Dear Ryan:
I can not even fathom what you may be going through right now, nor what is going through your mind at this time. But I feel that as time goes on, you will fall by the wayside, and those who do remember you, will remember you only to blame you.
The next few days and weeks are likely going to be the hardest you have ever faced. Along with losing your mother, you have to deal with the fallout of how you lost her - who killed her and why? You're dealing with the loss of your brother too, and on a much greater scale, you have to come to terms with the fact that you lost him to suicide after he let loose on 20 young children in a classroom and 8 adults, including your mother, though she was killed at home, the rest at the school.
People will probably want to know from you why Adam did what he did. Do you know? If you do, please help the people who are looking for answers get some of those answers. If you don't know the answer, be prepared for people to respond with anger. How could you not know? How could you not see signs? Well, Ryan, the parents of the boys at Columbine didn't know what their plans were that morning.
I don't have any children at Sandy Hook. I don't even live in the US, but this news is international. Friends of mine in Israel have commented. So why am I writing this? I have two small children of my oen. Nine year old twin girls. The thought that someone could get into their school and wreak the same kind of havoc your brother did, is not far from my mind.
But what I want you to know, is that as a parent, who like every other person in the world is asking "why?", I don't blame you. I suspect you may be faced with months and years of people treating you with hatred and anger because you are the only person that people will be able to lay blame on, simply by the fact that your parents had two sons.
It's unfair to blame you for what your brother did. I hope that as the days, weeks, months and years pass, as people learn to cope with the tragedy, that you are also able to find some peace. We may never know the whys, and I hope we never have to live through this again, but for you, your family and the familes of Sandy Hook, this will always be on the surface.
Reach out to people if you need help dealing with your own issues that come from this tragedy. And when you start hearing people blame you for your brother's actions, remember that not everyone does. We're all trying to come to terms with this
I wish you nothing buy peace and the ability to move on from this tragedy.
A friend,
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Sandy Hook Tragedy... My Take
Remember the names.
Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeleine Hsu, 6
Catherine Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison Wyatt, 6
Rachel Davino, Teacher, 29
Dawn Hochsprung, School Principal, 47
Nancy Lanza, Teacher, Mother of the Shooter, 52
Anne Marie Murphy, Teacher, 52
Lauren Rousseau, Teacher, 30
Mary Sherlach, School Psychologist, 56
Victoria Soto, Teacher, 27
These are the names I want to remember.
And don't blame the victims. Don't blame the mother of the shooter, regardless of the fact that she died along with the rest of the victims. It's not her fault she had a son who may or may not have had a mental illness. Though the likelihood is that he did indeed have some sort of mental illness, I will not say one way or the other because I don't know. I won't listen to the news reports that discuss him at all.
Whether or not he had a mental illness, should he have been held responsible for what he did on Friday, December 14, 2012 in a small, safe town in Connecticut? Of course. But this is not a post about gun control, politics or what should be done with a man who broke into a school and shot innocent people.
Let's look for the people who helped. The teachers who did whatever they could to protect their students - even at the risk (and loss) of their own lives.
Let's look at the teacher, who got her entire classroom into a small bathroom, managed to move a bookcase in front of the door and locked them all inside, telling them she loved them and wanted to keep them safe, hoping her words wouldn't be the last they would hear, but hoping if they were, they would hear words of love.
Let's talk about the heroes of the day. Let's remember the victims and their legacies. Let's remember that the shooter's mother was a victim, not a perpetrator. Let's talk about the important issues. Let's talk about a society that treats its mentally ill - or rather doesn't treat their mentally ill - until they do something like this. Unfortunately, more often than not, when they do, they take their own lives.
Let's talk about why people with mental illness aren't able to easily access healthcare. Why do so many people with mental illness go untreated? Why is there such a stigma? It's time to take the stigma away and get help, so we don't have another Sandy Hook or Columbine.
But most importantly, it's time to remember the victims and pray. Hug your children a little tighter. Whether your child is your 38 year old daughter or son, or your 9 year old children. We are all someone's child. Let's be lights. Let's show the world love. Let's let the Sandy Hook families know they don't mourn alone.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Bill 115 for Dummies
I realize this blog is supposed to be about my transition to a more kosher life, however, as my journey has somewhat come to a bit of an end (let's call it a waystation), I'd like to visit what is important in my little part of the world these days.
Bill 115 was passed in Ontario, and this week, teachers are taking their job action to the street. They are staging a 1 day strike.
I have been very open about the fact that I am not a union supporter. As a matter of fact, I plan on specializing in Labour Relations when I finish my HR certficate.
But I digress.
I don't support unions - I do support employees. So in this case, I am on the teachers' side.
What does Bill 115 do? What does it mean?
Well, first and foremost, it takes away the union's right - and therefore the teachers' right - to strike. "But that's a good thing" some might say.
Well, no. As Danielle S. McLaughlin said in an editorial in the Huffington Post it's like telling children that they can't go out to play at recess, because they might misbehave. It's punishing them for not doing anything. It's punishing the teachers before they've had a chance to exercise their rights.
Bill 115, has removed a significant measure of dignity from our precious resource, our teachers. Rather than offer these important people the respect that Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees people under section 2 (d), Ontario has shown such disrespect that teachers have not even been given a chance to do what each of the children in the groups above have been prepared and expected to do -- negotiate and find a workable solution to their conflicts. (Danielle S. McLaughlin, Huffington Post)
Add to that that the teachers have lost their accumulated sick days. "Awww, poor them. I don't get any sick days" some of you may be saying. Well, yes. Poor them. Because when your kid is sick, but you send him to school because if you take time off to take care of your child, you don't get paid, so you decide to send them to school, where they infect their classmates and their teachers, who are then exposed x20, they deserve the time off. They NEED the time off.
As for having time off to take care of their family responsibilities? Well, I don't know that I agree with 20 days total to use for this sort of thing. No one else does get this.
But so many people say they don't have sick days, 20 days paid a year to use and roll over if needed in the future, or anything even remotely similar. Well, maybe instead of asking why the teachers get it and why they're fighting for it, you should be asking yourself - why don't I get these benefits?
And don't get me started on the "2 months off every summer". Teachers don't get PAID for those 2 months "off" where they are thinking about what to do for your children come September. "Oh yes they do" you may be thinking. Only because they are getting pro-rated salary. Why prorate their salary? So they can't claim EI during the summer months. EI is for people who are truly unemployed. Though fishermen and farmers and other seasonal workers can claim EI when their industry is "off" for a season. So maybe teachers should be able to claim EI over the summer. September to June is their "season".
What other industry delegates when their staff can take holiday? Teachers can only go away during the most expensive times of the year - when their students are also off. Christmas, March Break and the summer.
Do you go away any other time than then? Possibly not, because your children are in school, right? I know some people take their kids out of school to go away (I've done it - the week before a holiday). So because most of us take our kids away during the holidays they're off from school, it drives the prices up. Therefore, the people who educate our children can only go away during the most expensive travel times. Boo hoo, you say? Well, if you can go away any other time of the year, when it's cheaper, why don't you? Oh, right, your kids are in school.
So, this Thursday, when the teachers are picketing at my children's school, I will not send my children to school to cross the picket line and sit in a classroom watching movies all day. We can do that at home. We'll be out, possibly walking the line in solidarity with our teachers, and if not, making a big pot of hot chocolate and bringing it by the school.
Bill 115 was passed in Ontario, and this week, teachers are taking their job action to the street. They are staging a 1 day strike.
I have been very open about the fact that I am not a union supporter. As a matter of fact, I plan on specializing in Labour Relations when I finish my HR certficate.
But I digress.
I don't support unions - I do support employees. So in this case, I am on the teachers' side.
What does Bill 115 do? What does it mean?
Well, first and foremost, it takes away the union's right - and therefore the teachers' right - to strike. "But that's a good thing" some might say.
Well, no. As Danielle S. McLaughlin said in an editorial in the Huffington Post it's like telling children that they can't go out to play at recess, because they might misbehave. It's punishing them for not doing anything. It's punishing the teachers before they've had a chance to exercise their rights.
Bill 115, has removed a significant measure of dignity from our precious resource, our teachers. Rather than offer these important people the respect that Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees people under section 2 (d), Ontario has shown such disrespect that teachers have not even been given a chance to do what each of the children in the groups above have been prepared and expected to do -- negotiate and find a workable solution to their conflicts. (Danielle S. McLaughlin, Huffington Post)
Add to that that the teachers have lost their accumulated sick days. "Awww, poor them. I don't get any sick days" some of you may be saying. Well, yes. Poor them. Because when your kid is sick, but you send him to school because if you take time off to take care of your child, you don't get paid, so you decide to send them to school, where they infect their classmates and their teachers, who are then exposed x20, they deserve the time off. They NEED the time off.
As for having time off to take care of their family responsibilities? Well, I don't know that I agree with 20 days total to use for this sort of thing. No one else does get this.
But so many people say they don't have sick days, 20 days paid a year to use and roll over if needed in the future, or anything even remotely similar. Well, maybe instead of asking why the teachers get it and why they're fighting for it, you should be asking yourself - why don't I get these benefits?
And don't get me started on the "2 months off every summer". Teachers don't get PAID for those 2 months "off" where they are thinking about what to do for your children come September. "Oh yes they do" you may be thinking. Only because they are getting pro-rated salary. Why prorate their salary? So they can't claim EI during the summer months. EI is for people who are truly unemployed. Though fishermen and farmers and other seasonal workers can claim EI when their industry is "off" for a season. So maybe teachers should be able to claim EI over the summer. September to June is their "season".
What other industry delegates when their staff can take holiday? Teachers can only go away during the most expensive times of the year - when their students are also off. Christmas, March Break and the summer.
Do you go away any other time than then? Possibly not, because your children are in school, right? I know some people take their kids out of school to go away (I've done it - the week before a holiday). So because most of us take our kids away during the holidays they're off from school, it drives the prices up. Therefore, the people who educate our children can only go away during the most expensive travel times. Boo hoo, you say? Well, if you can go away any other time of the year, when it's cheaper, why don't you? Oh, right, your kids are in school.
So, this Thursday, when the teachers are picketing at my children's school, I will not send my children to school to cross the picket line and sit in a classroom watching movies all day. We can do that at home. We'll be out, possibly walking the line in solidarity with our teachers, and if not, making a big pot of hot chocolate and bringing it by the school.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Happy Hannukah!!!
Or Chanukah, or Hanukkah, or Channukkah or Chanukkah, or Hannukkah. Or Hanaka.(okay, not Hankaka).
It's the most wonderful time, of the year., la la la la la la la la!!
Some people call this the "Jewish Christmas". Why do we call it this? Well, we don't. Sometimes it's what people use to explain it to people who just won't understand it any other way. People who are too ignorant to actually learn the true meaning of the holiday, in my opinion.
Chanukah was established to commemorate the very opposite of cultural assimilation. It dates back nearly 22 centuries, to the successful Jewish revolt against Antiochus IV, one of the line of Syrian-Greek monarchs who ruled the northern branch of Alexander the Great's collapsed empire. Alexander had been respectful of the Jews' monotheistic religion, but Antiochus was determined to impose Hellenism, with its pagan gods and its cult of the body, throughout his domains. When he met resistance in Judea, he made Judaism illegal.
Sabbath observance, circumcision, and the study of Torah were banned on pain of death. A statue of Zeus was installed in the Temple in Jerusalem, and swine were sacrificed before it. Some Jews embraced the new order and willingly abandoned the God and faith of their ancestors. Those who wouldn't were cruelly punished. Ancient writings tell the story of Hannah and her seven sons, who were captured by Antiochus's troops and commanded to bow to an idol. One by one, each boy refused -- and was tortured to death before his mother's eyes.
The fight to reclaim Jewish religious autonomy began in 167 BC. In the town of Modi'in, an elderly priest named Mattathias refused a Syrian order to sacrifice to an idol. When an apostate Jew stepped forward to comply, Mattathias killed the man and tore down the altar. Then he and his five sons took to the hills and launched a guerrilla war against the armies of the empire.
When Mattathias died, his third son, Judah Maccabee, took command. He and his band of fighters were impossibly outnumbered, yet they won one miraculous victory after another. In 164 BC, they recaptured the Temple, which they cleansed and purified and rededicated to God. On the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, the menorah -- the candelabra symbolizing the divine presence -- was rekindled. For eight days, throngs of Jews celebrated the Temple's restoration. "All the people prostrated themselves," records the book of Maccabees, "worshipping and praising Heaven that their cause had prospered."
In truth, though, their cause hadn't prospered -- not yet. The fighting went on for years. It was not until 142 BC that the Jews regained control of their land. Geopolitically, that was the moment of real triumph.
What Chanukah commemorates at heart is the Jewish yearning for God, for the concentrated holiness of the Temple and its service. The defeat of the Syrian-Greeks was a wonder, but the spiritual climax of the Maccabees' rebellion occurred when the menorah was rekindled and God's presence among his people could be felt once again.Aish.com Chanukah Story
It's said that when the temple was rebuilt, a small vial of lamp oil was found. Just enough to light the lamp for one day. A miracle occured and the oil burned for eight days.
For more information and to read interesting essays, click here
Happy Chanukah!!!
It's the most wonderful time, of the year., la la la la la la la la!!
Some people call this the "Jewish Christmas". Why do we call it this? Well, we don't. Sometimes it's what people use to explain it to people who just won't understand it any other way. People who are too ignorant to actually learn the true meaning of the holiday, in my opinion.
Chanukah was established to commemorate the very opposite of cultural assimilation. It dates back nearly 22 centuries, to the successful Jewish revolt against Antiochus IV, one of the line of Syrian-Greek monarchs who ruled the northern branch of Alexander the Great's collapsed empire. Alexander had been respectful of the Jews' monotheistic religion, but Antiochus was determined to impose Hellenism, with its pagan gods and its cult of the body, throughout his domains. When he met resistance in Judea, he made Judaism illegal.
Sabbath observance, circumcision, and the study of Torah were banned on pain of death. A statue of Zeus was installed in the Temple in Jerusalem, and swine were sacrificed before it. Some Jews embraced the new order and willingly abandoned the God and faith of their ancestors. Those who wouldn't were cruelly punished. Ancient writings tell the story of Hannah and her seven sons, who were captured by Antiochus's troops and commanded to bow to an idol. One by one, each boy refused -- and was tortured to death before his mother's eyes.
The fight to reclaim Jewish religious autonomy began in 167 BC. In the town of Modi'in, an elderly priest named Mattathias refused a Syrian order to sacrifice to an idol. When an apostate Jew stepped forward to comply, Mattathias killed the man and tore down the altar. Then he and his five sons took to the hills and launched a guerrilla war against the armies of the empire.
When Mattathias died, his third son, Judah Maccabee, took command. He and his band of fighters were impossibly outnumbered, yet they won one miraculous victory after another. In 164 BC, they recaptured the Temple, which they cleansed and purified and rededicated to God. On the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, the menorah -- the candelabra symbolizing the divine presence -- was rekindled. For eight days, throngs of Jews celebrated the Temple's restoration. "All the people prostrated themselves," records the book of Maccabees, "worshipping and praising Heaven that their cause had prospered."
In truth, though, their cause hadn't prospered -- not yet. The fighting went on for years. It was not until 142 BC that the Jews regained control of their land. Geopolitically, that was the moment of real triumph.
The Maccabees' war against the Hellenists was ultimately a war against a worldview that elevated the physical above all, that venerated beauty, not holiness; the body, not the soul.But Chanukah isn't about political power. It isn't about military victory. It isn't even about freedom of worship, notwithstanding the fact that the revolt of the Maccabees marks the first time in history that a people rose up to fight religious persecution.
What Chanukah commemorates at heart is the Jewish yearning for God, for the concentrated holiness of the Temple and its service. The defeat of the Syrian-Greeks was a wonder, but the spiritual climax of the Maccabees' rebellion occurred when the menorah was rekindled and God's presence among his people could be felt once again.Aish.com Chanukah Story
It's said that when the temple was rebuilt, a small vial of lamp oil was found. Just enough to light the lamp for one day. A miracle occured and the oil burned for eight days.
For more information and to read interesting essays, click here
Happy Chanukah!!!
Friday, November 30, 2012
The State of Palestine?
Well, it's happened. The UN voted overwhelmingly to upgrade Palestine's bid to be considered a non-member observer state. In a vote, 138-9 with 41 abstentions, Palestine is now recognized by the UN. And that means they now have access to the International Criminal Court, where they can attempt to bring Israel in answer to charges of war crimes.
War crimes? Really? They send rockets into Israel unprovoked, and they want to accuse Israel of war crimes?! Sigh.
So now the international community has recognized a country (or "country") whose main purpose is to destroy the Jewish state and the Jewish people. To wipe any sign of the Jew off the map. Essentially, a world-wide holocaust and ethnic cleansing, if they were to have their way.
Great.
So what does that mean to the peace process (HA!! What "peace process"?)
Well, in terms of Canada - one of the 9 dissenting votes - Foreign Minister John Baird is recalling all ambassadors to Palestine, Israel and in New York as well as UN envoys - those closest to the issue, back to Ottawa temporarily. He wants to know what's really happening "on the ground". And the next question - will Canada stop aid to "Palestine"?
John Baird says that Canada is "considering all available steps" in terms of what has happened at the UN this week. What the Minister calls "utterly regrettable".
And it is regrettable. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel has said that in order to move along the peace process (to which, again, I say HA! What "peace process"?) Palestine should not take a shortcut by going to the UN to get statehood recognition. Unfortunately, that's exactly what they did. And they won. Palestinians in Ramallah took to the streets last night in celebration of the results of the vote.
But will this bring Abbas and Netanyahu to the barganing table again? Will this foster the peace process or instigate further hostilities such as the ones we saw just a couple of weeks ago?
Jonathan Kay of the National Post feels that going to the UN to get their status updated was a good move for Abbas and the Palestinian Authority. Sorry, Jonathan, but I'm not sure I agree with you. I guess time will tell, based on what Palestine does now and in the near future. After all, once again, they are a nation whose charter calls for the destruction of the Jews and the Jewish State.
Here's the thing that gets me, religiously speaking. It is my opinion that the Bible, the Torah and the Koran (and other religious writings) are the interpretations of the person who wrote them. Therefore, the Christians interpret the Bible one way, the Jews interpret it another way (and call it the Torah, the old testament in Christianity is the same as our 5 books of Moses) and the Muslims interpret it yet another way (and I'm not getting into any other religions, so please don't flame me for not discussing how the Pastatarians interpret it).
I'm seriously considering getting an English copy of the Koran and reading alongside my copy of the Chumash (the 5 books of Moses - the Old Testament - the Torah). I'm sure I could get it from my library. It would be interesting to see whether or not our religions are similar in any part.
As a matter of fact, I think that will be my next project - to compare Judaism and Islam, and perhaps Christianity through the Bible.
Sources:
1. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/30/ottawa-to-review-palestinian-aid-after-bairds-strong-rebuke-of-statehood-vote/
2. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/29/canada-considering-all-available-steps-baird-lashes-out-at-un-ahead-of-utterly-regrettable-decision-to-recognize-palestine/
War crimes? Really? They send rockets into Israel unprovoked, and they want to accuse Israel of war crimes?! Sigh.
So now the international community has recognized a country (or "country") whose main purpose is to destroy the Jewish state and the Jewish people. To wipe any sign of the Jew off the map. Essentially, a world-wide holocaust and ethnic cleansing, if they were to have their way.
Great.
So what does that mean to the peace process (HA!! What "peace process"?)
Well, in terms of Canada - one of the 9 dissenting votes - Foreign Minister John Baird is recalling all ambassadors to Palestine, Israel and in New York as well as UN envoys - those closest to the issue, back to Ottawa temporarily. He wants to know what's really happening "on the ground". And the next question - will Canada stop aid to "Palestine"?
John Baird says that Canada is "considering all available steps" in terms of what has happened at the UN this week. What the Minister calls "utterly regrettable". And it is regrettable. Binyamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel has said that in order to move along the peace process (to which, again, I say HA! What "peace process"?) Palestine should not take a shortcut by going to the UN to get statehood recognition. Unfortunately, that's exactly what they did. And they won. Palestinians in Ramallah took to the streets last night in celebration of the results of the vote.
But will this bring Abbas and Netanyahu to the barganing table again? Will this foster the peace process or instigate further hostilities such as the ones we saw just a couple of weeks ago?
Jonathan Kay of the National Post feels that going to the UN to get their status updated was a good move for Abbas and the Palestinian Authority. Sorry, Jonathan, but I'm not sure I agree with you. I guess time will tell, based on what Palestine does now and in the near future. After all, once again, they are a nation whose charter calls for the destruction of the Jews and the Jewish State.
Here's the thing that gets me, religiously speaking. It is my opinion that the Bible, the Torah and the Koran (and other religious writings) are the interpretations of the person who wrote them. Therefore, the Christians interpret the Bible one way, the Jews interpret it another way (and call it the Torah, the old testament in Christianity is the same as our 5 books of Moses) and the Muslims interpret it yet another way (and I'm not getting into any other religions, so please don't flame me for not discussing how the Pastatarians interpret it).
I'm seriously considering getting an English copy of the Koran and reading alongside my copy of the Chumash (the 5 books of Moses - the Old Testament - the Torah). I'm sure I could get it from my library. It would be interesting to see whether or not our religions are similar in any part.
As a matter of fact, I think that will be my next project - to compare Judaism and Islam, and perhaps Christianity through the Bible.
Sources:
1. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/30/ottawa-to-review-palestinian-aid-after-bairds-strong-rebuke-of-statehood-vote/
2. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/29/canada-considering-all-available-steps-baird-lashes-out-at-un-ahead-of-utterly-regrettable-decision-to-recognize-palestine/
Monday, November 26, 2012
Am Israel Chai!
As most people have probably heard already, there has been a ceasefire called in the tensions between Israel and Gaza.
Last Monday, Matthew and I chose to attend a rally in support of Israel at our local Jewish Community Centre - the Schwartz-Reisman Centre - where we listened to speeched from our federal government representatives as well as local representatives. We also saw (as we were at a satellite location, this was all viewed on a video screen) four young members of the Israel Defense Forces who introduced themselves. Not one of them was over 22.
During the conflict, I reached out to an officer in the IDF, who I met on my trip to Israel last year. I wanted to be sure she was safe and well. She was, and she assured me she did not believe the conflict would last very long.
So now it comes down to my own personal opinions now that the conflict has resolved, for the time being.
What do I think should have occured between Israel and Gaza?
Part of me thinks Gaza should have been "bombed into the Middle Ages" simply because their own political charter is one of extremism, and extreme denial of Israel's right to exist. They have proven time and time again that their agenda is no more than wiping Israel and all the Jews off the face of the Earth.
But, on the other hand, that's not to say there aren't innocent people living in Gaza. Just as there were Nazi dissenters living and acting as though they supported the Nazi party and Hitler's "Final Solution", I am sure there are Gazans living as though they support Hamas (they're a recognized terrorist group - their aim is terror - wouldn't you act as though you supported them, to their face, rather than face the alternative - a painful existence leading up to a painful and humiliating death?) but who in actuality and underground, don't.
On neither side do I feel that a single drop of civilian blood should have been shed. Unfortunately, in times of war, that is often the case.
It has been well documented that the rockets launched from Gaza were housed in densely populated areas, often from apartment buildings, schoolyards, and near mosques and other areas where civilians would likely be. Even if the IDF were to have targeted only rocket launch sites, they'd be targeting densely populated areas. The spilling of innocent blood would be impossible to avoid.
In Israel, several civilians (far, far fewer than in Gaza) were killed by rocket attacks. Two of the dead were IDF members.
But what made this conflict worse, wasn't the amount of rockets being launched and where they were being launched from, but from what essentially was a war in social media. Photos of dead and injured babies were posted by the Palestinians claiming the children had been killed or injured in Israeli airstrikes. Only to have those photos debunked as either being from the conflict still raging in Syria, or in one case, the photo of an injured "Palestinian" baby, actually being of an Israeli baby! The BBC ran a clip of an 'injured' "Palestinian" and 32 seconds later in the same clip, the injured man is walking around as if nothing had happened.
So, what's the truth? What's really going on? I think, unless you're actually in the conflict zone, and seeing it all with your own eyes, we'll really never know.
All I can say is "Am Israel Chai!" Whatever is going on, I always stand with Israel.
Where I'm At
So, for the past couple of years, I've been trying to live a more kosher lifestyle. I embraced the "uniform" of long skirts, modest tops, and covered my hair. Much to the consternation of my family.
So where am I at, in November, 2012? One step forward, two steps back.
I no longer cover my hair. My mom made a comment that perhaps my hair being covered may have been an obstacle to my finding a job. Can I say for certain she's wrong? After a year of unemployment, I was beginning to get desparate to try anything that might make it easier for me to find a job. And then at Rosh Hashanna, I got a really, really bad ear infection and the thought of trying to figure out not only what to wear, but what head covering to match and the act of putting somehthing on my head (brush, shampoo, anything included) was just too painful. Yes, I still washed and brushed my hair, regardless of the discomfort, but I couldn't be bothered with a head covering (add to that the fact that I was given an antibiotic that didn't work initially, so my ear infection just got worse and worse).
At the same time, I was working at the Schwartz-Reisman Centre (the new JCC at Bathurst and Lebovic Campus Drive- just north of Rutherford) and while wearing skirts wasn't impossible or even difficult to choose (black. I was allowed to wear black bottoms - skirt or pants and a black or white top with a vest given by the Centre) I found I was rolling over my skirt hem at the desk. So I went out and purchased my first pair of pants (well, 2 pairs) in 2 years. So, do I still wear skirts? Yes. Not as often, but at work - I now work at Youthdale Treatment Centres at Yonge and Dundas. I wear skirts to work (except on Fridays when I can get away with the black fleece pants I wore at the SRC). But I do still wear skirts, dress modestly and such.
But Gayla, what about keeping kosher, and all that other stuff?
We are still keeping kosher in the house. Well - Kosher-Style. I don't always buy kosher meat but we still do separate milk and meat. The person who was supposed to contact me about kashering my kitchen never did contact me and I don't have their contact information, so I sort of dropped it. The rabbi I was working with seems to have forgotten we exist, as he no longer responds to e-mails, nor has he sent any e-mails to see where we're at since before the High Holy Days. So, we've scaled back the kosherness of our home. As I said, we still keep kosher - we don't eat pork or shellfish in the house. I'm more lenient when it comes to pizza - but if the kids want meat on their pizza, it gets eaten off a paper plate. Milk/meat mixture recipes are still prepared with soy instead of cow's milk, as I still won't mix milk and meat, but for the most part, we're much more lenient when it comes to what food is coming into our home. I certainly won't accept someone bringing, say, pork rinds as a snack, but other than that, we're more lax - somewhat.
Shabbos is still important to me, and even though I'm working full time now and can't leave early on Friday night, I light the candles, even if it's late, and now that it's winter (snow has fallen, it's winter. I don't care what the calendar says), it's chicken soup weather, so my slow cooker is getting a good workout with the long work hours - chicken soup gets readied Thursday night (I prep the veggies, and make sure there is chicken in the fridge to put in the pot in the morning) then Friday morning, I toss in the chicken, water, salt and pepper and my other secret ingredients, and I put it in the slow cooker for the day. It's hot and ready when I get home. I've bought some frozen challahs because I haven't had a chance to make any fresh on my own - still trying to figure out my new schedule - and if I remember to take one out of the freezer, we also have a fresh, hot challah for Shabbos, as well. Otherwise, I send Matthew a desparate text message that I forgot to take the challah out and can he please run to the bakery and get one for our table.
But, Gayla, if Shabbos is still important to you, why are you driving, watching TV, using the computer, etc?
Because, to be completely honest, I was tired of fighting with my family. My husband works Saturdays, and that's not going to change. My children have pushed back against not using electronics on Saturdays since I tried to institute it - and I think I was incredibly fair. The main floor was the "Shabbos Floor" where no electronics were used. If they wanted to play their DS or watch TV, they could do so upstairs, or in the basement. That lasted about a year. When you're the only one in the household who is attempting to live a kosher lifestyle, it's virtually impossible to do so successfully. I felt the support of my family wavering - from my immediate family (husband, kids) to my extended family (parents). My friends were still very supportive - acknowledging that I shouldn't have to drive on Saturdays, and making arrangements for my kids to go on playdates that wouldn't require me to drive them, but it just got too hard to fight against my family all the time. I never told the kids they couldn't go to friends' parties on Saturdays because my children attend a public school and most of the parties are on Saturdays. So I'd be driving those days anyway.
Gayla, are you happy with where you are now?
Yes and no. I would have liked to have continued the way I was going, but the lack of support was just making it too hard. So, I have had to make the adjustments, since no one would adjust to me. I guess you could call it an experiment. My husband is still gung-ho about going to Israel for the girls' B'nei Mitzvot, and that is important to me.
We still give tzedakkah (our charity of choice being Kfar Yeladim David in Jerusalem - a home away from home for Israel's disadvantaged children). We sponsor a child there - Devorah is our "adopted" daughter and we have had the opportunity to meet with the directors both when I was in Israel and through frequent visits from them to Toronto where Team Toronto has worked hard at helping obtain funds and sponsors for the home. I have to give kudos where kudos are due - my friends Dayna Caplan Switzer and Monique Singer have worked tirelessly for KYD by hosting them when they have come to Toronto and bringing more people to listen to what it is that they do for children in Israel.
So, that's pretty much where I'm at
So where am I at, in November, 2012? One step forward, two steps back.
I no longer cover my hair. My mom made a comment that perhaps my hair being covered may have been an obstacle to my finding a job. Can I say for certain she's wrong? After a year of unemployment, I was beginning to get desparate to try anything that might make it easier for me to find a job. And then at Rosh Hashanna, I got a really, really bad ear infection and the thought of trying to figure out not only what to wear, but what head covering to match and the act of putting somehthing on my head (brush, shampoo, anything included) was just too painful. Yes, I still washed and brushed my hair, regardless of the discomfort, but I couldn't be bothered with a head covering (add to that the fact that I was given an antibiotic that didn't work initially, so my ear infection just got worse and worse).
At the same time, I was working at the Schwartz-Reisman Centre (the new JCC at Bathurst and Lebovic Campus Drive- just north of Rutherford) and while wearing skirts wasn't impossible or even difficult to choose (black. I was allowed to wear black bottoms - skirt or pants and a black or white top with a vest given by the Centre) I found I was rolling over my skirt hem at the desk. So I went out and purchased my first pair of pants (well, 2 pairs) in 2 years. So, do I still wear skirts? Yes. Not as often, but at work - I now work at Youthdale Treatment Centres at Yonge and Dundas. I wear skirts to work (except on Fridays when I can get away with the black fleece pants I wore at the SRC). But I do still wear skirts, dress modestly and such.
But Gayla, what about keeping kosher, and all that other stuff?
We are still keeping kosher in the house. Well - Kosher-Style. I don't always buy kosher meat but we still do separate milk and meat. The person who was supposed to contact me about kashering my kitchen never did contact me and I don't have their contact information, so I sort of dropped it. The rabbi I was working with seems to have forgotten we exist, as he no longer responds to e-mails, nor has he sent any e-mails to see where we're at since before the High Holy Days. So, we've scaled back the kosherness of our home. As I said, we still keep kosher - we don't eat pork or shellfish in the house. I'm more lenient when it comes to pizza - but if the kids want meat on their pizza, it gets eaten off a paper plate. Milk/meat mixture recipes are still prepared with soy instead of cow's milk, as I still won't mix milk and meat, but for the most part, we're much more lenient when it comes to what food is coming into our home. I certainly won't accept someone bringing, say, pork rinds as a snack, but other than that, we're more lax - somewhat.
Shabbos is still important to me, and even though I'm working full time now and can't leave early on Friday night, I light the candles, even if it's late, and now that it's winter (snow has fallen, it's winter. I don't care what the calendar says), it's chicken soup weather, so my slow cooker is getting a good workout with the long work hours - chicken soup gets readied Thursday night (I prep the veggies, and make sure there is chicken in the fridge to put in the pot in the morning) then Friday morning, I toss in the chicken, water, salt and pepper and my other secret ingredients, and I put it in the slow cooker for the day. It's hot and ready when I get home. I've bought some frozen challahs because I haven't had a chance to make any fresh on my own - still trying to figure out my new schedule - and if I remember to take one out of the freezer, we also have a fresh, hot challah for Shabbos, as well. Otherwise, I send Matthew a desparate text message that I forgot to take the challah out and can he please run to the bakery and get one for our table.
But, Gayla, if Shabbos is still important to you, why are you driving, watching TV, using the computer, etc?
Because, to be completely honest, I was tired of fighting with my family. My husband works Saturdays, and that's not going to change. My children have pushed back against not using electronics on Saturdays since I tried to institute it - and I think I was incredibly fair. The main floor was the "Shabbos Floor" where no electronics were used. If they wanted to play their DS or watch TV, they could do so upstairs, or in the basement. That lasted about a year. When you're the only one in the household who is attempting to live a kosher lifestyle, it's virtually impossible to do so successfully. I felt the support of my family wavering - from my immediate family (husband, kids) to my extended family (parents). My friends were still very supportive - acknowledging that I shouldn't have to drive on Saturdays, and making arrangements for my kids to go on playdates that wouldn't require me to drive them, but it just got too hard to fight against my family all the time. I never told the kids they couldn't go to friends' parties on Saturdays because my children attend a public school and most of the parties are on Saturdays. So I'd be driving those days anyway.
Gayla, are you happy with where you are now?
Yes and no. I would have liked to have continued the way I was going, but the lack of support was just making it too hard. So, I have had to make the adjustments, since no one would adjust to me. I guess you could call it an experiment. My husband is still gung-ho about going to Israel for the girls' B'nei Mitzvot, and that is important to me.
We still give tzedakkah (our charity of choice being Kfar Yeladim David in Jerusalem - a home away from home for Israel's disadvantaged children). We sponsor a child there - Devorah is our "adopted" daughter and we have had the opportunity to meet with the directors both when I was in Israel and through frequent visits from them to Toronto where Team Toronto has worked hard at helping obtain funds and sponsors for the home. I have to give kudos where kudos are due - my friends Dayna Caplan Switzer and Monique Singer have worked tirelessly for KYD by hosting them when they have come to Toronto and bringing more people to listen to what it is that they do for children in Israel.
So, that's pretty much where I'm at
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Why I Am Proud to be a Jew in Canada
And always will be with Stephen Harper as our Prime Minister.
I am not a Conservative and will never vote PC in my riding (or Liberal for that matter) because the local MPs and MPPs agendas are not sympathetic to the good of every group and culture that makes up my riding in Vaughan, but I am supportive of our Foreign Policies brought down by our PC government in Ottawa. Way to go, Mr. Harper and Mr. Baird!!!
[b]OTTAWA -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird delivered a diplomatic bolt from the blue Friday, abruptly and unexpectedly severing ties with Iran, shuttering Canada's embassy there and giving Iranian diplomats in Ottawa five days to get out of the country.
"The Iranian regime has shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel," said Baird, adding that the government on Friday formally listed Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.
"Under the circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran. Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians, and their safety is our No. 1 priority."
Diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran have been growing ever more strained in recent years, but there was no immediately apparent catalyst for the decision to cut off all ties.
And, for good measure, he accused Iran of "routinely" threatening the existence of Israel, engaging in racist anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement to genocide, and called the country "among the world's worst violators of human rights."
"Canada," he said, "views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today."[/b]
This is really just snippets of the article on CP24's iPhone app, but it makes me incredibly proud that not only does the Canadian government consider ye safety of its citizens, it always keeps Israel in mind when making these decisions.
I am not a Conservative and will never vote PC in my riding (or Liberal for that matter) because the local MPs and MPPs agendas are not sympathetic to the good of every group and culture that makes up my riding in Vaughan, but I am supportive of our Foreign Policies brought down by our PC government in Ottawa. Way to go, Mr. Harper and Mr. Baird!!!
[b]OTTAWA -- Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird delivered a diplomatic bolt from the blue Friday, abruptly and unexpectedly severing ties with Iran, shuttering Canada's embassy there and giving Iranian diplomats in Ottawa five days to get out of the country.
"The Iranian regime has shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel," said Baird, adding that the government on Friday formally listed Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.
"Under the circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran. Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians, and their safety is our No. 1 priority."
Diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran have been growing ever more strained in recent years, but there was no immediately apparent catalyst for the decision to cut off all ties.
And, for good measure, he accused Iran of "routinely" threatening the existence of Israel, engaging in racist anti-Semitic rhetoric and incitement to genocide, and called the country "among the world's worst violators of human rights."
"Canada," he said, "views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today."[/b]
This is really just snippets of the article on CP24's iPhone app, but it makes me incredibly proud that not only does the Canadian government consider ye safety of its citizens, it always keeps Israel in mind when making these decisions.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
A Bit of a Double Standard?
If the Olympics have taught me one thing this year it's how intolerant people are of one another. I say this with a sweeping generality.
Stories from these Games keep coming out. I think these Games may be the most historical. Especially in terms of intolerance.
This years' Games feature female athletes (or is it 'athlete'?) from Saudi Arabia. Not a country known for its reverence towards women. I posted about the athlete not being able to wear her hijab during competition. Well, in true bureaucratic style, the IJF backed down and agreed on a mutually agreed upon head covering.
And female beach volleyball participants were told that they could opt to wear long sleeves when competing in case they feel that they may be "too cold" with London's weather. I've been to London in August. It's hot! Many people say its to appease Islamic men because normally, beach volleyball is played in bikinis.
Now, I'm not condoning Islam in any way. But I got to thinking about some parallels between Orthodox women and Islamic women and wonder why there is so much of a uproar about Islamic men and some and their "backwards ways". Is there not a bit of a double standard?
Islamic women are expected to dress modestly and cover their hair.
So are Orthodox women.
Islamic women are not to meet with men who are not their husbands alone.
Neither are Orthodox women, really.
Islamic women may not touch another man who is not her husband, brother or father.
Neither may Orthodox women.
Now, contrasts I know about are that in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.
As far as I know, that is not a restriction placed on Orthodox women except on Shabbos and Yom Tov. When observant is supposed to drive.
Islamic women have limited access to higher education.
I believe Mayim Bialik, a prominent actress and observant Jewish woman, also holds a degree in neuroscience. So clearly, educational advancement is encouraged. Or at least, not denied or frowned upon.
These are merely a few examples and a very basic and generalized list. Please feel free to respectfully correct any misinformation I may be disseminating.
Stories from these Games keep coming out. I think these Games may be the most historical. Especially in terms of intolerance.
This years' Games feature female athletes (or is it 'athlete'?) from Saudi Arabia. Not a country known for its reverence towards women. I posted about the athlete not being able to wear her hijab during competition. Well, in true bureaucratic style, the IJF backed down and agreed on a mutually agreed upon head covering.
And female beach volleyball participants were told that they could opt to wear long sleeves when competing in case they feel that they may be "too cold" with London's weather. I've been to London in August. It's hot! Many people say its to appease Islamic men because normally, beach volleyball is played in bikinis.
Now, I'm not condoning Islam in any way. But I got to thinking about some parallels between Orthodox women and Islamic women and wonder why there is so much of a uproar about Islamic men and some and their "backwards ways". Is there not a bit of a double standard?
Islamic women are expected to dress modestly and cover their hair.
So are Orthodox women.
Islamic women are not to meet with men who are not their husbands alone.
Neither are Orthodox women, really.
Islamic women may not touch another man who is not her husband, brother or father.
Neither may Orthodox women.
Now, contrasts I know about are that in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle.
As far as I know, that is not a restriction placed on Orthodox women except on Shabbos and Yom Tov. When observant is supposed to drive.
Islamic women have limited access to higher education.
I believe Mayim Bialik, a prominent actress and observant Jewish woman, also holds a degree in neuroscience. So clearly, educational advancement is encouraged. Or at least, not denied or frowned upon.
These are merely a few examples and a very basic and generalized list. Please feel free to respectfully correct any misinformation I may be disseminating.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
A Minute For Munich.
Yesterday was the opening of the Olympic Summer Games in London, England. It was also the 40th anniversary of the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Games in 1972. Across the world, leaders, citizens and journalists plead with the IOC to honour those athletes with one minute of silence during the Opening Ceremonies. Sixty seconds.
The IOC - Dr. Jacques Rogge in particular - refused. Sure, he held a moment of silence at the signing of the Olympic Truce in Olympic Village, but to honour the murdered athletes for all the world to acknowledge? No.
Many question why? In some cases, people agree that the photo that is circulating around Facebook right now of Dr. Rogge wearing a Palestine Olympic scarf may be the reason. It has been suggested that Dr. Rogge was a supporter of Hitler, a known anti-Semite and clearly a Palestine-supporter. (Palestine - that fictional country that actually has a team competing at London!)
Dr. Rogge says the Games are not the place to launch a political agenda. In saying this, and by denying the Israeli athletes a mere minute, he has done just that.
But don't think this went unnoticed.
Bob Costas, covering the Games for NBC made his feelings known to his audience.
As the Israelis marched behind flag-bearer Shahar Zubari, Costas said the London Games marked the 40th anniversary of the Munich tragedy.
“There have been calls from a number of quarters for the IOC to acknowledge that, with a moment of silence at some point in tonight’s ceremony. The IOC denied that request, noting it had honored the victims on other occasions. And in fact, this week (IOC president) Jacques Rogge led a moment of silence before about 100 people in the Athletes’ Village,” Costas said. “Still, for many, tonight, with the world watching, is the true time and place to remember those who were lost, and how they died.”
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/olympics-2012/nbc-bob-costas-chides-international-olympic-committee-failing-recognize-munich-tragedy-article-1.1123759#ixzz21yeYRUrM
CTV's Olympic Correspondent, Brian Williams, Was even more vocal, by not shying away from the truth of the deaths of the athletes. Bob Costas made no mention even remotely close to their deaths being from murder. As far as anyone knew, they may have just dropped dead of their own accord.
Brian Williams, however, said the following:
As Israel prepares to enter, my position is well known. It is one that I have taken at previous Olympics. It is wrong that the IOC refuses to have a minute's silence for Israeli athletes that were slaughtered in Munich."
Williams, of course, was referring to the murder of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympics.
"It is a much bigger issue this year, as it's the 40th anniversary of Munich. Members of the Canadian government, yesterday, our Governor General, all calling for a moment's silence. Dr Rogge (Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC) says the ceremony is not the place to remember a tragic event, but, uh, it's tragic, however, it's one of the most significant and world changing events in Olympic history. It absolutely should have been done here. The IOC worries about politics. This event is political by its very nature."
His co-Correspondant, Lisa LaFlamme neither agreed, nor refuted her co-Correspondant. In fact, the following is unofficial transcript of the ceremony:
Lisa LaFlamme: The widow of one of the victims spoke out saying 'they came with dreams, they went home in coffins.' They want to be remembered here tonight.
Brian Williams: And remember - they died as Olympians.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs applauded Brian and Lisa for their courage and passionate stand. As do I.
And, as if to add insult to injury, the IOC, or the London Olympic Committee (I'm not clear which) held a tribute to those involved in preparing for the London Games who had lost a family member in the past year.
Below, is a list fatalities
The IOC - Dr. Jacques Rogge in particular - refused. Sure, he held a moment of silence at the signing of the Olympic Truce in Olympic Village, but to honour the murdered athletes for all the world to acknowledge? No.
Many question why? In some cases, people agree that the photo that is circulating around Facebook right now of Dr. Rogge wearing a Palestine Olympic scarf may be the reason. It has been suggested that Dr. Rogge was a supporter of Hitler, a known anti-Semite and clearly a Palestine-supporter. (Palestine - that fictional country that actually has a team competing at London!)
Dr. Rogge says the Games are not the place to launch a political agenda. In saying this, and by denying the Israeli athletes a mere minute, he has done just that.
But don't think this went unnoticed.
Bob Costas, covering the Games for NBC made his feelings known to his audience.
As the Israelis marched behind flag-bearer Shahar Zubari, Costas said the London Games marked the 40th anniversary of the Munich tragedy.
“There have been calls from a number of quarters for the IOC to acknowledge that, with a moment of silence at some point in tonight’s ceremony. The IOC denied that request, noting it had honored the victims on other occasions. And in fact, this week (IOC president) Jacques Rogge led a moment of silence before about 100 people in the Athletes’ Village,” Costas said. “Still, for many, tonight, with the world watching, is the true time and place to remember those who were lost, and how they died.”
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/olympics-2012/nbc-bob-costas-chides-international-olympic-committee-failing-recognize-munich-tragedy-article-1.1123759#ixzz21yeYRUrM
CTV's Olympic Correspondent, Brian Williams, Was even more vocal, by not shying away from the truth of the deaths of the athletes. Bob Costas made no mention even remotely close to their deaths being from murder. As far as anyone knew, they may have just dropped dead of their own accord.
Brian Williams, however, said the following:
As Israel prepares to enter, my position is well known. It is one that I have taken at previous Olympics. It is wrong that the IOC refuses to have a minute's silence for Israeli athletes that were slaughtered in Munich."
Williams, of course, was referring to the murder of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympics.
"It is a much bigger issue this year, as it's the 40th anniversary of Munich. Members of the Canadian government, yesterday, our Governor General, all calling for a moment's silence. Dr Rogge (Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC) says the ceremony is not the place to remember a tragic event, but, uh, it's tragic, however, it's one of the most significant and world changing events in Olympic history. It absolutely should have been done here. The IOC worries about politics. This event is political by its very nature."
His co-Correspondant, Lisa LaFlamme neither agreed, nor refuted her co-Correspondant. In fact, the following is unofficial transcript of the ceremony:
Lisa LaFlamme: The widow of one of the victims spoke out saying 'they came with dreams, they went home in coffins.' They want to be remembered here tonight.
Brian Williams: And remember - they died as Olympians.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs applauded Brian and Lisa for their courage and passionate stand. As do I.
And, as if to add insult to injury, the IOC, or the London Olympic Committee (I'm not clear which) held a tribute to those involved in preparing for the London Games who had lost a family member in the past year.
Below, is a list fatalities
- Shot during the initial break-in
- Moshe Weinberg (wrestling coach)
- Yossef Romano (weightlifter)
- Shot and killed by grenade in helicopter D-HAQO
- D-HAQO was the eastern helicopter.
- According to the order in which they were seated, from left to right:
- Ze'ev Friedman (weightlifter)
- David Berger (weightlifter)
- Yakov Springer (weightlifting judge)
- Eliezer Halfin (wrestler)
- Shot in helicopter D-HAQU
- D-HAQU was the western helicopter.
- According to the order in which they were seated, from left to right:
- Yossef Gutfreund (wrestling referee)
- Kehat Shorr (shooting coach)
- Mark Slavin (wrestler)
- Andre Spitzer (fencing coach)
- Amitzur Shapira (track coach)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People (or, stop blaming the victims)
This post has little to do with my kosher journey but it is important to discuss.
Everyone is taking about the shooting in Aurora, Colorado at the midnight showing of the new Batman movie. One of the biggest, maybe most controversial issues coming out of most posts is the laying of blame on victims of this tragedy.
Among the patrons and victims it's been said, were a nine-year-old, a six-year-old and a 3-month-old.
Why were they there!? Because of course, it's their fault.
Why do we blame the victims? Or in this case, the parents of the victims. Why does society feel that it is entitled to add to the grief of the parents whose children were killed at the theatre? I challenge any parent to day they have NEVER had a lapse of judgement. That they have NEVER wanted to do something fun and crazy with their children.
I remember my parents waking me up late at night during a snowstorm to go for a walk in the big fluffy flakes. Does that make them irresponsible. Doubtful and at 38, it's still a fond memory.
Recently we took our nine year old twin girls to the drive-in. One daughter fell asleep during the second movie - the new Spiderman movie. The other stayed up and watched the whole thing. It was 2am before we left. Does that make me an irresponsible parent? I would only have been called such if something tragic had happened.
So maybe we need to stop blaming the victims and their parents. Maybe we need to look into ourselves and ask ourselves why a tragedy like this happened.
Everyone is taking about the shooting in Aurora, Colorado at the midnight showing of the new Batman movie. One of the biggest, maybe most controversial issues coming out of most posts is the laying of blame on victims of this tragedy.
Among the patrons and victims it's been said, were a nine-year-old, a six-year-old and a 3-month-old.
Why were they there!? Because of course, it's their fault.
Why do we blame the victims? Or in this case, the parents of the victims. Why does society feel that it is entitled to add to the grief of the parents whose children were killed at the theatre? I challenge any parent to day they have NEVER had a lapse of judgement. That they have NEVER wanted to do something fun and crazy with their children.
I remember my parents waking me up late at night during a snowstorm to go for a walk in the big fluffy flakes. Does that make them irresponsible. Doubtful and at 38, it's still a fond memory.
Recently we took our nine year old twin girls to the drive-in. One daughter fell asleep during the second movie - the new Spiderman movie. The other stayed up and watched the whole thing. It was 2am before we left. Does that make me an irresponsible parent? I would only have been called such if something tragic had happened.
So maybe we need to stop blaming the victims and their parents. Maybe we need to look into ourselves and ask ourselves why a tragedy like this happened.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
It was truly "B'Sheret"
In the Jewish religion we often say that something was "B'Sheret" to say that it was meant to be. Or that it is Hashem's will.
Well, my story of "B'Sheret" happenings follows:
On Shavuot, we were invited to a friend's home for a party. Many women and their families who were on my trip last October were invited and some came. My husband was going to ask if we could skip the party as he was tired from helping his best friend prepare a party for his mother (the friend's mother) which we attended before the ice cream party, and the morning party and services we attended in the morning. But he decided he'd not say anything because he knew I wanted to go.
While there, and while I was chatting with the women, my husband was in the dining room chatting with some of the men. They were talking about their businesses and one gentleman started talking about his HR person and some problems he'd been having. Everyone at the table agreed on what actions he should take. My husband piped up "wait! I have the perfect person for this!!" and asked me to come join them. As an HR student and actively looking for work in the field, and having just finished my employment law course, I was only too happy to help out. I gave him some advice and he then asked to meet with me do he could show me some of the issues that he recorded. We exchanged email addresses and he contacted me immediately. We set up a meeting.
Well, the meeting has happened and the rest, as they say, is "B'Sheret". I start on Tuesday.
***UPDATE*** A technicality of my incomplete but in progress education caused me to not be able to start this job.
Well, my story of "B'Sheret" happenings follows:
On Shavuot, we were invited to a friend's home for a party. Many women and their families who were on my trip last October were invited and some came. My husband was going to ask if we could skip the party as he was tired from helping his best friend prepare a party for his mother (the friend's mother) which we attended before the ice cream party, and the morning party and services we attended in the morning. But he decided he'd not say anything because he knew I wanted to go.
While there, and while I was chatting with the women, my husband was in the dining room chatting with some of the men. They were talking about their businesses and one gentleman started talking about his HR person and some problems he'd been having. Everyone at the table agreed on what actions he should take. My husband piped up "wait! I have the perfect person for this!!" and asked me to come join them. As an HR student and actively looking for work in the field, and having just finished my employment law course, I was only too happy to help out. I gave him some advice and he then asked to meet with me do he could show me some of the issues that he recorded. We exchanged email addresses and he contacted me immediately. We set up a meeting.
Well, the meeting has happened and the rest, as they say, is "B'Sheret". I start on Tuesday.
***UPDATE*** A technicality of my incomplete but in progress education caused me to not be able to start this job.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
There's an App(ropriate) Prayer for That
So, I recently purchased a new car. (Ok. My husband bought me a new car - with our money, so, We bought me a new car?)
I asked my friend Ruchi, who blogs over at "Out of the Ortho Box", and who is a Rebbetzin that I admire and was my bus leader on my trip to Israel, whether there is a prayer for a new car.
Her response was "Of course there is!!" and then she proceeded to tell me the prayer.
Amazing. There is a prayer for everything.
I asked my friend Ruchi, who blogs over at "Out of the Ortho Box", and who is a Rebbetzin that I admire and was my bus leader on my trip to Israel, whether there is a prayer for a new car.
Her response was "Of course there is!!" and then she proceeded to tell me the prayer.
Amazing. There is a prayer for everything.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Things I miss since being Kosher... And some I don't
I was thinking about this the other day. There are a few food items that I do miss since becoming Kosher.
Bacon. I miss fatty juicy pork bacon. Yes I can find substitutes, but it's not the same.
Cheeseburgers. Especially bacon cheeseburgers. Again, there are substitutes, but they're not the same either.
Lobster. I didn't eat it much in my pre-kosher life, but I still miss it a bit. Now I understand why there are kosher versions.
What I don't miss... Shrimp. The one thing I thought I'd miss, I don't. There is a kosher version. And they're just fine.
I've learned how to kosherize some of my recipes, and having a dairy allergy makes it a lot easier since I substitute soy milk for regular milk most of the time anyway.
I'm actually surprised at how little I miss since becoming kosher. They're things that are not good for you anyway.
Bacon. I miss fatty juicy pork bacon. Yes I can find substitutes, but it's not the same.
Cheeseburgers. Especially bacon cheeseburgers. Again, there are substitutes, but they're not the same either.
Lobster. I didn't eat it much in my pre-kosher life, but I still miss it a bit. Now I understand why there are kosher versions.
What I don't miss... Shrimp. The one thing I thought I'd miss, I don't. There is a kosher version. And they're just fine.
I've learned how to kosherize some of my recipes, and having a dairy allergy makes it a lot easier since I substitute soy milk for regular milk most of the time anyway.
I'm actually surprised at how little I miss since becoming kosher. They're things that are not good for you anyway.
Shabbos in the Sunny South
So, we're on holiday and staying with my inlaws. They are not kosher and not shomer Shabbos. How are we going to do this? Well, for starters, we aren't quite shomer Shabbos, so we won't enforce the rules with the kids. The main tv is in the room my Matthew and I are sleeping in, so it'll likely be on. While they are doing that, I will likely read - I brought my tehillim and I have other reading books. Tomorrow, by the pool, I'll read instead of doing crosswords. I am making challah this morning, with my mother in law, who has never made challah before and I'll make soup. Dinner will be easy - a precooked chicken, some roasted potatoes, salad, etc.
Tomorrow will be a relaxing day, sitting by the pool and whatever.
Shabbat shalom everyone!!!
Tomorrow will be a relaxing day, sitting by the pool and whatever.
Shabbat shalom everyone!!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Power of Prayer
Today, for the first time ever on this journey, I made the commitment to say the Shmonei Esrei after I dropped the girls off at school. I said it in English this time because my Hebrew is rusty and I had an appointment to get to.
I said the whole thing. Did the bowing and the knee bending and the chest thumping. And as I got further and further into the prayer this incredible sense of peace came over me. The words started to feel like they were coming from my heart and my soul, and not just my mouth.
My understanding is that after you pray, you are supposed to kiss your book before returning it to where you keep it. So I did. Without thinking. Because it seemed right to do.
I said the whole thing. Did the bowing and the knee bending and the chest thumping. And as I got further and further into the prayer this incredible sense of peace came over me. The words started to feel like they were coming from my heart and my soul, and not just my mouth.
My understanding is that after you pray, you are supposed to kiss your book before returning it to where you keep it. So I did. Without thinking. Because it seemed right to do.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
I must have missed that class
Apparently, when you become more religious, you suddenly know ALL the prayers for all the holidays all the time. At least that is the attitude I encountered this past Hanukah by none other than my own sister.
We were at my parents and lighting the menorah. We said the prayer over the candles and then my sister said "isn't there another prayer?" I kept quiet because yes, there is, but I couldn't remember it. She then turned to me and said "you're religious now. What's the other prayer?"
I must have missed the class in which every supplemental prayer would have been downloaded directly into my brain, cross referenced by holiday and transliterated for those who hadn't had Hebrew v1.0 installed yet.
It's frustrating that my own family would take that attitude towards my journey. To be fair, I grew up Reform. Maybe even Ultra-Reform. We attended shul for Erev Rosh Hashanah, the first day, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur and any bnai mitzvot that interfered with our regular weekend activities. That was it. We didn't keep kosher, drove on Shabbos, I attended Jew Jail (aka Hebrew School) two nights a week and my sister and I both attended Sunday Jew Jail (aka Religious School). I had a Bat Mitzvah. And that pretty much ended my Jewish growth until recently (as referenced at the start of this blog).
So my family not quite being on board with my personal journey is not really surprising. But the cutting comments are getting to be a bit much.
Any suggestions on how to counter such comments? The only thing I could come up with in answer to my sister's comment was "you don't automatically learn all the prayers. I can't remember the second one."
We were at my parents and lighting the menorah. We said the prayer over the candles and then my sister said "isn't there another prayer?" I kept quiet because yes, there is, but I couldn't remember it. She then turned to me and said "you're religious now. What's the other prayer?"
I must have missed the class in which every supplemental prayer would have been downloaded directly into my brain, cross referenced by holiday and transliterated for those who hadn't had Hebrew v1.0 installed yet.
It's frustrating that my own family would take that attitude towards my journey. To be fair, I grew up Reform. Maybe even Ultra-Reform. We attended shul for Erev Rosh Hashanah, the first day, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur and any bnai mitzvot that interfered with our regular weekend activities. That was it. We didn't keep kosher, drove on Shabbos, I attended Jew Jail (aka Hebrew School) two nights a week and my sister and I both attended Sunday Jew Jail (aka Religious School). I had a Bat Mitzvah. And that pretty much ended my Jewish growth until recently (as referenced at the start of this blog).
So my family not quite being on board with my personal journey is not really surprising. But the cutting comments are getting to be a bit much.
Any suggestions on how to counter such comments? The only thing I could come up with in answer to my sister's comment was "you don't automatically learn all the prayers. I can't remember the second one."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)