Eretz Yisroel is our Biblical Right,  use that as a common denominator to unite? 

 

Please visit http://shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com/2006/09/manhigut-yehudit-broader-coalition.html

 

My  guess is that it has to do with the concern to be the uncontested leader.  Each party is afraid that if there is a merger with like ideology  then there is a possibility with a merger that  they will not come out on top and be excluded from the picture. 

 

My background is in computer database. I will use computer relational database theory as a Mashal to this discussion.  Please read through this until the end, even if it may be cumbersome.  Another example of relational theory is the INTERNET itself where each post and each individual post have equal access. 

 

Many years ago in the 1970's the concept of computer databases was in its infancy.  Previously every computer was stand alone with it's own application.  Each computer had a tape drive or cards and using Cobol or a similar programming language, files were defined and data was stored in certain locations where the particular programmer defined them to be.  As the level of sophistication grew,  the programs required shared date that was embedded in other programs.  As the application grew the entire system became unmanageable.  Each program defined their own files and each program reinvented the wheel using the same data in a different format according to the whim of the programmer.One program that needed data that was stored in a different application had to figure out how the data was stored and how to access it or redo similar aspects of the other application. This led to much waste, duplication, data integrity was compromised, unnecessary reprogramming and much error.  The programs were unable to grow as the application grew in scope. So the concept of databases grew and from there was developed a Database Definition Language and Database programming language.  Data no longer were stored in files that were part and parcel of a particular program but rather it was now in a place a Database, that was defined by a database definition language and accessed with a database language and was shared by many programs and many user applications.  At least now there would be less duplication of data, and the integrity can be better monitored.  Data was retrievable by many different programs.  This was a vast improvement.  The data in the database could be defined in a hierarchical manner or non hierarchical..  

 

Let's take a typical business application of invoices and present it in a hierarchical manner.  The master invoice file would have general invoice information.  Information on the Master Invoice would include the client, the invoice number, the date of the invoice and the total amount on the invoice.  Then there would be an embedded details file that would contain the details of the invoice.  Each detail would be another record on the details file that was embedded in the master invoice file.That worked fine if the view of the data was to produce invoices.  However when the inventory person in the purchasing dept.  needed information regarding parts, using the hierarchical method, described above, he/she was forced to access the invoices first and then get to the information that was embedded in the details to find out which parts were sold.  Such access was cumbersome.  The purchasing dept. have no real interest in the invoices themselves and in fact should not have any access to the invoice data. Their only concern is when  inventory for a particular part becomes low and requires reordering. As a programmer that became mired in trying to access data that was embedded I began to research relational Database model theory developed by E.F. Codd. 

 

The bottom line in relational database theory is that hierarchy can be simulated but no data is totally subservient to the master or embedded. The hierarchy is simulated by keys that connect all the masters with the details.  In reality it is as easy to access the details as it is the master. You can access the details directly or through the master.  In a relational database we can easily query which PARTS were used by a particular CLIENT, which PARTS were used in an INVOICE, which PARTS need to be reordered.  There is direct access to each piece of data via all the unique keys.  So if I wanted to store the data most efficiently I would have the following database files.  PARTS, CLIENT,INVOICEMASTER, INVOICEDETAIL., VENDORS, PURCHASE-ORDERS, PURCHASE- ORDER-DETAILS etc..  Each record in a database file must have it's own unique key.  So every Client record has a unique CLIENT ID .  Every PART has an PART ID.  Every INVOICE has an INVOICE ID and every detail on an invoice as it's own INVOICE_DETAIL ID.  etc,

 

So what is the Nimshal?  In reality we are all children under G-d.  Each one of us have a unique and DIRECT connection to G-d.   Yet we are also  family members with strong roots. We each have our own mission and talents and abilities that are necessary for a united whole and we draw our strength from the roots of our tree.  No individual can be negated because they don't belong to a specific hierarchy. We are equal under G-d in the sense that we each have a Tselem ELokim.  Our job is to bring out the essence of our individuality. 

 

As Jews we are working for a common goal. The goal is to serve G-d and keep the Torah.  That is the essence of Manhigut Yehudit.  As in a Database application each user has their own unique ID and  individual perspective. We can  be identified as So and So the daughter of So and So or alternatively by our social security number. We each carry our own individual view or perspective.  Each view is a legitimate view. 

 

 The Accounting Department has interest in parts insofar that they are a details on an invoice.  The Purchasing dept has an interest in parts insofar that they need to reorder them in order to keep inventory stocked.  The CEO of the company mav have interests in parts that don't break down and ruin his companies reputation. 

 

A typical Employee Database application will relate to the CEO as simply an Employee with a unique Employee ID or alternatively as a special employee with unique benefits.  In many aspects the CEO is simply no different than a regular employee yet is other ways he is the leader and has a different perspective and focus.

 

True being the winner and the leader is important. But a hierarchical model alone will not allow for growth or bringing out the individuality of each detail. That requires the Relational Model. The most effective leader will recognize and utilize each and every other leader'individual to promote Service of G-d and Torah.  My question is why aren't we uniting in our common goal. 

 

 

If you wish to visit my blog click on:
Shemittah Rediscovered

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Thanks.

The Covenant Renewal- Nitzavim Vayelech -Areivus

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When the Bnei Yisroel enter Eretz Yisroel they receive a renewal of their Covenant. The first Covenant was given at Har Sinai. What was new about this Covenant? It was the concept of Areivus, that every Jew is now responsible of the sins of his brothers. Every Jew is obligated to help others observe the Torah and to restrain from violating it. As the commentary in the Stone Chumash explains that now they would be liable for transgressions committed openly (Ohr HaChaim) This is essential to the world view of the Jew, for it explains why one may not be apethetic to the shortcomings of others and why public desecrations of the Torah are the concern of every Jew of good conscience.

Atem Nitzavim - You are standing. Moshe empahsized that the people were standing before G-d because the purpose of the Covenant was to bind them to G-d's Torah. Sforno comments that Moshe stressed that they were standing before G-d, Who cannot be deceived. Moshe divided the people into categories to suggest that everyone is responsible according to how many others he or she can influence.

This concept of Areivus justifies my position of speaking out against influential Rabbinic Leaders such as Rav Shteinmen, Rav Kanievsky, Rav Eliashiv, the Admor M'Gur, the OU, Agudath Yisroel of America etc. who have been silent regarding the Roadmap and regarding the disengagement and the Convergence plan. It justifies the obligation of spokespeople of Yesha as well as the journalists in Jewish Media such as Arutz7, Jewish Press, Yated, Hamodia, Nachum Segal, Chofetz Chaim Foundation etc. to challenge this silence. The Roadmap is mutually exclusive to the Biblical promise that Hashem gave Eretz Yisroel exculsively to Am Yisroel. How can UTJ and Shas join an evil government. This evil government is clearly in opposition to Torah. Yet this was overlooked in exchange for bribes be it child support or educational subsidies or political position. . Those that remain silent become silent partners in allowing expulsion of Jewish settlement and settlers, partners in robbing our fellow brethren of their property, partners in destroying family units and cohesiveness, partners in taking away many families means of Parnassa, partners in terrorizing little children with an army of soldiers and last but not least partners in the bloody violence against the youth who were the only ones to stand up for the Torah and for Eretz Yisroel at the risk of their own lives. To sum it all, those that are silent are partners to the humanitarian and security crisis in Israel and partners in the empowerment of terrorism including Hizbollah and Hamas.

For this Hashem says Haster Astir Panai Bayom Hahu Al Kol Hara Asher Asa, Ki Phana el Elohim Acheirim(Devarim 31/18) . But I will surely have concealed My face on that day because of all the evil that it did, for it had turned to gods of others".


The young girls in Neve Dekalim cried bitter tears as the expulsion was happening "Al Tastir panech Mimeni Beyom Tzar Li". Don't hide your face from me on the day of my affliction.

Can we ignore the fact that much of the North of Eretz Yisroel was burnt in this past war with Lebanon? Isn't that a consequence of worshipping idols as well? Or do we simply continue to choose not make any connections to the events of the day and the warnings of the Torah.

Which idols did we collectively worship? My guess is trusting in America, trusting in an evil gov't in Israel that acts as if it is a puppet for America and in believing in our own strenth and power rather than on Torah and Mitzvoth. It is very difficult to place our total trust in Hashem . It's downright scary. Without prayer how can we humanly be capable of passing this test.

Yet all the curses are reversible. We need merely to admit our mistakes, beg Hashem for forgiveness and no doubt Hashem will hear our prayers and reverse the Gezaira. Atem Nitzavim Hayom. Each and every one of us including men, children, women and strangers. Anyone with any kind of influence must speak out publicly for the Torah and against any plans that are in direct opposition to the Torah. Failure to speak out is equivalent to being partners in the desecration of Hashem's name.

Manhigut Yehudit - a broader coalition

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As a continuation of our discussion about Manhigut breaking away from Likud let me suggest the following.

 

In my previous post I suggested that there be a model Torah based, self governing, autonomous region within Eretz Yisroel.  The ideal situation would be if the broader Israel would encourage and support such an autonomous region dwelling side by side in peace and harmony.  Let me suggest other individuals that would be an asset to such a union.  General Yaalon has been courageous in protecting Eretz Yisroel.  It would be necessary to engage in military experts in such a coalition.  Someone of Yaalon's stature and expertise would prove to be invaluable.  Military strength is definitely a requirement in order to enforce any decisions of the political body.   Manhigut wishes to represent the broader Israel.  Prof Eidelberg has the political expertise for a model government for the greater Israel. His writings on Constitutional Democracy would prove a jumping point of greater discussion and acutalization.   His electoral reform and other suggestions would undoubtedly be a wonderful framework for such a government that represents all Israeli's.  Benny Elon has his strengths in Reclamation and Torah based ideology.  The Sanhedrin and Temple Institute would be an effective Constitutional authority in a Torah based society. Other important leaders that have proven themselves is Uri ARiel and MK Eldad.  Susie Dym of MAtot Arim has done wonderful grassroots work and has been a tireless, powerful mover in the Katom camp.  Batya Medad seems to have a handle on who's who in the political spectrum and has worked tirelessly blogging away Lishma.  In Hebron, I would bring aboard Danny Cohen from CHabad and from Aza, Yigal Kirshen..(I'm not sure of the spelling).   I would bring aboard Afsi and Herb Zwiebon and Helen Freedman.  I would definitely include the secular Jews from left wing parties that had the courage to challenge their own Leadership. I would include Buddy Macy from NJ who has worked tirelessly on behalf of Eretz Yisroel and challenged the American Jewish Leadership that has failed us.  I would of course include the spokespersons of Hebron, the Shomron and Gush Katif and Arutz7 who are the creme de la creme even though I must admit I have been disappointed that they haven't supported publicly any initiatives on my part.  Public Relations and looking and sounding politically correct and not too much like a "religious extremist" is high on their list of priorities even though ideologically they may be in agreement with many of the ideas presented in my blog. 

 

To take this bold step, one must be willing to sacrifice his political position and his paying job.  He/she must be willing to be alienated by friends, family and foe alike for the sake of defending and keeping the Torah and the Mitzvoth.  We must defend Hashem's Torah  and our legitimate claim to Eretz Yisroel to ourselves and to the entire world.  We must be willing to take that leadership role among the Nations and be the Kingdom of Priest prescribed by the Torah.

 

I would challenge the political parties that claim they are based on Torah such as Shas and UTJ.  I would try to enlist those that spoke out against the disengagement such as Meir Porush and the Skulener Rebbe and the Bostoner Rebbe and others that I have omitted in error and bring them to our camp. Of course there were those group of Rabbanim that came and spoke to Congress on Behalf of Eretz Yisroel.  I would even lobby the Satmers whose claim against the Medina has been that it is not based on Torah.  I would include the Righteous Gentiles who believe that Israel must take claim to the Land and have been quite vocal in their support for Israel such as Bob Hillman and Jim Vinyard.  This spokespeople have influence among fundamental Christians in America and the Bush Administration.

These are some of my ideas.  I love brainstorming and wish others would join in this discussion .

 

 

Shabbat Shalom!

 

Robin