Friday, October 25, 2002

Shabbat-O-Gram, Oct. 25, 2002 and Heshvan 19, 5763

 Shabbat-O-Gram, Oct. 25, 2002 and Heshvan 19, 5763

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El, Stamford, Connecticut

J  SHABBAT SHALOM  J

 

Previous Shabbat-O-Grams can now be accessed directly from our web site (www.tbe.org), or more directly at www.tbe.org/sog/index.htm -- and our Web site now also has High Holy Day sermon postings and recent youth group photos.

 

 

“Parnassa” Corner: (Parnassa is the Hebrew word for “livelihood.” Of Maimonides 8 levels of tzedakkah, the top one is to assist someone in gaining employment… which is why this is placed at the top of the Shabbat-O-Gram

Help Wanted: Stamford attorney seeking part time secretary/legal assistant.  Position requires typing skills, organization skills and ability to perform independently.  Experience not necessary but helpful.  Will train. WordPerfect a plus.  Heavy client contact.  Hours flexible.  Contact me at rabbi@tbe.org for more information

 

MAZAL TOV CORNER

Mazal Tov to Adam and Jamie Kagan  on the birth of Alexander (Alex) Michael Kagan, this week in Stamford Hospital.

Mazal Tov to Naomi Graubard and Mark Kinderman, who will be married this weekend.

Mazal Tov to Alix and David Eben, whose daughter Sydney Rachel Eben will be named here this weekend.  Also Mazal Tov to grandparents Joe and Barbara Field.

Mazal Tov to Jennifer Lapine on being named the Advocate’s Community Leader of the Year

Mazal Tov to Andy and Rebecca Lehrfeld on being honored for their years of service by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Connecticut Region

 

JUST THE FACTS: Services and Such (featuring our 1st Family Friday Service)

L’hitraot to our 6th graders, heading off to their class Shabbaton this Friday! 

Friday Night: Candles: 5:42 PM, Services at 7:30 PM in the sanctuary… our first FAMILY FRIDAY SERVICE!!!!

Tot Shabbat Services with Nurit will return NEXT Week

Shabbat: Beth El Cares Shabbat: “The Plight of Argentinian Jewry” Guest Speaker: Tommy Haendler

Torah Portion: Vayera Service begins at 9:30 AM, with children’s services at 10:30.

Read the Masorti commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. JTS commentary is at: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/. USCJ Torah Sparks can be found at http://uscj.org/item20_467.html. UAHC Shabbat Table Talk discussions are at http://uahc.org/torah/exodus.shtml. Other divrei Torah via the Torahnet home page: http://uahcweb.org/torahnet/. Test your Parasha I.Q.: http://www.ou.org/jewishiq/parsha/default.htm. CLAL's Torah commentary archive: http://click.topica.com/maaaiRtaaRvQhbV2AtLb/.  Nehama Liebowitz archives of parsha commentaries: http://www.torahcc.org/nechama/gilayonarchives.htm.  For a more Kabbalistic/Zionist perspective from Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, go to http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/index.html

Mazal Tov to Allison Kruk, who becomes Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat morning.

Morning MinyanDaily at 7:30 AM, Sunday at 9AM

We have had request for a GUARANTEED MINYAN, From Roz Feinstein, who has yahrzeit this Sunday morning.  Please join us if you can.

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Don’t forget to turn back the clocks this weekend!

 

 

Spiritual Journey on the Web: 

 

The Akeda, the Binding of Isaac, has fascinated people of all faiths for centuries.  From a historical perspective, it’s significance has shifted over the generations.   Within the Bible itself, this incident receives surprisingly little play.  While the story is told quite dramatically in Gen. 22, it is not repeated anywhere else in the entire Bible.   Other elements of Abraham’s life are, but not this.  Yet by the time we get to the rabbinic period, the Akeda has taken on new significance, for Jews and early Christians as well, and then for Moslems, who debated whether it was Isaac or Ishmael who was brought up to the mountain. 

Here is an annotated list of Web sites looking at the Akeda from a variety of perspectives:

 

http://www2.canisius.edu/~gallaghr/ahmoslem.html a wide variety of interpretations: Jewish, Christian, Moslem, even Kierkegaard. Excellent!

http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/VAYERA58.htm  from Rav Kook – Abraham as a champion of faith.

http://www.shma.com/livingwords/sermons/spatz.html -- The Akeda as an existential, rather than a moral tale.  Excellent

http://www.textweek.com/art/abraham_and_isaac.htm -- links to images of Abraham and Isaac (see http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~rs002/Images/Christian/abraham.jpg for a 6th centuty mosaic that is particularly striking)

http://www.israel.org/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0k470 -- Akeda image from the ancient Bet Alpha synagogue in Israel.

http://www.hadassah.org/NEWS/archive/1999/augsep99/lastlook.htm -- Judaism on the “cutting edge.”

http://www.templemount.org/moriah2.html -- topographical look at Mount Moriah, site of the Akeda

http://www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Shokel/020906_BindingDisagreement.html did it really happen?

http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/pri/spirit/season7/736bibl.html Sound and Spirit playlist -- nice bibliography

http://www.sbl-site.org/Newsletter/09_2000/Wiesel1.htm Elie Wiesel on, among other things, the Akeda

 

 

 

Required Reading and Action Items

 

Israel, Iraq and Terrorism:

 

Victims of the Bus Bombing
Professor Yehuda Hiss, head of the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, said that it could take several days to identify the remaining victims because the bodies were mangled and burned. Only one victim was recognizable visually. The others can only be identified through DNA testing. He said he couldn't remember an attack after which identifying the victims was so difficult. (Jerusalem Post)
    See also Bombing Victim was Heading Home for Sister's Wedding (Jerusalem Post/AP)

 

 Mother, I Could Not Find Any Jews to Kill
The Hamas Website recently published an interview with a Palestinian mother who sent her son to carry out a suicide attack against Israel. "Prior to the attack in which he was killed, Mahmud went on two other missions, before which I had to bid him farewell. I waited anxiously to hear of his death. The following evening Mahmud entered, and I asked him what happened. He answered: I could not find any Jews. I asked him not to be afraid [in fighting] against the Jews - that he kill [as many] as he can and leave none alive." (Israel Defense Forces)

Sharon Calls Quartet Road Map "Problematic" - Aluf Benn (Ha'aretz)

  • In his first public reference to the "road map" peace plan draft worked out by the Quartet - the U.S., EU, UN, and Russia - and presented to him in Washington last week, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said, "It's not credible that Israel takes irreversible steps while the other side only makes statements. There is a danger Israel will face a timetable that only it is required to keep to."

See also Palestinian Statehood Fades - Nicole Gaouette (Christian Science Monitor)
As William Burns arrives in Israel bearing a road map to settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israelis and Palestinians are increasingly questioning whether an independent Palestinian entity is even feasible.

 

No More Cat and Mouse - Mortimer B. Zuckerman
Even if the UN passes a clear and tough resolution and the inspectors got on some of the right trails, they would run up against delays, obstructions, bugging, and a succession of manufactured crises and diversions. Inspections are a trap. The only way to force Iraq to get rid of its terrible weapons is to rid the country of the regime that builds them. Washington must not pause in its push to depose Saddam. (U.S. News)

 

Sniper Suspect Sympathized with Islamic Terrorists
John Allen Muhammad, arrested on Thursday in connection with the sniper shootings that have taken 10 lives in the Washington, D.C., area, may have been motivated by anti-American sentiments in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. A Muslim convert and former soldier, he was known to speak sympathetically about the men who attacked the U.S., sources said. (Seattle Times)

Hizballah Appreciates Jews' Return to Israel - Badih Chayban     Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Tuesday that "if they (Jews) all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide."
(Daily Star - Lebanon)

 

 

Special for College Students:

 

Remembering Malki Roth - Killed One Year Ago in the Sbarro Explosion - Yaeli Bronstein (American high school student)
Malki accomplished so much in her short life and she had plans for her future. That future was taken away from her in a split second when her life was so unfairly cut short. Malki has taught me that although we feel that we have our whole lives ahead of us to do everything we plan, now is the time to put your dreams into action. An innocent 15-year-old girl is gone forever and my world has turned upside down. (New York Jewish Week - "Fresh Ink")

 

Halloween and Judaism – The October Dilemma:

 

http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/991029/trick.shtml For me, the October dilemma consists of finding Halloween candy to pass out to trick-or-treaters that I will not eat, no matter how desperate or distraught I become.For my children, the challenge is creating peer- and parent-approved costumes that will also work for Purim. But for many Jewish parents, who associate the holiday with demons, death and wickedness - as well as with Christianity - Halloween is problematic.

http://www.momentmag.com/survey/  We live in America, our kids go to public schools and Halloween is unavoidable.

http://www.shirhadash.org/online/981024-halloween.html

http://www.forward.com/issues/2001/01.10.26/fast1.html  How to skip Halloween so your children won’t hate you

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hallo_re.htm What various faith groups think of Halloween

http://www.jewishsf.com/bk011026/comm2.shtml Halloween can remind Jews to Hallow God’s presence

http://www.digital-brilliance.com/kab/link.htm  Lots of Kabbala links (Judaism has its dark side too!)

http://www.jewsweek.com/spirituality/103.htm Abraham and the Addams Family (Really!)

 

 

 

 Quotes of the Week: 

“The passengers aboard the bus yesterday [14 people were killed and 50 injured on Monday by Islamic Jihad suicide bombers] had the basic human right to live and not be burned to death, and this was violated in the most shocking and horrific way. No one in Europe has ever experienced suicide attacks. If you want to rebuild homes of terrorists that we destroyed, why not repair blown-up buses and bring people back to life?”—F.M. Shimon Peres at a meeting in Brussels of European parliament faction heads, responding to a member of parliament’s question about Israel’s alleged violations of Palestinians’ human rights. (Jerusalem Post, Oct. 23)

 

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS…..

 

 

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Upcoming Special Kabbalat Shabbat Programs led by Rabbi Hammerman and Cantor Jacobson

(all services open to everyone) in the chapel: @7:30 PM

Young Singles Shabbat: Nov 1

The community Young Singles Program will be our guests

Join us to welcome them that night!

 

 

 

Paramus Productions and Mark W. Beckerman/Senior Prom Productions invite you to a reading of a new comedy

“Sex and the New Age in Paramus,” 

by Jordan Jacobson

Where: Studio 3A @ the Duke Theatre

When: Monday, November 4

Time: 6:30 PM Refreshments, 7:00 PM Reading

RSVP Tel: 212-769-6449, email paramusproductions@hotmail.com

 

 

 

Hanukkah Concert

Nov. 24 @ 4:00 PM

Fun for all ages,

a musical celebration, and lots more (with latkes too!)

With our Junior Choir

DON’T MISS IT!   

 

 

See our very own Nurit Avigdor and Annie Nirschel, this week on TV!  Cablevision channel 71, Tues and Thurs, @ 9:30 and 11:30 PM!

 

 

CABARET

A Night of Magic and Comedy

Saturday, November 16, 2002

8:00 pm—Meet and Mingle

Open Bar with wine and soft drinks

Wandering Magicians

Comedic Skits by Ensemble Studio Workshop

 

The Main Act:

The Magical Duo-George Schindler & Nina

 

A Surprise Finale-- Starring Cantor Deborah Jacobson

 

Temple Beth El

Followed by Ice Cream and Dessert Buffet

Desserts by Thyme for Kosher

 

RSVP by November 5

For Information on Ticket Prices--- Contact the Temple Office or

Check the Website

 

 

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AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND TANGO

Tuesday, November 19, 2002
7:30pm at Rich Forum in Stamford, CT.


Sponsored by the Jewish Federations of Fairfield County

Attend a benefit concert for Argentinean Jews.
Proceeds will fund JDC (Joint Distribution Committee) hunger and social
service programs at 70 welfare centers in Argentina.


Tickets available @ $100  per person.
Available through the Greenwich UJA/Federation at 552-1818.

($1,000 and higher levels includes multiple tickets and post performance
dessert reception.)

Program for the evening includes performances by:

The Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir under the baton of conductor Eli Jaffe
The renowned Raul Juarena Tango Band and dancers
Argentine Soprano Raquel Mendelsohn
Local Cantors including Cantor Deborah Jacobson from our synagogue

The current crisis involves 200,000 Jews currently live in Argentina - the
5th largest Jewish community in the world.

       - 60,000 Jews live below the poverty line and are unemployed.
       - 70% of small businesses owned by Jews have closed.
  - Thousands are homeless and on food rations.



Save the date!!!! 

WEDNESDAY   OCTOBER 30 @ 730PM.

Sisterhood FASHION SHOW.       

Dessert and coffee. Come for an evening of fun, food, friends, and fashions by FOX'S.  Please make reservations. For additional information call Marlyn Agatstein 3247390 or Ronni Ginsberg  322-2003.

 

 

 2 CHANCES THIS SUNDAY TO SHOP ISRAEL LIVE!

 

          In support of the State of Israel, the Sisterhood of Temple Sholom in Greenwich proudly announces SHOP ISRAEL LIVE! A daylong shopping extravaganza featuring top-of-the-line Israeli vendors that will take place at Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Avenue, on Sunday, Nov.3 from 10 am – 6 pm.

          Featured vendors for SHOP ISRAEL LIVE! will include an eclectic group of artists and manufacturers who will bring with them a wide range of merchandise.  Artists include Agam, Chagall, Ben Avram, Udi Merios, Ginzburg, Raphael Abecassis, Bracha Lavee, Bradshaw Guy, Naim Basson, Haddad and a host of others. Jewelry designed by Ayala Bar, Shula Shek, Dganit Hen Amit Yair and others will be available for purchase. Ceramics, pewter and Judaica by Chaim Perez, Rachel Cadmor, Ramatis and Elanomii in addition to a selection of jams, honeys, halavah, Ahava beauty products, and Kakadu wood items will all be available. All proceeds will go directly to the vendors.

          In addition to shopping, attendees will have an opportunity to hear Mr. Eran Doron, the Director of Trade and Investment from the Government of Israel Economic Mission and representative of the Consulate General of Israel in New York. Mr. Doron, a former professional soccer player in Israel and director of its professional association, will be speaking at 1:00 pm.

          Lunch and Israeli snacks will be available for purchase throughout the day.

         

AND…On Sunday, October 27, from 10 am to 6 pm, the Rosenthal JCC of Pleasantville is also holding an Israeli Festival and Marketplace.  The purpose of the fair is to assist Israeli merchants, artisans, and small manufacturers who are suffering from the serious decline in tourism, to earn a living and to stay in business in spite of terrorism's crushing impact on Israel's economy. Over fifty Israeli vendors will present close to eighty booths of quality merchandise for sale, all 'Made in Israel.'

 

 

Adult Education

Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults

with Shirley Fish

Sundays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Library

Cost:  $50 for 10 week session

 

A Celebration of Rosh Chodesh
Held monthly with Barb Moskow & friends

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge

 

Shabbat Morning Learner's Minyan

with Barb Moskow

Begins November 16th

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


DATES, TIMES AND FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH OFFERING WILL BE FOUND IN THE ADULT EDUCATION BROCHURE - WATCH YOUR MAIL!

 

Don’t Miss the JCC’s Jewish Film Festival, Oct 26th-Nov.3rd (Beth El is a co-sponsor)

 

Saturday, October 26

The Believer - 8:15pm, State Cinema

 

Sunday, October 27

I’m Alive and I Love You - 10am, Crowne Theaters

Company Jasmine - 3:30pm, Garden Cinema  This is an Israeli film made in 2000 and is 56 minutes long. The movie is in color with English subtitles. 

Company Jasmine is the first in-depth look at the prestigious Women Field Officers School of the Israel Defense Force. The film follows five cadets through their 17-week training as they deal with questions of identity, femininity, battle readiness and command worthiness. A discussion with former and present Israeli military officers will follow the film.

 

Last Dance - 7pm, Garden Cinema

 

Wednesday, October 30

Mama Drama - 10:30am, State Cinema

Autumn Sun - 7:30pm, State Cinema

 

Saturday, November 2

Gripsholm - 7:30pm, State Cinema

 

Sunday, November 3

Trembling Before G-d - 2pm, Garden Cinema

I’m Alive and I Love You - 3:30pm, Garden Cinema

Trembling Before G-d - 7pm, Garden Cinema – (featuring commentary by Rabbi Steven Greenberg)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Web link for this week's Shabbat-O-Gram is - http://www.tbe.org/sog/021025.htm - The site is continually updated during the week with corrections and additions.  Feel free to forward this link to your friends. People can subscribe to the weekly Shabbat-o-Gram at www.tbe.org.   I also send out mailings to college students, Gen Xers and teens, so let us know if you wish to be placed on any of those lists.  If you wish to unsubscribe, contact office@tbe.org.  

 

Friday, October 18, 2002

Shabbat-O-Gram, Oct. 18, 2002 and Heshvan 12, 5763

 Shabbat-O-Gram, Oct. 18, 2002 and Heshvan 12, 5763

Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El, Stamford, Connecticut

J  SHABBAT SHALOM  J

 

Previous Shabbat-O-Grams can now be accessed directly from our web site (www.tbe.org), or more directly at www.tbe.org/sog/index.htm -- and our Web site now also has High Holy Day sermon postings and great Sukkah photos.

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JUST THE FACTS: Services and Such

 

Friday Night: Candles: 6:02 PM, Services at 7:30 PM in the chapel

Tot Shabbat Services with Nurit – for preschool children and their families: 7:15 PM, in the lobby

Shabbat: Torah Portion: Lech Lecha   Service begins at 9:30 AM, with children’s services at 10:30.

Read the Masorti commentary at http://www.masorti.org/mason/torah/index.asp. JTS commentary is at: http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/parashah/. USCJ Torah Sparks can be found at http://uscj.org/item20_467.html. UAHC Shabbat Table Talk discussions are at http://uahc.org/torah/exodus.shtml. Other divrei Torah via the Torahnet home page: http://uahcweb.org/torahnet/. Test your Parasha I.Q.: http://www.ou.org/jewishiq/parsha/default.htm. CLAL's Torah commentary archive: http://click.topica.com/maaaiRtaaRvQhbV2AtLb/.  Nehama Liebowitz archives of parsha commentaries: http://www.torahcc.org/nechama/gilayonarchives.htm.  For a more Kabbalistic/Zionist perspective from Rav Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, go to http://www.geocities.com/m_yericho/ravkook/index.html

Mazal Tov to David Ginsberg, who becomes Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat morning.

Morning MinyanDaily at 7:30 AM

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Spiritual Journey on the Web:  Series Prediction: “Fallen Angels”

 

 

Everybody’s been wondering about my World Series prediction, based on Jewish sources, and for good reason.  Keep in mind that I correctly predicted the Patriots’ and Ravens’ victories in the last two Super Bowls, and the Diamondbacks’ win in last year’s Series, so I’m on a big-time roll. So, here goes (keeping in mind that I do not advocate gambling except for recreational purposes – and I expect a cut of the winnings).

 

First thing first.  How could a religiously-inspired prognostication ever vote against a team called the “Angels?” Read a comprehensive piece about angels in Jewish mysticism at http://www.faqs.org/faqs/judaism/FAQ/06-Jewish-Thought/section-14.html.  Angels play a key role in the story of Abraham that we read beginning this week.  Angels announce that Abraham and Sarah will have a child and that Sodom will be destroyed. Then angels escort Lot and his family from that evil city and, when Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, it is an angel that calls out from the heavens and stays Abraham’s hand.  In place of Isaac, Abraham chooses to sacrifice a ram, which would account for their loss in the Super Bowl, but doesn’t tell us anything about San Francisco. 

 

Giants are found earlier in the book of Genesis, as a mythical race of half-divine beings known as Nefilim.  Problem is, they are only half divine, while the angels are 100% heavenly.  In fact, some commentators describe them as “fallen angels” (see page 34 of the Etz Hayim Torah commentary and http://www.stevequayle.com/Giants/Mid.East/Giants.Mid.East11.html), from the Hebrew word “nafal,” to fall.  So if a Giant, by definition is a fallen Angel, that would not seem to bode well for the Giants. 

 

And it gets worse.  In next week’s portion, Abraham treats the angels with the utmost of hospitality.  In fact, the Jewish principles of Hachnasat Orchaim (hospitality) are derived from this portion.  At the end of their visit, Abraham not only escorts his guests to the door, but he walks them well into their journey, expanding the boundaries of his home.  See this important Jewish concept described in greater detail at http://www.simplyjewish.com/Pages_SJ2001/SJ2001_Philosophy/SJ_3prac_ahavat_hach.html and

http://www.aishdas.org/webshas/chesed/orchim.htm,

 

Meanwhile, someone in the same portion is not accorded such hospitality.  Hagar is kicked out of the house and forced to flee with Ishmael.  And who is Hagar?  Sarah’s “shifcha,” her BONDS woman.  So the angels get welcomed, but Bonds is kicked out. 

 

But it’s not so simple.  Go to http://dev.triothinkquest.org/TR0111165/jewish.htm to see that Jewish angels are seen primarily as messengers, as indeed they are in the Abraham stories.  But when the ten spies came back to Moses in the Wilderness with fear in their hearts, the Giants were the message.  These human messengers were shaking at the thought of having to defeat the mighty Giants of Canaan.

 

When in doubt, I pull the “How many Jews on each team” card.  Let’s see: for the Angels there’s David Eckstein – oops, he’s not (see http://msn.espn.go.com/talent/danpatrick/s/2002/0828/1424027.html), but there’s always Al Levine (a Levi no less!) and Scott Schoeneweis (for the full roster of current Jewish players, see http://www.shawngreen.net/articles2/jewishplayers/2001report.html.)  For the Giants: nada.  Go to   http://www.pubdim.net/baseballlibrary/submit/Green_Adam1.stm and http://www.pubdim.net/baseballlibrary/submit/Person_Sam4.stm for some historical background. On the Angels side you’ve got Rod Carew (sort of – never converted but did raise his kids Jewish) and Bo Belinsky; for the Giants, Harry Danning, and Sid Gordon. 

 

Then there is the Dodger factor.  Both teams hate the Dodgers, who have, arguably, the two greatest Jewish ballplayers of all time, Sandy Koufax and Shawn Green, “the Rabbi of Swat.”  Does the fact that the Angels and Giants share a mutual disdain for the Dodgers make them anti-Semitic?  The conspiracy theory is enhanced by the fact that the Angels are owned by Disney, which complicates matters greatly regarding the Jewish question, given past allegations (see a refutation of Walt Disney’s alleged anti-Semitism at  http://www.nationalreview.com/contributors/ledeen120501.shtml) and Michael Eisner, one of the most controversial figures in Hollywood (bio:  http://www.askmen.com/men/business_politics/46_michael_eisner.html).  Run any Web search on “Eisner – Jewish,” and you’ll see just how much of a magnet for Anti-Semitism he is. 

 

All this brings me back to the one irrefutable fact of this inquest: the Nefilim, the Giants are no better than fallen angels. Their Bondsman notwithstanding, the Giants will fall.  And since Shabbat is always escorted in by angels (see the hymn “Shalom Aleichem,” at http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Bistro/1150/lyrics/j-shabbat.html#shalom and the story behind it at    http://www.hillel.org/hillel/newhille.nsf/fbf53504797e21b48525693c0071779d/8e7aa08931d81c6d8525694300563fd0?OpenDocument) the Angels will triumph on the “seventh day.”  Halos in seven.  Heavenly.

 

 

Required Reading and Action Items

 

Israel, Iraq and Terrorism:

 

Why Liberals Should Support the War - Jonathan Chait
Liberals and conservatives share many foreign policy values in common: encouraging democracy and capitalism, responding to direct aggression. That is why both overwhelmingly supported overthrowing the Taliban and hunting down al Qaeda in Afghanistan. We are contemplating the overthrow of one of the most internally violent and repressive regimes on Earth. Indeed, from a purely humanitarian perspective, the case for this war is stronger than for the Gulf war - in which we restored an authoritarian monarchy in Kuwait and left Saddam's tyrannical regime in place. (New Republic)

Saddam, Al Qaeda Intricately Linked - David Rudge; According to Prof. Amatzia Baram, of the University of Haifa's Department of Middle East History, an expert on Iraqi affairs: Recent al Qaeda communiques broadcast via al-Jazeera stated that the attacks against U.S. marines in Kuwait and the French oil tanker off the coast of Yemen were warnings of severe retaliation in the event of an assault on Saddam's regime. These are clear indications of political cooperation. There is a very real possibility, because it has happened in the past, that Saddam Hussein will do his utmost to persuade Palestinian groups, or at least members of his own movement in the Palestinian camp, to carry out a mega-attack against Israel. (Jerusalem Post)

Israel, U.S. Reach Agreement on Supervision of PA Finances - Aluf Benn
Israel and the United States reached an understanding Tuesday over the supervision of the Palestinian Authority's finances, in order to enable the Israeli transfer of some NIS 2 billion of frozen tax revenues to the Palestinians. According to the plan, supervision will be imposed on PA income and expenditure in order to ensure monies are not used to fund terror. The Palestinians will be required to hand over a list of those to whom it pays salaries, and American and European officials will be stationed in the Palestinian Finance Ministry to oversee its economic activity. (Ha'aretz)

 

Arens: Israel Still Dependent on U.S. Data for Scud Alerts
Although Israel has its own reconnaisance satellite in space, the Jewish state is still dependent on Washington for crucial real-time warnings of missile launchings from Iraq, Moshe Arens, defense minister during the 1991 Gulf war, said Monday. At present, only the U.S. and Russia possess the capability of keeping a satellite fixed in orbit over Iraq. Israel's Ofek spy satellite passes over Iraq, but only periodically, he said. (Ha'aretz)
    See also Is It Really Deja Vu? - Moshe Arens (Ha'aretz)

 

Bush Backs Retaliation by Israelis if Iraq Attacks; Sharon Characterizes Bush Administration as Friendliest in History
Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon in Washington, President Bush said today that he fully expected that Israel would aggressively retaliate after any unprovoked Iraqi attack. (New York Times)
    See also Bush-Sharon News Conference

Double Standards: Iraq, Israel, and the United Nations (The Economist - UK)

The UN distinguishes between two sorts of Security Council resolutions. Those passed under Chapter Six deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations. Those under Chapter Seven give the council broad powers to take action, including warlike action, to deal with "threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression." Such resolutions, binding on all UN members, were used against Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait. None of the resolutions relating to the Israeli-Arab conflict comes under Chapter Seven.

  • Resolution 242 of 1967, passed after the Six-Day War and frequently cited in the double-standards argument, does not instruct Israel to withdraw unilaterally from the territories occupied in 1967. It does not condemn Israel's conquest, for the good reason that most Western powers at that time thought it the result of a justifiable pre-emptive war. It calls for a negotiated settlement, based on the principle of exchanging land for peace.

LETTER FROM WASHINGTON: Between terror and snipers Last week, Noam Laden, a morning talk show host in South Carolina and an old friend of mine, called and asked to do a five-minute interview with me on air. I quickly scanned the newspapers to see if there had been anything new overnight on Israel or Iraq. (Jerusalem Post)
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/A/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1034774849425  Madonna music video stirs unease among Jews (Jerusalem Post)

Israel Readies for Iraqi Strike
15,000 Israeli emergency workers are being inoculated against smallpox. "For Israel in particular the concept that Jews may be killed by chemicals or viruses is one that the very nature of Israel was designed to prevent," says Professor Gerald Steinberg, who lectures in strategic studies at Bar-Ilan University. "Jews should not be killed without response. And in that case, 1991 was an aberration and should not expect to be repeated." (BBC)

 

The civilized world is reeling from yet another terrorist atrocity, the bombing of a Bali disco that has claimed the lives of 180 people. Much of the European media is using very different language to describe the Bali bombing, than it has used to describe the bombings of discos, pizzerias, cafes, markets, buses, and religious events in Israel. Opines the Guardian about the Bali atrocity ("In the Shadow of Terror" - October 14): ""This was a crime against all humanity... Its victims were Muslims, Hindus and Christians." Why does the Guardian omit that Jews may be among the victims?

The Guardian also refers to "the killing of German tourists in Tunisia" --failing to mention that the Tunisia attack was actually aimed against Jews in a synagogue.

Read the Guardian editorial at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/leaders/story/0,3604,811347,00.html

 

Dahlan Resigns, Slams PA Leadership
Former PA Gaza security chief Muhammad Dahlan has resigned as Yasser Arafat's national security adviser to protest the delay in implementing reforms in the PA. According to the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper, Dahlan told a group in Gaza City that he had advised Arafat to stop the intifada after the September 11 attacks. He also described the Palestinian people as a "mob" inclined to radicalism and rejection, and Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi as the "leader of the local Taliban. He thinks that he's Mullah Omar." (Jerusalem Post)

 

Jewish Business Ethics:

Check out the latest issue of “Insights” from the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies for a fine article on Jewish Business Ethics by Professor David Golinkin, at http://www.schechter.edu/pubs/insight17.htm

 

Rumors, Hoaxes and Urban Legends

The Internet is the greatest communications tool ever invented. Unfortunately, its ease of use and virtually free cost means that sometimes it can be misused. One of the worst examples of misuse of the Internet -- email in particular -- is in spreading rumors and so-called "urban legends", often something negative about Jews or Israel or a hoax playing on your interest in the well-being of Israel.

 

Many of the most interesting and compelling of these messages are just not true. They often have very credible sounding "credentials" and come from trusted correspondents, but are false nonetheless. The person sending the message to you often believes the information is true and has the best of intentions in forwarding it to their own list of contacts.

 

Some examples of false rumors that have circulated in the last few years are:

 

1. Fuji map excludes Israel

2. Steven Spielberg Palestinian movie

3. 4000 Jews stayed home on 9-11

 

Some examples of email campaigns that were not well-founded:

 

1. Gas boycott

2. Michael Ramirez Los Angeles Times cartoon protest

3. Amazon.com supports terrorists

 

When you get one of these emails, how do you know if it is true or just another rumor/hoax? How do you determine if it is worthy of your time and follow-up energy? Fortunately, the Internet provides an answer to its own excesses. There are a number of excellent resource websites that can help you research information that is suspicious, alarming, or too good to be true.

 

The full story on this is contained in the web page version of this memo, including links to all of the above rumors/hoaxes and to all of the sites that can help you research the background.  You can find it here:

 

http://jewishinternetassociation.org/archive_memos/memo_20021016.php

 

 

Special for College Students:

 

  ·  Israel is Like Family
Israeli lecturer Avraham Infeld came to Brown as part of a tour of campuses sponsored by Hillel International. "The intifada is not Israel," he said. "Israel is the relationship between the people and the dream and the memory they have." "Being Jewish is knowing you have a memory that is longer than your own life."
    "We can't just teach the modern situation. We need people to feel a part of the Jewish people. To love Israel demands understanding your relationship to the Jewish people and the relationship of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel."
    "People think that everything Israel does, you have to support it. I do not agree." But it is important for Jewish students to love Israel, he said - unconditional love like that of family members. "We're taught to like Israel, but we forget to love it. Liking depends on behavior. Love is part of the relationship," he said. "And that sense of love is not dependent on Israel's behavior." (Brown Daily Herald)

------------------

  Quotes of the Week: 

THE REGION: LET'S PLAY 20 QUESTIONS
Barry Rubin
Jerusalem Post, October 15, 2002

 

   Question 1. In whose interest is this Palestinian war on Israel?

 

   No one's. Yasser Arafat, its architect, thought it would be a Palestinian war of independence forcing Israel, from fear of terrorism and international pressure, to yield all the territories plus an unfettered "right" of Palestinian return in exchange for a paper promise of peace lasting until the next round of war against it. Instead, the result has destroyed any basis for a compromise peace, set the Palestinian infrastructure back by many years, and caused a huge amount of pain and suffering to achieve absolutely nothing.

 

   2. Does Israel want the territories?

 

   While Israelis differ over proposed borders, the great majority wish to get rid of almost all these lands. Today the Palestinian leadership has created the main argument against doing so by showing that yielding territory increases attacks and claims against Israel. Had Arafat accepted the Camp David or Clinton proposals as a basis, Israelis would have agreed, the occupation would be over, a Palestinian state would exist right now, and more than 2,500 people would be alive.

 

   3. Does Israel want to dominate the Palestinians in permanent subjugation?

 

   See question 2. Israel wants to end its control over Palestinians, as every public-opinion poll shows, in a way that brings real peace. Israelis don't want to be colonial masters; they simply want to be left alone by their neighbors.

 

   4. Has Israel won the war?

 

   No one can be said to win a war so totally unnecessary and with such horrible costs. But Israel certainly has the upper hand militarily, economically, and politically. Palestinian goals cannot be met. More and more Palestinians see this. Now we are waiting for Arafat to choose a real cease-fire or be replaced.

 

   5. Is Arafat a partner for peace?

 

   No, by his own decision. The current problem is that he refuses to be even a partner for a cease-fire.

 

6. Are there Palestinian leaders who genuinely want peace?

 

   Yes. In private, they speak freely about Arafat's disastrous policy, the damage done by terrorism, and the desirability of accepting a compromise along the lines offered by prime minister Ehud Barak. The problem is that they don't say these things in public to their people.

 

   7. Will Israel expel Arafat?

 

   No. He can stay as long as he wants.

 

   8. Is Israel being brutal to the Palestinians?

 

   Unquestionably there are some abuses and misdeeds. But if there were no imposed war there would be no roadblocks, no sieges, no killings or destruction. And Israel has been far more careful than any other country would be facing a similar situation. Moreover, the Palestinians could easily have ended the occupation and removed settlements from their territory by reaching a peaceful solution two years ago. Equally, they could have ended the fighting any time in the last two years by implementing a real cease-fire.

 

   9. Isn't restraint a measure of morality?

 

   Yes. Israel could easily win a total military victory, inflict a huge number of Palestinian casualties in a single day, wipe out the leadership of all the militant groups, and destroy the Palestinian infrastructure in a matter of hours. It has chosen not to do so.

 

   10. Can the Palestinian reform movement change Palestinian politics?

 

   Maybe, given enough time. But Arafat has already defeated the feeble calls for change.

 

   11. Is it Ariel Sharon's fault?

 

   No. Sharon was elected only after the peace process failed, and because it had failed and been replaced by Palestinian violence. While Sharon and the government could certainly have done better, have they really done so badly, given the circumstances? Sharon has consciously tried to counter his image. For example, he waited 15 months after taking office, in a war situation, before sending forces to seize and hold Palestinian-ruled territory. If Yitzhak Rabin or Ehud Barak were prime minister, would they be doing anything so different?

 

   12. Did the year 2000 actually exist?

 

   Apparently not. Who remembers that Barak accepted two peace plans--Camp David and Clinton--yielding the territory, offering to remove most of the settlements, and even handing most of east Jerusalem to a Palestinian state? For Israel to give up control of the Temple Mount in order to achieve peace is a sacrifice equivalent to Muslims giving up the Mecca holy sites or Catholics turning over the Vatican to someone else. Yet without understanding Israel's readiness for concessions and eagerness for peace, nothing that has happened since can be properly understood.

 

   13. Are settlements the reason for the war?

 

   No. See question 12.

 

   14. Is unilateral withdrawal the answer?

 

   No. See southern Lebanon. Palestinian leaders say such action shows weakness and their answer is to escalate the violence--so why should we believe such a step would bring peace? For tactical reasons or to save lives, however, an Israeli government could withdraw, or remove settlers from specific places.

 

   15. Is building a defensive wall a good idea?

 

   Yes. It will stop many, if not all, terrorists trying to enter Israeli territory. Constructing a wall does not necessarily mean withdrawing from areas outside it. In fact, it frees up resources allowing improved protection for these areas.

 

   16. Is international reaction against Israel partly anti-Semitic?

 

   Yes. Hatred of Jews has always been defined in the context of its time. Jews were once accused of poisoning wells, killing children to make matza, and seeking world conquest. Today, much of the Arab world seems to think the World Trade Center's destruction was a Jewish plot. In the West far too many people simply assume Israel is wrong, ignore evidence, and believe the most outrageous, albeit suitably modern, myths about it.

 

   17. Can Israel please the world?

 

   No. See question 12, and the years 1993 to 2002.

 

   18. Are Westerners who call themselves "pro-Arab" really pro-Arab?

 

   No. By supporting Arafat's policy and Arab dictatorships, they are strengthening the very factors that hold the Arab world back and result in so much hardship and bloodshed. By subsidizing the Palestinian Authority, the European Union is extending the war and, in effect, destroying the Palestinians' hopes for peace, a state of their own, and democratic rule.

 

   19. Do these issues fit into a left/right political spectrum?

 

   No. What makes Middle East dictators or authoritarian movements progressive? These disputes have nothing to do with being leftist or rightist, and far more to do with moderate/extremist or democratic/anti-democratic distinctions.

 

   20. Is this a one-sided analysis?

 

   No. The test of truth is not to be completely equidistant from all sides, but rather when interpretations are reached through honest effort, fit the facts, and accurately explain the bizarre history we have lived through. 

 

 

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS…..

 

“Latte and Learn” at Borders Book Store -- THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 22 7:30 p.m.

(This month’s topic: the Akeda – chapter 22 of Genesis)  Read it in advance if possible

with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman and Rev Douglas McArthur

 

 

The Kehilati Brochure, detailing adult ed programming throughout the Jewish community, is now available on the web www.ujf.org

Speaking of adult education in the community, Don’t forget Rabbi Hammerman’s Davenology 101 lunch and learn at the JCC, which continues next Thursday at noon, with an in-depth discussion of the Shema .

 

 

 

Upcoming Special Kabbalat Shabbat Programs led by Rabbi Hammerman and Cantor Jacobson

(all services open to everyone) in the chapel: @7:30 PM

Family Friday: Oct. 25 – monthly service geared to all ages,

Featuring our Junior Choir

and

Young Singles Shabbat: Nov 1

The community Young Singles Program will be our guests

Join us to welcome them that night!

 

 

 

Paramus Productions and Mark W. Beckerman/Senior Prom Productions invite you to a reading of a new comedy

“Sex and the New Age in Paramus,”  

by Jordan Jacobson

Where: Studio 3A @ the Duke Theatre

When: Monday, November 4

Time: 6:30 PM Refreshments, 7:00 PM Reading

RSVP Tel: 212-769-6449, email paramusproductions@hotmail.com

 

 

 

Don’t forget -- Mitzvah Day

This Sunday, October 20

9 am – 4 pm

Kick-Off Breakfast and Volunteer Fair begins at 9 am

Projects throughout the day, both at the JCC and throughout Stamford.

Stop by at anytime to participate - no reservation needed to do a Mitzvah.

American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 to 2:30.

In addition, we are collecting cereal, gently used winter coats, and gently used children’s books for donation

 

 

 

Save the date…

Hanukkah Concert

Nov. 24 @ 4:00 PM

Fun for all ages,

a musical celebration, and lots more (with latkes too!)

With our Junior Choir

DON’T MISS IT!   

 

 

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BENEFIT CONCERT FOR ARGENTINE JEWS IN CRISIS – Nov. 19


Never has it been easier to do a good deed than on November 19th at 7:30 PM. Join the Fairfield County Jewish community as we come out in force for a gala event to aid the Argentine Jewish community. The world famous Jerusalem Great Synagogue Choir, Ms. Raquel Mendelsohn, renown diva of the Colon Opera house in Buenos Aires, Tango dancers, and several local cantors will be hosted at a theatre in Stamford. A reception for major donors will follow the event.  Proceeds from the evening will help fund the hunger and social service programs run by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in Argentina.  There are 65 welfare centers in Argentina that operate under the JDC umbrella.  They anticipate helping 35,000 people by the end of this year

 

The event is sponsored by the Federated Communities of Fairfield County including: Stamford, New Canaan and Darien; Greenwich; Westport, Weston, Wilton, and Norwalk; Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Shelton, Stratford and Trumbull; and the greater Danbury area. Invitations are being mailedthrough out these communities by their local federation offices.  The concert is expected to raise a minimum of $250,000 dollars. For more information, please call the United Jewish Federation office at 321-1373 x104 or send an email to office@ujf.org.

 

Tommy Haendler, one of the organizers of this project, will be speaking about the crisis of Argentinian Jewry at Shabbat morning services here, next Shabbat, Oct. 26.  It will be a special Beth El Cares Shabbat on that subject of great concern.

 

 

Save the date!!!! 

WEDNESDAY   OCTOBER 30 @ 730PM.

Sisterhood FASHION SHOW.       

Dessert and coffee. Come for an evening of fun, food, friends, and fashions by FOX'S.  Please make reservations. For additional information call Marlyn Agatstein 3247390 or Ronni Ginsberg  322-2003.

 

 

 

 

A recent Stamford Article about area food banks noted that economic times have driven up the need for donations to the area food banks.  Mayor Malloy said: "This is a year in which we need to start [collecting food] Oct. 1, and we probably need a full 12-month effort from people."  In response to this need, Temple Beth El Sisterhood has put out two food collection boxes in the synagogue and will keep them there year-round. One box will be outside the office, the other at the entrance to the main sanctuary.   We are working out the logistics of delivering the food to the Interfaith Council Food Bank, which services other area food banks such as Person-to-Person. Every can of tuna or box of rice will help!

 

 

 

 

On Sunday, October 27, from 10 am to 6 pm, the Rosenthal JCC of Pleasantville is holding an Israeli Festival and Marketplace.  The purpose of the fair is to assist Israeli merchants, artisans, and small manufacturers who are suffering from the serious decline in tourism, to earn a living and to stay in business in spite of terrorism's crushing impact on Israel's economy. Over fifty Israeli vendors will present close to eighty booths of quality merchandise for sale, all 'Made in Israel.'

 

 

Adult Education

 

"The Prayer-Which Project" -- Building our own Friday night Siddur  -- This class focuses on the meaning of the Friday night prayers, looking at each one from a variety of angles – it’s not just for those who want to help make the Siddur!!!

with Rabbi Joshua Hammerman

Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.

 

Learn to Read Hebrew for Adults

with Shirley Fish

Sundays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Library

Cost:  $50 for 10 week session

 

A Celebration of Rosh Chodesh
Held monthly with Barb Moskow & friends

7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge

 

Shabbat Morning Learner's Minyan

with Barb Moskow

Begins November 16th

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.


DATES, TIMES AND FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH OFFERING WILL BE FOUND IN THE ADULT EDUCATION BROCHURE - WATCH YOUR MAIL!

 

Don’t Miss the JCC’s Jewish Film Festival, Oct 26th-Nov.3rd (Beth El is a co-sponsor)

 

Saturday, October 26

The Believer - 8:15pm, State Cinema

 

Sunday, October 27

I’m Alive and I Love You - 10am, Crowne Theaters

Company Jasmine - 3:30pm, Garden Cinema

Last Dance - 7pm, Garden Cinema

 

Wednesday, October 30

Mama Drama - 10:30am, State Cinema

Autumn Sun - 7:30pm, State Cinema

 

Saturday, November 2

Gripsholm - 7:30pm, State Cinema

 

Sunday, November 3

Trembling Before G-d - 2pm, Garden Cinema

I’m Alive and I Love You - 3:30pm, Garden Cinema

Trembling Before G-d - 7pm, Garden Cinema – (featuring commentary by Rabbi Steven Greenberg)

 

 

 

 

 

Young Jewish Professionals

Dine and Learn

Israel: Past and Present

Ten exciting sessions with speakers such as

Rabbi Mark Dratch

Rabbi David Walk

“Peace Now” Organization Spokesperson

Begins October 21st, 2002 at 7:00 p.m., at the JCC

$80 for the seminar ($8 a session)

For more details call Dan at 203.321.1373 ext. 115 or dan@ujf.org

Please RSVP no later than Monday, October 14th

 

 

 

The Web link for this week's Shabbat-O-Gram is - http://www.tbe.org/sog/021018.htm - The site is continually updated during the week with corrections and additions.  Feel free to forward this link to your friends. People can subscribe to the weekly Shabbat-o-Gram at www.tbe.org.   I also send out mailings to college students, Gen Xers and teens, so let us know if you wish to be placed on any of those lists.  If you wish to unsubscribe, contact office@tbe.org.