Sunday, October 05, 2008

To MGH - Letter to Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah - by Yosef Rabin

Pbs"d


Please read this well thought out discourse and  entire addendum until the end!


Strengthening the Border Communities of

Eretz Yisrael!


From: Yosef Rabin

 

To the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah:

 

I have seen the unofficial response of the Moeztet Gedolei Hatorah  http://shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com/2008/10/5760014-israel-land-of-my-possession.html and remain very perplexed. Were it not for the importance and urgency of the matter – the honor of God's name and life and death for the nation of Israel – I would have remained silent.

 

One of the greatest issues facing the Jewish Nation today is if we have the right to hold on to certain parts of Eretz Israel, even if it will cost Jewish lives. Before we can start tackling this issue, we must first understand that Pikuach and Mesirut Nefesh is part of war; there is no war in which life is not endangered. With every other Mitzvah, which the Torah commands, "Allow yourself to be killed rather than transgress", there is no justification to put yourself in a situation, which would warrant this self-sacrifice. Only a Milchemet Mitzvah, a war commanded by the Torah, is a Mitzvah where you must endanger your life from the outset. But who every said that we were fighting an obligatory war and what does it have to do with the communities of Yehuda v Shomron?

 

The Torah commands us that Eretz Yisrael, be under Jewish control, as the Ramban writes, "Behold we were commanded with conquest in ever generation" (Supplement to the Rambam, Sefer HaMitzvot, positive commandment #4).   Assuming that the Ramban is not correct, and there is no Mitzvah to conquer the Land, is there a justification to continue living and fighting in the Yehuda and Shomron? Can Jews continue to live in Chevron and other dangerous places? If one looks at the definitions that the Rambam gives to a Milchemet Mitzvah, one of his definitions is, "To save Israel from the hand of the enemy"(Rambam, Mishna Torah, Hilchot Milachim, 5:1).  Do to the fact that today; our main enemy sits in Yehuda and Shomorn, there is a need to control that area. But what does that have to do with Jews living in those areas? To fulfill the Rambam's definition of Milchemet Mitzvah, it should be enough just having army bases in those areas.

 

Speaking as a former soldier, it is much easier to control an area, when there is a friendly population living there. Second, we all know that, the best defense is a good offense and the Halacha clearly understands this. " When it is a city close to the border, then, even if they want to come only for the purpose of (stealing) straw and stubble, we desecrate the Shabbos because of them; for they may conquer the city and from there, the rest of the land will be easy for them to conquer." (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 329:6) Even the smallest threat against the country must be taken seriously; you do not allow your enemy to even to move a piece of straw from Eretz Yisrael. Because the Communities of the Yehuda and Shomron are the border communities of the State of Israel there is even a higher obligation to guard them. If the Jews living in these communities would all leave, it would bring the enemies of Israel even closer to the major population centers, thus endangering the entire Jewish Nation.

 

What specific dangers will a expulsion  pose?

 

1. The expulsion of nearly 300,000 Jews

 

The lives of 300,000 Jews will be ruined as will Yeshivot, Shuls, Kollelim and the beautiful communities will be handed over to the enemy.

 

2. Surrendering the entire Samarian and Judean mountain range to the enemy (Hamas, Fatah, Islamic Jihad…)

 

Rockets from Hebron will hit Beersheba and Kiryat Gat; Bethlehem will hit Jerusalem; Bodrus will hit Ben Gurion Airport; Rantis will hit Tel Aviv; Kalkilya will hit Kfar Saba and Ranana; Tulkarem will hit Netanya; Jenin will hit Afula and Nazareth.

 

3. The Surrender of East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount

 

No more visits to the Kotel. Even with Israeli control over east Jeruslaem and the Temple Mount the army has shut down the Kotel for hours at a time due to security concerns. In addition the Jews in West Jerusalem will have to deal with constant rocket and mortar attacks, as did their parents and grandparent up till 1967.

 

4. The Surrender of over 1/3 of Israel's water supply

 

Israel already faces a severe water crisis. The aquifers of Judea and Samaria are of the highest quality and supplies the domestic needs of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Beer Sheva and most of the cities in the center of the country; it is also used for irrigation of large agricultural areas along the coastal plain, the piedmont, the Beer Sheva valley and the Jezreel Valley.

 

5. The release of thousands (perhaps tens of thousands) of Arab murders

 

This will strengthen the armies of Hamas and Fatah and destroy the morale of Israeli army as it watches years of work unravel. Jewish soldiers will understand that they endanger their lives for nothing and draft dodging will increase. In addition the release will cause grave mental stress to all victims of terror and put the rest the population in harms way.

 

There is also another issue involved in the Mitzvah to conquering the Land. We learn from Sanhedrin 74a-b, "When Rabin arrived, he taught: R' Yochanan said… in public, even for a minor commandment one should be killed rather than transgress. What is a minor commandment? Rava bar R' Yitzhak said in the name of Rav: Even to change the lace of one's shoe." When goyim come and decree that the Jews transgress a Mitzvah for the sake of humiliating the Jewish People and the Torah, there is in fact a Mitzvah to give up your life and not transgress. The Gemara even applies this rule to a minhag as insignificant as changing shoelaces. Today, because the goyim have made numerous decrees and resolutions (UN, EU...) that prohibit the Jewish People from conquering and settling Eretz Yisrael, we have even another reason for self-sacrifice. Even if one could argue that the mitzvah of Yishuv/Kibbush Eretz Yisrael does not apply in our time, I would certainly hope that Eretz Yisrael would rank higher than a shoelace.  

 

To sum up, we are fighting at least one and even possibly two simultaneous Milchemot Mitzva. The first being the Rambam,  "To save Israel from the hand of the enemy" and the second by the Ramban, "Behold we were commanded with conquest in ever generation". Either way, the communities of the Yehuda and Shomron play a vital role in the fulfillment of these two Mitzvot. The Jews living in the communities of the Yehuda and Shomron, the Jews who are sacrificing themselves for the security of the nation, should be aided and applauded. The communities of Galut must do everything in their power to aid and strengthen the border communities of Eretz Yisrael.  

 

Awaiting your reply,

Yosef Rabin

 

 

Addendum:  In response to the official response from Rav Shafran http://shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com/2008/10/5769016-israel-land-of-my-possession.html


Here I will address the question posed by Rav Avi Shafran, "Whether or not we have been zocheh at this point in history to be able to exercise that right, however, is a different, and open, question."

 

I have already dealt with the issue surrounding Yishuv/Kibush Haaretz in the original letter.  It is very clear that the Torah's command of "Thou shall not stand by thy brothers blood" (Vayikra, 19:17), applies in this case. Even if the expulsion does occur, G-d forbid, and a strong Palestinian terror state is created, do we not have the obligation to be able to declare in loud and clear voice, "Our hands have not shed this blood, nor have our eyes seen it" (Devarim 21:8)?

 

The question of our right to Eretz Yisrael in our times is based on two main points. The first point is a passage from Gemara Kesubot,111a, God made the Jews take two oaths and the world take one. To the Jews "Not to ascend to the Holy Land as a group using force, not to rebel against the governments of countries in which we live," and   "Not to push the end away with our sins ", see Rashi.   For some this means that the State of Israel is a sin, we came back in force and rebelled against the nations.

 

This is easily answered; there was no rebellion against the nations. We were granted permission by Britain, League of Nations and the United Nations to recreate our homeland in the Land of Israel. Second the first two oaths might be contingent on the third, if the non-Jews treat us harshly, which they did, then we can rebel and go up to the land. Even if the oaths are not connected, we saw clear signs of redemption, which nullified the oaths themselves. This is similar to the Halacha where one swears not to enter his house. If the walls of his house collapse, he is freed from his oath and may step on the remains of the house.  

 

The second point is that redemption can not come about through non-believers, furthermore some believe that man can not play a role in bringing the Redemption and must completely rely on God to do all the work.

 

I will now come to show that we indeed did see the signs of Redemption and that we were certainly justified in taking an active role in the process of Redemption. Furthermore I prove that God cherished the original Secular Jews who restored His land and why we should continue to respect the State of Israel even though it does not always go in the path of the Torah.

 

There is a Halacha that we only follow the majority opinion when it is coupled with clear reasoning; furthermore Tosfot in Yevamot explains that we follow the minority if the minority is sharper in Torah than the majority.

 

I would like to begin by discussing what constitutes the beginning of redemption. I would like to bring several gemara's which expound on this very issue.

 

The first Gemara I would like to mention is a Gemara in Sanhedrin 98: a "Rabbi Abba said, 'There is no greater sign of redemption than this, as it is written in Yechezkel, 'You O mountains of Israel will give forth your branches and give forth your fruit for My People Israel will soon return'. " (Yechezkel 36)    One could argue that this Gemara is of an Aggadic nature and therefore cannot be used as a proof, but there are two other gemarot that bring this gemara into the realm of Halacha.

 

In Gemara Migilah 17: b, "Why do we recite the blessing of the re-gathering of the exiles after the blessing of the year, because it is written in Yechezkel, 'You O mountains of Israel will give forth your branches and give forth your fruit for My People Israel will soon return " (Yechezkel 36) This exact Gemara is also repeated in Gemara - Brachot Yerushalmi, I do not remember the exact page, but I remember that it is in the first perek. The copy that I saw was on my old army base in the Jordan valley, which I no longer have access to. The Tur and the Beit Yosef accept these gemara's as halacha, see Orach Chaim 115-121.

 

It is clear that, not only do chazal agree that redemption will begin with the restoration of the Land, but they enshrined this concept by incorporating it into the Shmona Esrai. This could also be the reason why chazal used the phrase towards the end of the second blessing "Makes salvation sprout". The first sign of the redemption will be with the sprouting of the Land. So now that we understand how the redemption will begin, we must make the connection to the State of Israel.

 

In Parshat Bichukoti, one of the many infamous curses is the one on the Land of Israel. " I will make the Land desolate, and the enemies who dwell within will be desolate. "(26:32)

The Ramban explains this to be a blessing and promise for the Jewish People. That the Land will never grow for anyone but the Jewish People. Rabbenu Bachya also explains, BeReshit 17:8, " This is a great sign for the Jewish People, since they were exiled from their Land no nation was able to settle there. Rather it sits is desolation until its children return. " Also, may there be a thousand separations, the famous non-Jewish author, Mark Twain visited the Land of Israel in 1867. He wrote, " The hills are barren, they are dull of color, they are un-picturesque in shape. The valleys are unsightly desert fringed with feeble vegetation that has an expression about it of being sorrowful and despondent… The Land sits in sackcloth and ashes… This Land is no more of this work-day world. It is sacred to poetry and tradition-it is a dream-land. " (Innocent Abroad end of chapter 56)

 

It is clear that Hashem has kept his promise, up until the Jewish People decided to return to the Land of their forefather's, the Land did not grow. It is interesting that he wrote this in 1867, just a few short years before the Children of Israel although mainly secular returned. Even though they were secular, did not keep Shabbat or Kashrut, the Land accepted them and she grew accordingly. The Land allowed them to drain her swamps, grow her fields, raise cattle and build beautiful towns and cities. This was all barely 30 years after Twain visited.

 

This is very much reminiscent of the day of Ezra and Nechemya, the vast majority who returned with them were not only unobservant, but immoral as well, as it says in Kiddushin 69-70, they were bastards, foundlings and committed sexual misconducts like the people of Sodom and Amora. And yet they were the tools, which Hashem used to bring about that Geulah. Certainly, the secular Jews who started returning in the late 1800s, and who remained the main builders of the land until the State was re-declared in 1948, could not have been much worse.  

 

To better understand that the Mashiach does not need to come about through the most pleasant means we must look at the father of Mashiach, David Hamelech - King David.

When we look at Davids ancestry one becomes quickly disturbed. On his fathers side came about through the illicit relations between Yehuda and Tamar. Does not sound like the proper Yichus for the Mashiach! Even though this was an abomination Chazal tell us, "Hashem was busy creating the light of the King Mashiach." (Bareshit Rabba 85:1)

 

Now going from bad to worse, we look at Davids mother side. Davids grandmother Ruth came from the Nation of Moav. Number one it was the nation of Moav that seduced the men of Israel to sin in the Midbar bringing a great plague upon them. Second, Moav's founding father was an illegitimate of the worst sort; he was from the illicit relations between Lot and his Daughter Habichira. Habachira called her son Moav, which means, from my father, she was not even embarrassed that she had relations with her father.

 

But even if one admits that Hashem began our Geulah through the secular Zionist can we continue to recognize the importance of such a state?

 

I would like to talk about Omri the King of Israel was more evil than any other king before him, read Malachim 16:25, but yet, he merited his kingship to last 3 generations.  

Why? R Yochanan said, "Why did Omri deserve Kingship? He added one city to the Land of Israel. " (Sanhdrin 102b)  Chazal tell us that he added that city to undermine the people loyalty to Jerusalem, and even so he merited 3 generations.

 

Omri's successor, his son Achav was even worse than his father, he allowed his wife to murder all the Torah Scholars, but Hashem still allowed Achav to win wars for His people. Why because Achav and his generation was careful not to speak gossip and Achav fought with all his might for the Jewish People. Achav successor Yehoram, was also just as evil, but he shared the suffering of the Jewish People when Hashem punished them with a drought, by sitting in sackcloth.

 

We see that Hashem allowed these men to rule because of their love for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel.

 

Also Yeravam the son of Yoash was given great help by Hashem, even though it says, "He did evil in the eyes of Hashem." Why? "He restored the boarder of Israel from Milvo Chamas until the sea of Arava like the word of Hashem, as he spoke unto the prophet Yona the son of Amitai." (Malachim2: 14: 24-26)

 

The problems in the State of Israel cannot be compared to the evils perpetrated by the Kings of Israel. After all the State gives incredible amount of money to Yeshivot, builds mikvot and shuls for every community even ones that are dominantly secular, all marriages, divorces and funerals are conducted by the Orthodox State Rabbinate, Shabbat and Chagim are the official holidays of the State, No buses may run from an hour before Shabbat and Chagim until after the holy days, The Army and all official state institutions must keep Kosher by law, all places of public entertainment must be closed until half day on TishaBav.

 

Can you honestly tell me that I should give fewer honors to this State, than Eliyahu the Prophet gave to King Achav when he ran before his chariot after the incident at Mount Carmel. (Kings 1, 18:46) Chazal say, Achav took all the Torah Scrolls in the Land of Israel and erased the name of Hashem replacing it with the names of all the idols. But yet he was the King of Israel and thus the honor of the People of Israel was upon him.

 

In our times that the state of Israel wants to do terrible things and put the nation in danger, we must follow the path of Eliyahu. We must oppose the expulsion in such a manner that will still uphold respect for this "Malchut Yisrael" of our time.

 

Rav Tzvi Yehuda Hakohen Koon taught that Malchut is understood as any Jewish leadership, which governs the nation with the consent of the people. He brings down Meiri on Sanhedrin 52b, "And in every place the laws of the kingdom apply in all time, and in every generation, the leader of the generation…have the power of enforcement. He brings down the Drashot Haran, 11 "When there isn't a king in Israel, the judge takes on two powers, the power of judge and the power of King." The Maharal in Netzach Yehuda, Chapter 1 also indicates this idea of sovereignty in Eretz Yisrael. Lastly the Rambam in Hilchot Chanukah, stresses the importance of sovereignty being returned to Eretz Yisrael during the reign of the Chashmanayim. Yes the Chashmanayim turned against the Torah, but that sovereignty is one of the primary reasons why we celebrate Chanukah for all time.     

 

One may ask that if Hashem has started the redemption than why all the suffering? Why is Lebanon bombing us? Why can't we fight back properly? Why is there still so much suffering? Isn't the redemption supposed to stop this?

I saw a beautiful idea.

 

In Gemara Sanhedrin 98:b, Three scholars, Ullah, Rabbah and R. Yochanan prayed, "Let him come, but let me not see him ", they were afraid of the birth pangs of Mashiach and therefore did not want to be there. Only Rav Yosef disagreed and said, "Let him come and may I be privileged to sit in his donkeys feces". Rav Kook tzl, gives a beautiful explanation, Ullah, Rabbah and R. Yochanan, its not they did not want to see Mashiach, but they would not be able to handle the spiritual downfall immediately before his coming, as it says in Gemara Sota 49:b, " Youngsters will insult their elders, the kingdom will turn heretical". According to Rav Kook, they did not say "let me not be there", but rather, I do not want to see it, I will not be able to handle to great spiritual decline that will occur before Mashiachs arrival. Rav Kook says that Rav Yosef was different. Even if the time before redemption would smell like feces, he still wanted it. Rav Kook adds, the donkey is the only unclean animal that its first born is holy. That is why Rav Yosef used the Donkey, just like the impure donkey brings out something holy so too the geulah can come about from something non-holy, like the secular Zionists.

 

Yosef Rabin

5769.01.6 Israel the Land of My Possession - Official response from Agudath Yisroel - Avi Shafran - Are we halachically in Galus in EY

bs"d

This has been posted on Shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com

6th of Tishrei 5769 Motzei Shabbos/Shabbat

October 5, 2008 - Gmar Chatima Tova

1. Official questions regarding the status of Yesha and response from Agudath Yisroel - Avi Shafran,  Director of Public Affairs for Agudath Israel  Please circulate. 

2. Are we halachically in Galus even in Eretz Yisroel - Rabbi Hollander responds

3. Are we halachically in Galus even in Eretz Yisroel - Faigy Lobel brings the position of Lubavitch Rebbe


4. Rena Cohen from LevUneshama of  Tsfat speaking out on behalf of YESHA and keeping all of Eretz Yisroel.  BTW they can use some help in Tsfat as well.

5.  Izzy Kaplan of Toronto speaks out for Yesha and against buying Israel Bonds

6. It is unbelievable what they sing in a church in Portugal לא יאומן מה שרים בכנסיה בפורטוגל- רמקולים!- חובה, !

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Official questions regarding the status of Yesha and response from Agudath Yisroel - Avi Shafran

Robin Ticker wrote:

bs"d

Dear Rabbi Shafran, amv"sh  

Whatever you send to me should be considered for public distribution.

Official questions awaiting official responses:

What is the position of Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah regarding Yehudah and the Shomron in our day?  Are we entitled to this Land today or is this up to the political decisions of the government of Israel which means the establishment of a Palestinian State and the expulsion of the Jews from Yesha..

If you answer that we are not entitled to Yehudah and the Shomron then what should be the answer for the hundreds of thousands of Jews presently living in Yesha.

If you answer that we are entitled to Yehudah and the Shomron then what is Agudath Yisroel doing proactive to mobilize its people to protest a Palestinian State and keep Yehudah and the Shomron...

What is the position of the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah regarding territory that have been ceded to the Arabs like Gush Katif and any future negotiations. Are these agreements legal and binding according to the Torah. Have Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah concluded that they are legal agreements altogether.

Thank you so much for responding. 

Rabbi Avi Shafran's response:

On Fri, Oct 3, 2008 at 2:02 PM, Avi Shafran <Shafran@agudathisrael.org> wrote:
 

The American Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah does not generally take positions on matters of Israeli security.  I do not know if the Eretz Yisrael Moetzes has done so with regard to Yehudah and Shomron (or territory in the Negev that was abandoned).

That the Jewish people is entitled to all of Eretz Yisrael, though, is a truism.  Whether or not we have been zocheh at this point in history to be able to exercise that right, however, is a different, and open, question.  My impression is that most Gedolim in Eretz Yisrael are opposed to a Palestinian state (at least in the absence of a sea-change in Palestinian attitudes).

Should those Gedolim in E"Y ask the American Agudah to organize some sort of public expression of a position, we would obviously treat the request with great alacrity.  To date, though, they have not. 


My follow up sent to Rabbi Shafran in lieu of his official response.

Dear Rabbi Shafran, amv"sh

Can you please provide the names of the Eretz Yisroel Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah or the names of the Gedolim in EY from whom American Agudah are waiting to get direction regarding taking a position?

Gmar Chasima Tova!

Robin Ticker

Dear Readers,

Please send your comments to Rabbi Shafran shafran@agudathisrael.org  and cc:  or bcc: faigerayzel@gmail.com and/or post comments on shemittahrediscovered.blogspot.com.  Thanks.


2. Are we halachically in Galus even in Eretz Yisroel - Rabbi Hollander responds

That can be a spiritual point of view, but it can NOT be a halachic position. See
שולחן ערוך אורח חיים סימן תקסא סעיף א
[א*] הרואה (א) ערי יהודה (ב) א בחורבנן אומר: ערי קדשך היו מדבר, וקורע (ואינו חייב לקרוע אלא (ג) כשמגיע סמוך להם כמו מן הצופים לירושלים) (ב"י).
משנה ברורה סימן תקסא ס"ק ב
(ב) בחורבנן - אפילו [ב] יושבין בהן ישראל, כיון שהישמעאלים מושלים עליהם מקרי בחורבנן:
In other words, when not ruled by Jews this is Hurban, but NOT when ruled by Jews.

3. Are we halachically in Galus even in Eretz Yisroel - Faigy Lobel brings the position of Lubavitch Rebbe

Dear Robin,
 
With regard to being in a state of golus, it is worthwhile to mention the official position of Chabad, that all Jews today, whatever their geographic location, are in a state of golus.  This state of golus will continue until Moshiach has stated that it has ended.  Golus is defined (as I understand it) as the opposite of Geulah.  Until there is a world-wide status of geulah sh'laimah, all Jews everywhere remain in Golus.  (Apparently, this does not contradict the idea of "Open your eyes and see the geulah.")  
 
The Rebbe also maintained (and this statement I agree with): "The only difference between golus and geulah is the aleph -- the alupho shel olam".)  And when Moshiach comes and the redemption comes, the whole world will enjoy the geulah, the whole world will be Eretz Yisroel, and all of present day Eretz Yisroel will become Yerushalayim (with the expansion of the city).  These beliefs explain, among other things, why the Israeli-born Chabadnikim living in the U.S. don't consider themselves Yordim, why Chabad attaches no importance to Aliyah, etc., etc.   At the same time, the Rebbe -- an activist par excellence, fought for every inch of Eretz Yisroel -- but he always related this to the need for pekuach nefesh.
 
Gmar chatima tova,

4. Rena Cohen from LevUneshama of  Tsfat speaking out on behalf of YESHA and keeping all of Eretz Yisroel.  BTW they can use some help in Tsfat as well.

Rena writes:

Dear friends,
 
I received this email from friends in Toronto who are truly interested and supportive of Israel and the Jewish people. They, like many of us living in Israel are amazed at the silence of the Jewish world who continue to support the current Israeli government which is planning to give away Jewish land and Jerusalem to our enemies with very little outcry.  This will only provide our enemies with a better access to continue to try to destroy us. 
 
Many of our Jewish organizations that have been so supportive in the past have also long passed their usefullness and are now creating more problems for us than necessary.  The Jewish Agency and Israel Bonds are but two of these.  Please read the following messages and if you agree, it would be very positive to help us notify people not to purchase Israel Bonds this year as the money they are donating is helping to destroy Israel. 
 
I don't usually send out things of a political nature but times are getting more and more difficult for Israel's Jewish commuity. We at Lev U'Neshama as well as other non profit organizations are watching our donations slip away. This means that more and more of Tsfat's Jewish children will be going to bed hungry. Would that we could claim some of the dollars that well meaning donors give to Israel Bonds which are then being used to destroy Israel, Heaven forbid. 
 
All the best for a Gmar Chatimah Tova.
Rena Dvorkin Cohen,
Tsfat, Israel
www.levuneshama.org

5.  Israel Kaplan of Toronto speaks out for Yesha and against buying Israel Bonds
From: Israel Kaplan
Date: 05/10/2008 06:18:52
To: IZZY
Subject: MESSAGE DURING THE TEN DAYS OF REPENTANCE
 
Dear List:
 
With each passing day it appears that the officials who represent the Israeli government come ever closer to finalizing an agreement with the P.A. Amalek, which is to provide them with a state within the borders of Israel.     Former or current PM Olmert continues to act and represent and control the media airwaves of Israel and demonizes the Torah Zionist communities of Yehuda & Shomron by accusing them of bombing the home of Prof. Zeev Sternhell
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/8282 .    Both Ehud's, Barak and Olmert, have hit the airwaves in Israel condemning the settlers for their attack on Sternhell, one of the architects of Oslo.  
 
When leadership in a democracy such as Israel make a decision to jump to these conclusions without evidence it is well understood that these two men are paving the way to remove most communities in Judea and Samaria.    I encourage all on this list to read the following synopsis of the situation in Israel and a conclusion on one reaction to dealing with the Insanity that has currently grasped the Jewish People.    Those who disagree with the following stand on Israel Bonds are free to respond or ask me to remove them from this list and those who agree should not thank us for wrting this letter but should rather contact your local Bond Office and let them know how pained you are that Israeli leadership no longer represents the "Jewish" state or the majority of world Jewry and that you can no longer support Israel Bonds.    Now make a pledge to support those in Israel who are defending a Jewish Israel day in and day out.
This pledge will be a true Bond with Israel.
 
 

 

Land of the insane

 

Imagine—

You have been propelled to a surrealistic universe where people act exactly the opposite of what you would expect.  Where people embrace their enemies and hurt their friends. Where they invite murderers to be their neighbours, and throw kind and gentle people out of their homes. Where people enjoy being ridiculed and trampled upon, but are loath to stand up for themselves with dignity and pride. Where people who express their venomous hatred are considered partners in peace, but those whose hearts overflow with love and devotion are treated like dangerous fanatics. Where the strong and the mighty allow the weak and lowly to degrade, humiliate, and even torture and kill them.

Welcome to Israel. A country whose ownership is beyond dispute— enshrined in the most respected and the holiest document ever to have existed. Is not the Bible the very symbol of truth and the embodiment of justice in all of Western Society? Is not the exclusive and eternal Jewish bond to the Land of Israel the very thread that runs through the entire Bible? 1

In our time G-D has miraculously returned the Land of Israel to its rightful owners. G-D always keeps his word. In the year 2488 from Creation, 1,273 years before the Common Era, on the seventh day of the Jewish month of Adar, Moses stood before the entire Jewish nation. This was the last day of his life. He prophesied in the name of G-D, that although the Jews were about to enter the Holy Land, they would not remain there indefinitely. Eventually their sins would cause them to be banished from the holy soil of Eretz Yisroel, the Land of Israel. But exile would only be temporary. The time would come when G-D would bring them back, this time forever.

G-D will then bring back your remnants and have mercy on you. G-D your Lord will once again gather you from among all the nations where He scattered you. Even if your Diaspora is at the ends of the heavens, G-D your Lord will gather you up from there and He will take you back. G-D your Lord will then bring you to the land that your ancestors occupied, and you too will occupy it. (Deuteronomy, chapter 30).

For almost 2,000 years, Jews prayed every single day for the fulfillment of this prophecy. From that fateful day in the year 69 of the Common Era, when the Roman legions destroyed the holy Temple and scattered the Jews to all corners of the world; seven days a week, 365 days a year, and several times a day. Jews plead with G-D:

Gather us together, from all corners of the world to our Land. (from the Amidah prayer, recited thrice daily).

G-D has granted our generation the privilege of witnessing with our very eyes this ancient prophecy beginning to unfold. He has further granted the Jews of Israel the wisdom and talent to build the mightiest army in the entire region. An army fully capable of subduing its enemies and bringing completed calm and security to the Jews of Israel and security from the most savage and degenerate sub-humans on this planet. Beings, who take pride and pleasure in seeing babies blown to bits—malevolent and wretched megalomaniacs who dream of dominating the world and obliterating anyone who stands in their way. Who fantasize about eternal lust in the Garden of Eden as reward for their vile cruelty.

Yet in spite of the fact that destroying these ignoble degenerates would be the most virtuous and noble of acts in human history—In spite of the ease with which this could be accomplished, the leaders of Israel, backed by its media and academia choose to submit to the baseless and selfish demands of these savage beasts. In an insane display of meek and servile surrender, they callously allow their own brothers and sisters to suffer injury and horrible death.

As if all this would not be enough to boggle the mind, they have now sunk to new depths of depravity. They have declared war against their own people. Not just regular people, but the cream of the crop. Men and women who epitomize the highest ideals of being a Jew; who are overflowing with love for our people, our land, our heritage;  who have with incredible devotion and self-sacrifice built beautiful communities, majestic places of worship, and the finest institutions of learning. It is the lives of these special people that the leaders of Israel have cruelly wrecked. With savage fervor they destroyed decades of hard work and noble accomplishments. They tore away families from their homes, their memories, their schools, and sources of livelihood—beautiful synagogues and yeshivot, kindergartens and kollels, institutions of higher learning were forcefully abandoned; left to be desecrated by wild beasts that walk on two feet and speak Arabic. Beautiful community centers and massive greenhouses were gifted to the unrepentant murderers of our children— keenly aware of the grotesque nature of the savage monsters to whom they are bequeathing these beautiful communities. They also unearthed their departed loved ones from their resting places lest bloodthirsty, despicable creatures mutilate bodies that they have already murdered and desecrate their gravesites causing the families of the departed to once again go through the agony of their painful losses.

And this is only the first step. These Jews are in the midst of planning the destruction of scores of additional communities and wrecking tens of thousands of Jewish lives. They dream about erasing any trace of Jews and Judaism from the holy city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. There are simply no words in any language to accurately describe the lunacy and the criminal madness that has infected the minds of the Israeli leadership.

 

            THIS YEAR, DON'T INVEST IN ISRAEL BONDS

Tishrei 5769

Israeli bonds have always symbolized the aspirations of the Jewish people. Over the years, Jews set aside as much money as they could to invest in the building and development of our Jewish state. There was an intimate connection between the Jews in the Diaspora and the land of Israel. Sadly, this is no longer the case. 

The Israeli government supplies the cement and steel bars to Gaza– which Hamas then uses to build underground bunkers and passageways from which they attack Israeli cities–with the rockets they manufacture, using steel tubes, chemicals and electricity– also supplied by Israel. The government also sends truckloads of Shekels monthly to Gaza, which helps the Hamas terrorist regime to stay in power. The government also facilitated the supply of dozens of armored vehicles, tens of thousands of machine guns and millions of bullets to our terrorist enemies.

There is now a tragic disconnect between the government of Israel and the Jewish people–both in Israel and abroad– brought about by a betrayal by the Israeli government of its responsibilities to the Jewish nation. There is now a widespread realization that this government is not interested in the future of the people of Israel and the Jewish people as a whole. The government orders the army to remove hundreds of checkpoints, leaving Israelis defenseless from Arab attackers– and then arrests those who try to defend their land their homes and families. The original raison d'être of Israel bonds has lost its meaning.

        The Jewish people do not want their money to be administered by a government that ejects Jews from their historical land of 3000 years. 

        The Jewish people do not want the money they invested in bonds to support the creation of another Arab town in Galilee.

        The Jewish people do not want the money they invested in bonds to supply free medical services, electricity, water and fuel to our sworn enemies.

        The Jewish people do not want their funds to support judiciary and penal systems which release murderers of Jewish children – while it incarcerates Jews for defending their homes, their orchards, their very lives – or only for protesting government policies.

We the Jewish people cannot support a government which refuses to evict Arab squatters from JNF or privately owned Jewish lands. Israel Bonds' publicity tells us that bond money goes only to support schools, to build roads, to help widows and orphans – when in fact a good portion of it goes to projects which will ultimately contribute to the destruction of the Israeli state.

No thank you!  Don't invest in Israel bonds!

Instead, invest your money directly in those institutions and organizations which help the majority of the Jewish citizens the government expelled from their homes, who are still without jobs and still live in temporary shacks.

 [Published by your neighbors and friends who are deeply concerned for the survival of Israel and Jerusalem.]


----------------------------------------------------------
IZZY KAPLAN
416 824 2858
416 256 2858
Check out my new blog http://israelonisrael.blogspot.com

6. It is unbelievable what they sing in a church in Portugal לא יאומן מה שרים בכנסיה בפורטוגל- רמקולים!- חובה, !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWDn4jDUYso

Thank you Pesach Aceman for this link.

Friday, October 03, 2008

5760.01.4 Israel the Land of My Possession - Unofficial Response from ReliableSource from Agudah regarding YESHA- Daniella Weiss imprisoned!

bs"d

4 Tishrei 5769
Friday, October 3, 2008

1. Agudath Yisroel of America regarding our entitlement of YESHA - An unofficial response

2. Daniella Weiss, ex Mayor of Kedumim in the Shomron arrested. Action alert.

Gmar Chatima Tova!

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1. Unofficial Response from Agudath Yisroel of America regarding our entitlement of YESHA

The following request was sent to Agudath Yisroel of America. 


It is time for the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah to come out with a statement of clarity of whether or not they agree that we are entitled to Yehudah and the Shomron. Our position is that this is a matter of Pikuach Nefesh and that Agudah should respond with clarity.

This is the unofficial response that we received:

The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah do not have to have a position on any particular issue.  If, by "we are entitled", however, you mean was the Jewish People deeded all of Eretz Yisrael, then the answer is obviously yes.  But if you mean that, in our current state of golus a temporal Jewish State is best advised to hold onto all the territory under its control (and reclaim territory it has already conceded to an Arab entity, that is a different question, and one that the American Moetzes, to the best of my knowledge, has not rendered any decision about (and would be unlikely to).


We feel strongly that it is imperative for Agudah to come out with a statement of clarity and therefore we added...

...Because lack of a position is a clear position in favor of a Palestinian State and the promotion of a Palestinian State as is the policy of the Conference of Presidents of American Jewish Organizations headed by Malcolm Hoenlein..

To this the unofficial response to us was:

You are welcome to interpret the lack of a position any way you like.  You are welcome, too, to be wrong about your interpretation. 

My Response:

Apparently Agudah does not wish to take a position regarding our entitlement to Eretz Yisroel as relevant to our times and  they will also not definitively rule that indeed we are effectively in Galus and the State of Israel and all of the miracles of our generation are irrelevant. They are sitting on a fence, hanging in a state of uncertainty and indecision thereby allowing Amalek to take over.  

Also reference to the "territories already ceded" raises the option that they perhaps believe that these territories ceded indeed legally belong to an Arab entity.  It is quite astounding to me that the Agudah can actually consider as an option a clear negation of G-d's Covenant to Am Yisroel.  In addition Joe Gemeiner of Toronto writes  with full knowledge of a Report in Progress soon to be released, that the Oslo accord and the "Interim agreement" are illegal according to some highly regarded Law firm, and that according to that firm, pursuant to Israeli Law these agreement contravene the law on both constitutional and criminal levels, 

Rabbi Hollander's response:

 In response to the above unofficial response from Agudah, Rabbi Hollander, a member of the nascent Sanhedrin  and on the Rabbinic Board of the Bnei Noach writes:

This is very important. It is indeed the true position of the Aguda. They do not relate to the State of Israel as having any significance beside a "temporal" one.
 
However, our very existence is a temporal existence.
 
Perhaps it would be a good idea to try to get the responder to elaborate on the meaning he gives to the word "temporal".
 
The use of the word "temporal" here reminds me of 
 
"God and Caesar, church and state, spiritual authority and temporal authority, have been a prevailing dualism in Western culture," declares Samuel Huntington
 
In other words, "temporal" means - in this physical world, as distinct from a spiritual world.
 
However, the responder also uses the phrase "in our current state of golus". very revealing. The responder sees us in Golus. This is a "Reform" interpretation of the term Golus. The authentic meaning of Golus is: not in Eretz Yisroel, perhaps also under the rule of Goyim in EY. What is the source for this Reform interpretation?
Is the responder willing to say that the Jews in Israel are halachically in Golus? 
 
Perhaps Golus is a permanent state of affairs in the Aguda mentality, and has nothing to do with reality?
 

2. Daniella Weiss, ex Mayor of Kedumim in the Shomron arrested
This morning Daniella Weiss, ex-mayor of Kedumim and one of the leaders of the loyalists of Erets Israel was arrested at the entrance to her house in Kedumim when policemen tried to confiscate a car that was parked in her street.

Daniella was brutally arrested and so was another Kedumim lady.During the day other activists of the movement were arrested too. Even Daniella's husband was arrested and released a couple hours later.

 for details of the story see arutz 7 news report

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/127828

Daniella and her friend Shosh were sent overnight to the Neve Tirza prison and tomorrow morning will be brought to court at 10:30 probably to the kfar saba Shalom Court house.

 Whoever lives in the area- whoever can come to Court- it is very important to come and show support. Make sure the case will really be brought to Kfar Saba by calling Honenu 1599504020 around 8:30 am .

 Protest this insane arrest by calling and faxing the different ministers.

All government ministries can be found here:

http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Government/Offices/

 We are at the height of a renewed wave of arrests and witch hunt by the fanatical Left against the camp of the lovers of Israel . We will make it clear to them that the more they try to persecute and oppress us, the more we will be determined to fight for Eretz Israel.

Nadia Matar, Women in Green


Thursday, October 02, 2008

5769.01.02 Israel the Land of My Possession - Shemittah the Solution to fiscal crisis, Moshiach soon!,Tefillin not allowed in Modiin, More on discussions with Rabbi and Reb. Kamenetsky and Rabbi Avi Shafran


bs"d

October 2, 2008
3 Tishrei 5769

1. Time to Bring Back the Ancient Shemittah Laws
2. Tefillin barred from Jewish School in Modiin????
3. Update on dialogues with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Shmuel Kamenetsky, and Rabbi Avi Shafran

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1. Time to Bring Back the Ancient Shemittah Laws
Modern Financial markets, despite their claim to sophistication, should
take a cue from ancient biblical law and bring back the Shemittah laws.
<http://www.envoyglobalresearch.com/time-to-bring-back-the-ancient-shemittah-laws/>
Envoy Global Research
<http://www.envoyglobalresearch.com>

2. Tefillin barred from Jewish School in Modiin???? sent by Yosef Rabin.

Jews across the world are shocked and horrified that a public high school in the Jewish city of Modiin would forbid Jewish children from both wearing Tefillin on school grounds! http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3603614,00.html

3. Update on dialogues with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Shmuel Kamenetsky, and Rabbi Avi Shafran

Shmuel Koenig spoke to Rabbi Kamenetsky. Rabbi Kamenetsky suggested that we contact Malcolm Hoenlein. Apparently Rabbi Kamenetsky supported the protest rally organized by the Conference of Presidents and Agudah were encouraging people to go to the rally against Ahmadinejad. Shmuel Koenig mentioned to Rabbi Kamenetsky that Malcolm Hoenlien was for negotiating with the PA and the establishment of a Palestinian State. Rabbi Kamenetsky did not believe that this was so. Apparently Rabbi Kamenetsky does not know all the facts about the intimate involvement Malcolm Hoenlein had with the Annapolis negotiations. He is most probably unaware that Malcolm Hoenlein believed that Oslo was a done deal and that the gov't of Israel was bound by Oslo and can not renege on their agreements.

I suppose that reneging on our Covenant with Hashem regarding our birthright is not a major problem for Malcolm Hoenlein.

But isn't the Torah position that the Land belongs to Hashem and not the personal property of Olmert and company?

Malcolm Hoenlein is getting positive press in Hamodia and I understand is a regular columnist in Yated. His latest concern is for the poor Jews and institutions in Israel that are suffering because of the latest economic crisis in America. Anything to raise his image and sidetrack us from his failing Foreign Policy and the political overtones in the protest rally against Terror..

Now how can he really be against terror when he is promoting a Nazi like ideology State in the heart of Israel? Rebbetzin Kamenetsky herself told me that everyone knows that the PA and Arafat and company have their roots with Housseini and his partnership with Hitler in the 1930s. They were the ones that insisted that no Jews go to Palestine from Eastern Europe. How can we stupidly act as if they are a partner in peace?

Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky said that after Yom Tov they will address this issue. We tried to explain that now, in Elul and in Aseret Yemei Teshuva we must admit that we made a mistake with Gush Katif and resolve not to repeat similar mistakes with Yesha. We explained that Condeleeza Rice with the blessings of Olmert is giving away Yesha at an alarming speed. It's Pikuach Nefesh and we can not wait.

I and other activists recently spoke to his Rebbetzin. We tried to convince her in whatever capacity we could, arguing, crying, pleading etc that it is imperative for her husband, a major member of Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah and as spiritual advisor to the Chofetz Chaim Heritage foundation to speak out for our entitlement to Eretz Yisroel and against the 2 State Solution. She told us that we should try to raise awareness as best as we can. We tried to explain to her that we do not carry the weight that Rav Kamenetsky does. We can not influence hundreds of thousands of Jews as Rav Kamenetsky. She said we must have Bitachon and Emuna and Daven. But we are not allowed to tell the Gedoilim what to do or what to say. She also mentioned that Rav Kamenetsky will not make a statement by himself without the other Gedoilim speaking up as well.

We tried to explain that of course we need to say Tehillim and Davan and have Emunah but we need to do our Hishtadlus. Didn't Nachshon have to jump into the Yamsuf? Doesn't a person that needs a shidduch also needs to meet potential partners? Davening is not sufficient. We must do our Hishtadlus.

We called up and emailed Rabbi Shafran, public spokesperson of Agudah.

Shmuel Koenig suggested to Rabbi Shafran that Agudath Yisroel initiate a march of Rabbanim in Washington DC similar to the Peter Bergson group in the 1940s expressing our entitlement to Eretz Yisroel and against the 2 State Solution and the PA who are find their ideological ally with the Nazi's and Hitler Yemach Shemo

Rabbi Shafran felt that we were single focused on our passion for Eretz Yisroel Hashlaima.. He said that Agudah's conception of Israel is not the same as contemporary Zionism and the Modern Day State of Israel. He suggested we try to convince other organizations like the Young Israel and RCA and OU to organize such a rally. He thought we were wasting our time with Aguda. .

We answer him as follows:

In all due respect, we are not focused on one "cause" or even on one Mitzvah in the Torah.

What is lacking is a desire to keep the Mitzvoth, commandments of the Torah. We both agree that we can not pick and choose. And when we focus on Eretz Yisroel we must focus on all the Mitzvoth of the Torah.

Perhaps it is Agudath Yisroel that has made Tzniut,modesty. and Lashan Hara, evil speech their main focus leaving all else out. Tzniut should not be taken out of context less we transgress on baal Tosif, adding to the Torah and masquerade it as a Mitzvah D'Orayta, a Mitzvah of Divine origin rather than Rabbinic prohibition . The Mitzvah of Vehaya Machanecha Kadosh, and your comp should be H-ly, does not refer to banning a separate seating concert. It refers to a Milchemet Mitzvah, a war for which we as Jews are obligated to fight, and the military camp must keep their camp H-ly. Isn't a Milchemet Mitzva according to Rambam a war that we are obligated to engage in when attacked by our enemies. Wouldn't attacks on Sderot be precisely that kind of war?

Why instead of focusing on life and death issues have the Gedoilim, the great leaders of our generation, united with their signatures on fliers, distributed all over, banning a separate seating concert with separate entrances. And what commandment is someone transgressing if they perhaps actually manage to meet someone to marry?

I have attended such concerts and have not been aware of any violations and quite the opposite. I was observing the positive commandment of VeSamachta BeChagecha the commandment to be happy on the Holiday. From the audiences responses I believe that I was not the only one who was observing the commandment of Vesamachta BeChagecha but it was the majority and not the minority.

I personally do not recall seeing any incidences of immodest behavior.

if we add to the Torah we come to subtract the Torah. In this case the Gedoilim, Rabbinic Leaders, have banned the internet and they and their constituencies lack understanding and knowledge regarding the struggle of the people of Judea and Samaria on a day to day basis,until they actually go on the internet or have material printed out for them from the internet.

Ours is a life threatening focus. It's not merely a passion.

As for your suggestion that we differ regarding our concept of Israel, I beg to differ on your analysis. My favorite aunt is a Satmar Chasid.(An anti Zionist Chasidic group), I am the biggest fan club of my brother and his wife and family and they are among the Vienner Chevra (Followers of the Vienner Rav). I went to Bais Yaakov in elementary school and I objected to singing the Hatikva because there was no mention of Hashem. I believe that the State of Israel was established with a flaw. This flaw was a rejection of Torah I am aware of the gross failings of the Zionist State in its early years against Torah observant, religious Jews.

On the other hand, the Chareidim, the ultra religious, believe that Torah can be kept in its entirety without Eretz Yisroel,the Land of Israel. Keeping Eretz Yisroel in our time is not relevant to observance of the Torah.

What is stopping the ultra religious, the Chareidim from moving to Eretz Yisroel,our H-ly Land en masse. They don't even need to make Aliya or get zechuyot, rights of the Oleh, the new immigrant from the Jewish Agency. One can easily buy a plane ticket and simply fly to Eretz Yisroel.

The flaw from 1948 is now turning into a crack and the entire State is falling apart. The gov't is a bunch of evildoers yet Shas, a religious party is still keeping it going.

By keeping silent regarding the establishment of a Palestinian State we are a cause, a grama in Talmudic terminology, to empower Amalek and allow a Nazi like State to take over. Effectively, the ultra religious are partnering with the antiZionists, the post Zionists, the gov't of Israel who are promoting a Palestinian State.

It is our position that Eretz Yisroel is intimately intertwined with Am Yisroel, the Nation of Israel and Eretz Yisroel, the Land of Israel. In 1948 Israel could have been a Torah State if the religious Jews would have asserted their desire to keep the Torah in Eretz Yisroel. But they were too weak and instead chose to use Zionsim to blame as an excuse for their own lack of desire for Eretz Yisroel. They refused to take the leadership role. In the early 1900's while Jews had the opportunity, did the Rabbanim encourage the Jews to settle Eretz Yisroel on a large scale?

In our generation we certainly do have the ability to move to Eretz Yisroel and live a Torah lifestyle.

Torah must take the lead. But Halacha such as banning separate seating concerts have nothing to do with Torah. Torah Shebaal Peh, Oral Law must have its basis in Torah Shebichtav, the written law, in order for the Nations of the World to recognize Hashem and they will then proclaim "Am Chacham VeNavon", a wise and smart Nation.

Rabbinic leaders are human. They err. We are first and foremost obligated to keep the Torah, the Mitzvoth Aseh, positive commandments and Mitzvoth Lo Saaseh and negative commandments. We can not turn a blind eye when our leaders fail to speak up. Ait Laasot LaHashem, Hefeiru Toratecha /Tehillim 119, 126. .It is time to do for Hashem for our Torah has been pushed aside, annulled. The Zionist or rather anti-Zionist government is committing crime after crime against our brothers and sisters.


Did you know that a person over 90 years old can not be a member of the Sanhedrin. Yet everyone is turning to Rav Eliashiv to speak up? Perhaps he has spoken up against all concessions and it's not being reported? Rabbi Karmel of Lev L'Achim quoted Rav Shteinman addressing his followers that "Gush Katif iz nisht inzere Sugia", that what happened with the people of Gush Katif is not of our concern. . Actions or shall we say inaction of the Agudah camp reflect this particular philosophy. I believe that Rav Shteinman is also over 90 years old.


Rabbi Shafran, Did you know that G-d is a Zionist? In the Rosh Hashana liturgy, the yearning for Zion and G-d remembering the Covenant with our forefathers is a recurring theme. Doesn't that make us all Tzionim, Zionists? Zion comes from the word Tzion which is the marking place for Har Habayit, the holiest place in the world. The Goyim, the Nations of the world, have turned this Holy place into a Chillul Hashem, a desecration, a mosque that claims that Yishmael was brought as a sacrifice rather than Yitchok. They desecrated Yitzchok's tomb in the Cave of the Patriarchs recently reported in chareidi newspapers as well..


We all have been praying for Zion long before 1948. How can you say that Agudah is non-Zionistic. Perhaps it is accurate to say that Agudah is against secular Zionism.But every member of Agudath Yisroel prays for Zion each and every day in the Shemoneh Esrah, the 18 blessings, Uvneh Yerushalyim, build Jerusalem and we say Vesechezena eineinu Beshuvcah Lezion.and our eyes should see our Return to Zion..


Is that just lipservice?. .

It is because we recognize the Leadership qualities of Agudath Yisroel and because it is now the time to do Teshuva, repentance and admit that Gush Katif was a disaster and we resolve not to be Silent and allow it to happen again in Yehudah and the Shomron. We recognize the abilities of Agudath Yisroel to raise the spiritual levels of our people. This is an investment of our time and not a squander of our time.

Let me give you an analogy. My 9 year old son wanted a dog very much. I told him NO WAY!. As the year progressed, my son did not apply himself to learning as much as we would have hoped. Came the PTA in spring and the Rebbe tells us that he is not doing well in class, that his behavior left much to be desired. His Rebbe suggested that typically when a student falls behind in his studies, the behavior as well is affected.. I knew that we had to motivate him. I came home and told Moishe, ok, if you learn 52 minutes every night until the end of the school year, we will agree to getting a dog. Moishe kept his end of the bargain. His grades improved and so did his behavior dramatically.

Now we had to get the dog. Moishe knew it was his responsibility of walking the dog and picking up the poop etc. We went to the shelter and got us a dog. Now that Moishe had the dog, guess who was taking care of it most of the time? The dog was a picky eater and not eating well, the doggies stool was loose etc. etc. After paying lots of money for the dog cage, the veterinarian, doggie training, doggie beds, trying all kinds of doggie food, doggie toys. doggie proof gates etc. Totty was shelling out lots of money and Mommy was getting into shape physically from all the exercise she was getting walking the dog before school to the bus stop and during school, after school to the bus stop, giving the dog adequate exercize until Moishe came home etc.

What is the analogy? Moishe was begging and pleading for the dog. Mommy did not want the dog at all. Moishe did not really take the best care of the dog but Mommy really does. The dog loves Mommy and follows her all over the place and Mommy loves the dog. She looks at me with her adoring eyes and has turned into a guard dog barking at strangers. She makes sure I get the walking exercise that I need for my pre osteoporosis bones and the aerobics is just what the doctor ordered. The children on the block love the dog and it's an icebreaker for the neighbors, Jewish and non Jewish. I am resigned to keeping the dog and it's only been 3 weeks and I have begun to see the Bracha, the blessing that this dog has brought into our home.

Finally to finish the analogy. I love Agudath Yisroel. I know of their inner strength. I admire the lifestyle of the people and I admire their Emunas Chachamim, their faith in the wise counsel of their leaders. I admire their Ahavas Yisroel, love of their fellow Jew.. I admire the Kedusha, holiness that is found in their homes. I am convinced that when the members of Agudath Yisroel will finally recognize that Eretz Yisroel is their Divine gift as well, there will be no limit to their joy and Avodas Hashem, service to G-d!. They will be the best caretakers of Eretz Yisroel and they will be the best role models for Am Yisroel and to all the Nations of the World. That is why we are persisting and persisting relentlessly.

These little drops of water will somehow penetrate....

Wishing you and yours a Gmar vachasima tova, a sealed positive outcome in Divine judgment.

Sincerely, Robin





Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Time Sensitive. Dream Tour for Activists Fwd: Just making sure you have our itinerary

bs"d

Dear Friends,  amv"sh

I plan on going on this AFSI tour IYH.  It's an activist dream tour.  The deposit should have been in a few days ago. Call the Afsi office at : 212-828-2424. with a credit card and the amount of $500. deposit.  Maybe they'll still accomodate even though its past the deadline.  This reservation is for the Land tour alone.

Gmar Chatima Tova.

Robin

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <FaigeRayzel@aol.com>
Date: Thu, Oct 2, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Subject: Fwd: Just making sure you have our itinerary
To: faigerayzel@gmail.com






Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators.


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: GHFree@aol.com
To: FaigeRayzel@aol.com
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:15:25 EDT
Subject: Just making sure you have our itinerary

Helen Freedman, 30 W. 63rd St., New York, NY 10023; ghfree@aol.com; 917-886-0729; September, 2008

 

JOIN THE AFSI MISSION TO ISRAEL

NOVEMBER 16 -25, 2008

BE IN HEBRON FOR SHABBAT CHAYE SARAH

 

         Americans For a Safe Israel/AFSI is proud to announce it is continuing in its tradition of organizing unforgettable trips to Israel. Our November trip is built around the celebration of Shabbat Chaye Sarah in Hebron, November 21, 22. In addition, our nine day itinerary will follow the biblical "road map" which charts a whole Israel, and an indivisible Jerusalem. It will take us north, south, east and west, visiting the communities and people whose unending faith and devotion are preserving the land of Israel. We urge everyone who believes as we do to join this trip, along with family, and friends.

 

          The plan is to leave for Israel on Sunday, Nov. 16 on El-Al flight LY28, which departs Newark airport at 1:30 P.M., arriving in Israel at 7 A.M. Monday morning, Nov. 17. Our touring will begin at that time. The return flight will be El-Al LY27 to Newark at 12:05 Monday night, Nov. 24 or LY1 at 1AM to JFK.

Both flights arrive at 5:30/ 6 A.M., Tuesday, Nov. 25.

         

          We are leaving the flight arrangements up to individuals, since it is our experience that many like to use their frequent flyer miles, and travel at different times. We will be happy to give you the information necessary to make your own bookings on our selected flights, but you must be prepared to pay the $1300 charge at the time of your booking.

         

          Land cost, including bus transportation, guides, hotels, breakfast and dinners is $1500. A $500 deposit is due by Sept. 26, with payment in full by October 27. All checks should be made out to AFSI and mailed to 1751 Second Ave., New York, NY 10128. Call Helen Freedman, 917-886-0729, or Barry Freedman, 212-828-2424, with any questions or comments. 

 

          Our tentative itinerary is as follows:

 

Monday, Nov. 17 - Our first stop will be at the Ashel HaShomron hotel in Ariel, where we will meet with some of the displaced Gush Katif refugees who have been making their temporary homes in Ariel. We will then begin our touring of the embattled Shomron and hilltop communities, which will include meeting Daniella Weiss in Kedumim, and stopping in Yitzhar and Kfar Tapuach.  David Ha'Ivri and Izzy Danziger, who are intimately informed about the area, will guide us. We'll meet Mayor of the Shomron Regional Council, Gershon Mesika. Dinner and overnight at the Ashel Hashomron.

Tuesday, Nov. 18 – We'll travel to the Golan for a military briefing on the seriousness of the Golan/Syria give-away talk. We'll also see some of the wineries, farms, and archeological treasures which make the Golan so special. Dinner and overnight at the beautiful Kibbutz Lavi, with visits from members of the Gush Katif refugees who are in the Golan.

Wednesday, Nov. 19 - We'll travel south through the Shomron,  meeting Avri Ran at Givat Olam in Itamar. Uri Eldad, son of MK Dr. Arieh Eldad, will give us a tour of his hilltop community in the Judean Mountains, outside of Kfar Adumim, overlooking Jericho. Evening arrival at the Kings hotel and check in for two nights. After dinner briefings with Arutz Sheva journalists.

Thursday, Nov. 20 - In Jerusalem. Visit the Kotel and new shopping center, Mamila, which leads into Jaffa Gate.  There will be exciting tours of east Jerusalem with Dan Luria of Ateret Cohanim and Judy Balint. Arieh King will give us a briefing on land purchase in Israel. Meetings with Members of Knesset are in the planning stages. Evening at leisure.

Friday, Nov. 21 - We'll depart for Hebron, stopping in Efrat to meet with Nadia Matar, in Tekoa with Shani Simkowitz, and Alon Shvut with Rav Rimon, who is the spearhead in the Job Katif project. We'll check into the Yeshivat Nir in Kiryat Arba, and settle in for a beautiful Chaye Sarah Shabbat in Hebron. Memorable evening prayers at Maarat HaMachpela, followed by dinner at the Yeshiva. Greetings from Rav Waldman.  

Saturday, Nov. 22 – Beautiful morning prayers at Maarat HaMachpela, followed by lunch at Yeshivat Nir. In the afternoon there will be optional walking tours of Hebron, visits to Beit HaShalom, followed by a special motzei-Shabbat treat. Sunday, Nov. 23 – Following breakfast, we will depart for Sderot, meetings with Alon Davidi (who may hopefully be the Mayor of Sderot by this time), Noam Bedein, and Rabbi Fendel of the Sderot Hesder Yeshiva. Overnight in Ashkelon.

Monday, Nov. 24 - Meetings with Dror Vanunu and Rachel & Moshe Saperstein in Nitzan. Visit Anita Tucker in Ein Tzurim. Tour the sites of the new planned communities in Nitzan, Lachish, and Ein Tzurim for the displaced Gush Katif refugees. Farewell dinner in Ashkelon. Depart for midnight/1 AM flights back to Newark/JFK.

Tuesday, Nov. 25 – Arrive back in Newark/JFK at 5:30-6 A.M.

 

          We are looking forward to another extraordinary AFSI mission. Over the fifteen years that we have been conducting these trips, we have seen many of our participants experience life-changing events. We know that if you join us on this trip, you will view Israel in a way that is not possible from the vantage point of newspaper headlines in biased media outlets.

 

          Please make your decision quickly. Contact the AFSI office, 212-828-2424, or Helen Freedman, 917-886-0729, and let us know that you plan to join us.

L'hitraot.





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