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THE WALL-2,000 YEARS AGO
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TODAY
The Wall-and Its Fallout-and the Old City's Security
What follows is a very understated, and therefore perhaps more powerful, statement issued by the organizations representing the United States' non-Orthodox lay organizations. It was issued to coincide with the first joint annual convention of the national Men's Clubs (Conservative) and Brotherhoods (Reform).
Dear Friends,
Masorti is proud to have been a signer, together with seven other organizations, of a crucial message to the Israeli government, delivered yesterday to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The message conveyed--in the strongest possible terms--anger and dismay about the Israeli Rabbanut's encroachment on the rights of Conservative and Reform communities in Israel.
Below, please find a statement protesting recent policies in Israel that severely curtail expressions of religious pluralism. The statement was presented in the course of a reception at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC attended by delegates of the Biennial Convention of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs and the Men of Reform Judaism (please see www.eventsforce.net/fjmc/2/home for more information). Drawing over 600 attendees from the United States, Canada, France, Uganda, and Argentina, this interdenominational gathering marks the first time that both groups have co-hosted a convention. The statement's authors and co-signers represent a consortium of liberal Jewish groups, spanning both the Conservative and Reform movements and comprising The Masorti Foundation for Conservative Judaism in Israel, ARZA, MERCAZ, The Cantors Assembly, The Women's League for Conservative Judaism, The Women of Reform Judaism, The Men of Reform Judaism and The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. Statement In Protest of Increasing Limits on Religious Pluralism in Israel The Conservative (Masorti) and Reform (Progressive) movements are home to the overwhelming number of Jews in North America. Our communities have long been the backbone of support for Israel. For example, experts estimate that more than 80% of AIPAC supporters are affiliated with our movements. In light of those facts, it is painful to describe the anger, frustration, disillusionment and disappointment throughout our communities concerning the most recent developments with regard to the Kotel, conversion and the authority of the Rabbanut (Chief Rabbinate of Israel). These developments, offensive as they were, unfortunately do not stand in isolation but are only the most recent manifestations of a lack of respect for nonOrthodox Jewry both in Israel and in the Diaspora. It is not our purpose today to recount a litany of betrayals of the religious ideals and values on which the State of Israel was founded, a State meant to be the homeland for all Jews. We know, and you know, that we are speaking of more than just what has transpired over the last few weeks; nonetheless, to embrace what, in some ways, is a Middle Eastern metaphor, these straws have broken the camel's back. It is not a hollow statement when we say we love Israel. We visit Israel often. Many of us have family in Israel, and we all have friends there. It is precisely our strong bonds with Israel that now compel our candor, bluntness perhaps more typical of our Israeli friends than that of North American groups. It is important for you to understand, and therefore we emphasize it, that this is not some pro forma protest which can be air-brushed away. This is not a debate about geo-political issues. Rather, it goes to the heart of whether Israel perceives non-Orthodox Jews as legitimate. It is beyond absurd that Israel is the one democracy in the world where Jews cannot freely practice their faith in accordance with their beliefs. The government's actions risk dividing the worldwide Jewish community at a time when it must remain united. We count on you to make clear to the Prime Minister, the Israeli Government and Members of Knesset, that a few soothing words or exhortations for patience will not fix this. We expect concrete actions. It should matter to you that we care about all of this not only because of our own commitment to Israel but also because we want our children and grandchildren to share that love for Israel - and we are at risk of that not happening.
We should never forsake Israel. On the contrary, we should and must support the institutions there that reflect our values. But we should direct our resources to donations for Masorti and other efforts which support pluralism in Israel. Donate here to protect the right to religious freedom for all Jews in Israel.
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Tom Freidman's column from last week (which I sent to you) wasn't about the 2-State solution (mentioned only in passing), yet this is all that the Israeli Gov't official can focus on in his op Ed critique. And that is part of the reason why there is a festering Israel/diaspora crisis:
Here's the link to Friedman's column, Israel to American Jews: You Just Don't Matter:
Vide: Security Footage Shows Arab Gunmen on Temple Mount Shooting Israeli Policeman in the Back
Failing to Mention Attack, Arab League Scolds Israel for Temple Mount Closure
And for comparison, here's a Reuters' report:
This is the beginning of a very serious problem, especially if the Palestinians discover that they can bring Israel to its knees by resorting to civil disobedience-but the call for freedom of worship by the Jordanian King is hypocrisy: were Jews ever permitted access to the Wall while Jordan occupied the Old City??!!
How Do Other Countries Protect Security at Holy Sites? In Mecca there are 5,000 CCTV cameras and 100,000 people employed to provide security during the annual Hajj (but there is opposition to installing such cameras on the Temple Mount!)
Israel Police on Thursday released video footage from the terror attack at the Temple Mount last Friday showing that the three Arab-Israeli gunmen had an accomplice who brought the guns in a backpack onto the Temple Mount that morning and left them in the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Channel 2 reported that the accomplice has been arrested and that he was also an Arab-Israeli.
Video of Attackers from the Time they Disembark Their Bus Until the Start of the Attack
Jerusalem Mayor: Palestinians Should Aim Rage at Terrorists
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BDS
BDS/Intersectionality
Okay, so finally this Shabbat at mincha (8PM) we will read the NYT op-ed on the marginalization of Jewish women at the Chicago lesbian march. Here are a couple of background pieces to the whole topic:
Could this be the beginning of the end of Linda Sarsour????
45 Senators and 237 Congressmen Support Bill that Makes Boycotting Israel a Crime
Guns N' Roses Tel Aviv, Israel Full Concert Recap & Photos July 15, 2017
And as long as we're on the topic of Nikki Haley...
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As Powerful As Israel Is, It's not in Control of Its Own Fate:
This is a sobering analysis, written by a friend of Israel:
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Odds and Ends
Didn't really know where to put this, but you should know about it and make up your own mind:
Some of America's Top Cheese Brands Are Now Going Kosher
Growing numbers of mainstream cheesemakers are deciding the market share is worth the effort
Pop Culture
Jon Stewart Crashes Jimmy Kimmel's Interview with a Bar Mitzvah Boy "You could have gone with a Jew"
Do You Recognize Her?
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$4,999 per person* - flights to Krakow and from Israel are not included - land only ($1,108 - Single Supplement)
A deposit of $500 will guarantee you a place on the trip. Space is limited.
Cost covers two nights in Krakow, two nights in Warsaw, two nights in Jerusalem, two nights in Tel Aviv, most meals, all programming expenses, tips, flight from Krakow to Tel Aviv. $1,000 minimum gift per household to the 2018 Annual Campaign of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. Travel extensions available for an additional cost.
*based on double occupancy and number of participants For more information or to register, contact
Jane A. Sherwood | [email protected] | 201-820-3962
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TORAH Page 941
HAFTARAH Page 973
MATTOT
Our double Torah portion begins with rules regarding the binding nature of - and the nullification of - vows, particularly those made by women.
The Israelites successfully defeat and slay the Midianites, including the five kings of the region and Balaam, the sorcerer. Nevertheless, the warriors are chastised by Moses for sparing the Midianite women with whom the Israelites had recently engaged in idolatry and promiscuity. The army is sent out again to complete the mission. The spoils of war are divided.
The tribes of Reuben and Gad and half of Menasseh possessed large herds and were desirous of settling on the conquered lands on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Permission is granted to them - provided they participate in the efforts to wrest the territory on the western side of the Jordan from the Canaanites. They agree and take a vow to this effect.
MAS'EI
The various locales in which the Israelites encamped from the time of the Exodus until their arrival at the plains of Moab are enumerated.
Following an admonition to root out idolatry in Canaan upon its conquest, the land is divided by lot under the supervision of Joshua, Elazar and the leaders of the ten tribes whose peoples will occupy the territory west of the Jordan River.
Six Cities of Refuge are established - three on each side of the Jordan. These cities are to be given to the Levites and will serve as a place of sanctuary for anyone who has committed murder accidentally. Vengeful relatives of the deceased may not pursue these individuals into the Cities of Refuge.
One additional refinement is made to the laws of inheritance in order to maintain the tribal integrity of real property; in cases where daughters inherit their fathers' property, the heiresses may not marry men from other tribes.
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