Poem: On the Number Two Bus

By: Rabbi Nesanel Kasnett
Writer, Editor at Artscroll/Mesorah Publications




Last night

I rode the No. 2 bus
(from the Western Wall).

I rode it without fear,
or concern.

Every bullet has an address,

a great rabbi once said,

and every screw bolt nail jagged

piece of metal,

I might add.

I rode the bus

out of the Dung Gate

around past the Jaffa Gate

and into the new city.

Around the little circle

where the bus exploded

a few weeks ago

and now very clean

and repainted so you

will not remember

but of course you do

it's only the rusted relics

of a bygone war on the

hilly approach to Jerusalem

that you ignore

but the enforced normalcy...

the quickly reconstructed cafes

that I cannot bring myself

to sit in drink smoke

gaily converse in the

cool dry Jerusalem night

you ache

your heart aches

to be there to be there again

to find the spot

where the scent of pines

overwhelms you

and slings you back

over vast sunlit

spaces to the desert excavations

and the kibbutz and the Palmach caves...

to Augusta Victoria hospital and...

the jets strafing and bombing

and the black smoke rising

and then the pincer complete

and the slow inexorable move

down the valley and through

the Lions Gate until the man

broadcasts on the radio,

"The Wall is in our hands."

Three rows in front of me

on the bus

sat a boy of about ten.

From my angle I could see

only his right cheek

and the back of his head.

The cheek was memorable, though:

plump, freckled, sweet.

He chatted with what appeared to be

a schoolmate across the aisle

and by his feet

lay a black canvas bookbag.

I watched the boys chatting sweetly,

easily following their rapid Hebrew;

they talked of soccer and the Bible.

I watched them leave the bus

at the Bar Ilan stop

and I was momentarily sad

to know

that I would never see them again.

Palestinian Authority May Lack Security Council Support

The Palestinian Authority so far is two votes short of the number needed in the Security Council for a bid to be accepted as a full member. If it fails, the United States won’t have to cast a veto.
Bosnia and Nigeria have not stated how they will vote. The PA also cannot depend on China, which has said it supports its bid but has not pledged to back a pro-Palestinian Authority vote in the Council. Approval by nine countries – a two-thirds majority – would force the United States to veto the motion to prevent it from coming to the floor of the General Assembly, where the PA is guaranteed a majority.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki has claimed that the PA has the support of seven members, but the number probably includes China. PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas told the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat that nine Security Council states support his bid for membership status, but he admitted, "We don't know if they will change their positions.”
Only the United States, Colombia and Germany have stated they will vote againstmembership for the Palestinian Authority.
A failure to win even a needed majority in the Security Council would be a moral victory for Israel and would save the Obama administration from angering the Arab world with a veto.
A failure also possibly may dampen enthusiasm in the General Assembly, which can pass a non-binding resolution to recognize the Palestinian Authority as a state. The resolution would not give it membership status, which requires Security Council approval.

Published originally y IsraelNationalNews.com

The ABC's Of Rosh Hashanah...

Pre-Rosh Hashanah

A key component of Rosh Hashanah preparation is to ask for forgiveness from anyone one may have wronged during the previous year. To whatever extent possible, we want to begin the year with a clean slate – and without anyone harboring a grudge against us. One should also be quick to forgive those who have wronged him.

Many people have the custom to go to the mikveh before Rosh Hashanah after midday. A mikveh, which has the power to purify from certain types of spiritual impurities, can be an important part of the teshuva process.

Some have the custom of visiting a cemetery on the morning of Rosh Hashanah and praying at the graves of the righteous. Of course, we do not pray "to" the righteous, but only to God who hears our prayers in the merit of the righteous.

The morning before Rosh Hashanah, we perform "Hatarat Nedarim" – annulling all vows. In Torah terms, saying something as simple as "I refuse to eat any more candy" can be considered a legal vow. Therefore, before Rosh Hashanah, we annul any vows, whether they were made intentionally or not. This is done by standing in front of three adult males (or 10 if available), and asking to be released from the vows that were made. The full text can be found in a Siddur or Rosh Hashanah Machzor.

The Festive Meal

During the High Holidays, a round challah is used – symbolizing fullness and completion. After making the "Hamotzi" blessing, it is customary to dip the bread into honey – symbolizing our prayer for a sweet new year.

Then, after most of your slice of bread has been eaten, take an apple and dip it in honey. Make a blessing on the apple (since "Hamotzi" did not cover the apple) and eat a little bit of the apple. Then say, "May it be Your will, God, to renew us for a good and sweet new year." (OC 583)

Why do we ask for both a "good" AND "sweet" year? Doesn't the word "good" automatically include "sweet?"

Judaism teaches that everything happens for the good. It is all part of the divine will. Even things that may look "bad" in our eyes, are actually "good." So when we ask God that the year should be "sweet" (in addition to good), it is because we know that everything will be for the good. But we also ask that it be a "revealed" good – i.e. one that tastes "sweet" to us.

On Rosh Hashanah, we add the paragraph Ya'aleh V'yavo in Grace After Meals.

Symbolic Foods

On Rosh Hashanah, we eat foods that symbolize good things we hope for in the coming year. We contemplate what these foods symbolize, and connect with the Source of all good things.

The symbolic foods are based on a word game which connects the name of a certain food, to a particular hope we have for the new year. Here is a list from the Talmud of symbolic foods customarily eaten on Rosh Hashanah. (The food and its related meaning are in bold.)

After eating leek or cabbage, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our enemies be cut off."

After eating beets, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our adversaries beremoved."

After eating dates, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our enemies befinished."

After eating gourd, say: "May it be Your will, God, that the decree of our sentence should be torn apart, and may our merits be proclaimed before You."

After eating pomegranate, say: "May it be Your will, God, that our merits increase as the seeds of a pomegranate."

After eating the head of a sheep or fish, say: "May it be Your will, God, that we be as the head and not as the tail.

You can also use other foods and make up your own "May it be Your will..." For example, you could eat a raisin and celery, and ask God in the coming year for a "raise in salary" (raisin celery)!

Print a PDF file of the symbolic foods (courtesy of ArtScroll).

Rosh Hashanah Prayers

Since there are so many unique prayers on Rosh Hashanah, we use a special prayer book called a "Machzor."

In the "Amidah" and "Kiddush" for Rosh Hashanah, we say the phrase Yom Teruah. However, if Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, we say Zichron Teruahinstead. (If one inadvertently said the wrong phrase, he needn't repeat the prayer.)

The supplication "Avinu Malkeinu" should be said on Rosh Hashanah, except when Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat coincide, since supplications are not said on Shabbat. If Rosh Hashanah falls on a Friday, "Avinu Malkeinu" is not said at Mincha.

During the High Holidays, the curtain on the ark is changed into a white one, to symbolize that our "mistakes will be whitened like snow."

The chazan (cantor) for the High Holidays should not be chosen for his vocal talents alone. Ideally, the chazan should be over 30 years old, God fearing, learned in Torah, humble, and married. A learned man under 30 with the other qualifications is acceptable. Though it is preferable to allow an unfit chazan to lead services, rather than cause strife over the issue in the community.

Since it is a question as to whether the She'hechianu blessing should be said on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, we are accustomed to eat a new fruit or wear a new garment and say She'hechianu upon it. When saying theShe'hechianu, one should also have in mind the mitzvot of lighting candles, "Kiddush" and hearing the shofar.

The Shofar

The essential mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is to hear the sounding of the shofar. The shofar blasts after the Torah Reading are called "Tekiot M'yushav."

The minimum Torah obligation is to hear nine blasts. However, there is a doubt whether the sound of the shofar should be a groaning type of cry (Shevarim), or a sobbing weep (Teruah), or a combination (Shevarim-Teruah). Therefore, we perform all three sounds, each preceded and followed by an unbroken blast, Tekiah. Three of each set results in 30 blasts total, which are necessary to remove all doubt that the Torah precept has been fulfilled.

It is customary to blow shofar in the same place that the Torah is read, so that the merit of the Torah will support us. The shofar should be blown during the daytime. In ancient times, when the Romans persecuted the Jews, the rabbis instituted blowing the shofar before Musaf, since the Romans had guards in the synagogues during the early morning.

The person who blows the shofar must stand. He should be instructed immediately before blowing to have intention to fulfill the obligation for all those listening. Similarly, all those listening should be reminded to have intention that their obligation is being fulfilled.

Before blowing, two blessings are recited: "to hear the sound of the shofar," and She'hechianu. Once the blessings have been made, one may not speak until the end of the shofar blowing.

Women may sound the shofar and say the blessing to accomplish the mitzvah. A child who is old enough to be educated regarding mitzvot is required to hear the shofar.

The shofar is not blown when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat.

The shofar used on Rosh Hashanah should be a curved ram's horn, and longer than four inches. It is permitted to use the shofar of an animal not ritually slaughtered. After the fact, any shofar is acceptable except the horn of a cow, ox or an unkosher species of animal.

In the "Amidah" prayer of Musaf, there are three special blessings: Malchiot(praises to God the King), Zichronot (asking God to remember the merits of our Ancestors), and Shofrot (the significance of the shofar). During the chazan's repetition, we blow an additional 30 blasts in the various combinations.

It is the custom to blow 40 extra blasts at the end of services, bringing the total to 100. It is customary to prolong the final blast, which is called a Tekiah Gedolah.

Click here to listen to the shofar sounds.

Other Customs

It is customary to greet others as follows: "L'shana Tova / Ketivah vi-chatima Tova." This means: "For a good year / You should be written and sealed in the good (Book of Life)."

One should try not to sleep or go for idle walks on the day of Rosh Hashanah. (The Arizal permits a nap in the afternoon.)

It is advisable to avoid marital relations, except if Rosh Hashanah falls on the night of the wife's immersion.

If a Bris Milah falls on Rosh Hashanah, it should be performed between the Torah reading and the shofar blowing.

Tashlich

The "Tashlich" prayer is said on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah by a pool of water that preferably has fish in it. These prayers are symbolic of the casting away of our mistakes. Of course, it is foolish to think you can rid sins by shaking out your pockets. Rather, the Jewish approach is deep introspection and commitment to change. Indeed, the whole idea of "Tashlich" is partly to commemorate the Midrash that says when Abraham went to the Akeida (binding of Isaac), he had to cross through water up to his neck

If Rosh Hashanah falls out on Shabbat, "Tashlich" is pushed off until the second day. If "Tashlich" was not said on Rosh Hashanah itself, it may be said anytime during the Ten Days of Repentance.

Both the body of water and the fish are symbolic. In Talmudic literature Torah is represented as water. Just as fish can't live without water, so too a Jew can't live without Torah!

Also, the fact that fish's eyes never close serve to remind us that, so too, God's eyes (so to speak) never close; He knows of our every move.

This is the text of "Tashlich:"

Who is like You, God, who removes iniquity and overlooks transgression of the remainder of His inheritance. He doesn't remain angry forever because He desires kindness. He will return and He will be merciful to us, and He will conquer our iniquities, and He will cast them into the depths of the seas.

Give truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham like that you swore to our ancestors from long ago.

From the straits I called upon God, God answered me with expansiveness. God is with me, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? God is with me to help me, and I will see my foes (annihilated). It is better to take refuge in God than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in God, that to rely on nobles.

Many people also read Psalms 33 and 130.

based on research by Rabbi Moshe Lazerus

Re-Printed From Aish.com

Notes from a Neshei Meeting: Role of a Jewish Woman* (*wife/mother)...

I leafed through the latest advertising booklet while enjoying my corn flakes and milk, working my way through various Hebrew Ads. Ah! Here is an English one…Neshei meeting…Role of Jewish woman…with a video called ‘Even haPina’ - the cornerstone… that actually sounds pretty interesting. I’ll see if I can get out.

As I entered the meeting room, the speaker was just beginning. I came to the conclusion long ago, that if I take notes during a lecture, I will get more out of it. It also makes it a lot easier to share with others! The Rebbitzen began…

Alternate beginning, if that one is too shmoozy for you:

*********

Every once in awhile we attend a shiur that makes a deep impression on us. We experience a ‘paradigm shift’, a new way of understanding our position and purpose in life. This happened to me when I went to hear a local Rebbetizen speak on the topic of the role of a Jewish homemaker. The speaker combined wit and wisdom in an impressive fashion. May I share the meeting with you, dear reader? The Rebbetizen began…

When I was asked to speak on this topic, I gave it a lot of thought. I even consulted with friends! What exactly is the role of a Jewish Woman? I came up with three main functions: Firstly, to encourage my husband to learn Torah; to shteig in his learning. In that role, to avoid interrupting him, and to encourage him whenever possible – to appreciate its its’importance.

Second, to run a Jewish home. To create an atmosphere of love of Yiddishkeit for my family and for whoever walks into my house. To be warm, show love, and realize that life for a frum family is always interesting, exciting, a and a challenge. Never a dull moment! Even the chulent provides excitement, as we lift the lid to see how it came out this week. Watery – I love it. Dry? My husband’s favorite! Spicy? Salty? It’s just one little detail, but we are full of curiosity and we can share the excitement. We need to enjoy the challenge and novelty of each day!

Lastly, and most importantly, it is being Zoche to be a mother. To fulfill my role as educator. To raise children that will give nachas to Hashem and to my husband and me. It is quite an arduous task. We have to be very cognizant of the fact that our children will follow our example. What are we strict about? Appreciating the good, davening, guarding our tongue. If our children see us get upset over a broken dish or torn curtain, but say never mind if they skip a bracha, they will see that focus. How do we welcome guests? Are we concerned about the problems of our friends and neighbors? They will duplicate whatever they see.

Davening is very important. When my children were very small, it wasn’t always very easy to get everything done. One day my husband came home and lunch was not even started. I apologized – distraught – told him, ‘I couldn’t manage a thing this morning - but to daven!’ He replied, ‘Then you’ve done a lot!’ Usually I davened when my children were in school – then, one day one of them was home; and I davened as usual. Asked my child, ‘Is it Shabbos today?’ I realized that they need to see me davening, and they need to learn to play quietly while I do and not disturb. The children see it all! And they need to.

This week’s Parsha is Korach, where the wisdom of women is brought out. Now how did a righteous individual like that think he had a chance? Korach had a lot of things going for him. He was incredibly wealthy, had a top-notch lineage, and was brilliant. The problem was that he was never exposed to challenge. He was clueless when it came to dealing with adversity. We need to make sure our children do not fall into the same trap! We need to teach our children how to overcome difficulties. Korach never had a chance to be jealous and deal with it.

Jealousy is truly the root of evil – one of our jobs is to teach our children to deal with it, and overcome envious feelings. We need to educate them to the fact that here is no such thing as equality. Hashem has given each person their tafkid, their distinctive role, and the tools they need to complete it. It is unique. We never compare. Train your children to know that they will each get private time with you, and attention, as they need it. No one is taking something away from another. If we know, and teach our children that whatever we need we will get, then there is no getting mad. Keep your eyes open! It may come from another source, but they will get theirs.

We need to supervise our children well. I was recently away for Shabbos, and in the afternoon, sat on the porch observing all the people passing by. Suddenly a very interesting drama opened up before my eyes. Two mothers stood talking, while their three or four year olds sat in their strollers. After a minute or two, the little girl got up, looked all about her very carefully, and dashed into the beautiful flower garden. Swiftly, before I quite realized what had happened, she was back in her stroller with a beautiful bloom! The mothers continued their conversation, totally oblivious to the fact that this little girl had been mechallel Shabbos and performed gezel. The other child, a little boy saw what his little comrade had accomplished, and climbed out of his stroller, heading off to get his souvenir. This time I was prepared. “Boy! Boy!’ I called out. He looked here and there, couldn’t figure out who had spoken, but quickly scampered back to his stroller. Soon after , the mothers finished their conversation and parted ways. They had no idea that anything had transpired; hadn’t seen the children temporarily escape, heard my voice or noticed the flower. This is negligence. This is how children can chas v’shalom pick up bad traits, and grow in them. Then the mother will ask, ‘how did this happen?’ We must pay attention and nip such behavior in the bud, (literally, in this case!)

The Rebbetzin’s words were inspiring, entertaining, thought provoking.

 As the Rebbetzin completed her words, we were treated to a  video. An amazing production, put together by a Bais Yaakov class in another city (Rechovot, I think – I can check if you like), we were told. It began with slides of the Ponevitcher Rav and the Yeshiva that he established. A young girl narrated, as we saw a packed Yeshiva, men shteiging in learning, a building being planned, the Rav himself, and we were asked –from where came the cornerstone?

The answer – t he Rav’s mother. The mother of the Ponevitcher Rav taught him that nothing could stop Torah learning. How? He grew up in Eastern Europe , where the winters began early, ended late, and were freezing. The family had only one pair of boots! Which boy would get to learn in Cheder on snowy days? All of them. This amazing mother, this ‘even hapina’ woman, took each child to Yeshiva, one at a time. Upon their arrival, she removed the boots from her son and hurried home to get the next one. When it was time to come home, she went through this again. Not one day, but many days. Not one winter, but many winters. The video ended with a challenge to all mothers: Who knows who is the next cornerstone? Which of us will be zochim to sons who will shteig in Torah learning and lead many students?

It could be any of us – her, you, or even…me.

This article was originally printed in The Jewish Press By Tova Younger, author of Hands-on How-to’s for the Home and Heart   Thoughts and techniques to enhance your life – check it out on Jewishebooks.com


COMMENTS?

United Nations Vote on Friday Sept 23.......

Hey JUB people. What are your thoughts on this historic and dangerous vote set to take place in New York on Friday. I think it’s not a vote for a Palestinian State.  It’s a vote against the State of Israel.  It’s not a vote for Palestinian sovereignty.  It’s a vote against Jewish sovereignty....What are your thoughts on this issue?

Rosh Hashanah is coming......

Rosh Hashanah is literally around the corner. The High Holy days. It brings a certain feeling of awe and fear. We are all on trial in front of the King of the world. It is a day of introspection, a day of reflection, and hopefully of good tidings.

So start reading up on this special holiday. There are hundreds of Jewish books on Rosh Hashanah alone! One particular book is called  "Rosh Hashanah: Season Of Majesty"  by Rabbi Zechariah Fendel. Clarifying; emunah concepts, ethical values, and hashkafah insights concerning Rosh Hashanah. A perfect Machzor companion.We at JUB have this and many other books for Rosh Hashanah in stock. Check it out.


Hey, We would love to hear your thoughts on Rosh Hashanah. Torah, Experiences, Thoughts etc..

Welcome to the JUB Buzz!

Hi,
Congrats to us on the inauguration of our new "Book Blog", where we will post relevant info on the world of Judaica and Jewish Books New, Used, Antique and more. Feel free to comment, talk, express yourself, and Enjoy!

For those of you who are not familiar with JewishUsedBooks.com, we are an e-commerce website that has 1000's Jewish related books and more at CRAZY LOW prices! Our prices range from 50-80% off RETAIL prices. feel free to browse our website at www.JewishUsedBooks.com , where we add additional books on a daily basis. We also buy your books and pay you real money for them:)