tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-170080742024-03-07T18:01:36.488-05:00Cause Today is Also PurimPurim, IMHO, teaches us Unity, Faith, Responsibility, and Action. All Jews were in it together. To overcome our fears we had to believe that G-d's love for his people is eternal. Everyone had their own tasks and roles. Esther was not Mordechai, and Mordechai not Esther, but each had a unique job to do. This is the model for how we should live. It is my hope that by sharing my life I will force myself to review my actions and determine if I’m truly living up to the standards of a Purim Hero.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1668093234142330352007-11-30T14:59:00.000-05:002007-11-30T15:05:00.801-05:00A Sigh of Relief<a href="http://www.longhornlaw.net/images/murals/mural06.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.longhornlaw.net/images/murals/mural06.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's with much gratitude to Hashem (G-d) that I bring you news from my father. I just spoke to him. He's out of surgery, which was successful, and now on the road BE"H (with G-d's help) toward recovery. He'll still need some major surgery in the future, but for now at least it would seem like we've cleared another hurdle. Thanks for all of your prayers, kind words, and well wishes. If you can continue to keep him in mind during your teffilot that would really be appreciated.<br /><br />Kol Tuv and Gut Shabbos (Be Well and Good Shabbat) <div></div>Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-58019856323343412792007-11-28T23:44:00.000-05:002008-12-11T18:06:38.877-05:00News and a Call for Prayer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmJ0iftlgGxOMXpfxLcXPBI1gYUggfDFVGY1ly5SjGx5JFevQomUK2qPzghUUTljsStR9WG-bPvdYuRuE0Zj_F3BYuPBEDBcSPE_Wy91vhBmpnBC5WKJ10MNAAJFFU-Fi3jLzsQ/s1600-h/refuah.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmJ0iftlgGxOMXpfxLcXPBI1gYUggfDFVGY1ly5SjGx5JFevQomUK2qPzghUUTljsStR9WG-bPvdYuRuE0Zj_F3BYuPBEDBcSPE_Wy91vhBmpnBC5WKJ10MNAAJFFU-Fi3jLzsQ/s400/refuah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138120586580738034" border="0" /></a><br />Some of you who've read my blog before are already aware, but for many of you this may be your first time hearing. My father has some serious heart problems. In short he needs a heart transplant, and has now been on the waiting list for one for almost a year and a half. (Since just before Rosh HaShana the year before this last one.) I don't want to take the time to give a full medical history, but in short, he was born with a congenital heart defect, received possibly the first successful childhood surgery at age 4, and was fine until approximately 2 years ago when he had the first of a series of CHF bouts (Congestive Heart Failure). This left his heart swollen to twice normal size, reopening the old whole between the upper chambers of his heart, and leaving 3 of his 4 valves failing. The time since then has been a rough period marked by slow degeneration and anxious waiting (the hardest part) for the unknown time when a heart in his rare blood type will become available. Now for the sudden call to action...<br /><br />For the last several months he's been constantly attached to an external heart monitor/defibrillator set to shock his heart back into normal rhythm if it would ever Chas V'Shalom (translated non literally - G-d Forbid) slip. This is no longer good enough, and with no replacement heart in sight he's set to move to the next option. This Friday mourning at 7:30am he is scheduled to undergo a somewhat serious operation to have an internal regulator installed. (Unfortunately, I'm not sure the exact details. I just know it's supposed to replace the external set-up he had, and kick it up a notch.) I ask that you please keep him in mind in your various prayers for Refuah (healing). Any Torah that can be learned, Tehilem (Psalms) said, etc, in the merit of his refuah would also be appreciated. His name is:<br /><br /><b>Baruch Matan HaLevi ben Miriam Sarah<br /><br /></b>Thanks in advance for all your kind deeds, thoughts, and teffilot (prayers). BE"H (B'Ezrat Hashem - with G-d's help) we should all merit speedily to see the day when no one will need to beg Hashem (G-d) for refuah any longer.<br /><br />Kol Tuv (Be Well),<br /><br />Purim HeroPurim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-63702197324444146942007-11-01T08:22:00.000-04:002008-12-11T18:06:39.107-05:00Compelled to Share a Dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY6h-XtJYP2QkSdN9t-CaNQYOKRaACTwdY2aivMyRVKYk7EgsBlhz9GwHDEeELYFiFkI-Dw9IMhCRWGKZBcyCBs1TQNQpVjHTkLk0RhtQ0yL0inkRuZdQYI41zHp0blW2zQhmAw/s1600-h/Island.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY6h-XtJYP2QkSdN9t-CaNQYOKRaACTwdY2aivMyRVKYk7EgsBlhz9GwHDEeELYFiFkI-Dw9IMhCRWGKZBcyCBs1TQNQpVjHTkLk0RhtQ0yL0inkRuZdQYI41zHp0blW2zQhmAw/s320/Island.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127849287858403122" border="0" /></a><br />I haven't posted in months. I haven't felt a need. My father still waits. Nothing much has changed. There are simply no updates to make. Yet, I find myself now compelled to post, to share this dream I had last night, this dream I can't get out of my head, a dream which something tells me I must share.<br /><br />I should preface this by saying that it is very rare that I remember a dream at all, let alone in such vivid detail. The rare exception to this rule usually comes about as a result of a very lucid dream where I'm actually in control of events, or as a result of waking up shocked from a nightmare. In both cases, the dream quickly fades. This it would seem is the exception to the exception. It was no nightmare, and I certainly wasn't in control, and while I've been awake for over an hour now, the images and events aren't fading away in my mind. I can recall it in its entirety, play it back in my head in vivid detail. This dream is different.<br /><br />Where to begin...<br /><br />It starts with me hovering over an Island. It's not that I fly, rather I'm able to perceive with a clarity of vision from above. I notice my dot on the surface below. It's a lonely Island, I am its sole inhabitant. I am acutely aware of its vastness and feel very deeply the emptiness there. My days are spent in solitude and with a knowledge that I am broken.<br /><br />Suddenly, my world is turned on end. I'm joined on this Island by another, a featureless women whom I'm instantly drawn to. She is hurting. I can sense in her a pain so deep that its depths can not be contained within just the core of our planet. It ranges to the true depths, plunging past the surface of the deep spoken of in scripture, into the murky cold depths below. Somehow I know this. She, too, is broken.<br /><br />Initially, it is as if we two were made for each other, two halves of a broken hole, there is a sense that together we can reform into our essence. Our time is spent together, laughing, running, embracing, comforting one another, and largely just enjoying the presence of the other in still contented silence. We are healing. I can sense this, though I know not if she is also aware. What we do know is that we no longer share feelings of incredible loneliness, nor do we have the sensations of deep, almost surreal pain. We are becoming whole. We discuss this and agree, we were meant to find one another. The mistake I make now is what sets me up for failure. I confuse having been meant to find one another with being meant to be together. I propose, and am accepted. It's a forgone conclusion, for we are the only two.<br /><br />Then... Enter a third party onto our fair little Island. While I was able to hover my consciousness above the Island, this man could actually fly. At first I believe he is hope for salvation, come to carry us off the Island to a place of civilization, of comfort, and company. But it becomes clear rather quickly he has no interest in me and is content to let me stay on my Island. Her, however, is another story. She becomes infatuated, mesmerized by this new man. While I'm continually assured that my place in her heart is forever, I can feel her drifting away. One day it just happens. She is gone. I see her in his arms as they fly off together toward the horizon. And there I am, again alone on my Island. This time, however, I am broken anew. My loneliness is now of one once loved and lost. My emptiness is now as one one whole and now shattered. Not a half, but a pile of shards seemly impossible to glue back together. As deep as my pain was before, it is now doubled. For I did not go through this experience unchanged. Rather, all of her pain, all her feelings from before our initial encounter. They were now mine. My burden to carry forever more. And the strange part is, in all this I was contented. I shed not a tear, simply resumed my hovered consciousness above my little Island, detached from it all.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-8326942213389884792007-01-05T14:09:00.000-05:002008-12-11T18:06:39.303-05:00A Bit of Optimism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscW68Bk15IYGsqYWeO_Odul-er3zBWM_kFSBVeEuh_XkVV8-fLI8LZqk_aNQ5NYlxAT-djmy_9tonXylomXI28PIZNoTrSckBU6_WQhDAhG5puE_N3g_obm7Tt_oz1tuvB5F6LA/s1600-h/optimism.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscW68Bk15IYGsqYWeO_Odul-er3zBWM_kFSBVeEuh_XkVV8-fLI8LZqk_aNQ5NYlxAT-djmy_9tonXylomXI28PIZNoTrSckBU6_WQhDAhG5puE_N3g_obm7Tt_oz1tuvB5F6LA/s320/optimism.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5016630462837582594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to everyone who's been praying on my father's behalf. It would seem that the prayers are starting to be answered, though there's still a long way left to go. He's been responding well to his latest bit of treatment, and has been dropping weight steadily. It would seem that he has a new resolve about himself, a hope, a desire to get better and do what it takes to get there.<br /><br />With his last visit to the doctor he was told that at his current pace that they could probably move the surgery date up from about 6 months, to about 2. Which was probably the best bit of news he could have heard as he hates waiting and feeling helpless. This is giving him the light at the end of the tunnel that he so desperately needs.<br /><br />So, I just want to say thanks to all of you who've kept him in your hearts and prayers. (His name again is: Baruch Matan HaLevi ben Miriam Sarah.) And of course, much thanks must go out to Hakadosh Baruch Hu (G-d) who's chosen to bless me in recent times in a more revealed way, reminding me of just how close He really is.<br /><br />Thanks and Good Shabbos!Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1167023577228704132006-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:002006-12-25T00:12:57.243-05:00Correcting the Rhythm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/1600/272177/defib.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/400/586700/defib.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>As it seems is the norm these days, I'm a little bit behind on the updates. Thankfully there are many wonderful and amazing people out there praying for my father who regular remind me that their still praying and desiring updates.<br /><br />So here's the story, a couple weeks ago my father officially went with the second route [<a href="http://purimhero.blogspot.com/2006/12/just-in-case-it-wasnt-enough-before.html">see this post</a>] and got himself a defibrillator. In a more optimistic vain, he was able to use a external as opposed to internal defibrillator system (similar to the one pictured above - I think) which saved him from having to undergo another surgical process.<br /><br />At this point he's now focusing on loosing the weight he needs to and treating his Hep C. B'Ezrat Hashem (with G-ds' help) this will all go smoothly and his waiting period will finally come to an end in about 6 months.<br /><br />Thanks again to everyone who's been davening (praying) for him.<br />As a reminder, his name for Teffilah (prayer) is: Baruch Matan HaLevi Ben Miriam SarahPurim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1166310281074413662006-12-16T17:59:00.000-05:002006-12-16T18:04:41.086-05:00It's All in the Caption<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/1600/656285/love_hate.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/400/98727/love_hate.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neturei Karta Celebrates the Recent CJLS Decision on Homosexuality</span><br /></div>Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1165982811998697462006-12-12T22:35:00.000-05:002006-12-12T23:06:52.093-05:00Just in case it wasn't enough before...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/1600/972445/scamelback.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/400/874547/scamelback.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I realized today that I'm passed due for an update on my fathers health when I was asked by a friend who hadn't heard any news in a while. It was a great reminder of the many wonderful, caring people who are out there praying for my father every day. I know I certainly appreciate it.<br /><br />Anyway, a little over a week ago I went with my father to see the cardio-transplant specialist at Columbia-Presbyterian. We were given some not so good news. Nothing immediately threatening, or un-treatable, but something which could increase wait time significantly. (For those of you following, you know that waiting is the hardest part of this whole ordeal for my father.) It appears that during his childhood surgery he contracted Hepatitis C from one of his many blood transfusions. Back then they didn't screen or test the donor blood at all. Luckily, Hep C is a very slowly moving infection, and while it is attacking my fathers liver, it is at a very early stage, and certainly treatable. The problem is that he can't do treatment while also undergoing transplant. They are also very hesitant to do a transplant if there's still a need to do treatment. It's a bit of a catch 22.<br /><br />At this point it would seem that there are really only 2 options. The first would be to go back to the original surgery idea hoping for success and being prepared to install a mechanical heart if it failed. Under this option he could proceed now, and wouldn't have to take the 6 month process of treating his Hep C first. In a scenario where he would get the mechanized heart, he'd be elevated to an emergency transplant status, and hopefully things would move rather quickly, but there are no guarantees. The surgery option at hand also carries a real risk factor, which is why they had been trying to avoid it before.<br /><br />The second option would be to install a defibrillator by his heart that would automatically shock it back into rhythm if it stopped or murmured, or what have you. He'd then start treatment for the Hep C, and go through transplant once everything is all said and done. Apparently, though, the downside is that the body becomes dependent on the defibrillator, and it becomes a permanent fixture even after surgery. Therefore, in his mind at least, he can never be "fully recovered". And as discussed before this option also means a significantly longer wait time. The odds are marginally better though.<br /><br />Regardless, he's got to drop 30 pounds before they can go either route. Dropping wait for a man with CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) and all his other issues is next to impossible because he has to avoid any and all strenuous, even mildly stressful, activity. The only chance he really has loose it is by starving himself slowly. It should also be noted that he is a man who really likes food.<br /><br />So all in all, while his long term prognoses is still pretty good (70%), the journey is far from over. I'm just glad I can be there for him.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1164782919215994422006-11-29T01:00:00.000-05:002006-11-29T01:50:22.093-05:00Contemplating the Nature of Bracha<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/1600/472356/Cohen011A.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6252/1629/400/590964/Cohen011A.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I spent this past Shabbos in Upstate NY. Nothing too unusual there, but, this time it was not because of an NCSY Shabbaton. Rather, I spent a Shabbat at "home". I can't remember the last time I did this. My family never really did Shabbos together, at least not with any consistency, and certainly not with any care toward Halachic (Jewish Law) practice or family experience, we certainly never sang.<br /><br />But a lot has changed since my tumultuous childhood, and life has a funny way of coming around. So this past Shabbat I found myself in my childhood home, with two of my younger siblings (one of my sisters is in Israel for the year), and my father, having Shabbos meals with conversation and even zmirot (songs). The meals were meager (Deli for Dinner, Lox for Lunch), but the Tikkun (Reparation/Healing) was tremendous. This is what brings me to my discussion, the nature of Brachot (Blessings).<br /><br />For those who've been following this blog at all, you'll already be aware of two key realities. First, My father is in need of a Heart transplant, and his health is less then steallar. Second, My family was anything but stable, and until recent times I'd had virtually no relationship with my parents at all, often not even knowing their whereabouts. The question I toy with is whether or not the first is somehow an answer to the second, a Bracha coming from G-d in a manner least expected and most bittersweet.<br /><br />I've posted before about how I view my current presence in America, a result of Aliyah (moving to Israel) falling through, as a Bracha in disguise because it allowed me to be in America for my father and the rest of my family during a time of need. Yet now I wonder if that feeling of self sacrifise is not short sighted. Maybe it has less to do with my ability to be here for him, and more to do with us being here for each other. Could this be the divinely mandated method through which a relationship long torn asunder can finally be repaired?<br /><br />This is but a component of a larger question. Can suffering be considered a Bracha? Even blessed with hindsight can one ever say that suffering was the only solution, or even valuable given the justification of the means towards the ends. How does one weigh the benefit of regaining a loved one, a father, a friend, versus the cost of human suffering, sickness, and confrontation with mortality. Can I be thankful for this set of circumstances which allowed Tikkun, or must I compartmentalize, thankful for the renewed relationship, but mournful over the set of events through which it transpired. If we are to give thanks to Hashem (G-d) for the blessings he bestows on us, where do we draw that line?<br /><br />Alas, I have no answer. Certainly there are growing pains as my relationship with my father slowly regenerates, but overall, I am ultimately thankful to have had the opportunity to rebuild it. At the same time I suffer with my father because of his health and seemingly endless wait, fearful that, G-d forbid, he may be snatched from me just as I'm starting to draw close again. In the meantime I pray.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who continues to Daven (Pray) on behalf of my father. His name again is: Baruch Matan HaLevi ben Miriam Sarah. May Hashem grant him with Nachama (Comfort), Refuah (Healing), and Koach (Fortitude). And may we all be blessed to see the blessing G-d bestows upon us every day through his own special ways.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1164080436213156562006-11-20T22:20:00.000-05:002006-11-20T22:40:36.446-05:00I see Paris, But not in France, Now does Israel even have a Chance?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/eiffel-tower.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/eiffel-tower.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Just what Israel Needs...<br />Paris plans on giving Jerusalem their own mini Eiffel Tower.<br />Source for Story: <a href="http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=115928">http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=115928</a>Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1162528003782081422006-11-02T22:29:00.000-05:002006-11-02T23:26:44.066-05:00Back after a long absence...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/hello-my-name-is.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/hello-my-name-is.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well... Some of you may have noticed that it's been some time since my last post. This can in part be explained by a chain of events. Namely: Chagim (Holidays) computer blow-up (after 6.5 years the thing started sparking and smoking...) and finally, internet problems (aka, no wireless card in the new computer).<br /><br />But I'm back. Not that I'll be posting very frequently, but I do want to keep the many who are praying on behalf of my father informed.<br /><br />Anyway, here's the latest:<br /><br />He just got back out of the hospital. This time he had to have his liver biopsied. They went in through one of the arteries in his neck. From what I understand they had to do this because of some possibly not so good results that came back from some of his blood work. Before they can do any actual transplant they need to be sure the rest of his body is in top shape. We now have to wait on the results of this biopsy to find out if he'll remain on the transplant list.<br /><br />We're also still waiting on the LVAD surgery. They need to get his weight down before they can do it, and that means he needs to start a diet and exercise regimen which he can't really begin until after he recuperates from all the various minor probing surgeries they keep doing. So it seems it could be a while still before we can really start moving forward. Even though there are risks in waiting, it would seem that the doctors have evaluated and come to the conclusion that the risks are greater in not waiting. So once again we wait. This is probably the hardest part for him. All he wants to do is get back to work, to become independent again. Instead he needs increasingly more care and attention.<br /><br />To make matters worse it would seem that his health insurance through his old job seems to be expiring shortly. He needs to start making payments on his own soon, which he can't really afford, in part because there is a legal freeze on his assets courtesy of court decisions having to do with child support payments between him and my mother. Lifting that freeze is also proving challenging, and while I doubt my mothers intention was to prevent him from receiving medical care, it would seem that may be the end effect.<br /><br />It's tough to watch, but there's still hope yet. I thank all of you who are still praying on my fathers behalf. We've actually <span style="font-weight: bold;">updated his name</span>, not as an attempt to change his mazel toward refuah (a tradition that by changing the name one can change his luck - a step we may take later I suppose), but rather as a result of increased information. (We didn't know his mother had a middle name.)<br /><br />The name for the sake of Teffilah (Prayer) is: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Baruch Matan HaLevi ben Miriam Sarah</span><br />May G-d grant him with the care that he needs, and a complete and total return to health, and may he do so speedily.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1158906102684481732006-09-21T23:09:00.000-04:002006-09-22T02:23:09.780-04:00My Dad made the List Everyone is Dieing to be on!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/VIP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/VIP.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sorry about the cheesy pun, but with such heavy topics, sometimes even very bad humor is called for.<br /><br />So, this New Year brings with it good news and a new nikkuda (point) of hope. My father (thank G-d) has been approved for a Heart Transplant and has been added to the coveted transplant list. He's not near the top, but he's on it.<br /><br />The issue is that he has a rare blood type and he's in better shape than a lot of other people who simply need it more (for that I'm thankful). His expected wait time is 18-20 months, but you never know with transplants.<br /><br />In the mean time though he waits. It's clear though that his heart can't make that wait on it's own. His doctors have told him that he will require a surgical procedure within the next month or two. The lead option right now is for him to get a <a href="http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4599">LVAD</a> (Left Ventricular Assist Device), which will assist his heart in performing its daily functions until the transplant finally takes place.<br /><br />So... Thanks again to everyone who continues to pray on my fathers behalf. (His name again is Baruch Matan HaLevi ben Miriam.)<br /><br />May we all be blessed with a new year of health, happiness, simcha, and brachot. Shana Tovah! (Good 'New' Year!)Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1157951966090822572006-09-11T00:42:00.000-04:002006-09-11T01:19:30.960-04:00A Little Less ControversyWe all need a little less controversy in our lives. And, I've just recieved it. After much discussion with my yeshiva we've decided not to out source me to UTJ/ITJ for Gemara. [<a href="http://purimhero.blogspot.com/2006/07/much-needed-update.html">See older post Here</a>] No politics. Just reality. Let the learning begin!Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1157596287175708362006-09-06T21:42:00.000-04:002006-09-10T02:13:10.156-04:00Pondering the "What If's"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/if-poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/if-poster.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">Half a year ago, if I'd been asked what I'd be doing right now, I would probably have said unpacking. And while, sure enough, I'm still in the midst of unpacking and settling into my new apartment, it is very far from where I thought I'd be.<br /><br />See, yesterday (Sept. 5th, 2006) was supposed to be the day I was going to be making Aliyah with <a href="http://www.nbn.org.il/">Nefesh B'Nefesh</a>. Today would have been my first real day in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place> after a long, 2+ year, hiatus. And this time, it would have been permanent.<br /><br />While an in depth reading of my blog would provide any reader out there with a cursory over view of the why and how I ended up in NYC instead of in my heart's home land (in so much detail as I'm willing to share in a public forum), what it cannot do is provide an adequate picture of the various emotions, thoughts, and inexpressible non-tangibles that I'm currently experiencing.<br /><br />So too, while I truly believe that it is Yad Hashem (the hand of G-d) that moved me from my previous path onto the one I walk now, and while I'm thoroughly convinced that although my heart is still clearly etched in Israel, I acknowledge the overbearing reality that my Avodah (work and mission in this world) is here, non of these thoughts are enough to overcome the tinge of sadness that creeps up within me as I long to be Home (in Israel).<br /><br />There are many things that I know I should count as brachas (blessings) that I'm still in the States, and possibly even in the city. Even today, I had the opportunity to join up with my father who is undergoing another round of tests at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, to provide him with the support, encouragement, presence, and physical hug, that I can tell he needs so much right now. G-d is constantly providing me little insights into why it is so important that I must be where I am right now. Yet, all of this too is not enough to keep me from thinking about what could have been.<br /><br />In the end, I suppose this is just human nature. I'm under the impression that these feelings will quiet, and all but disappear with time. But with the passage of the moment that I'd viewed and longed for as a moment of redemption for so long, I'm also afraid of the implication that forgetting these feelings would imply. In a way, the sadness I feel keeps me connected, and severing that connection would be a fate much worse then sadness. Im Eshkachaich Et Yerushaliem - If I forget the Oh Jerusalem, while I certainly pray that day should never come.<br /><br /><br />**An update as to my father's (Baruch Matan HaLevi Ben Miriam) status:<br /><br />Today was the middle of a 3 day marathon of tests that my father is currently undergoing. The initial surgery idea is almost entirely out. There were some new complications (medical stuff I didn't really understand or catch) that changed the odds of success for his surgery to some pretty intolerable levels. Once again, Thanks to G-d (and to all those who've continued to pray to him on my father's behalf) must go out, as, if he'd had the surgery when originally scheduled, the absence of this new information could have been fatal. Hashem YeRacheim (G-d Show's his mercy).<br /><br />The barrage of tests he's currently undergoing stretch the gambit, even including substance screening and mental stability evaluations, as the board in charge of Transplants will be evaluating his status of eligibility and if eligible, where he will fall on the transplant list. They're also starting to explore temporary solutions like pacemakers that he can use in the interim while waiting for a transplant, should he be placed lower on the list and need to wait for a long time. The hope is that any surgery procedure will take place within the next month and a half so that his condition will cease its slow, but ever constant deterioration.<br /><br />In theory, after the test results and board decision come back, he could be placed high on the list, and then if a compatible donor organ can be found he could already have a transplant completed by the end of the month. In reality though, it will probably be a much longer process, and I need to prepare myself for that mentally. Either way, I suppose it is good in the end that I can be here for him in his time of need. Maybe we can finally build the relationship we were never able to have while I was growing up absent of his presence. For now, we're going to take things one step at a time, and hope and pray for the best.</p><br />**In a interesting twist of fate, the google adsense ads at the top of my blog actually proved useful. <a href="http://www.nyptransplant.org/heart/about/index.html?name1=Introduction&type1=2Active&source=G&WT.mc_id=100071&WT.srch=1">Here</a> is a link for the Heart Transplant Page at Colombia Presbyterian. It's actually full of helpful information, and explains a lot of things better then I ever could hope to do.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1156912953282566682006-08-29T23:44:00.000-04:002006-08-30T00:42:33.353-04:00Secular Yeshiva? Oxymoronic or About Time?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/bin-nun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/bin-nun.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">This picture is not just a plug for <a href="http://www.hods.org/index.shtml">HODS</a> - Though you should check them out.<br /><br />Hat Tip to Esther at Jewlicious for breaking <a href="http://www.jewlicious.com/?p=2617">this</a> out first.<br /><br />According to an <a href="http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3296592,00.html">Article in YNet</a>! A new Secular Yeshiva is opening up in Tel Aviv. It's being pushed by an organization called <a href="http://www.bina.org.il/english.htm">Bina</a>. I'll let you guys read the article on your own. I'll just bring up what will certainly be the big debate, especially in the many circles where any Torah learning outside the classical Lithuanian framework is opposed vehemently and seen as destructive and perversion. Namely, there will be those who argue that any "Yeshiva" operating outside the classical orthodox framework is: a.) Not a Yeshiva, and b.) A negative development that is to be condemned and invalidated.<br /><br />Now, while I wish to preference my remarks by stating that I would never personally attend a Yeshiva not founded on a commitment to Halacha and the Halachic Process as classically defined. I strongly believe that institutions such as this are vital to our current Jewish community and the survival of our people. As such I fully support its creation, and look forward to seeing what kind of students it produces.<br /><br />Why is it vital? Simple. There are many, many, many, of our brothers and sisters out there who simply have no connection to the larger community. Our un-affiliated Jews. They are the Rov HaAm, the majority. And, largely, the unfortunate reality is that they are unreachable by the community at large. Unreachable by all denominations, by all sects, and by all organizations. They are the Sh'Lo Yodeah Lishol of our Passover Hagada (The son who doesn't even know what question to ask), or worse, they are what the Lubavature Rebbe described as the 5th son, not mentioned in the Haggada because he isn't even present at the Seder (Passover Meal). These are the people that we need to find a way to re-connect in a stigma free, pressure free, warm, loving, and welcoming environment. These are the people that need us to come to them. To meet them at their level. To extend a hand and bond of friendship.<br /><br />That, to me, is what this new Yeshiva can be. B'Ezrat Hashem (With G-d's Help) it will be a place that the many lost and wondering souls will be able to find serenity. Where they can explore themselves, and our collective history, traditions, and teachings. Even if they themselves are not affected to become active, observant, and passionate members of our community, the mere fact that they are no longer fully ignorant brings hope for the next generation.<br /><br />(Just as a side note: While I was attending the NCSY Staff Training Conference last week, one of the things that was discussed was the continued expansion of the divide between the orthodox world and the rest of the Jewish nation, especially the unaffiliated portions of the population. It was sort of a consensus on the part of the Rabbinic leadership that something needed to be done, and that we, as the NCSY advisors and as modern orthodox individuals, served the vital role as the bridge between the two worlds.)<br /><br />This venture and vision is of course not without hesitation. It is very important that what is taught be authentic. In my mind, there is a huge difference between this proposed secular yeshiva, and other streams and movements looking to provide their own substance and direction. The key to the success of this institution is going to be in it's commitment to study the classic texts. To involve themselves in the 2000+ year traditions of our people. To be presented with the unaltered, truth and beauty of our Torah. The exposure is what's important. What they do once exposed is their personal journey.<br /><br />I am comforted by the fact that among the teachers the article mentions is Rabbi Yoel Bin-Nun, head of the Religious Kibbutz Yeshiva on Ein Tzurim and who also happens to be on the advisory board for my own Yeshiva (YCT). He's been involved in the starting of many wonderful centers of Torah learning, including Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush). And hopefully, his influence will keep this new endeavor on the right path.<br /><br />[<a href="http://www.bina.org.il/english/e_projects/BinaSecularYeshiva.doc">The Yeshiva's Overview by Bina</a>]<br />[<a href="http://www.hillel.org/israel/learn/israel_notes/2006/shavuot_june2006.htm">Another Article on the Secular Yeshiva</a>]<br />[<a href="http://www.shma.com/may_06/study_social_justice.htm">And Another Article on the Secular Yeshiva</a>]<br />__________________________________<br /><br />On to the Update of my father (Baruch Matan HaLevi ben Miriam), we're still waiting. I'm going to be heading Upstate tomorrow for a NCSY conference/convention and will B'Ezrat Hashem get to see him and find out more what the latest is. I think at this point we're waiting either on the Insurance company or a test result. (Or both.)<br /><br />Anyway, I thank everyone for their continued prayers on his behalf.</p> <span class="lead"><br /></span>Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1156652518357889712006-08-26T23:45:00.000-04:002006-08-28T00:35:10.866-04:00No News Is Good News Right?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/th_StillWaitingSB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/th_StillWaitingSB.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Still no word on my father's new surgery date, or even as to whether or not they still plan on moving forward with the procedure, or intend on going with the transplant option. As the song says, "Waiting, Is the Hardest Part." (His Name Again, for use in your prayers, is: Baruch Matan HaLevi Ben Miriam.)<br /><br />Speaking of waiting, it seems like that's all I did this past week. I was at an all week conference/staff training for <a href="http://www.ncsy.org/">NCSY</a> in New Jersey. It seems like all I was doing was waiting for the current speaker to end.<br /><br />I certainly appreciated the idea behind the conference, and the accommodations, but I still feel that way too much time was put into convincing us to do the job that all of us had already signed on to do, and next to know time was dedicated to providing practical skill set training.<br /><br />There was alight at the end of the tunnel though, as the last day was actually a <a href="http://www.jsu.org/">JSU</a> (Jewish Student Union) training conference, and being that it was run by Shira Reifman, it proved to be a well organized, useful day. The materials and topics were relevant and immediately useful, and time was spent on practical skill acquisition, rather then self-aggrandizing pats on the back.<br /><br />In the end though, it all provided a great excuse not to unpack, and now that I've finally returned to my apartment, (I spent a great Shabbos by he Reifman's and haven't seen my new apartment since the night I moved in,) I'm greeted by all my unpacked bags and boxes. I suppose it would be less daunting if I had furniture, especially book shelves and a dresser, into which I could unpack. I have a half-fakocked scheme to build myself a loft with shelves, and a desk under the bed that would save me a lot of space, but we'll have to see if that actually pans out. In the mean time I'm still sleeping on my air mattress toying with ideas.<br /><br />Coupling all this with a parking ticket I just paid from the one and only night I kept my car in NYC and the current loud music blaring outside my apartment window from someone's car, my distaste for the city and everything about it is only being deepened and entrenched.It's going to be a long 6 years. At least I have a nice Chevra (Friendship Circle) in and around NYC, that should go a long way toward helping ensure I manage to endure my time here.<br /><br />I start my program at <a href="http://www.yctorah.org/">Chovevei</a> tomorrow with a Lunch orientation, and classes begin Monday. Maybe if I stay busy enough, I can avoid dwelling on my environment. It's going to be good to get into a routine. Anyway, if your in NYC and you don't think I know that yet, and you want to get together at some point, drop me a call or email me. The more people I manage to network with here, the greater my chances of survival. Now to Unpack...<br /><br />** I'm adding this mostly so that I can remember, but also because others may want to go: [<a href="http://nachalnovea.com/tsfat/appeal/Tsfat%20Relief%20Concert.pdf">Check Out Flyer Here:</a>]<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Please join SimplyTsfat, Soul Farm and Pey Daled for a fantastic evening in support of<br />northern Israel.<br /><br />Date: Motzei Shabbos Sept 9th<br />time: 9:30pm<br />where: 92nd street "Y"<br />1395 Lexington ave at 92nd street<br /><br />To order tickets, call 212.415.5500. For more information or for sponsorship opportunities,<br />please contact Heidi at 516.823.4131 or visit <a href="http://www.tsfat.com/">www.tsfat.com</a>.<br /><br />all ticket sales will be going to help residents of norther Israel. Show your support and have a great evening<br />too!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">** </span></span>Another quick edit... Apparently I can't make the concert (my friend is having a Chanukat HaBayit though he doesn't know it, he calls it a house warming party), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go to what should be a great performance.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1156045438414659142006-08-19T22:56:00.000-04:002006-08-19T23:47:04.290-04:00The Long Awaited Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/moving_truck.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/moving_truck.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This is going to have to be brief, as I'm making my big move to NYC tomorrow and I still have to pack, do laundry, find directions, load the car, and get enough sleep to make the drive safely.<br /><br />Camps done. It was a great summer. B'li Neder (Without making an oath) I'll write up more about the summer when things settle down, if they settle down.<br /><br />I've got a wedding on Monday, and a multi day conference in NJ for NCSY the rest of the week. Yeshiva starts a week from tomorrow with a Sunday afternoon brunch. Come later that week I'm already back with NCSY staffing a Regional Board retreat and LTS (the Leadership Training Seminar). Needless to say I'm keeping myself busy.<br /><br />As I promised a lot of people at camp, I will use this forum to keep people updated as to my fathers status. (His Name again is: Baruch Matan HaLevi Ben Miriam.) If you've already been reading my blog, then you already know that my father is facing some pretty major surgery. It had been scheduled for the 14th of August, but was postponed because one of the necessary pieces of equipment needed servicing. Where still waiting on a new date.<br /><br />As a recap. He had CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) a little while back.He currently needs 3 of his 4 valves replaced, and needs to repair holes between the left and right side of his heart in both the upper and lower chambers. His heart also expanded, and he will need to have it brought back down to normal size. Currently there are only 3hospitals that have the equipment and expertise to perform the surgery he needs, Columbia Presbyterian in NYC (where he was originally scheduled to have it), a hospital in Boston, and a hospital in Cleveland. At this point, they are also starting to consider the option of an actual heart transplant. (They try to avoid this because of the long waiting lists, and frequent rejections of the transplanted organ.) The hardest part right now is the waiting.<br /><br />With that said, I continue to thank all those of you who have been davening (praying) for him, and to those of you who will continue to do so. Todah Lechem (Thank You All).Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1153134073500254742006-07-17T07:00:00.000-04:002006-07-17T07:01:13.510-04:00To Camp I go...See you all in a month...Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1152648035620945742006-07-11T13:58:00.000-04:002006-07-11T16:00:35.720-04:00Parshat Pinchas Preverted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/Sad_Torah_Graphic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/Sad_Torah_Graphic.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This weeks Torah portion is Parshat Pinchas. It begins by finishing the story of the Zealotry of Pinchas, wherein he spears Zimmry and Cosby, killing them while they are in the peak of their sinful act. In doing so he averts a plague and is elevated by G-d to the status of a Priest.<br /><br />The story of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinchas">Pinchas</a> is not one easily understood. The key is to remember that, just like his grandfather Aaron, Pinchas was also an Ohev Shalom v'Rodef Shalom (a lover of peace and a pursuer of peace). <br /><br />Unfortunately, a lot of people use the story of Pinchas as an excuse to promote violence and subvert the law against individuals who are involved in sinful behavior. As if on cue with the parsha this week, fliers in Jerusalem have appeared offering NIS 20,000 (20,000 New Israeli Shekels, or about $4,500) to anyone who will kill participants in the International Gay Pride Parade scheduled for Jerusalem next month. [<a href="http://www.arutzsheva.com/news.php3?id=107009">Read the Arutzsheva Story Here</a>]<br /><br />Now, while I may not personally be a fan of having the parade in Jerusalem. (I do feel that it is an unnecessary slap in the face to the Torah Observant communities.) There are many other ways of dealing with it that are both more appropriate, and less criminal. Hate and Aggression are not the answer. I certainly hope no one takes those fliers seriously.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1152161399844455862006-07-05T22:15:00.000-04:002006-07-08T22:31:54.163-04:00Bow Wow Wow Yippie Yo Yippie Yay!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/RCA3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/RCA3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.rabbis.org/">Rabbinical Council of America</a> just recently (June 30th) ruled that smoking (at least of cigarettes, the article seems vague as to other types of tobacco use only directly mentioning cigarettes, though their logic should apply to any tobacco use,) is NOT permitted under Jewish Law. Read the full text of the Jewish Legal decision <a href="http://www.rabbis.org/pdfs/Prohibition_Smoking.pdf">here</a>. (It's also a great read for people who just want to get an idea for how Jewish Legal decisions are reached. It's written clearly, and mostly in English.)<br /><br />Jumping strait to the conclusion we see that:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Accordingly, this analysis must lead to the unambiguous conclusion that smoking is clearly and unquestionably forbidden by הלכה [Halacha/Jewish Law] and that this should be made known to all who care about the תורה [Torah] and their health.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>In my mind, this is a great demonstration of the progression of Halacha, and a demonstration of a time when the Halachic system really works. I applaud the RCA for making such a firm stance, even countering the many arguments made by countless others as to reasons not to prohibit smoking.<br /><br />Two other great statements are made in the Tshuva [Legal Verdict/Responsa] that I feel need highlighting. First, the final statement of the entire piece, demonstrating caring and compassion for the individuals affected by the ruling. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A final note is in order: People who smoke are not, ח''ו ["Chas V'Shalom" -- G-d forbid], doing so in an attempt to flout הלכה [Halacha/Jewish Law]. In fact, most would dearly wish to quit, but shedding an addiction is no simple matter. While it is important to make clear that הלכה [Halacha/Jewish Law] prohibits smoking, it is also important not to condemn those who struggle with this issue. Rather we must offer our full help and support to aid them in their quest for physical and spiritual health.<br /><br /></span>Wouldn't it be great if this same mode of understanding and desire to aid and accept were applied to all Jews irregardless of which Halachic issues they were struggling with? If we were receptive to the fact that many of our brothers and sisters struggle just as much with other areas of Halacha that perhaps are more taboo in the religious fold yet still deeply rooted within the individuals psyche and physical makeup (Sexuality, just to name one), then, just perhaps, more of our brothers and sisters would also be increasingly receptive toward Orthodoxy as a movement and a renewed commitment to Halacha. When we realize that keeping all the Mitzvot (commandments) is not easy for everyone, and choose to focus on what is accomplished rather then on where one fails; If we provide positive reinforcement and friendly helpful critique rather then vehement condemnation, then we can foster the beneficial relationships and repair the rift in Am Yisrael (The Jewish Nation).<br /><br />Second, a statement that was made that I'd like to focus on for my own philosophising:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Rav J. David Bleich שליט''א [</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial,helvetica;" ><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica;"> "Shlita" is short for "SHe-yichyeh LI-yomim Tovim Arukim" -- "May he live days that are pleasant and long"]</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> has noted strikingly that, while given the information available in his day, Rav Moshe Feinstein זצ''ל [ "Zatsal" is short for zecher tzadik le-vracha" -- "The memory of the righteous is a blessing"] certainly ruled correctly, “It must be noted, however, that there is little question that Igros Moshe’s responsum, written in 1964, accurately reflects the societal reality of that time…However, it is more than likely that, at present, that condition no longer obtains.”<br /><br /></span>This begs several questions on scope. It is a common argument against Orthodoxy that it fails to adapt to increased awareness and social reality. Clearly, that is not the case all the time, as the above quote demonstrates. The question at hand is when. When can we determine that societal reality has changed such that the halacha also needs to change to reflect that fact? Can it only be applied to make the rules more stringent (To rule on the side of Chumra) as seen in the case above? Or can it also be applied to rule on the side of Heter (to rule more leniently). There is must certainly be limits, and a balance to the process. But what those limits are, short of Halachot Dorita (Written Torah Laws) and most likely Halachot D'Rabanan (Early Rabbinical Enactments such as Chanukah), is difficult to say. I for one certainly don't have the necessary knowledge base or authority as of now to make such a decision. How do we know who does?<br /><br />On the one hand I'm excited and hopeful at the knowledge of the possibility for change that could lead to a reJEWvination of our people and an increase in those willing to engage in the Halachic lifestyle. At the same time I'm hesitant, and even fearful of such a process, as the possibility exists of going too far. Striping Judaism of its core and meaning. The last thing I would want is for religion to become a cultural process. It seems clear to me that G-d consciousness is critical, as is the need to ultimately respond to his absolute authority rather then our human desires. I just wish I knew where to draw the line that would maintain authenticity while accommodating as many Jews as possible. I wish it were easier to balance my love of each and every Jew with my love for G-d and his Torah.<br /><br />Just to end on a technical note, I wonder how other types of smoking and tobacco use are treated. In my mind, any regularly used product, a pipe, chewing tobacco, or what have you, that is used with frequency and regularity, would also be prohibited by this ruling. That to me seems to be a strait forward extension, and clearly what the authors would intend to convey. The place where it seems less certain is casual, non-regular, tobacco use, such as a celebratory cigar, or a occasional smoking of a hookah. Here the health risks, and risks of addiction, are significantly decreased. A person who smokes a cigar once a year, or a hookah one time while on a Birthright trip in Israel are not really causing themselves any long term physical harm. They will be no worse for ware after their experience. In this case it would seem like the Halachic reasoning used in this article doesn't really apply.<br /><br />Again, however, we are faced with a question of frequency and scope. We now have to judge at what point a person has used too much. Is once a month ok? Once a week? Maybe only once every 6 months? Again we seem to be playing with a slippery slope. Is this a reason to possibly extend the prohibition to any use of tobacco, no matter how limited, period? Who would decide how much is too much?<br /><br />So, while I applaud the RCA for <a href="http://www.rabbis.org/pdfs/Prohibition_Smoking.pdf">its (long overdue) verdict</a>, several questions still remain worth considering. What do you guys think?<br /><br />While you ponder all this, please continue to pray for my father (Baruch Matan ben Miriam) who is due to under go major heart surgery. (I'm not going to keep linking to all the previous posts, please feel free to explore older posts if you want more details.) Thanks!<br /><br />---------------------------------------------<br />Link to Press Release from RCA [<a href="http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=100808">here</a>]:<br />Quick Links to Other Blogs Who've Posted on This Issue: [<a href="http://jewschool.com/?p=10870">Jewschool</a>] [<a href="http://danyaruttenberg.net/?p=395">Danya Ruttenberg</a>]<br />That's all I've found so far (after making my post).<br /><br />**2 more links. (Seems like this is a slow issue...) [<a href="http://orthonomics.blogspot.com/2006/07/combating-smoking-in-our-communities.html">Orthonomics</a>] [<a href="http://hirhurim.blogspot.com/2006/07/smoking-in-halakhah.html">Hirhurim</a>]Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1152128469289880242006-07-05T15:22:00.000-04:002006-07-05T15:41:09.376-04:00Time to Hit the Road<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/lic3c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/320/lic3c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As of one hour ago, I became a newly licensed driver (which helps to explain the badly edited photo). That's right, I passed my road test.This is a very good development, because had I failed, well, failure was not an option. I need the license for my summer job. There was no wiggle room there. So thanks to all those who've helped me acquire the license. (Chris, Lev, Guppy, and Joanne over at <a href="http://www.easymethoddrivingschool.biz/">Easy Method</a> Driving School.) You guys made this possible.<br /><br />Now the fun part, doing the rest of the work I need to do this summer,including but not limited to driving the Big "Gay" Keshet Van. (Please don't take offense at the word usage.) It gets its name for a reason,namely being a giant white fifteen passenger van with a rainbow logo on the side with only the word Keshet (Hebrew for Rainbow) below it.Topping it all off is the fact that everyone inside is paired off with someone of the same gender, camper and shadow, it's a special needs camp after all, and the fact that it is driven in very rural, religious,Wisconsin, and it's needless to say that we attract some weird looks and a few horns and such... Oh well... Keshet Pride and all, right?<br /><br />More fun is the fact that the van is not only large, making it difficult to drive to start with, it's also older then old, and the mirrors on the sides blow in from the wind so you can't use them. It's a pain to drive, or so I'm told.<br /><br />Anyway, Please Keep praying for my father (Baruch Matan Ben Miriam). He should be blessed with a quick, painless, successful surgery, and a speedy recovery. (See <a href="http://purimhero.blogspot.com/2006/07/much-needed-update.html">Previous Post</a>, and <a href="http://purimhero.blogspot.com/2006/05/prayers-needed.html">this post</a>.)Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1151820033926034012006-07-02T00:09:00.000-04:002006-07-02T02:00:34.016-04:00A Much Needed Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/BIG%20CLOCK.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/BIG%20CLOCK.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Until recently, I hadn't realized how many people not only read my blog, but relied upon it as their primary source for gaining information about me, my where abouts, and activities. I also hadn't realized that people would actually be upset at not having that information. So for the sake of the many who've expressed concern,wondering how I'm doing, and how things have resolved, etc., here's the update:<br /><br />Internet: Check! I lucked out and, as of last week, am piggy backing my neighbors wireless. Connection is poor but sufficient. This means I'll have fairly regular Internet access until I leave for camp on July17th, at which point I will be going back to the email and business only gig. (The camp has Satellite Internet and long lines, so usage is kept to a minimum.)<br /><br />This brings me to the camp thing: The salary issue was indeed a mistake, which in the context of the disorganized state everything is in for this summer makes perfect sense. Basically, I've been promoted again. I'm now the site supervisor/director for the <a href="http://www.keshet.org/">Keshet</a> program at the <a href="http://www.moshavawildrose.org/">Wildrose Moshava</a> in Wisconsin. They doubled my salary from last summer, but also dumped a lot on my lap. Apparently, the previous director accepted a position in LA as the principle of a Day School,and left the organization stranded. They turned to me, and since then I've been frantically trying to put together the program for this summer. (Doing 6 months of prep work in 1 month isn't fun or easy.) I spend most of my time these days on the phone co-ordinating with the camp, with parents, with the organization, and with camper's full time care givers trying to brainstorm individually tailored programs for each camper and work out conflicts and particulars. Anyway, I still need to hire 2 more male staff members to serve as shadows this summer. (It's an integration program for children with special needs.)So, if you think you are a good candidate, or know someone who might be a good candidate to work within the <a href="http://www.bneiakiva.org/">B'nai Akiva</a> camp environment working with a child with disabilities please contact me ASAP. It pays a decent salary for the position.<br /><br />The move out of my apartment was successful largely in part to the generosity of time, vehicles, and shleping of my former roommate Guppy and the key second trip by a good friend of mine from High School who made the 3.5 hour trip to Rochester just to load up his car, turnaround and drive back. Chris, your the Best! Good luck with Everything.<br /><br />The move into my new apartment should happen sometime after Aug. 20 but before Aug. 27. (Of course not on Shabbat.) I'll be living with <a href="http://drewkaplans.blogspot.com/">Drew Kaplan</a>, and while I don't know who I'll be sharing a room with yet, I'm looking forward to what should be a good year. I do need to learn how to use the $2 vans to Teaneck though that he was telling me about.<br /><br />Why's that you ask? Well... <a href="http://www.yctorah.org/">YCT</a>, my Rabbinical School for next year,has decided to outsource me for the first of my two years of mechina (preparatory years prior to starting Rabbinic program). I'm the first person they've even accepted and approved a second year of mechina for.Basicly, they wanted me, but didn't really have the infrastructure in place for me to gain the foundations in language and text that I would need. Therefore, they are going to be sending me to Teaneck to learn at <a href="http://utjitj.dyndns.org:9090/index.html">ITJ (Institute for Traditional Judaism)</a> the flagship institution, so to speak, of the <a href="http://www.utj.org/">UTJ (Union for Traditional Judaism) </a>as part of the Metivta program. Chovevei is still going to cover all the tuition costs and provide me with the stipend. The largest impact for me will be the commute. Of course, UTJ itself is already an interesting, if not controversial, movement/organization. It traces its history back to a break off from <a href="http://www.jtsa.edu/">JTS</a> during the 1970's after they started ordaining women Rabbis, or as Drew would call them, <a href="http://drewkaplans.blogspot.com/2006/05/on-grammatical-question-of-womenrabbis.html">Rabbatis</a>. This just compounds the seeming controversy of my path to Rabbinic ordination. Even if YCT is sometimes said to be on the fringe of Orthodoxy, ITJ is perhaps even more liberal. It should be a fun, interesting, enlightening, and educational experience. I'm looking forward to it. After all, it will be good to balance an organization seeking to open orthodoxy with one that seemingly was closed minded to change within the Conservative movement and seeks to engage things in a more classically Jewish manner.Of course, the honest truth is that I still don't really have a grasp on either organization or what they stand for as of yet. I've heard lots of speculation, but it seems for the most part inconsistent with the personal experiences I've had. For my part, I am thankful of the opportunity to be around people who are actively committed in their Judaism and seek greater understandings and connections with G-d, even when there are some things that I may not fully agree with. Needless to say, I still have a lot to learn.<br /><br />Just as a side note, a tid bit of the latest Chovevei news. Rabbi Saul Berman, the head of <a href="http://www.edah.org/">Edah</a>, recently announced that his organization was going to be winding down its operations and passing the torch to others. Shortly thereafter he was appointed the Director of Rabbinic Enrichment for YCT, a fantastic addition to the Yeshiva.<br /><br />OK... On to the Driving thing. Wish me luck as I take my Road Test on July 5th. I only really get one crack at this and must have it for my job this summer. I should be ok. I've taken a few lessons with the local driving school here, <a href="http://www.easymethoddrivingschool.biz/">Easy Method</a>, and they've helped me a lot.They've also told me that I'm ready for the exam and are taking me out for it. They even helped grab me a cancellation because on my own I wouldn't have been able to schedule the road test before I had to leave for camp. So, even though it's their job and I'm paying them, I still owe them a thank you as I wouldn't have been able to even try to get my license in time without them. <br /><br />As a final note, please continue to pray for my father, Baruch Matan (HaLevi) ben Miriam. As some of you may <a href="http://purimhero.blogspot.com/2006/05/prayers-needed.html">remember</a> he had congestive heart failure right before I left Rochester. Since that time more heart related issues have surfaced and he is in need of major surgery. Now that all his test results are in, we now know that aside from having to replace 3 of his 4 heart valves, he also has a hole between his upper chambers, and another between his lower chambers. This is on top of the enlarged state of his heart from the CHF. There are only 3 hospitals in the country that have the facilities and expertise to do the surgery that he requires, Columbia Presbyterian in NYC, a hospital in Boston,and another one in Cleveland. His doctor here is currently fighting with his insurance company to cover the operation so that he can schedule him at one of these hospitals. The surgery will, B'Ezrat Hashem (With G-d's Help) be by the end of June. In the mean time,things are pretty touch and go and even with the surgery there is still the off chance that he'll need a transplant. So, please, keep him in mind with your prayers.<br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span>Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1149201727590327932006-06-01T18:21:00.000-04:002006-06-04T00:15:15.876-04:00Chag Samayach, Shabbat Shalom, and What's Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/Shavuot12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/Shavuot12.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />**This may be my last post for a long time since I'll be without Internet probably until I get to NYC at the end of August. I'll hopefully be able to check email once a week or so, but it's going to be ruff. **<br /><br />This has to be real quick since I've really got a million things before the Chag starts and no time. But the last week and change has been great and leaves me with all kinds of things that I should really talk about. Anyway, here's a overly brief rundown:<br /><br />- Har Sinai Spring Regional NCSY Shabbaton Last Weekend - One word - Incredible!<br /><br />- I'm mad proud of my sister who was honored and recognized with one of the Big 5 awards at banquet, the Erica Hasner Memorial (Sp?) Shem Tov (Good Name) Personal Development award. She really earned it, and the speech was awesome, every word true. Talk about Nachas, it was hard not to cry.<br /><br />- She'll be upset with my if I don't also post the fact that I was awarded with an Adviser of the Year award. So there, it's included.<br /><br />-Major Move out of my apartment, and lots of complications. Who knew there was so much involved. One day was just not enough! (It's already become a few days beyond my lease end, oh well... Thanks need to go out to my landlord who's been amazingly understanding and helpful. He's great, if anyone ever moves to Rochester and is looking to rent, let me put you in touch with him. He's the best.<br /><br />-Complete lack of sleep for the last 3+ weeks and an all nighter of learning and giving shiur (class) ahead of me.<br /><br />-I may have found an apartment. (Yay Drew! - Check out his blog on the sidebar.)<br /><br />-Shidduch thing... I may choose not to talk about this at all, but we'll see. It's good for sorting my thoughts, but it's no longer just me that I'm exposing, so I probably will have to find another more private medium. But let's just say I'm excited, but it's way way way early.<br /><br />-The Camp thing. It's probably a mistake, but my contract arrived and I received a pay cut without explanation of $600 for last year instead of the usual raise. I left a message, but am yet to hear back.<br /><br />-The Driving thing. I think I may have access to a car this summer which is great, but I only really have 1 month left to get my license,so I need to get cracking.<br /><br />-Friends are great! Mad Thanks to All of my friends, especially those helping me with this whole move thing. You know who you are.<br /><br />-Then of course there is the whole holiday and shabbat thing. Normally I'd want to say a few words, I just can't afford to now. But I hope everyone gains a lot from them.<br /><br />OK... That's all I have time for... not even to spell check.<br /><br />Kol Tuv, Chag Samayach, Shabbat Shalom, and have a good summer.Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1148573773489073552006-05-25T12:00:00.000-04:002006-05-25T18:12:28.210-04:00Happy Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/jerusalem-old-city-4253.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/jerusalem-old-city-4253.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The following is an email from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation:<br /><br /><p><strong>Dear Friends,</strong></p> <p><strong>Happy Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day!!</strong></p> <p>Today – Thursday May 25th - we celebrate the liberation of Jerusalem 39 years ago and the reunification of the eternal capital of the State of Israel. Of course, the center of all this celebration is taking place at the most significant place in the world to the Jewish nation – the Western Wall, the Kotel. </p> <p>If you're here in Israel, come to Jerusalem! Join the multitudes as they march, waving Israeli flags, through the streets of Jerusalem to the Old City and to the Kotel Plaza. There, the plaza will become a blue and white blur of music and dancing; of excitement and joy. It's an experience that should not be missed! </p> <p><strong>If you're too far away to walk to the Kotel to join the dancing, special webcams will be broadcasting the sights and sounds of the Jerusalem Day Flag Dance live on this website, starting today at 8 pm Israel time. This year we're adding "floating" cameras that will hover over the dancing and capture the atmosphere even better.<br /></strong><a href="http://trailer.mymarketing.co.il/Links/0X581D4AF899F5D3110451F30F53B94E01A0902B6F5E70FC9FF94CB7783C0778FCB55D105E59DACE124AD599B3D5A8169206B9E396C546BA22.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Make sure to log on! </strong></a><strong> </strong></p> <p>For now, have a wonderful Jerusalem Day. Whether you're dancing with us at the Kotel or planning your next trip here, we know you'll be spending time today thinking about how miraculous it is that after 2,000 years of yearning, the Jewish people are home in Jerusalem! </p><br /><br />If you tune in right now you can see Chaim Dovid and Shlomo Katz in Concert at the Kotel Plaza. I was there 2 years ago, it was one of the greatest nights in my life. Wow I miss Israel so much right now.<br /><br />Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim Tishkach Yimini!<br /><br />**To hear and read english transcripts of the retaking of Jerusalem click [<a href="http://www.isracast.com/Transcripts/060605a_trans.htm">here</a>]**Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1148433511518825212006-05-23T21:00:00.000-04:002006-05-23T21:19:25.303-04:00Canada Was Amazing, But I'm Tired, and My Feet Hurt (From Dancing)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/tired_bunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/tired_bunny.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Quick Post, then bed. <a href="http://www.ncsy.ca/">NCSY Canada</a> is a great region. I've been to quite a few, and while it is not <a href="http://www.harsinaincsy.org/">Har Sinai</a> region, it's the next best thing. The kids are Awesome, the Advisers where fantastic, and the program was successful. I'm bringing back quite a few good ideas. I have a feeling I'll be seeing more of Canada before my <a href="http://www.ou.org/ncsy">NCSY</a> career is over.<br /><br />On a side note, I just mailed in my acceptance letter to <a href="http://www.yctorah.org/">Chovevei</a> next year. It's all happening for real. It's kind of unbelievable how everything has just fallen together all of a sudden (seemingly), but Hashem (G-d) works in incredible ways that I'll never truly understand. All I can do is say Thanks. Hodu L'Shem Ki Tov, Ki L'Olam Chasdo (Offer Praises to the Lord for He is good, for His kindness is everlasting.)Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17008074.post-1147962937878362762006-05-18T10:18:00.000-04:002006-05-18T11:52:56.630-04:00Canada, Here I Come...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/1600/Can_Flag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6252/1629/400/Can_Flag.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>For the next few days I'll be visiting our northern neighbor while staffing a <a href="http://www.ncsy.ca/index.php">Canada Region NCSY</a> Shabbaton. They were short staffed, YU has finals, and I get lucky and get to go for a fun four day adventure to <a href="http://www.campnbb.com/index.php">Camp Northland</a> to hang out with some great kids and staff that I met earlier in the year at National Convention. Admittedly, they were all a little weird and quirky, but that just means I should fit in just fine...<br /><br />It's no <a href="http://www.harsinaincsy.org/">Har Sinai</a>, but it's going to be fun!Purim Herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15580933686736335799noreply@blogger.com0