These Guys Are No GH!

Answer this Hypothetical

2006-03-07T13:54:00.000-05:00

UPDATED:

You want to invest $X dollars. You are approached by two people with the identical business/investment opportunity. Everything about the opportunities and circumstances surrounding each is the same, INCLUDING THE TIMING OF THEIR PROPOSALS TO YOU, THEIR FACES AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF TO DISTINGUISH THEM! These are the only two opportunities out there. One guy wears a black velvet yarmulke. The other wears a knitted kippah. To whom will you give your investment and why?

We're Back, Baby!

2006-01-30T07:10:00.000-05:00

JIB Awards

(Like Gil, I am pretending that "because the main competition has been campaigning heavily for votes", I am asking you to vote, even though the truth is that I simply want to boost my ego and win at all costs!)

It seems These Guys Are No GH! made it through the first round of voting in all eleven (Gil only has three. LOL!) categories in which we were nominated.

Please feel free to vote (once every three days) and figure out how to vote much more often:

Bestest Overall Blog

Really Best Overall Blog

Seriously, the Best Overall Blog

Best Joowish Relijun Blog

Best Spelling On a Blog

Only Jewish Blog Worth Reading (except for Jewish Worker, Jameel, GH, Ben Chorin, and some others like EZ )

Best Screenplay

Only Blog that Steve Brizel hasn't visited

Handsomest Blogger (GHassid)

Almost the Best Series (The Gay Thing)

The Best Ever Series (The second part of the Gay Thing)

Why the Jewish Blogosphere Exists

2005-12-20T14:51:00.000-05:00

GHassid and I started this blog when the Gadol Hador closed down his blog. We lamented how there simply wasn't anything else out there that could compare to his blog, the issues he tackled and the discussions in the comments section that his blog fomented.

Well, thankfully the Gadol Hador has been back for some time now and if you ever needed a reason to read his blog, here it is. Read the comments to this post where GH is particularly active.

This is why the Jewish blogosphere exists. Long live the King!

Kugel and Kapotas

2005-12-08T11:39:00.000-05:00

R' Gil has formulated his latest response to the Slifkin mugging. Nice post. Stuff we like to hear. Basically, he is reminding us that there are normal people out there. Nothing earth shattering. Just more of the same. No plans for making a difference. I'm glad he survived the Chareidi nonsense by not being exposed to it. Many won't be so lucky.

When is he or anyone with a brain, MO or otherwise, going to stand up and say "Enough"? Enough stupid letters, enough spouting nonsense, enough ridicule and oppression of those relying on legitimate but different authorities for their hashkafah. Perhaps with a real response to this, MO would earn some respect.

What might have been warm and fuzzy about Charedi Judaism (CJ) has become warmed over and oppressive. Is it me or does the the leadership of CJ seem to be some combination of weak, evil, and just insane?

Is this how someone who asks questions should betreated? Is how they teach Torah and how to be a better Jew? Why isn't R' Elya Ber Wachtfogel or R' Elyashiv made to put up or shut up? I haven't heard R' Perlow answer any of R' Slifkin's legitimate questions or even make some attempt. We just get speakers at the Siyum Hashas ridiculing those who don't toe their party's line. All we get is "If you ask, you are a threat to the Mesorah and an Apikorus that must be destroyed." This is Torah scholarship? Gimme a break.

Perhaps, they have been exposed as not being the great torah giants we thought they were and are running scared? Maybe they are all just old and senile? Is there something more sinister going on here? Why aren't we getting some real leadership on this. Are we just waiting for CJ to self destruct? ( Relax. I'm not actually hoping for this. I just want some decency.) I guess it's a possibilty with their strong aversion to work. With their scholarship waning there can't be much left. Kugel and Kapotas won't sustain a people for long no matter how ignorant. We should have more respect for ourselves and our religion. We should demand it. This was wrong on too many levels. It needs a real response. There is a real opportunity here to raise up Judaism. To show the world how beautiful it is.

So.........now what?

Name a Gadol

2005-12-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

Name a Gadol and in 2-3 sentences tell me why you think he qualifies as such.

Note: For purposes of this post, the fact that someone sits on some council or regularly appears on a standard list of signatures does not suffice to qualify one as a Gadol. Nor is simply being the Rosh Yeshiva of a major Torah institution.

UPDATE: For the sake of those (including me) not familiar with all the rabbinic All-Stars, please also include one or two sentences describing your pick's bio.

UPDATE II: The GHassid just informed me that this "game" was played twice before by GH and Hakira, respectively. I was unaware of this when I posted. Nonetheless, in light of recent developments and posts on other blogs, I think it is a good exercise.

Rav Hershel Schachter and the Gedolim

2005-12-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

I was reading the post below submitted by my esteemed colleague GHassid on the newest chapter in the Slifkin controversy, when the answer to a question that has been bothering for me for some time suddenly became very clear.

I often wondered why truly great rabbinic figures who possess virtually unequalled mastery of Torah and rabbinic source material as well as the middos that truly set then apart from everyone else, don't assert themselves more and rise to a higher level where they can become bigger players in the Torah world. Take Rav Hershel Schachter (RHS) for example. His Torah mind is unparalleled and his middos are on par with his Torah knowledge. I've wondered for many years why he doesn't push himself a little so that his influence can be felt beyond the halls of YU and his many talmidim. Sure, one can say that being a Rosh Yeshiva at YU is what holds him back, but I never believed that. I believed it was something more personal, as if he doesn't want to become larger than he is in the Torah and yeshiva worlds, but I could never figure out why.

Today it finally hit me. Why would someone like RHS want to become part of the fraternity known as "the Gedolim"? He is too good for them. He is too pure for them. He could never lower himself to act in a manner that "the Gedolim" have in connection with the Slifkin controversy. RHS couldn't perpetrate a Chilul Hashem all in the name of fraudulent "kannaus". RHS remains a giant by virtue of not becoming one of "the Gedolim". He stays away because he is commanded to: "m'dvar sheker tirchak".

Gil fiddles as Slifkin burns.

2005-12-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

Three new anti Slifkin letters have surfaced. Most notable to me is the signature of R' Shmuel Kaminetsky on someone else's letter. The deadly insurgency has been crushed. Independent thought in Orthodox Jewry, while sick and gasping for awhile, is now officially dead. Nice post about the U.N. though. What a wonderful sense of humor you have. Hilarious stuff! We can all agree that Dave Barry is the best, but something tells me that he knows nothing about RNS or his problems. Or (some Dan Lkaf Zchut grasping here) was that last one, some clever post equating the U.N. to the Council of Torah Sages? Have you confirmed these letters as authentic? If they are, why not something substantial in his defense? Don't you think it's time to organize some Rabbis to formulate a real response in opposition of this insanity? How about something from your new friends at the RCA?

In other words: AYEKA?

P.S. Just to clarify. I am not angry with Gil. I love Gil. I see him as a figure who can make a difference in this matter and only hope that this post plays whatever small role in getting him to utilize his talents and respond to this insanity. Further defamation of The Gedolim is pointless. We can all agree they have taken care of that on their own. What we need is a real response from respected and qualified leaders and I am hoping Gil with his extensive knowledge of the subject will take up this effort with the appropriate people.

If I may quote a commenter from another Blog:

It is getting embarrassing to identify as Orthodox.
charliehall 12.02.05 - 11:52 am #

Please Gil. Help us all.

How the Government of Israel will End the Terror

2005-12-05T05:59:00.000-05:00

In response to the suicide bombing in Netanya (see Ezzie's post), here are 10 ways that the Israeli government will eliminate future terrorist attacks in Israel:

1. Promise severe retaliation but hardly do a thing.

2. Fire some missiles into empty buildings or fields.

3. Allow more Palestinians into the country "on work permits" as a good will gesture.

4. Free more prisoners as a good will gesture.

5. Form some more political parties based on defeatism and appeasement.

6. Invite more Oslo architects to choose any position they want in the next government.

7. Keep checking with Condoleeza Rice to make sure it's O.K. to use the bathroom in the morning.

8. Throw some more Jews out of their homes and businesses.

9. Allow more terrorist groups to run in the Palestinian elections.

10. Kill a low level terrorist operative and claim you eliminated "a major terrorist leader".

A Nation of Princes?

2005-12-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

I was on an El Al flight recently, seated in the very back of the plane near the restrooms. The restrooms could be a problem when the line backs up and people begin to hang out and talk at any hour of the night notwithstanding sleeping passengers all around them. This ultimately leads to long conversations starting and everyone passing up their place on the bathroom line in the interest of continuing the conversation.

So there I was, after a nice meal (I love airplane food) and part of a film (lately I have no patience to sit through an entire movie). The lights were turned off and the passengers were in various stages of drifting off to sleep. Then the conversation started. On one side was a young woman (mid 30's I guessed) who was not Jewish but worked for a small company owned by an Orthodox Jew. It sounded like she did some type of computer graphics work. On the other side was a fellow I recognized from New York. He is a fundraiser for a (minor) Jewish organization that actually does very good work. He's a good schmoozer and I'm sure he is very good at what he does. I would say he is part of the "black hat" community in New York. His sons go to very right wing yeshivos and he davens in a 'frum" shteibel. From my observation of him over the years, I came to like him. He is a warm guy and a very pleasant and nice person. I'm pretty sure he didn't notice me sitting there and even if he did, I don't think he really knows me beyond mere recognition.

Anyhoo....

The woman and this guy started talking. I wasn't paying any attention to the conversation so I don't know how they got around to discussing his work and her work and how maybe they can even possibly help each other. I knew it was heading for an exchange of business cards. Then it started.

While talking, the woman asked for the guy's name. He provided his name and she said "so nice to meet you" and you guessed it, stuck out her hand. Without even hesitating, the guy responded "I'm sorry but I am Orthodox and the Orthodox don't shake women's hands". I felt that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. I think I sensed her embarrassment. However, I am aware of the various opinions on what to do in this situation so I tried hard not to judge this man for the way he reacted. While I would shake the woman's hand, I know there are other opinions that it is wrong to do so and was sure he was simply following these stricter opinions. See Gil's posts (here, here and here) for a halachic discussion of the issue.

It sill was a very awkward situation and I was uncomfortable, mostly for the woman because the guy didn't seem to have any problem with the situation. I should mention that this guy's organization works primarily with non-religious women so I was a bit surprised by his reaction. Okay. No big deal. It happens all the time, and whereas I have adopted one method for myself, I respect the other approaches and halachic decisions on the matter. The awkwardness actually dissipated somewhat when the woman, surprised by what he said, inquired about the prohibition. I don't recall his explanation being in any way objectionable.

The situation deteriorated for me with what transpired next. As I mentioned earlier, the woman had said that she worked for an "Orthodox" man. It was therefore not a surprise when she mentioned how the non-shake took her by surprise because her boss never seems to have a problem shaking women's hands. She asked the guy to explain the discrepancy. I would have responded with some sort of "different strokes for different folks" answer while trying to maintain credibility and respect for both approaches. What I mean by that is not that different Orthodox people practice differently because that could lead to its own set of questions and misunderstandings. I mean a simple explanation that there are various interpretations of certain requirements and not everyone follows the exact same procedures in special situations. Not him. Here's how it went down:

Guy: Your boss shakes hands with women?

Gal: Yes.

Guy: Well, then he is not Orthodox.

Gal: He says he is Orthodox.

Guy: He can't be Orthodox if he shakes women's hands.

Gal: Hmm. Interesting.

Me: (Reached for barf bag).

What is going on here? This wasn't some guy who sits in a kollel all day and has no exposure to the outside world (and who, if taught by the right rebbeim, probably would have handled the situation in a more respectful manner). This was an educated person who is "out there in the real world". How can he possibly say such a thing to someone who doesn't know better? What is wrong with these people? What has gone wrong with our religion when those who outwardly (and presumably inwardly) practice the religion at a very high level not only think that way about someone who shakes hands with women but also is willing to repeat it to a non-Jew in public!? He didn't even lower his voice! He didn't hesitate. Is that the only answer he could come up with? Was there no way to get around her question? Did it make him feel more religious? More holy? Superior?

You realize what must have transpired, don't you? One of two Orthodox Jews ultimately looked bad in the eyes of a non-Jew. She undoubtedly went back to work and repeated this story to her boss thinking he wasn't Orthodox like he claimed. The boss either (1) bad-mouthed the "right-wingers", (2) gently explained that the guy on the plane was wrong, or (3) the boss used my "different strokes" response. But either way, she had to leave the conversation with her boss thinking that the plane guy misrepresented the truth by saying that a man who shakes women's hands cannot be Orthodox. And this coming from someone who seems to represent Orthodox Judaism at a high level? This is what she must have thought!

Bottom line is this: we looked bad. Again. And it was because of someone who, based on their appearance, should be held to a much higher standard when it comes to representing our (usually) beautiful religion. Why is this happening? Why are Jews being trained this way? You don't want to shake a woman's hand! More power to you! But along with instruction as to the actual laws and approach to the situation, let the rebbeim and Roshei Yeshiva teach some damn tact! Teach young Jews how to handle other people's feelings. Teach Jews that people's feelings, whether they be Orthodox, non-orthodox or yes, even non-Jews, matter. People's feelings matter! And beyond people's feelings, the impression one gives of our religion matters! Its called Kiddush or Chillul Hashem and one simple act or a few small words of explanation can determine whether one performs one or the other . These things matter. We are supposed to be a nation of princes, a holy nation, the chosen people. We need to stop acting like morons and boors.

Did I mention that I was sitting near of group of Christians who had just concluded a tour of Israel? We had the nicest conversation earlier in the flight. If only we spoke about Eretz Yisroel with the love and respect that these people do. They didn't have a bad word to say about their trip, the people or the country. Not one. "The country is so beautiful". "The people are beautiful". G-d bless you for living In Israel. "Why doesn't your country stand up to the Arabs and the world", etc. etc. The kind of stuff you love to hear. And yes, I know about the different views regarding the Christians' motives and whether we should view them as friends and allies or not when it comes to Israel. That's for another post. My point is that these same people were witness to the garbage that I had to listen to. I was sick to my stomach.

Fortunately, I got over it by the time breakfast arrived.

The Gabbai and Homophobia

2005-12-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

It's been a special few days. First the GH returns. And now Dovbear has attacked the Gabbai.

Hi, I'm The Gabbai, and I'm a homophobe.

(Everyone: Hi Gabbai!)

Before I respond, let me begin by saying this: I don't want to get into it with DovBear. First, he is an extraordinary writer and his writing skills are light-years ahead of my own and with that advantage I have no doubt that his views will be expressed much more eloquently, lucidly and convincingly than mine. Secondly, Dovbear is smarter (but not wiser) than me so even if I have a stronger position I will never be able to spell it out clearly and convincingly as he is able to do with his own positions.

With that said, here's a what happened. Dovbear thinks I'm homophobic. I suppose one qualifies as a homophobe if he either fears gays or hates gays. I hope Dovbear will at least admit based on the entirety of my post that if I am indeed a homophobe, I am one because I fear gays and certainly not because I hate them. I do not hate gays. I hate some gays. I hate the flamboyant ones. I hate the ones that march in parades dressed in costumes out of a scary B movie. I hate the gays that march in Jerusalem. But I hate a lot of straight people as well. I hate Jews who cheat. I hate Jews who are rude. I hate Jews who are boorish. I don't hate the gays that were the subject of my post. I pity them. My heart breaks for them.

Honestly, I think I am a homophobe. I am afraid of gays. They make me uncomfortable. And you know why I haven't come around? Because I don't know any gay men. I mean I'm sure I know some gay men but I don't really know any gay men. I don't have any gay friends (that I know of). I have my suspicions about some guys but nothing confirmed. My brother-in-law bothers me when he wears pink and mint green shirts but I'm pretty sure he isn't gay. Maybe if I had a gay friend I would realize that there isn't much to fear but I don't have any gay friends and frankly I'm not interviewing.

But besides being a homophobe, I am also confused. I don't know how to deal with gay Jews, I don't know what to think of them and I certainly don't know how to deal with Judaism's treatment of them. It is one of those damn areas where I am uncomfortable thinking about the religion I love and dealing with what the religion says.

Yes, I would not want my children to be alone with any gay man. I don't even think I would be comfortable with them at my Shabbos table because I don't know how to answer a child's question about a gay man if I would be asked.

I am disappointed in Dovbear for not trying to understand where I was coming from in my post before attacking me. Yes, my post bothered Dovbear and contained statements that offended his sensibilities. But Dovbear is smart enough to have looked deeper into my post for the contextual mea culpa that was contained therein. I certainly have bought into the things that Dovbear says I have bought into. But on top of all that I have the questions I have. In spite of my homophobia I want answers as to how Judaism says to treat the humans behind their forbidden acts. I want to know, if gays are "sick", why the Torah is so brutal in its treatment of them. Telling me that science contradicts my fears doesn't really help.

Finally, I am not ashamed of my discomfort around gays and my unwillingness to expose my children to them. I am confused but not ashamed. And for Dovbear, Steg and all the other enlightened individuals who jumped on Dovbear's bandwagon in his attack on me, when it comes to your own comfort around gay men, good for you. It doesn't amaze me at all, and I don't condemn it. I am sure that the gay men with whom you are friendly are fine guys and nice people. But regarding your claimed willingness to expose your children to them or to have your children spend time alone with them, I honestly believe that YOU ARE ALL FULL OF CRAP!

Homosexuality and Judaism

2005-11-27T07:57:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: See Steg's comments on the distinction between "being homosexual" and engaging in homosexual intercourse. I don't want the point of this post nor the questions I pose to be dismissed because of that distinction, so I changed the post to specifically address dealing with those who engage in homosexual intercourse. Thanks, Steg.

How are we supposed to treat ~~Jewish homosexuals~~ Jewish people who engage in homosexual intercourse?

I suppose the answer to this question will depend on one's view towards homosexuality in Judaism.

I'll leave analysis of the torah view of homosexuality to others like Gil (UPDATE: I didn't have to leave it for Gil because he already dsicussed the issue here, here, here, here and here; thanks, Gil) and the debate about homosexuality to other bloggers from the right and the left. What I want to discuss here is the practical results of the halachic analysis and debate: when all is said and done, what do we do now?

How are we to view those who willfully engage in such activity or alternatively, are genetically disposed towards such proclivities? Do we treat them disdainfully as sinful or do we view them compassionately as ill? Do we shun them and keep them out of our communities and synagogues or do we pity them and welcome them?

If we view ~~homosexuals~~ those who engage in homosexual intercourse as sinners, what is our obligation? Are they worse sinners than those who cheat on their taxes who seem to have carte blanche in Jewish communities when it comes to gaining forgiveness (especially in the Orthodox community where standards should be higher) or do we view ~~homosexuality~~ engaging in homosexual intercourse as a sin involving "moral turpitude" which carries with it a much higher price? We don't have a system in place in our time where we punish violators of halacha. We don't punish cheaters and embezzlers. So should it be our responsibility to "punish" ~~homosexuals~~ those who engage in homosexual intercourse by excluding them from our communities?

If we view them as "sick", do we not have an obligation to help these people? While I am the last person to suggest how to do so, exiling them from our shuls and families certainly can't be the way to go.

What about our children? How do we protect them from the influences of ~~homosexuals~~ those who engage in homosexual intercourse? I would imagine that most people would have some level of discomfort allowing ~~homosexuals~~ those who engage in homosexual intercourse to teach our children in schools. But how far does this go? Do we allow our children to speak to them? Do we invite them for Shabbos meals and have our children get to know them? And how do we explain to our children why it is that we don't allow them to be alone with these individuals?

If you are one who takes a harsher view towards these issues and the treatment of ~~homosexuals~~ those who engage in homosexual intercourse, what do you say to the families of these people? Are they to disown them?

These are tough questions. I don't have the answers but have been looking for some.

He's Back!

2005-11-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

It's the end of the world as we know it.........

It's the end of the world as we know it..........

But I feel fine!

Way To Go Hesdernik!

2005-11-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

By now, I'm sure you've heard of the battle on the Lebanese border last night in which 4 Hezbullah TERRORISTS (not fighters; not militants) were killed.

Well, see here and here for the story behind the killings.

Baruch Hashem for Hesder yeshivos, their boys, and of course all brave warriors who fight the good fight for the IDF.

Wake Up Leftists!

2005-11-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

The New York Times has an editorial in today's paper that just oozes praise and admiration for Ariel Sharon, Israel's new "Centrist". At the same time, the piece paints the Likud and Likud loyalists as practical terrorists, hell-bent on destroying any opportunity for peace that comes Israel's way.

Since when did being "right-wing" make one an enemy of peace? Since when did concern for the security of a nation and safety of its children turn one into a warmonger?

When is Sharon and all the other leftists finally going to realize that in the world's eyes, the more Israel gives away and the more it endangers its security and the more it jeopardizes its future, the more it will be loved in the world? The world never showed an Israeli leader so much respect like they did at the UN after Sharon's Gaza expulsion. When Sharon cedes the West Bank, and then half of Jerusalem the world will show him even more respect while snickering behind his back and wondering amongst themselves why they didn't realize much earlier that he was such a sucker. If Sharon agrees to fork over the entire country, I promise you, they will rename the UN General Assembly after him.

Wake up morons on the Left.

To Tuck or Not to Tuck

2005-11-22T00:20:00.000-05:00

Gil has a post discussing tucking in Tzitzis.

Interesting post, but the real issue is as follows:

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Jerry: Coming.

George walks to the door wearing a shower cap.

Lupe: Hello. I have more towels.

George: Oh good, good, come in. Come in, welcome. I'm George. And this is
Jerry, over there, on the phone, that's Jerry. And you are, um?

Lupe: Lupe.

George: Lupe. That's very nice, very nice. Listen, are you going to be making
up the bed in the morning?

Lupe: Yes.

George: Fine. Excellent. Could you do me a favor? Could you not tuck the
blankets in? 'Cause I can't sleep all tucked in.

Lupe: Oh, yes, yes.

George: Yes, I like to just be able to take the blankets and swish them and
swirl them, you know what I mean? You know, I don't like being all tucked in.
I like to have a lot of room, you know I like to have my toes pointed up in the
air. Just like to scrunch up the blankets.

Lupe: Yes, yes. It's too tight to sleep.

George: Exactly, you know what I'm talking about, right?

Lupe: It's too tight. (Gesturing towards Jerry) Him too?

George: Uh, Jerry, you want your blankets tucked in?

Jerry: Excuse me, what?

George: You want your blankets tucked in?

Jerry: What blankets?

George: When Lupe makes up the beds in the morning.

Jerry: I don't know, whatever they do.

Lupe: I tuck in? Yes?

Jerry: Tuck in, tuck in.

George: Alright, so that's one tuck and one no-tuck.

Lupe: Okay.

George: Yeah. One second sweetheart. Jerry, I really think it'd be easier if
you didn't tuck.

Jerry: Excuse me, fine, you don't want me to tuck, put me down for a no-tuck.

George (to Lupe): Two no-tucks.

Jerry: Uh, hang on a second, You know what? Changed my mind, make it a tuck.

George: You just said you weren't tucking.

Jerry: I'm tucking! Hello? Hello? They hung up on me. They don't know where
Kramer is anyway.

George: Alrighty, so. That's one tuck and one no-tuck. Got that?*

Jerry: Excuse me, um, did you see a piece of paper on the nightstand here
earlier today crumpled up like a napkin?

Lupe: Oh, yes, yes. I throw away when we clean the room.

Jerry: Oh, okay, thanks.

Lupe: Thank you.

George: Thank you.

Lupe: Bye-bye.

George: Alright, Lupe, bye-bye now.

Lupe: Bye.

George: Bye-bye.

Lupe exits.
____________________________________________________
* For the record, I like my blankets untucked.

Do Us a Favor

2005-11-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

Look. You know we are hurt and vulnerable. We are going through a very rough time. GH says he is finished and not coming back. So please. If you are going to post a comment (which not too many of you seem interested in doing at the moment), please don't use GH's name in vain. GH says his comments come with a teudah (certificate) so you aren't fooling us. We know you aren't the real thing. So make up another name and use that. Or impersonate DovBear. His name is far from holy. Don't use GH. It's what he would've wanted.

Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

2005-11-21T14:57:00.000-05:00

Recognizing the need to enhance and expand the role of women in talmud Torah, the halakhic process, religious life and communal leadership within the bounds of halakha.

From Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Website

I wonder if that mushy, fem line helps them pick up chicks.

The Rebbe Harav Hagaon R' Gil Student Shlita?

2005-11-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

It seems we have finally gotten Gil's attention. First a post about how to electronically sign up to be a Hasid. Followed closely by a post on The Gedolim and that facilitated communication garbage. (Sidebar: That was atrocious mental abuse perpetrated on those innocent folks who needless to say don't need any. I personally know people who work in the field of special education and Autism who were outraged by the stupidity of those spreading this plague on a desperate and therefore easily duped segment of our community. To dump that crap on any public is ludicrous but it was especially heinous to use "spirituality" and "emunah pshuta" endorsed by "Leading Gedolim". That is just sick. Why anyone would ever give the time of day let alone respect someone who endorses this fraud is beyond this Jewish observer.) It's obvious. Clear as day. He wants the title. He thinks he is GH material. Personally, I am torn. He seems to be overqualified in the Torah department and underqualified in the Humor department. Honestly, he is as dry as the Alter Rebbetzin's Mandelbrot after a three day Yontif. The olam needs a leader that fights fire with fire when necessary. Someone to rally the troops. Someone to shout out the glaring hypocrisy. Someone to take back OJ.

NBC executive: "But why will people watch?"
George (smugly): "Because it's on TV."
NBC exec: "Not yet."

Gadlus? Yes. The next Gadol Hador? Not yet.

Gil's Naiveté

2005-11-21T12:56:00.000-05:00

Gil wonders whether the Gedolim have issued a retraction regarding an issue he discusses here.

LOL! A retraction by Gedolim! Yeah, right. LOL!!!

GH Sighting!

2005-11-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

GH has posted. Oh, what a beautiful day!

Political Earthquake in Israel?

2005-11-21T08:24:00.000-05:00

Now that it is official and Ariel Sharon has left the Likud to form a new "centrist" (read: Left) party, what will change? Can anyone describe for me any scenario where Ariel Sharon will not win in the next elections?

Please. I'm beggin ya!

Welcome, Muqata

2005-11-20T06:57:00.000-05:00

The Muqata seems to be on the ball when it comes to Israel. Something tells me he isn't the biggest fan of Ariel Sharon. This man gets a link on our blog list!

I'm curious how The Muqata feels about the upcoming elections. How will those who feel betrayed by Sharon vote when it comes down to Sharon or the extreme-leftist Amir Peretz?

Is it a matter of practicality and Orange-camp voters will have to decide who is worse for their cause going forward or is it a matter of principle and those voters will simply cast their ballot for the candidate that runs opposite Sharon?

I'll discuss my views as we get closer to the election.

Which Way is Israel?

2005-11-19T18:21:00.000-05:00

Jerry Seinfeld on ethnic sensitivity:

You know, I don't get it. Not allowed to ask a Chinese person where the Chinese restaurant is! I mean, aren't we all getting a little too sensitive? I mean, someone asks me which way's Israel, I don't fly off the handle.

The Rav on Ceremonialism in Prayer

2005-11-19T18:10:00.000-05:00

Rav Soloveichik Z'T'L writes:

"An overflow of heartfulness and soulfulness, the sound of “out of distress I called”, “from the depths I have called you, Hashem”; this is the melodiousness of service of the heart, in which form drowns in content, prose in emotion, and outwardness in inwardness. Here the heart and truth react. I imagine to myself the awe of Yom Kippurim in the beit midrash of the Ba’al Shem Tov or the Ba’al haTanya, ob”m. There they certainly did not employ music, choirs and pomp. There were no platforms decorated with rugs, flowers and rabbis trained in linguistic expression and pleasant manners . . . Does a spring which gushes forth from the ground with mighty primordial power need any artificial form to grant it majesty and dignity? Does the lava which is spewn from a volcano need to flow according to the rules of hollow and empty decorum? Their beauty, the majesty of strength, is revealed precisely in their naturalness, originality and spontaneity. And is not man who supplicates his Creator a gushing spring or even a mountain spewing fire? It is clear that prayer is the antithesis of ceremony with regard to the relationship between content and form, heart and word. Thus all these aesthetic emendations in prayer, instead of deepening the experiences will rob it of its content and soul.

The other characteristics of ceremony are also exposed as [an inauthentic] hybrid with service of the heart. If genuine prayer is performed in the heart, there is no need for a master of ceremonies who will mediate between the congregation and the Creator . . . There is no need for the rabbi to stand on a platform, bedecked in “priestly vestments”, and conduct services. He and the simple Jew are of equal lineage before the Omnipresent and it is incumbent upon [both of] them to pray on the lower level of the synagogue without any distinction . . . "

“Tefillatam shel Yehudim,” Mayanot, vol. VIII, pp. 9-11.

Parsha: Rabbi Saks on Eliezer's Inner Conflict

2005-11-19T10:48:00.000-05:00

Rabbi Saks, Chief Rabbi of England, offers an amazing insight into Avraham's servant's conflict and taamei hamikra.

"........The shalshelet is an unusual note. It goes up and down, up and down, as if unable to move forward to the next note. It was the 16th century commentator Rabbi Joseph Ibn Caspi (in his commentary to Bereishith 19:16) who best understood what it was meant to convey, namely a psychological state of uncertainty and indecision. The graphic notation of the shalshelet itself looks like a streak of lightning, a "zigzag movement" (tenuah me'uvetet), a mark that goes repeatedly backwards and forwards. It conveys frozen motion - what Hamlet called "the native hue of resolution sicklied o'er by the pale cast of thought" - in which the agent is torn by inner conflict. The shalshelet is the music of ambivalence.

One instance occurs in Genesis 24:12. Abraham has sent his servant (not identified in the text, but taken by the commentators to be Eliezer) to find a wife for his son Isaac. He goes to the city of Haran where Abraham's family remained while he went on to the land of Canaan. Arriving at the town's well, he proposes a test: the woman who comes to draw water, offers some to the traveller, and in addition gives water to his camels will be the one chosen by G-d for his master's son. Over the "and he said" introducing his request of G-d that this test should succeed, the masoretic tradition has placed a shalshelet.

The commentators identify multiple sources of ambivalence at this point. First, was the test permitted? Jewish law forbids relying on "omens" (Deut. 18: 10, Hullin 95b), and Eliezer may have felt that his test was dangerously close to pagan practice (Ran to Hullin 95b, however, states that Eliezer's conduct was legitimate; he sought not an omen but a sign of the woman's character).

Ibn Caspi himself suggests that Eliezer was unsure as to whether a single test like this was sufficient grounds on which to base so fateful a decision as the choice of a marriage partner for Isaac.

The midrash (Bereishith Rabbah 59: 9), however offers the most insightful explanation. Eliezer had mixed feelings not about the test but about the whole mission itself. Until that point, says the Midrash, he had been "sitting and weighing whether his own daughter was suitable for Isaac." He had hoped, in other words, that one way or another, Abraham's estate would pass to him.

There are two cues that led the midrash to this hypothesis. The first is that when Abraham first spoke to G-d about his childlessness, he said: "O Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus" (Ber. 15: 2). Eliezer, at that time, had reason to hope that he would be Abraham's heir.

The second is that when Abraham charges him with the mission to find a wife for his son, he replies, "What if [ulai] the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land?" As Ibn Ezra notes (Commentary to Psalm 116: 16), the word ulai is not always neutral. Sometimes it signifies an eventuality one does not want to happen, but at others it indicates an event one does wish for. Eliezer's "what if" may have been an unconscious expression of the fact that, with half his mind, he wanted the mission to fail. That would once again place him or his daughter in a position to be Abraham's heir.

It was therefore with profoundly mixed feelings that he prayed for a woman to appear who would be G-d's choice of Isaac's wife......."

Good Work

2005-11-17T16:41:00.000-05:00

He's no GH.............

but I like The Jewish Worker a lot. Good posts on interesting topics. I only wish he would post more often.

Conversation with a Nutjob

2005-11-17T16:32:00.000-05:00

Have you seen these "conversation" posts that Out of Step Jew shares with his readers? I think OOSJ needs to have a conversation with some of these people!

UPDATE: I actually enjoy reading OOSJ. I like many of his posts. See, for example, his recent posts on his Chasideshe's cousin's wedding. Very well done. It's just the "conversations" that freak me out a little.

DB Misses GH!

2005-11-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

DovBear writes about his post-GH blogging melancholy. Not everyone who contributes to this blog sees the value that DB adds to the blogosphere but I think we agree that DB is right this time. It's not the same without GH.

The Ban-ner

2005-11-17T15:46:00.000-05:00

Ok this not a post about the Gedolim and Rabbi Slifkin. Kudos to R' Gil and others for linking RNS's latest essay on "Elephants Can't Jump". Perhaps we have the making of a major motion picture. Including footage of Woody Harrelson's unfortunate demise (don't worry it's only a movie) when stomped into unrecognizable pulp by a flying Elephas Maximus on it's way to the hole finishing with a 360 tomahawk dunk. Hey!.....Could happen if only you believe.

Actually, what I wanted to say was:

"And we also like anything SEINFELD. Giddyup."

Just to clarify. I felt the "we" in the tag line sounded a bit gay. Which we are not. NOT that there is anything wrong with that.

A Gadol Remembered

2005-11-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

As I, like many Hasidim of the Gadol worldwide rended their keyboards (the G and H keys are removed for the seven days of mourning referred to as Shiva) and sat low up against the CPU tower under my desk ( this initially engendered quizzical looks from co workers, but when explained as a religious custom akin to leaving early on Friday was actually encouraged ) I contemplated a future without our leader. So strong. So inspiring. So honest. All qualities I admire and hope to incorporate into my life. It's what he would have wanted. To be a link in the mesorah is an awesome task and he taught us how that doesn't mean accepting any and all information just because it came from someone who received semicha from Verizon. There is work to do. Things need to be changed. Many of the goals of Orthodox Judaism have been overshadowed by mindless ritual and dogma. The Gadol stood for taking back Orthodoxy. To live up to the ideal of being an Am Hanivchar and an Ohr Lagoyim. We must continue his work in his memory. To this end we will search for a suitable replacement. Despite the fact that the Gadol did so much good, we will avoid the temptation to declare him the Moshiach, post silly billboards on major highways and hold fake ceremonies as if his ghost is in the building. He's gone. We will accept our loss and search for a new leader. Join us in this important quest.

Introduction

2005-11-17T09:06:00.000-05:00

Well it looks like the Godol really has hung it up. It's been several days now. Nothing. Just a new picture and a tease caption. We were avid fans. Loyal readers. We even posted once in a while but we weren't part of the "click". Looking in from the outside was fine. GH kept us coming back. He kept us interested. He kept us laughing. His intellectual honesty and direct approach to what is wrong with Orthodoxy was a breath of fresh air. And not dry air like some other blogs.

We've been trying to find a suitable replacement. Checking out the popular blogs as well as some of the "heir apparents". So far, it is not looking promising.

With the goal in mind of trying to find someone to fill the void that GH left, we will be tracking, reviewing and critiquing other Jewish blogs in the hope of bringing back some of the blogging joy that the GH provided. The bloggers can ignore us or work with us. We are here to help. Constructive criticism is the idea although we're pretty sure the theme of the post will degenrate into just mean attacks.

And we're off...............