THE CONSTANT PRESSURE AND HATE TOWARD THE JEWISH STATE

The Middle East has a myriad countries inhabited primarily by Moslems .The Jewish people have but one TINY sliver of land that has been the homeland FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS. Despite multiple wars, international pressure, UN resolutions and isolation from the world community , Israel has become the number ONE bastion of democracy in the region. Her military and economic strength built on democratic standards for all citizens is an example to be proud of by Jews world-wide. The ancient language of Hebrew has been resurrected. Despite being surrounded by enemies, and her standard of living and citizen satisfaction are among the highest in the world. The official proclamation by the Knesset a week ago of the Nation-State has brought out the haters and even the self -haters. To proclaim that Israel is the Jewish homeland, with Hebrew as the official language together with proclaiming the Jewish calendar as the official calendar should be a no-brainer. European funded NGO's are working overtime to discredit Israel. Thousands march in Tel Aviv to protest, on the very same avenues that the homosexual community marched. They are good partners .Many PLO flags were flying , as they joined the self-hating Jews who have an antipathy to a JEWISH NATION_STATE . They are sad that Israel allows Torah to prosper. They are upset that Israelis do not join the Women of the Wall in their monthly attempt to destroy a few thousand years of halacha and tradition. In short they would prefer a community where the Arabs would become the majority, and everyone would live happily- ever after. Forget terrorism - forget the pogroms - forget the destruction of the Gush as an example. As the PM pointed out, these demonstrations solidify the need for a NATION_STATE legislation as a "constitutional " part of the legal basis of Israel. As traditional Jews we should not become disappointed by those who have tried for 250 years to destroy Judaism .In the end our Torah way of life will be successful, as the self- haters assimilate, and we get stronger.

VIVA LA FRANCE

I AM USUALLY NOT A FAN OF FRENCH GOVERNMENTAL ACTS However, the new law promulgated this week prohibiting cell phones in elementary schools is a wise move . that should be emulated in other countries. The cellphone has changed the atmosphere of society-in the street- in the home and even in the synagogue We all see individuals crossing the street without picking up their heads to evaluate traffic-or the driver who takes their eyes off the road while conversing on the phone. How about the children sitting at the dining room table unable to partake in conversation because they are frozen on that little machine. In our synagogue, the Rabbi announces a plea to silence your phones. What he doesn't see are those who periodically ( especially while waiting for the Rabbi to complete the shmoneh esreh) open their phones to scan their e-mails etc. More and more doctors are pointing out the health hazards of this ADDICTION both mental and physical.Yesterday it was the dangers of the blue light on your retina.. We have forgotten how to write personal notes, or call a friend to invite them for a simcha etc--It is all so mechanical and impersonal.

MY APPOINTMENT WITH G-D- BUT I MAY BE TARDY!

All my life I was trained to be on time-school- interviews- hospital rounds- surgery my office etc' That carried over into my social life-. Attending a show or concert meant that if you arrived late, you might have to wait to be seated until some intermission. This seems reasonably simple and is only proper etiquette in regard to those who are expecting you to arrive on time. Question? Why do so many orthodox synagogue ATTENDEES come into shul Shabbat morning when services are 25-to even 80% over? Is the service and associated prayers of such little significance that being on time and praying with real meaning and intent is of secondary import? Is the real goal-"SEE AND BE SEEN:? PERHAPS ENJOY THE SOCIAL AND CULINARY DELIGHTS OF THE KIDDUSH? This IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM-YET I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANY RABBI SPEAK TO THE ISSUE FROM THE PULPIT. IN MY OPINION IT REQUUIRES ONE ON ONE DISCUSSION BETWEEN RABBI AND MEMBER!-SPEAKING FROM THE PULPIT ALLOWS THE LATE-COMER TO SAY TO THEMSELVES "HE DOESN'T REALLY MEAN ME" THAT DISCUSSION SHOULD INCLUDE THE IMPORTANCE OF DAILY MINYANIM-especially in synagogues with a majority of retired individuals, there is no reason why each person cannot commit themselves to 2-3 minyanim in the morning and evening PER WEEK . while we are at it, what about the standard of dress daily and Shabbat SHOULDN'T THE PEOPLE WHO LEAD THE SERVICES OR READ THE TORAH WEAR A JACKET ON SHABBAT? HOW ABOUT ANNOUNCING NO SHORT PANTS DURING DOVENING ? OR THE REQUIREMENT TO WEAR SOCKS AS MANDATED BY HALACHA ? I believe the synagogue doors should be closed during the rabbis sermon, and as the Torah reader is actively reading from the Torah. In between aliyas the doors can be reopened IT IS NOT THAT I AM AN OLD FUDDY-DUDDY NOT LIVING IN THE MODERN AGE- WHAT I SUPPORT IS KAVOD FOR THE BET KNESSET AND THE TORAH . IF YOUB WOULD NOT WALK INTO A JOB INTERVIEW,A MONEY-MAKING APPOINTMENT OR A CIVIL COURT PROCEEDING 45 MINUTES LATE ( IN A NON-EMERGENCY ) WHY SHOULD YOUR APPOINTMENT NEXT SHABBAT TO CONVERSE CWITH THE ALMIGHTY BE ANY DIFFERENT?.