“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; may they prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say: ‘Peace be within thee. For the sake of the house of HaShem our G-d I will seek thy good.”
– Psalm 122:6-9, JPS 1917 Tanach
pray for the peace of Jerusalem: gathering at the Western Wall: click here.
terror in Jerusalem on the Sabbath: click here for news article
Self-indulgence: Imaginative powers gone awry, subject to the yetzer hara (evil inclination).
It is written, “And G-D saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” Genesis 6:5). Thus, it is clear that the propensity of the imagination is inclined towards evil, unless put in check through our own efforts, accompanied by the grace of G-d. Today, there is much encouragement to indulge in the fantasies of the heart. This can lead to the greater evil of distancing ourselves from our own humanity, as a result of disobedience to G-d’s directives. For, it is written, that His commandments are for our own good.
Yet, sin has the effect of distancing us from G-d. So, when we let our imaginations run free, the result is that this indulgence draws us away from G-d. The metaverse is an extreme example of what might ultimately remove those who venture there from the norms of society and the framework of reality itself. The moors of society are already loosened, like a boat no longer tethered to the dock. The increase of personal freedom to do as one wishes, irrespective of a clear moral framework will lead to nihilism. And, yet, it can be argued that a sense of meaninglessness and purpose in life elicits this drift away from social norms, into a pleasure-driven life.
Moral restraint becomes a neglected virtue, and is seen as an obstacle to the philosophical notion of proclaiming the reign of human nature, indulging in one’s passions, as key to liberation from the bonds of society. In fact, this is an underlying Marxist principle, drawn from the architects of the so-called Age of Enlightenment that followed the French revolution. Thus, the opposition to religious norms that was widespread at that time, and manifested in violence to the church, transformed itself into new philosophical beliefs that would continue to diminish and undermine remaining godly values in society. This line of thought was continued by the neoMarxists of the Frankfort School, that became the New School of Social research at Columbia University.
According to Noelle Mering, these neoMaxists knew that through the corrosion of faith in societal norms, they could eventually undermine the stability of Western culture (Mering, Awake, Not Woke). Voices of influence such as Herbert Marcuse, Saul Alinsky, and Antonio Gramsci steered the rebellious generation of the sixties and seventies into the New Left, intent on undermining the institutions of society in this country from within. The amalgamation of movements and causes transformed the culture over time, leading to the Woke movement of today.
I am so saint; however, I recognize that taming the passions within myself leads to a focus on pleasing G-d, instead of myself. And, in turn, if I follow in the ways of the commandments, then I will be blessed with G-d’s graces. He is merciful, so that if I stray from the path, I will be guided back to Him. And, teshuvah (repentance) done in a sincere manner will bring back into His graces. As is written, “The L-RD, The L-RD G-d, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6).
Wokism Exposed: Part 1 – the dialectic
Wokism is a misguided “social justice movement,” that upholds a pseudo-morality opposed to godly values. Irrespective of pointing out its ideological roots, it can clearly be explained as “cultural Marxism,” based on its overarching intent to divide groups of people into the oppressed and the oppressor – a basic Marxist strategy. Wokism’s roots go back to Hegel and Marx, whereof Hegel, perhaps, the first progressive, introduced the concept of the dialectic, wherein the thesis (status quo of society) is critiqued by the antithesis, thus forming a new society, called the synthesis; yet, this process continues to repeat itself, until theoretically, a utopia, brought about by the Spirit of Man results somewhere down the road of history. Marx rejected any idea of the spirt, and founded what he referred to as “dialectical materialism,” proffering the viewpoint that through a complete upheaval of society, a utopia can come into fruition out of society’s ashes. Neither dialectical approach to history and revolution is in accord with recognizing G-d’s hand in all human affairs; so, its end result can only be antithetical to the divine plan on earth.
G-d save us from the new totalitarianism.
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“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” – Psalms 85:11, JPS 1917 Tanach
It is written that in the future, “mercy and truth” will have met, and, furthermore, that righteousness (tsedokah = justice) and peace will have kissed (Psalms 85:11). Thus, it can be understood from this verse, that these qualities will have appeared together, ushering in G-d’s Kingdom. Where are we today, in regard to this effort in our own lives? And, what of society’s take on the nature of these qualities appearing together?
Surely, divine truth and justice are qualified by the concomitant kindness, and peace that must be congruent for any effort to express truth, or bring about justice on earth. Rather, the social justice movement that has taken the world, as if by surprise overnight, fails in this regard. For, one of the means to obtain “social justice” according to the actual means through which this is being attempted is without any sense of peace, as if it is permissible from the point of view of SJW’s to use any means possible to reach their goals, thereby inferring that the means justify the ends.
However, the psalmist speaks of justice and peace existing together, implying that the means must not be in conflict with the end. Rather, the utopian vision of cultural Marxism, through the current Wokism agenda, is one is furthered through aggressive means, harshly condemning anyone not on board with Woke tenets; regrettably, this is the road towards totalitarianism.
Yet, regarding the efforts to bring about social change in a compassionate manner, have they not heard the adage echoed from the 1960’s: “If we can’t do it with a smile on our face, you know if we can’t love in our hearts, then children we ain’t got no right to do it at all” (For What It’s Worth, CSNY). Instead, their message is increasingly one of intolerance for viewpoints not in alignment with their own.
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AZ Pipeline Fire: 98% contained, at 26, 532 acres.
The Pipeline Fire, burning six miles north of Flagstaff, that had been upgraded to the # 1 fire resource priority in the nation on its second day, is nearly 100% contained as of June 25th. Also, the Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has concluded work on the Pipeline fire.
“Then he said to me: ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel; they say: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off. Therefore, prophecy, and say to them: Thus saith the L-rd G-D: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, O My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel.” – Ezekiel 37:11-12. JPS 1917 Tanach
Bolechov martyrs from my family:
Chaim ben Yaakov (Schnee):
Elka Schnee (nee Fasberg)
Gitel bas Chaim
Isaac ben Chaim
Sarah bas Chaim
Sason ben Chaim
Yaakov ben Chaim
Melamed
Sosie bas Chaim
Joseph ben Melamed
Chaje Ruchel bas Chaim
~~~~~ ~~~~~
Yehoshua Mordechai ben Yaakov (Schnee):
Ziona Schnee (nee Weisbard)
Moses ben Yehoshua Mordechai
Chana Schnee (nee Turkel)
Yaakov ben Moses
Celina bas Moses
Tzila bas Moses
Israel ben Yehoshua Mordechai (Schnee)
Sorke Schnee (nee Goldfischer)
Aryeh ben Israel
Tzinah bas Israel
Basia bas Yehoshua Mordechai (Kornblitz, nee Schnee)
Gotshalk ben Basia
Hirsch Ber Tzvi Dov ben Yehoshua Mordechai
Kalman ben Yehoshua Mordechai
Esther bas Yehoshua Mordechai
Reisel bas Yehoshua Mordechai
note: Certain genealogical information set forth herein is based upon research performed on the website of Jewish Records Indexing-Poland, Inc. (www.jri-poland.org).
It will not suffice to generalize, categorize, or oversimplify the results of hate, terror, or war. Each inhumane act must be dealt with as a unique expression of the dark side of mankind. And the victims must be eulogized, remembered, and not reduced to statistics.
My own words may only be contributed as a few of the many words, thoughts and prayers that will ultimately bring comfort, peace and resolution to the families and friends of the victims of the despicable act of terror committed in Be’er Sheba, on Tuesday March 22, 2022. There is no justification for terror of this magnitude, nor any other magnitude on a continuum.
I am specifically grieved at how a stabbing attack can be made, resulting in the death of four people, two of them women; additionally, two other women were injured. What type of human being can denigrate himself to this level, whereof he deliberately murdered a rabbi, older gentleman, and two women. It disgusts me in particular that he could have the inhuman audacity to attack women with a knife. This is a cold, heartless person; and he will be judged for his despicable acts by the Almighty Himself.
Meanwhile his act is applauded by other terrorists, namely those within the terrorist organization known as Hamas. This condoning of terror should be an affront to all civilized peoples. Additionally, it behooves me to think how anyone can describe a terrorist as an activist; yet, I have personally heard this claim made by a past acquaintance who is a Leftist. Politics aside, I will not tread there, while paying respect to the dead. Each of the murdered civilians had a family, and some had strong roles in their communities. This affects everyone in their social spheres, the state of Israel, and all Jewish peoples across the globe.
In memory of the following souls:
Doris Yahbas (49) mother of 3
R’ Moshe Kravitsky father of 4
Lora Yitzchak (43) mother of 3
Menahem Yehezkel (67)
May their memory be a blessing.
“‘Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house will perish; and who knoweth whether thou art not come to royal estate for such a time as this?’” – Esther 4:13-14, JPS 1917 Tanach
“There is no man who has not his hour, and no thing that has not its place.” – Pirkei Avos 4:3
Esther petitioned King Ahasuerus to spare her people. She, her maidens, and the Jewish people fasted for three days, before she approached the King. She was risking her life, in doing so, because, no one could approach the king without permission. Yet, she was emboldened to approach him, after fasting, with all of her people in support of her.
Queen Esther was given her moment: “who knoweth whether thou art not come to royal estate for such a time as this?” H’Shem arranges the remedy, before the sickness (Talmud). Esther was made queen, before Haman hatched his plan to eliminate the Jewish people. Thank G-d. And, may we also see hidden remedies revealed as miracles, soon in regard to the modern-day Purim narrative in Ukraine. Ahmein.
Ultimately, we have H’Shem to seek as a refuge, both then and now; we should not take His shield of protection for granted; our refuge and fortress in Whom we trust (Psalm 91:2). We should seek Him in all of our trials and tribulations, keeping in mind that He is the Source of our well-being. Especially, at this time to remember our brothers and sisters in peril, is an obligation and responsibility of K’lal Yisrael.
Walking a Tightrope
To get from one place to another, walking a fine line along the way, is not only a task enacted by a tightrope walker. In fact, I imagine that I will not be the only one attempting a “balancing act” this Purim: balancing joy & sorrow, past & present, and religion & life. Perhaps, there is no need for me to explain, and you, dear reader, are already beginning to get an inkling of what I am about to say. Purim is quickly approaching; yet, my thoughts are preoccupied with a modern-day Purim story, wherein the archvillain is intent on destruction, despite the opposition.
Abraham Heschel advocated for a Judaism that is not wrapped up in its past glory, in spite of the prevailing circumstances of life. How can I celebrate Purim in a joyous manner, knowing that a real-life situation demands my attention, prayer, and support? To go along with Purim-as-usual would create a great disconnect between what is meant to be a living faith in touch with the challenges of life and the actual challenges that present themselves, despite the timing.
The war in Ukraine will not be put on hold for the celebration of Purim. This is the stark reality that many of the Jewish refugees who have managed to cross the border know. And the unfortunate ones, who for whatever reasons are still in Ukraine, sheltering in basements, or fighting to defend their country also know this all too well. The rejoicing in Shushan and the lands of Ahasuerus did not occur until after victory was procured for the Jewish people, who were previously threatened by the evil designs of Haman.
Today, rejoicing over this past victory will in all likelihood be diminished in light of the present reality. Whatever lessons we are able to glean from Purim, I would encourage that these be applied to our response to the events of today. Otherwise, as Heschel wrote, we risk ignoring “the crisis of today,” “because of the splendor of the past” (Heschel, G-d in Search of Man, ch.1).
The Tree of Life 