Facebook, Where Are You?

Strangely, I first posted this on Shiloh Musings, not here.  I'll add some other post post-coffee.  I guess I really need a cup!

First it was my phone.  No dial tone, but yes, internet.  Now, this morning facebook isn't "answering."  Last night I "wrote in my status" something like "it was late and since nobody had commented on my blogs, I'd just go to sleep and not blog."  Well, I guess blogger got its revenge.  Now facebook is down, so even though I still haven't gotten comments to yesterday's posts, I'm blogging.

That sounds pretty pathetic, doesn't it?

Well, I haven't gotten desperate enough to check in on twitter.  I have my posts go up there automatically for all the other "twits," or is it "tweets" to read.

I'm waiting for my coffee to "perc."  That's the type of word of wisdom I write on facebook and if I got the right proportion between coffee and water in the percolator.  I'm going to copy this onto word to spellcheck.  OK, maybe I'll try the blogger one.  I haven't for months.  Then it didn't work.  And it still doesn't!

Today, I have more laundry to do. I don't launder during the 9 days, which are really 9 and a half or 3/4.  I can also finally go to the pool.  Ten days missing the pool in the hot summer is suffering.  Our pool is a two minute walk from the house, just far enough so we don't hear any noise.  And the grandkids may be coming for a "swim," too.

It's also Thursday, so I have cooking to do.  And I have to do my Matan Al HaPerek sources for my study group.

So, as you can see, I have plenty to do if facebook insists on ignoring me.

The G-d Project

Chaviva has asked me to blog about the G-d Project.  Well, since I'm no expert, the best is to click and find out what it's about.

I hope that Chavi will comment with more details.  Here's what she sent me:

LAUNCH OF THE G-D PROJECT

A Web Space Devoted to Mini-Documentaries on Jews, G-d, and Spirituality.
A project of PunkTorah.org and sponsored by the Jewish New Media Innovation Fund, TheG-d  Project is a social media platform dedicated to Jewish questions about God and spirituality. The website serves as a free, online, evolving documentary and tool for Jewish learning. Our goal is nothing less than to help Jewish people talk about God and spirituality in an open, honest way.
The heart of the project is a series of mini-documentaries interviewing Jews across North America and Europe with different backgrounds, affiliations, and lifestyles in order to discover how people live and believe Jewishly in the post-modern world.
The G-d Project is uploading a video a week right now, but all videos will be officially dropped onto the site on September 12, 2011.
http://www.facebook.com/thegdproject@TheG_dProject
We know you’ll have questions, and we hope these will answer them. For more FAQs, please check out the website or shoot us an email.
Why do we spell God as G-d in our project title?
God in Jewish tradition has had many names: G-d, HaShem, Adonai, and so on. Therefore, calling this website The G-d Project reflects the Jewish identity of the The G-d Project experience. Additionally, having the space in the middle of G-d is an artistic statement: that  the God concept is different for all people, and that we “fill in the blank” with our own ideas about what God is and how we experience God in our lives.
How can I submit my own video to The G-d Project?
There are two ways that you can be highlighted in The G-d Project. The first would be for our producer/director to come to your area and actually film you and your community. We  are always taking inquiries from communities that are interested in participating in the project. Our travel budget is limited, but if we are able to get enough synagogues, non-profits, schools, or community centers in your area interested in the project, then we will work with you to schedule your filming and fly to your area. To invite The G-d Project to your community, simply email us (patrick@punktorah.org ).
Also, you can submit your storytelling video online at http://theg-dproject.org/tell-your-story/  We can assist you via email, phone and/or Skype to help make this process easier  or you.
PunkTorah, founded by Executive Director Patrick Aleph in 2009, is a Jewish non-profit  that develops web-based tools to enhance Jewish life and promote independent Jewish  spirituality.
PunkTorah’s other projects include the web-based independent minyan OneShul, the Jewish
food website NewKosher, the Community Siddur series of crowd-sourced liturgy and the flagship project, the PunkTorah.org  blog .

The Granddaughters

Yes, Baruch Hashem, thanks to G-d, they are growing up.  The little one is getting more mobile.

And the big ones are supplementing my too infrequent English lessons with DVD's from the states.

They watched this new one (from my sister) numerous times to work on their letters and basic reading.  When it comes to my grandchildren the term EFL doesn't mean English as a Foreign Language, it means English as a Familiar Language. 

They certainly aren't on the level of "English speakers," but they have absorbed the sounds, cadence and some words and phrases.  They also know colors and numbers.  Very importantly, they are developing listening skills to accurately guess what is being said instead of tuning out.

Children are capable of learning many languages if exposed to them in natural settings.  Sadly, this is rare in the modern world.  "Experts" in the last century advised parents that it was best to first learn one language well before exposing children to others.  The truth is that in multi-lingual societies children successfully learn multiple languages very easily.  This isn't because their genetically more gifted, it's because it's expected of them.  When their grandchildren are educated in the modern one-language world, they have just as much trouble learning other languages later as those not descended from multi-linguals.

Do your kids and grandkids a favor by giving them the opportunity to expand their minds in many languages.

Touring As A Jew

There's more to Jewish touring than looking for kosher food.  Actually, you don't have to be a strictly Torah observant Jew to do the Jewish thing when touring, traveling etc.  I saw this picture in Tablet and just had to post it:

The artist, Sarah Lazarovic, calls it "Semiteseeing," a play on siteseeing.  My family neither looked for Jewish sites, nor kosher food.  Our few trips were as Americans.  Once I became religious, a search for kosher food became a priority.

I haven't been very adventurous with my traveling.  I guess I've missed out in a way.

Another 9th of Av Movie

Yishai Fleisher's Tisha b'Av Movie

Permitted 9th of Av Activities

Arutz 7 has a listing of activities in various locations, Israel and abroad.

"Tonight We Do Not Learn Torah": 9th of Av Programs,  Rav Kook said unconditional love among Jews can bring Redemption: Programs for Tisha B'Av in Israel and US reflect that concept.

This year I'm home in Israel, for the first time in a few years. I hope to go to Jerusalem tomorrow with neighbors for a special program. There's a real choice there. I'll go to whichever my neighbors decide, G-d willing.

In the afternoon there are a few subject-permitted Torah classes here in the neighborhood.

Tzom Kal, an easy fast, and may we celebrate our Redemption, the Moshiach's arrival, G-d willing!

It's Not Enough to "Win"

This is a wonderful little film for Tisha b'Av, 9th of Av about unity from aish.com

Summer Dryness at Tel Shiloh

Since I began going to Tel Shiloh for Rosh Chodesh (beginning of lunar Jewish Month) prayers, I've become more and more aware of nature, the seasons.  Most people water their gardens, so you don't see the colors fade and change the way you do at Tel Shiloh. The midsummer's Rosh Chodesh Av is the driest of all.  By mid Av, there's a nightly mist to prepare the land for rain.

Here are some of the pictures I took just over a week ago:

Next Rosh Chodesh will be Elul; please join us.

Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh

Rosh Chodesh Elul

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

8:30am

Shiur Torah, Torah Lesson

Please come and invite family, friends and neighbors

תפילת נשים

ראש חודש אלול בתל שילה

יום ג' 30-1 8:30

יהיה שיעור תורה

נא לבוא, לפרסם ולהזמין חברות, משפחה ושכנות

Of course, you can visit Tel Shiloh, the actual Biblical location any weekday for touring and prayers. For more information, contact telshilo@gmail.com or call 02-994-4019.

Pre-Fast, Preparing for a 25 Hour Tisha B'Av Starvation/Fast

I've been told that I should have had been drinking all today, since in just under 24 hours the fast begins.  But I haven't been drinking all day.  That could be a reason I'm suddenly tired and making typos galore.

Musakka, However You Spell it and Make it, It's a Hit!

Since musakka isn't an English word, it can be spelled all different ways.

The name comes from the Arabic: مسقعة‎ musaqqaʿa 'chilled'.[2][3] This name is used in Turkish (musakka), Greek (μουσακάς), and the South Slavic languages (musaka/мусака). Other languages call it simply "eggplant casserole" (e.g. Hungarian rakott padlizsán).

And it can also be prepared innumerable ways.  I'm pretty new to cooking/baking it, but consider me an enthusiastic convert.  This one just has a layer of light green squash (I think they call it Mexican squash in Arizona,) a layer of eggplant, then chopped (ground) turkey or chicken flavored with tomato paste, an egg, onions and spices, and on top is another layer of eggplant as you can see.  I dribbled a bit of oil on that top layer, because I didn't want it to dry out in the oven.  I baked it uncovered, then covered in a hot oven until it "seemed" done.

A great advantage of musakka is that it's baked and served in the same pan.  It also includes both vegetables and animal protein.  You can make it "meatier" or more "vegetarian," low fat.  For a very simple meal, just serve with a fresh salad.  Since I eat a high proportion of vegetables at each meal, I served it with another vegetable dish plus the salad.  (That's how I've kept the weight off, since I lost over thirty pounds -15 kilo- a couple of years ago.)

Phone No, Internet Yes

I guess the title isn't very clear.  For some reason, we have internet but no phone line.  Considering that we get the internet from the phone...  I shouldn't rock the boat and complain. 



We do have cell phones... and email and...

Working on Friday

Yes, today I have to go to work.  I guess that one of the reasons I'm not enthused by the idea that Sunday's are being proposed as a "day off" is because I know that it'll just be another shopping day, like it is in the states now.  So the poor schlubbs working low wages in stores will have more complicated lives.

My kids are all grown, so I don't have to figure out what to do with them when there isn't school.  Most of us working in Yafiz are either older or younger than that stage.  One of the hard-working full-time workers is a single-mother who had to take her kids in the other day. Salary does not cover the expense of a babysitter.

Yesterday I didn't get all the cooking done.  I was tired,  ok and lazy.  I only looked for guests this week for Shabbat lunch.  Friday night, we eat so late, and I'll need the sleep.

Shabbat Shalom

JPIX, Feast Your Eyes

I think I've used this technique before as a JPIX host.  I'm just going to post pictures from the various posts/links submitted to the blog carnival.  This is an internet blog carnival about pictures.  It shouldn't matter who the photographer is or on which blog they're posted.  My aim is to have you "click the pic" and visit the blog post, which doesn't work, so there's a list on the bottom of this. 
Leaving a comment when you visit would be nice, too.

Before we get started to just to remind you that Leora has taken charge of JPIX interms of scheduling hosts.  So, if you'd like to host one, please contact her.  And if you'd like to submit a link, click here.  Thanks.

So, now on with the show!

I hope that I didn't miss anyone's post.
Happy viewing and "shooting."

Here's the list:
Cosmic X in Jerusalem: Givat Shaul II
כל העולם כולו גשר צר מאד
Cosmic X in Jerusalem: Givat Shaul VI: The View From Rabbi Pinchas Kehati Street
5711 Kvarim Trip -- Dnepropetrovsk - chossid - Photoblog.com
A Sacred Earth Odyssey - chossid - Photoblog.com
Busy Day in NY - chossid - Photoblog.com
Birthday Parade in Edison
RPRY in Salute to Israel Parade 2011 | Here in Highland Park
Bradley Beach Shul | Here in Highland Park
Photo Essay: Colors of Israel
Jerusalem Day, 2011
Yom HaAtzma’ut 5771
and a few of mine from Shiloh Musings and me-ander

JPIX Today

I have to put together the latest JPIX today, G-d willing, so stay tuned.  If you'd like to host one, contact Leora.  And if you'd like to contribute to future editions, then send in your picture post links as soon as posted. 

And don't forget to contribute to the next Kosher Cooking Carnival.  If you'd like to host one, please contact me.

Thanks

My "Vacation," Bible Wonderland

No, this wasn't a kiddie theme park based on the TaNa"Ch, Jewish Bible.  There's a fantastic study program in Herzog College.  Thousands (I had been given the number 4,000) people or more have been having a great time studying the Bible.  There are many classes going on simultaneously in Hebrew and English.  The rooms are packed.  Late registrants have been turned away or given no choices.

This was my first time in the program.  Recent years I've been in the states during the Nine Days, when it takes place.  I paid extra for transportation from Shiloh to Gush Etzion.  It was worth the money. Even if we had a car, I'd consider it worth the money.  The comfortable bus meant that I could use my energy concentrating on the high-level lectures.

Atara Snowbell

Dr. Yael Ziegler

Next time, I hope to choose from Hebrew lectures, too.  There's a great energy there, and it's easy to stay alert, much easier than I had expected.  Tea, coffee and other nosherei are available between classes.  Lunch is included, too, and the service is so efficient, it's like from another world.  The line sped and there was plenty of food.

I decided not to blog the pros and cons of the various shiurim.  If someone wants to ask about a specific one, please just email me. thanks

A LOVEly KCC in MamaLand!

Enjoy, pass around, blog about, "share" and more the absolutely lovely Kosher Cooking Carnival in MamaLand.  She has done a great job.  Also wish her a refuah shleimah, complete recovery since she's getting over a broken ankle.

Please remember to send in any kosher food posts you write or read via blog carnival.  And if you'd like to host one of our monthly editions, please contact me.

KCC Soon and... My Tanach, Bible Studies So Far

There should be a Kosher Cooking Carnival pretty soon in MamaLand.  I had forgotten to remind her.  But no big deal.  For sure it'll be worth waiting for.  Just keep on checking in.  Her blog is so good, that you'll find plenty to read.

I had a totally wonderful day at Michlelet Herzog Bible "festival."  They offer about a week of studies, five classes a day.  You sign up in advance and have to choose the exact classes you want.  They have mostly Hebrew and a great choice of English, too.  I don't know the official numbers of participants but it must be in the thousands.

For an additional fee there are buses from all over the country, even a stop here in Shiloh.  So how could I not go?  Besides that, lunch is part of the package.  There are a number of drink stations in the building with hot and cold drinks.  They also have cookies and pastries most of the day.

I had been very nervous about my  ability to stay awake and alert for five 70 minute classes.  That's one of the reasons that I took all the classes in English.  Thank G-d, so far it has been fantastic.  And yes, I was awake and alert all day.   Four out of five classes were totally top notch.  One wasn't, but I still enjoyed bits and pieces of it.

I'll write more, G-d willing, tomorrow or Thursday. 

And Now a Healthy Chocoate Spread

Thanks to "Pesky settler," my classic, easy, healthy, halva spread now has a chocolate version.  Her boys requested a chocolate spread, so she combined my non-dairy halva spread with cocoa powder:

Techina (plain unseasoned sesame paste,) honey, boiling water. Add cocoa powder and a tiny bit of vanilla extract. It's a Halvah spread.

The sesame paste, boiling water and honey are in inexact equal proportions.  What does that mean?  It means that you don't have to obsess. It's approximate.  You can make it sweeter or less sweet, thicker or thinner. 

You can also use this to ice a cake.

HH #323, 2 Cents are No Longer 10 Agaroth

Yaaqov has filled the gap and is hosting another Havel Havelim.  He calls his blog ESSER AGAROTH, ten agoroth (an agora equals a hundredth of a shekel) because it was the value of two cents when he began blogging.  The shekel has gone up and the dollar down since then.  Seven or SHEVA AGAROTH is more accurate today.  Yaaqov, please forgive this tangent.   This CPA's daughter just can't stop calculating...

Back to business, the aim of this post.  Well, it's to tell you to visit, share etc. Havel Havelim #323 and all of the included posts.  And, of course, thank Yaaqov!

Shiloh, The Center of Jewish Blogging, Blogs and More Across the Street

Ester has posted more posts in honor of Rosh Chodesh.  Read them; they are excellent.

Just a few houses down is the location of Eliyokim Cohen who produces a daily news show, Jews News.  It's a "must see."

Shelly lives a couple of minutes' walk from our street.  She blogs, too.  Her latest post promotes Sundays off, the opposite of my latest one on Shiloh Musings.

And yes, my husband blogs, too.

I don't think that there is a Havel Havelim this week, so please enjoy this bit of Jewish Blogging.