Posts
22 of the Eighth Month 5770
Last Monday, I completed my move into a new apartment, where, as it turns out, I do not have any Internet access.
I was informed that installing a connection via ground line is not an option, since I do not have any access to a ground line (long story). The routers which occasionally pop up, when I scan for available networks taunt and tease me with password protection or by being just out of range.
I am not thrilled about signing an 18-month contract with one of the local cellphone companies to receive service through a portable modem. What if I move the week after I get such a modem, and then no longer need the service?
That should also answer the next burning question on your minds: No, I do not own a laptop, and thus cannot pick it up and go to one of the free “hot spots” available in Jerusalem, nor can I sneak around my neighborhood, scanning for available networks.
So, what to do?
Unlike those bloggers toying with the idea of taking a break, it seems like a blogging break may have been plopped into my lap.
My only solution seems to be to write at home (where everytime my refrigerator clicks on, I have to unplug and re-plug in my keyboard), carry it to work via disk-on-key, and then upload it to my blog during the one hour of access to a computer I have per week. The same goes for e-mail. Downloading background material and interesting podcasts will have to be done during this hour as well.
I can also go to Internet Cafes, like I am doing now, and hope for a fast enough service so that I do not end up spending two hours on something which should only take me 20 minutes.
My other option is to spend money, I really should be saving for a rainy day, on a laptop, as if I really want to spend a lot of time outside in the cold, or in a jam-packed Jerusalem Central Bus Station, where it is impossible to concentrate.
Now that the withdrawal symptoms are beginning to subside, I think for the time being, I will see how it goes with the “upload at work” option.
Maybe I'll learn more. Maybe I'll read more. Maybe I'll finally write that book(s) I have always wanted to write. Or maybe I'll end up watching all six Harry Potter films so many times, that I'll have them memorized in time for Purim.
Only time will tell.
In the meantime, I will miss tweeting and twoozing with you, as much as I would like.
**SIGH**
Any suggestions will be welcomed.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
The Future Of The Esser Agaroth Blog
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The Real Story Behind Ya'akov Teitel
19 of the Eighth Month 5770
After the umteenth person asked me whether I had ever met Ya'akov Teitel or not, I decided that it was time for me to chime in with my Esser Agaroth on the matter.
First off, no, I have never met Ya'akov Teitel, resident of Shvuth Rahel. nor does his photo look at all familiar to me. I am actually quite surprised by this, considering the hundreds of times I tremped (hitched) in and out of the town of Shiloh between 2001 to 2005. Everyone seemed to think that as a [former] resident of K'far Tapu'ah, I am supposed to know every Jew ever accused of violence. (No value judgments here.) Boy, have they got the wrong idea about [the now very mamlachti] K'farTapu'ah. Nonetheless, nope,...never met him.
While others have expressed shock or surprise, excitement or disgust, over Ya'akov Teiltel's accusations, I am not in the least bit surprised that such an incident has surfaced at this time. But, wait. Didn't I just write that I had never met him? I'll explain.
First, I will list a few components of the case in introduction:
1. We do not know what Ya'akov Teitel did or did not do.
2. We do know that he was in the custody of the Shabba"k (General Security Services) for quite some time, during which he reportedly "confessed," after having undergone God only knows what kind of "treatment."
3. The Erev Rav-controled, Israeli news media has already tried and convicted (and demonized) Ya'akov Teitel. (No surprises there.)
If nothing else, Ya'akov Teitel is being used as this year's excuse to demonize and otherwise incite against "extreme" religious nationists, "extreme" meaning having loyalty to the Torah over loyalty to the State (There is a difference between the two, you know, a big difference).
It must resort to intensifying campaign of fear mongering. Even Mafda"l/Jewish Home Party officials partly acknowledge the incitement. (They also say a number of other idiotic, non-Torah-based nonsense. Nevertheless,...)
The Israeli government's mamlachti (undying state loyalist) religious lapdogs are diminishing in number, because their rabbis' logic is increasingly unable to address the questions coming from this community's youth. Meanwhile the Torah nationalalists and haredim are increasing in number. Half of all of this year's second-graders are religious. No matter how much apologizing the mamachtim do, the Erev Rav-controled, Israeli government still sees this as the primary, impending threat to its control over Israel.
The Israeli government is desperate and running scared, and for good reason. In the [paraphrased] words of the Hesed leAvraham, ...pride will bring these treif birds down.
This, I say, is the real story. Ya'akov Teitel is only a distraction, allowing the Erev Rav to continue its anti-Torah, anti-Eretz Yisrael operations, or an excuse for incitement (wag the dog), desperately trying to maintain its un-Jewish control. Look at it either way you choose.
I'll conclude with the some final observations:
1. The Shabba"k appear to intensify its operations before Pesah and Sukkoth. You can almost set your calendar by it.
2. The gag oorder regarding the case of Ya'akov Teitel was "coincidentally" removed around the anniversary of Yitzhaq Rabin's death, the traditional season of free for all incitement against religious nationalists.
3. Today was the anniversary of the murder of Rabbi Me'ir Kahane HY"D. Expect more fear mongering and goverment-sponsered hate speech.
But such desperate measures are all in vain. B'Ezrath HaShem, the truth will eventually win out.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
The Jewish Idea
"Without a new, profound sense of purpose, Israel’s days are numbered"
Yoel Meltzer
14 Marheshwan 5770/November 1, 2009
Most people are barely cognizant of the fact that many of their actions are a result of ideas that have seeped into the collective mindset of their community or society. A simple and clear example of this can be seen in clothing. In the world of fashion, some guru sitting in Paris develops an idea of a certain type of shirt that should be worn by a particular age group in the coming year. The actual physical shirt is then designed and produced, and then afterwards is cleverly marketed towards the target audience. Unsuspectingly, this audience falls in line and starts proudly wearing the latest "in" shirt. Then the following year, the same guru changes direction and promotes a previous "in" shirt with the not surprising result that once again the target audience follows suit.
While this is an oversimplified example, many societal behaviors and thought patterns can be traced back to ideas that have been implanted into the individual and collective mindset of the society. Frequently this is the result of a cleverly designed marketing campaign, especially when financial or political gains are the goal, although many times it's just a result of ideas that happened to appear at the right time and in the right place and connected to inner feelings and thoughts of the society. Such ideas, which are usually more altruistic by nature, answer to certain needs of the society, be it emotional, psychological, or spiritual.
Anyone somewhat familiar with the state of Israel today, be it a veteran or new immigrant, cannot help but be aware of the many problems that are plaguing the country. From the threat of Iranian missiles to increasing violence, the list goes on and on. Of all the problems, however, perhaps the most pressing for the long-term survival of the nation is the lack of a shared sense of purpose. Whatever held the nation together years ago, mainly the idea of coming together to physically build the country, has long since faded away. In its place, nothing has appeared which has been able to unite the country around a new shared sense of purpose.
Of course there are moments, especially during times of warfare, when the county comes together, but these are just passing moments that have no sustaining power after the cessation of hostilities.
Inspiring the nation
Moreover, parallel to the disappearance of the shared sense of purpose has been a constantly growing feeling of societal cynicism and disgust with many of the state's institutions. It is therefore clear that this country from top to bottom desperately needs to be provided with a new, profound, and lasting sense of purpose. Without it, its days are numbered.
This then is the need, both on an individual and societal level, which must be addressed. What is required, therefore, is the idea to answer this unmet need. Not just any old idea that comes and goes like the wind but rather, something of depth that can affect and inspire an entire nation. Of course the only idea that can possibly satisfy this need of the Jewish people is not surprisingly the old-new Jewish idea.
The intention here is not the watered down "religious idea," an oversimplified system of "dos and don'ts", but rather, the authentic and infinitely more profound "Jewish idea." Although it does include the standard religious aspect, the intention here is to something much broader and deeper which provides a clear sense of purpose and direction for both the individual Jew and the larger Jewish nation. Such a profound idea, based upon a deep understanding of the Jewish sources, history and life, has the potential to literally create a revolution. The Jewish people, and the rest of humanity with them, have the ability to soar to such heights if only the idea would be properly understood and internalized, since ideas are ultimately what cause actions and change societies.
The time is right for the reemergence of the true Jewish idea, the authentic Jewish dream, since the county has never been more in need of a renewed sense of purpose and direction. All that is needed then is the way to disseminate the idea.
Yoel Meltzer has an MA in Middle Eastern Studies and lives in Israel.
Cross-posted on YNET.
A Jerusalem Bus Map,...Finally!
14 of the Eighth Month 5770
Want to know how to get someplace by bus you've never been to?
Want to keep track of the frequent line and route changes during the light rail construction?
Ever wondered where some of those bus lines which you never ride go?
Sick and tired of waiting for the Egged Bus Company to put out a route map already?
If you've answered yes to any of the above, then click on the following link:
It's available in Google Earth and Google Maps versions. Personally, I stick with the Google Maps version. However, you may find this interactive map to be very cluttered. No worries. Just un-click the routes, landmarks, and neighborhood names you don't need on the left-hand column. The map will then be more tailored to your needs.Sorry. Only Egged lines are represented here. For Superbus and Connex, you'll have to check out their sites in Hebrew.
You can also become a Fan of Jerusalem Bus Map on Facebook, and send in your questions, comments, and corrections via the discussion forum.
Haveil Havalim #241 Is Up!
14 of the Eighth Month 5770
Snoopy The Goon at Simply Jews is hosting this week's edition of Haveil Havalim, the world's largest Jewish and Israeli blog carnival.
It's The Blogoversary Edition.
It sounds like a good way celebrate ones blogoversary by hosting Haveil Havalim. If you're interested, just contact Jack at talktojacknow@sbcglobal.net.
If you'd like to submit a post, just use the handy dandy on-line submission form.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Can There Be Any Doubt About The YeSh"A Council?
8 of the Eighth Month 5770
This article from Israel National News (italics) is interspersed with my comments.
Barak Lauds Wallerstein on MutinyOne compliment from Ehud Barak says it all....
Gil Ronen, October 25, 2009(IsraelNN.com) Defense Minister Ehud Barak reacted Sunday to the “Kotel mutiny” in which soldiers at a swearing-in ceremony protested the IDF's eviction policy, saying that he viewed it “very gravely.”
"However,” he added, “Yesh"a Council Director Pinchas Wallerstein's sharp reaction against the deed was in my eyes the right voice of the settlers in Yehudah (Judea) and Shomron (Samaria).”
In an interview on Voice of Israel government radio, Wallerstein called the soldiers' action “unforgivable.”Can there now be any doubt in anyone's minds where Wallerstein's priorities are? Can there be any doubt about his conflicts of interest? Can there be any doubt about his being a government collaborator?
The so-called YeSh"A Council is suppose to encourage the settlement of Yehudah and Shomron, not discourage it, and certainly not support any enterprise which discourages it or, worse, destroys it.
Because of such soldiers, some Jewish strongholds still stand. Why would Wallerstein want to put them down? If he secretly supports them, why would this want to bury the truth? The truth is that Pinhas Wallerstein cares first and foremost for Pinhas Wallerstein, second for Pinhas Wallerstein, and third for Ofra, the town in which he resides.
Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Head of the Hesder Yeshiva at Elon Moreh and a member of the Judea and Samaria Council, voiced support Saturday for the soldiers and demanded that Wallerstein resign his post.
Rabbi Levanon is one of the rabbis who knows which takes precedence, Torah Law or man-made laws, and is not ashamed to express it. Barukh HaShem we have [real] rabbis like him.
"I call upon every soldier to reveal his views in public,” Levanon urged. “Clear value-oriented statements by soldiers are a clear sign of the general public feeling against the eviction of any Jews from their home.”Encouraging freedom of speech? See how dangerous such truth-bearing rabbis are?
The Yesh"a Council is made up of local government chiefs in Yehudah and Shomron and claims to represent the Jewish population in those regions.
So true is the manner in which Gil Ronen phrases this last sentence. The YeSh"A Council is self-chartered, self-perpetuating, and self-serving. The rare, decent members, like Rabbi Levanon, stick around only in an attempt to facilitate positive change. Unfortunately, they spend most of their time doing damage control.
Don't forget to watch the documentary "Meraglim" (Spies) if you haven't already done so. This 40 minute video exposes the collaboration of the YeSh"A Council with the Israeli government during the Expulsion from Azza in the summer, 2005.
Anyone Thinking About Going Back To America?
8 of the Eighth Month 5770
If anyone is thinking about going back to America, then all you have to do is check out the collection of photos presented on the following website:
It'll make you want to stay in Israel, by reminding you of some of the "culture" we were trying to get away from in the first place.
Those of you still in America, this site should make you run (not walk) to go and buy your one-way ticket.
Here's just one (very mild) example of what you'll find there.
Yeah, on second thought, I should issue a major Tzni'us Alert for this site. Enter at your own risk! I am referring you to this site ONLY to encourage you to get the hell out of there!
I await your "That's offensive!" comments....
The Price Of "Arab" Olives
7 of the Eighth Month 5770
I have written about Jews getting pushed around over the masiq (olive harvest) so many times, I have decided to add an "Olive Harvest" label to Esser Agaroth.
Each fall, Jews are kicked out of their homes, have their movements restricted, separated from their families and jobs, for fear of interference in the Yishma'eli (Arab) harvest of olives on Land which is not even theirs.
Army Bans Land of Israel Activists From Home
Hillel Fendel 24 Tishrei 5770/12 October 09 04:41
(IsraelNN.com) In response to the abrupt announcement that three activists may not return to their homes in Samaria for six months, residents say leftists have taken over the army’s Central Command.Early Monday morning, IDF Central District Commander Maj.-Gen. Gadi Shamni issued orders banning two prominent Land of Israel activists from returning to their homes, or anywhere in the Shomron (Samaria), for the next six months. The two are Ariel Gruner and Akiva HaCohen, both fathers of four children and residents of Yitzhar in the Shomron.
This is not the first time for either of them: In July 2006, Gruner - whose youngest son is now ten days old - was placed in prison for seven weeks under administrative detention orders generally employed against Arab terrorists. He was then placed under “caravan arrest” in a small Jordan Valley community for three months, followed by a three-month ban on entering Judea and Samaria. In August 2008, HaCohen was banned from the Shomron, where he lives, for four months.
A Third Expellee
Several hours later, Shamni issued similar orders against a third Yitzhar resident, Eliav Eliyahu, 19, who has been married for less than a year.
The official explanation for the latest orders: “Information has been received of their involvement in violent and illegal activity… and in light of the genuine danger foreseen from them to security and public order.” (Read more...)
"Information?" What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?! Where's the "evidence?" Oh, that's right they don't have any, and they don't need any.
MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) criticized what he called the “thought police,” and asked why it is that pro-Arab activists and anarchists in the Bil’in and Naalin protests “who throw rocks at soldiers” never receive such orders.
MK Ben-Ari, I believe have the answer to that. "They" (the Israeli Government) side with Yishme'el (Arabs) and Esau (The West/Christians), and have forsaken the Land of Israel, for they have no connection to it. "They" are Erev Rav.
"They" have no clue and no connection with the Torah, which clearly predicts...
No, we are prevented from fulfilling our destiny, not only to take full possession of the heart of our homeland, but also to reap its benefits.דברים ו
י וְהָיָה כִּי יְבִיאֲךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, אֶל-הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב--לָתֶת לָךְ: עָרִים גְּדֹלֹת וְטֹבֹת, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-בָנִיתָ. יא וּבָתִּים מְלֵאִים כָּל-טוּב, אֲשֶׁר לֹא-מִלֵּאתָ, וּבֹרֹת חֲצוּבִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא-חָצַבְתָּ, כְּרָמִים וְזֵיתִים אֲשֶׁר לֹא-נָטָעְתָּ; וְאָכַלְתָּ, וְשָׂבָעְתָּ.
Deuteronomy 6
10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land which He swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee--great and goodly cities, which thou didst not build, 11 and houses full of all good things, which thou didst not fill, and cisterns hewn out, which thou didst not hew, vineyards and olive-trees, which thou didst not plant, and thou shalt eat and be satisfied--
After living in Binyamin and the Shomron, I can attest to the fact that 100 percent of the olives never get picked. Even if I approved of sharing with the Yishma'elim, which I most certainly do not, there are plenty of olives to go around.
Ideally, Jews would go into the groves in full force, harvest everything, and have an amazing stockpile of organic olive oil for food, medicinal purposes, cosmetics, and for export.
Instead Jews are removed from their homes, families, land, and jobs, while Yishma'elim are given free reign to harvest the olives on our Land, in contradiction to countless sources in Jewish Law.
Ariel at The Torah Revolution has this to say: Just Look At Him.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Shivi Keller In Concert Mossa'ei Shabbath No'ah
3 of the Eighth Month 5770
K'far Tapu'ah combination Melaweh Malkah Concerts have returned!
Shivi Keller kicks the fall season off this Mossa'ei Shabbath at 7:30!
Save room for Yekuti'el's special chollent, the best in the Shomron!
(Click to enlarge)Call 052-7521159 for more information.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Haveil Havalim #239 Is Up!
30 of the Seventh Month 5770
Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival #239 is up at Ima's!
It's the The Post-Chagim Edition.
