Today is Yud Shevat is the anniversary of the passing of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn, and the ascension to leadership of his son-in-law, the Rebbe king moshiach shlita.
On the day of his official acceptance of leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch, the Rebbe shlita recited a Chasidic discourse that stated uniquivocally that our generation is the last generation of exile and the first generation of the Redemption. This statement, and the campaign to bring about the Redemption, set the entire tone for the Rebbe's leadership.
A little more than four decades after the first discourse, the Rebbe shlita issued the following impassioned call to his followers and to the entire Jewish and world community:
"How is it that Moshiach has still not come? Why are we still in a state of galut (exile)? Why is our world still a place in which evil and suffering still prevail?
"Why is it acceptable that the Redemption should not come tonight, nor tomorrow, nor the day after, G-d forbid? The Jewish nation are 'a stiff-necked people.' Were there to be found even a few individuals who would adamantly insist on bringing Moshiach, he would have certainly long arrived!
"What more can I do? I have done all I can to bring the world to truly demand and clamor for the Redemption. But it seems that all my efforts have been in vain. We are still in exile and, more significantly, in an internal galut of clouded vision and distorted priorities.
"I have done all I can. I am handing over the task to you: Do everything in your power to bring our righteous redeemer, immediately!
"It is not sufficient to mouth slogans. You must take action. It is my fervent hope that amongst you there will be found one, two or three people who will figure out what to do and how to do it.
"I'm leaving it to you. It is up to each and every one of you to bring about the Redemption. It is in your hands to bring Moshiach."
At this auspicious time, let each one of us consider what we can do to bring about the Redemption and Moshiach, NOW!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
In Honor of Yud Shvat
In honor of Yud Shvat I though I would post this.
Enjoy.
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos,
Vol. XVIII, Parshas Chukas-Balak
and Yud-Beis Tammuz;
and the Sichos of Shabbos Parshas Beshallach, 5751
A Time for Focus
Yud Shvat (the Tenth of Shvat) is the Previous Rebbe's yahrzeit, the anniversary of his passing. On the day of a tzaddik's passing, "all his effort... for which he toiled throughout his life... becomes revealed and radiates downward... at the time of his passing."[1] Accordingly, Yud Shvat is an appropriate day to focus on the message of the Previous Rebbe's life, for every year, these same spiritual qualities are revealed on this anniversary.[2]
This revelation affects all of "his children, the work of his hands," those who "will walk in his paths for eternity."[3] This is particularly true in regard to the yahrzeit of a nasi, a leader of the Jewish people. For a nasi is connected to every member of his generation;[4] as Rashi states,[5] "The nasi is the entire people."
The divine service of every man, but particularly that of a tzaddik and nasi, is multifaceted. Nevertheless, in considering the Previous Rebbe's divine service as a whole, there is one quality that stands out distinctly, and which enhances the nature of all his other contributions, namely, his unbounded mesirus nefesh ("self sacrifice").
The Previous Rebbe's mesirus nefesh was not limited to a particular situation or mode of expression. Despite the radically differing settings in which he lived and the varied nature of the obstacles with which he was confronted, he showed an unceasing commitment to the well-being of his fellow Jews, and to their connection with their Torah heritage.
Challenging the Iron Fist
His resolution and unbounded concern may be seen in his responses to three challenges that marked the three decades during which he served as leader of the Chabad chassidic movement. The Previous Rebbe assumed the mantle of leadership in 5680 (1920). At that time, the majority of the Chabad community - and the largest Jewish population worldwide - was located in the Soviet Union, exposed to the full brunt of the Communist effort to stamp out religious practice.
For the Previous Rebbe, every day presented a life-and-death struggle to maintain the observance of Torah throughout the country. He dispatched rabbis and shochtim to communities throughout the land, built mikvaos, and most important - and most fiercely opposed by the Communist regime - he established an extensive network of underground chadarim and yeshivos to educate Jewish youth. (This network continued to operate for decades, until the Glasnost allowed these schools to emerge into the light of day.)
The Previous Rebbe was arrested several times for "counter-revolutionary" activities. At one point, he was sentenced to death; only through international intervention and a series of miracles was the sentence averted.[6] The most difficult part of the Rebbe's situation, however, was the threat to his followers who joined him in risking their lives for these goals. Whenever one of his followers was exiled to Siberia for teaching young children, the Previous Rebbe had to shoulder the responsibility of sending a replacement with the full knowledge of the danger awaiting him.
In the Twilight Before the Night
The Rebbe Rayatz was forced to leave Russia in 5688 (1928). For the next few years, he established his base in Riga. Although he visited several Jewish communities throughout the world during this time, his energies were still primarily focused on Russia and the operation of the chassidic movement there.
In the summer of 5693 (1933), he settled in Poland. There, he was confronted by challenges of a different nature. Although there were no political obstacles to the spread of Jewish education or practice, the lack of resources presented difficulties which were compounded by the fact that the leaders of the local Jewish community did not understand his approach.
The Previous Rebbe did not allow these impediments to stand in the way of his efforts. With relentless energy, he established a chain of yeshivos and chadarim that enabled thousands of youth to devote themselves to the study of Torah. These activities continued until they were halted by the Nazi invasion. Together with thousands of other Jews, the Previous Rebbe spent the High Holidays of 5700 (1939) in bomb shelters in Warsaw. Shortly thereafter, on the last passenger ship to leave, he set out for the United States.
"America is No Different"
Immediately upon his arrival, he announced that he had come not for his personal benefit, but to prove that "America is no different."[7] The spiritual vitality that had nurtured Jewish life in Eastern Europe could be transplanted to the American continent. Though its manner of expression might change, the traditional devotion to the Torah's teachings and the observance of the mitzvos would not.
Physically broken by the ravages of ill-health and Soviet interrogators, the Previous Rebbe could have retired to a more private life, leading his own small group of followers. Instead, he revolutionized American Judaism. Every single area of American Jewish life - day schools, kashrus, Jewish publishing, yeshivah study, and the beginnings of the baal teshuvah movement - was radically influenced by his activities.
His ability to practice mesirus nefesh in these three very different situations indicates that this quality was of his essence. Himself the epitome of mesirus nefesh, he was able to inspire others likewise.
Continually Advancing - and with Joy
The very name Yosef Yitzchak speaks volumes about the Rebbe Rayatz.
In Hebrew, Yosef means "increase". The Previous Rebbe's mesirus nefesh constantly impelled him to further commitment and increased activity. Moreover, the name Yosef was first given in the verse,[8] "May G-d add on (yosef) to me another son (ben acher)." Implicit in this verse is the ability of Yosef to transform a person who has hitherto been acher ("another" - estranged from his Jewish roots) into the closeness of ben ("a son"). This ability was exemplified by the Previous Rebbe, who inspired countless Jews to return to Jewish practice.
The name Yitzchak was first given in the verse,[9] "Whoever hears will laugh (yitzchak) with me." Joy should be radiated to the point that "whoever hears," even someone who does not consciously intend to hear, "will laugh with me."
In keeping with this verse, the Previous Rebbe possessed a unique ability to impart happiness to others. Even when he was physically broken, the atmosphere around him was never one of despair. Quite the contrary, he radiated joy.
Both these names share a connection to the Redemption. The name Yosef is associated with the verse,[10] "G-d will again (yosif) extend His hand... to take possession of the remnant of His people." The joy inspired by the name Yitzchak anticipates the overwhelming joy our people will experience at the Redemption, as it is written,[11] "Then will our mouths be filled with laughter." May this take place in the immediate future.
Enjoy.
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos,
Vol. XVIII, Parshas Chukas-Balak
and Yud-Beis Tammuz;
and the Sichos of Shabbos Parshas Beshallach, 5751
A Time for Focus
Yud Shvat (the Tenth of Shvat) is the Previous Rebbe's yahrzeit, the anniversary of his passing. On the day of a tzaddik's passing, "all his effort... for which he toiled throughout his life... becomes revealed and radiates downward... at the time of his passing."[1] Accordingly, Yud Shvat is an appropriate day to focus on the message of the Previous Rebbe's life, for every year, these same spiritual qualities are revealed on this anniversary.[2]
This revelation affects all of "his children, the work of his hands," those who "will walk in his paths for eternity."[3] This is particularly true in regard to the yahrzeit of a nasi, a leader of the Jewish people. For a nasi is connected to every member of his generation;[4] as Rashi states,[5] "The nasi is the entire people."
The divine service of every man, but particularly that of a tzaddik and nasi, is multifaceted. Nevertheless, in considering the Previous Rebbe's divine service as a whole, there is one quality that stands out distinctly, and which enhances the nature of all his other contributions, namely, his unbounded mesirus nefesh ("self sacrifice").
The Previous Rebbe's mesirus nefesh was not limited to a particular situation or mode of expression. Despite the radically differing settings in which he lived and the varied nature of the obstacles with which he was confronted, he showed an unceasing commitment to the well-being of his fellow Jews, and to their connection with their Torah heritage.
Challenging the Iron Fist
His resolution and unbounded concern may be seen in his responses to three challenges that marked the three decades during which he served as leader of the Chabad chassidic movement. The Previous Rebbe assumed the mantle of leadership in 5680 (1920). At that time, the majority of the Chabad community - and the largest Jewish population worldwide - was located in the Soviet Union, exposed to the full brunt of the Communist effort to stamp out religious practice.
For the Previous Rebbe, every day presented a life-and-death struggle to maintain the observance of Torah throughout the country. He dispatched rabbis and shochtim to communities throughout the land, built mikvaos, and most important - and most fiercely opposed by the Communist regime - he established an extensive network of underground chadarim and yeshivos to educate Jewish youth. (This network continued to operate for decades, until the Glasnost allowed these schools to emerge into the light of day.)
The Previous Rebbe was arrested several times for "counter-revolutionary" activities. At one point, he was sentenced to death; only through international intervention and a series of miracles was the sentence averted.[6] The most difficult part of the Rebbe's situation, however, was the threat to his followers who joined him in risking their lives for these goals. Whenever one of his followers was exiled to Siberia for teaching young children, the Previous Rebbe had to shoulder the responsibility of sending a replacement with the full knowledge of the danger awaiting him.
In the Twilight Before the Night
The Rebbe Rayatz was forced to leave Russia in 5688 (1928). For the next few years, he established his base in Riga. Although he visited several Jewish communities throughout the world during this time, his energies were still primarily focused on Russia and the operation of the chassidic movement there.
In the summer of 5693 (1933), he settled in Poland. There, he was confronted by challenges of a different nature. Although there were no political obstacles to the spread of Jewish education or practice, the lack of resources presented difficulties which were compounded by the fact that the leaders of the local Jewish community did not understand his approach.
The Previous Rebbe did not allow these impediments to stand in the way of his efforts. With relentless energy, he established a chain of yeshivos and chadarim that enabled thousands of youth to devote themselves to the study of Torah. These activities continued until they were halted by the Nazi invasion. Together with thousands of other Jews, the Previous Rebbe spent the High Holidays of 5700 (1939) in bomb shelters in Warsaw. Shortly thereafter, on the last passenger ship to leave, he set out for the United States.
"America is No Different"
Immediately upon his arrival, he announced that he had come not for his personal benefit, but to prove that "America is no different."[7] The spiritual vitality that had nurtured Jewish life in Eastern Europe could be transplanted to the American continent. Though its manner of expression might change, the traditional devotion to the Torah's teachings and the observance of the mitzvos would not.
Physically broken by the ravages of ill-health and Soviet interrogators, the Previous Rebbe could have retired to a more private life, leading his own small group of followers. Instead, he revolutionized American Judaism. Every single area of American Jewish life - day schools, kashrus, Jewish publishing, yeshivah study, and the beginnings of the baal teshuvah movement - was radically influenced by his activities.
His ability to practice mesirus nefesh in these three very different situations indicates that this quality was of his essence. Himself the epitome of mesirus nefesh, he was able to inspire others likewise.
Continually Advancing - and with Joy
The very name Yosef Yitzchak speaks volumes about the Rebbe Rayatz.
In Hebrew, Yosef means "increase". The Previous Rebbe's mesirus nefesh constantly impelled him to further commitment and increased activity. Moreover, the name Yosef was first given in the verse,[8] "May G-d add on (yosef) to me another son (ben acher)." Implicit in this verse is the ability of Yosef to transform a person who has hitherto been acher ("another" - estranged from his Jewish roots) into the closeness of ben ("a son"). This ability was exemplified by the Previous Rebbe, who inspired countless Jews to return to Jewish practice.
The name Yitzchak was first given in the verse,[9] "Whoever hears will laugh (yitzchak) with me." Joy should be radiated to the point that "whoever hears," even someone who does not consciously intend to hear, "will laugh with me."
In keeping with this verse, the Previous Rebbe possessed a unique ability to impart happiness to others. Even when he was physically broken, the atmosphere around him was never one of despair. Quite the contrary, he radiated joy.
Both these names share a connection to the Redemption. The name Yosef is associated with the verse,[10] "G-d will again (yosif) extend His hand... to take possession of the remnant of His people." The joy inspired by the name Yitzchak anticipates the overwhelming joy our people will experience at the Redemption, as it is written,[11] "Then will our mouths be filled with laughter." May this take place in the immediate future.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Um... Where'd I Go??
Good morning to all who are dropping by to see what I have to say.
I must warn you. It's not much. I just realized I seem to have been neglecting my blog. Its not intentional. I was just a little addicted to myspace. It takes up a lot of my time. But I've decided to lay off the hard stuff. Pull back, if I may. Go through a little bet of withdrawal. :)
Anyway: Here's an update on the friends getting married around me. Yea, its hard. But mostly. I've come to realize. I'm just worried. I hope it's all with good intentions and I pray it all works out for the good.
and now for a little Torah to spice up your morning with a word from our sages:
Have an amazing Shabbos!!
I must warn you. It's not much. I just realized I seem to have been neglecting my blog. Its not intentional. I was just a little addicted to myspace. It takes up a lot of my time. But I've decided to lay off the hard stuff. Pull back, if I may. Go through a little bet of withdrawal. :)
Anyway: Here's an update on the friends getting married around me. Yea, its hard. But mostly. I've come to realize. I'm just worried. I hope it's all with good intentions and I pray it all works out for the good.
and now for a little Torah to spice up your morning with a word from our sages:
B"H
One World
---------
People might tell you, "When you come to work, leave your spirituality at home. Don't bother us with your peculiar lifestyle, your ethics, search for meaning... That's all nice, but this is business. This is the real world."
There is only one real world, and it belongs to one real G-d.
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Shevat 4, 5766 * February 2, 2006
Have an amazing Shabbos!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
A friend’s engagement: Jealousy or happiness?
I wrote this last wee but got sick and havnt been to work.
Maybe I should go over it before I post it. Maybe I shouldnt. It's more raw this way.
A marriage of connivance;
Shit or get off the pot. Right…?
What's this bullsh*t about all the people I know getting engaged, just because..? Doesn't anyone believe in eternal bliss or love? What happened to my generation?
My friend we'll just call him "Joe Shmoe" was trying to understand why I never "messed around" with him. Now that he's engaged this comes up, go figure…
So I asked him, --(In response to the sudden inquiry) why are you marring this girl, if you're still trying to get in my pants? His answer: "Why not? She's been dating me for 2yrs. I owe it to her. Plus she'll be a good mom." Mean while she has no idea she's marring a drug addict who in his words has "temptation issues" when it comes to girls.
--the only issue he has is that some say no.
And then there's "Jack Shmoe" the recovering heroin /crack addict who is marring the cookie cutter Bais Yaakov girl whom thinks her fiancé is in rehab for pot. Yes, I said it pot.
--Ps. He still smokes pot. But is now, sober from the hard stuff* for all of 7 months. (Which she has no knowledge about) again… "She's willing to marry me. Why wouldn't I marry her?"
Then: Last night:
I went to a La'chaim for a friend of mine. Let's call her "L".
A few months ago, we stopped hanging out cause I couldn't keep up with her. Her life was spiraling down hill. Then about 2 months ago she was tripping out cause she was turning 25. Her "significant other" broke up with her telling her she was pathetic. What did she do? She had a conversation with g-d; asking for help, to make this g-d awful person want her back.
She cleaned up. Was sent on a shidduch and got engaged. All in less than 2 months.
I was expecting a whole trip. Well she came in an hour late. (To be expected) but what I didn't expect was her to come in with her ex. WHO DOES THAT?! On top of it, she wasn't all about the engagement. In fact all she said to me all night was. Why aren't you talking to "E". Not wow. Can you believe it or I'm so happy? or Imertz Ha'shem by you. Nothing but can you please go talk to him. Make piece. All I wanted to do was yell at her. He treated you like sh*t for 2 years!!!!! But I can't. It was her night. So I let it be.
Then just before I finally had enough and left. She looks at me. Gives me a hug and says "Honey: you just have to give up on your self. Let it all go. Otherwise. You'll never be happy. The only reason I'm happy. Is cause I gave up on myself."
I left. I went home. And I cried. For both of us.
Now let me get one thing straight. I'm not taking away from anyone's happiness here. (and honestly all my friends aren’t drug addicts. I promise!!) I am however jealous in a sick and twisted "…why them?" level. Then I come back down planet earth and realize. None of them are happy. Not in love. They are all just settling. In a very unhealthy way might I add, but its so hard to watch.
Maybe I should go over it before I post it. Maybe I shouldnt. It's more raw this way.
A marriage of connivance;
Shit or get off the pot. Right…?
What's this bullsh*t about all the people I know getting engaged, just because..? Doesn't anyone believe in eternal bliss or love? What happened to my generation?
My friend we'll just call him "Joe Shmoe" was trying to understand why I never "messed around" with him. Now that he's engaged this comes up, go figure…
So I asked him, --(In response to the sudden inquiry) why are you marring this girl, if you're still trying to get in my pants? His answer: "Why not? She's been dating me for 2yrs. I owe it to her. Plus she'll be a good mom." Mean while she has no idea she's marring a drug addict who in his words has "temptation issues" when it comes to girls.
--the only issue he has is that some say no.
And then there's "Jack Shmoe" the recovering heroin /crack addict who is marring the cookie cutter Bais Yaakov girl whom thinks her fiancé is in rehab for pot. Yes, I said it pot.
--Ps. He still smokes pot. But is now, sober from the hard stuff* for all of 7 months. (Which she has no knowledge about) again… "She's willing to marry me. Why wouldn't I marry her?"
Then: Last night:
I went to a La'chaim for a friend of mine. Let's call her "L".
A few months ago, we stopped hanging out cause I couldn't keep up with her. Her life was spiraling down hill. Then about 2 months ago she was tripping out cause she was turning 25. Her "significant other" broke up with her telling her she was pathetic. What did she do? She had a conversation with g-d; asking for help, to make this g-d awful person want her back.
She cleaned up. Was sent on a shidduch and got engaged. All in less than 2 months.
I was expecting a whole trip. Well she came in an hour late. (To be expected) but what I didn't expect was her to come in with her ex. WHO DOES THAT?! On top of it, she wasn't all about the engagement. In fact all she said to me all night was. Why aren't you talking to "E". Not wow. Can you believe it or I'm so happy? or Imertz Ha'shem by you. Nothing but can you please go talk to him. Make piece. All I wanted to do was yell at her. He treated you like sh*t for 2 years!!!!! But I can't. It was her night. So I let it be.
Then just before I finally had enough and left. She looks at me. Gives me a hug and says "Honey: you just have to give up on your self. Let it all go. Otherwise. You'll never be happy. The only reason I'm happy. Is cause I gave up on myself."
I left. I went home. And I cried. For both of us.
Now let me get one thing straight. I'm not taking away from anyone's happiness here. (and honestly all my friends aren’t drug addicts. I promise!!) I am however jealous in a sick and twisted "…why them?" level. Then I come back down planet earth and realize. None of them are happy. Not in love. They are all just settling. In a very unhealthy way might I add, but its so hard to watch.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Another deadly ending.
It seems these guys cant do anything right. After the incedint in Turkey. you think they would be carfull.. but no....
Stampede During Hajj Ritual Kills 345
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/01/12/D8F3A9982.html
Stampede During Hajj Ritual Kills 345
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/01/12/D8F3A9982.html
Slashers Father Blames Video Games.
Go figure.
Okay, sick. Right?
Yeah, we live in America and we're always looking to point a finger. We're the nation with the strangest warning labels to avoid dumb lawsuits.
Well it looks like even the psycho slashers are also looking for someone else to blame. The father of the MOSCOW CHABAD HOUSE SHASHER said.
""And I quote.""
According to officials the main reason of the rampage was believed to be national and religious enmity.
Later some other motives of the crime came on the surface. As father of Alexander Koptzev said his son used to play Postal (a computer game in which a postman goes mad, picks a knife and leaves to kill everybody he meets on the London streets). He played the game for quit a long time - several hours – when his friends called him out. Then Alexander went for a walk.
Yep. Daddy blames video games.
Sick sick world.
And n related news:
Russian Billionaire Offers Help
Sacrifice the Neo-Nazi shasher!!
Okay, sick. Right?
Yeah, we live in America and we're always looking to point a finger. We're the nation with the strangest warning labels to avoid dumb lawsuits.
Well it looks like even the psycho slashers are also looking for someone else to blame. The father of the MOSCOW CHABAD HOUSE SHASHER said.
""And I quote.""
According to officials the main reason of the rampage was believed to be national and religious enmity.
Later some other motives of the crime came on the surface. As father of Alexander Koptzev said his son used to play Postal (a computer game in which a postman goes mad, picks a knife and leaves to kill everybody he meets on the London streets). He played the game for quit a long time - several hours – when his friends called him out. Then Alexander went for a walk.
Yep. Daddy blames video games.
Sick sick world.
And n related news:
Russian Billionaire Offers Help
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
When Sacrificial Animals Strike BAck
Okay this is the best story ever. I didnt even know they they had a holiday to celibrate the acada. But who would all the animals started tripping?? Go figure.
Sacrificial beasts strike back in Turkey
Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:33 PM GMT
Souce Reuters
Anyone hungry?
Sacrificial beasts strike back in Turkey
Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:33 PM GMT
Souce Reuters
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The Muslim faithful are supposed to sacrifice sheep or other livestock for the Eid al-Adha festival, but in Turkey more than 1,600 people cut themselves and two died of heart attacks on Tuesday.
Turkey's streets annually run with blood as sheep and cattle have their throats cut on pavements and waste ground to commemorate Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God. The scenes are decried by the secular media which every year calls for an end to the public slaughter.
Three people suffered heart attacks and two of them died while carrying out sacrifices, state-run Anatolian news agency said, and 1,664 were hospitalised nationwide, mostly from cuts suffered while trying to hold down struggling beasts.
Television showed a number of bulls escaping the knife and running down the streets. One butted open the door of a corner shop and took refuge inside. Angry bulls in at least two places attacked their would-be killers and put them in hospital.
But one man in the western province of Bolu solved the problem of how to catch an escaped bull by shooting it in the legs with a shot-gun and then cutting its throat.
A portion of the meat from the dead animals is distributed to the poor.
Anyone hungry?
What Do You Do When Your Bored Of Yourself?...
Sometimes I look at my blog and think. Why haven't I posted anything interesting recently? I'm so bored of my blog I think I'm going to register it to my phone so I can use it as a sleep aid.
Eh..
Yea yea. I'm kinda tired, bored and depressed. A little. I'll over come. I'm strong. :)
Counting down to 25. Ew I'm single and going to be 25 soon. But yeay, I'm gonna have my birthday in Italy. hum..
Eh..
Yea yea. I'm kinda tired, bored and depressed. A little. I'll over come. I'm strong. :)
Counting down to 25. Ew I'm single and going to be 25 soon. But yeay, I'm gonna have my birthday in Italy. hum..
Who do you think you are?
B"H
In words said by our great sages, what gives you the right to judge? This is a fun one. Makes me feel like... yea,.. what I'm a rebel. But what makes you any better than me. I'm tryin every day.
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Tevet 10, 5766 * January 10, 2006
In words said by our great sages, what gives you the right to judge? This is a fun one. Makes me feel like... yea,.. what I'm a rebel. But what makes you any better than me. I'm tryin every day.
Never Distant
-------------
(The Rebbe said this to person involved in Jewish outreach:)
"You say you are 'bringing close those who are distant.' What gives you the right to call them distant and pretend you are close? You must approach each one as though you were an emissary sent by the King of kings of kings to talk with the prince, his only son!"
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Tevet 10, 5766 * January 10, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
This is Me. I've been Tagged. :) MEM4
Four jobs I've had in my life: Stock&Sales @ Neptune fireworks, Starbucks- Barista, Glatt kosher Hot dog vendor @ Shea & Yaakey Stadium, office manager.
Four movies I could watch over and over: pulp fiction, reservoir dogs, mall rats, clerks. (basically anything by Quentin Tarantino or Kevin smith)
Four places I've lived: Born in Cali- Grew up in Miami,Fl- Fairfax,VA- All over Israel- and now I’m in NY. Ohh, wait that was 5. oh well.. J
Four TV Shows I love to watch: Friends, Coupling, Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill.
Four places I've been on vacation: Cali, WV, (upstate) NY, Israel, I’m going to Venice Italy A”H yea!!
Four websites I visit daily: Drudge Report.com, MySpace.com, Jahfiltefish.com, worldAtlas.com
Four of my favorite foods: Cheese off the pizza, Most meat, Fish, The outer layer of Jelly Beans!!!!!!
Four places you'd rather be: Sleeping.
Four books I'll read over and over again: Harry potter
Now, I tag: Your mom. Okay not tagging anyone. Cause I’v done it before and pissed people off. So anyone want to take it on. Go for it.
But I cant tag anyone. J
Four movies I could watch over and over: pulp fiction, reservoir dogs, mall rats, clerks. (basically anything by Quentin Tarantino or Kevin smith)
Four places I've lived: Born in Cali- Grew up in Miami,Fl- Fairfax,VA- All over Israel- and now I’m in NY. Ohh, wait that was 5. oh well.. J
Four TV Shows I love to watch: Friends, Coupling, Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill.
Four places I've been on vacation: Cali, WV, (upstate) NY, Israel, I’m going to Venice Italy A”H yea!!
Four websites I visit daily: Drudge Report.com, MySpace.com, Jahfiltefish.com, worldAtlas.com
Four of my favorite foods: Cheese off the pizza, Most meat, Fish, The outer layer of Jelly Beans!!!!!!
Four places you'd rather be: Sleeping.
Four books I'll read over and over again: Harry potter
Now, I tag: Your mom. Okay not tagging anyone. Cause I’v done it before and pissed people off. So anyone want to take it on. Go for it.
But I cant tag anyone. J
RE-Release of Kill Bill
Best news ever!!
Quentin Tarantino finally reveals some info on the planned re-release of Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2, which he plans to get out to selected theaters next year. He sais "I want to cut the whole movie together like one big epic with an intermission in the middle like a 60s film. It'll be coming out in theatres. I've been holding off because I've been working on it for so long that I just wanted a year off from Kill Bill and then I'll do the big supplementary DVD package."
Das what I like to hear. yea.
YES!!
Quentin Tarantino finally reveals some info on the planned re-release of Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2, which he plans to get out to selected theaters next year. He sais "I want to cut the whole movie together like one big epic with an intermission in the middle like a 60s film. It'll be coming out in theatres. I've been holding off because I've been working on it for so long that I just wanted a year off from Kill Bill and then I'll do the big supplementary DVD package."
Das what I like to hear. yea.
YES!!
Monday, January 02, 2006
Tina Fay+ Ali G. = Disaster
Ali G as Vic Thrill.
Who remembers Vic Thrill + Time Square and the Millennium.
My friend and I were talking about how this is the fist official concert in Time Square for new years eve. And he was saying a friend of his who was a chossid Turned rock star turned chossid again. (Vic Thrill of Curly Oxide/ now going by the name Chaim) was supposed to play a gig for the millennium in Time Square. But then, decided not to due to the fact that it was shabbos.
He was suddenly questioning life all over again. Shortly after the choice not to play his mother set conned him in to a shidduch. And well he’s currently living happily ever after as a Chossid.
Now is where it gets interesting. Some Movie producer heard/ knows the story of this Chossid who became a rock star only to drop it all for the Quiet life of being a chossid. Apparently this isn’t the version of a story that typical or heard all the time. So here came this producer offering him just under a million for the rights of his life story. and what do you know.. this adel chossid declined saying he doesn’t want to bring back the past and he wants to move forward in life. Yes, he declined. He didn’t want the whole thing to come alive all over again. So instead, (now tell me if you know exactly how this gets less press…) (Sacha Baron Cohen)aka Ali G. is set to play him in some kind of movie version of the story that Tina Fey is writing.
Go figure. Now, this poor little man is tripping out because his life is in an uproar about the fact that his whole story is coming out. And he wants nothing more than to move on. He’s a chossid. What can ya say? .
Now, without the official rights… (not sure how that works)
Also, did anyone know Tina Fey was the head Writer at SNL??
music videos here
Click on the "all episodes in order of broadcast" link, pick 2004 and then pick the program from 6/25 entitled "My Experimental Phase". It's a really great story about how Vic Thrill discovered Curly Oxide, a Hasidic Jew who wanted to be a rock star. The first 5-10 minutes of the show is actually about a woman who thought she was gay, but the Curly story starts right after that.
So much buzz I cant follow any of it. all I know throu mutual freinds... Hes not a happy camper.
My life is none of your business.
Who remembers Vic Thrill + Time Square and the Millennium.
My friend and I were talking about how this is the fist official concert in Time Square for new years eve. And he was saying a friend of his who was a chossid Turned rock star turned chossid again. (Vic Thrill of Curly Oxide/ now going by the name Chaim) was supposed to play a gig for the millennium in Time Square. But then, decided not to due to the fact that it was shabbos.
He was suddenly questioning life all over again. Shortly after the choice not to play his mother set conned him in to a shidduch. And well he’s currently living happily ever after as a Chossid.
Now is where it gets interesting. Some Movie producer heard/ knows the story of this Chossid who became a rock star only to drop it all for the Quiet life of being a chossid. Apparently this isn’t the version of a story that typical or heard all the time. So here came this producer offering him just under a million for the rights of his life story. and what do you know.. this adel chossid declined saying he doesn’t want to bring back the past and he wants to move forward in life. Yes, he declined. He didn’t want the whole thing to come alive all over again. So instead, (now tell me if you know exactly how this gets less press…) (Sacha Baron Cohen)aka Ali G. is set to play him in some kind of movie version of the story that Tina Fey is writing.
Go figure. Now, this poor little man is tripping out because his life is in an uproar about the fact that his whole story is coming out. And he wants nothing more than to move on. He’s a chossid. What can ya say? .
Now, without the official rights… (not sure how that works)
Tina Fey has made a deal with Paramount to writer Curly Oxide and Vic Thrill, from producers Lorne Michaels and John Goldwyn. Fey will write the comedy about the true story of a Hasidic Jew and a grizzled rock musician who form a band, reports Variety.
Curly Oxide is the stage name of the young Hasidic Jew who wandered into a Brooklyn bar where Vic Thrill drunkenly played his raucous music. Thrill struck up a conversation and a mutual interest in music led Thrill to invite his new friend to visit his nearby recording studio. The duo began writing and performing music together, mingling their cultures in the playful lyrics.
It is unclear whether Fey will write a role for herself. She will continue to serve as head writer for Saturday Night Live as well as the show's Weekend Update co-anchor when the sketch comedy show returns this fall.
Also, did anyone know Tina Fey was the head Writer at SNL??
music videos here
Click on the "all episodes in order of broadcast" link, pick 2004 and then pick the program from 6/25 entitled "My Experimental Phase". It's a really great story about how Vic Thrill discovered Curly Oxide, a Hasidic Jew who wanted to be a rock star. The first 5-10 minutes of the show is actually about a woman who thought she was gay, but the Curly story starts right after that.
So much buzz I cant follow any of it. all I know throu mutual freinds... Hes not a happy camper.
Friday, December 30, 2005
If it quacks like a b*tch
Okay so, daily trip:
Lately I have this issue. (okay, I always had this issues)
Girls seem to have an aversion to me. I don’t know why. They are usually pleasant. But you just know they don’t really want to look up with that fake, “Oh hey, how you doing? How have things been?” any more than I do.
Its not that I have issues with them, or who they are. *that’s not even the issue* I have a problem with people who don’t like me. That when I’d rather talking to a wall than pretending to be nice.
So I was talking to one of the few chicks I can communicate with. (Maybe its cause she thinks like a guy) and she shared an interesting thought.
Well boys and girls, I’m defiantly not a slut!
so, can I opt for C.
C. It’s because they feel threatened and suspicious for absolutely no reason?
Lately I have this issue. (okay, I always had this issues)
Girls seem to have an aversion to me. I don’t know why. They are usually pleasant. But you just know they don’t really want to look up with that fake, “Oh hey, how you doing? How have things been?” any more than I do.
Its not that I have issues with them, or who they are. *that’s not even the issue* I have a problem with people who don’t like me. That when I’d rather talking to a wall than pretending to be nice.
So I was talking to one of the few chicks I can communicate with. (Maybe its cause she thinks like a guy) and she shared an interesting thought.
There are usually 2 reasons why girls don’t like girls.
A. You’re a slut. B. You’re a bitch.
Well boys and girls, I’m defiantly not a slut!
so, can I opt for C.
C. It’s because they feel threatened and suspicious for absolutely no reason?
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Jewish Geography
Alright, we're all familiar with a little game called Jewish geography. You know Chani. I know Esti. Who went to school with Shira. Who's is Chanis Room mate. Who's Brother Married Shira. And is Surits Cousin. Right?
The world is small.
My friends and I have been talking about this a lot lately how small the Jewish world is. I met a whole new chevrah of friends this summer. But every single person I met. I later found that I knew them through someone else....
So now I've been checking out MySpace and seeing that it's even smaller.
Last night I was at a childhood- friends- Chanukah party. I bring another friend. He and I are talking. He mentions A. might be coming to his gig later at an after party in the city. My friend whom is throwing this party looks up and is like really.
She used to be my room mate?!?! I thought she was in India?! Yea... Everyone is connected.
Now, going to, many, schools in many, towns; Your world gets smaller. Once you've added Yeshiva in Israel; Boom! -You've just gone global.
I believe that if you are an Orthodox Jew then by the time you are 24. there is no way you cant play 6 degrees of separation. (Throw in the lubavitch factor and you just increased your chances of knowing everyone by double)
Now for a fun story:
Add one old British friend, Google,the Ohr Sameach Alumni page.. and Blogger.com
and you have a good story..
Starts Here::
Alright so I'm going to Europe for the first time with a friend for my birthday. I'm Super excited! I figure I have old friends from Israel who I would love to see all over the place.
How do I find them? GOOGLE how else?
Google takes me to the Ohr Sameach Alumni list I find my friend.
Surely its all from several years ago and none of the information has been updated. Ever (PS that a fact. I was working for them trying to contact people to update it. Till I realized.. Boys are hard to find. Isn't that why I'm single? But if do have old list of all the American boys! Separated by State and in Alphabetical order.)
:: But let's get back on track here. The information was posted in 2001. Not going to help me much. But it does have a link to a website.
Of course my friend (dear old JB) hasn't kept up with it in years. But seems to have paid for the name so the site is still up.... (I don't really get the internet.) So it's still active but hasn't been updated in years. We can't make this too east for old friends...now can we?
Alright, now let's laugh a little.
I see a link with info for the guy who helped design the site. With one of those cute little aim links.
This conversation has been edited* A lot* okay, completely*
I'm just getting the details out.
*And thus he knew I was on the other end of his buddy's AIM window.*
Within secconds: my phone rings and I'm talking to my good old friend JB .*
Both of them mention to me how funny it is that between the two of them, they know the whole world.
But wait, now I find out how true it is..
The world just got smaller.
This morning the Designer IM's me.
But from a failure screen name not the one I had talked to him on last night.
Things all began to click in my head. When I was on the phone talking to my friend I was thinking how funny it is that I know of another British guy who made ailya But I figure there have to be tons of British guys who make ailya...
Nope. This is the one :)
So they do seem to know the world. Rock on boys.
Yosef if your as cool as JB I would understand how you know the world.
The world is small.
My friends and I have been talking about this a lot lately how small the Jewish world is. I met a whole new chevrah of friends this summer. But every single person I met. I later found that I knew them through someone else....
So now I've been checking out MySpace and seeing that it's even smaller.
Last night I was at a childhood- friends- Chanukah party. I bring another friend. He and I are talking. He mentions A. might be coming to his gig later at an after party in the city. My friend whom is throwing this party looks up and is like really.
She used to be my room mate?!?! I thought she was in India?! Yea... Everyone is connected.
Now, going to, many, schools in many, towns; Your world gets smaller. Once you've added Yeshiva in Israel; Boom! -You've just gone global.
I believe that if you are an Orthodox Jew then by the time you are 24. there is no way you cant play 6 degrees of separation. (Throw in the lubavitch factor and you just increased your chances of knowing everyone by double)
Now for a fun story:
Add one old British friend, Google,the Ohr Sameach Alumni page.. and Blogger.com
and you have a good story..
Starts Here::
Alright so I'm going to Europe for the first time with a friend for my birthday. I'm Super excited! I figure I have old friends from Israel who I would love to see all over the place.
How do I find them? GOOGLE how else?
Google takes me to the Ohr Sameach Alumni list I find my friend.
Surely its all from several years ago and none of the information has been updated. Ever (PS that a fact. I was working for them trying to contact people to update it. Till I realized.. Boys are hard to find. Isn't that why I'm single? But if do have old list of all the American boys! Separated by State and in Alphabetical order.)
:: But let's get back on track here. The information was posted in 2001. Not going to help me much. But it does have a link to a website.
Of course my friend (dear old JB) hasn't kept up with it in years. But seems to have paid for the name so the site is still up.... (I don't really get the internet.) So it's still active but hasn't been updated in years. We can't make this too east for old friends...now can we?
Alright, now let's laugh a little.
I see a link with info for the guy who helped design the site. With one of those cute little aim links.
This conversation has been edited* A lot* okay, completely*
I'm just getting the details out.
ME: Hey, I'm sure this is rude but do know JB or where I can find him...?
Designer: How do you know I know him?
ME: I saw your link on his page.
Designer: what page?
Me: his old out dated page.
Yada.. Yada.... (I did'nt know that page was still up) Yada.. Yada.. Anyway, its so funny between the two of us, we know the whole world. Here you are asking for him.
Designer: So who's asking?
ME: Me
Designer: Me who?
Designer: from where?
Designer: whats your Sur name? (I love the British)
Followed by Designer Interrogating this dear stranger: But I assume he is going to help me.
Me: so can you help me?
Designer: hold on he's on the phone.
ME: Well tell him if the name isn't ringing any bells, that I need someone to dominate my shesh besh board. It's been a while.
Designer: he asked for your number. :)
*And thus he knew I was on the other end of his buddy's AIM window.*
Within secconds: my phone rings and I'm talking to my good old friend JB .*
Both of them mention to me how funny it is that between the two of them, they know the whole world.
But wait, now I find out how true it is..
The world just got smaller.
This morning the Designer IM's me.
But from a failure screen name not the one I had talked to him on last night.
Things all began to click in my head. When I was on the phone talking to my friend I was thinking how funny it is that I know of another British guy who made ailya But I figure there have to be tons of British guys who make ailya...
Nope. This is the one :)
So they do seem to know the world. Rock on boys.
Yosef if your as cool as JB I would understand how you know the world.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Drugs and Shidduchim, Score!
I think I need to start doing real drugs.
Now when I say real I mean like the hard drugs, the ones people are always like, “yea I did drugs, but I never did that… ” Serious addiction, you know. “The good stuff.”
Lately it seems as if all the people I know whom I used to do “soft” drugs with are currently happy and in relationships. And all la de da.. oh, so excited and talking about planning a wedding even though they haven’t even gotten to the engaged part yet. When they do; I’m like oh wow cool. Mazel Tov! They look at me as if they want to kill me cause i'm not excited. (anymore)I’m sorry. But to cut into a different issue here for a second. YOU SPENT THE LAST 4 MONTHS TELLING ME YOUR GETTING ENGAGED!!You’ve set a date called the caterer. Tried on dresses, I know! I was happy for you for the last 4 freakin months I'M SORRY I’M NOT JUMPING FOR JOY AT THIS VERY SECCOND! I'm happy for you. honest. Just tell me when the wedding is…. I’ll be there with my smile I promise.
Now, I’m not knocking them in the least bit. I love all my friends and I am so extraordinarily happy for them. (With a sense of uncontrollable jealousy) But the truth of the matter is I stopped ages ago. (The drugs) And they went on to bigger and better things… i.e. Crazy intense drugs. They all seemed to have hit rock bottom at some point and now go sober.
Now opening them up to find clarity, happiness, and let’s not forget love. Simple, no?
Think about it.
It will be worth it. I spend what at the very least $50.00 bucks a week on shabbos. (being cheap) Well I could redirect that money for say, crack. I’m told it’s cheap. I'll eat less because I’m doing crack, never be hungry, and lose weight. Look amazing (not that I think in the least bit that I’m unattractive.) find g-d all over again. Quit smoking cigarettes stop drinking.. Wont ever have to hear “this event isn’t really for single girls” cause I wont go out much due to the fact that I’ll be too busy smoking crack, in some loft. Somewhere in this g-d forsaken city and then when I’m all frail and emaciated… I’ll wake up boom. Just like that. Realize that even the scum lesbian I’m sleeping with doesn’t want to be with me. I’ll find myself. Then a man who will aid me in sobering up.
It's a flawless plan. It seems everyone I know is in midst of doing this right now.
Maybe its just cause I’m not enough of an extremist. You know, I just didn’t follow through with my drug use.
Any idea where I can score some crack in the Brooklyn area?
or maybe I'll just go back to the coke....
Now when I say real I mean like the hard drugs, the ones people are always like, “yea I did drugs, but I never did that… ” Serious addiction, you know. “The good stuff.”
Lately it seems as if all the people I know whom I used to do “soft” drugs with are currently happy and in relationships. And all la de da.. oh, so excited and talking about planning a wedding even though they haven’t even gotten to the engaged part yet. When they do; I’m like oh wow cool. Mazel Tov! They look at me as if they want to kill me cause i'm not excited. (anymore)I’m sorry. But to cut into a different issue here for a second. YOU SPENT THE LAST 4 MONTHS TELLING ME YOUR GETTING ENGAGED!!You’ve set a date called the caterer. Tried on dresses, I know! I was happy for you for the last 4 freakin months I'M SORRY I’M NOT JUMPING FOR JOY AT THIS VERY SECCOND! I'm happy for you. honest. Just tell me when the wedding is…. I’ll be there with my smile I promise.
Now, I’m not knocking them in the least bit. I love all my friends and I am so extraordinarily happy for them. (With a sense of uncontrollable jealousy) But the truth of the matter is I stopped ages ago. (The drugs) And they went on to bigger and better things… i.e. Crazy intense drugs. They all seemed to have hit rock bottom at some point and now go sober.
Now opening them up to find clarity, happiness, and let’s not forget love. Simple, no?
Think about it.
It will be worth it. I spend what at the very least $50.00 bucks a week on shabbos. (being cheap) Well I could redirect that money for say, crack. I’m told it’s cheap. I'll eat less because I’m doing crack, never be hungry, and lose weight. Look amazing (not that I think in the least bit that I’m unattractive.) find g-d all over again. Quit smoking cigarettes stop drinking.. Wont ever have to hear “this event isn’t really for single girls” cause I wont go out much due to the fact that I’ll be too busy smoking crack, in some loft. Somewhere in this g-d forsaken city and then when I’m all frail and emaciated… I’ll wake up boom. Just like that. Realize that even the scum lesbian I’m sleeping with doesn’t want to be with me. I’ll find myself. Then a man who will aid me in sobering up.
It's a flawless plan. It seems everyone I know is in midst of doing this right now.
Maybe its just cause I’m not enough of an extremist. You know, I just didn’t follow through with my drug use.
Any idea where I can score some crack in the Brooklyn area?
or maybe I'll just go back to the coke....
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Munich - Open Letter to the Editor,
I'm just passing it on:
AMERICANS FOR A SAFE ISRAEL/AFSI; 1623 Third Ave., Suite 205, New York, N.Y. 10128; afsi@rcn.com; www.afsi.org; Tel: 212-828-2424; Fax: 212-828-1717; December 21, 2005
Open Letter to the Editor,
Steven Spielberg’s film, MUNICH, is based on fraudulent information. Tragically, because he is such a good filmmaker, audiences will be deceived into taking his account, “inspired by real events,” to be the truth.
Israel’s newspaper, Haaretz, reports that “the movie is based on a book in which there is no truth.” Research confirms this. Canadian journalist George Jonas’ 1984 book : Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team, is used by Spielberg as his reference. Mr. Jonas relied largely on the information given him by Yuval Aviv, a man who posed as a Mossad agent, “even though he had never worked in the Mossad and certainly had not participated in operations to kill those involved in the athletes’ murder.” His only security experience was when he worked as a security guard for El Al in New York. Shaister.com tells us that “Zvi Zamir, who was head of Mossad during that period, has also stated on several occasions that he has never known Aviv and there there is no connection between what is related in Jonas’ book and what really happened.” Zamir also states that he was never contacted by Spielberg for the true facts in the case, and he is surprised that the director would “rely on this particular book” for his source material.
Dec. 21 marks the anniversary of the Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie Scotland in 1988, which is related to the same Yuval Aviv and his fraudulent actions. The bombing, which claimed the lives of 243 passengers and 16 crew members. There were 37 students on board flying home from an overseas study program in London. One of those students was the only child of Susan and Dan Cohen, who have never ended their efforts to avenge their daughter’s death. The Cohens are very disturbed about the fact that Yuval Aviv, the same Mossad imposter who tried to take advantage of them, is the man whose fraudulent information was the source for Steven Spielberg’s new film, “Munich”.
According to the Cohens, Aviv’s “unscrupulous practice of telling tailor-made stories to the highest bidder” is illustrated by the fact that Aviv wrote a report exonerating Pan Am in the 103 matter which gained him much media attention. Aviv had previously contacted them “and offered information that would prove that Pan Am had been negligent in preventing the disaster,” just the opposite of what he was saying on behalf of Pan Am.
Spielberg does a disservice in basing his film on fallacious material, and presenting the Munich massacre and Israel’s response as a “perpetual motion machine” and a “quagmire of blood for blood”. He describes the massacre as a “response to a response”. One must ask Spielberg what the Arabs were “responding” to when they carried out their murderous deed.
By falsely creating an atmosphere of moral equivalency in his film, Spielberg adds to the pain and suffering of the Pan Am 103 families and all others who have been affected by the murderous actions of terrorists. By choosing to deceive his movie going public about the true nature of the “clash of civilizations” and Islam’s war against western civilization, he contributes to the threat to Israel, America, and the western world.
Helen Freedman
Executive Director
Americans For a Safe Israel/AFSI
AMERICANS FOR A SAFE ISRAEL/AFSI; 1623 Third Ave., Suite 205, New York, N.Y. 10128; afsi@rcn.com; www.afsi.org; Tel: 212-828-2424; Fax: 212-828-1717; December 21, 2005
Open Letter to the Editor,
Steven Spielberg’s film, MUNICH, is based on fraudulent information. Tragically, because he is such a good filmmaker, audiences will be deceived into taking his account, “inspired by real events,” to be the truth.
Israel’s newspaper, Haaretz, reports that “the movie is based on a book in which there is no truth.” Research confirms this. Canadian journalist George Jonas’ 1984 book : Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team, is used by Spielberg as his reference. Mr. Jonas relied largely on the information given him by Yuval Aviv, a man who posed as a Mossad agent, “even though he had never worked in the Mossad and certainly had not participated in operations to kill those involved in the athletes’ murder.” His only security experience was when he worked as a security guard for El Al in New York. Shaister.com tells us that “Zvi Zamir, who was head of Mossad during that period, has also stated on several occasions that he has never known Aviv and there there is no connection between what is related in Jonas’ book and what really happened.” Zamir also states that he was never contacted by Spielberg for the true facts in the case, and he is surprised that the director would “rely on this particular book” for his source material.
Dec. 21 marks the anniversary of the Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie Scotland in 1988, which is related to the same Yuval Aviv and his fraudulent actions. The bombing, which claimed the lives of 243 passengers and 16 crew members. There were 37 students on board flying home from an overseas study program in London. One of those students was the only child of Susan and Dan Cohen, who have never ended their efforts to avenge their daughter’s death. The Cohens are very disturbed about the fact that Yuval Aviv, the same Mossad imposter who tried to take advantage of them, is the man whose fraudulent information was the source for Steven Spielberg’s new film, “Munich”.
According to the Cohens, Aviv’s “unscrupulous practice of telling tailor-made stories to the highest bidder” is illustrated by the fact that Aviv wrote a report exonerating Pan Am in the 103 matter which gained him much media attention. Aviv had previously contacted them “and offered information that would prove that Pan Am had been negligent in preventing the disaster,” just the opposite of what he was saying on behalf of Pan Am.
Spielberg does a disservice in basing his film on fallacious material, and presenting the Munich massacre and Israel’s response as a “perpetual motion machine” and a “quagmire of blood for blood”. He describes the massacre as a “response to a response”. One must ask Spielberg what the Arabs were “responding” to when they carried out their murderous deed.
By falsely creating an atmosphere of moral equivalency in his film, Spielberg adds to the pain and suffering of the Pan Am 103 families and all others who have been affected by the murderous actions of terrorists. By choosing to deceive his movie going public about the true nature of the “clash of civilizations” and Islam’s war against western civilization, he contributes to the threat to Israel, America, and the western world.
Helen Freedman
Executive Director
Americans For a Safe Israel/AFSI
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Funny Street Names.
I didnt write this. I've got lazy. I dont write. I need to start to write my own stuff. but in the mean time. All creativity in the writing of this artical belongs to .aol.com
Its just well written and full of fun facts.
Its just well written and full of fun facts.
If you're heading through North Dakota over the holidays, don't be surprised if your directions take you down Smashed-In Buffalo Head Road. Then again, if you're passing through the Detroit suburbs, try not to blush if you get off at Exit 69, otherwise known as Big Beaver Road. And appropriately enough, not far from the University of Michigan's school of political science, you might pass the intersection of Nixon/Bluet.in fourth place. Main Street? It ranks a relatively minor seventh on the top-10 list
From Lois Lane to Chicken Shack Drive, the U.S. is lined by roadways with some wild, weird and wacky names. How did they get that way? Politics and history, mistranslations and vanity, as well as the occasional, odd sense of humor have made for much more interesting travel than were we simply a land of Main Streets and Broadways.
No doubt the oldest road names in America are those left by the Spaniards along the Florida and Gulf Coasts, the Southwest and California. The most obvious is El Camino Real -- the "Royal Road," running much of the length of old Spanish California. It's certainly a lot more colorful name than the King's Highway that spanned early settlements along the East Coast.
Those early settlements paid obeisance to the Crown, with roads like King, Prince or Queen. In areas settled by the French, including Detroit, modern-day residents still struggle to pronounce street names like Beaubien, Cadieux and Navarre. (Then again, Detroiters also pronounce Freud St. as Frood, and Goethe as Goatee.)
Early American street names often reflected their purpose, such as the Boston Post Road, running from New York City to Boston. There are plenty of these functional roads: Atwater, River, Canal and Railroad, Lake Shore, Market, Main and Broadway.
The nation is dotted with Plank Roads and Turnpikes. Early enterprising pioneers would lay wooden boards, or planks, to get travelers out of the mud on primitive trails. You'd pay your penny and they'd turn a wheel, raising the gate, or pike, to let you pass.
What about Deer Lick Road? It was likely a landmark for early settlers and travelers, just like Lime Kiln Lane and Smashed-In Buffalo Head Road.
After the Revolution, it became popular to name streets (as well as towns, counties and schools) after national heroes and leaders. We have countless Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison Streets. And the trend continues with modern leaders, hence the ubiquitous Martin Luther King boulevards.
But can anyone tell us who Fangboner Road., near Toledo, Ohio, was meant to honor?
Baby Boomers, otherwise known as the Me-Generation, have taken to heart that old rock and roll lyric, "Everybody Is a Star." The postage stamp-sized Pleasant Ridge, Mich., regularly auctions off the right to name a local street. So do a number of other cities across the U.S., so that's why you can find a Chicken Shack Lane leading to Elm Street. And why not honor your favorite comic book character, as one fan did with Lois Lane in Southfield, Mich.?
Early roads would weave and bob, following the local terrain. As a result of the Northwest Territory Act of 1787, lands north of the Ohio River and west of Pennsylvania were laid out in North-South and East-West grids.
So rapper Eminem hung out on Detroit's Eight Mile Road, the Motor City marking distance to a central point downtown. Other cities name their grid roads alphabetically, while in New York, Avenues run North-South and Streets run East-West.
Early New York was a maze of winding lanes. Finally, city fathers tried adopting the grid system, but it didn't always work right, so in Greenwich Village, you'll find the intersection of West 4th Street and West 4th Street.
Like the politically-charged intersection of Nixon/Bluet, intersections can create some unexpected complications of their own. New York offers us another, the anti-feminist meeting of Bangher and Leever.
The U.S. doesn't have a monopoly on odd names, of course. Some European names reflect ancient events or leaders, often in dialects no longer spoken. Politics also can play havoc. According to the online research site, Wikipedia, "Names are sometimes manipulated for political purposes; the name of Svetogorska Street, in Belgrade, was changed six times since 1872."
While there are plenty of odd and uncommon street names across the country, most communities show a surprising lack of imagination. Yet the U.S. Census Bureau suggests that even the ordinary can be a little odd.
You might think that First Street would be America's most popular road name. Think again. It follows Second and Third Streets, though Fourth Street does indeed come
Shana Tova!!
Have some insight on this holy day.
Torah lessons: Curtosy of Chabad.org
Chassidus Chabad opens the gates to the chambers of Chochma and Bina, enabling one to know and to recognize - with intellectual comprehension - "He who spoke and the world came into being. (1)
It awakens the feelings of the heart so that it is aroused with the emotion engendered by that particular intellectual comprehension. (2)
And Chassidus Chabad shows the way that each individual - commensurate with his innate abilities - can "approach the Sacred," to serve G-d with his mind and heart.
Footnotes: (1) See Siddur p. 30, line 37 (Baruch She'amar); compare
Tehillim 33:9.
(2) Of G-d. A specific intellectual contemplation arouses
(or engenders) a specific emotion related to it.
B"H
Scientific Revolution
---------------------
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Kislev 19, 5766 * December 20, 2005
B"H
Science & G-d
-------------
Torah lessons: Curtosy of Chabad.org
Chassidus Chabad opens the gates to the chambers of Chochma and Bina, enabling one to know and to recognize - with intellectual comprehension - "He who spoke and the world came into being. (1)
It awakens the feelings of the heart so that it is aroused with the emotion engendered by that particular intellectual comprehension. (2)
And Chassidus Chabad shows the way that each individual - commensurate with his innate abilities - can "approach the Sacred," to serve G-d with his mind and heart.
Footnotes: (1) See Siddur p. 30, line 37 (Baruch She'amar); compare
Tehillim 33:9.
(2) Of G-d. A specific intellectual contemplation arouses
(or engenders) a specific emotion related to it.
B"H
Scientific Revolution
---------------------
From this we know that the true purpose of all technology and modern science is neither convenience nor power, but a means to discover G-dliness within the physical world.
A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Kislev 19, 5766 * December 20, 2005
B"H
Science & G-d
-------------
In the nineteenth century, many scientists had no use for G-d. Instead, they worshipped a tight chain of cause and effect that left no room for miracles, providence or prophecy.
But then the scientist looked into the atom and the wonder of the universe opened before him. The iron chain of cause and effect was loosened and Determinism deposed from its throne. Today, once again there is room for G-d in the minds of men.
Monday, December 19, 2005
The Gift of Torah in Your I-Pod.
Alrighty, this is a trip and a half.
I recently found out about this, The Shas-Pod. Yes that's right ladies and gentleman, I said it. Its a 20gig iPod. You now have the Kosher choice. You now have the abilty to have all of shas in your poket. I can jsut imagin seeing Rabbis all over the place with there IPODS full of shas. :)
Happy Chanukkah!!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
bored @ Work
Me too!
Okay so, from Rudolph being hung from a tree bleeding
To contemplating thoughts such as: what a Jew. Shleping Nachas.
We can’t even get nachas form someone with out adding guilt or kvetching about it. Damn.
Down to the 9.7 million dollars King Kong made yesterday. (By the way that’s not considered a whole lot. apparently) I don’t think there’s anything left online for me.
I'm soooo bored. I even did my Chitas online today!! What a slow day there seems to be a lot going on in the world. And I’m sick of looking at the computer!
By the way Chabad.com and
chabad.org two different sites
oh and: A popular Greek cuisine, tzatziki is a dip traditionally made of yogurt and cucumber.
Okay so, from Rudolph being hung from a tree bleeding
To contemplating thoughts such as: what a Jew. Shleping Nachas.
We can’t even get nachas form someone with out adding guilt or kvetching about it. Damn.
Down to the 9.7 million dollars King Kong made yesterday. (By the way that’s not considered a whole lot. apparently) I don’t think there’s anything left online for me.
I'm soooo bored. I even did my Chitas online today!! What a slow day there seems to be a lot going on in the world. And I’m sick of looking at the computer!
By the way Chabad.com and
chabad.org two different sites
oh and: A popular Greek cuisine, tzatziki is a dip traditionally made of yogurt and cucumber.
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