A Dedication of One's Neshama

(NOTES from Reuven Hammer)
The original requirement at Hanukkah is "one light for a man and his household" (Shabbat 21b). But according to the School of Shammai, "Those who are zealous light one for each person and the extremely zealous light eight on the first eve and reduce the number thereafter." Yet the School of Hillel teaches that an individual lights one the first night and progressively increase them."
Modern Jewry has adopted the custom of the latter, which has to do with increase: an increase of the miracle of the oil for 8 days; an increase of the blessing of the light which dispels the darkness; and in increase of the light of the soul as the embers are stoked & kindled through faith & trust, and obedience & study, which causes it to burn brighter and brighter illuminating the darkness around us.

Hanukkah commemorates the struggle for religious freedom. The Maccabean revolt against the Seleucids was brought about by the fact that these Syrian Greeks forced observant Jews to abandon their religion and violate the Torah, the religious constitution of the Jewish People.
This is stated explicitly in the Hanukkah prayer Al Hanissim, "They demanded that we abandon YOUR Torah and violate YOUR mitzvot." For the first time, unfortunately not the last time, Jews were martyred because they attempted to observe the mitzvot of Judaism. Hellenism was not being offered as a choice, but as a coercive substitute for Judaism. (MY NOTE: The modern day form of Hellenism is Humanism – man is himself a god, therefore there is no need for any form of religion. Among humanists, religion only sparks hatred and disunity between civilizations.)

The light we kindle symbolizes the light of God's presence, the light that Torah brings into the world with its message of religious freedom.
This symbolism is found throughout Torah:
(Bereshit = Gen.1:3) Hashem's first utterance, "Let there be light!"
(Devarim = Exodus 3:2) The divine presence was revealed in the flames of the burning bush.
(Devarim = Exodus 19:18) And again in the fire at Sinai.
(Devarim = Exodus 27:20-21) Lights were kindled on the Menorah every evening in the Sanctuary to illuminate the ark.
(Mishlei = Proverbs 6:23) "The 'mitzvah' is a flame, and the Torah is light!"
(Zechariah 4:6) The Haftorah which describes the Menorah and then give its meaning: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit says the L-rd of Hosts!"

091129 Fall in Givat Ze'ev

A little bit of fall color in the surroundings of my home in Givat Zeev. It's not very often the desert sky is so clear and nature is dust-free.

091113 AFSI Arrives at Shdema

Storm clouds were brewing over a western sky as the AFSI bus arrived at Shdema. The American tourists disembarked eager to participate in the day's activities. Nadia's address to the group began with a note of the personal appreciation of the longtime support of Women in Green from Americans For a Safe Israel. Ruthie Wallfish followed with a shiur from the Parasha of the week: "The Leadership of Sara".
Afterwards, everyone hurried outside to plant vegetation appropriate for this particular region of Israel. Although it was a warm happy occasion, the parting was bitter sweet for some of those who have had a longterm, long-distance acquaintance. For others it was a fun time to make new friends which we all hope to see in Israel again soon!
It was great to experience such a great turnout at Shdema! And everyone on the ground floor of making Shdema a success was very grateful to Helen Freedman for introducing her tour group to the struggle for Shdema.
The weather held out until the events came to the close of another Friday morning at Shdema, but the sweet, much needed rain came as I traveled home, making it a bright shiny Shabbat across the wadi outside my apartment in the hills of Binyamin.
(To see photos of the Shdema Youth, go to: http//:tzometfriknfrak.blogspot.com/)

True Pioneer Spirit: Gal Hill

(All photos are copyright and not to be copied or printed for other purposes than this blogsite.)
Gal Hill is situated within the municipal boundaries of Kiryat Arba, and was originated by the Hacohen family about 5-6 years ago. And as with all who have a pioneering spirit, the family camped out in an old abandoned bus until they were able to eventually expand their living facilities little by little. Home not only expanded on the ground, but the family grew to incorporate 11 children of their own, but also another four families joined the community. My favorite was the adobe Hacienda which reminded me of stucco houses in New Mexico, but looking at the bus which was the original home on the hill, I had a great admiration for the pioneer spirit of the people who live there.
The thing so many of us forget, is those who have this kind of pioneer spirit demand very little for themselves. They are totally dedicated to the land and they live with the dream of something far more for their family, friends and nation. Without these dedicated people, whole societies would have waned along the wayside of humanity. While these loyal pioneers have sacrificed to build and progress, their enemies lurk in the shadows to covet, steal and destroy these sacrificial endeavors.
These few families which make up Gal Hill had a vision to start a goat farm. So, they built a few pens to house the goats. Suddenly, the civil administration shows up with orders to destroy the facilities. BUT, the routine of these actions is usually to destroy the pens while tearing down the houses on the premises in a process of elimination.
In response to the intimidating actions of the government, the residents reacted with a statement of their own: NOT to take down the goat pens, and to lay the cornerstone for a synagogue.
That’s where friends and I came in. We drove the dusty trail to the dedication of the synagogue and enjoyed the faithful land-lovers in their Simcha. I made the statement it would have been easier to travel across the rugged terrain on horseback or a mule train.
The civil administration has given orders that the goat pens are to be dismantled, whereas the residents decided to build a house of prayer instead.
No matter how much you want to encourage these people who live such a simplistic life, free of crime and with few demands on the rest of society, you always leave having been encouraged by their faith, hope and happiness. For them, each day has its own reward or testing, but all in all, no matter what I thrown at them, Hashem is in control of their destiny. They will face whatever, good or bad, in the hour it comes their way and be grateful for the opportunity to bless the name of the Etermal One!

On the way back down a treacherous and dangerous highway of lawless Arab drivers on the loose, I told my friends to buckle up and just slide down in the seats until we got out of the immediate fray of traffic. “These guys make a four-lane out of this narrow dark road!” All the while in the pitch-black of night you’re heading into oncoming traffic of impatient drivers going around a steady stream of vehicles with blinding lights in your face on the other side. My friend alarmingly replied: “They’re not making it a four-lane! They’re making it a ONE-WAY!” And it really seemed we were going the wrong way on a one-way street!

GREATNESS IS NOT FORGOTTEN 091018

Gandhi's Memorial
A son, a husband, a father & grandfather; a friend of the soldiers, a friend of the people, Gandhi is remembered by a nation!
Within every generation are those who are born to be great and destined to greatness on the stage of human endeavors, while many others develop greatness within themselves. The rest of society envelops greatness in an individual, and never allows greatness to be forgotten from generation to generation.
But only G-d is good and just. In the end, only He will determine whether a man’s acts of greatness is of righteousness or unrighteousness, whether it produces Kiddush Hashem or Chilul Hashem in its generation. (Abigail, in memory of Rechavam ‘Gandhi’ Ze’evi 2009)

SUCCOT 2009: SHILO

(TO SEE MORE ABOUT THE CHILDREN, GO TO http://tzometfriknfrak.blogspot.com

Chol Hamoed Succot 2009,
Day 4 TEL SHILO
You really have to give credit to the creativity produced by the residents of Shilo during Hagim. Of course, they have a perfect setting to stage their events, the ancient ruins where the Mishkan possibly stood now referred to as Tel Shilo; without doubt, modern Shilo is the region where the Tabernacle rested when the Israelites entered the Land from their wanderings in the desert. It is definitely the region of the footsteps of the Prophet Shmuel.
Today guests entered into the makeshift world of the ancient, and everyone got a wee-bit taste of the life of our ancestors. Numerous Succahs were erected and not one was lacking in participants who participated in the special activities. Each had its own artisans at work creating things which had to do with life and crafts during the time of the tabernacle: crushing the spices for the incense altar, basket-weaving , practicing on the drums and shofars, a wheel for making clay pots, weaving carpets or materials for clothing, bread-making, and designing tiles from bits of rock for the floors.



As I walked through the crowd, I thought how pleased Hashem must be to see Jews enjoying Succot, a reminder that this is only a practice run of the temporary dwellings and the best is yet to come. I can’t ever go to Tel Shilo with remembering the story of Hanna crying for Hashem to give her children. Not ever having had children, this is undoubtedly my favorite place on the Shomron. A reminder of the conflict of bareness, I often relate to Hanna’s plea for children and am always amazed when I remember that, after all her pleas and the ultimate merciful answer to her request, she gave the gift of her son, Shmuel, to the Lord’s service.
Metaphorically speaking: Hannah often represents the Mother Land of the Jews weeping for Hashem to give her children during years of barrenness. Just as Hashem heard the cries of Hannah and had mercy on her and gave her a son, so too, eventually, He heard the cry of the Mother Land and filled her house with children. And just as Hannah dedicated her son to the service of the Lord, the mothers of Israel are teaching their children to love and serve the Lord.



I often wonder if the modern Jews who have settled certain vicinities are not the direct descendants of those who were once uprooted from the area.

B'NEI DEKALIM

FORMER GUSH KATIF RESIDENTS: “It’s time to move on! It’s time to rebuild! Hashem is faithful!”
Whereas men dream lofty dreams and store them in their memory bank, G-d ignites a flame, His vision upon the heart. I guess it might be considered a ‘shiduch b’shamayim’ when the two unite in hope and faith for a better tomorrow.

The foundation stone lay on the ground, the contract read, and the cement poured over the stone as a seal never to be uprooted again.
May Hashem cause His face to shine on the sons and daughters of the new community of Givat Hazon for B’nei Dekalim – the Hill of Vision for the Children of Dekalim. Although it is in the embryo state at this time, there are rays of hope on the horizon for a bright new day.
Congratulations from deep within the hearts of those who love and admire you!

SUCCOT 2009: ALIYAH TO SHDEMA

Hundreds of families answered the call to go up to Shdema for Succot events, bringing lots and lots of children and youth with them. While the children were having a ball with the clowns and jugglers in one building, or climbing on the inflatables outside, adults enjoyed the klezmer music with Musa Berlin followed by a number of speakers. The classic was the humorous, heroic aliyah story related to the audience by Rabbi Yosef Mendelovitch.
The people behind the scenes deserve much honor for a memorable event the first day of Succot. Gemma Blech and Rivka Rybak displayed their photos which documents the last year and a half struggle for Shdema.
First-timers poured in from all over the country and outside of Israel. Others were the weekly loyalists, but all enjoyed the fun in the sun, and the Succah!
For access to Rivkah's website, go to The Yesha Bulletin at www.yeshabulletin.com
For photos of the children, go to http://tzometfriknfrak.blogspot.com

VISITING THE OUTPOSTS 090923

(PLEASE HONOR: ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COPYRIGHT & NOT TO BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION OF PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABIGAIL AT uriyah@netvision.net.il)

HORESHA

A serpentine paved road winds up the steep side of a mountain leading to the quiet and beautiful community of Horesha in the central Binyamin Hills. From this summit you can see the view of the Mediterranean coast, including the cities of Ashkelon, Ashdod, Tel Aviv, Netanya and Naharia. To the east, it's difficult to ignore the encroachment of Ramallah with its illegal neighborhoods being built. Only outer frames make up the structures which remain unoccupied. In reality, this is the real illegal expansion Israel is facing as Arabs continue to build massive structures to lay claim to the Land which is not theirs.
Yet, the plight of the residents at Horesha is the recent notification from the court that within the next month it is possible that Jewish homes will be destroyed, EVEN THOUGH, the infrastructure of Horesha was paid for and built by the government when they encouraged Jews to settle there; and EVEN THOUGH, the residents acquired the proper permits to start building when they were encouraged to start building on the premises some ten years ago. They have just learned the last signature needed to secure the hilltop is that of the Defense Minister, Ehud Barak, who refuses to sign on the dotted line.

B'NEI ADAM

The outpost of B'nei Adam is located east of Yishuv Adam in the southern Binyamin hills. The difficulty of arriving to the location makes anyone wonder why even the military would bother to destroy it unless they are just desparately bored and need to run a training maneuver. The few sparse houses stand on rocky, barren land, yet the young residents are digging and tilling the soil by hand. With tenacity, hope and faith, they are planting new saplings for the future in odedience to Hashem's instructions in the Torah that when you come into the Land He has given, you are to plant fruit-bearing trees. As with so many other outposts, a shadow lingers over their daily lives, the uncertainty of tomorrow as they are scheduled for destruction.

RONEN FARM

After a visit at Mtzpeh Yosef, we had picnic lunch at the Ronen Farm. The residents were warm and hopitable, but the children were somewhat perplexed and fearful of strangers since they have been harrassed so much by the Left and anxious about rumors of loosing their homes. Yes, even the children from the best of homes live with daily fear and anxiety. One youngster was home alone and folded over from an anxiety attack that we too were here to invade her home and she was helpless since Abba and Ima were gone at the time. She could not be consoled as strangers invaded her home, until Abba soon arrived and she could be safe in his loving arms. Children have a unique ability to internalize and process everything before them, whether its threats of being uprooted or someone bearing gifts of peace. Lately, fear of outsiders has manifested because of the incitement of Arabs by the Left and the remiss security of our Israeli government.

GILAD FARM

The air was still full of the nauseous smell of smoke as our two full buses pulled up to Havat Gilad. There was absolutely no fresh air to breathe for the ashes. Erev Rosh Hashanah residents ran out of synagogue to the alarm of fire. The Arabs had taken advantage of the time, knowing the worshippers would be in service for the Holy Day. They threw molitov cocktails onto the hills and the caravans. One family caravan was totally wiped out and another is not livable due to the damage. While visiting we observed another catastrophe: the shoddy rooms used for a children's house with the most minimal bare necessities for children's care. Although the children were laughing and playing with the meager swing someone had donated, it breaks the heart to know they are so deprived compared to the average child in our society today.

RETURN TO SHDEMA

Met with a Friendly Face
My car was packed with those who were thrilled to return to Shdema after several weeks of it being a ‘closed military zone’ because of our battle with foreign anarchists. And we can add a big victory to our message; the beginnings of a new illegal Arab building off the side of the hill of Shdema has been destroyed for lack of a proper permit to build!
Upon my arrival, I was met with a friendly face. It was 'My Friend', an officer who had escorted me down the week before. We had carried on the beginnings of a great conversation as we descended the hilltop, and now we were continuing, finding out that we had a lot in common. (Name and photo of the officer is withheld by request for security reasons, therefore I will refer to him only as 'My Friend').
'My Friend' immigrated from India some 20 years ago with his family, although his distant family remains in India doing quite well financially. And where is 'My Friend'? Defending the hills of Judea with a passion for the God of Israel and the Land.
I asked him at one point: “What has changed with the Jewish people since the earlier years when we had the unity of Zionism? I don’t understand the mentality of the younger generation who is ready to relinquish the Land, including many of the soldiers under your command. And they won’t listen to those of us who have come from other countries, and know full well the Jews have no other place to go.”
'My Friend's' reply was as simple as the answer truly is: “They have forsaken God! They no longer believe in Him!”
As much as it grieves the heart, and how much more so Hashem’s heart, many Israelis have abandoned their belief in the God of their fathers. The Western culture has become their golden calf, along with a deceptive belief that democracy will be their Meshiach. They have forgotten the cost of freedom, not only having been resurrected from the ashes of the Shoah, but also the blood of their kinsmen througout Israel's wars.
Hopefully, many among the nation of Israel will truly hear the sound of the shofar this Rosh Hashana, and awaken to repentance, awaken to return to the God of our fathers, awaken to embrace the gift of His Land, awaken to the hope of Meshiach and renew a love for one another which will heal the breach of disunity.

(PHOTO: Haddasah sharing her new umbrella.)

Voices of a Bride and Bridegroom

Again there shall be heard in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem… a voice of joy, a voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, the voice of the bride, the voice of them who say: Praise the L-rd of hosts; for the L-rd is good; for His mercy endures forever! Jeremiah 33:11
I was recently visiting friends in Hebron, the Horowitz family who had invited me into their Succah last year at Succot. This time when I left their home, I couldn’t resist going by the Machpeleh (Tomb of the Patriarchs) and found myself in the middle of preparations for a wedding on the grounds. Although I was entirely in the wrong attire for a wedding, this ‘camera-packin’ mama’ wasn’t about to leave without shooting a few photos of the bride and groom under their Huppa.
I waited among the guests in anticipation for the bride to arrive. When she finally pulled up in her limo her bridesmaids whisked her off to a secluded spot where her throne awaited, because every Jewish bride becomes Queen for a day. She greeted and blessed each and every guest, while her entourage sang and danced before her and she intermittently joined in the glee.
Then came another sound of rejoicing beyond the trees. The sound of the bridegroom coming for his bride, surrounded by the groomsmen dancing as they approached the bride sitting veiled upon her throne. The candles had been let so that her face glowed as he lifted the veil to confirm that she was his choice for a bride, a tradition among religious Jews in remembrance of Yaakov who was hoodwinked by Rachel who exchanged her position as bride with her sister Leah. This tradition of lifting the veil and taking a peek at the bride along with other witnesses ensures the groom will not be deceived.
After the groom recognized his bride and confirmed her as his wife to-be, there were shouts of joy and the men escorted the groom to his place under the Huppa as the women escorted the bride to stand beside him. She began with the Sheva Brachot, sealing the covenant between a man and a woman, followed by blessings including the wine, the reading of the Ketuba, and smashing a glass, a symbol of Jerusalem never being forgotten.
The bride and groom disappear for a short time while the guests indulge in wine and food, ending with dancing the night away when the bride and groom reappear.
Every bride is aglow from within on her wedding day. She has fasted and prayed for an entire day, and the fast is only broken after the Huppa ceremony.
I left with a deep satisfaction having witnessed another indication that Hashem is enthroned on the praises of His people! Each marriage between a man and a woman is another reminder of His covenant with His bride, His beloved Israel!

APPROACHING THE HIGH HOLY DAYS

I'm sure some want to ask: "So, what's your point?" My point to the Jews is that if we don't possess our inheritance, someone else will! As we approach the High Holy Days, consider the gift of educating your children and visit the Kotel.

For now, let’s abandon the argument of whether it is kosher for a Jew to ascend the Temple Mount as it stands today. And let’s focus on the excuses of Jews not visiting the Western Wall, the significant Kotel.
The sad truth is statistics report more and more Jews are showing less interest in visiting the Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall. Even among very religious Jews, much less secular Israelis, children are not being taught the importance of visiting the Wall on a regular basis, not even to go up to Jerusalem for the Shalosh Regalim: Pesach, Shavuot and Succot, as Torah commands. The lack of a show of interest from the Jews plays into the propaganda machinations of Islam and confirms to the world that dominance over the Temple Mount should remain within Islamic control, and more so, that Jerusalem in reality belongs to Muslims because they display more fervor for the Holy site and the City where it stands.
A few years ago, when it was exposed that the debri from Solomon’s Stables was being discarded in the Kidron Valley, there was a major demonstration at the site of the so-called ‘rubbish’. Already our fine youth had retrieved a number of huge stones from the Temple era. Later, as they sifted through the ‘rubbish’, fine treasures were discovered, and are still being found, proving the Jewish Temple once existed.
I remember touching one of the damp cold stones and it was as though a message was transmitted in the contact. As a result, I wrote the following poem in memory of our forefathers and mothers.

ANCIENT STONES OF JERUSALEM
Huge stones tumbled into the Kidron Valley,
hewn stones cut with skilled hands in ancient times,
Temple Mount antiquities reduced to waste,
cast among the rubbish on an obscure hillside.

I stumbled upon the stones
one cold damp evening
in the dark eerie place they had come to rest.
Moisture from the dew of night,
formed seeping drops of tears ran down the sides.

A sudden urge, an impulse within,
I stretched out my arms
and lay my breast upon a stone.
Quietly I lay, heavy hearted.
Then I heard a mysterious sound
that suddenly awakened my soul—
Like waters of the sea rushing in with the tide!

Hush! Be still! Quietly I lay ear to stone,
until I finally realized it was voices instead of waters
contained within the stone!
Voices! Tens of thousands of historic voices!
Voices of many Jews crying out to their Maker:
“Have mercy! Forgive us, O L-rd, our G-d!”
It was the voices of our fathers and mothers
weeping for their children:
“O L-rd! Keep them safe until they return to their Land!”

Overcome with emotion,
I gathered their many voices—
pleas and prayers—
to my heart,
and lifted their burden upon my soul,
carrying the weight,
I returned all to their original place,
and lay it safely at the Kotel,
the Western Wall of the Temple Mount,
the only remaining evidence of the Jews most sacred place.

A STANDOFF BECOMES A SHOWDOWN!

From 090826 Standoff at Shdema

I've come to the conclusion that if anyone standing up for this country got arrested, we would be in good company. Since only the best of Israel are ever arrested and put in jail. Of course that doesn't apply to anyone on a tourist or student visa, only to Jewish Israeli citizens. If you want protection from the criminals, get a gun and invite them to your home. Before you shoot, make sure they are INSIDE your house!
I come from Texas where 80-year-old women have been known to shoot first and ask questions later. They have maimed, wounded and killed intruders coming onto their property. And even running them down in their vehicle while talking to the police enroute, making it possible for the police to apprehend the suspects. There have been incidents where the criminals actually welcomed the intervention of the police for fear of losing their lives at the hand of a "Texas mad-woman"!
I'm not so sure we don't need to recruit a few of these "Pistol-packin' Grannys" to come and volunteer to protect the average Israeli citizen. One thing for sure, if they are not an Israeli Jew, they would get off scot-free and have more freedom to roam our roads on a tourist visa than we do as an Isreli citizen.

VIPs AT SHDEMA

From 090821 VIP's at Shdema

The last time we were allowed to go up to the Jewish Cultural Center at Shdema a number of AFSI VIPs joined us. Helen Freedman, Executive Director of AFSI, was visiting Israel from the States and brought along with her Bill & Sylvia Mehlman, Israeli representatives of AFSI residing in Jerusalem.

From 090821 VIP's at Shdema

At the time, Mrs. Freedman was touring Israel with former United States presidential nominee, Mike Huckabee. In spite of her time limitations, she showed up to support our efforts against illegal Arab buildings financed by the US.
AFSI, Americans for a Safe Israel, has been tirelessly working for Israel’s right to exist since 1970. Mrs. Freedman has been on the scene of every major outbreak of resistance for Israel’s freedom and security, including her activities to help the prevention of the expulsion of Jews from their homes in Gush Katif.
(AFSI advocates that possession and control of Judea, Samaria, Gaza and the Golan are important for Israel and believes that a strong Israel is essential to the US…For more information about AFSI visit their website at http://www.afsi.org/ )

PROTEST AGAINST US AID for ILLEGAL ARAB BUILDING

From 090821 March against illegal Arab buildings

With all the International yammering about destroying settlements, outposts and freezing building homes for Jews, absolutely nothing is being done about the illegal massive Arab structures which are being erected by US aid. Therefore, we had a protest at one of the buildings. We have also learned that the Arabs will proceed with building a hospital on Jewish land in spite of being refused approval through the proper administrative offices.

From 090821 March against illegal Arab buildings

SHDEMA CULTURAL CENTER, July 31, 2009

ART & MUSIC AT SHDEMA, July 31, 2009

From 090731 ART & MUSIC AT SHDEMA

Igor Bialski is the new director of art exhibitions at the Cultural Center at Shdema.
The most recent exhibition of art was by Anna Khodorkovski.
Entertainment was provided by Ze'ev Geisel, accompanied by Alex Kropisky on the guitar.

From 090731 ART & MUSIC AT SHDEMA

OUTSIDE ARTISTS AT WORK
In addition to lectures, art exhibitions and music, outdoor artists work diligently to create a welcome atmostphere for the arrival of VIP's such as Yosef, Edna and Shmuel.

TISHA B'AV 2009

THE READING OF EICHA

From 090730 EICHA

"Hashiveinu ADONI elecha, v'nashuvah…"
(Turn to us, O L-rd, and we will return!)

ANNUAL WALK AROUND THE OLD CITY WALLS

From 090730 Walk II

Walk about Zion, and go round about her; count the towers thereof.
Mark well her ramparts, traverse her palaces;
So that you may tell it to the generation following.
For such is G-d, our G-d, for ever and ever;
He will guide us eternally. (Tehilim 4813-15)

"WE MADE ALIYAH, NOW WHAT?"

Panel discussion at the Cultural Center in Shdema, July 24, 2009.The moderator, Sharon Katz, editor of VOICES, kept things moving right along among a range of speakers: Rabbi Moshe Lichtman, author of Eretz Israel in the Parasha; Rabbi Yitzhak & Geula Twersky; Zahava Englard.
SHARON KATZ, of Voices Magazine
Thanks to two people (Americans understand real freedom and equality):
John Wayne imparted to the American people a real feeling of winning, a feeling of triumph, that good triumphs over evil, a feeling of fighting for what we believe in.
The second person is John F. Kennedy. He taught all Americans something I don't think any generation will ever forget: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country!"
I don't find one American who comes to Israel who is not willing to give to his country. Who actually tries figure out things he can willingly and voluntarily do for his country.
RABBI LICHTMAN from Beit Shemesh
One of the important components of making aliyah is a spiritual aliyah.
GAME PLAN FOR A SPIRITUAL ALIYAH: It's different for every individual because it's determined by what one can handle…. Some children have certain disabilities that hinder them from learning so they can't be expected to excel as others, nor can they be tested as others. One student may be required to take the test without open books, while another may be tested with an open book. Both may make a 100% on their test, but the handicapped child needed more assistance, he needed the open book.
Hashem does the same. He says, "I know your background, how you were brought up, and your limitations." You are expected to reach a certain level. Maybe you were one who was never meant to reach a 100%, maybe only 70%. Hashem is pleased with everyone who reaches the level he is required to reach.
ZAHAVA ENGLARD from Efrat
We need to refocus…
We need to acknowledge our role as a new generation of Zionists, take charge of it, rekindling that flame that brought us here and rekindle the Zionistic fervor throughout this country.
We are here, not merely because we decided to be here. We are here because Hashem put us here. To rejuvenate the pioneering spirit, to hold on to every inch of our land, to educate our fellow Jews here in this land and abroad that the days of the ghetto mentality are over.
We are here to refuse the doubts, the pressures from within the current Israeli society; to refuse to be absorbed into a defeatist state of affairs, and rather, to rectify the inequities of our present day leadership to be a formidable force to reckon with. A force of determination, commitment, selflessness and of emunah (faith).
RABBI TWERSKY from Neve Daniel
One might think, the purpose of having Eretz Israel is for the Jews to be able to live here. It's just the reverse. The purpose of living here is for us to have Eretz Israel.
REBBETZIN GEULA TWERSKY
(Photo: L-Rebbetzin Twersky, R-Yehudit Katzover) METAPHOR: "We have become a global society that is glued to the television. Television has taught us to sit back and watch somebody else live a life. That cultural mindset is a mindset that we need to leave behind….
"I remember when living in chutz la-aretz (abroad) feeling like I was watching Jewish history like watching a TV set, and I was watching the performance of mitzvoth like watching a show….
"Making aliyah made me realize so many things about living Judaism, understanding that the Torah, the Tenach is not a TV."
(Whereas, Geula used to read and teach the stories about Yehoshua being told to put his feet on the Land, she now actually puts her feet on those places she read about.)

COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
RABBI YORAM DURANI from Nokdim:
Every person who makes aliyah brings their own flavor to contribute to Israel. And what the American aliyah is contributing is a real sense of democracy. The Americans really believe in democracy, whereas, most Israelis don't even know what it is much less even believe in it. The second thing is the real feeling of freedom and equality. And this (education) is the responsibility of the Western olim in Israel.
MIMI
Referring to olim from the Western world: Those active in democracy have been translated as 'activists' here in Israel. On the other hand, if you look at the various ethnic groups who have made aliyah over the past number of years, we (of the western olim) have the poorest record of success in the political arena in terms in being a force and a power in politics in Israel. How can we get more political power?

OUTPOSTS: 1.Ramat Migron

From 090722 Ramat Migron

Tira-el was our English guide through the latest escapades of the outpost where five young girls are housed in one building, and the young boys are in another building. One building serves as a kitchen, and another as a synagogue. The outpost lies outside the community of Migron which has been in the news lately.
Youth on the outpost said they don't have much support from the residents of Migron. They don't necessarily approve of the youth taking that particular hilltop, even though they themselves are part of an illegal settlement. Buildings on the outpost have recently been raised to the ground, but the hilltop youth have rebuilt.

OUTPOSTS: 2.Maoz Esther

From 090722 Maoz Esther

Several residents ran out to meet us as we descended the hill viewing the scattered buildings in plowed fields. We passed empty rooms with rolled up sleeping bags, and were escorted to our spokesperson's housing quarters where 6-8 single beds were lined up at one end, a makeshift kitchen facility at the other end. The floor was nothing by a bed of rocks and stones. Literally, if a strong wind came through the whole crate would be lifted up and carried to parts unknown.
But our hostess and others provided a warm welcome atmosphere and hospitably set a table with various snacks and drinks.
Children romped on the beds as we were told the story of recent events of invading forces.
The outpost on the outskirts of Kochav HaShachar is called Maoz Esther. It has been demolished twice in one week as police swooped down and rounded up the residents, and cut off the water and electricity as they left the premises.
Even though household items were scattered among the rubbish of the buildings, the residents have rebuilt. Among the structures is a synagogue and recently they dedicated a Torah scroll in the name of Yohonadav Hirschfield, who was killed in last year's terror attack at Jerusalem's Mercaz Harav Yeshiva.
The first command given by Netanyahu upon his landing at Ben Gurion Airpost after his visit to Washington DC was the leveling of Maoz Esther and other places.
As soon as security forces left, residents, along with the help of supporters, started rebuilding in defiance to Obama and Bibi.
On another hilltop not far away, settlers built a hut they mockingly refer to as the "Obama Hut". It is a sign of appreciation for the actions taken by the Obama administration which led to a dramatic increase in the number of outposts.

OUTPOSTS: 3.Nofei Yarden

From 090722 Nofei Yarden

During the rampage of the security forces, two sheds in Nofei Yarden were demolished.
QUOTE from Binyamin Council: "We are dealing with Civil Administration officials who display heroism against caravans belonging to Jews yet show cowardice and weakness in the knees when dealing with Arab villas and buildings that are built illegally.
"The destruction in Nofei Yarden is also an act of revenge over the complaint that was filed to the police commissioner following the scandalous arrival to the scene of police officers together with seven Arabs a week-and-a-half ago.
"Afterwards, there was an attempt to infiltrate the settlement. This was the direct result of the visit by Arabs on that day. As you may recall, MK Uri Ariel raised the subject in the Knesset and now the civil administration and the police are doling out their revenge." For full report go to http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1101547.html
QUOTE from Sheik Yerbouti in his article: Rocks Hurled by THUGS at IDF Soldiers, The Jerusalem Post, http://tribes.tribe.net/mideastpolitics/thread/f89b3dcc-bd0a-41c4-bcdd-4f025fd1d7dd
"Okay, I'm not going to generalize that all settlers are violent idiots, but the people that commit acts like this are simply thugs and an embarrassment to Judaism."MY NOTE: Like I'm going to trust someone with the name of "SHEIK Yerbouti" as an authority on Judaism and the conduct of Jews?!"

OUTPOSTS: 4. Alei Ayin = אליי עין

From 090722 Alei Ayin

At Alei Ayin, there is a single stone building consisting of four walls and an awning for a roof. One wall is partially caved in, but it opens to an unbelievable view of the horizon to the East and the Moav Mountains.
Some of the boys sleep in a makeshift hut. And there are a number of big-big dogs on the premises, one of which is nothing but an overgrown, exuberant, friendly pup who was extremely happy to see newcomers and greeted everyone by wrapping us up in his rope. But don't be fooled, his papa met us with an aggressive lunge, which warned he meant business if we came too close. Papa dog will definitely sound the alarm and let the youth know when someone is approaching and may even tear a leg off if they get too close.
My little friend Chaya worked up the courage to pet the family donkey, but there is no doubt her mom, Renee, is not a farm girl and she kept her distance from anything with fur.
There was a special atmosphere about this place. We had the privilege of meeting the mother of the young man who established the place and named it after a brother who drowned in a pool when he was a small child. His name was Alei Ayn.

From 090722 Alei Ayin

This name has a beautiful significance and it originates from the Torah portion which talks about the blessing of Yosef: A son of fruitfulness is Yosef, (like) a fruitful branch by the well (alei-ayin) with branches running over the wall. (Bereshit 49:22)
The Midrash interprets the verse as: Yosef is a handsome son, a son handsome to the eye (alei-ayin)…(Bereshit Rabbah 98).
In this blessing Yosef is called "ben porat", meaning the son of a thriving, fruitful tree, a tree standing on a fountain (alei-ayin). In other words, Yosef will multiply, excel and elevate to a position in which he will be beyond the reach of 'ayin hara', the evil eye (the evil eye in Judaism refers to the curse of a jealous, envious person who covets what another has and has to destroy their prosperity or obtain the same.)
May Yosef's elevation come soon for Israel!

The SHOMRON: GIVAT ARNON

From 090707 Givat Arnon

Hill 777, an outpost also known as Givat Arnon, is technically part of the Itamar settlement to the East. The establishment of Hill 777, like that of many others, was connected to a terror attack which took the life of Aryeh Agranioni, a religious construction contractor, May 7, 2001.
Aryeh was on the night watch at the unoccupied outpost, guarding a container filled with agricultural equipment. He was murdered by terrorists, who also stole his gun in their raid.
As a result of the murder, a military permit was finally issued, enabling the Hill 777 "exiles" to return to the outpost's original location about 8 years ago. The original residents had been forced off the property during the reign of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and for a year they lived in temporary housing on Hill 830.
Some of the displaced, mainly immigrants from the former Soviet Union, remained at their temporary location, making two outposts out of one.

From 090707 Givat Arnon

Acres of vineyards, producing wine grapes, are planted on the steep slopes of the hillsides above the Jordan Valley. On the horizon to the East, the Moab Mountains rise over Jordan, and when the desert sky permits the Dead Sea is visible.

The SHOMRON: THREE SEAS LOOKOUT

From 090707 Gerizim, Ebal, Fatahland

A narrow winding road ascends to an IDF Army lookout post which gives you a bird's eye-view of Elon Moreh to the East, and MT. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim to the West. Continuing the climb on foot visitors arrive at the lookout over a valley where the Tirtza River runs through. Local Jewish residents refer to this valley as 'Fatahland', the place where terrorists are launched from. Only this lone mountain separates hostile Arab territory from Elon Moreh and Itamar.

WRITTEN ON THE SIGN 'JOSHUA'S ALTAR AT MT. EBAL':
On the mountainside of Mount Ebal, which you are now viewing, is an altar made of uncut stones that was discovered by the archeologist, Professor Adam Zartal from Haifa University. Along with the altar, dated to the time of Joshua son of Nun, ashes and bones of ritually clean animals were also found on the site.
Joshua built an altar unto the LORD, the God of Israel, in Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the Law of Moses, an altar of unhewn stones, upon which no man had lifted up any iron; and they offered thereon burnt-offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace-offerings. And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the Law of Moses, which he wrote before the children of Israel. And all Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger as the home-born; half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel. Joshua 8:30-33

From 090707 Gerizim, Ebal, Fatahland

The SHOMRON: ELON MOREH

From 090707 Elon Moreh

Elon Moreh represents the pioneer spirit of rebuilding the Land of Israel after 2000 years of exile. The community overlooks the city of Shechem. It was here that Avram settled after crossing the Jordan River. And it was here he had a divine revelation of Hashem and received the promise of the land. Genesis 12:6-7:
And Avram passed through the land until the place of Shechem, until ELON MOREH, and the Canaanite was then in the land. And God was revealed to Avram, and said, 'to your descendents I will give this land', and he built and altar there to God who was revealed to him.
The history of modern Elon Moreh started when Rabbi Menachem Felix and Benny Katzover organized the Garin Elon Moreh, a group of pioneer families, in order to found a settlement in the Shechem area. There has been an ongoing tenacious battle with the Israeli government, the Supreme Court, and the Peace Now organization since the mid-70s for Jews to be allowed to stay in the vicinity. Finally in 1980, after several court battles and a number of evictions from several dismantled sites, the current location was determined to be legal 'state lands' and eligible for Israeli settlement. NOTE: "This legal interpretation was disputed, the Peace Now lawyers arguing that it constituted abuse of the Ottoman Land Law, by which common village lands were deemed to be the Sultan's property…However, in this case the Supreme Court accepted the state and the settlers' position, and the placing of the Elon Moreh settlers in the new location was upheld."Elon Moreh became a precedent-setting case and the legal method of proclaiming the West Bank to be 'state lands' was used to create many other Jewish settlements on the Shomron.
The first residents settled on the Jewish holiday of Tu B'shat in 1980, and they now have a hesder yeshiva, called Birkay Yosef.

From 090707 Elon Moreh

On the down side of their historical fight to possess the land: In 1988, Tirza Porat, a 15 year-old resident was shot dead in a nearby Arab village, during a confrontation between Jewish settlers and Arabs. She was the first Israeli civilian casualty during the first Intifada.
In 2002, an Arab terrorist infiltrated the village during Pesach, burst into the home of the Gavish family and opened fire. The terrorist managed to kill four of the residents before being killed himself. It was a painful tragic loss of three generations in one family.

SHOMRON: HAVAT GILAD

From 090707 Gilad Farm

Each so-called 'illegal outpost' has been started in memory of a Jew who was assassinated by terrorists. So it was with Havat Gilad (Hebrew: חַוַּת גִּלְעָד‎, lit. Gilad Farm) when Gilad Zar was murdered at Jit junction. It was established in 2002 named after Gilad Zar by his father and mother, Moshe and Yael Zar, who wanted to live on property close to where their son was ruthlessly murdered, a way of redeeming the innocent blood of their son.
Although the proof of purchase has not been proven satisfactorily in the court system, Moshe Zar claims he purchased the land from the Arab owner. Immediately, his younger son, Itai Zar and his wife started out living in 2 shipping containers.
Havat Gilad has remained a central controversial issue. There have been several attempts by surrounding hostile Arabs to invade the premises and destroy it. The provocateurs are leftist inciters to violence and Peace Now.
1.) Troops Oust Leftists and Arabs from Havat Gilad
Reported: May/08/09
(IsraelNN.com) Police and soldiers removed 30 Arabs and 10 leftists who came to the Samarian hilltop Jewish community of Havat Gilad (Gilad's Farm) on Friday morning. Havat Gilad residents say the Arabs and leftists were armed with rocks and large sticks but the security forces removed the intruders without violence breaking out between the two sides. Samarian Regional Council Chairman Gershon Mesika called the incident part of recurring attempts by leftist organizations to fan tensions in the area.
2.) Near Havat Gilad in Samaria, Palestinian squatters clashed with Jewish settlers who prevented them from running over Jewish fields with tractors. The Arabs hurled stones at the IDF, which arrived to protect them from the Jews.
The yishuv has been razed to the ground several times, once when the IDF violently expelled the residents on Shabbat. Even though it is on private property, it has been quite a controversial issue in the media, Israel government and the courts. Yet, it continues to grow.
Even though the farm is located on the Zar family's private property, it is still considered an un-authorized outpost and continues with no government aid. Yet, in spite of the many obstacles, Itai Zar has run the farm and has established a prefab building company on the site. The farming village has successfully increased its growth and it now has a yeshiva on the premises.
Moshe and Ya’el Zar, parents of the late Gilad: "Our presence here is meant to underscore our right to live in Eretz Yisrael, to let the people of Israel and the whole world know that all attempts to weaken and discourage us will fail. We pray that the Almighty will help us and strengthen the spirit of the people of Israel to overcome our enemies both within and without and by the merit of the Holy Torah we shall succeed."

THE SHOMRON: MT. GERIZIM

From 090707 Mt Gerizim

There is a dynamic over-view of the Biblical City of Shechem from Mount Gerizim. And there is an evolution of Biblical facts in Torah and the Tenach leading up to the modern history of the city known today as Nablus.
When the Israelites had made their way out of Egypt and after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, they finally crossed over into the promised Land. They immediately approached Shechem, which means 'shoulder', evident by the two mountains which shoulder the city on the north and the south. Shechem lies in the narrow valley between the two: Mt. Ebal and Mr. Gerizim.
Moshe commanded that the blessings of obedience to the law should be proclaimed from Mt. Gerizim, whereas its curses for disobedience would proceed from Mt. Ebal. (Deut. 11:29; 27:12-13)
The Israelites had carried Yosef's bones from Egypt when they left and buried him in the tract of land that Yaakov had bought. Yaakov set up an altar to God, the God of Israel, (El Elohei Israel) within sight of the city of Shechem.
Although much more can be found in scripture about Shechem, I want to bring the conflict about 'Kever Yosef' up to modern times.
a. Until 1903 the exact location of Shechem had been uncertain. So, it's really difficult how the Arabs can lay claim to the city during the years of the Jordanian occupation of the "territory of Palestine".
b. Israel gained control of Yosef's Tomb following the Six Day War in 1967.
c. In the mid-80s a Jewish yeshiva and a military outpost were built at the site.
d. In 1995, the area came under the jurisdiction of the PLO, thanks to the Oslo Accords.
e. 1996, the tomb was attacked and 6 IDF soldiers were killed in the riot.
f. 2000, seventeen Palestinians and one IDF soldier were killed in bloody fighting at the tomb. The IDF withdrew, the tomb was ransacked, the yeshiva demolished. The tomb's dome was painted green, the color of Islam, and the speculation was the Arabs intended to build a mosque on the site.
g. 2003, the carved stone covering on the grave was destroyed.
h. 2007, Breslav Hasidim return to the site for the first time in 2 years. The tomb had been vandalized and filled with burning garbage.
i. 2008, vandals set fire to tires inside the tomb. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas declared the tomb a Muslim holy site.
j. 2009, a group of Jewish worshippers who entered under the cover of dark, found the headstone smashed and swastikas painted on the walls. Impressions of boot prints were on the grave itself.
Daring, religious, bodacious Jews still endanger their lives as they stealthily enter Nablus, the city of volatile hatred, to visit Yosef's Tomb.
As far as the eye can see, hundreds if not thousands of illegal buildings are going up in the city in expectation for the 'return of the Palestinians'.

SHDEMA, 17th Tammuz 2009

From Shdema, Tammuz 17th 2009

July 9th, was the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz in which Jews mark the day of the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by the enemy, breaching of the walls which led, three weeks later, to the destruction of the Temple.
Today, thousands of years later, the Jewish People once again has enemies who are attempting to breach the walls of Jerusalem in order to destroy us. The siege on Jerusalem is a different kind of a siege. No more a Roman army sitting at the outskirts of the city but rather the UN, the EU, the Obama administration and others who are trying to choke us by preventing us from settling our G-d given Biblical Homeland.
The way to prevent today's enemies of Israel from choking us and breaching our walls, is by expanding and settling all over the land of Israel.

From Shdema, Tammuz 17th 2009

From Shdema, Tammuz 17th 2009

One of the places we are fighting to keep in our hands is Shdema. For those not yet familiar with our struggle there, please click on http://womeningreen.org/shd.htm
The 17th of Tammuz 2009 we started our Land of Israel seminar in Shdema in Gush Etzion, on the road between Har choma and Tekoa.
We call upon the people of Israel to participate in the upcoming seminar in Shdema and thus be a partner in the struggle for a Jewish Shdema, which encapsules the struggle over Eretz Israel.
With love for Israel,
Women in Green and The Committee for a Jewish Shdema
Link to pictures: (click and scroll down the Hebrew page to click on the pictures)
http://www.womeningreen.org.il/new/page.asp?id=msdn&privet=art&ida=395

SEMINAR OF THE EVENING

Aryeh Klein
Subject: The Historical-Geographical Background of Shdema (in Hebrew)

Dr Chaggi Ben Artzi
Gave a lecture in Hebrew: "about our neighbor King Herod - the implications of Herod's kingdom on the destruction of the Second Temple"
Mincha with Sefer Torah and Maariv was followed by a light meal to break the fast, thanks to some wonderful dedicated women.
The evening ended with the heart-wrenching screening of the movie by Aliza and Yuval Ginzburg "Katif Dream", in memory of four years since the expulsion of Jews from Gush Katif.

JERUSALEM

To view the movie, click inside the frame:

From

(Movie 'Jerusalem' puts even more power to the words of Stanley Goldfoot's words below: http://www.aish.com/movies/jerusalem.asp)

PROVOCATIVE WORDS OF POWER

A LETTER TO THE WORLD FROM JERUSALEM
Stanley Goldfoot Z"L
Founder Editor of The Times of Israel August 1969
I am not a creature from another planet, as you seem to believe. I am a Jerusalemite -- like yourselves, a man of flesh and blood. I am a citizen of my city, an integral part of my people.
I have a few things to get off my chest. Because I am not a diplomat, I do not have to mince words. I do not have to please you, or even persuade you. I owe you nothing. You did not build this city; you do not live in it; you did not defend it when they came to destroy it. And we will be damned if we will let you take it away.
There was a Jerusalem before there was a New York. When Berlin, Moscow, London and Paris were miasmal forest and swamp, there was a thriving Jewish community here. It gave something to the world which you nations have rejected ever since you established yourselves -- a humane moral code. Here the prophets walked, their words flashing like forked lightning. Here a people who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, fought off waves of heathen would-be conquerors, bled and died on the battlements, hurled themselves into the flames of their burning Temple rather than surrender; and when finally overwhelmed by sheer numbers and led away into captivity, swore that before they forgot Jerusalem, they would see their tongues cleave to their palates, their right arm wither.
For two pain filled millennia, while we were your unwelcome guests, we prayed daily to return to this city. Three times a day we petitioned the Almighty: "Gather us from the four corners of the world, bring us upright to our land; return in mercy to Jerusalem, Thy city, and dwell in it as Thou promised."
On every Yom Kippur and Passover we fervently voiced the hope that next year would find us in Jerusalem. Your inquisitions, pogroms, expulsions, the ghettos into which you jammed us, your forced baptisms, your quota systems, your genteel anti-Semitism, and the final unspeakable horror, the Holocaust (and worse, your terrifying disinterest in it) -- all these have not broken us. They may have sapped what little moral strength you still possessed, but they forged us into steel. Do you think that you can break us now after all we have been through? Do you really believe that after Dachau and Auschwitz we are frightened by your threats of blockades and sanctions? We have been to Hell and back -- a Hell of your making. What more could you possibly have in your arsenal that could scare us?
I have watched this city bombarded twice by nations calling themselves civilized. In 1948, while you looked on apathetically, I saw women and children blown to smithereens, this after we had agreed to your request to internationalize the city. It was a deadly combination that did the job: British officers, Arab gunners and American-made cannon.
And then the savage sacking of the Old City: the willful slaughter, the wanton destruction of every synagogue and religious school; the desecration of Jewish cemeteries; the sale by a ghoulish government of tombstones for building materials for poultry runs, army camps -- even latrines.
And you never said a word.
You never breathed the slightest protest when the Jordanians shut off the holiest of our holy places, the Western Wall, in violation of the pledges they had made after the war -- a war they waged, incidentally, against a decision of the UN. Not a murmur came from you whenever the legionnaires in their spiked helmets casually opened fire upon our citizens from behind the walls.
Your hearts bled when Berlin came under siege. You rushed your airlift "to save the gallant Berliners." But you did not send one ounce of food when Jews starved in besieged Jerusalem. You thundered against the wall which the East Germans ran through the middle of the German capital -- but not one peep out of you about that other wall, the one that tore through the heart of Jerusalem.
And when the same thing happened 20 years later, and the Arabs unleashed a savage, unprovoked bombardment of the Holy City again, did any of you do anything? The only time you came to life was when the city was at last re-united. Then you wrung your hands and spoke loftily of "justice" and the need for the "Christian" quality of turning the other cheek.
The truth is -- and you know it deep inside your gut -- you would prefer the city to be destroyed rather than have it governed by Jews. No matter how diplomatically you phrase it, the age old prejudices seep out of every word.
If our return to the city has tied your theology in knots, perhaps you had better re-examine you catechisms. After what we have been through, we are not passively going to accommodate ourselves to the twisted idea that we are to suffer eternal homelessness until we accept your Savior.
For the first time since the year 70 there is now complete religious freedom for all in Jerusalem. For the first time since the Romans put the torch to the Temple everyone has equal rights. (You preferred to have some more equal than others.) We loathe the sword -- but it was you who forced us to take it up. We crave peace -- but we are not going back to the peace of 1948 as you would like us to.
We are home. It has a lovely sound for a nation you have willed to wonder over the face of the globe. We are not leaving. We have redeemed the pledge made by our forefathers: Jerusalem is being rebuilt. Next year -- and the year after, and after, and after, until the end of time -- in Jerusalem!