Fratricide / synagogue informality

It is sad to see the fratricide within the Republican primary.The only saving grace is the fact that 3 years ago Hillary and Obama were at each others throats,and yet the Dems won.
In addition the enthusiasm of Republican voters in Fla was shown by a marked increase in early voting.Despite a shorter period for early voting,here in Palm Beach County there was about a 30% increase over 4 years ago.

During my career as an activist, I have been priviledged to vist with 3 Presidents,PM's, Kings and other leaders of governments.During each and every one of these meetings,I never witnessed a member of our delegations who did not come with a suit,regular shirt,tie,socks and regular shoes.
When we enter a Synagogue to pray to G-d,,especially on the Sabbath,we are coming to appeal to the maker of the universe.If we dress for a human leader and for the 'kavod'(honor) of a high office how much more so should we appear in synagogue dressed to represent our sense of awe and respect for the dignity of the Bet KNESSET(SYNAGOGUE)
When I was a young man,going out on a date,it was the custom to wear a suit or sport jacket.Today in the age of informality jeans, sneakers, no socks are not unusual.
Sadly this motif has been transferred to our synagogues .I have not taken a poll of synagogues in the South,however the warm climate seems to present to worshippers a greater sense of informality.The shul near us has more than a few coming for services in shorts.
To have leaders in the synagouge lead services,read the torah ,stand by the bimah,make announcements in a country-club attire,sans jacket and ties is not in the formal spirit that I would like to sorround myself with as I converse with my maker.We see polo shirts,sweaters, no socks,beach shoes -sandals for men and women.These perhaps represent a minority,however few are disturbed by this sartorial ( or lack of it) approach.
I am not advocating tuxedos or black suits etc,rather business attire as though one had been invited to the White House to speak to the President. and perhaps appeal to him on behalf of the Jewish People.Isn't that what we do in synagogue-for ourselves and our people.?
Perhaps I AM AN OLD FUDDY-DUDDY, however the KAVOD due the synagogue is absent, and to me is not only important in halacha(Jewish law) but how we train our children and grandchildren.

posted by Mendy Ganchrow, M.D. @ 11:48 AM

LACK OF CIVILITY

There are some anti-semites that throw molotov cocktails at synagogues,as we saw this week in Bergen County.Others talk about the "Israel Lobby".and we have commented on them.
Most of the time these are non-Jews with deep hatred in their heqrts for our land,people and way of life.
But what term do you apply to self-hating Jews such as Roni Brizon,a former Knesset member from Shinui.Mr Brizon writing in Ynet news,entitles his op-ed
"Country being hijacked".
Who is he refering to?
The country being hijacked is Israel.
By Whom?
Why the "ortho-fascist camp of course.
The enemies are a "radical-religious worldview" and a "religious fascist worldview".
Among their crimes."They see Israel itself as an apparatus of special holiness".
If it was not such a serious attack in an internet paper,I would think this man has flipped.
The lack of civility by the ultra-right snd ultra-left is sickening.

posted by Mendy Ganchrow, M.D. @ 7:51 PM

Russia--China / sham sanctions / Brezinski

How can you expect cooperation on a global,level for peace,when Russia sends fighter planes to Syria and joins with China in preventing tough sanctionsa against Iran?
The EU sanctions won't begin on NEW contracts in July.The sanctions by Obama are NOT on the Central Iranian Bank, but on a smaller branch.
IT IS ALL AN ELECTION SHAM!

The EU accused Israel of crimes against the Palestinians regarding water distribution.In fact,Israel has more than fully complied with the terms of Oslo II and the interim agreement.It supplies the Palestinians 30% more water than they need.

Zbigniev Brezinski the former NSC advisor to Pres. Carter,is known as a foe of the US-Israel relationship.In his new book "Strategic Vision", he says "Israel has a lot of influence with Congress,and in some cases they are able to buy influence."
In the Jan-feb isssue of Foreign Affairs he writes about a new US Grand Strategy".It ius primarily about Asia and Russia.
No discussion of Iran.He calls for a withdrawal of the US fleet from waters near China and certainly less of a committment to Taiwan.
His advice to Carter led to a foreign policy weakness, not seen until Obama.

posted by Mendy Ganchrow, M.D. @ 2:21 PM