Newsworthy Notes

Well, there have been lots of stuff and things (colloquial, I know) going on in the news lately, and frankly, although I've been reading it, I just haven't had time to post.

We have guests from America coming to us for the ENTIRE summer- and I've been in a bit of a cleaning frenzy. No, I don't think they'll notice if my bathrooms aren't shiny, but I feel like a clean home shows that a Kollel couple doesn't live in shmutz and dirt, but rather, also maintains the aesthetic appearance of their home.

It's like a Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying G-d's name)- although I'm sure there are those who would say that it doesn't matter at all.

So, what's newsworthy nowadays? Let's see.

The Yeshiva World reported that the number 2 bus has 'unofficially' gone mehadrin, with women, by themselves, moving to the back, and men sitting in front. People commented that it isn't fair to force mehadrin status on a bus without it actually being mehadrin- but I feel that if people do it by themselves, then what's the problem?

I haven't taken the 2 lately, but as long as everyone is behaving 'menschlichdik'- that is, if a woman does sit in the front, she should have the right to, without being the comment of derogatory remarks or deeds- then, again, it shouldn't be a problem.

However, there is a committee working on getting all the mehadrin lines in Yerushalayim canceled. At least, according to the Yeshiva World article. I know that Mr. NMF won't step onto a crowded bus- packed beyond comparison when the doors can't even close properly, if he's going to get squashed between two women. He'll wait for the next one. So, it would be a shame if all the mehadrin lines were closed due to the inappropriate actions of some people who felt that tznius was more important than that 'other' commandment of shaming another Jew (or worse, hurting another Jew) in public.

Let's face it: people can comment quietly, or mention that it would be nice if they would move to the back (quietly) but they most certainly can not shame another Jew. It says in the Gemara (Sotah 10b, if I'm not mistaken) that one should rather jump into a fiery furnace than embarrass another Jew in public. Even for tznius- as proven by the story of Yehudah and Tamar. In that same Gemara, it then equates public embarrassment with murder, immoral actions, and idol worship- all sins that one should rather kill themselves than do.

Why can't women get on the front and men in the back? I have a reason (maybe there are more)- but women are the gender most often accompanied by a stroller, and strollers legally can only enter on the backs of buses for safety reasons. So therefore, women enter on through the back, and to make life easier, they sit in the back as well. Imagine getting on the bus with a heavy stroller, and then having to drag it all the way to the front!

Speaking of strollers, in baby related news- a great-great-great grandchild was born to R' Elyashiv. That child is also related to R' Chaim Kanievsky, and R' Aharon Leib Shteinman. Wow- that kid has yichus! And, such a zechus (privilege) for someone to live to see their great-great-great granchild!

In other child related news, there was a beautiful gathering at the Kotel this past Rosh Chodesh, for fathers and sons, all to say the special Tefilas HaShlah (usually said on Erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan, but that came out on Shabbos), and for a Hachnasas Sefer Torah in memory of Rav Meir Shapiro zt'l- the father of the Daf Yomi movement.

I think that is so beautiful and phenomenal- that everyone would gather like that- parents to say a tefillah for the well being of their children- and for the Daf Yomi movement- it must have been a truly beautiful and heartwarming sight. For all those interested (I'm sure the Shlah wouldn't mind it being said on other times of the year) the Tefillas HaShlah is here.

I'm sure you've all read on SuperRaizy's blog about the new JAP doll- American Girl is putting out a Jewish doll, living in the tenements on the Lower East Side, with a grandmother called Bubbie. Sadly, she and her family are forced to work on Shabbos to make a living. But, at least the people at American girl got the situation right!

I never really heard about this, until I read the NY Times article. It seems that there was discrimination against Jewish doctors in the US during the time of WWII. They didn't want to hire or accept so many Jews as doctors, due to the war and anti-semitism. Yet, one doctor, Dr. Putnam, stood up, and hired the top Jewish neurologists of his day. And he was fired for it. Wow- what a story. He was a brave and courageous person.

Finally- Neve Yaakov residents are arguing over a shul...on wheels. Depressingly, the city has not given Neve Yaakov money for a permanent structure, nor allowed the construction of one, so therefore, the residents put a shul on wheels that would change places every three months.

Yet, there have been complaints about it, from both sides- those that don't want a chareid shul in their area, as Neve Yaakov is slowly becoming 'black'- and from those charedim who just want a permanent shul of their own. I hope that one day, disputes like this will be resolved, and all of Am Yisroel, the Jewish nation, will join together as one whole.

That's my news roundup for the week! Phew. Now, back to scrubbing my floors.

A Listening Ear

Sporadic Intelligence recently posted on visiting Kever Rochel, and she made a really good point.
Although, I'm going to approach it from a slightly different angle.

I used to visit Kever Rochel every Sunday in the afternoon, rain or shine.
I've been there since the time when it looked like the representative picture, when it was surrounded by an Arab village, and you had to ask a grocery shop owner for permission to visit the kever (gravesite).
I've been there now, as it evolved into something resembling a security compound, with those white, ominous concrete slabs surrounding it on all sides. The tomb itself is covered in camouflage netting, soldiers' lookout stations, and an Israeli flag.

I've gone on days when it has been so crowded that in order to get on and off a bus, one had better be prepared to get shoved from all angles. I've been there on her yartzheit, when candles are lit on every side of the ancient structure. I've been there on days when the only people there are me and two or three other Yerushalmi ladies, all sitting and saying Tehillim next to the paroches (curtain) made from Nava Applebaum's, A"H, wedding dress.

Somehow, it's different to me than when visiting other holy sites, like the Kotel HaMaaravi, the Western Wall. Somehow, I feel that through her zechus, my tefillos might actually make it up there. I've gone there to daven for numerous things, for friends, for family, for myself.

And each time, I come back feeling like I've been heard by Hashem. I don't know if I have the merits to reach so high, but maybe if I rely on the fact that I'm Jewish, and that I am a descendant of Mama Rochel, maybe I can get heard. It's new each time to me, unlike some places, where although I feel the Kedusha, it can wane after a while, and just become 'another' place.

So yes, I have a connection to Kever Rochel. Some feel that same feeling when they visit the Kotel, or when they head to other kevarim, or when they head to a grandparent or family member's gravesite. But I know that Mama Rochel does intercede for her children up there by the Heavenly Throne. And sometimes, we all need an advocate.

What Can We Do?

Everyone seems to be asking this question- what can we do? We're not out there, we aren't in danger- how can we be "Nosen B'Ol Chaveiro" (help carry our friend's burden) like R' Elyashiv suggested?
Well, here's something. The Yeshiva World reported this in that R' Kook and the Bostoner Rebbe have set up a sort of partnership, in which everyone can participate in davening and learning for a soldier in the army. R' Chaim Kanievsky said that this is an old tradition- dating back to David HaMelech's times, where every soldier had someone who was not fighting learning Torah and praying for them.
Here's the text of the letter, sent to me by email.

אחינו בית ישראל באיזורים רבים של ארץ הקודש מצוים בצרה ובשביהולעת כזאת חובתנו לחוש את אחדות כלל ישראל בלב ובנפש להרבות בתפילה ובכל הענינים, כי עת צרה היא ליעקב וכו' ובעהי"ת ממנה יושע.ובאנו לעורר, ולבקש, ולהוסיף ענין של זיכוי הרבים ביותר.תוה"ק מעידה כי במלחמת מדין נצטוו להחלץ "אלף למטה" "אלף למטה"
.ואיתא במד"ר ובילקוט שמעוני ד"וימסרו" היינו עוד אלף למטה, פירוש שהיו נמסרין זוגות זוגות, כדי שיהיו מתפללים איש על רעהו.ואכן במלחמת מדין נאמר "ולא נפקד ממנו איש". ובודאי העובדה שניצלו כולם היתה בגלל תפילת כלל ישראלוהבאנו דבר זה לפני מרן הגאון רבי חיים קניבסקי שליט"א, שמח בדבר, והוסיף ואמר כי גם כך נהג דוד המלך ע"ה שלכל אחד שיצא להילחם, הכינו יהודי נוסף, שתפקידו היה, להתפלל עבור היוצא, ויש א"כ הסכמת דוד המלך ע"ה לתפילות אלו
.לזאת, אנו פונים בזה לכל חייל החפץ שיתפללו בעדו בעהי"ת להתקשר לטלפון 02 581 1911 ולמסור את שמו ושם אמו ואין צורך בשמות המשפחה.( אי מייל maortlmo@gmail.com או פקס 08-9450027) ונעביר בעהי"ת את שמו למתפלל שיכון בתוספות תורתו ותפילתו לזכותו ולשמרו.וכן קוראים אנו לכל א' המצוי ח"ו בגלל המלחמה במצוקה או בחרדה, במקלט ובכל אתר לפנות להנ"ל ובעהי"ת נעביר גם שמו למי שקיבל על עצמו להוסיף בתפילתו ובתלמוד תורה עבור המבקש.ובעזהשי"ת נזכה מן השמים גם אנו לנאמר "ולא נפקד ממנו איש".ובזה אנו קוראים גם לכל מי שרוצה לקיים דברי חכמים ולהוסיף בתורה ותפילה, להצטרף ולהיכנס לפיתקא של תפילות , להתקשר למספ' הנ"ל ולקבל שם של חייל או אחר לכוון את תוספות תורתו ותפלתו לזכות חבירו .גם נשים צדקניות יכולות לקבל ע"ע להתפלל עבור חברה השרויה במצוקה עקב המלחמה.ה'
בברכת כהנים באהבה המצפה לישועתכ"ק אדמו"ר מבוסטון שליט"א הרב הראשי של רחובות

An open letter to all Achenu Bene Yisroel

After learning about the heart rendering appeal of the Gedolay Torah to intensify our Tefilos and Torah learning during this very trying time for Klal Yisroel, we have undertaken to join and aid them in their prayers.
The Medrash Rabah and the Yalkut relate that during the war against Midyon, for every one that went out to battle there was a designated person whose task it was to pray and learn for him.
The Great Gaon and Sage Rebbe Chaim Kanievsky shlitah when asked about this tradition pointed out that Dovid Hemelech, as well continued and instituted the practice, that for every individual who was in combat, there was another person selected for the specific task of praying and learning for him.
Therefore in order to continue and accomplish this Minhag, we ask soldiers and/or their relatives who would want a "partner" in Torah and Tefillah to email maortlmo@gmail.com or fax 011 9728 9450027 and give their Hebrew name and mothers Hebrew name without any other particulars such as family name or other identifying factors, so that we may disseminate them among those who heed the call to add Torah and Tefiloh for the sake of those who find themselves in jeopardy ח"ו.
Anyone who finds himself or herself ח"ו in danger or in shelters because of the war may also feel free to call or email to the above.To bond with us and receive a name of your "partner" please email or fax the above.May Klal Yisroel in the merit of joining together, speedily see a successful end to this trial and campaign as quoted in the Parsha "without loss of life".

Erev Shabbos #9- Gaza Shabbos

I can't help it. Despite me putting the schnitzel up, and doing all the routine and mundane tasks of life, my head still swarms with the news from Sederot and Gaza.
How can I be enjoying a Shabbos in relative safety, when those who live in Sederot have 15 seconds to head to a bomb shelter?



I hope to try to do something to help, as do we all. My neighbor and I are talking about trying to open our homes to some of those in the South- we'll see if something actually works out.
Till then, a Gut Shabbos- and may all our brethren be safe and well!

Chanukah War #4

Uh Oh. The dreaded news we all have been praying would not happen- did. According to Jameel, here , Gaza now has rockets that can reach 60 km. 60 km. That is a scary number.

Here's part of the post:

2:04 PM IDF Homefront Command starts to distribute emergency directions for Rocket Attacks...in Tel Aviv. (source, see below for scanned copy)With Hamas Rocket ranges now reaching 60 kilometers (as reported here at the Muqata, from Israel Radio), the IDF Homefront command has started preparing for the eventuality that Hamas rockets will reach the Tel Aviv area. Also included is the Beit Shemesh area, Modi'in, Ramla, Lod, Bnei Brak, Rechovot, Holon, Givaatayim, Petach Tikva...

And the list of cities: Alon Shvut, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Bat Yam, Beer Sheva, Beit Shemesh, Ben Gurion Airport, Elazar, Holon, Lod, Modi'in, Nof Ayalon, Ramat Beit Shemesh, Ramla, Rechovot, Rishon LTzion, Sederot, Tel Aviv, Yad Binyamin, Yavneh

That's right- Tel Aviv, RBS, Ben Gurion Airport....yikes.
We need everyone's tefillos now, even more than ever.
Our prayers are with our soldiers out there- and with our nation and Klal.

Chanukah War #3

I'm too inexperienced to really know how to ascertain the situation.
Rockets hit today targets that seemed too far away- Ofakim, Yavneh, Ashdod...
And a stabbing took place in Kiryat Sefer, and a bomb was thrown at Hadassah Har Hatzofim Hospital in Jerusalem.
People are evacuated, and tanks were used for the first time (with our precious soldiers inside).
Some people say this will take months. Others- days.
Just keep davening and praying that all of us will hear good news.
Oh- and keep checking Jameel's blog if you'd like actual and further updates.

UPDATE: SuperRaizy has compiled an absolutely awesome list of things that people can do to help in Israel. I say- head on over there, and check it out!! (We all know how much IDF soldiers appreciate a hot pie of pizza :)

Chanukah War #2

Jameel is still posting (follow the post below's link for more information) and as always, he is more accurate than the papers.

What about me? Well, I'm here in Yerushalayim, which doesn't seem much changed. Yet I know, there is a war going on out there, and 6,500 of our boys- our Jewish soldiers- are out there by the border. I walk into a taxi, and he says hello to me- and asks if I have heard any news about Gaza. Friends of mine from Har Nof say that some reservists and Hesder Yeshiva boys were also called up, ready to defend this country from further missile attacks.

And I? How can I even attempt to know or truly feel what is going on? I'm a newcomer to this land, to this strong and determined people. I have some relatives in the army, and I hope they are alright. But I have not faced tragedy. I have not donned a gas mask, or hid in my sealed room. How can I even say that I sympathize (let alone empathize)?

I just pray. Pray that our boys will be safe, pray that our people will survive, passing the indomitable test of time.
And I know that we will survive- for Hashem- Shomer Yisroel, the protector of Israel, is watching out for us.

Daven hard- V'Sein Tal O'Matar

Yep- we're in the rainy season- and the rain hasn't really gotten here yet.

It rained a bit yesterday....but I'm starting to look up at the sunny and beautiful sky- and get nervous.
A letter came in the mail for me that my water bill is going up, due to lack of rain.

We need the rain, however uncomfortable it is for us.
We have crops growing, right after the shmitta year, and they all need water if they are to provide us with food. Of course, it's not like it used to be, where there was no water to be had if it didn't rain. We can still pipe water in, or convert it from salt water (an expensive process).

But, we need rain. So for all those out there, all over the world- say today an extra-special tefilla, or daven V'Sein Tal O'Matar with more Kavana (concentration), thinking about those of us out here who look up at the sun's sparkling face, and sigh- and pray.

Thanks.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet

UPDATE: Rachmana L'tzlan- the hostages in the Chabad house were brutally murdered- Hashem Yekom Damam.
The Rabbi, his wife, Rabbi Teitelbaum (T.A.Y. SIL), and three others are reported among those killed.
Such Tzaros for Klal Yisroel!! And they say that the Chabad house was a preselected target by the terrorists.
Oy. I'm weeping just hearing about it.

Please say tehillim for Gavriel Noach ben Freida Bluma (Rabbi Holtzberg), his wife (Rivka bas Yehudis) and all the other hostages in the Chabad-Lubavitch house in Mumbai. Two mashgichim are also being held hostage, one of them the son-in-law of the Toldos Aharon Yitzchak Rebbe.

For all those who want updates on the news- it seems that their son Moshe (2) has fled with one of the household help members, but the news on the Holtzbergs is still uncertain, as of Thursday afternoon, NY time. His grandparents have flown to Mumbai to try to ascertain the situation.

I'll try to post if I hear anything new.
For the news articles- try YWN here, or the NY Times here. Reports are saying 327 injured, and 125 killed.
Hashem should send a yeshua to all of those there.

Rain, Rain, Baruch Hashem (Thank G-d)

I peer outside my window- yet another gloomy, rainy day in Yerushalyim. Baruch Hashem.

I mean, we do start praying for rain, and here it is.

The farmers need it desperately, especially since Shmitta is now over and they can plant again.
And the water supply in the Kinneret is quite low- so we need it as well.

So, we all say, thank G-d it's raining, but it's so miserable outside!

The rain turns my Yerushalayim of gold into a gray sky, complete with storm clouds hovering.

All the Israelis turn to their winter clothes- light sweaters and rain coats, complete with hoods.

And the kids have fun trying out the slip and slide down the hills of their neighborhood.

It's a strange concept, no? Here we pray for rain, and we need it- yet we, the people, don't necessarily enjoy the rainy season.

And heaven forbid we say that- it's always said, "Oh, what a rainy, gross day- Thank G-d."
Rain is a blessing, whether or not we see it as that.

Ugh. I'm staying home and drinking hot cocoa. But, thank G-d for the rain.