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OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

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Your Weekly Magazine

MAYA MORENO: "We decide, it's in our hands" pp.16-17

VIEWPOINT

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YORAM ETTINGER: Israel and the US Ben Gurion's example pp. 20-21

No2 | Shvat 3, 5774 | January 4, 2014

‫"וְ ָל ְק חּו ִמ ן הַ ָדּם וְ נָתְ נּו עַ ל ְשׁתֵ ּי‬ "...‫הַ ְמּזּו ֹז ת וְ עַ ל הַ מַ ְּשׁק ֹו ף‬ )'‫ ז‬,'‫(שמות יב‬ ISE · E

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Editorial

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Raid against France

By Avraham Azoulay In recent days, the Jews of Europe, in general, and of France, in particular, have been talking about only one thing on numerous social networks.

No, it’s not Iran or Syria, nor winter holidays, nor John Kerry’s obsessive desire to register a victory in the diplomatic arena at Israel’s expense, or even the storm hovering over the Obama household. No, it is solely about Dieudonné’s famous "quenelle"… I imagine that most of you are looking confused. French comedian Dieudonné launched a morbid "fashion" that has now taken hold of the Old Continent – a gesture known as "la quenelle" which represents a reversed Nazi salute. The trouble is that the outward expression of rabid anti-Semitism is garnering more and more disciples and the Jews of France are regularly being subjected to insults, intimidation, humiliation and racist attacks… leading directly to massacres, such as that in Toulouse, and the murder of Ilan Halimi… massacres for which, indirectly, people such as Dieudonné and his friends share a great deal of responsibility.

It is against this bleak atmosphere that the Israeli press, via Maariv, announced on its front pages that the Israeli government plans to introduce a program specially designed to encourage the aliya of tens of thousands of French Jews over the next three years. The goal is to double the number of new olim each year: 6000 in 2014, 12,000 in 2015 and 24,000 in 2016…

But why have those two former members of the elite commando unit, Sayeret Matkal, Bibi and Bennett, the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, suddenly interested themselves in this commando operation against France? Is it related to our parasha which recounts the first geula, the Exodus from Egypt? Or is it because of the fact that thousands of French Jews fled to London, Canada and the U.S. in the last year, while only 3000 came to Israel? And why so few?

The government plans to introduce measures to radically facilitate the integration of new immigrants, such as easing the procedures for recognizing French medical and tax consultant diplomas, as currently offered to Anglo-Saxon immigrants.

The government will also offer subsidies to entrepreneurs to help open their subsidiaries in Israel. It also plans to introduce programs for youth to enable young French Jews to discover Israel.

It would seem that this "red carpet" operation aims to extend a hand first and foremost to those who are most threatened by anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism… The skipper of the boat is already casting his eyes in other directions where evil is rife… Europe is being invaded by a growing wave of anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist hatred.

We will all be there to encourage aliya, but let us not forget to also encourage integration by becoming not French or English speaking immigrants but, very quickly, Israelis of European origin.

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Editor's Notes

Would someone please stand up?

T h e p a s t weeks have seen thwarted terrorist attacks, increased rocket fire on multiple borders and perhaps most painfully of all, yet another r o u n d o f releasing terrorists for no reason.

One cannot imagine the pain of the bereaved families, who have had their case rejected by the Supreme Court, cried in committee hearings having to contend with a hostile media.

The theme of this edition deals with overcoming adversity, finding clarity in the chaos, and seeing how being Jewish can help us overcome such problems as individuals and as a nation.

I am especially pleased to welcome in

this edition: Yoram Ettinger, a former ambassador and respected academic and demographer, who reminds us of a paradigm of leadership inexplicably rare in our days.

It seems to me that fewer and fewer of our leaders, elected or otherwise, hold a certain respect for the general public. There is a word in Latin that is impossible to be rendered into any other language: gravitas, the mere presence associated with the ability to reach others with oratorical prowess and effective communication skills.

We used to have such leaders like: Jabotinsky, Ben Gurion and still in the popular consciousness, Menachem Begin. People who could hold forth and the rest of us would listen even if we vehemently disagreed; the strength of their personality and belief in the cause made us take stock of the validity of our positions.

What we seek most is a leader whose sincerity and political position we respect even if we disagree. Living in a dream world? Perhaps, but there is precious little logic in this part of the world.

Shabbat Shalom!

David Gross Editor-in-Chief, LPH – Your Weekly Magazine

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On the spot

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vercoming Adversity – does being Jewish help?

Emmanuel Navon Kohelet Policy Forum

Having a purpose in life helps to overcome adversity and, for me, being Jewish means living for a purpose.

After all, the word "Jewish" ("Yehudi" in Hebrew) derives from the name of Judah (Yehuda), who was an example of courage and determination in the face of adversity. Blamed by his brothers for being the cause of Jacob’s sorrow (the idea of selling Joseph was, after all, Judah’s), he left his parents and siblings to found his own family. Judah experienced many hardships; he lost two sons and was humiliated by his daughter-in-law, Tamar.

And when faced with the seemingly hopeless prospect of having his father die of sorrow because of the cruelty of the Egyptian viceroy, Judah gathered the required strength and courage to successfully overcome this trial.

Rene Levy Professor

Yes, it is indeed different for a Jew because Judaism teaches us that we can reach optimal attitudes and results in all sorts of life situations.

The difficulty of a specific challenge, just like the intensity of pain, depends on our perception. Very often, how we perceive the difficulty is determined by how we analyze it and interpret the situation. Faced with the challenge, we ask ourselves questions such as: why? Why me? Why is this happening to me? Having no answers creates pain. Guessing the wrong answer can be worse: for example, the challenge will appear even more difficult if our answer to the "why" question is to victimize ourselves or perceive injustice.

This is not to say the goal is to become a naïve optimist, that all is always for the good, no matter what ….Judaism teaches that we are the sole master our reaction … to any situation; that we can avoid "drowning" in the painful present and are capable of perceiving the long term consequences because we are endowed with an unshakable faith in Hashem’s guidance.

Aviva Ben Rafael Director of Social Work for Lod and Ra’anana

There is at times a dichotomy between the inherent kindness of a person and the distractions and desires of the world, and consequently, concern for the other slips down in the order of one’s priorities. The Mishna famously poses the question, "If, I am for myself

who will be for me?" and then immediately replies, "If I am for myself, what am I?" This interplay allows an individual to acknowledge his abilities, which can serve as a call to action to realise his potential, and move beyond his own ego to help others. By attending to the needs of others, we can transcend our egos, and, consequently, our problems. Above all, when we reach out to others, we can see our own reflection in the other.

Yoni Widlanski Graphic Artist

Being Jewish today is not like being Jewish in ancient times, because being a human being today is completely different. We can see and hear things almost instantaneously from the other side of the planet and even from outer space.

Yet some of the challenges and doubts we face are basically the same: Are we alone? Is there a reason for living? Is G-d there?

In these seemingly sophisticated times, when we are bombarded by so many sources of information and stimulus, is it enough merely to study and practice Torah? Modern Jews do not wander in a desert but in an especially crowded local and global jungle that they must explore while learning to use filters to distinguish between good and evil, between good and bad information.

Michael Rainsbury World Bnei Akiva

In almost every major story in the Torah, we see characters and the Jewish people as a whole overcoming personal and national adversity to achieve success and freedom. Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’akov had difficult family lives, personal dilemmas and illnesses, yet they overcame them. Yosef rose from being a hated brother and an imprisoned slave to becoming the king of Egypt, in all but name. And in the Exodus story, an enslaved, persecuted and downtrodden nation is transformed into a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This theme continues throughout the Tanach, and throughout Jewish history and into modern times. The fundamental lesson we learn is that when faced with adversity, we must believe that a greater good can arise from it and then act on this belief. By identifying with Jewish history and reliving its events during the festivals throughout the year, we come to understand that overcoming adversity is part and parcel of what it means to be Jewish.

Education

Shake Yourself Free!

Dr Michaël Aboulafia Child Psychiatrist Teacher at Machon Meir

You are not measured by your past, but by your future… At the age of adolescence, you begin to build your future. You do not change that much. You do not become another person, but you are able to develop greater depth, to be who you are with heightened inner strength, more confidence, stronger faith, and a greater capacity to love. You are not stuck in the past… What was, is no more. Past transgressions, for instance, no longer count if you are ready to change.

"Shake yourself free; rise up from the dust!" and do not remain stuck in the past. Guilt feelings are good for the lazy

and provide livelihoods for therapists, but they are inconsequential. When you go through a difficult experience and feel negative emotions, do not dwell on them – that is the Christian approach. A person who remains stuck in the past is like an addict… You are at an age of hope, when you are drafting a new image of your life that will pull you through and give you the opportunity to fulfill yourself.

The more you fill yourself with images that are superficial and Internetfocused, the more you will feel empty, bored and depressed. The more you fill yourself with images of holiness and of a meaningful autonomous,

independent, vigorous life, the more you will feel secure in the goodness that G-d planted in you. Ours is a generation that is shaking off the past while learning from the past in order to create, experience and renew our lives. Just as G-d in his goodness renews creation every day, so we too have the ability to create a new reality at every moment.

We can do this by broadening our perspective, thereby changing the image of ourselves, of our parents, of our people, and of G-d. The more this image is positive, deep and meaningful, the more it will be fruitful and healing.

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Parasha: Summary

Parashat Bo Dr Michel Bensoussan

Summary Three plagues remain to be inflicted on Egypt before the people of Israel can leave Egypt, and all this will take place in our parasha. God asks Moshe to come (Bo) to Pharaoh and convince him to let Israel go, otherwise the country will be invaded by locusts. God once again hardens Pharaoh’s heart and he refuses.

Following the plague of the locusts, a heavy darkness falls over Egypt and then the last plague is inflicted: the death of the Egyptian firstborn sons begins at midnight, the night of the exodus from Egypt. But, beforehand, God explains to Moshe that this time, contrary to the preceding plagues, the people of Israel must take an active role in order to be spared!

Moshe thus receives the first mitzva of the Torah: on the first of the month, when the moon begins to reappear, the people must sanctify Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of each

new month. And this month, which will later be given the name of Nissan, is also referred to as the first month of the Hebrew year. Then, beginning on the 10th of the month, they are to take a lamb and keep it until the celebrated night of the 14th. Only then, will they sacrifice it, roast it and eat it with matzot. Most of the commandments related to the festival of Pesach are elaborated here. "Pesach" means that God "passed over" the houses of Israel without striking them. All the Egyptian firstborns are killed.

This selective demarcation, house by house, during the tenth plaque, defines the people of Israel. Only those who participated actively on this night, smearing their doors with the paschal blood, are spared and delivered. As was promised to their forefather, Abraham, the people leave Egypt enriched, taking gold, silver and garments from the Egyptians. The Parasha ends with the text "Kadesh li kol bekhor," which is also inscribed (along with the text of Shema Yisrael) on the parchment that is placed in our phylacteries (tefillin). It contains several laws: the sanctification of the firstborn, the eternal remembrance of the exodus from Egypt, the festival of Pessah, and the mitzvah of tefillin.

Reflections on the Title "Bo" means "go" to Pharaoh. Or rather "come"! It suggests that God

dwelt in the heart of Pharaoh, who was asking Moshe to deepen his knowledge of the Divine Presence in the world. The plagues, indeed, seem to instruct not only the Egyptians and all the nations, but also the Hebrews themselves. If our Sages divided the ten plagues into two parashot, the preceding one covering seven plagues and the current one three, it was perhaps because at this point, we crossed a boundary in our perception of divinity through history in the making. Furthermore, the numerical value of "Bo" is three!

The Cabbalists, who divided the perception of divinity into ten spheres (sefirot) also divided these sefirot into two groups: a group of seven, those nearest to our understanding, and a second, more elevated, group of three. The title of our parasha, "Bo," is therefore most apt. "Come!" Draw even closer to the knowledge of God. The term derives from the word "Bia" which is used in the Torah to describe the union of man and woman. The ten plagues, like the ten words of the creation of the world and the Ten Commandments, represent a gradual revelation of the Divine Presence. The parasha thus deals with the climactic phase of this revelation: deliverance and the Exodus from Egypt!

Haftara

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Shabbat Bo (Jeremiah 46:13) This week’s haftara reminds us of last week’s haftara from the Book o f Yech ezke l . E gy pt ’s d efe at i s recounted in these two haftarot, which correspond to the ten plagues described in the two parashiot.

Indeed, following the destruction of the First Temple, these two prophets were contemporary witnesses to the great world shakeup that ensued from the battle between the two superpowers, Babylon and Egypt, and the crushing victory of the former over the latter.

In these times, the Kingdom of Yehudah was small in size, but still great in quality. Our prophets teach us how Israel should view this type of confrontation between two powers that claim world dominance: "Fear

Rav Shmuel Behar Researcher,Talmudic Institute "Halacha Berura"

not thou, oh my Servant Jacob, said the Eternal, for I am with you." These cosmic clashes should not frighten us, for they do not concern us directly.

We must know, above all, that God is with us and we must, therefore, not seek an alliance with either one of the parties for fear of being swallowed by the other. We must know how to be faithful to ourselves and trust in the God of the universe as He moves the pieces on his chess-board.

The continuation of the verse seems to be a paradox: "For I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven you, but I will not make a full end of you. I will correct you in measure, but will not utterly destroy you." In contrast to empires that fall and disappear completely, Israel will

be punished for its transgressions, but will never disappear. Yet, if we then fear the punishment, this contradicts the beginning of the verse!

To resolve this apparent contradiction, we maintain that the sufferings of Israel are never punishments. They are a means to raise us to a higher moral level. In this context, this level is reflected by the perfect calm of a person who trusts in G-d. And therefore: "I consider your eventual refusal to trust in me as lack of faith, which is not fitting to you. You will be in danger of suffering until you succeed in reaching this level." shmouba@gmail.com

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Torah

Freedom…

Not Only of Worship

After the plague of darkness, the negotiations regarding the exodus from Egypt between Moshe and Pharaoh were renewed (Shemot 10:24-26). Pharaoh was prepared to allow the women and children to join the men in a religious festival in the desert, but he would not allow the people to take their flocks. Moshe responded that B'nei Yisrael must be allowed to bring all of their animals (along with a fair share of Pharaoh’s animals). We need to understand whether this was just a financial

An important lesson for generations is that the nature of liberation, certainly of the final one, is that it is a gradual process negotiation, or whether something deeper was involved here.

After Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart, there was short exchange between the two in which Pharaoh said: "I will not continue to see your face," and Moshe agreed that indeed that would be the case (Shemot 10:28-29). We should notice that until

this point Moshe had never asked for complete freedom. Even at the burning bush, he had been instructed to tell Pharaoh to allow the people to journey into the desert to offer sacrifices (Shemot 3:16-18). Moshe repeated this request when he first went to Pharaoh (Shemot 5:1-3) and after the plague of wild beasts (arov) (Shemot 8:23), while Pharaoh repeated his various responses. Only after the plague of darkness did Moshe say that they would "not leave a hoof."

Let us put things in perspective.

Moshe had originally requested freedom of religion, which could be expressed through participation in a festival or an offering to Hashem.

The offering that B'nei Yisrael were supposed to make was against the Egyptian religion and, therefore, they had to go a few days’ journey into the desert. Had Pharaoh agreed, B'nei Yisrael would have been acting under the auspices of Pharaoh, and even Moshe would have been incorporated into the Egyptian political apparatus in one way or another. He would have been one of those who "sees the face of the king" (a phrase we find in other courts in the Tanach – see Esther 1:14). In the argument that developed after the plague of darkness, Pharaoh warned Moshe that if he continued on his path, he would no longer see

Rav Yosef Carmel Rosh Kollel Eretz Chemdah

the face of the king. In other words, he warned Moshe that he would be breaking ties with Egypt and would have to take responsibility for the Israelites, with all that it would entail.

When Moshe responded, "Indeed, I will not continue to see your face," he was declaring that he was ready to make a full break from Pharaoh and was demanding independence.

The idea of a break from Egypt was not something that only Pharaoh considered a threat. B'nei Yisrael also had to get used to the idea. Time and time again, when trouble arose (including the danger that lead to the splitting of the sea – Shemot 14:13), they complained to Moshe that he had taken them out of Egypt and into the desert. Indeed, a quick and complete separation was not easy for them either.

A n i m p o r ta nt l e s s o n fo r eve r y generation is that the nature of liberation, certainly of the final one, is that it is a gradual process. Even in Egypt, where it ended quickly, it was a process in which not only Pharaoh but also B'nei Yisrael had to get used to the idea – one stage at a time.

Today, when we are in the midst of the beginning stages of the final redemption, we should remember that we need to proceed step-by-step without trying to take any shortcuts.

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14

Torah

B'nei Yisrael's Role in Yetziat Mitzrayim

I) "That You Should Know (10:2)" Although the third and final makot group began with barad (hail- 9:13), Parashat Bo begins with the second of the group- arbeh (locusts) in order to highlight the new goal emphasized

‌it was the Jews who would have to free themselves from their emotional enslavement

by Hashem when introducing it.

Throughout Parashat Va'era, Hashem spoke of proving His existence and power to Par'oh and the Egyptians.

Parashat Bo, though, from its first pesukim (10:2), focuses on convincing the Jewish people.

Hashem had initially intended to skip the other makot and proceed immediately with makat bechorot and the exodus it generated, but was forced by Jewish hesitance to use the other nine makot to prepare them first. Although Hashem could have easily convinced Pharaoh, or, in actuality allowed Pharaoh to be convinced, to physically free the Jews, it was the Jews who would have to free themselves from their emotional enslavement. In contrast to the makot which transpired without Jewish support, their survival through makat bechorot and subsequent exodus hinged on their belief in and devotion to Hashem.

II) Testing Faith and Devotion This belief and devotion was tested in a number of ways. First off, Bnei Yisreal were told to ask their Egyptian masters to 'lend' them their gold and silver vessels(11:1-2)."

Rav Reuven Taragin Dean of Overseas Students, Yeshivat Hakotel

Although a slave's requesting this from his master would generally be viewed as dangerously unthinkable, B'nei Yisrael were required to trust that G-d would cause them "to be seen favorably by the Egyptians (11:9)."

B'nei Yisrael's initiative was demanded on a second, more significant planethe Korban Pesach. The insertion of the Korban Pesach commandment (12:1-28) between the prophecy concerning makat b'chorot (Perek 11) and its occurrence (12:29-36) links it to the plague. B'nei Yisrael's observance of the Pesach laws were a pre-requisite for their survival through plague. Only homes marked with the Paschal blood were spared the bechorot devastation (12:13)."

M a ka t B e c h o ro t wa s b o t h t h e straw that broke the Egyptian's back and the means through which the Jews identified themselves as G-d's "firstborn." At midnight all of Egypt realised that despite the

15 Jew's residence in Egypt, they were indeed an independent people; the daylight exodus merely realised what had already been illustrated clearly the preceding night. G-d identified this aspect of makat b'chorot as its goal- while the Egyptians would be shrieking, not even a dog's bark would be heard in the Jewish neighborhoods so that all could distinguish G-d's people from the Egyptians (11:7)."

Although G-d had distinguished between Egyptian and Jew during the previous plagues, makat b'chorot's distinction was rooted in B'nei Yisrael's identifying initiative. Each home had to offer the Korban Pesach and use its blood to label itself. Only the bechorot of these marked homes were spared.

I n a d d i ti o n t o t h e i d e n ti f y i n g significance of Korban Pesach, Chazal stressed the faith its fulfillment demanded by depicting a discussion between Moshe and B'nei Yisrael: "B'nei Yisrael- Can we possibly slaughter the Egyptian G-d (sheep- see 8:22) without endangering ourselves?

Moshe- The miracle G-d will perform by protecting you from the Egyptians will signify the greater miracles to come (Mechilta D'Rebbe Yishmael 12:6)."

Chazal added that the requirement to designate the sheep four days before its slaughter aimed to alert the Egyptians to Jewish intentions.

The korban could be offered only by one who had developed complete bitachon (confidence) in Hashem and His representative.

III) Exodus and the Korban Pesach The faith demanded by the korban explains the insertion of the second presentation of its laws (12:43-50) within the framework of the exodus narrative. The Torah encloses the unit within the story by positioning it between two parallel pesukim: "Vay'hi miketz sh'loshim shana v'arba mei'ot shana vay'hi b'etzem hayom hazeh "Vay'hi b'etzem hayom hazeh yatz'u kol tzivot Hashem hotzi Hashem et B'nei Yisrael mei'eretz Mitzrayim (12:41)." "‌ mei'eretz Mitzrayim al tzivotam (12:51)."

Pasuk 51's recap of the Exodus incorporates the sacrificial laws as an integral part of the narrative.

The verb root shamar (s,m,r) reinforces the linkage between the narrative and

the sacrificial law units by appearing in each of the two: "V'yikchu lahem seh l'veit avot, "leil shimurim hu laHashem . . .v ' h a y a l a c h e m l ' m i s h m e r e t l'hotziam mei'eretz Mitzrayim (12:3-6)." hu halayla hazeh shimurim l'chol B'nei Yisroel... (12:42)."

The connection is reinforced by the juxtaposition of the last pasuk of the sacrificial section and the summary of the narrative (12: 50-1).

The observance (sh'mirah) of the sacrificial laws merited the observer's redemption.

IV) Parshat Kadesh Li (Perek 13)Exodus Commemorated Perek 13, which mandates exodus commemoration, further emphasizes the linkage between the exodus and the Korban Pesach. In contrast to G-d's pasuk long commandment to Moshe, which mandated only the mitzvah of b'chor (13:2), Moshe presented the B'nei Yisrael with fifteen pesukim that included the mitzvot of remembering the exodus (3), the Pesach holiday (4-7), and tefilin (9, 16). Moshe does mention the mitzvah of b'chor, but only after listing the others (12-3).

The relationship between the mitzvah of b'chor and the other mitzvot can be properly understood through an accurate account of the perek's structure. Moshe opens with the inclusive commandment to remember the exodus (3). Indeed, the other mitzvot mentioned fit under this rubric for they are commemorative actions. The perek, though, does not satisfy itself with this general r e l a ti o n s h i p , b u t p r o c e e d s t o delineate very definite associations by presenting two parallel units which both begin by stressing the need to remember the exodus even upon arrival in the Land of Israel: Upon arrival in the Land of Israel, specifically: The future; Commemorative Ceremony; The Ceremony as a basis for telling the story and Tefilin.

Tefilin completes the framework o f b o t h s e c ti o n s b e c a u s e i t , like the introductory pasuk (3), commemorates the "strong arm" displayed by G-d during the actual exodus. The central mitzvot of the two sections, Pesach and b'chor,

co m m e m o rate t h e e ve nt s t h at occurred the night before the exodus.

We commemorate makat b'chorot, as opposed to the other makot, not only due to its relative severity, but also because it demanded Jewish initiative in the form of the Korban Pesach, which, here too, is presented as parallel and prior to makat b'chorot.

Children must be told, not only of G-d's great miracles, but also of the Jewish initiative that merited them The Torah directs fathers to tell children during the seder which climaxes the Korban Pesach reenactment that "ba'avur zeh asah Hashem li b'tzeiti miMitzrayim (13:8)."

Children must be told, not only of G-d's great miracles, but also of the Jewish initiative that merited them.

Only in this way will the exodus not only reinforce emunah (faith), but also inspire and embolden Jews with the bitachon necessary to live their lives according to Hashem's dictates.

1. L e k a c h To v ( 1 2 : 6 ) ; To r a h Sh'leimah (72).

2. See also Ibn Ezra (12:11) who explains that the korban needed to be eaten in haste as an expression of the people belief in an imminent liberation.

3. The root also appears in the section that the describes the laws of future Korbanot Pesach (12:24-5) as well as the other mitzvot related to the holiday (12:17).

4. T h e R a m b a n ex p l a i n s t h a t the "shimur" connotes G-d's anticipation of the night when the B'nei Yisrael would be able to show the initiative necessary to be redeemed.

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Interview

by Guitel Ben-Ishay

Maya Moreno "Despite all the trials, life is beautiful" female audiences, his wife, Maya, recounts her husband’s story, their marriage, the trial of losing him and her remarriage to Eliran Ohana with whom she bore a little girl, Shay (gift). She describes, with palpable emotion, the road she traveled in order to overcome the difficult trial fate handed to her.

Shabbat Reeh, 25 Av 5766, 19 August 2006, Immanuel Moreno was killed in a Sayeret Matkal operation in the Baalbek Valley, even though the second Lebanon War had officially ended. The 35 year-old lieutenantcolonel is considered today one of Israel’s hero. His actions on the ground enabled and still enable the State of Israel to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Forgive me Father, but this morning I cannot give thanks to You; it’s too difficult.

I miss him so much…

Former Sayeret Matkal commander, Herzi Halevy, described Immanuel in these terms: "If the IDF is the best army in the world, and Sayeret Matkal is the best unit in the IDF, and Immanuel is the unit’s best soldier, then Immanuel is the best soldier in the world." A dedicated soldier acknowledged by all, Immanuel was also a loving husband and father of three children. On stage in front of

LPH: You decided to recount your trial on stage. Is this a form of therapy?

Maya Moreno: No, the show is not a form of therapy. I did my therapy well before. It took time. At first, everyone told me: "Fortunately, you have your children. You have a reason to get up in the morning." It was true. But also, because of this, I was not able to mourn immediately. I had to take hold of myself, I had to be strong. So I forgot myself. It was only after a year that I truly began to work on myself and face the Immanuel’s death.

LPH: Was it a difficult decision to expose yourself so intimately on stage?

M.M.: At first, I began with a few texts I had written about Immanuel. It is true that I didn’t feel at ease. I could hear him say: "Maya, I didn’t expect this of you. You know how I dislike being talked about." And this made me even sadder. But when I became pregnant with Shay, I began to write more texts and songs about my life, my story. An extraordinary woman artist, Ruhama Yossef, helped me.

Today, on stage, I am myself, although I know that I am playing a role.

LPH: What exactly do you recount?

M.M.: Everything that I recount

on stage is based on real events. I describe the night that Immanuel left home for the last time. It was harder than usual. As he said goodbye, he pointed to heaven as if to say that it was from there that we had to draw our strength. Then, there was the news of his death and the challenge of how to tell my children. I said to my daughter: "Do you remember when I told you that Shahar’s father was in heaven?" "Yes" "Well, now your father also is in heaven." I cried and my daughter wiped my tears: "So why are you crying, Mummy?" "Because it’s a little sad, isn’t it?" And she answered: "No, Mummy, it’s very sad. But don’t worry. I will be strong like Shahar…"

My presentation to the women who come to hear me is charged with emotion. I also talk about romance and the beauty of our marriage. I speak about optimism, life and joy.

Each show is different because it depends on what happened that day, on the context, and on my own mood.

LPH: How do you explain the strength you found to overcome your trial in this manner?

M.M.: People often tell me that I am an extraordinary woman, but why?

We all have our qualities and our faults. We all project the film of our lives and endow it with a personal dimension. To overcome means to live with one’s own individual story and give it meaning. But also, my present husband greatly encouraged me to go on stage, as did my children. My daughter even came to see me and the evening was good for her.

LPH: How do you build your present and your future when you recount your past every day?

M.M.: I do not turn towards the past all the time. Immanuel is part of my present. My show finishes with a "happy end": my remarriage.

But I also want to say that there is

To overcome means to live with one’s story, our own individual story and give it meaning

not always an "end" nor is it always "happy" in the full sense of the word.

I put the show together during my last pregnancy and the connection was very strong. When my daughter was born, I felt such enormous joy. I did not think I could experience happiness to such an extent. You can be happy and find joy in life even when you live with emptiness as great as the loss of Immanuel. My children call my husband "Daddy." Effectively, there are "two daddies" – one in heaven and one at home. They are both present in their own way. It’s not always easy, but it is our life and we like it as it is.

LPH: What is the reaction of your audience?

M.M.: Since I began to do the show, requests have poured in from across the country. Every evening, I try, through my story, to help people connect to their own stories. The texts and songs bring tears and laughter.

Audiences are very moved. I think this is also due to the intimate nature of the show, which focuses on emuna. I never make any political or religious allusions. At the end of every evening, women come up to hug me and to

speak to me. It’s a very heartwarming and constructive exchange.

LPH: What is the principal message you want to communicate?

M.M.: All of us, each at different levels, have to overcome difficulties and trials. It was very difficult for me. After the shiva for Immanuel, I had no desire for anything. I would take my children to their gan, come home and go to bed until it was time to fetch them. I was shattered. I had no strength left to continue my life.

Then, one day, I had enough of lying in bed. I went out to get some fresh air and I bought new sheets for my children. They were so happy when they saw their beds! I think they were particularly happy to see that their mother was up and about. I understood that something small could change everything. I understood that I had no power over the past, but I could decide how I wanted my life to be, what atmosphere I wanted in my home from that point on. I decided to go forward with the help of God. I would not have had the strength alone. There were also low moments.

Some mornings I would wake up

and find I couldn’t say "Moda ani." I would think, "Forgive me, Father, but this morning I cannot give thanks to You. It’s too difficult; I miss him so

You can be happy and find joy in life even when you live with emptiness as great as the loss of Immanuel much…" Those mornings were part of a process that enabled me to live life fully today and to face my difficulties.

What I want to communicate is that Hashem sends us only trials that we can overcome. The world is beautiful.

We possess the tools to move forward and grow. We do not need anything grandiose. We just need to appreciate every tiny moment in life. A multitude of opportunities is out there for us to appreciate, each in our own way.

Ultimately, it is our decision; it is in our hands.

20

Point of view

Ben Gurion’s Legacy Defiance of U.S. Pressure

U p o n t h e 4 0 t h a n n i v e rs a r y o f Prime Minister Ben Gurion’s death, Israeli and American policy makers should study the 1948 legacy of Israel’s Founding Father: Defiance of disproportionate U.S. pressure forged Israel into a national security producer rather than a national security consumer, catapulted the Jewish state into the most productive U.S. strategic ally, enhanced the longterm, mutually beneficial U.S.-Israel

ties (following short-term tension), and advanced the national security of both the U.S. and Israel.

On May 29, 1949, toward the end of Israel’s War of Independence, which took 6,000 Israeli lives (1% of the population!), the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, James McDonald, delivered a scolding message from President Truman to Prime Minister Ben Gurion.

According to McDonald, Truman

Yoram Ettinger

"interpreted Israel’s attitude [rejecting the land-for-peace principle; annexing West Jerusalem; refusing to absorb Arab refugees; proactively soliciting a massive Jewish ingathering] as dangerous to peace and as indicating disregard of the UN General Assembly resolutions of November 29, 1947 [the Partition Plan] and December 11, 1948 [refugees and internationalization of Jerusalem], reaffirming insistence that territorial compensation should

21 be made [by Israel] for territory taken in excess of November 29 [40% beyond the Partition Plan!], and that tangible refugee concessions should be made [by Israel] now as essential, preliminary to any prospect for general settlement. The operative part of the note was the implied

threat that the U.S. would reconsider its attitude toward Israel (My Mission in Israel 1948-1951, James McDonald, Simon and Schuster, 1951, p 181)."

Ben Gurion’s response – with a population of 650,000 Jews, a $1 billion GDP and a slim military force in 1949, compared with 6.3 million Jews, a $260 billion GDP and one of the world’s finest military forces in 2013 – was resolute: "[Truman’s]

note was unrealistic and unjust. It ignored the facts that the partition resolution was no longer applicable since its basic conditions had been destroyed by Arab aggression which the Jews successfully resisted…. To whom should we turn if Israel were again attacked? Would the U.S, send arms or troops? The United States is a powerful country; Israel is a small and a weak one. We can be crushed, but we will not commit suicide (ibid, p. 182)."

"Two UN Security Council resolutions passed [with US support] have implicitly threatened sanctions if Israeli troops were not withdrawn [from the ‘occupied Negev’]…." Ben Gurion reacted defiantly: "Israel has been attacked by six Arab States. As a small country, Israel must reserve the right of self-defense even if it goes down fighting (ibid, p. 121)…. As Ben Gurion once put it to me, ‘What Israel has won on the battlefield, it is determined not to yield at the [UN Security] Council table (ibid, p. 86).’"

As a result of Ben Gurion’s determined sta n c e , " t h e re wa s a p p a re nt l y indecision and much heart-searching in Washington…. Our [responding] note abandoned completely the stern tone of its predecessor…. Fists and knuckles were unclenched…. The crisis was past. The next few months marked a steady retreat from the intransigence of the United States’ May note…. Washington ceased to lay down the law to Tel Aviv (ibid, p.

184)."

On the eve of the declaration of independence, General George Marshall, Second World War hero and Secretary of State, who was then the most charismatic officeholder in the U.S., sent Ben Gurion a brutal ultimatum, demanding the postponement of the declaration of independence and acceptance of a UN Trusteeship. Marshall, along with Secretary of Defense, James Forrestal, the CIA and the top Foggy B o tto m b u rea u c rat s i m posed a regional military embargo, while Britain supplied arms to Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. They contended that a declaration of independence would turn the oil-producing Arab countries against the U.S., at a time when the threat of a Third World War (USSR vs. USA) was hovering, which could force the U.S. to fight an oil-

starved war. They threatened that Ben Gurion’s unilateral declaration of independence would trigger a war, which could doom the Jewish people to a second Holocaust in less than ten years, since the U.S. would not provide any assistance to the Jewish state. They contemplated an expanded embargo – unilaterally or multilaterally – should Ben Gurion ignore the ultimatum.

Ben Gurion did not blink. "[Ben Gurion] added that much as Israel desired friendship with the U.S., there were limits beyond which it could not go…. Ben Gurion warned President Truman and the Department of State, through me, that they would be gravely mistaken if they assumed that the threat, or even the use of UN sanctions, would force Israel to yield on issues considered vital to its independence and security…. [He] left no doubt that he was determined to resist, at whatever cost, ‘unjust and impossible demands.’ On these, he could not compromise (ibid 49-50)."

Ben Gurion’s tenacity was vindicated when Israel was admitted to the UN, despite its rejection of the landfor-peace, Jerusalem and refugees demands, which was "evidence of the growth of respect for Israel (ibid, p. 110)." Moreover, Eisenhower’s Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, who was a delegate to the UN in 1949, admitted that the Partition Plan and the anti-Israel "Bernadotte UN Plan" were not adequate and that the U.S. underestimated the Jewish muscle and determination. General Omar Bradley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, proposed to consider Israel as a major ally of the U.S. Ben Gurion was aware that fending off pressure constituted an integral part of Jewish history, a prerequisite for survival and long-term growth, m i l i t a r i l y, d i p l o m a ti c a l l y a n d economically. On the other hand, succumbing to pressure intensifies further pressure, threatening to transform Israel from a unique strategic asset to a liability. On a rainy day, the U.S. would rather have a defiant – and not a vacillating – ally.

Yo r a m E tti n g e r i s a f o r m e r ambassador, lecturer, consultant and writer. The original article can be found here: (http://bit.ly/18zPZvg)

22

Press Review

Direct from Israel Extracts from the Israeli media

Dore Gold Returns as Netanyahu Advisor. (Arutz 7) Dr. Dore Gold, former UN Ambassador and Binyamin Netanyahu’s former advisor and confidant during his first term, will resume his previous role as an "external political consultant" to the Prime Minister on January 1st.

Well familiar with the United States, he will be primarily responsible for the strategic relations between the two countries. Dr. Gold is currently the founding President of The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. He is considered to be one of the Prime Minister’s closest allies and confidants.

Katyushas Fired from the North (Yediot Aharonot) Five Katyusha rockets were fired from Southern Lebanon, one of which landed on Israeli territory near Kiryat Shemona without causing any injuries or damage. The other four landed on Lebanese soil. The IDF returned artillery fire directed at the point of the launching of the rockets. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu accused Hezballah "of committing a double war crime, firing at civilian areas as well as storing their ammunition in civilian areas. The IDF will respond in a timely manner."

German Seeks a Budget to Treat Wounded Syrians (Makor Rishon) While the international media show no interest, Israel is treating hundreds of wounded Syrians in hospitals in the north of the country. To date, the cost of the treatment has reached 30 million shekels. The State has yet to free up funds to pay the hospitals, while various ministries argue about who should cover the costs. Health Minister Yael German has proposed that her ministry together with the Defense and Finance Ministries participate equally to cover the expenses.

Peri: "We will need to expel a quarter of the Jews from Judea and Samaria." (Arutz 7) Science and Technology Minister, Ya’akov Peri (Yesh Atid) has said that "we will need to expel a quarter of the Jews from Judea and Samaria," that is to say 90,000 people (ten times more than the population of Gush Katif). Peri suggested that "the majority of Israelis understand that there is no other choice if we are to achieve a peace agreement," and clarified that "this is a fair compromise."

Par Shraga Blum 23 He also declared that Netanyahu’s choice to "free terrorists instead of a building freeze was a slap in the face to the victims’ families."

Jibril Rajoub Invited to Appear on Channel 2. (Arutz 7) The terrorist Jibril Rajoub, a senior Fatah figure, was granted permission to appear on the Israeli TV program, "Meet the Journalists" on Channel 2. He refused to condemn the recent attacks on Israelis and proceeded to verbally attack Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, accusing him of "sabotaging negotiations" and of wanting to make Israel an "apartheid state." He called on Israelis to stop using the terms "Judea and Samaria" and to start calling the area "The State of Palestine."

Regev Proposes a Sovereignty Bill for the Jordan Valley.

(Arutz 7) Last Sunday, the Ministerial Committee for Legislation debated the passage of a bill authored by MK Miri Regev (Likud-Beiteinu), which seeks to extend Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley. Regev made it clear "that it was crucial to ensure that the government, like its predecessors, maintain the national consensus with respect to the Eastern border, as the Jordan valley remains strategically and politically of great importance." She said that "she hopes that the bill would not be blocked by the Likud-Beiteinu Ministers."

The Electoral Threshold Debate (Israel Hayom) The political parties are in turmoil following the decision of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman to raise the electoral threshold from 2% to

3.25%. The measure would result in the elimination of small parties such as Kadima and the Arab parties, which would be forced to form alliances and merge into larger blocs in order to be represented. Opponents of the proposal, principally Tzipi Livni as well as the rest of the Left, believe that this is "an affront to democracy," while supporters believe that "the ability of the government to function would be enhanced."

Demonstration Organized

by Bereaved Families of Victims of Terror (Maariv) At the initiative of the organisation "Israel Sheli," dozens of families of the victims of terrorism gathered in front of the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem on Saturday night. Participants protested the release of Palestinian Arab terrorists that is scheduled to take place this week. "This government has lost all moral sense," said a tearful father. Families lit memorial candles and waved placards. Ortal Tamam, the cousin of MosheTamam z"l, who was assassinated by terrorists while serving in the IDF, initiated a hunger strike. His assassins will be among those released.

Israeli Mini-drone Conquers the World (walla.co.il) T h e I s r a e l i c o m p a n y, Aeronautics, the global pioneer in mini-drones, is currently manufacturing the Orbiter 2. Weighing only 10kg, Orbiter 2 provides impressive capabilities in both the military and civilian spheres. Many countries are interested in acquiring this compact device, which has already been sold in large quantities.

Particularly difficult to detect by radar and silent, Orbiter 2 is equipped with ultra-sophisticated observation and listening components. The extremely precise information provided by its advanced data-capture platform serves to counter terrorism as well as to manage traffic.

Cabinet: "Abu Mazen Will Reject the Kerry Plan" (Maariv) The inner cabinet foresees Abu Mazen’s rejection of the framework agreement that John Kerry is expected to propose when he arrives in the country in January. Tzipi Livni, the head of the Israeli negotiating team, this time agrees with Moshe Ya'alon and Avigdor Lieberman about Abu Mazen’s intentions. As previously reported by the Associated Press, the agreement, which is not a legally binding document, includes clauses concerning the recognition of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and the presence of Israeli soldiers in the Jordan Valley. Kerry will exercise more pressure on Israel to conduct further negotiations with the Palestinians

24

Opinion

Learning Our Lesson Shmuel Herenstein

"A miracle!" exclaimed many upon hearing the news of the explosion. A Dan bus, number 240, traveling from Bat Yam to B'nei Brak and carrying a terrorist's briefcase loaded with explosives, exploded Sunday, two weeks ago.

A passenger [David Papo], saw a briefcase with wires protruding from it on a seat. The driver [Michael Yoger] was informed. After asking if the bag belonged to anyone over the

Thirty-four people were saved by a miracle (nes) loud speaker and not receiving any response, he stopped the bus at once, and ordered everyone off. All of the passengers got out safely.

Two minutes later, the bomb in the briefcase blew up, damaging the bus and slightly injuring a nearby pedestrian and a police officer.

"Thirty-four people were saved by a miracle (nes)," someone exclaimed in an email sent shortly after the horrifying incident.

Parents hug ged their children; husbands held their wives. Both Papo and Yoger received calls of gratitude

from President Shimon Peres hours after the attack.

Perez: "The whole nation is saying prayers of thanks today. You saved so many lives with the speed and bravery of your actions — he who saves one life is as if he has saved an entire world. You saved many lives today."

Yoger replied, "Thank you very much, Mr. President, for your kind words.

It was a pleasure to speak to you. I thank the Creator for allowing me to stay alive by not remaining on that bus."

This is a heart-warming, beautiful story of a foiled plot. United, the people of Israel breathed a thankful sigh of relief and returned to the grind of daily life.

Two days later, a soldier was killed on the Gaza border.

Israel responded by launching an air force attack on terrorist headquarters.

"If there's no quiet in Israel, there will be no quiet in Gaza," declared Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon.

The inability of our leaders to actually apply this slogan is not the sole cause of our disappointment with them.

They have failed – again – to assess the situation with a modicum of common sense, and – again – it has resulted in tragedy.

You don't wait for a catastrophic result to respond. You act preemptively.

You act before a trigger is pulled, or a bomb is detonated. If you are aware that there is someone threatening your life, you kill him before he kills you. Our policy should be the same, whether the 34 people on the bus go home with tears of joy, or their families bury the seared remains of their loved ones with tears of mourning. The Israeli policy failure stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of who we are and why we returned to our homeland.

From Pharaoh to Haman, Chmelnitsky to Hitler, the gentiles mock Israel because they claim that our G-d is powerless. "Who is the Lord that I should heed His command to send forth Israel? I know not the Lord, and Israel too, I shall not send forth."

(Shmot 5:2) They deny G-d and fear no repercussions for their evil deeds. They have chosen darkness, G-dlessness, and it is within this emptiness that they act. We were chosen as G-d's messengers to fight this vacuum. This is the mission and struggle of being a "light unto to the nations" ( Or L'Goyim).

Three reasons for fighting evil are given with reference to the plagues: "...so that they know, there is none like the Lord, our G-d."(Shmot 8:6) "...so that they know, I am the Lord in the proximity of the Land."(Ibid. 8:18) "...so that they know, there is none like me in all the land."(Ibid. 9:14) You know not the Lord of Israel?

Come, let us introduce you...

The show of Jewish strength teaches our enemies, present and future, that there is a G-d of the Jewish people.

When you attack us, you are picking a fight with Him. Shmuel Herenstein is the English social media director of MK Ayelet Shaked.

‫‪26‬‬

‫‪RIDDLE‬‬

‫חידה‬

‫המנצחת הראשונה‪:‬‬

‫יהודית ברכה‬ ‫בשבוע שעבר החידה הייתה‪:‬‬

‫חידת השבוע‪:‬‬

‫כשאני בימין אני בשמאל‪,‬‬ ‫וכשאני בשמאל אני בימין‪,‬‬

‫מה הוא ירוק מבחוץ‬

‫וכשאני הפוך אני ישר‪.‬‬ ‫מי אני?‬ ‫וזאת התשובה‪ :‬רש"י‬

‫אדום מבפנים ויש לו גרעיני אבטיח‬ ‫‪...‬ומתחיל באות "ח"?‬ ‫שלח לנו את התשובה הנכונה למייל הבא‪:‬‬ ‫‪Send the correct response‬‬ ‫‪to David Gross: afikim2003@yahoo.co.uk‬‬

‫מצאו את ‪ 7‬ההבדלים‬ ‫ׁשקוֹף‪( "...‬שמות יב'‪ ,‬ז')‬ ‫ְעל ַה ַּמ ְ‬ ‫ׁש ֵּתי ַה ְּמז ּוזֹת ו ַ‬ ‫ְל ְקח ּו ִמן ַה ָּדם ו ְָנ ְתנ ּו ַעל ְ‬ ‫"ו ָ‬

‫’‪KIDS‬‬ ‫‪27‬‬ ‫‪CORN‬‬ ‫‪ER‬‬

‫חידון לפרשת בא‬

‫‪1‬‬

‫מה משותף ל‪ 3-‬המכות האחרונות שבפרשת בא?‬

‫‪2‬‬

‫מהיא המצווה הראשונה שה' ציווה‬ ‫לישראל ע''י משה?‬

‫‪3‬‬

‫מה משותף לשמות הימים‬ ‫ולשמות החודשים בתורה?‬

‫‪4‬‬

‫אילו ‪ 3‬המכות שנעשו‬ ‫ע''י משה בלבד?‬

‫‪5‬‬

‫איך המספר ‪ 600.000‬קשור לפרשת בא?‬

‫‪6‬‬

‫איך נקרא הלילה שבו בני ישראל יצאו ממצרים?‬

‫לחודש הגאולה שהוא חודש ניסן‪.‬‬ ‫הימים נקראים‪ :‬ראשון‪ ,‬שני‪ ,‬שלישי‪ ...,‬פרט לשבת‪.‬‬

‫‪3‬‬

‫מצוות קידוש הלבנה‪" :‬החודש הזה לכם ראש חודשים"‪.‬‬

‫‪2‬‬ ‫‪1‬‬

‫וגם במכת בכורות שהתרחשה בלילה‪.‬‬ ‫החושך‪ :‬גם בארבה היה חושך‪ ,‬גם בחושך‪,‬‬

‫תשלחו אלינו את הבדיחות שלכם במייל‬ ‫‪lph.manou@gmail.com‬‬

‫וגם החודשים נקראים בתורה ראשון‪ ,‬שני‪ ..,‬פרט‬

‫ילדים ! שילחו לנו בדיחות קצרות‪ .‬תודה!‬

‫‪4‬‬

‫הילדים התיישבו לארוחת צהרים בבית ספר יסודי‬ ‫דתי‪ .‬בראש השולחן עמדה קערה עם תפוחים‪.‬‬ ‫הרב אמר לתלמידים‪" :‬קחו רק תפוח אחד‪.‬‬ ‫ה‘ מסתכל‪".‬‬ ‫בקצה השני של השולחן עמדה קערת מלאה בעוגיות‬ ‫שוקולד‪ .‬אחד הילדים כתב פתק‪" :‬קחו כמה שאתם‬ ‫רוצים‪ .‬ה‘ מסתכל על התפוחים‪".‬‬

‫ברד‪ ,‬ארבה‪ ,‬חושך‪.‬‬

‫תודה ליצחק אברג'ל מאשדוד‪.‬‬

‫‪5‬‬

‫מה היא באמת דבורה?‬ ‫יתוש ערס עם צעיף של בי"תר‪...‬‬

‫הוא מספר נפשות בני ישראל שיצאו ממצרים בלילה‬

‫ב‬

‫סל התשובות‬ ‫הראשון של הפסח‪.‬‬

‫דיחות‬

‫‪6‬‬

‫שובבים‬

‫שמות‬

‫וארא‬

‫בא‬

‫בשלח‬

‫יתרו‬

‫משפטים‬

‫ליל שימורים‪.‬‬

‫קופסת שימורים‬

‫לילת שמרים‬

‫ליל שימורים‬

28

Guidance

You Are What You Eat

Sima Herzfeld Navon Nutritional Healer

Judaism, perhaps more than any other religion, upholds the concept of "you are what you eat." Jewish Law (Halacha) deals with even the minutest aspects of food production, from sowing to reaping, from the egg in a nest, to ritual slaughter. These laws are all inclusive and are meant to maintain the purity and sanctity of what we may eat. While these ancient laws are applied to the letter (sometimes even to the extreme), is the spirit of the law being maintained?

Many of us are aware of the revolting treatment of animals on the farms (i.e., eggs laid by chickens that are not allowed to move for two years) and of their inhumane treatment at the slaughterhouse, (demonstrated by the recent investigation of Tenuva’s Adom-Adom slaughter-house in Beit She’an). What many of us fail to consider is what is being done to our crops.

Insecticides and pesticides have long been considered to be necessary evils. These toxins are sprayed on our crops in order to increase production and lower costs. As the industrial

revolution required the migration of workers to the city, small farmers sold their land to large corporations, and we saw the development of the "mega farm" or agribusiness. These mega farms have focused on single crops, which has caused disharmony to the ecosystem. Agrochemical companies developed toxic sprays to manage the disproportionate number of pests and insects, which had been unnecessary on the smaller multi-crop farms. Unfortunately, these toxic sprays did not satisfy the chemical companies’ commercial interests. Beginning in 1994, a whole new range of poisons was introduced into our foods with the development of the genetically modified organism (GMO). Foods that had once been sprayed with poisons were now being genetically engineered and their DNA restructured to contain the poison within the plant itself!

Essentially, poisons which were external and could be removed with a good rinse were now permanent and the consumer was left with no alternatives. Corn, soy, and canola,

three of the most common crops, found in basically every processed food, are some of the most common genetically altered foods that you will find. These products exist not only in their own, easily recognisable form, but they are also used in almost every processed product that you purchase, for example, the familiar ingredient, corn syrup, or the less recognisable derivative, lecithin. Additionally, cattle in the meat and dairy industries, as well as chickens, are all being fed GMO crops. While the FDA does not require the labelling of GMO based products, I challenge each and every one of you to find a single, nonorganic food item in your home that does not contain derivatives of soy, corn, or canola, and hence some form of a GMO. Based on the premise, "you are what you eat," it is easy to understand the statistics, which indicate rising levels of toxicity in humans. The rising rates of chronic diseases, both physical and mental, can be understood as a manifestation of toxins in the body.

According to the WHO (World Health

29 Organization), there is a 17% increase in chronic disease over the past decade alone. The rise in psychological illness is also astronomical. One in five Americans today suffers from some form of mental illness, and the WHO estimates that by the year 2020, mental illness will be the second leading cause of death and disability.

One might correctly ask: What does the FDA have to say about all this?

Well, the FDA is quite silent on the matter, and one wonders if this is due to the fact that the top positions in the FDA are held by former executives of Monsanto (the largest of the GMO companies). The FDA has remained silent even after the September release of data that provides alarming evidence of GMO induced lethal health complications in rats. The FDA not only chooses to ignore these studies, it has also chosen to ignore the "Just Label It" campaign, which has acquired over 1,000,000 signatures in an effort to require the labeling of GMO products. Currently, the only way to be sure that your food items are GMO free is by buying produce that is labeled as organically

grown. By law, organic products must retain the DNA provided by G-d.

The rise of mental illness and of violence in modern society is horrible.

The slaughter of the innocent children at Sandy Hook elementary school was shocking. It is but one in a too long series of school killings, starting with the Pearl, Mississippi slaughter in 1997. While there are many voices screaming for better gun control laws, guns are a symptom of the problem rather than the cause. To say that the killings occurred because of genetically modified foods would be simplistic and offensive. To say, however, that what we eat influences our state of mind and our mental health is undeniable.

The correlation between the rise in disease, both physical and mental, and the introduction of GMOs has b e e n ex te n s i ve l y d o c u m e nte d .

While diseases have many causes, I tend to analyse this issue from the perspective of a nutrition specialist.

The rise in recent years of diseases and disorders, such as cancers, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, ADD, ADHD, Aspergers’, and autism, to

name a few, must be addressed from a wider perspective. The denaturing of food must be recognized as what it is, a poisoning of the body and mind It is our basic right to know what is in the food that we eat. The time has come for the government to recognize our right to know the origin of our food. While my signature might not influence the decisions of the FDA, consumer consumption can certainly make a difference. Organic items, by law cannot be GMO. Make a decision to trust in G-d, nature, and your own good health by purchasing clearly labeled organic products.

Here’s an easy breakfast idea to begin your day GMO free.

Ingredients: • 4 organic rice cakes • 1/2 avocado • 1/2 lemon • Atlantic grey sea salt Puree the avocado, mix in the juice from the lemon, and add salt. Spread on the organic rice cakes. Enjoy!

Just for laughs

Two Jewish women were speaking about their sons, each of whom was incarcerated in the state prison. ...

The first says: "Oy, my son has it so hard. He is locked away in maximum security; he never even speaks to anyone or sees the light of day. He has no exercise and he lives a horrible life."

The second says: "Well, my son is in minimum security. He exercises every day, he spends time in the prison library, takes some classes, and writes home each week.

"Oy," says the first woman, "you must get such satisfaction (naches) from your son."

Five Jewish gentlemen are playing poker one night when Meyerowitz loses $500 on a single hand, stands up, clutches his chest and drops dead on the floor.

Showing respect for their fallen comrade, the other five complete their game standing up.

Bash looks around and asks "Now, who is going to tell his wife?"

They draw straws. Nordheim, who is always a loser, picks the short one. They tell him to be discreet, to be gentle, and to not make a bad situation any worse than it is.

"Gentlemen! Discreet? I'm the most discreet mensch you will ever meet. Discretion is my middle name.

Leave it to me."

Nordheim schleps over to the Meyerowitz apartment and knocks on the door. The wife answers and asks what he wants.

Nordheim declares "Your husband just lost $500 and is afraid to come home."

She hollers, "TELL HIM TO DROP DEAD!" Nordheim says, "I'll tell him."

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Commercial property 1.

King David street! 22sqm on 2 levels + 17m gallery, ideal for pour call-center/ lawyers/accountant/insurance companies‌ Veronique 054-2020446 / www. losky.co.il

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Katamon Hayeshena 2.

Pretty 3rooms, renovated and furnished with20 sqm terrace off living room, garden level, 2 bathrooms, 3 orientations, available now, 5300nis, Alexandra 0546 320313 -Agency Bennaim Nadlan

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Gorgeous 3-room apartment, 80sqm, entirely furnished, security 24/7, elevator, parking. Alex Losky, rose 0544542980. www.losky.co.il 4.

Harav kook: luxury 2.5-room apart, 60sqm, 2nd floor with Shabbat elevator, terrace, parking. Entirely furnished and equipped. Raphael 054-2278290 www. losky.co.il 3.

Talbieh

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Beautiful and renovated 4-room apart, 120sqm, furnished, 2 bathrooms, terrace, very good condition. Veronique 054-2020446 www.losky.co.il

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Givon Hahadasha 6. luxury villa, Egoz st/Kalil Hashoresh, 440 sqm built, 13 rooms divided in 4 units. Open doors 10.01.14 from 13h to 15h. Exclusivity David Avni 050-9103147

Jerusalem 7.

City-center: lovely 2-room apart, 45sqm, starting from 1.430.000 nis, security 24/24, elevator. AlexLosky, rose 0544542980. www.losky.co.il

Katamon Hayeshena Rachel Imeinu, superb garden flat in an Arab house, luxury renovation, 170 sqm +basement of 100 sqm, private entrance, solar heating, high ceilings, 4 orientations, 5 bathrooms, private garden of 150 sqm, 2 parking spots, Moshe: 0544.793.384 - Agence BENNAIM NADLAN 9.

Magnificent apt 3.5 rooms, renovated, balcony succah, view over greenery, available now, 2.300.000NIS Jerusalem Real Estate Freddy 026786595, www. jerusalemimmobilier.com 8.

10. Garden level, 4 rooms, storage, parking,, independent studio, rent 2700nis, to be seen! Jerusalem Real Estate, Lea 026786595 www.jerusalemimmobilier. com 11. Splendid 5-room duplex, 140sqm, gorgeous private 160m garden, available also for rent. Corine 054-5601975. www. losky.co.il

Arnona Beautiful cottage 6 rooms, 140sqm, good state of repair, light and calm, large garden, excellent location, garage and storeroom. 3.850.000 NIS Jerusalem Real Estate, Nathalie 026786595, www. jerusalemimmobilier.com 12.

13. Large cute, 3 rooms, new building, balcony, light, calm, Shabbat lift, storeroom and parking 1.800.000 nis Jerusalem Real Estate Rebecca 02-6786595 054-8076300 www.jerusalemimmobilier. com

Ramat Sharet 14. Penthouse 5 rooms, 140sqm, beautiful terrace overlooking Jerusalem and its hills, spacious living room, 3 orientations, 9th floor, lift, Rubens Real Estate, Yonathan: 02-5666016/052-8506698. www.ruben1.com

Holyland Magnificent new cottage, garden and large terrace succah, lift, accessible for disabled, new, view, upscale finishes, storeroom and double parking, 3.890.000 Exclusive Jerusalem Real Estate, Deborah 02-6786595 www. jerusalemimmobilier.com 15.

16. In Holyland Park, magnificent 4 room apartment, bright, spacious on 7th floor, master bedroom with panoramic view!! Double parking and storage, Shabbat elevator. Exclusive to Ambassador Jerusalem 02-5618101 17. In Holyland Park. Superb compact living at its best, Upgraded, bright 2.5 room apartment. Balcony with panoramic view, double parking, storage, Shabbat elevator. Exclusive to Ambassador Jerusalem 02-5618101

Rehavia Magnificent location! Stone building, apt 3 rooms, 72 sqm balconies, calm, light, lot of potential, 1.900.000nis, Rubens Real Estate, Yonathan: 025666016/052-8506698. www.ruben1. com 18.

Talbyeh Lincoln St, in building on private land (not church), beautiful 3 room 80sqm, large living room 2bathrooms, balcony, good state, 3 orientations, price 2.590.000nis Moshe 0544793384 Agency Bennaim Nadlan 19.

Har Homa To catch! Itshak Nissim, 3 rooms, terrace 12sqm, 5th fl, 2park, storeroom, 1.270.000 nis, Rubens Real Estate, J.Renassia: 02-5666016/052-2745610. www.ruben1.com 20.

21. Marinov, Luxury building, apt 4 rooms, spacious, large terrace with lawn, unique view, ideal location, upscale finishes, 1.575.000 nis, Rubens Real Estate, J.Renassia: 02-5666016/0522745610. www.ruben1.com 22. Har Homa, Shlomo Baum St., 150 sq.m. on one floor, no neighbors above, amazing view + Studio that can be connected to the apartment. Exclusive to Ambassador Jerusalem 02-5618101

Mekor Haim New project! Penthouse/duplex 6 rooms, 156 sqm, terrace 43 sqm, luxurious,A/C, 3 orientations, storeroom, parking, 3.150.000 nis, exclusivity Rubens Real Estate, Ruben: 02-5666016/0546345581. www.ruben1.com 23.

Talpiot/Bakaa In the Dan complex, a pentcottage of 130 sqm. 5 bedrooms and lounge, loft, 2 sukkah balconies, basement and underground parking. Ideal for large families. Price: 3,550,000 NIS, Moshe: 0544.793.384 - Agence BENNAIM NADLAN 24.

25. Exclusif: 4th and last floor, beautiful 5 rooms apt, 145 sqm, entirely tastefully renovated, large living room separate kitchenapplication for balcony pending.

Price 2,090.000nis Moshe 0544793384 Agency Bennaim Nadlan 26. Superb living in new project in Baka, 3 spacious rooms (originally 4 rooms), 6th floor with panoramic view. Large balcony, double parking, storage room, Shabbat elevator. Exclusive to Ambassador Jerusalem 02-5618101

Kiryat Menachem Island St., Amazing 189 sq.m. + terrace, divided to 2 separate 4 room apartments!! Must See!! Exclusive to Ambassador Jerusalem 02-5618101 27.

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