YoYoLand

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When I was growing up in New York City they invented a station with the slogan "Ten Ten WINS New York - All the news, all the time" [old timers - like me - may fondly remember Jay Bushinsky, who brought us the Six Day War. We now hear about Aviv Bushinsky who has gone into the family business. But I digress.]

Back in mid-century America, all news was a novelty. You didn't have to wait for the on the hour broadcast to be informed or hear the weather report. But I didn't know anybody who listened only to WINS 1010.

Then I came to Israel. Everyone is listening to the news all the time.
And now that we have television (not to mention cable, which, mercifully, we don't have) not only can you hear the news all the time, you can hear it from many different people all the time. In fact for the last few weeks we have been overwhelmed by news.

It has gotten to the point where 'they' think they are thinking for us.
'They' are telling us how we feel.
And 'they' are interviewing everybody and their mother.
Lots of mothers.
"How does it feel to be the the mother of a soldier?"

Flip the channel and ten minutes later there is a mother of three soldiers answering questions about how it feels to be a mother of 3 soldiers (two reservists waiting to be called up) who just returned from a trip to pastoral Peru and found her son involved in the ground war.

(If you think I'm making this up, I'm not. I'm not that creative.)

'They' called me on Friday and wanted me to go somewhere and be filmed for a piece on mothers of religious soldiers. I told them no. I will not add to the madness.

May God send all our soldiers strength and wisdom to overcome our enemies.
Amen

Shavua tov

lovely Shabbat here

Shavua Tov

details on shiloh musings

sorry

I've been deleting most of my mail, so I hope that nobody is offended. I just can't deal with the hundreds I find.

Kosher Eating in NY

I've been having a yummy time here.

NY is the second best kosher restaurant scene, after Jerusalem, of course.

First of all, in my parent's town of Great Neck, LI, there are more kosher restaurants than there used to be shomer shabbat families in the '60's.

My mother gets a lot of food from Mazer's which is actually in Little Neck. She wishes that they'd deliver. They are a kosher supermarket with a meat restaurant and lots of prepared foods for sale. Everything's delicious.

In Great Neck on Middleneck Rd. there's "Shish Kabob." Food's fine, but the acoustics are awful, since it's all marble and glass and mirrors. I treated the clan, my parents, d#3, sister and her two kids for an early dinner on Monday.

Today I lunched on my favorite Hagen Daz, mint-chip and dulce de la leche in Penn Station.

I had lunch the other day at that big dairy place on broadway.

Last night my cousin and I were at the Jewish Museum and had their "oriental fish," which was nice. The night before another cousin and I were on the west side and had fish at "Nargila," formerly Dougies. There should have had been side dishes which were in the menu, but...

The other day my parents and I met at something called "Dairy Queen" (I think that's it) in the Lake Success shopping center. It's next to a meat place where there used to be the Singer Sewing Machine store.

That's it for the first week, even less, in NY.

But the best food will be this Shabbat at my sister-in-law's!! For that you need protexia!

Remind me! Please, to walk!

Yes, darlings, it's me! I'm writing from my sister-in-law's. Now it's raining, but it wasn't when I had to get from Penn Station to Grand Central. I figured I ought to "nurse" my basketball injury, my sore foot, so instead of walking crosstown and uptown, I'd take the subway. I remembered that the shuttle was either closer to the 7th or 8th avenue trains and that last time, I had guessed wrong, so I figured it was closer to the 8th, since I got off the LIRR at the 7th, and walked that long block to the 8th, but, my luck, I guessed wrong again. It was the 7th, so I had to rewalk it and a few other underground miles, until I found the shuttle and then another distance until I found Grand Central. I should have just gone out and walked on the street; it wouldn't' have been any worse. Please remind me next time. shabbat shalom!

just checking in

no graphics here

I'm in NYC, saw the Trump Prk, helped my friend find fabrics for a wdding.
It's strange being in NY during the war; I wish I was home. I haven't checked my mail; there are 330, and Ithat's only yahho.

Can't get used to this keyboard; I haven't blogged since last Sunday.

There's nothing to buy here. My aim is to see lots of friends and relatives. I'm using a cellphone which makes life easier.

News is awful.

People are concerned, but go on with their lives; same all over.

The Donkey

I was forwarded this little story today and thought I'd share it with you, it has a nice moral to it:

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick togetting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Operation: Operation

My 15 1/2 year old baby underwent minor surgery at Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel in Petach Tikva yesterday. The center is very cheerfully decorated and the staff go out of their way to be child friendly. They patiently explain everything so that the fear of the unknown doesn't overwhelm both children and parents. They allow (actually at some stages of the treatment require) a parent to stay close to the child. All in all it was as positive an experience as an operation can be.

The child in the next bed was from Kfar Giladi, a kibbutz in the north, near Kiryat Shmoneh, and his parents were anxious to get home again.

The experience was a bit surealistic in other ways. The war news was not good, not on the military front and not from homefront. All day long my phone was ringing with calls from my other kids checking on how our girl was doing and checking up on what the others were doing.

One of my sons is involved in the fighting. At lunch time my husband called to find out how our daughter was holding up. He also told me that he received a call at home from a mother of one of the soldiers in our son's unit telling us that they were alright. Later on we heard that there were a score of soldiers injured and nine killed. One of them was my son's commander. May his memory be blessed and bless us.

My daughter and I are home now. Some of my children are attending funerals, others will be going off later.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a boring day?

Rejected Invitations

As I've mentioned, various neighbors are hosting family members who have fled their bombed cities. As a community, we organized and offered to host strangers, too. At least at this point, the group invitation has been rejected.

Maybe if the war continues people will be more willing to come to Shiloh, which is a lovely place "in the mountains" with a swimming pool and other sports facilities.

Since I'm traveling, we didn't sign up.

G-d willing, the war will soon be over, and Israel will be victorious and the captured soldiers will be returned safely to their homes and the injured healed...

Here are the washing machine instructions

Here are the instructions I left. The machine has delicate cycles, too, but I don't think they'll be needed for "men's clothes." I didn't include army uniforms, but they're done like "dirty dark work clothes." My machine is European, which heats up its own water, and as you see I have full flexibility in heat and length of cycle. I like it better than the American machines.

always make sure the door is closed
repairman's number is on machine, add missing digit (it's an old sticker, and they added another digit to the cell numbers here)

your underwear (not socks), towels, and boys' white underwear, white socks and filthy white t shirts all go together
#1 (pre-wash), soap in both places, 70 degrees

most everything else 30 degrees
separate by color

dirty dark work clothes and heavy dark socks, and your dark socks can be done in a #1 but 30 degrees, machine should be "not stuffed"

sheets, shirts etc, 30 degrees "colored wash", if they seem very dirty, then #2 white wash, soap in the right side of soap container

don't over-stuff machine
bad for machine and wash doesn't come out clean

if very little in drum, then press "economy wash" button

remember to keep machine off when not in use

always check that door is shut

Not the last post, but...

I still have lots to do before going to New York.

First, a reminder, I won't have much computer access. There will be days without any at all. I didn't borrow a computer for this visit. I hope the emails won't overwhelm me when I do "check in." So if you're among those who "forward" articles, please don't.

I've arranged for friends to guest-blog, so there should be new posts on me-ander and Shiloh Musings. Keep checking.

Sarah has also volunteered to host the next Kosher Cooking Carnival. So send her your recipes.

I hope to meet whomever I can, especially at the August 1 One Year after Disengagement AFSI event.

Pray for the wounded and kidnapped here in Israel. Pray that the government and army will get some "seichel," common sense.

Shavua Tov, Shavua yoter Tov, a better week!
G-d willing, but it's up to us!

What's the most difficult machine to figure out?

Well, it depends on whether you're a man or a woman!



I was telling a good friend a little while ago that I had just instructed one of the "men of the house" in how to use the washing machine. Now, in all honesty, you'd think that someone who has been showing me the ins and outs of my new digital camera should be able to figure out a simple washing machine. I'd think so.

Compare how many basic cycles in the washing machine? Two, or three, with only two or three other factors at most. Honestly, what's the big deal. Do you know how many "functions" my camera has?

For some reason, even the most mechanical men find washing machines beyond their comprehension, while women can figure anything out.

Why else would office managers be women? Who else can figure out how to get the paper out which was stuck in the photocopy machine? What other employee can learn the quirks of the various machinery and know when it's time to call the technician instead of taking it apart on one's own?

And yes, I'll figure out the camera. Just give me a little time.

from the first batch of pictures

Yes, I bought a camera, the Canon 620. It's 7 pixels, I think, so the mess comes out much too clearly. Let's see who can recognize all the people in the pictures, including the ones on the walls!

I also used it while I was waiting for a ride home. It was one of those typical "tremping" days.
Since the 473 doesn't come into Shiloh in the morning anymore, I went down for a ride, without really thinking about the time. Immediately I had a ride out to a place my cousin could meet me. Then later, to go home, I immediately, before she was even on her way home, got a ride to Eli, got off at the "road," and there was a bullet-proof moetza (from our local council) bus which dropped me off at the Shiloh junction, where I waited and waited and waited and took a pictures of the guards and waited some more until I finally got a ride home.

Herman's Hermits Present the Henry the 8th

KOSHER COOKING CARNIVAL!

Yes, there's a war going on, but we still have to eat. But I must admit that with all the "war-blogging" and increase in emails to answer, I really haven't spent my usual time preparing this edition. My apologies! But don't worry! You won't starve! Lots of bloggers have sent in their yummy recipes and that includes some completely new to me.

I had some additional problems due to the war. Yes, due to the war, since we use Netvision which is in Haifa, and Haifa has been bombed. There have also been major electrical problems. And you shouldn't worry if you don't hear much from me the next few weeks, since I'll be traveling, G-d willing, on Sunday to a computerless environment.

The good news is that Sarah has volunteered for a repeat appearance as KCC hostess and will do the 9th edition, and newcomer, elf will be hosting the 10th. So please send your recipes for the August edition to Sarah, sarahsviewblog at yahoo dot com dot au Thanks Sarah and elf!!

Here are the previous KCC's, the 7th, the 6th, the 5th, the 4th, the 3rd, the 2nd and the 1st.

Let's start with a great recipe from my friend Miriam; I'm sure that you'll love it:
Pineapple-Chicken Stir Fry

(4 servings)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups matzoh meal
salt and pepper
1 can pineapple chunks (not crushed or sliced) in 100% pineapple juice
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 tablespoon honey
3 chicken breasts
2 onions
1 green bell pepper
vegetable oil


Prepare the chicken: Mix the matzoh meal with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This is going to be used to coat the chicken. Place the mixture in a large plastic ziplock bag. Take the 3 chicken breasts, trim and cut up into bite-sized pieces. If you are thawing out frozen chicken, this can be done while they are still slightly frozen. Add the chicken to the matzoh meal mixture in the plastic bag. Shake well to coat the chicken with the batter. Store in refrigerator for 15 minutes.

NOTE: There are various strategies for improving adhesion of batter to chicken. You can first dip the chicken in beaten or whipped eggs. From what I've read, it is the egg proteins, not the icky stickiness of the egg, that helps bind the matzoh meal to the chicken. Egg powder (powdered eggs) may do the trick as well.

Make the sauce: Drain the pineapple juice from the can into a small bowl. Add corn starch and honey. Stir well with a whisk.

Prep the Veggies: Chop the onions and peppers into bite-size pieces.

Cook: In a large frying pan, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil to 350 degrees. When it is fully heated, add the battered chicken. Carefully. Cover for three to four minutes. Uncover and turn the chicken over. (Spatula and tongs recommended.) Fry for three to four more minutes. Chicken should now be cooked through and golden-brown on all sides. Remove chicken and place on a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Add the onions and peppers to the frying pan. Sauté until tender. Lower heat to a simmer. Add the chicken back into the pan. Stir the sauce and pour over everything. Add the pineapples. Stir thoroughly. Allow to simmer about five minutes. Serve.

Serving suggestion: Goes well over couscous. Add a side of corn-on-the-cob.

For something just perfect for summer, try Eddy's Cold Sour Cherry Soup from the Gantseh Megillah.

More summer recipes from the OU's Shabbat Shalom.

Here's something that almost anyone can eat, regardless of dietary restrictions. Tanya Patrice presents: Amys Indian Mattar Tofu .

See what meatless dishes elf recommends for the 9 days and any other time you don't want meat. While you're at it, try her brownies.

Did you ever wonder how Sarah manages to do so much? Well here's her advice about convenient cooking. And how much do you really have to serve?

Here's My best Kidush by Frum Satire: The Rantings of A Frum Yid With A Warped Perspective.
And if you need some more ordinary cooking advice, how do you peel hard-boiled eggs?
I have a question for you: When is it time to throw out that old enamel pan?
Life of Rubin shows us some great pictures with delicious food.
And talking about delicious food, have you ever had such restaurant experiences?
AbbaGav asks a very interesting question, and Presence writes about the "Is whiskey kosher?" question.
And the Renagade Kosher shows us how to cook a kosher version of Philly Cheesesteaks! And while you're there, check out his instructions, advice about knives. It's not specifically kosher, like for shechita, but sure answers questions I had.

Read these yummy posts from Tall Latte, filled with coffee-making instructions, deep thoughts and perfect salmon for Shabbat. And I have a question: How did she know that I'm addicted to mint? She has a question, too: Do the Swiss Eat Swiss Chard?

The Kosher Cooking Carnival appears monthly, after the third Thursday of the month. For the 9th KCC, you can send your links directly to Sarah at sarahsviewblog at yahoo dot com dot au. Remember that Sarah is also guest-blogging here.

Please be sure to announce the carnival in your blogs; that way everyone gets more visitors.

You can also routinely send me all of your food links, whenever you post something that could be in the Kosher Cooking Carnival. Either send to shilohmuse at gmail dot com or via Conservative Cat's handy form or the blog carnival one, and at the same time you may discover other carnivals to visit and enter...

strange yahoo

Ol' trusted yahoo is having trouble! I can't check my mail. That's a real problem. I wonder if anyone else is finding them (bad pun, not intended) problematic.

The rest of KCC are waiting there. Also the computer is slow this morning, so I've done extra virus checks and emptied cookies, sounds yummy and all that.

And I'm really trying to stay calm....

In good hands

My trip to NY is getting closer, and I don't feel ready, but I never do before going. Some of it is technical. I just have too much to do. And I didn't do it, and I don't know when I can. Life gets so complicated.

I still have to do my "travel insurance" and pick up some medication for my mother. I was in the pharmacy, and as usual they didn't have the full quantity. That' what happens when I'm buying for three months or so.

The more I go, the less I put into the gifts to bring. Years ago I made such an effort to buy special things for all sorts of relatives. My list has shrunk, partially because so many on the original list are dead already. Remember we made aliyah in 1970, long before most of you bloggers were born. Now I bring just a few minimal things, and this year even less, since it's my 4th visit in a year, OK 13 months. Last summer I brought everyone fancy soaps that my neighbors make. I'll reveal this summer's gift once I'm home. Some people actually both know me and read the blog.

I guess I ought to give washing machine lessons to the men in the family who will have to do their own wash for a few weeks.

And at least I've left this blog in good hands. Isramom and Sarah have both blogged here already, and I'm sure you agree that me-ander will be even better than usual.

I'm not gone yet, still have to finish Kosher Cooking Carnival, and there's Shabbat and then......

So Close Yet So Far

The title of this post is how I have been feeling the past week (or so).

Close because of the incredible unity that has been shown by Jewish people, around the world, coming together to support Israel.
Close because of live coverage and updates by dedicated bloggers and others.
Close because it is our people, relatives, friends, being bombarded and hurt.
Close because it is our land, the cities that we have learnt about in Tanach (Bible), the places that many of have visited or lived, have a connection with.
Close because we can feel the pain and my heart goes out to those who are suffering.

But far because of the physical distance.
Far because I can't be there to give proper support.
Far because I feel helpless here.
Far because of the different culture here, a secular society.
Far because there is so much we need to do to improve the situation.
Far because it's our home and we're not there.

For those who can't pick up and go there, we are doing what we can to help from our distant shores. That may be a rally to show support, saying extra Tehillim (prayers) or publicizing things we can do and where people can find news and information about Israel.
Ahavat Chinam (unconditional love for our brethren and mankind) was one of the messages of the Rav who spoke at a communal Tehillim (prayer) session that I went to earlier. The pain and anguish of one is the pain and anguish of Klal Yisrael yet the joy and happiness of one is also the joy and happiness of Klal Yisrael. As a united people, everything is shared therefore we have a responsibility to help our fellow brethren.
Do what you can to ease suffering, not only of those in Israel but of those close to you, in your community, in your circle of friends, your family. Every little selfless, positive action counts. Actions of unconditional kindness, especially during this time of the Three Weeks, really do help make a difference and will hopefully bring peace and complete redemption very, very soon.

Wherever I am, my blogs think about Eretz Yisrael. (HAT TIP: Jameel)

I am honoured to be a guest blogger, along with Isramom here at me-ander!
Normally I'm all about the pictures and reading what many others have posted on their blogs (especially this past week) but this is an opportunity to write a little, share some thoughts rather than images.
Thank you Batya and have a safe and wonderful trip.

Last call! KCC

Please send me your posts for this month's Kosher Cooking Carnival.

G-d willing, bli neder, I'll cook it up as I cook for Shabbat tomorrow. It's already started, but I don't know how many links are waiting for me at the gmail address.

For more information, check the sidebar.

Now, I'm off to change into my "other identity" and be a Savta, that's Granny in Hebrew.

ps No, that's not me in the picture, B"H.

Noisy here

whoa!! Don't worry, it's good noise. No, not a newborn baby. It's the "labor pains" of a house under construction.

Yes, there will be another house to enrich our view. They started the building last week, just before the beginning of the The Three Weeks, when it is not considered propitious to start something new. It's a season of the year, from the 17th of Tammuz until the 10th of Av, when terrible things have happened to the Jewish People. And yes, the Arab attacks on Israel intensified this year, last week on the 17th of Tammuz, which was Thursday.

Summer is a good time to start building; the days are long, and it doesn't rain.

Building is a sign of faith, and building a home in the Land of Israel is a great mitzvah. Tizku l'mitzvot.

Changing one type of heat for another.

They say that it's hot (picture from NYT article) in New York right now, and I'm due to fly there next Sunday night, G-d willing. And my return will be with the August 9 Nefesh B'Nefesh flight.

It's hot now in Israel, too, but in a different sense. There's a war (map from JPost) going on.

I'll be speaking at the August 1st AFSI event in New York and available for interviews and other events. Please contact me ASAP at shilohmuse at yahoo dot com, since I won't have regular computer access.

If you're curious about where Shiloh is located on the map, it's under the "L" in Ariel. I'll be cross-posting this.

the ins and outs of posting pictures

I just wasted a lot of time trying to post pictures on this post. They were really needed to prove my points. The article was already written with lots of links. I use blogger pictures and sometimes it goes easily and sometimes not.

As if I have nothing else to do.

Finally I added a line that I'd try again later, and then

• I started a new post
• to which I easily got the pictures up,
• I put it in Html mode,
• copied the codes to the pictures,
• which I then saved the post as "draft;"
• went back to the previous post,
• which I also changed to Html.
• Then I copied the codes
• and placed the pictures where I wanted them.

Is it just coincidence that suddenly they posted easily? Has anyone else had such problems. Any other ideas?

So close, but...

Surreal for sure. Israel is a tiny country, really a very tiny country, but you don't have to go far to feel that you're in another world.

Today I visited the latest member of the clan in Rosh Ha'Ayin, which is about ten minutes from Ariel. Ariel is a large city in the Shomron. Rosh Ha'Ayin was in Israel's hands pre-1967. After that we went to the "Giant Mall" in Petach Tikvah, again just a short distance away from there.

It's a nice size mall with all sorts of stores, mostly of the major chains, making me feel like I was in the Malcha Mall in Jerusalem. Actually, the Petach Tikvah one is about the same distance, or driving time from Shiloh as Malcha. But that's another story.

As my cousin drove me to Ariel, for my return home, we commented on how lovely the area is, and also how empty it is. There's plenty of room for Jews and Arabs. If the Arabs wanted to live in peace, there'd be no problem. But the truth is that the Arabs don't want peace at all, no matter how you flavor it.

We didn't listen to the news all day. It 's so rare for us to get together like that. We never listen to the radio when we're together. Then as we approached Ariel, it was time for the 6pm news.

One Killed In Nahariya Attack as Barrage Sweeps the North

It felt like a million miles away, but it wasn't far at all. There are modern highways in Israel, and within a couple of hours, you can get almost any place. And that means that the enemy is very close, too.

Hashem Y'shmor!

Colors are back! Bleating goats and Heard around the pool!

colors are back as you can see! I don't know how they left at all.

********

Last summer, when I was in NY, new neighbors moved next door. Apparently when my husband first met them he said: "I hope you're not getting a dog; my wife (yoo hoo, that's me!) doesn't like the noise." At least that's what my neighbor told me when we first met. And, don't worry, there's no dog.

A few months ago, when my garden's weeds were still green, they said: "I hope you don't mind, but we're getting goats. Would you mind if they ate your weeds?"
I graciously offered them all the weeds in my garden, enough for three herds of goats.

Well, the goats are here. They're too "domesticated" to eat straight from the garden, so the weeds have to be cut and served, like a human salad.

About the noise, did you know that bleating is a very soothing sound? Baruch Hashem, thank the L-rd!

********

Overheard a question:

Is your extra apartment available? It seems that my "guests from the north" will have to stay a bit longer, and the apartment they're in now won't be available soon. Yes, they're having great fun here. But they've lost most of their year's income, since it's seasonal, and this is the season.

yes, busy

For some strange reason, this has lost its graphics ability. I'll have to ask Akiva what to do.

As you probably noticed, things are slow here. I've done more posting on Shiloh Musings and Blog Free!

Besides the war priority, I'm very busy, but please keep checking to see what great posts my guest-bloggers will provide you with.

Welcome Isramom!

If you haven't yet read it, scroll down and read Isramom's debut post!!

quick notes

Something strange here, but I'll write anyway.
Bought the canon A620 in Jerusalem for various reasons among them the importance of patronizing Israeli stores and... needing the service, which includes being able to ask tons of questions over the next few months until I'm an expert. When I played around with one of them last night, I saw that it's easier for me to use the screen when it's on an arm and flexible. My eyes are ok for my age, but I do suffer from the far-sightedness that is normal. Also, buying in NY is a by, by after the money's paid, since I live here. I won't be able to keep asking in the store.

Jerusalem was very "ordinary" today. I contrast it with the days when the fear of terrorism was so strong here, but places like Tzfat, Kiryat Shmoneh and Haifa thought it was insane to go to Jerusalem.

Confessions of a 4 Year Old Zionist

After being released from Unity Hospital in Brooklyn my proud parents took me home to Richmond Hill a neighborhood heavily populated by Irish and Italian Catholics who were the more recent immigrants and German Protestants who were there before. Although it was never a predominantly Jewish neighborhood the there were at least 3 synagogues which thrived when my father was growing up. The buildings were still there and at least on Shabbat they still functioned.

But the Pied Piper seemed to have made off with the children, or maybe the parents of the children. In any case from the time I can remember there were very few Jewish children on our block and none of them went to our shul. That doesn't mean I had no friends. There were lots of kids around in those post WWII baby-booming years. They were just named Virginia Gallagher and Michael DeMarco and such. We all played together and in December we often got presents Santa Claus left under someone else's tree by mistake. And we gave them gifts which we said were left under 'our tree' for them too. My parents explained that we didn't want to spoil anybody else's holiday so we kept our knowledge a secret.

One of my earliest memories is of being in a pre-school group that met on Sunday at the shul. I don't remember much about the activity there but when my father came to pick me up I was given a booklet of tickets about 3 by 2 inches with a picture of a soldier with a rifle. I couldn't read what it said but the teacher explained to me and my father that I was to sell the pages for a dime (10 cents if there are any non-Americans reading) each and return with the proceeds the following week. I don't remember asking but I was told that the soldier was in a country where all the people are Jews, that has a Jewish president and Jewish soldiers.

Leapin' latkes! A whole country full of folks who celebrate the same holidays as me! On the spot I decided that was the place I was going to live when I got old enough to decide these things for myself. I sold Grandma Bessie the book of tickets and she gave me a little black purse to hold the 20 dimes she paid me. The next week I got a jump rope from the UJA (I guess it was them) for my entrepreneurial efforts and life has never been the same.

Well, I guess the guy was right, everything you know you learn by the time you finish kindergarten.

Meanwhile...

...back at the ranch, as the saying goes...

Everything's upside down. There are still Israelis afraid to come here to Shiloh, but it's Haifa being bombed and Tel Aviv being warned.

Today I have a second session, at least I only committed to attend two of the much longer series, of "professional training seminars" for English Teachers in the Mateh Binyamin Local Council. It's being held in Psagot, a "suburb" of Ramaallah. Originally the entrance was via mid-town Ramaallah, which was also the route "up north" to Shiloh. Our old road then passed Beit El and the "refugee camp," Jelazoon before we got to Shiloh.

They sent an enormous school bus to get us yesterday, even though we would have had room to spare in a transit/van, but they saved money by only offering tea and coffee.

I'm in a rush to get ready, so let's suffice with a simple description: BORING, WASTE OF TIME. At least I brought some crocheting and sat with an old friend who was crocheting her "first hat." We had a fine time together, and I promised to bring her a selection of my hats and to teach her more. At least she'll be learning something. I have more projects packed for today.

And my sons' friend (yes two sons have same friend) brought me his newly purchased Canon A620, and the deal in Jerusalem is very tempting. I'd rather get it here.

should be

I should be doing the dishes.
I should be throwing out old papers from work.
I should be going through my closet and getting rid of things.
I should be preparing for next year's teaching.
I should be on a diet.

Yes, I should be doing all sorts of things I hate doing.

It all seems so trivial.

There's a war going on. People are being attacked, bombed, blitzed. People are being killed.

That shouldn't stop me.

Now I'll go and wash the dishes.

meet the guests

I'll be going to visit my parents next week, G-d willing, so I invited a couple of friends to keep you entertained. One is ~Sarah~ and the other is Isramom . They're both good friends, and I'm sure you'll enjoy their posts. You already know Sarah, and I'm curious as to how she'll handle multi-blogging.

Now for some other errands.
Life goes on, bli eyin haraa.

Prayer to Save the Captured Soldiers

Prayer to Save the Captured Soldiers, by the Rishon L'Tzion, Chief Sfardic Rabbi, HaRav Amar, Shlita, תפילה להצלתם של החיילים השבויים הי"ו נכתבה ע"י הראשון לציון הרב עמר שליט"א

יהי רצון מלפניך ה' אלוקינו ואלוקי אבותינו, שיעלו לרצון מזמורי תהילים, פרקים ע', י"ג, קמ"ב ו-קכ"ו, שקראנו לפניך היום, ויתקבלו לפניך כאילו אמרם דוד המלך עבדך משיחך ע"ה, ועשה למען שמותך הקדושים הכתובים בהם, והרמוזים ומצורפים בהם, ותקבל ברחמים וברצון את תפילותינו ובקשתינו, ותבא לפניך תחינתינו, ותחוס ותחמול ותרחם על השבויים:אהוד בן מלכה גולדווסראלדד בן טובה רגבגלעד בן אביבה שביטותושיע אותם בישועה ורחמים, יחד עם כל השבויים והאסירים מעמך ישראל.מוציא אסירים בכושרות, הוא יפדה אותם משבים, ויוציאם מעבדות לחרות, ומשיעבוד לגאולה, ומאפילה לאורה, וירפאם רפואה שלמה, רפואת הנפש ורפואת הגוף, ויאמץ את רוחם, וירבה את כוחם, ויאזרם בשמחה ובגילה, אז יתחזקו ויתרפאו והייתה להם שמחת עולם.וזכות תפילת רבים וצעקתם ונאקתם, המעתירים בעדם בכל אתר ואתר, תעמוד להם למגן וצינה, ולפדותם מבית שבים, ויקרע רוע גזר דינם, ויקראו לפניך יתברך כל זכויותיהם וכל אשר פעלו ועשו למען עמנו ונחלתינו, ויקרע גזר דינם בזכות השם הקדוש הרמוז בראשי תיבות קבל רנת עמך שגבנו טהרנו נורא.ויקיים בהם מקרא שכתוב: ופדויי ה' ישובון

ובאו ציון ברנה, ושמחת עולם על ראשם, ששון ושמחה ישיגו ונסו יגון ואנחה, במהרה בימינו, אמן

thanks Yitz

Trapped!

DS #1 reports that the roving rodent walked into his trap, and I should expect the poison to be effective. But the really big question still remains. Was this a lone rodent? Are there others hiding from my sharp eyes?

I guess we'll have to stock up on traps!


And again, it's a rodent, not a rocket, bli eyin haraa.

Cost a lot to be cultured? Read the Fine Print!

Maybe I'm just getting senile, but I have memories of free admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art . I used to work nearby, about 40 years ago, and would pop in during my lunch break. Or am I wrong?

Now admission is $15- A bit high for a short visit. But an intrepid reporter from The New York Times decided to check if suggested admission price was real or just words. RANDY KENNEDY tried offering just two quarters. To make it short--there were mixed reactions from the clerks collecting money.

If I remember correctly, last summer my sister, her two kids and I paid what we thought was a fair price to cover our admission, since the "recommended" was well over our budgets.

And if the reporter gets tired of carrying around those quarters, just stand around the public phones. You need a minimum of two for most calls, and there are always people willing to pay almost anything for a couple of quarters.

We had better get some mousetraps

I saw a mouse in here. Yes.

I found one mousetrap from a previous uninvited guest. Guess we'll have to stock up. So if I'm suddenly silent, the wires could G-d forbid be a meal. And when I called my son in, he admitted that there are some in the attic. I really don't want to get a cat again.

How can I complain. They're annoying, but they're not rockets!

picture credit

Parshat Shavua -Pinchas

L'havdil, is this how the Jews felt in Communist Russia or during the Inquisition? I'm nervous about writing about this week's Torah Portion, Pinchas.

At a time when there was no leadership, Moshe had lost his strength, lame-duck, was on his way out, and Joshua was no where to be found. There was blatent, public sinning by those who were supposed to be positive examples for the People.

Pinchas to the rescue! He executed Zimri and Kozbi.

And then, ...some peace.

...heard in the neighborhood...

"Do you know of any small apartments to rent here in the neighborhood?"

I made a few sugestions and asked: "for whom?"

"For us. We're enlarging the house and must move out for a few months."

BAAANGGG! CRUUUUUUUUNCH! BOOOOMM!
Tractor at work! Starting from the foundations to build a new home.

"How much does it cost to bring guests to the swimming pool? An entire family is staying with us for a bit. They had to leave their home in the north."

Shabbat Shalom U'Mevorach!

More on the digital

The more I research the better. Thanks to all those who have been helping.

Now I know that there's a great difference in how long the batteries last. I'm going to have to be able to use them for a good 16 hours or more without being in some place to recharge when I come back home, G-d willing, with Nefesh B'Nefesh. I'd hate to find myself changing multiple batteries as often as I had changed film last year. They're not cheap either. My husband has one of the expensive cameras with a special rechargable battery. I understand that there's a series with ordinary AA's.

I also need quick reactions between pressing the button and from picture to picture.

There are already Cannon cameras in the family, so we have some of the equipment which is only needed once. Does it pay to stick with Cannon? Or is there a camera which is so much better that it pays to get it even though the equipment isn't compatible? I don't want to spend all that much, tops around $200; a bit more if there really are more advantages.

Thanks

Breaking the fast

We have a lot of fast days in Judaism, and even if the actual fasting isn't a problem, breaking it on the wrong foods may be.

The body is very sensitive after fasting, and it sometimes reacts strangely.

I remember a number of years ago, we were in New York for the summer. The 25 hour Tisha B'Av fast (9th of the Jewish month of Av) went fine. My problem started with the orange juice I drank to break it. I felt my mouth burning. It was horribly painful and the sensation lasted a couple of hours. So I try to stick with water.

For a number of years, when the kids were still home, I made a tradition of baking a homemade pizza as part of our post-fast meal. I didn't do that this year; though I did make the second part of the old menu.

Simple though Two-Pot Vegetable Soup

• First I take out the dried peas, sort through to make sure there are no stones, bugs etc.
• Then I rinse them
• Then I pour boiling water on them and start cooking them up
• Next, in a larger pot, I add sliced onions and carrots and oil and cook them. When they soften, add other vegetables.
• Then add the peas and water and some more water.
• Cook together for half an hour and then add your spices, salt, pepper, paprika, etc.
• Simmer another 15-20 minutes and then let it sit to finish using its own heat.
• I eat it with a bit of Tamari Sauce, though my husband and son added grated cheese and crackers.

I also made my "baked irresistible fries."

• on a large baking pan, put a sheet of parchment paper for baking
• spread bite-size pieces of potato
• dribble some oil and flavor with salt, pepper and whatever spices you like
• bake in hot oven until seems ready

Enjoy!

A little housekeeping

Not in these four walls. My granddaughters' toys are still cluttering up the place since last weekend. Though I did finally wash the dishes and fold/sort some laundry.

The housekeeping or renovations I'm referring to are on this blog. Akiva and Sarah did such a great job making it look sleek, modern and unique, I just had to do some work myself. Have you found the changes?

Wasn't there a movie like this?

(picture) N.Y. explosion looks more like suicide

When a building blew up in New York's elite Upper East Side this week, people were worried, terrorists, gangsters? What could it have been?

It was like life imitating the movies. In the movie War of the Roses, the couple destroyed their luxury home together, in order to prevent the other one from being able to enjoy it after their divorce.

This week, a wealthy man decided that he'd rather destroy his expensive home, even if it cost him his life, rather than give her the millions it was worth. Or did he decided to kill himself by taking the house with him?

Money isn't the key to happiness.

It's over, BH

I'm glad that my ETAI, English Teachers' Association of Israel, Annual Jerusalem Convention presentation is over. This is the first time I was neither confident nor enthusiastic about what I took on. I've presented at least three times before.

My problem is never presenting; I'm good with an audience. It was that this time I committed to present something I thought was needed and not something I knew a lot about. My topic was supposed to be "The Lingo, Hebrew Grammar Terms." I needed to really research it, and I didn't do it well. Also, it's boring, just a list.

I barely slept last night and woke up miserable not my usual hyped up before going "on." Finally, it hit me. I should just announce a change in topic, which I got up the guts to do.

I compared it to the amount of times I rip out sections of hats I'm crocheting. Sometimes if you don't, the hat will be unwearable and that's a bigger waste than unraveling what was already crocheted. That's also a new thing for me. Yes you can teach an old dog new tricks, at least this old dog.

The new topic was: ETAI, Blogging and the Internet Challenge. I wrote an article on the topic for the ETAI Forum, the professional journal of the organization. No false modesty here. It did go over well, and people also took my handouts about the grammar terms.

Everyone was happy, including myself, though I understand that some of the ETAI organizers were a bit nervous.

a bissel changes and misc mutterings

I'm doing a little housekeeping here. Just cleaned something off the sidebar, and my next plan is to add the list of Kosher Cooking Carnivals. I should have done that ages ago. Baruch Hashem there are volunteers for some future editions, and I'll give details next week, when the next one comes out. Hint! Hint! Please send me your kosher food links!

Due to a foul-up with some of the Havel Havelim #77 posts, I made an address change with Conservative Cat Carnival Form. For some reason yahoo has been considering them spam, and they were lost. So you can also send to shilohmuse@gmail.com where I'll collect posts.

To give credit and make it possible for others to use it, I must add the link to the clipart I've been using to add some fun to my posts.

Of course, the housekeeping I really should be doing would include chores like folding the laundry and throwing out old papers and stuff. I really must get those things done next week before going to the states. Yes, really!

Now to get ready for two performances at ETAI! First the presentation I don't recommend anyone go to, and second I'll be in a "show!" Yes, I decided to have fun and went to the performance sessions, where we learned how to get our students to put on a play by preparing for one ourselves. We'll be doing a couple of scenes and a song from Peter Pan! That's the Mary Martin one I remember from my childhood. Did you know that she was Larry Hagman of Dallas's mother?!???

Wish me luck!

rapidly fading

I feel myself rapidly fading.
Up too early
to get the energizing splash in

then to ETAI
networking
with all the other English teachers

finding myself
rehearsing for a show
but not ready for tomorrow's
presentation

chose fun sessions
rather than serious

but too tired now
and exhausted

no full sentences
dinner
and
sleep

ADD or ADHD?

A bit out of it?
Can't remember?
Some genetic neurological problem?
ADD or ADHD?
Either? or none of the above?

A few years ago when doing my teacher's license, I researched the problem. My question was:

If the Neurologists say that only 3-5% of the population has ADD or ADHD, why do the teachers report 30-60% of late?

It didn't take me long to discover that insufficient sleep causes the same problems!

So instead of prescribing Ritalin or other drugs, it's best to recommend more sleep. The problem is that modern society prefers pills!

hard to obey these orders

For the past few weeks, I've had pain in my heel and arch of one foot. It starts after basketball, which I love to play--just once a week, for barely an hour. After a few days to taking it easy, it feels fine; though I can't wear my really flat shoes, nor walk barefoot anymore.

I was told to rest it, since it's some sort of inflammation. That's hard, very hard for me. But especially since I was in real pain at the wedding we went to last week, I guess I have no choice. I'm going to have to find ways to exercise or I'll have sleeping problems. I'm just one of those people who must be active, at least an hour a day. I need to swim or walk or folk dance. Best is more than one activity.

Blogging's great, but...

Post-HH, and the Carnivals Go On

First a little post Havel Havelim reflections.

I must admit that as much as I enjoy hosting them, it gets harder as it gets better, since better in the carnival business means bigger. One good thing that has increased is the amount of bloggers who send in their suggested links. As hosts, we have the option of "choosing" and "rejecting" as we see fit. But I very rarely reject any posts.

There's such a richness now in Jewish-Israeli blogging. If you look at my attempts to host Havel Havelim, you'll see a big change, even from eleven months ago. And here's my first one from just fourteen months ago. It was such a technical challenge to get all the links working. I really didn't know what I was doing.

A few months ago I started the Kosher Cooking Carnival, hint! hint! please send me your posts. Good basic cooking is great to have on your blog, if you want to bring more "visitors." People always check recipes on the internet.

• recipes
• memories
• traditions
• trivia
• annecdotes
• opinions and reviews
• Jewish Law
• How to's
• jokes

Please send your links either to shilohmuse at yahoo dot com or via Conservative Cat's handy form or the blog carnival one. And if you're interesting in hosting one, please let me know. Thanks

And for a carnival update, so far this week...

I was so busy with HH that I almost missed the deadline for BOMS, but, TG, made it in, just under the wire! Thanks, Gary!

There's also the 9th Carnival of Family Life.

So as you see,

there's plenty to read!

I can't really take it easy

Yesterday, after posting "Kookie, Kookie Lend me your comb," aka HH #77, I went off to Jerusalem for a family celebration. DS#1's 25th birthday party hosted by DD#1.

The logistics were pretty simple, sort of. I had to get to Ofra, during the time of the day when there's no bus service, in order to meet DD#2 and the two GDs and ride shotgun with them to Jerusalem. No gun, just to be another adult in the car with one 16 months and the other 3 years, there's a limit to the driver's concentration.

Of course, considering how long I waited for a ride, I could have taken in the already dry wash and a few other little, but necessary, chores, but that's the problem with the Siyata D'Shmaya (In the Hands Of Heaven) transportation company. I guess I have to increase my faith. I did trust that I'd get there on time, and I was exactly on time, and I wasted a ton of time waiting. So I could have had done everything at home first. That's what happens when one panics. I even forgot to take my latest crocheting project.

by the time I got to Ofra, my daughter said that she still needed "a few more minutes," so I went to their local grocers and bought a nice Golan white, semi-dry, which was a hit at the party! Then I waited in the shade until they came by.

On the way we popped into "Shifon," the big bakery in Adam; there's now a branch in Gush Etzion, Neve Daniel. I bought some exciting breads, olive oil/whole wheat and a bag of simple pitot.

Then we went to Jerusalem to meet a visiting cousin and then to the party. All my kids, grandchildren in one room. Very nice, Baruch Hashem. Sorry, no group picture. DD#1 had bbq-ing on the merpeset (terrace.) There were also tons of salads and other goodies.

Big task for today is to prepare my presentation for ETAI. I should have done it weeks ago.

G-d willing, it'll all get done. And if I'm a good girl, I can go to the pool as the sun sets...

"Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb!"

"Kookie, Kookie, lend me your comb!"

"77 Sunset Strip"
by Mack David and Jerry Livingston
"You meet the high brow and the hipster
The starlet and the phony tipster
You meet most every kind of gal and guy
Including a private eye!"

Now what does that popular TV show from 45 years ago, 77 Sunset Strip, have to do with this edition of Havel Havelim? Very simple. This is the 77th edition of Havel Havelim, the Jewish-Israeli blogging carnival consisting of posts from blogs all over the world. It’s hosted by a different blogger each week and coordinated by Soccer Dad. The term “Havel Havelim” is from Kohelet, Ecclesiastes, which was written by King Solomon, who built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other “excesses” and finally realized that it was nothing but norishkeit, “havel” or in English “vanities.”


I had decided to give the place of honor—first post—to the very first one sent to me, and what a fantastic and perfectly suitable post it is. We have a visit to Har HaBayit by Life in Israel. He also promotes a musical album, which has original compositions by his wife.

Greetings from French Hill ask that we all say a prayer for Gilad Shalit.

And then she rants about the international media. Gail complains about the Forward. Here's more on the media by Maryland Conservatarian. And an anti-NY Times post from my husband. Don't forget the BBC; thanks, Judeopundit. The Pillage Idiot presents Thomas Friedman! And Simply Jews gives us more from La La Land.

"With a little help from my friends", meaning I'm using jblogsphere as a resource. It doesn't rate the blogs like JBlog Central (vote for me, please!); it just lists most of the Jewish and Israeli blogs as they're published, with these magic balloons coming up showing the text, when you "point" to them. This has exposed me to all sorts of blogs I had never heard of before, so enjoy them. I'm so overwhelmed with the richness of the Jewish blogging world that I won't attempt to seriously organize them all. I'd rather give you as many links as I can.

Don't forget Parshat Shavua! It's Balak by Chovshei Shemo. And here's another Dvar Torah, this time by Moshe Burt. This week we also enter our traditional three weeks of mourning for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, Holy Temple, so here's the always timely mourning star by the traditional artist of Havel Havelim.

Read The End of Days by Yaak. And here's A Modzitzer, Lubavitcher, Breslover, And A Clevelander - Chok L'Yisroel from a Simple Jew.

Daled Amos explains what "civilized" really means. I see that I'm not the only blogger who uses a dictionary. And the Elder of Ziyon apologizes for a lack of netiquette.

DAG compares July 4th and Thanksgiving from a Jewish perspective. Life of Rubin celebrates July 4; look at the banner! The Jerusalem cop, too. A historical comparison between Israel and the United States can be found on Sultan Knish.







Jack reflects on Disengagement and Gilad Shalit. My husband asks why the Red Cross hasn't been helping. You can hear him on the BBC.

I'm glad that Elie has a sense of humor; it seems like his daughter is in Allen Sherman's Camp Grenada.

Frumbutwithit tells us about his camp visits in the "frummy camps."

Talking about summer fun, you must see the Gush Katif basketball story! It's the Gush Katif that the media and politicians ignored. It will be premiered throughout Israel on July 30th in select community theatres throughout Israel. Here are the listings. And here's the contact information.

Jameel begins the expected flood of reflections and disclosures about last summer's Disengagement. Carl adds to it. And here's information on world-wide public events.

Mrs. Lewis debuts! Two new blogs on the block! The second is angelwings.

Veteran English Teacher, Avraham Roos's site has lots worth reading.

Ezzie writes about close calls, something many of us have experienced more than once in this crazy world.

Irina tells us more about her recent trip to Israel.

On the Fringe reviews Rabbi Henkin's book in a very comprehensive way.

And do you think that The Tipping Point has lessons for us, here?

I like Kasamba's unique way of teaching shmirat halashon.

Mazal Tov to Naphtuli! Also, Mazal Tov to Ezerkenegdo and hubby on their 10th --anniversary, that is. And while we're talking "mazal tov," read Ezzie's post about shidduchim.

Liorah Walks on Fire and writes poetry.

And Westbankmama shares her thoughts and feelings about many important things.





The Israeli Education Ministry has another loser plan, importing English teachers.

Here's an excellent piece from Secular Blasphemy, all the news he "sees fit to print."

Judeopundit tries to unpuzzle the puzzle.

Read Dave's beautifully illustrated Quick Draw McGraw! You can sure get more with honey or a good laugh. And here's a short video from psychotoddler.

Simply Jews explains about the friendly qassams. (heavy Arab calling cards?)

According to Meryl Yourish, it's a Lewis Carroll world. Others see it as an episode in The Simpsons.

Charles Krauthammer isn't as smart as he's cracked up to be. And will this Israeli "incursion" improve Israeli security?

I found the Carnival of Islamofacism, which may interest some of you.

Here's Nasser's Worst Mistake from progressiveislam.

Re: Gilad Shalit
Here's a news update from Israel and The Sin of Expulsion, which also has a very extensive post about the idea of a prisoner release and another about appeasement and deterrence. Jameel is impressed by the ability of the bereaved mother of Eliyahu Asheri, HaYa"D, and Bibi, brother of Yoni Netanyahu to be able to see the "big picture," even after burying their loved ones. I hope that Tikun Olam is correct about the possible release of Gilad Shalit. Here's what Moshe Burt has to say about it. Rafi G says to negotiate.

Menachem Butler tells Rabbi Dr. Lamm's story about the Entebbe Rescue.

Shemitah Rediscovered responds to Hakhel.

Elms in the Yard campaigns for a truly equal Women's Area by the Kotel.

There's a very important personal report by a French Jew on Israel Commentary. (Thanks Boris) And from Esther, too.

Smooth commemorates Jews of Estonia's 65th Anniversary of Expulsion and their exile to Siberia.

On Israpundit, we have The World According to Sabeel and The ‘peace process’ is a bigger danger than Hamas.

Scottage discusses Iran's threats to Israel.

Barely a Blog writes about Abu Mazen.

I'm going to give Carl his own section here:
Shalit, alive?
prisoner exchange?
shell game
negotiate?
The Enemy Within
Seducing children to martyrdom
Hamas to court
Return to Gush Katif
Christmas in July Palestinian Style
Remember that Carl's a lawyer when you read this: Gaza'a electric supply.
Using children in battle
IDF to reliberate redeploy in Gaza?
the expulsion is killing us
Mida k'Neged Mida A Measure for a Measure


Are the Swiss anti-Semitic? Read Roger L. Simons to find out.

For something mundane, which digital camera should I buy? After my trip to NY, I'll be returning home on a Nefesh B'Nefesh flight as a journalist, so I need something reliable and easy to use.

GREAT NEWS!! Moving on up is here! Read all about it!

Here's Irina's story of the final days of her trip to Israel and some strange experiences and pictures.

You must see the picture of the midnight sun by the Northenmost Jew. Unreal!!

The Daily Bang gives us My Gentile Tivo. I don't think we have Tivo in Israel, but I understand that it's really something special; though I'm happy enough with the DVD-VCR. If I were to watch more TV, I wouldn't have so much time to blog!

Read about saus's SF weapon! And please try to smile; it's good for your health.

According to Mottel, Six world changing insights that can only be reached by living in Lithuania . . . or drinking beer.

Try the Mad Bad Vlad from the Volokh Conspiracy.
A friend came across the following website which is truly impressive, Eretz Yisrael Forever. If you haven’t visited it, you’ll want to do so. (Make sure your sound is turned on and don’t skip the intro.)

Zionist.com asks why Israel plays down terror.

Read the Father's Question by Carl. It's the same question my neighbor, Moshe Keinan, has been asking ever since his son was killed in a badly planned army action.

Oleh Yashan tells us what he thinks about Gaza now.

Ya'aqov mourns two young men a year after they were murdered by Arab terrorists. And I mourn two other victims, four years after their murders by publishing my very first musings, which expressed my thoughts during those terrible times.

Rick reminds us that 7/7 was the date of the one-year anniversary of the London train bombings.

Barak discusses how the recent crises effects further Israeli withdrawals.

LGF tells us that according to Ahmadinejad: Muslims Must Act to Eliminate Israel.

Rick tells us about Israel's Legal Rights in the West Bank.

Omri tells us why Hamas Popularity is Israel's Fault.

Natan welcomes 9/11 Conspiracy Theorists, with his first person defense.
Orthomom confirms what I always felt, that the U.S. is a Christian country.

The Town Crier announces: Elie Katz is inaugurated as Youngest and first ever Orthodox Jewish Mayor of Teaneck, NJ!! Mazal Tov!

Menachem Butler gives us the story of WWII Rabbi Louis Werfel killed in the line of duty.

The United Nations is always condemning Israel; is it worth being a member? Here it is a la Dry Bones. And here's what Rick says about it. Shouldn't they be condemning the Palestinians? Read what neo neocon has to say about the recruitment of child-terrorists. (thanks, wbm)

Soccer Dad gives us Hamas without blinders. And lecentre writes about Hamas's non-recognition of Israel.

Judith Apter Klinghoffer explains why views of the Old City of Jerusalem don't show synagogues and what's being done to correct it.

The international sports organizations aren't that much better than the UN. Read what DOT CO DOT IL says about the on again/off again Indonesian Fed Cup tie in Israel.

Here's some historical perspective, research about Kosovo, by Francisco Gil-White.


Jake M gives a whole new perspective about the phrase, dressed to kill.

And about perspectives, Drew Kaplan's linguistic explanation of the phrase "Havel Havelim" makes it clear that I'm going to have to change my introduction, which has been adopted by other bloggers. Though, to be frank, I do think that my use of "norishkeit" is closer to his definition than the traditional "vanities."

Ps, better late than never from Ezzie:welcome to the real world and the follow up.

Irina, last week's Havel Havelim hostess, reflects and answers criticism she received about her awesome, mammoth edition. As one who has been hosting HH from the early months, I must say that the search for posts is exhausting and difficult, and we really do post everything we get including multiple posts from the same blogger. (I certainly don't have the time and energy to pick and choose, and I'm guilty of sending multiple posts, too. Generally I write a variety of genres; is it so terrible?) For most of us the only thing we'd refuse to post would be pornography. I always send a reminder to the Israeli bloggers yahoo list, which is more "left-wing," but it's rare for it to be very fruitful.

I must say though that this is the first edition of all those I've hosted with a nice number of "self-nominated" posts. I included every post which was sent to me, as long as it wasn't just a link to an enewspaper article or other blog. I don't see it as my job to judge which are the best. I sincerely apologize if I missed any posts. Thanks to Soccer Dad for sending posts I never would have found. Feedback is always welcome.

This will be posted on both me-ander and Shiloh Musings. Me-ander should be easier to read, since Akiva fixed the template. Thanks again.

Send your links for the next edition of Havel Havelim via Conservative Cat’s handy form or the blog carnival one, and at the same time you may discover other “carnivals” to visit and enter. You can also use those forms to send kosher recipes and other kosher food posts to the Kosher Cooking Carnival. Blog carnival also has a great listing of recent carnivals for your sidebar. You can either get one for a specific carnival, like HH or KCC, or a general one.

Thanks to Soccer Dad for his hard work keeping this going, and if you want to host, please let him know at dhgerstman at hotmail dot com.

This appears in the UberCarnival.

Please put up a blurb on your site alerting readers to Havel Havelim. Thanks and enjoy!

Shavua Tov!