Jan 9, 2007
train fashla
The train from Bet Shemesh to Tel Aviv is a fairly busy line and has been considered extremely successful by Israel Railways. A while back they added Jerusalem to the line.
The line Jerusalem - Bet Shemesh - Tel Aviv is relatively slow. The section from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh cuts through the mountains and is very circuitous, thus limiting the speed. It takes about 45 minutes to get by train from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh.
The Bet Shemesh - Tel Aviv section is a bit better, because it is on level ground, not hilly. Only certain sections near the beginning have serious curves, but most of the way is fairly straight. The limitation, however, is that there are sections with only one track. That means that there are points where the train has to wait a few minutes (sometimes up to 10 minutes) for a passing train before it can continue. The ride from BS to tel Aviv takes, officially, 38 minutes (to the first TA station).
That means someone travelling from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv by train had to travel for a minimum of an hour and 20 minutes and likely more.
The only people who considered such a trip worthwhile, rather than taking a bus, were people who lived in Jerusalem in the neighborhoods right next to the train station. Most other people prefer the bus, which takes between 45 minutes and an hour. For those living near the train station, to get to the bus station they would have to spend 20 - 30 minutes in morning or evening city traffic, which makes the trip by train more or less equal to the trip by bus.
The Railways authorities found the Jerusalem part of the line was operating at a loss. They were getting decreasing numbers of passengers. They decided the line was not worth continuing. However, they did not want to cancel service to the capital city, so they devised a new arrangement.
On January 1 they split the line.
The line is now Bet Shemesh - Tel Aviv. The Jerusalem line is now considered a suburban connection of Bet Shemesh.
Meaning, a commuter from Jerusalem who needs to get to Tel Aviv (or vice versa) will take a train from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh. He will switch trains in BS and get on a train to Tel Aviv.
The problem with this is the schedule. Most of the day is ok. The Jerusalem train is scheduled to arrive in Bet Shemesh about 10 minutes prior to the departure of the Tel Aviv train. However, there are certain hours during the day that, due to scheduling conflicts, the train arrives in Bet Shemesh about 20 minutes after the other train left to Tel Aviv.
Because there is currently only one train per hour between Bet Shemesh and Tel Aviv, that means the commuter during those hours will need to wait an additional 45 minutes or so for the train to Tel Aviv.
The travel time increased from 1:20 to nearly 2:30.
One week later this is all over the media. People are complaining on radio talk shows, they are calling the Railways authority, and today it is in various news sources, including Haaretz and TheMarker (Ha'Aretz's business newspaper).
This situation would have been avoidable, had the line been prepared properly prior to its installation. However, Ariel Sharon, then the man in charge of making the decision, made the decision to go ahead. In 2005 the State Comptroller criticized Sharon and the government that they had approved the upgrade of the line (to Jerusalem) without performing any economic analyses.
The train is a very comfortable ride. Much more so than buses. No company can justify operating at a loss, even a government controlled one, so the current need for changes is understandable. However, the changes implemented are simply untenable. It is ridiculous that a commuter will need two hours and thrity minutes (minimum) to get from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, in this day and age.
Though it happened because there were not enough passengers, they are now driving away (pun intended) the rest of their passengers on that line.
They need to rework the schedule to ensure that, excluding unusual delays, the trains are scheduled to arrive in Bet Shemesh with enough time to make a switch to continue the route with minimal waiting time.
Alternatively, and this is a solution that will solve the current problem as well as improve general service between Bet Shemesh and Tel Aviv, I woudl recommend adding at least one more train to the line. If there is a train between BS and Tel Aviv every half hour (instead of every hour), the waiting time will be cut down dramatically.
In addition that will help all the people in Bet Shemesh who are now limited to a once-per-hour train.
This could be added for only during the busier hours of the day, mornings and evenings. During these hours, the trains are pretty full and adding a train to the schedule would not mean a train running empty. During the quieter times of day where passengers are limited, they could keep it at one train per hour.
The line Jerusalem - Bet Shemesh - Tel Aviv is relatively slow. The section from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh cuts through the mountains and is very circuitous, thus limiting the speed. It takes about 45 minutes to get by train from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh.
The Bet Shemesh - Tel Aviv section is a bit better, because it is on level ground, not hilly. Only certain sections near the beginning have serious curves, but most of the way is fairly straight. The limitation, however, is that there are sections with only one track. That means that there are points where the train has to wait a few minutes (sometimes up to 10 minutes) for a passing train before it can continue. The ride from BS to tel Aviv takes, officially, 38 minutes (to the first TA station).
That means someone travelling from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv by train had to travel for a minimum of an hour and 20 minutes and likely more.
The only people who considered such a trip worthwhile, rather than taking a bus, were people who lived in Jerusalem in the neighborhoods right next to the train station. Most other people prefer the bus, which takes between 45 minutes and an hour. For those living near the train station, to get to the bus station they would have to spend 20 - 30 minutes in morning or evening city traffic, which makes the trip by train more or less equal to the trip by bus.
The Railways authorities found the Jerusalem part of the line was operating at a loss. They were getting decreasing numbers of passengers. They decided the line was not worth continuing. However, they did not want to cancel service to the capital city, so they devised a new arrangement.
On January 1 they split the line.
The line is now Bet Shemesh - Tel Aviv. The Jerusalem line is now considered a suburban connection of Bet Shemesh.
Meaning, a commuter from Jerusalem who needs to get to Tel Aviv (or vice versa) will take a train from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh. He will switch trains in BS and get on a train to Tel Aviv.
The problem with this is the schedule. Most of the day is ok. The Jerusalem train is scheduled to arrive in Bet Shemesh about 10 minutes prior to the departure of the Tel Aviv train. However, there are certain hours during the day that, due to scheduling conflicts, the train arrives in Bet Shemesh about 20 minutes after the other train left to Tel Aviv.
Because there is currently only one train per hour between Bet Shemesh and Tel Aviv, that means the commuter during those hours will need to wait an additional 45 minutes or so for the train to Tel Aviv.
The travel time increased from 1:20 to nearly 2:30.
One week later this is all over the media. People are complaining on radio talk shows, they are calling the Railways authority, and today it is in various news sources, including Haaretz and TheMarker (Ha'Aretz's business newspaper).
This situation would have been avoidable, had the line been prepared properly prior to its installation. However, Ariel Sharon, then the man in charge of making the decision, made the decision to go ahead. In 2005 the State Comptroller criticized Sharon and the government that they had approved the upgrade of the line (to Jerusalem) without performing any economic analyses.
The train is a very comfortable ride. Much more so than buses. No company can justify operating at a loss, even a government controlled one, so the current need for changes is understandable. However, the changes implemented are simply untenable. It is ridiculous that a commuter will need two hours and thrity minutes (minimum) to get from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, in this day and age.
Though it happened because there were not enough passengers, they are now driving away (pun intended) the rest of their passengers on that line.
They need to rework the schedule to ensure that, excluding unusual delays, the trains are scheduled to arrive in Bet Shemesh with enough time to make a switch to continue the route with minimal waiting time.
Alternatively, and this is a solution that will solve the current problem as well as improve general service between Bet Shemesh and Tel Aviv, I woudl recommend adding at least one more train to the line. If there is a train between BS and Tel Aviv every half hour (instead of every hour), the waiting time will be cut down dramatically.
In addition that will help all the people in Bet Shemesh who are now limited to a once-per-hour train.
This could be added for only during the busier hours of the day, mornings and evenings. During these hours, the trains are pretty full and adding a train to the schedule would not mean a train running empty. During the quieter times of day where passengers are limited, they could keep it at one train per hour.
Jan 8, 2007
Matisyahu on Kimmel (video)
I still have not located a video of Matisyahu's appearance last week on Jay Leno's Tonight Show, but here is the clip of Matisyahu on Jimmy Kimmel last week...
enjoy..
enjoy..
how bad is the one year yeshiva in Israel program?
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach pens a frightening analysis about the problems with the guys and girls who come to Israel for yeshiva and seminary in the one year post high-school programs.
What do you think? Is it as bad as he says?
In my day, when I was in yeshiva (post highschool), it was limited to a few select yeshivas that had these problems. The average yeshiva did not have these problems (or if they did it was individuals in the yeshiva/sem and not widespread).
I have heard from some people that the problems are more prevalent now, though usually it is smoking a hookah and some drinking. Rabbi Boteach is describing something much worse than what I have heard.
Is it as bad as he says?
What do you think? Is it as bad as he says?
In my day, when I was in yeshiva (post highschool), it was limited to a few select yeshivas that had these problems. The average yeshiva did not have these problems (or if they did it was individuals in the yeshiva/sem and not widespread).
I have heard from some people that the problems are more prevalent now, though usually it is smoking a hookah and some drinking. Rabbi Boteach is describing something much worse than what I have heard.
Is it as bad as he says?
Jan 7, 2007
leaking information
A British newspaper, The Sunday Times, published information today saying that they have leaked information that Israel is planning a nuclear strike on the Iranian nuclear facility.
Needless to say, this information made waves and spread like wildfire. The PM refused to deny it or confirm it. Some think the information was leaked for the specific purpose of being a veiled threat against the Iranians, so they should realize "we are serious" and prompt them to back off their plans.
This has been all over the news today and is splashed all over the front of all the newspapers.
I consider this media irresponsibility. The media, in an attempt to sell newspapers (and advertising) look for the splashiest, most provocative information and publish it. We constantly read about "secret" meetings between enemy countries (specifically Israel and various Arab countries, but also other warring states) that are no longer secret because of the newspaper and his leaking source.
There is an issue of national responsibility and that should be preserved. If the national representative feels the need to meet secretly with the rep of another country, it is because he feels that the publicity will only harm his efforts. Yet the next day that meeting is frequently no longer secret and all gains are washed away because of a leak (granted, sometimes it is media spin and is intentional for the purpose of letting people think you are actually doing something like holding secret meetings).
In this case we have a similar situation. I read in the newspaper today a glaring headline saying that a source says Israel is already practicing a nuclear strike in test sites in preparation of an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Because we successfully destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in an amazingly successful strike, everyone is just assuming that it is no problem to take out the Iranian problem.
They forget that a large part of the success in Osirak was the element of surprise (aside from the element of G-d). Nobody had ever heard of such plans and the attack was executed with such precision that the whole world was shocked and surprised, not just the Iraqis.
Yet ,because of that, we have no element of surprise today in the case of Iran, yet everyone expects a similar attack, despite the more difficult conditions. All the media can do is talk about it. Does the press think that the Iranians do not read Israeli newspapers? Maybe they do not read the Sunday Times in the U.K.?
Such leaked information only harms the cause and there are times where it would be more prudent for people to keep the information secret.
I only hope that it really was leaked for the sole purpose of scaring the Iranians. If Israel really is planning and practicing an attack, that leak will likely be at fault if such an attack takes place and fails.
Needless to say, this information made waves and spread like wildfire. The PM refused to deny it or confirm it. Some think the information was leaked for the specific purpose of being a veiled threat against the Iranians, so they should realize "we are serious" and prompt them to back off their plans.
This has been all over the news today and is splashed all over the front of all the newspapers.
I consider this media irresponsibility. The media, in an attempt to sell newspapers (and advertising) look for the splashiest, most provocative information and publish it. We constantly read about "secret" meetings between enemy countries (specifically Israel and various Arab countries, but also other warring states) that are no longer secret because of the newspaper and his leaking source.
There is an issue of national responsibility and that should be preserved. If the national representative feels the need to meet secretly with the rep of another country, it is because he feels that the publicity will only harm his efforts. Yet the next day that meeting is frequently no longer secret and all gains are washed away because of a leak (granted, sometimes it is media spin and is intentional for the purpose of letting people think you are actually doing something like holding secret meetings).
In this case we have a similar situation. I read in the newspaper today a glaring headline saying that a source says Israel is already practicing a nuclear strike in test sites in preparation of an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Because we successfully destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in an amazingly successful strike, everyone is just assuming that it is no problem to take out the Iranian problem.
They forget that a large part of the success in Osirak was the element of surprise (aside from the element of G-d). Nobody had ever heard of such plans and the attack was executed with such precision that the whole world was shocked and surprised, not just the Iraqis.
Yet ,because of that, we have no element of surprise today in the case of Iran, yet everyone expects a similar attack, despite the more difficult conditions. All the media can do is talk about it. Does the press think that the Iranians do not read Israeli newspapers? Maybe they do not read the Sunday Times in the U.K.?
Such leaked information only harms the cause and there are times where it would be more prudent for people to keep the information secret.
I only hope that it really was leaked for the sole purpose of scaring the Iranians. If Israel really is planning and practicing an attack, that leak will likely be at fault if such an attack takes place and fails.
Jan 5, 2007
El Al crisis over!
It seems final that the agreement between El Al and the organization authorized by Rav Elyashiv to negotiate has been signed.
It is in the general media, but I have not yet been able to confirm it from the haredi media or other haredi sources. (UPDATE: IT IS CONFIRMED)
One interesting point: part of the delay in signing the deal had been what happens if they violate the agreement and fly. The haredi organization was insisting on El Al refunding the cancellation fees to its haredi customers. El Al refused (I do not know why). The negotiated agreement compromises that in such a situation El Al will pay the money into a fund that will be used for subsidizing medications not included in the "health basket" subsidized by the government. The Gerrer Rebbe is supposedly the source of this interesting solution.
More details after shabbos...
Have a great shabbos everyone
It is in the general media, but I have not yet been able to confirm it from the haredi media or other haredi sources. (UPDATE: IT IS CONFIRMED)
One interesting point: part of the delay in signing the deal had been what happens if they violate the agreement and fly. The haredi organization was insisting on El Al refunding the cancellation fees to its haredi customers. El Al refused (I do not know why). The negotiated agreement compromises that in such a situation El Al will pay the money into a fund that will be used for subsidizing medications not included in the "health basket" subsidized by the government. The Gerrer Rebbe is supposedly the source of this interesting solution.
More details after shabbos...
Have a great shabbos everyone
Jan 4, 2007
Olmert and the tax scandal
Shlomy Sheffer penned a great analysis in the Haaretz business section (TheMarker) of Olmert's involvement in the current crisis/scandal regarding the tax authority scam.
Teddy Kollek's legacy
TThe other day Teddy Kollek, former mayor of Jerusalem, died at the age of 95. I posted a brief notice of his passing with some words of praise for his having built the city of Jerusalem as we know it today.
Since then, many postings have gone about around the Jewish blogosphere regarding Teddy Kollek. Most of them have been critical in nature (to say the least) and only a few have been positive.
Because his funeral is going on right now, as I write, I would like to elaborate a bit more and fortify my thoughts with another positive post on Teddy Kollek's behalf.
Teddy Kollek was a controversial figure in Jerusalem politics. He was considered divisive, and he is branded as a leftist. You are probably surprised to hear he was devisive, considering all the obits you might have read that talk about how he unified the city. The truth is, he is remembered as one who unified the residents of Jerusalem because he greatly improved the living conditions of the Arabs of East Jerusalem. He unified the city in its Jewish - Arab issues.
Kollek was documented a number of times of being discriminatory against the haredi and religious public. He slandered them on occassion, most famously when he declared his wish in 1972 to burn down Mea Shearim (because he was against their shabbos protests).
In the pre-state British-Mandate era, Kolleck served as chief liaison between the Haganah and the British. Menachem Begin's Irgun Zvai Leumi blamed the unit under Kolleck's control for handing Irgun members over to the British and for torturing young Irgun fighters during the period known as the "Season".
However, despite all that, I think Teddy Kollek has merit. He built Jerusalem into the beautiful and vibrant city it is today. Even after he was defeated by Ehud Olmert for the mayorship of Jerusalem in the 1990's, he continued to work and invest his efforts on behalf of the success of Jerusalem. He continued raising phenomenal amounts of money for Jerusalem.
That is not a point that is debatable. He is the person responsible the modern-day Jerusalem we all love.
The Talmud talks about King of Israel Omri who built a city in Samaria to rival Jerusalem. He was considered an evil king. The Talmud says that the reason he was successful and his reign continued in three of his desendants when other evil kings did not last is because of the merit he had by adding a great city to Israel. That is despite the fact that that great city he built was one of the manifestations of his evil! In the Navi Melachim I (16:25), Omri is described as having been evil and even worse than the evil kings that had proceeded him. He is faulted with leading the Israelites astray.
Eim Habanim Semeicha uses this story of Omri as proof that even if someone was a complete rasha (and I do not know if Kollek qualifies for that description just because of those events described earlier), but the mitzva fulfilled properly of settling the Land of Israel by bulding cities gives him great merit, enough merit that he deserved the kingship of Israel for three generations. It might not make him a tzaddik, but it does give great merit.
(Rav Teichtal in Eim Habanim Semeicha goes on and discusses how the founders of Israel all have merit despite their beeing evil and anti-religious. They have the merit of building Eretz Yisroel. The book is well worth a read. If you do not have it, go buy it. If you can, the (original) Hebrew edition is much better than the English translated edition. If you want, read it online at the link above.)
Even if you think Teddy Kollek was not a good person, or even possibly evil (as many do based on the various posts on blogs and in online forums frequented by the religious public), he still has the merit of having built the great city of Jerusalem. For that alone, his memory should be blessed.
Since then, many postings have gone about around the Jewish blogosphere regarding Teddy Kollek. Most of them have been critical in nature (to say the least) and only a few have been positive.
Because his funeral is going on right now, as I write, I would like to elaborate a bit more and fortify my thoughts with another positive post on Teddy Kollek's behalf.
Teddy Kollek was a controversial figure in Jerusalem politics. He was considered divisive, and he is branded as a leftist. You are probably surprised to hear he was devisive, considering all the obits you might have read that talk about how he unified the city. The truth is, he is remembered as one who unified the residents of Jerusalem because he greatly improved the living conditions of the Arabs of East Jerusalem. He unified the city in its Jewish - Arab issues.
Kollek was documented a number of times of being discriminatory against the haredi and religious public. He slandered them on occassion, most famously when he declared his wish in 1972 to burn down Mea Shearim (because he was against their shabbos protests).
In the pre-state British-Mandate era, Kolleck served as chief liaison between the Haganah and the British. Menachem Begin's Irgun Zvai Leumi blamed the unit under Kolleck's control for handing Irgun members over to the British and for torturing young Irgun fighters during the period known as the "Season".
However, despite all that, I think Teddy Kollek has merit. He built Jerusalem into the beautiful and vibrant city it is today. Even after he was defeated by Ehud Olmert for the mayorship of Jerusalem in the 1990's, he continued to work and invest his efforts on behalf of the success of Jerusalem. He continued raising phenomenal amounts of money for Jerusalem.
That is not a point that is debatable. He is the person responsible the modern-day Jerusalem we all love.
The Talmud talks about King of Israel Omri who built a city in Samaria to rival Jerusalem. He was considered an evil king. The Talmud says that the reason he was successful and his reign continued in three of his desendants when other evil kings did not last is because of the merit he had by adding a great city to Israel. That is despite the fact that that great city he built was one of the manifestations of his evil! In the Navi Melachim I (16:25), Omri is described as having been evil and even worse than the evil kings that had proceeded him. He is faulted with leading the Israelites astray.
Eim Habanim Semeicha uses this story of Omri as proof that even if someone was a complete rasha (and I do not know if Kollek qualifies for that description just because of those events described earlier), but the mitzva fulfilled properly of settling the Land of Israel by bulding cities gives him great merit, enough merit that he deserved the kingship of Israel for three generations. It might not make him a tzaddik, but it does give great merit.
(Rav Teichtal in Eim Habanim Semeicha goes on and discusses how the founders of Israel all have merit despite their beeing evil and anti-religious. They have the merit of building Eretz Yisroel. The book is well worth a read. If you do not have it, go buy it. If you can, the (original) Hebrew edition is much better than the English translated edition. If you want, read it online at the link above.)
Even if you think Teddy Kollek was not a good person, or even possibly evil (as many do based on the various posts on blogs and in online forums frequented by the religious public), he still has the merit of having built the great city of Jerusalem. For that alone, his memory should be blessed.
potd - what is it?
This guy has been sitting near the train station in Tel Aviv the past few days. Usually I do not have a camera on me, but today for some reason I did, so I snapped the picture.
I have no idea what the instrument he is playing is called. I am not even sure if it can be called a musical instrument. This guy sits there and blows on the instrument. It does not play a tune or any type of music most people are familiar with. Basically it just makes a low, annoying, wavy sound. Maybe one day I will go to the train a few minutes early and ask him what it is called.
As one person said, "This guy looks like he spent one week too many backpacking through India."
--- UPDATE-----
Thanks to some Australian readers comments (and my brother, but I have no idea how he would have known this), it seems this instrument is called a didgeridoo.
Click here to satisfy your curiosity...
Jan 3, 2007
new incident in R' Nosson Slifkin controversy!
R' Nosson Slifkin is scheduled to give a shiur tonight in RBS in the shul I daven in. R' Slifkin is a member of the same shul. R' Slifkin is starting a series of shiurim on the animal kingdom in Torah thought (not the exact title of the shiur, but the idea of it). The topic of tonight's shiur is exotic shofars.
Tonight's shiur is the first in the series, and that is why the newest incident just happened.
Some people among those who oppose R' Slifkin have posted signs around the neighborhood warning people to not go to the shiur. The contents of the letter include the original letters against R' Slifkin along with a new letter. The new letter states:
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS!
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read. This is due to various reasons which are well known, including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach."
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways, Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website. Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms, he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael, becoming popular among those of the same sentiments.
Therefore, one who follows the Torah and admirably wants to attend a shiur at night, should know that by going to Mr. Natan Slifkin's class he is not only sinning by wilfully exposing himself to heretical thought, but essentially condoning and supporting those who do not listen to, and in fact make a mockery of, the Gedolei Yisrael. Leave his teachings where they belong - with the other animals of his ilk.
R' Slifkin has responded and commented within the letter: here it is again with R' Slifkins comments (R' Slifkins comments are in parentheses and in blue):
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS! (they have a sense of humor!)
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read (they took away my semichah!). This is due to various reasons which are well known (actually there are numerous disputes as to what the reasons actually are), including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy) (apparently they translated the word for the less learned members of the community). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, (this phrase is highlighted by hand with fluorescent pen in all of the dozens of posters) which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach." (Are they implying that I was kicked out of Ohr Somayach due to my hashkafos? That's not the case, I left years earlier when I moved to Ramat Bet Shemesh.)
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways (I added an explanation on my website as to why I am not halachically required to do so), Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website (I appreciate the plug, but I wish they would have given the URL!). Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms (what other such terms?), he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael (actually I defended myself in a campaign led by the Gedolim and kannoim to discredit me), becoming popular among those of the same sentiments. (actually I have become popular even with many people who respect the Gedolei Yisrael)
Therefore, one who follows the Torah and admirably wants to attend a shiur at night, should know that by going to Mr. Natan Slifkin's class he is not only sinning by wilfully exposing himself to heretical thought, (they should check their facts, these shiurim don't include kefirah even according to their unusual definition) but essentially condoning and supporting those who do not listen to, and in fact make a mockery of, the Gedolei Yisrael. Leave his teachings where they belong - with the other animals of his ilk. (strangely, the word "animals" has been carefully painted over with Wite-out in every single one of the posters.)
The Rav of Beis Tefilla (the shul involved) was pressured to cancel the shiur. The Rav has been a supporter of Rav Slifkin throughout the whole history of the conflict. Here I present to you the response of the Rav:
Dear ***:
Your "facts" are simply incorrect. Slifkin was never placed in cherem by anyone.
This Shiur is clarifying sugyohs and Rishonim in Maseches Rosh haShanah. I can think of no finer endeavor.
The other classes will be examining nifla'os HaBoray, which, according to Chovohs Halevavohs is imperative and the basis for our avodas haShem.
I indeed recommend Slifkin's book--Nature's Song, on Perek Shirah, and Man & Beast.
His books about science, you takeh shouldn't read. You are not the intended audience. THAT is what the Gedolim said, and it should be adhered to, of course.
R' CZM
Then another letter was put up including a letter from the original controversy from R' Dovid Orlofsky. This letter bashed R' Slifkin in a most demeaning way (I have no intention to post it). R' Slifkin has responded to the new posting with the letter from R' Orlofsky that some of the facts are incorrect, along with the fact that the original letter from R' Orlofsky had been released two years ago. After it had been released, R' Orlofsky issued an apology, saying:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Someone is circulating a letter containing personal attacks against Nosson Slifkin purporting to represent me.
I have not authorized ANY letter to be distributed! I am working on a letter relating to this issue. That letter is NOT it. Please send this to whoever has a copy and ask them not to distribute this letter.
I apologize to Nosson and his family for the hurt they must have suffered from this action.
Sincerely,
Dovid Orlofsky
Notice how they use old and outdated information and ignore corrections in their attempts to subdue R' Slifkin.
I am not one to mix into this debate. Many people of greater capacity than me and of greater intellect have debated the subject in blogs, in papers and in other forms in the public sphere. It is not for me to say who is right and who is wrong.
However, the Rav of my shul has given his unwavering support to Rav Slifkin and that is enough for me. Some of the statements he printed that were under criticism, I had already heard from Rabbonim and other sources, so the issue does not bother me. It seems to be more of a personality clash than a fight based on emmes (truth). I therefore support Rav Slifkin and denounce the defaming posters that have gone up around the neighborhood.
I am scheduled to be in Yerushalayim tonight and have to miss the shiur. If I am able to make it though, or if I hear of anything that might occur, I will update you..
Tonight's shiur is the first in the series, and that is why the newest incident just happened.
Some people among those who oppose R' Slifkin have posted signs around the neighborhood warning people to not go to the shiur. The contents of the letter include the original letters against R' Slifkin along with a new letter. The new letter states:
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS!
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read. This is due to various reasons which are well known, including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach."
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways, Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website. Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms, he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael, becoming popular among those of the same sentiments.
Therefore, one who follows the Torah and admirably wants to attend a shiur at night, should know that by going to Mr. Natan Slifkin's class he is not only sinning by wilfully exposing himself to heretical thought, but essentially condoning and supporting those who do not listen to, and in fact make a mockery of, the Gedolei Yisrael. Leave his teachings where they belong - with the other animals of his ilk.
R' Slifkin has responded and commented within the letter: here it is again with R' Slifkins comments (R' Slifkins comments are in parentheses and in blue):
ZOO TORAH - TELL IT TO THE ANIMALS! (they have a sense of humor!)
Not long ago, the Gedolei Yisrael came out with an edict that Mr. Natan Slifkin's books should not be read (they took away my semichah!). This is due to various reasons which are well known (actually there are numerous disputes as to what the reasons actually are), including the statement by the Gedolim that some of this thoughts constitue Apikorsus (heresy) (apparently they translated the word for the less learned members of the community). The Gedolim also explicitly stated that he is forbidden to teach Torah even in a kiruv program, (this phrase is highlighted by hand with fluorescent pen in all of the dozens of posters) which is the reason why he is described as "formerly a Rebbe at Ohr Somayach." (Are they implying that I was kicked out of Ohr Somayach due to my hashkafos? That's not the case, I left years earlier when I moved to Ramat Bet Shemesh.)
Instead of humbling himself to the Gedolei Yisrael and admitting the error of his ways (I added an explanation on my website as to why I am not halachically required to do so), Mr. Slifkin fought (and continues to fight) tooth and nail like a trapped animal, primarily through postings on his website (I appreciate the plug, but I wish they would have given the URL!). Calling himself "post-Chareidi" and other such terms (what other such terms?), he has clearly led a battle to discredit the Gedolei Yisrael (actually I defended myself in a campaign led by the Gedolim and kannoim to discredit me), becoming popular among those of the same sentiments. (actually I have become popular even with many people who respect the Gedolei Yisrael)
Therefore, one who follows the Torah and admirably wants to attend a shiur at night, should know that by going to Mr. Natan Slifkin's class he is not only sinning by wilfully exposing himself to heretical thought, (they should check their facts, these shiurim don't include kefirah even according to their unusual definition) but essentially condoning and supporting those who do not listen to, and in fact make a mockery of, the Gedolei Yisrael. Leave his teachings where they belong - with the other animals of his ilk. (strangely, the word "animals" has been carefully painted over with Wite-out in every single one of the posters.)
The Rav of Beis Tefilla (the shul involved) was pressured to cancel the shiur. The Rav has been a supporter of Rav Slifkin throughout the whole history of the conflict. Here I present to you the response of the Rav:
Dear ***:
Your "facts" are simply incorrect. Slifkin was never placed in cherem by anyone.
This Shiur is clarifying sugyohs and Rishonim in Maseches Rosh haShanah. I can think of no finer endeavor.
The other classes will be examining nifla'os HaBoray, which, according to Chovohs Halevavohs is imperative and the basis for our avodas haShem.
I indeed recommend Slifkin's book--Nature's Song, on Perek Shirah, and Man & Beast.
His books about science, you takeh shouldn't read. You are not the intended audience. THAT is what the Gedolim said, and it should be adhered to, of course.
R' CZM
Then another letter was put up including a letter from the original controversy from R' Dovid Orlofsky. This letter bashed R' Slifkin in a most demeaning way (I have no intention to post it). R' Slifkin has responded to the new posting with the letter from R' Orlofsky that some of the facts are incorrect, along with the fact that the original letter from R' Orlofsky had been released two years ago. After it had been released, R' Orlofsky issued an apology, saying:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Someone is circulating a letter containing personal attacks against Nosson Slifkin purporting to represent me.
I have not authorized ANY letter to be distributed! I am working on a letter relating to this issue. That letter is NOT it. Please send this to whoever has a copy and ask them not to distribute this letter.
I apologize to Nosson and his family for the hurt they must have suffered from this action.
Sincerely,
Dovid Orlofsky
Notice how they use old and outdated information and ignore corrections in their attempts to subdue R' Slifkin.
I am not one to mix into this debate. Many people of greater capacity than me and of greater intellect have debated the subject in blogs, in papers and in other forms in the public sphere. It is not for me to say who is right and who is wrong.
However, the Rav of my shul has given his unwavering support to Rav Slifkin and that is enough for me. Some of the statements he printed that were under criticism, I had already heard from Rabbonim and other sources, so the issue does not bother me. It seems to be more of a personality clash than a fight based on emmes (truth). I therefore support Rav Slifkin and denounce the defaming posters that have gone up around the neighborhood.
I am scheduled to be in Yerushalayim tonight and have to miss the shiur. If I am able to make it though, or if I hear of anything that might occur, I will update you..
Jan 2, 2007
suing the state for backtaxes
The beleaguered city of Sderot, under the leadership of Mayor Eli Moyal, has come up with a new strategy in its attempts to persuade the government to provide the security its residents deserve.
As you all know, the city of Sderot has been under fire from Kassam rockets from Gaza since mid-2004. The shelling of Sderot (and other border towns, but mostly Sderot) intensified after the Israeli government under Ariel Sharon evacuated the Jews out of the Gaza Strip towns and handed over the land to the Palestinians. That brought the Palestinians closer to what are now the border towns, such as Sderot, and put the residents within better range of the Kassam rockets being shot by said Palestinians.
A basic obligation of any government is to provide security to its citizens. Until recently, at least the government could say it was trying. They approved military offensives in Gaza to thwart the missile threat. They tried diplomatic maneuvers. One could even say we handed the whole Gaza Strip to the Palestinians expecting quiet on that border in return.
Alas, it was not meant to be. The Palestinians remain obstinate in their attempts to terrorize the Jews and continue to shoot rockets at Israeli towns. Recently the Israeli government stopped all attempts at providing security to the residents affected. The government refuses to implement security measures such as fortifying schools and houses. The government has declared a cease fire in the area and has refused to respond to the rain of Kassams that have continued since the cease fire (in other words, it is a one-sided cease fire). the government refuses to allow the army to do what it feels is necessary to stop the Kassams.
Basically, the government has not fulfilled its basic obligation of providing (and even attempting to) security for its citizens.
So, the residents of Sderot, have come up with a new plan. They are now suing the State of Israel. They are suing the State of Israel to stop payign taxes. They are also demanding a refund of all tax moneys paid by its residents from the time of the first Kassam attack on Sderot in 2004. They say that if the government is not giving them their basic rights of security, they should not have to pay taxes.
They also say that they are being unfairly discriminated against. A soldier (Gilad Shalit) was kidnapped in their region and thousands of Kassams have fallen on them and the government has pretty much done nothing. Yet when 2 soldiers were kidnapped on the northern border and a few Katyushas were fired, Israel went to war to defend Northern Israel. They demand equal treatment and insist the government protect them.
I do not know how this will turn out. I highly doubt the courts will allow the residents to stop paying taxes, let alone award them all their paid taxes in return. However, it will put the Olmert government in an uncomfortable position and could possibly force them into action.
As you all know, the city of Sderot has been under fire from Kassam rockets from Gaza since mid-2004. The shelling of Sderot (and other border towns, but mostly Sderot) intensified after the Israeli government under Ariel Sharon evacuated the Jews out of the Gaza Strip towns and handed over the land to the Palestinians. That brought the Palestinians closer to what are now the border towns, such as Sderot, and put the residents within better range of the Kassam rockets being shot by said Palestinians.
A basic obligation of any government is to provide security to its citizens. Until recently, at least the government could say it was trying. They approved military offensives in Gaza to thwart the missile threat. They tried diplomatic maneuvers. One could even say we handed the whole Gaza Strip to the Palestinians expecting quiet on that border in return.
Alas, it was not meant to be. The Palestinians remain obstinate in their attempts to terrorize the Jews and continue to shoot rockets at Israeli towns. Recently the Israeli government stopped all attempts at providing security to the residents affected. The government refuses to implement security measures such as fortifying schools and houses. The government has declared a cease fire in the area and has refused to respond to the rain of Kassams that have continued since the cease fire (in other words, it is a one-sided cease fire). the government refuses to allow the army to do what it feels is necessary to stop the Kassams.
Basically, the government has not fulfilled its basic obligation of providing (and even attempting to) security for its citizens.
So, the residents of Sderot, have come up with a new plan. They are now suing the State of Israel. They are suing the State of Israel to stop payign taxes. They are also demanding a refund of all tax moneys paid by its residents from the time of the first Kassam attack on Sderot in 2004. They say that if the government is not giving them their basic rights of security, they should not have to pay taxes.
They also say that they are being unfairly discriminated against. A soldier (Gilad Shalit) was kidnapped in their region and thousands of Kassams have fallen on them and the government has pretty much done nothing. Yet when 2 soldiers were kidnapped on the northern border and a few Katyushas were fired, Israel went to war to defend Northern Israel. They demand equal treatment and insist the government protect them.
I do not know how this will turn out. I highly doubt the courts will allow the residents to stop paying taxes, let alone award them all their paid taxes in return. However, it will put the Olmert government in an uncomfortable position and could possibly force them into action.
ads for dinner journal (sticky post)
As I mentioned previously, I am being co-honored with my daf yomi shiur by the annual shul dinner coming up in February.
I am going to schnorr now because it is for a good cause.
You can make jblogger history by downloading the order form to buy and place an ad in the dinner journal in my honor. I do not need to know your name, and you can keep your anonymity. Maybe a few of you fellow bloggers can get together and share an ad at minimal cost. You can use the ad to advertise your own blogs, such as saying "Mazel tov to Rafi G from http://lifeinisrael.blogspot.com from your friends at aaa.blogspot.com bbb.blogspot.com ccc.blogspot.com, etc."
If you wish to take out an ad, download the form and fill it out and mail it in to the address on the form.
I will leave this as a sticky post for a couple of weeks. The deadline for ads is the end of January.
I am going to schnorr now because it is for a good cause.
You can make jblogger history by downloading the order form to buy and place an ad in the dinner journal in my honor. I do not need to know your name, and you can keep your anonymity. Maybe a few of you fellow bloggers can get together and share an ad at minimal cost. You can use the ad to advertise your own blogs, such as saying "Mazel tov to Rafi G from http://lifeinisrael.blogspot.com from your friends at aaa.blogspot.com bbb.blogspot.com ccc.blogspot.com, etc."
If you wish to take out an ad, download the form and fill it out and mail it in to the address on the form.
I will leave this as a sticky post for a couple of weeks. The deadline for ads is the end of January.
Teddy Kollek, z"l
Teddy Kollek died this morning at the rip old age of 95.
Love him or hate him (for his politics), he is the man most responsible for turning the glorious city of Jerusalem into what it is today, rather than just a backwater, third-world, little town that it had been until recent history. Teddy Kollek served as mayor of Jerusalem for nearly 30 years.
Yehi Zichro Baruch (His memory should be blessed)
Love him or hate him (for his politics), he is the man most responsible for turning the glorious city of Jerusalem into what it is today, rather than just a backwater, third-world, little town that it had been until recent history. Teddy Kollek served as mayor of Jerusalem for nearly 30 years.
Yehi Zichro Baruch (His memory should be blessed)
Jan 1, 2007
100th edition of HH is live
while Saddam is not... Head on over to Bagel Blogger and check it out...
leaked video from expulsion preparations
The following video was originally released by the army spokesperson. It was made and released to be a morale booster for the troops training to carry out the expulsion/evacuation of the (Jewish) residents of Gush Katif. The video was quickly retracted when they realized it looked bad, as though they were treating the expulsion light heartedly and as a primary goal, rather than with the sensitivity they claimed they were using.
The video had been released for a very short time. I never saw it because it was pulled very quickly, but had supposedly left a copy in the outside world. Someone just posted it the other day on YouTube and here I present it to you....
The video had been released for a very short time. I never saw it because it was pulled very quickly, but had supposedly left a copy in the outside world. Someone just posted it the other day on YouTube and here I present it to you....
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