While the rest of Israel celebrates Purim this Sunday (the 14th of Adar), Jerusalem celebrates on Monday (the 15th of Adar).
Why?
Well, the easy answer is "because Jerusalem is a walled city from the time of Joshua."
Which is partially right. Jerusalem was a walled city in the time of Joshua, but the walls we see today were built in the 1500s, in the Ottoman Era. From the early 13th century and until the mid-16th century, Jerusalem was not a walled city at all. And indeed, it was unclear to the Jews of that time when they should celebrate Purim.
Rabbi Eshtori Ha-Parchi of the 14th century tells us that when he came to Israel, he was told that in Jerusalem they celebrated on both the 14th and 15th of Adar, as they were uncertain which one they were obligated to keep. Rabbi Eshtori brings an entire Halachik discussion about what should be done, and adds that he wrote his rabbi, Rabbi Matityah in Bet-Shean, to ask him what he should do.
Rabbi Matityah wrote him back: If I would be in Jerusalem on the 14th of Adar, and they would read the Megillah, I would leave the synagogue. Otherwise they could say about me "The fool walketh in darkness" (Ecclesiastes 2, 14). And the same is true for Tiberias.
Rabbi Eshtori finished by saying that Rabbi Matityah is right.
We don't know what changed the minds of the Jews of Jerusalem, but today there is no doubt - and we celebrate Purim in Jerusalem on the 15th of Adar.
See here for an archive of articles about our history in Israel.
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Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Day 4 of the Gaza War 17-Nov-2012
Day 4 of the Gaza War 17-Nov-2012
Refresh your browser often to see latest updates from the IDF "Pillar of Defense" operation against Gaza's Palestinian terror.Now you can LIKE the Muqata on Facebook www.facebook.com/Muqata
Hear every single air raid during the war -- at IDF Public Radio, Gal-Galatz 91.8 FM in Israel or here on the web: http://rr-d.nsacdn.com/radio/glz/glglzradio/300/200
plays current Israeli music, and every single rocket launch and location is announced.
Join us for a new day of reporting at Day 5 of the war...or click on www.muqata.com to go to the top of the blog.
11:50 PM Hamas claims they will have a "dramatic" announcement about Israel during their (ongoing) press conference now. Can hardly wait....
11:32 PM Palestinian sources report that the Gaza Islamic Jihad Commander of Rocket and Artillery, Yaamer Al-Hamari was killed by an IDF targeted air-strike.
11:25 PM I almost feel bad for the Gazans. Hamas internal propaganda tells their people they are "winning" the war....that they knocked down an Israeli F16, that they have bombed the Knesset in Jerusalem, that they have bombed 3 IDF bases....all lies, lies, lies. Reminds me of the same Arab lies from 1948 when during Israel's War of Independence, the Arabs announced they were winning, and the Jews were fleeing...
Refresh your browser often to see latest updates from the IDF "Pillar of Defense" operation against Gaza's Palestinian terror.Now you can LIKE the Muqata on Facebook www.facebook.com/Muqata
Hear every single air raid during the war -- at IDF Public Radio, Gal-Galatz 91.8 FM in Israel or here on the web: http://rr-d.nsacdn.com/radio/glz/glglzradio/300/200
plays current Israeli music, and every single rocket launch and location is announced.
Join us for a new day of reporting at Day 5 of the war...or click on www.muqata.com to go to the top of the blog.
11:50 PM Hamas claims they will have a "dramatic" announcement about Israel during their (ongoing) press conference now. Can hardly wait....
11:32 PM Palestinian sources report that the Gaza Islamic Jihad Commander of Rocket and Artillery, Yaamer Al-Hamari was killed by an IDF targeted air-strike.
11:25 PM I almost feel bad for the Gazans. Hamas internal propaganda tells their people they are "winning" the war....that they knocked down an Israeli F16, that they have bombed the Knesset in Jerusalem, that they have bombed 3 IDF bases....all lies, lies, lies. Reminds me of the same Arab lies from 1948 when during Israel's War of Independence, the Arabs announced they were winning, and the Jews were fleeing...
11:10 PM Before and After picture of the Hamas Parliament Building.
10:58 PM Jameel: The most powerful image in my head from this past Shabbat, was a friend getting an emergency call up message by cellphone in shul/synagogue on Friday night, going over to his father, giving him a hug, and then leaving quickly to the battle front.
10:56 PM In ongoing IAF airstrikes on Hamas terrorists and targets, another terrorist was killed this evening in a targeted, surgical strike in Gaza.
10:51 PM Impressive! Much to Hamas' chagrin...
European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton Friday held Hamas responsible for the Israeli air raids on the Gaza Strip that had so far left 40 Palestinians, including women and children, dead and more than 400 injured, most of them civilians.
Ashton also justified the Israeli airstrikes that started on Wednesday saying in a statement that Israel has the right to protect its population.“The rocket attacks by Hamas and other factions in Gaza which began this current crisis are totally unacceptable for any government and must stop,” said Ashton. (Wafa)
10:48 PM Air Raid Sirens in southern edge of Gaza Strip surrounding communities.
10:42 PM Israel's Prime Minister's Office says there is no truth that Israel is involved in cease fire talks with Hamas.
10:35 PM Photo of Ultra Orthodox Jews helping a woman get away from a GRAD rocket strike. (source)
10:20 PM Unconfirmed: IAF strikes of Hamas leader in Rafiah, reports of 6 wounded.
10:08 PM Lots of reports going out that Israeli delegation on its way to Cairo for cease fire talks.
9:52 PM Hamas holding 22 foreign nationals. Israel keeps Erez checkpoint open for foreigners to leave.
9:46 PM Just because a rocket is shot down doesn't mean the coast is clear. Shrapnel landing in Ashdod. It has caused damage to vehicles and property in Ofakim and other places. This is why people are told to stay in shelters for 10 minutes after sirens stop.
9:42 PM Sirens sounding in S'dot Negev, Sha'ar HaNegev and Eshkol
9:37 PM How much time do you have and what should you do in case of a rocket attack?
9:33 PM Schools remain closed zone 40km around Gaza.
9:15 PM 4 rockets shot down over Netivot and Ofakim.
9:07 PM Sirens now going off in Netivot and Ofakim.
8:57 PM From earlier today, Israeli Border Guards protect Palestinians with their own bodies during rocket attack.
8:37 PM Sirens sounding in Ashdod and Ashkelon, at least 2 rockets knocked down by Iron Dome. Update: 4 rockets.
8:34 PM BREAKING! Iran condemns Israel!
8:30 PM Reports of a targeted strike on a car carrying terrorists in the Gaza strip. More news as it comes out. Earlier the IAF took out Hamas commander Muhamed Galab.
8:22 PM Israeli government in the process of giving out special beepers to hearing impaired to inform them of incoming rocket fire.
8:21 PM Sirens now going off again in the Ashkelon Beach region following rockets landing there about 15 minutes ago.
8:20 PM Back to live blogging.
Shabbat Recap:
5:51 PM Gush Etzion hit on Friday night with 2 rockets.
Hamas targets Tel Aviv on Saturday. Iron Dome intercepts 1.
Ashdod hit. 10 injured.
Army authorized call-up of 75,000 soldiers.
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Tuesday, August 21, 2012
From Facebook: The Two Tzadikkim
Only in Israel - freely translated by Jameel @ The Muqata. (Seen on Facebook yesterday, August 20th, 2012)
A heartwarming scene you don't see every day.
Yesterday on a crowded street in Jerusalem, as I returned to my parked car I saw a young Chareidi (ultra-Orthodox) man,putting coins into the parking meter next to my car. I asked him, "Are you aware that you are putting coins into the parking meter next to my car?" He replied, "Listen, in another second you will get a parking ticket."
And just then, I see that 10 feet away is a municipal parking inspector looking to write tickets.
"Ashrecha!" [May you be blessed] I call out to the young man, yet he was already running ahead to put a coin into every car's parking meter that had expired.
Yet this wasn't the end of the story. The parking inspector -- a bare-headed, stubble-faced, hefty Jerusalem man chased after the young man, caught up to him, and started correcting him. "This car's meter hasn't expired yet and doesn't need any coins." And the two of them continued down the road. I could not contain myself -- I went up to them and said, "You made my day! You are 2 amazing tzaddikim (righteous ones) and may there be more like you in Israel!.
"I am not a righteous person replied the inspector. He is (pointing to the young man). I am just helping him along..."
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A heartwarming scene you don't see every day.
Yesterday on a crowded street in Jerusalem, as I returned to my parked car I saw a young Chareidi (ultra-Orthodox) man,putting coins into the parking meter next to my car. I asked him, "Are you aware that you are putting coins into the parking meter next to my car?" He replied, "Listen, in another second you will get a parking ticket."
And just then, I see that 10 feet away is a municipal parking inspector looking to write tickets.
"Ashrecha!" [May you be blessed] I call out to the young man, yet he was already running ahead to put a coin into every car's parking meter that had expired.
Yet this wasn't the end of the story. The parking inspector -- a bare-headed, stubble-faced, hefty Jerusalem man chased after the young man, caught up to him, and started correcting him. "This car's meter hasn't expired yet and doesn't need any coins." And the two of them continued down the road. I could not contain myself -- I went up to them and said, "You made my day! You are 2 amazing tzaddikim (righteous ones) and may there be more like you in Israel!.
"I am not a righteous person replied the inspector. He is (pointing to the young man). I am just helping him along..."
 |
| From Facebook |
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Monday, August 13, 2012
Dear Hillary, What were you thinking?!
Dear Madame Secretary Mrs. Hillary Clinton,
Shalom from Israel. Pardon my directness, but I was flabbergasted by some of the findings of the USA's State Department's newly published, "International Religious Freedom Report for 2011," regarding religious freedom in Israel. Obviously, it goes without saying that the State Department would find fault with the characteristics of a Jewish State, using the report to scold Israel for a myriad of issues, ranging from the use of halacha for determining conversions to the "discriminatory" nature of Israel's view towards missionaries trying to sway Israel's citizens away from Judaism.
Yet in the State Department's attempt for "completeness," I did not expect the following criticism, which is in direct conflict to the US State Department's worldview on Israel.
The State Department wont let the Jerusalem-born children of US parents, to list Jerusalem, ISRAEL on their US passport for fear of upsetting the Arab world, yet you criticize Israel for not allowing Jews freedom of prayer on the Temple Mount? Does not your worldview understand that allowing Jews to openly pray, freely, on the Temple Mount will release far more anger in the Arab world that writing "Jerusalem, Israel" on a passport, and will cause far more Arab angst than the construction of Jewish homes in the West Bank?
Have you lost your minds -- do you even realize what you have written? Then again, I could be naive in the reading of "non-Muslim" to include, "Jews." I could be mistaken, and your intentions were for non-Muslims, excluding Jews, which would fully match the State Department's policy towards Israel.
While I personally have no issue with Jews openly praying on the Temple Mount, I would appreciate your clarification on the issue.
Respectfully,
Jameel Rashid
The Muqata Blog
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Shalom from Israel. Pardon my directness, but I was flabbergasted by some of the findings of the USA's State Department's newly published, "International Religious Freedom Report for 2011," regarding religious freedom in Israel. Obviously, it goes without saying that the State Department would find fault with the characteristics of a Jewish State, using the report to scold Israel for a myriad of issues, ranging from the use of halacha for determining conversions to the "discriminatory" nature of Israel's view towards missionaries trying to sway Israel's citizens away from Judaism.
Yet in the State Department's attempt for "completeness," I did not expect the following criticism, which is in direct conflict to the US State Department's worldview on Israel.
"The 1967 Protection of Holy Sites Law safeguards the holy sites of all religious groups, including in Jerusalem. All holy sites enjoy certain protections under the penal law, which makes it a criminal offense to damage any holy site, while historic sites are protected by the antiquities law. The government provided resources for the upkeep of holy places of all recognized religious communities, but provided significantly greater levels of government resources to Jewish holy places.Is the State Department out of it's mind? Do you honestly want there to be equal, or even semi-equal time for non-Muslims to pray, or even whisper words of prayer, on the Temple Mount?
A government policy since 1967, repeatedly upheld by the Supreme Court and routinely enforced by the police citing security concerns, denies all non-Muslims opportunities to worship at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif. While the government ensured limited access to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif to everyone regardless of religious beliefs, only Muslims are allowed to pray at the site, although their access has been occasionally restricted due to security concerns. Police regulated traffic in and out of the compound and removed non-Muslim visitors if they appeared to be praying. Since 2000 the Jordanian Waqf that manages the site has restricted non-Muslims from entering the Dome of the Rock shrine and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Non-Muslim religious symbols are not allowed to be worn on the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif."
The State Department wont let the Jerusalem-born children of US parents, to list Jerusalem, ISRAEL on their US passport for fear of upsetting the Arab world, yet you criticize Israel for not allowing Jews freedom of prayer on the Temple Mount? Does not your worldview understand that allowing Jews to openly pray, freely, on the Temple Mount will release far more anger in the Arab world that writing "Jerusalem, Israel" on a passport, and will cause far more Arab angst than the construction of Jewish homes in the West Bank?
Have you lost your minds -- do you even realize what you have written? Then again, I could be naive in the reading of "non-Muslim" to include, "Jews." I could be mistaken, and your intentions were for non-Muslims, excluding Jews, which would fully match the State Department's policy towards Israel.
While I personally have no issue with Jews openly praying on the Temple Mount, I would appreciate your clarification on the issue.
Respectfully,
Jameel Rashid
The Muqata Blog
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Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Monday, July 02, 2012
Find the Historical Errors
Children's paper Otiyot recently ran the following comics, part of a time-travel story series.
It says as follows:
Tel Aviv, end of the 19th century.
Waiter: How's the Hebrew dictionary coming along, Mr. Ben Yehuda?
Ben Yehuda: Fine, Gershon. Do you have an idea for a word to call for help?
There is one factual error and two conceptual errors in this comic.
Can you spot the historical errors?
(click to enlarge)
It says as follows:
Tel Aviv, end of the 19th century.
Waiter: How's the Hebrew dictionary coming along, Mr. Ben Yehuda?
Ben Yehuda: Fine, Gershon. Do you have an idea for a word to call for help?
There is one factual error and two conceptual errors in this comic.
Can you spot the historical errors?
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
American Friends of Peace Now vs. The Jewish People
Next week, a landmark case goes before the Supreme Court in the United States. Despite the attempts of US Congress to recognize Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel, and the resolutions passed requiring the Embassy of the USA to be moved to Jerusalem...the US State Department refuses to print the word "Israel" when followed by the word "Jerusalem."
A US Citizen born in Jerusalem will not have his US Report of Birth indicate "Jerusalem, Israel", rather the country-less, "Jerusalem." Even sadder, the Obama White House webpage removed all references to "Jerusalem, Israel" and replaced them with the single word, "Jerusalem".
And now...the "American Friends of Peace Now" have decided to join the fray. They have asked to join the case next week, siding with the US State Department, insisting that Jerusalem NOT be recognized as the capital of Israel.
When the psalmist wrote, "If I forget Jerusalem, let my right hand lose its strength," I wonder if he ever thought that Jews would be demanding that the Supreme Court of the United States deny the connection between Israel and its capital city, Jerusalem.
I guess there's a reason they are called, "leftists."
Haaretz:
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A US Citizen born in Jerusalem will not have his US Report of Birth indicate "Jerusalem, Israel", rather the country-less, "Jerusalem." Even sadder, the Obama White House webpage removed all references to "Jerusalem, Israel" and replaced them with the single word, "Jerusalem".
And now...the "American Friends of Peace Now" have decided to join the fray. They have asked to join the case next week, siding with the US State Department, insisting that Jerusalem NOT be recognized as the capital of Israel.
When the psalmist wrote, "If I forget Jerusalem, let my right hand lose its strength," I wonder if he ever thought that Jews would be demanding that the Supreme Court of the United States deny the connection between Israel and its capital city, Jerusalem.
I guess there's a reason they are called, "leftists."
Haaretz:
Americans for Peace Now, the U.S. partner of Israel’s leftist Peace Now organization, has filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court in order to oppose listing “Israel” as home country in the passports of those born in Jerusalem.
Since Israel’s founding, the American government has not recognized any sovereignty over Jerusalem, be it Israel, Palestinian or Jordanian. As part of this policy, the U.S. embassy to Israel was established in Tel Aviv, despite a law passed in Congress, calling for the embassy to be moved to Jerusalem.
Furthermore, in passports of Jerusalem-born American citizens, the name of the city appears without any reference to a home country. On the other hand, passports of Tel Aviv-born citizens read “Tel Aviv, Israel”.
In 2002, Congress passed a law which states that any American citizen born in Jerusalem who makes a special request is able to request that “Israel” be written as their country of birth. Former President George W. Bush did not follow the law, stating that the law interferes with the president’s constitutional authority to “conduct the nation’s foreign affairs and to supervise the unitary executive branch.”
On the other hand, the law does not allow Palestinian residents of Jerusalem to list “Palestine” in their passports, despite regulations which allow Palestinians born in East Jerusalem before 1948 to list “Palestine”, with no reference to Jerusalem (Palestine was considered an official sovereign entity before the founding of the state of Israel).
Three months after the law passed, Menachem Zivotofsky was born in Jerusalem. His parents, both of whom are American citizens, requested his passport to list Israel as the country of birth. When the U.S. embassy refused, the family appealed to the U.S. Federal Court. A federal judge rejected the appeal, stating that the matter was a “political matter”.
The family refused to give up, and decided to appeal to the Supreme Court, which will decide next week on which authority is responsible for recognition of the sovereignty of foreign countries.
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Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Jerusalem Light Rail Attacked by Firebomb and Rocks
Amidst all the hoopla of the opening of Jerusalem's new "light rail" public transportation, the train has already been subject to Palestinian attacks.
Although the train system was planned to go via all neighborhoods in Jerusalem (Jewish and Arab, alike), the train has already been subject to attacks -- Palestinians have thrown rocks and a firebomb at the train yesterday (Monday). No injuries were reported, but according to one of the train workers, damage was caused to some of the train cars. Train service only started this past Friday...
The train operator has stressed that all the trains' windows are rock and shatter-proof. It's unfortunate that Jerusalem's public train even needs rock proof windows, yet its a sign of the times of potential Arab violence.
Personally, I'm much more concerned about security on the trains, but lets hope that doesn't also become an issue.
Read here.
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Photo Roundup of Naqba Celebrations
Photo Roundup of the Arab Naqba Celebrations in Jerusalem on Saturday, May 14th.
Photo's sourced from rotter.net.
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Photo's sourced from rotter.net.
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Non-Jew Actualizes Legal Right: Takes Chametz from Jerusalem Jews
In an (almost?) unprecedented incident, the non-Jewish "chametz" owner of the Jerusalem Neighborhood Ramat Shlomo decided hours before Pesach to actualize his legal right, and take possession of all the chametz he purchased. Actually, he didn't even purchase it -- it was given to him as a present...Kikar Shabbat reports that days before Pesach, Rabbi Simcha Rabinowitz from the "Mishkenot Yaakov" synagogue community announced that he was setting aside a special room in the synagogue for everyone to put their chametz. [Normally, Jews sell their chametz/unleavened products for the period of Passover, and buy it back after the holiday is over...yet this story takes a different twist.]
The rabbi explained that it is better not to sell actual "chametz" to a non-Jew, but to give it to them as a present. If the non-Jew doesn't actualize ownership over Passover, then after Pesach, one can re-take ownership, and this is considered "much better" (mehadrin) than selling chametz to a non-Jew.
Dozens of people decided to use this "better" option and transferred tens of thousands of dollars worth of whiskey and leavened bread products to the room allocated by the Rabbi...all assuming they would retake ownership of it, after Pesach.
However, much to their dismay, hours before the holiday the person showed up and happily claimed his present in front of all. He cleared out the room of the whiskey and alcoholic drinks, as well as expensive baby carriages (worth thousands of NIS) that the owners didn't clean for Passover -- and had placed in the room...
The owner disappeared, leaving an empty room in the "Mishkenot Yaakov" synagogue. (source)
Mehadrin!
Hope you're enjoying your Pesach...
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Photo Gallery: Israel of Yesterday
Found this amazing collection of photos of Israel from the 1960s (source)
Building the Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Jerusalem...Can you guess the area? (mystery 1)
Building the Knesset, Jerusalem.
Note the tiny sign on the right...today, it would have a massive sign...
Nachlaot, Jerusalem
Maabarot - Talpiyot, Jerusalem
Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
Mamila, Jerusalem
Nachlaot, Jerusalem
Machaneh Yehuda, Jerusalem
Tel Aviv
Entrance to Jerusalem on Highway 1, near Givat Shaul
Meah Shearim, Jerusalem (nothing ever changes there...)
Shaar HaAshpot,
the Dung Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem
Binyanei HaUma, Jerusalem
Kiryat HaYovel, Jerusalem
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Machaneh Yehuda, Jerusalem
Building the Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Jerusalem...Can you guess the area? (mystery 1)
Building the Knesset, Jerusalem. Note the tiny sign on the right...today, it would have a massive sign...
Nachlaot, Jerusalem
Maabarot - Talpiyot, Jerusalem
Kings Hotel, Jerusalem
Mamila, Jerusalem
Nachlaot, Jerusalem
Machaneh Yehuda, Jerusalem
Tel Aviv
Entrance to Jerusalem on Highway 1, near Givat Shaul
Meah Shearim, Jerusalem (nothing ever changes there...)
Shaar HaAshpot,the Dung Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem
Binyanei HaUma, Jerusalem
Kiryat HaYovel, Jerusalem
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Tuesday, February 08, 2011
One Click Could Seriously Help Jerusalem's Homeless
Got the following letter last week:
Hi Jameel,
My name is Dovid Levine, I am a second-year Logistics student at Bar-Ilan University.
I have been slowly trying for the last year to lay the groundwork to start a homeless shelter - the only homeless shelter in Jerusalem. Although progress has been slow, last week I entered a contest run by Dell and University of Texas at Austin to win where students can win $50000 for their life-changing ideas. In order to guarantee a spot in the second round, we need to place in the top ten most voted ideas. Additionally if we place #1, we get $1000 regardless of future placement.
I know this is an unorthodox request, but I was wondering if there was a way to contact your readers and ask them to vote for us. [A simple link with instructions is here]
I understand the hesitations you might have to do this, after all, you don't know me. However, our cause is just, and we could do immeasurable good to Jerusalem if we can get the funding we need...
He's right. I don't really know him, but I replied back and forth with him...and he's on the level. He's not only contacting me, but doing his best to really get the word out, contacting other bloggers, the media, and any possible way to get publicity to win the contest for this extremely important cause. The JPost has written him up as well:
OK, it's slightly more than one click, but aren't the homeless of Jerusalem worth it?
Click here to make a difference!
Pass it on!
--Jameel
I have been slowly trying for the last year to lay the groundwork to start a homeless shelter - the only homeless shelter in Jerusalem. Although progress has been slow, last week I entered a contest run by Dell and University of Texas at Austin to win where students can win $50000 for their life-changing ideas. In order to guarantee a spot in the second round, we need to place in the top ten most voted ideas. Additionally if we place #1, we get $1000 regardless of future placement.
I know this is an unorthodox request, but I was wondering if there was a way to contact your readers and ask them to vote for us. [A simple link with instructions is here]
I understand the hesitations you might have to do this, after all, you don't know me. However, our cause is just, and we could do immeasurable good to Jerusalem if we can get the funding we need...
He's right. I don't really know him, but I replied back and forth with him...and he's on the level. He's not only contacting me, but doing his best to really get the word out, contacting other bloggers, the media, and any possible way to get publicity to win the contest for this extremely important cause. The JPost has written him up as well:
Levine has entered Matzav in the Dell Social Innovation Competition, a joint effort between The University of Texas at Austin, an international search for university students "with innovative ideas to solve a social or environmental problem," with a cash prize of over $100,000 to at least five winning teams.And here's a heart warming post from blog friend Ruti about this project as well. Do the right thing -- a simple click of your mouse could seriously help Jerusalem's Homeless.
Matzav is the only Israeli idea in the top twenty, ranking at fourth place in early February, but Levine calls for action over this idea. The more votes the idea gets, the more likely it is to win the grant.
"People are always looking for ways to give back and help those in need. This is one of the few times where it's effortless," Levine told The Jerusalem Post. "By winning this contest, we will be able to start the process of creating a homeless shelter in Jerusalem, something that is sorely lacking.
"I first got exposed to the issue of homelessness when I came to Israeli in tenth grade [on the Jewish Agency's Naale Elite Academy Program]," Levine says, adding that growing up in suburban New Jersey, he had never been "exposed to such high levels of homelessness and poverty as in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem."
"I couldn't understand how so many people suffered such a predicament and why not nearly enough was being done to help," he explained. "Current solutions, I think, are merely treating the symptoms and not the underlying issues, much like this country's over-reliance on Acamol."
Levine explained that there are very few homeless shelters in Israel, a fact that he credits to Israel's Housing Assistance laws, which give those who have been on the street for over 30 days and suffer from mental illness to receive a place to live. JPost
OK, it's slightly more than one click, but aren't the homeless of Jerusalem worth it?
Click here to make a difference!
Pass it on!
--Jameel
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Sunday, January 16, 2011
Israeli Arab Leader Demands: Remove Old City Mezuzot
NRG Reports today:The Israeli Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement, led by Sheikh Raed Salah, is now demanding the removal of all "Mezuzot"** on the gates of Jerusalem's Old City.On a personal note, I remember the first time I passed through Sha'ar Yaffo -- the Jaffa Gate, and saw the large mezuza on the gate. Nothing is more appropriate than a Mezuzah on the gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.
According to the movement, the mezuzot are an attempt to Judaize the "Arab heritage" of the Old City.
In a statement issued by the movement, it stated that during a patrol in the Old City, they saw mezuzot on the various gates, and Jews touching the mezuzot as they passed through the gates.
"This is a disgusting attempt to Judaize the Arab and Islamic heritage of
the Old City," the statement said, "and all the relevant Islamic institutions
are called up to to act quickly to remove the mezuzot."
Mahmoud Abu Atta, spokesman for the institution "Mossad Al-Aqsa" said that
he sees these mezuzahs "as continued attempts to Judaize the Old City. A Mezuzah
is put on the door of a Jewish home yet this [the Old City of Jerusalem] is an
Arab city."
It should be noted that the Adalah organization, a key New Israel Fund grantee in the Israeli-Arab sector, expresses support for Sheik Raed Salah. (JewishWeek)
What could be more appropriate for a "New Israel," than the Old City of Jerusalem, without any mezuzot?
**A mezuzah (Hebrew: מְזוּזָה "doorpost") (plural: mezuzot (מְזוּזוֹת)) is a piece of parchment (often contained in a decorative case) inscribed with specified Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21). These verses comprise the Jewish prayer "Shema Yisrael", beginning with the phrase: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One" (wikipedia)
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Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Offensive Sign in Jerusalem (Photo of the day)
The following new "offensive" sign in Jerusalem has been making the rounds...
hat-tip: MP of Modiin.
For those who fail to appreciate the sign, it's in response to these:
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Translation: Passage to men on this road,
is in MODEST DRESS ONLY.
(Women feel free [to dress as you wish])
is in MODEST DRESS ONLY.
(Women feel free [to dress as you wish])
hat-tip: MP of Modiin.
For those who fail to appreciate the sign, it's in response to these:
Get a Free Phone when you visit Israel!
Ask your travel agent for details, or click here to learn more.
Ask your travel agent for details, or click here to learn more.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Monday, September 06, 2010
Echoes of a Shofar in Jerusalem
80 years ago, at the end of Yom Kippur's Neilah (closing) service at the Kotel, 26 year old Moshe Segal blew the shofar. He was promptly arrested and taken to jail, still fasting. He was only released when Rav Kook, the Chief Rabbi, interceded later that night.
What was his crime?
In the aftermath of the Arab riots throughout Palestine in 1929, the British convened a commission of inquiry to investigate the cause of the unrest. The Shaw Commission's recommendations granted the Arabs absolute ownership of the Western Wall and adjacent property. Jews were forbidden to bring Torah scrolls to the Kotel, to pray loudly, or to blow the Shofar, so as not to offend the Arab population.
Despite this restriction, for the next seventeen years, the shofar was sounded at the Kotel every Yom Kippur. Shofars were smuggled in to the Kotel where brave teenagers defiantly blew them at the conclusion of the fast. Some managed to get away - others were captured and sent to jail for up to six months.
Six of these men are still alive.
Two weeks ago, these six men returned to the scene of their "crime". Armed with shofars, they recounted their individual stories and blew shofar again at the Kotel.
Their powerful and inspiring story is told in Echoes of a Shofar, the first installment in the "Eyewitness 1948" short film series produced by Toldot Yisrael and the History Channel. It is the centerpiece of an educational pilot program being developed with The iCenter and made possible through the generous support of the Jim Joseph Foundation.
Toldot Yisrael is a Jerusalem based nonprofit dedicated to recording and sharing the firsthand testimonies of the men and women who helped found the State of Israel. Over 300 video interviews have been conducted with those who were involved during the pre-State struggle and the momentous events of 1948. Our aim is to conduct hundreds more over the next several years – while it is still possible. The Eyewitness 1948 series will present stories that address the heroism of the era as well as the complex moral dilemmas confronted as the young nation battled for its existence. Toldot Yisrael’s footage will serve as primary source materials for the Israel Education curriculum, bringing to life the founding of the State of Israel for today’s young Jews.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
What was his crime?
In the aftermath of the Arab riots throughout Palestine in 1929, the British convened a commission of inquiry to investigate the cause of the unrest. The Shaw Commission's recommendations granted the Arabs absolute ownership of the Western Wall and adjacent property. Jews were forbidden to bring Torah scrolls to the Kotel, to pray loudly, or to blow the Shofar, so as not to offend the Arab population.
Despite this restriction, for the next seventeen years, the shofar was sounded at the Kotel every Yom Kippur. Shofars were smuggled in to the Kotel where brave teenagers defiantly blew them at the conclusion of the fast. Some managed to get away - others were captured and sent to jail for up to six months.
Six of these men are still alive.
Two weeks ago, these six men returned to the scene of their "crime". Armed with shofars, they recounted their individual stories and blew shofar again at the Kotel.
Their powerful and inspiring story is told in Echoes of a Shofar, the first installment in the "Eyewitness 1948" short film series produced by Toldot Yisrael and the History Channel. It is the centerpiece of an educational pilot program being developed with The iCenter and made possible through the generous support of the Jim Joseph Foundation.
Toldot Yisrael is a Jerusalem based nonprofit dedicated to recording and sharing the firsthand testimonies of the men and women who helped found the State of Israel. Over 300 video interviews have been conducted with those who were involved during the pre-State struggle and the momentous events of 1948. Our aim is to conduct hundreds more over the next several years – while it is still possible. The Eyewitness 1948 series will present stories that address the heroism of the era as well as the complex moral dilemmas confronted as the young nation battled for its existence. Toldot Yisrael’s footage will serve as primary source materials for the Israel Education curriculum, bringing to life the founding of the State of Israel for today’s young Jews.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Renewed Israel Museum
Last week we visited the Israel Museum. They’re rebranding it as the Renewed Israel Museum because of all the changes made to it, both in terms of physical structure and content. It's not quite finished yet, but its getting there.
Overall, I give it two thumbs up.
I like the new layout. I like the tunnel. I like the Judaica and Archeology sections. The Second Temple Model (formerly at the Holy Land Hotel) was great (could use more shade though). And the Shrine of the Book (along with its Aleppo Codex exhibit) is always fascinating.
I think they made the museum less crowded with fewer individual pieces of art and history on display, but they chose the more interesting pieces and organized them better. It’s certainly roomier than I remember.
The (dairy) restaurants were good. No meat restaurants though.
I couldn’t stand their Modern Art exhibits.
I have no patience for what they want to call Modern Art. It’s idiotic. Feel free to disagree, but a mobile of hanging musical instruments, or videos of what could just as easily be fillers on MTV or PBS just doesn’t do it for me.
My kids couldn't stop laughing at the "Modern Art" videos - and that alone tells you the level that stuff is at.
Point of information: Guards do not appreciate it when children try to play the hanging instruments.
What I did like about the Modern Art section is they finally took out that super-annoying audio recording of the guy screaming “Shabbos”. I found it so offensive and annoying to hear that any time you walked near that section.
The classical arts section was fine.
Point of information: Guards do not appreciate it when children are holding cups of water in their hands in this section.
In the archeology section, I kept the kids busy by having them look for the dead bodies. They found them.
Point of information: Guards do not appreciate it when children try to look inside the ossuaries.
If you haven't realized it yet, if you’re going with kids, make sure the Renewed Israel Museum is having activities in the youth wing that day. My kids spent hours there doing art projects. During the summer they also have kid’s art projects outside on certain days.
Overall, well worth the visit - especially with kids. My kids were fascinated with every room we visited, and we hung up the paintings they made on our walls at home.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
Overall, I give it two thumbs up.
I like the new layout. I like the tunnel. I like the Judaica and Archeology sections. The Second Temple Model (formerly at the Holy Land Hotel) was great (could use more shade though). And the Shrine of the Book (along with its Aleppo Codex exhibit) is always fascinating.
I think they made the museum less crowded with fewer individual pieces of art and history on display, but they chose the more interesting pieces and organized them better. It’s certainly roomier than I remember.
The (dairy) restaurants were good. No meat restaurants though.
I couldn’t stand their Modern Art exhibits.
I have no patience for what they want to call Modern Art. It’s idiotic. Feel free to disagree, but a mobile of hanging musical instruments, or videos of what could just as easily be fillers on MTV or PBS just doesn’t do it for me.
My kids couldn't stop laughing at the "Modern Art" videos - and that alone tells you the level that stuff is at.
Point of information: Guards do not appreciate it when children try to play the hanging instruments.
What I did like about the Modern Art section is they finally took out that super-annoying audio recording of the guy screaming “Shabbos”. I found it so offensive and annoying to hear that any time you walked near that section.
The classical arts section was fine.
Point of information: Guards do not appreciate it when children are holding cups of water in their hands in this section.
In the archeology section, I kept the kids busy by having them look for the dead bodies. They found them.
Point of information: Guards do not appreciate it when children try to look inside the ossuaries.
If you haven't realized it yet, if you’re going with kids, make sure the Renewed Israel Museum is having activities in the youth wing that day. My kids spent hours there doing art projects. During the summer they also have kid’s art projects outside on certain days.
Overall, well worth the visit - especially with kids. My kids were fascinated with every room we visited, and we hung up the paintings they made on our walls at home.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
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