I just was reading an email with the title: "Something to be truly proud of." It was a list of Jews who have accomplished (40 times more than any ethnic group, proportionally) great feats of literature, arts, science, etc.
Is that something to be "truly" proud of? Um...yeah, sure. We're proud of them. Really, we are-they've done great things, and it's wonderful!
But is that it? Is that the sum of all things, physical achievements? I hope not.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Happy Purim!!
Top 10 Ways to Tell that Someone is a New Yorker that's been transplanted to Balmer
(As quoted in the Baltimore Jewish Spectator)
10. He is a member of every local Kollel, works full-time selling jewelry, takes night classes at Hopkins, and doesn't do NWCP because because it's bitul Torah and therefore inconsistant with the shana rishona rule.
9. His cell phone still has a 917 or 347 area code (I'm not sure what 347 is...I would have said 718, but then again, I didn't write it ;) ).
8. She tries to pay cash at Perns in order to avoid paying sales tax.
7. He has been living here still high school and his car is from Wheels to Lease or Leaseworld.
6. He can't understand why the local pizza shops close two hours before Shabbos.
5. He's the only one in shul who doesn't use a Seven Mile bag on his Shabbos hat when it's raining.
4. Her parents overpay by $50,000 to buy them a "starter house" in Ranchleigh and come to visit each month.
3. He calls Dougie's and Mauzone each month and tries to convince them to open a branch in Bal'mer.
2. She double parks even at the Owings Mills Mall.
1. He thinks he needs to buy a water filter to screen out the local iPods.
Gotta love the Pickwick Ma'alot Dafna people! ;)
Purim Sameach!
(As quoted in the Baltimore Jewish Spectator)
10. He is a member of every local Kollel, works full-time selling jewelry, takes night classes at Hopkins, and doesn't do NWCP because because it's bitul Torah and therefore inconsistant with the shana rishona rule.
9. His cell phone still has a 917 or 347 area code (I'm not sure what 347 is...I would have said 718, but then again, I didn't write it ;) ).
8. She tries to pay cash at Perns in order to avoid paying sales tax.
7. He has been living here still high school and his car is from Wheels to Lease or Leaseworld.
6. He can't understand why the local pizza shops close two hours before Shabbos.
5. He's the only one in shul who doesn't use a Seven Mile bag on his Shabbos hat when it's raining.
4. Her parents overpay by $50,000 to buy them a "starter house" in Ranchleigh and come to visit each month.
3. He calls Dougie's and Mauzone each month and tries to convince them to open a branch in Bal'mer.
2. She double parks even at the Owings Mills Mall.
1. He thinks he needs to buy a water filter to screen out the local iPods.
Gotta love the Pickwick Ma'alot Dafna people! ;)
Purim Sameach!
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
And, from the moment she was born, she was...well...different!
It ain't easy being green. Trust me...I know. And since folks here to an absurd degree seem fixated on...never mind.
It's nice to be understood by one person. That sun that pulled the comet from its orbit, that boulder that was met by a stream, that skybird that dropped a seed.
You sing with me, you can feel my deepest pains and make them better. You understand my jokes, my humor, and my 'subtle' references that amuse me but that nobody else seems to get. It's lonely being alone in my own mind.
I miss you.
It's nice to be understood by one person. That sun that pulled the comet from its orbit, that boulder that was met by a stream, that skybird that dropped a seed.
You sing with me, you can feel my deepest pains and make them better. You understand my jokes, my humor, and my 'subtle' references that amuse me but that nobody else seems to get. It's lonely being alone in my own mind.
I miss you.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
A lesson in Latin
Expleo, explere, explevi, expletum*. v-To fill up
Rather interesting. So an expletive is just something used to fill up space. So people who curse are really just full of hot air! ;)
Hope your day was as beautiful as mine! (Spring is coming, really it is, really really...)
*In Latin, every verb ('cept the exceptions) has four principle parts:
1. Present system active first person singular
2. Present infinitive
3. Perfect system active first person singular
4. Participial stem
You really wanted to know that, right? ;)
Rather interesting. So an expletive is just something used to fill up space. So people who curse are really just full of hot air! ;)
Hope your day was as beautiful as mine! (Spring is coming, really it is, really really...)
*In Latin, every verb ('cept the exceptions) has four principle parts:
1. Present system active first person singular
2. Present infinitive
3. Perfect system active first person singular
4. Participial stem
You really wanted to know that, right? ;)
Saturday, March 12, 2005
There is no such thing as a coincidence...
I'm a pretty simple person. I can't always think of detailed, inspiring divrei Torah, nor can I write in the most brilliant style to transfix my readers. But I appreciate others that do that!!
For me, however, it's little things that make a big impact, so I try to pass them on. Today I was saying Barchi Nafshi after Mincha (which I didn't realize till today that you were supposed to say after Shabbos mincha..), and the Shir Hama'alos that follow. In 127 (whoa...on Rosh Chodesh Adar...this is becoming waaaay more apropos than I thought it was in the beginning!!), it says (and I'll translate cause I don't have Hebrew fonts on this computer):
It is vain for you who rise early, who sit up late, who eat the bread of sorrows-for indeed, He gives His beloved ones restful sleep.
Looking in my handy-dandy Artscroll commentary, it says that "without G-d's help, builders will fail, though they work early and late and deprive themselves of food, rest and tranquility. To His beloved ones, however, who trust in Him, and whose primary goal is spiritual growth, G-d will give restful sleep." (It was talking about builders in the previous pasuk, which is why the commentary uses builders in its explanation).
Well. I am in crunch time right now at school. I have a 10-14 page paper, an exam, and a 6 page paper that I have to write. I have Latin to memorize, and internship applications to finish and send in. I have been rising early, sitting up late, and eating crazy meals (or none, depending on time...). And then I come across this pasuk of Tehilim which tells me to trust in Hashem, and focus on the spiritual, cause THAT'S what's important and makes things happen.
Like I said, it's simple things that strike me. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we need a little emunah p'shuta to get us through the day. Yes, I'm still going to be researching long and hard, but it's good to know that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty King, is sitting right next to me, guiding my pen, and helping me finish my work quickly and efficiently, so that I can move on to the important things in life.
For me, however, it's little things that make a big impact, so I try to pass them on. Today I was saying Barchi Nafshi after Mincha (which I didn't realize till today that you were supposed to say after Shabbos mincha..), and the Shir Hama'alos that follow. In 127 (whoa...on Rosh Chodesh Adar...this is becoming waaaay more apropos than I thought it was in the beginning!!), it says (and I'll translate cause I don't have Hebrew fonts on this computer):
It is vain for you who rise early, who sit up late, who eat the bread of sorrows-for indeed, He gives His beloved ones restful sleep.
Looking in my handy-dandy Artscroll commentary, it says that "without G-d's help, builders will fail, though they work early and late and deprive themselves of food, rest and tranquility. To His beloved ones, however, who trust in Him, and whose primary goal is spiritual growth, G-d will give restful sleep." (It was talking about builders in the previous pasuk, which is why the commentary uses builders in its explanation).
Well. I am in crunch time right now at school. I have a 10-14 page paper, an exam, and a 6 page paper that I have to write. I have Latin to memorize, and internship applications to finish and send in. I have been rising early, sitting up late, and eating crazy meals (or none, depending on time...). And then I come across this pasuk of Tehilim which tells me to trust in Hashem, and focus on the spiritual, cause THAT'S what's important and makes things happen.
Like I said, it's simple things that strike me. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we need a little emunah p'shuta to get us through the day. Yes, I'm still going to be researching long and hard, but it's good to know that the Creator of the universe, the Almighty King, is sitting right next to me, guiding my pen, and helping me finish my work quickly and efficiently, so that I can move on to the important things in life.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
The Bracha
With the power vested in me from the time of my great-grandfather Avraham, when Hashem told him "And whoever you shall bless shall be blessed," and the extra special strength that one has on their REAL birthday, I wish y'all the following:
May you and your loved ones (those you know and those you don't) have health and happiness, and truth in life.
May you continuously be growing and striving. And may it be easy for you to find people to help with your growth when you need it.
May you find something that fulfills you to the point of bursting with happiness-and after you find it, may you continue to have such experiences, to leave you continuously overflowing.
May you always experience joy from Torah and the beautiful nation of Klal Yisroel, and may you make us proud.
(For those who are at 'that stage'): May you find your bashert in the right time, and may you have clarity in realizing that he/she is the right one. May you not experience anguish in the search.
May you all be zoche to raise banim u'vnei banim oskim batorah u'bamitzvos (loose translation: sons and sons of sons, devoted to Torah and Mitzvos)
There's much more, and I could continue. But I won't, cause no matter what, I'll leave something out. I just wanna wish y'all joy, health, truth, and inspiration. And may we all merit to be the ones to bring Moshiach NOW!!
May you and your loved ones (those you know and those you don't) have health and happiness, and truth in life.
May you continuously be growing and striving. And may it be easy for you to find people to help with your growth when you need it.
May you find something that fulfills you to the point of bursting with happiness-and after you find it, may you continue to have such experiences, to leave you continuously overflowing.
May you always experience joy from Torah and the beautiful nation of Klal Yisroel, and may you make us proud.
(For those who are at 'that stage'): May you find your bashert in the right time, and may you have clarity in realizing that he/she is the right one. May you not experience anguish in the search.
May you all be zoche to raise banim u'vnei banim oskim batorah u'bamitzvos (loose translation: sons and sons of sons, devoted to Torah and Mitzvos)
There's much more, and I could continue. But I won't, cause no matter what, I'll leave something out. I just wanna wish y'all joy, health, truth, and inspiration. And may we all merit to be the ones to bring Moshiach NOW!!
Ode to a Friend
Just stam ;)
Not cause of anything special (well...maybe it is), just to say ditto times 2!
I'm not so good at the whole thoughtful bit, but thank you.
In addition to all you mentioned (+HP, which you forgot ;) ):
For the long car drives and the sitting in the driveway dates. Your honesty is amazing and I appreciate it so much. Sometimes I'm irrational (who? me?), but you are just logical and make things make sense. The amount of times you've saved relationships is...well...I'm not posting that publically. But you do it. Cause you care.
Now that I have the power in my hands on this 27 Adar 1, I give you a bracha that you continue growing and helping others to grow and making others smile. But most importantly, may you have many chances to smile in the near future, and may many share in your happiness ;)
Thank you for being you.
Not cause of anything special (well...maybe it is), just to say ditto times 2!
I'm not so good at the whole thoughtful bit, but thank you.
In addition to all you mentioned (+HP, which you forgot ;) ):
For the long car drives and the sitting in the driveway dates. Your honesty is amazing and I appreciate it so much. Sometimes I'm irrational (who? me?), but you are just logical and make things make sense. The amount of times you've saved relationships is...well...I'm not posting that publically. But you do it. Cause you care.
Now that I have the power in my hands on this 27 Adar 1, I give you a bracha that you continue growing and helping others to grow and making others smile. But most importantly, may you have many chances to smile in the near future, and may many share in your happiness ;)
Thank you for being you.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
The Joys of History (or not)
Okay. Maybe I'm a kana'i (zealot). Or maybe it's just that I know that I...no, WE are right, and they're wrong. I am fuming. Here's why:
The Quest of the Holy Grail (Penguin Edition)
p. 64-Discussing symbolism of a dead body...
"The tomb signifies the heardheartedness of the Jews, while the body represents the death of them and their seed in that mortal sin whose shackles proved so hard to loose..."
p. 122-Explaining a vision with a woman riding a serpent...
"The lady whom you saw astride the serpent, she is the Synagogue, the first Law, that was put aside as soon as JC had introduced the New. The serpent that carries her denotes the Scriptures wrongly understood and misconstrued; it is hyposcrisy and heresy, iniquity and mortal sin, it is the enemy himself [Read: Satan]"
And I'm only up to page 134. You wonder why there were pogroms, book-burnings, debates, absolute massacre? This is a book that's in the category of "vernacular literature," i.e. the books that the people read! (At least those who could read...)
The Quest of the Holy Grail (Penguin Edition)
p. 64-Discussing symbolism of a dead body...
"The tomb signifies the heardheartedness of the Jews, while the body represents the death of them and their seed in that mortal sin whose shackles proved so hard to loose..."
p. 122-Explaining a vision with a woman riding a serpent...
"The lady whom you saw astride the serpent, she is the Synagogue, the first Law, that was put aside as soon as JC had introduced the New. The serpent that carries her denotes the Scriptures wrongly understood and misconstrued; it is hyposcrisy and heresy, iniquity and mortal sin, it is the enemy himself [Read: Satan]"
And I'm only up to page 134. You wonder why there were pogroms, book-burnings, debates, absolute massacre? This is a book that's in the category of "vernacular literature," i.e. the books that the people read! (At least those who could read...)
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The Joys of Torah
The Siyum Hashas tonight was a perfect capstone to the day. Crowds of people from all over the world joined together because so many men took it upon themselves to take time out of their days to learn Torah Sheba'al Peh. We were mikabel ol malchus shamayim (accepted the yoke of Hashem) at the Siyum, and there was dancing and singing. I can only wonder what the security guards and Collusium personnel thought of it.
It was absolutely amazing, and I am so pround to have been part of the event.
May we have the next one in Yerushalayim at the Bais Hamikdash.
Edit: Oops! Thanks, cosmic x, for the correction!
Edit #2: It doesn't make it as strong, but you're right, TPE. I of all people should know better than to fabricate data..
It was absolutely amazing, and I am so pround to have been part of the event.
May we have the next one in Yerushalayim at the Bais Hamikdash.
Edit: Oops! Thanks, cosmic x, for the correction!
Edit #2: It doesn't make it as strong, but you're right, TPE. I of all people should know better than to fabricate data..
What a wonderful day!
I'm not generally a person who asks for much. (At least I'd like to think that.) All I want is for people to tell me Happy Bday when it's my day. So everyone who did extra, it was unexpected, and you made my day so wonderful! So I want to thank everyone for the completely unexpected wonderfulness of today!
Bloggers:
T.B.M (I still think we've met...sorta)
Ggreen
Flairrah (missing you still!)
En
Phone Calls:
R&R
Lindsey (X2-kudos!)
Stx
IM:
Devorah
Stx
E-Cards:
Esty O.
Jody
Stx again
Pen Pal:
Wow. Thank you. A lot. For the book, which I totally didn't expect and which made me smile a lot and be very happy. And for the card. And for the letters. And for the phone calls. And for the beautiful blog, which said everything I would've said 'cept "fellow HP obsessor." So ditto back at you. And we'll work on the Harley.
My apartment-mates:
Wow, wow, and double wow! Didn't expect much cause I'm new and all, but that was soooo sweet and made my night even specialer!
Everyone I know that's involved in Wicked (I haven't gotten the complete list yet...;) ):
THANK YOU!!
Stx:
'Nuff said. We're really really thankful. For it all. For good. For teaching me to defy gravity. Maybe We'll think of a pardon for you --> ;) IF you get cracking on the music-writing!
Bloggers:
T.B.M (I still think we've met...sorta)
Ggreen
Flairrah (missing you still!)
En
Phone Calls:
R&R
Lindsey (X2-kudos!)
Stx
IM:
Devorah
Stx
E-Cards:
Esty O.
Jody
Stx again
Pen Pal:
Wow. Thank you. A lot. For the book, which I totally didn't expect and which made me smile a lot and be very happy. And for the card. And for the letters. And for the phone calls. And for the beautiful blog, which said everything I would've said 'cept "fellow HP obsessor." So ditto back at you. And we'll work on the Harley.
My apartment-mates:
Wow, wow, and double wow! Didn't expect much cause I'm new and all, but that was soooo sweet and made my night even specialer!
Everyone I know that's involved in Wicked (I haven't gotten the complete list yet...;) ):
THANK YOU!!
Stx:
'Nuff said. We're really really thankful. For it all. For good. For teaching me to defy gravity. Maybe We'll think of a pardon for you --> ;) IF you get cracking on the music-writing!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Warning: This post is extremely non-PC
Note to self:
1. Just because something says Medieval on it doesn't mean that it's worth taking
2. There is very little literature of value
3. Stop smirking, Stx!! (oh...that wasn't to self...but close enough)
Medieval Vernacular Literature...okay, I was stupid. I admit. I saw vernacular, and I didn't define it correctly. I defined it non-religious. The meaning is "language of the people". So they write about the church in the language of the people. I'm not interested. Not my religion, not my thing. But I'm doing the work cause I paid good money for the course and there's only a month left.
Today was a pretty harsh reading, though.
"...signifies the hardheartedness of the Jews...represents the death of them (the Jews) and their seed in that mortal sin whose shackles proved so hard to loose."
Um...yeah. I'm offended. Seriously. I could go into more, but it's not necessary. We don't accept your god and that's enough to harangue us for all the sins of mankind for the rest of eternity? Do you know what the Jews were doing when your lovely knights (the book is the Quest of the Holy Grail) were out exploring courtly love in the 5th century? Go find someone else to bother and leave my people alone!
Oh, and one more thing. According to this narrative, we were supposed to die 2000 years ago. Oooops. Nobody told us, I suppose...;)
1. Just because something says Medieval on it doesn't mean that it's worth taking
2. There is very little literature of value
3. Stop smirking, Stx!! (oh...that wasn't to self...but close enough)
Medieval Vernacular Literature...okay, I was stupid. I admit. I saw vernacular, and I didn't define it correctly. I defined it non-religious. The meaning is "language of the people". So they write about the church in the language of the people. I'm not interested. Not my religion, not my thing. But I'm doing the work cause I paid good money for the course and there's only a month left.
Today was a pretty harsh reading, though.
"...signifies the hardheartedness of the Jews...represents the death of them (the Jews) and their seed in that mortal sin whose shackles proved so hard to loose."
Um...yeah. I'm offended. Seriously. I could go into more, but it's not necessary. We don't accept your god and that's enough to harangue us for all the sins of mankind for the rest of eternity? Do you know what the Jews were doing when your lovely knights (the book is the Quest of the Holy Grail) were out exploring courtly love in the 5th century? Go find someone else to bother and leave my people alone!
Oh, and one more thing. According to this narrative, we were supposed to die 2000 years ago. Oooops. Nobody told us, I suppose...;)
Saturday, February 26, 2005
"Do you drink?" "Yes...religiously"
Last semester, I was talking to a girl in my class about how we have wine before meals on holy days (Shabbos, Y"T, etc). She asked how old we allow a child to drink. I thought it was a funny question-why should there be a limit on the age that one could drink? It then occured to me that there's a difference between me and the average university student when it comes to wine. When we drink, it's for holiness-to elevate ourselves and reach new heights. When one drinks only to get high, there is no beauty, only lack of control.
I went to the broadcast of R' Reisman's shiur tonight. Unfortunately, the connection stopped working in the middle, but fortunately, they showed a different shiur. One which I felt was addressed to me personally, considering what's planned for my life this Tuesday ;)
He spoke about wine. Wine is the only food (or beverage, as the case may be) that improves with age. There are some foods, yes, that will last a long time, but wine is the only thing that actually becomes better when left over a long period of time. In truth, it's probably the only material object that gets better with time. Even the human body, after many years, begins to slow down and 'get rusty'.
It is for this reason that we use wine at our holy times and special occasions (which are also holy times ;) ). We want to remind ourselves that there IS one thing that, like wine, gets better with time. This is not our physical bodies, but our spiritual selves. As one grows older (hint, hint), we have a choice. We can rot in the way that most things age, or we can choose to be like wine-become better, greater, and worth more to everyone around us.
So as I reach a milestone in my life, marking another year off the calendar of my life, I hope that I (and all of us) only grow upwards, never "rotting", but making the most of our time here, and using it to the greatest of our capabilities.
I went to the broadcast of R' Reisman's shiur tonight. Unfortunately, the connection stopped working in the middle, but fortunately, they showed a different shiur. One which I felt was addressed to me personally, considering what's planned for my life this Tuesday ;)
He spoke about wine. Wine is the only food (or beverage, as the case may be) that improves with age. There are some foods, yes, that will last a long time, but wine is the only thing that actually becomes better when left over a long period of time. In truth, it's probably the only material object that gets better with time. Even the human body, after many years, begins to slow down and 'get rusty'.
It is for this reason that we use wine at our holy times and special occasions (which are also holy times ;) ). We want to remind ourselves that there IS one thing that, like wine, gets better with time. This is not our physical bodies, but our spiritual selves. As one grows older (hint, hint), we have a choice. We can rot in the way that most things age, or we can choose to be like wine-become better, greater, and worth more to everyone around us.
So as I reach a milestone in my life, marking another year off the calendar of my life, I hope that I (and all of us) only grow upwards, never "rotting", but making the most of our time here, and using it to the greatest of our capabilities.
SHabbos #9
I know, I know, I skipped a few...but time flew, so I guess I'm having fun! ;)
Shabbos. It was wonderful. I went to a Shabbaton, and I was actually pretty nervous about it, cause I don't generally like being in overly social situations (that's when the acting bit comes in handy...), but it turned out to be soooooo nice!!
The highlight was the oneg Friday night. We went to the house of this couple. We sat at the table. Then we were fed Torah a whole night. I felt like I was a sponge, just gathering in what was being said. It was so beautiful. These were people who had an amazing love of Torah, love of Bnai Yisroel, love of Hashem. I came home bursting with joy and I wanted to share the joy. I wish I could give over to others the joy and Torah that this man had. I wish I could remember every holy word, every beautiful story, and that I could tell it to the world.
Didja ever feel that? Where you left a place sooo happy that you felt like you had to share some of your overflow joy or you would just explode?
That was my Shabbos. Hope yours was (and that they continue to be) as incredibly inspiring.
Shabbos. It was wonderful. I went to a Shabbaton, and I was actually pretty nervous about it, cause I don't generally like being in overly social situations (that's when the acting bit comes in handy...), but it turned out to be soooooo nice!!
The highlight was the oneg Friday night. We went to the house of this couple. We sat at the table. Then we were fed Torah a whole night. I felt like I was a sponge, just gathering in what was being said. It was so beautiful. These were people who had an amazing love of Torah, love of Bnai Yisroel, love of Hashem. I came home bursting with joy and I wanted to share the joy. I wish I could give over to others the joy and Torah that this man had. I wish I could remember every holy word, every beautiful story, and that I could tell it to the world.
Didja ever feel that? Where you left a place sooo happy that you felt like you had to share some of your overflow joy or you would just explode?
That was my Shabbos. Hope yours was (and that they continue to be) as incredibly inspiring.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Siyum Hashas
This Tuesday, my birthday (English, at least), is the Siyum HaShas. I am honored ;)
I just want everyone to go and see R' Pinchus Lipshutz's blog on it. It's beautiful. For those of you who won't click the link normally, you should. He writes about the hundreds of thousands of people, who, every day, get up earlier, stay up later, prioritize their day so they can learn a blatt of Gemora. He writes about Klal Yisroel's absolute love for Torah and how no matter what others try to do to us, we still continue. To learn, to grow, to serve Hashem.
I certainly was not one of those learning a daf a day, but to all those who do, thank you for keeping the world standing. You are absolutely amazing.
I just want everyone to go and see R' Pinchus Lipshutz's blog on it. It's beautiful. For those of you who won't click the link normally, you should. He writes about the hundreds of thousands of people, who, every day, get up earlier, stay up later, prioritize their day so they can learn a blatt of Gemora. He writes about Klal Yisroel's absolute love for Torah and how no matter what others try to do to us, we still continue. To learn, to grow, to serve Hashem.
I certainly was not one of those learning a daf a day, but to all those who do, thank you for keeping the world standing. You are absolutely amazing.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
TV? Why?
I've been spending the last week at my grandparents, and I've learned a lot about the institution of television. Basically, that it's worthless.
It's funny. A very comprehensive argument has already been made about the negative values portrayed on TV to be presented to the world. Lack of self-esteem, lack of morals, lack of anything substantial...in fact, I wrote a paper once about the absolute stupidity of "reality shows" that exist to allow people to escape into an alternate reality that we'd all like to pretend that it's real...
But what about the news? How else can one find out what's going on if not by the mass media? Not having grown up watching television, the question never really bothered me, but I'm sure it's bothered others, and, perhaps in my naivete (or maybe because I'm able to give an unbiased opinion), the answer seems pretty clear. You want the news? Get a paper. (Although even that has issues.) Once you're on the Internet anyway (checking my blog ;) ), check a local news station's website...
But the television news, and perhaps all mass media, has a serious problem. They focus only on the bad going on in the world. They take things that you wouldn't even think about and make them into huge problems that you're now required to add to your list of worries.
Dunno. To me, it seems pretty silly. You can know what's going on in the world, and learn about all the wonderful things that're going on as well! I know this's been my soapbox, but what is with people and their obsession with focusing on the negative? I can't stand watching the news-I'd rather go and do something good for the world instead of just searching for more things to complain about. Maybe it's just me. I sure hope not.
Although I have to admit that there is a bit of merit to programs like those on the History Channel ;) There's a way to find good in everything, see? :)
It's funny. A very comprehensive argument has already been made about the negative values portrayed on TV to be presented to the world. Lack of self-esteem, lack of morals, lack of anything substantial...in fact, I wrote a paper once about the absolute stupidity of "reality shows" that exist to allow people to escape into an alternate reality that we'd all like to pretend that it's real...
But what about the news? How else can one find out what's going on if not by the mass media? Not having grown up watching television, the question never really bothered me, but I'm sure it's bothered others, and, perhaps in my naivete (or maybe because I'm able to give an unbiased opinion), the answer seems pretty clear. You want the news? Get a paper. (Although even that has issues.) Once you're on the Internet anyway (checking my blog ;) ), check a local news station's website...
But the television news, and perhaps all mass media, has a serious problem. They focus only on the bad going on in the world. They take things that you wouldn't even think about and make them into huge problems that you're now required to add to your list of worries.
Dunno. To me, it seems pretty silly. You can know what's going on in the world, and learn about all the wonderful things that're going on as well! I know this's been my soapbox, but what is with people and their obsession with focusing on the negative? I can't stand watching the news-I'd rather go and do something good for the world instead of just searching for more things to complain about. Maybe it's just me. I sure hope not.
Although I have to admit that there is a bit of merit to programs like those on the History Channel ;) There's a way to find good in everything, see? :)
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
"Hasidim" WOW!!
So I had an insane weekend. Two weddings, two cities, 5 days. (And, oh yeah...I still have to write another paper due Friday...). But I learned a lot.
I took a flight to NY early Sunday morning (well...early for me) to get to a wedding of a close friend. I was supposed to be picked up at the airport, but due to technical difficulties (not my own), I was not. I was stranded. Lucky for me, the tiny plane was full of...Chasidim!
Now you have to understand. I come from a town (not as small as everyone thinks it is) that has barely any Chasidim. And my grandfather was born in Lita. We're the original Litvaks. For me, meeting Chasidim is really a cultural experience (I didn't need to go abroad after all!), and I was fascinated! (Oh, incidentally, GGreen, they were from London-but Stamford Hill. It was funny, cause they were speaking Yiddish, so I didn't expect them to speak English correctly, but they did! Shows my prejudices and judgementalness...and got me thinking.)
Approaching the nearest one, I asked if I could have a ride to wherever they were going (Boro Park). The answer was "yes, no problem, you can come in our car service!" Well, after quickly calling a friend who I haven't spoke to in years who was thrilled to have me come over, I joined them in their car. When I offered to pay my share of the ride, they didn't let me, and were really friendly and kind.
B"H, it was a wonderful experience. So I don't know what the shmichyheads are talking about.
I took a flight to NY early Sunday morning (well...early for me) to get to a wedding of a close friend. I was supposed to be picked up at the airport, but due to technical difficulties (not my own), I was not. I was stranded. Lucky for me, the tiny plane was full of...Chasidim!
Now you have to understand. I come from a town (not as small as everyone thinks it is) that has barely any Chasidim. And my grandfather was born in Lita. We're the original Litvaks. For me, meeting Chasidim is really a cultural experience (I didn't need to go abroad after all!), and I was fascinated! (Oh, incidentally, GGreen, they were from London-but Stamford Hill. It was funny, cause they were speaking Yiddish, so I didn't expect them to speak English correctly, but they did! Shows my prejudices and judgementalness...and got me thinking.)
Approaching the nearest one, I asked if I could have a ride to wherever they were going (Boro Park). The answer was "yes, no problem, you can come in our car service!" Well, after quickly calling a friend who I haven't spoke to in years who was thrilled to have me come over, I joined them in their car. When I offered to pay my share of the ride, they didn't let me, and were really friendly and kind.
B"H, it was a wonderful experience. So I don't know what the shmichyheads are talking about.
Be Openminded Both Ways
I was at the Hillel today, and I noticed a fascinating thing. There was a whole debate going on about people who are really religious and how they shouldn't consider the things that they do the only way and that they shouldn't judge the people who aren't doing them. (Who says they are? Why is everyone convinced that Charedim are judging? I consider myself Charedi, and I don't judge...I sure hope I don't, anyway..) Just after that comment was made, one of the guys said that he studied at Ohr Sameach in Monsey.
And the response from one of the people there was "Monsey? Ew..."
When asked why, she said "but it's soooo religious...why would you want to go there?"
So who's being judgemental again?
And the response from one of the people there was "Monsey? Ew..."
When asked why, she said "but it's soooo religious...why would you want to go there?"
So who's being judgemental again?
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Toto...I have a feeling...
Now I understand why Simple Jew writes his location as "Golus." Two instances happened this week that served as a harsh reminder.
1) The lesser one: I was sitting in class, and we were discussing the Neibolungenleid (I know, it's my fault, I should have realized the Liturature part of Medieval Vernacular Literature, but I just saw the Medieval Vernacular part and got excited...we'll see what happens...). It's a German folk tale that some of you more cultural types might recognize from Wagner's opera (he changed the story in the opera, as all remakes do..). Anyway, we were discussing the book, and one of the guys asked "Is Worms a real place?" I was shocked! How could he not know about Worms, one of the Oray Shum that had been completely decimated by the Crusading army in 1096? After all, isn't he a Medieval Studies major?
And then I realized. I only knew about the devistation of Worms because it happened to Jews. Nobody else cared about it.
2) The greater one: Apparantly this made it to the NY Times, but I didn't see it, so I wouldn't know. I walked into one of the school buildings on Monday, and was greeted by the following:
A canvas hut, set up inside, with Arabic lettering all over it, and people standing around it in kafiyas.
Signs saying "JNF out of Canada" and "Zionism=Racism" and "Israeli Attack Forces" with the word Israel in red letters, with flecks of blood coming off of it.
Apparantly it's Israeli Apartheid Week at the University (Do you know what apartheid is? Do you know anything about the history of South Africa? Have you been to Israel? Can it be remotely compared in any way? NOOOOOO!!!). When I walked in, quite frankly, I was frightened. I was almost scared to be Jewish. I felt like I could understand a teeny tiny bit what the Jews felt in Nazi Germany in 1933.
And that is the meaning of Galus.
So could we please please please all do teshuva and get along so that we can bring Moshiach and live in a normal world? Cause this one is not.
1) The lesser one: I was sitting in class, and we were discussing the Neibolungenleid (I know, it's my fault, I should have realized the Liturature part of Medieval Vernacular Literature, but I just saw the Medieval Vernacular part and got excited...we'll see what happens...). It's a German folk tale that some of you more cultural types might recognize from Wagner's opera (he changed the story in the opera, as all remakes do..). Anyway, we were discussing the book, and one of the guys asked "Is Worms a real place?" I was shocked! How could he not know about Worms, one of the Oray Shum that had been completely decimated by the Crusading army in 1096? After all, isn't he a Medieval Studies major?
And then I realized. I only knew about the devistation of Worms because it happened to Jews. Nobody else cared about it.
2) The greater one: Apparantly this made it to the NY Times, but I didn't see it, so I wouldn't know. I walked into one of the school buildings on Monday, and was greeted by the following:
A canvas hut, set up inside, with Arabic lettering all over it, and people standing around it in kafiyas.
Signs saying "JNF out of Canada" and "Zionism=Racism" and "Israeli Attack Forces" with the word Israel in red letters, with flecks of blood coming off of it.
Apparantly it's Israeli Apartheid Week at the University (Do you know what apartheid is? Do you know anything about the history of South Africa? Have you been to Israel? Can it be remotely compared in any way? NOOOOOO!!!). When I walked in, quite frankly, I was frightened. I was almost scared to be Jewish. I felt like I could understand a teeny tiny bit what the Jews felt in Nazi Germany in 1933.
And that is the meaning of Galus.
So could we please please please all do teshuva and get along so that we can bring Moshiach and live in a normal world? Cause this one is not.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Out of Curiousity...
Do you believe in love (or like) at first (or second) sight?
Do you think that people are being too picky in waiting to be swept off their feet and that love is something that is built?
Why?
Inerestin' discussion...just shows that if you argue with someone very close to you, it doesn't harm a relationship, B"H!!! On to chavrusa-ing!
Do you think that people are being too picky in waiting to be swept off their feet and that love is something that is built?
Why?
Inerestin' discussion...just shows that if you argue with someone very close to you, it doesn't harm a relationship, B"H!!! On to chavrusa-ing!
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Just a Thought
R' Asher Wade once made a comment that struck me as, unfortunately, true:
"Don't judge Judaism by the Jews."
Yes, it's true, we are supposed to be making a kiddush Hashem in the world...and apparantly we're not doing such a good job, if the blogworld has any say in the matter (which I have other thoughts on, but that's not for now.)
But don't throw away something TRUE just because you see people that aren't living the life that seems ideal to you, or if someone does something that you find inconsistant with Torah Judaism. There are so many that ARE living such beautiful lives that you should model yours after. Or, if your way seems the best way for you to fill Ratzon Hashem (The Will of G-d), then go ahead! Torah IS real, and IS eternal, and has sooo much to teach us. One bad experience (or even two) should not be enough to turn you off. As I keep saying, when you look for good in people, it's amazing how much you can find.
Look for answers. From people who know. You'll be amazed by how much you can find once you stop complaining and start honestly searching.
"Don't judge Judaism by the Jews."
Yes, it's true, we are supposed to be making a kiddush Hashem in the world...and apparantly we're not doing such a good job, if the blogworld has any say in the matter (which I have other thoughts on, but that's not for now.)
But don't throw away something TRUE just because you see people that aren't living the life that seems ideal to you, or if someone does something that you find inconsistant with Torah Judaism. There are so many that ARE living such beautiful lives that you should model yours after. Or, if your way seems the best way for you to fill Ratzon Hashem (The Will of G-d), then go ahead! Torah IS real, and IS eternal, and has sooo much to teach us. One bad experience (or even two) should not be enough to turn you off. As I keep saying, when you look for good in people, it's amazing how much you can find.
Look for answers. From people who know. You'll be amazed by how much you can find once you stop complaining and start honestly searching.
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