Tuesday, December 20, 2005

LESSONS IN TANYA: Wednesday, December 21, 2005

B"H

Kislev 20, 5766 * December 21, 2005

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L E S S O N S I N T A N Y A
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Today's Lesson:

Likutei Amarim
Compiler's Foreword
-------------------

[As we have seen from the title page, the Alter Rebbe perceives himself as a mere compiler rather than as an author.]

Being a letter sent to all Anash - [members of our fellowship, i.e., the chassidim], may [G-d] our Stronghold bless and guard them.(1)

To you [worthy] men, do I call. Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek G-d, and may the Almighty listen to you, both great [in spiritual stature] and small, all Anash in our land and in nearby countries: may each in his own place achieve peace and eternal life. Amen. May this be His Will.

It is well known that all Anash are wont to say that hearing words of moral guidance [from a teacher addressing his student individually and directly] is not the same as seeing and reading [such guidance] in books, [which are impersonal and addressed to the reading audience at large. The spoken word will have far greater effect than the written word, for two reasons. The first:]

For the reader, [who gains such instruction in books], will read it after his own manner and mind, and [will absorb the written message] according to his mental grasp and comprehension at that particular time.

Hence, if his intellect and mind are confused and wander about in darkness in [ideas pertaining to the service of G-d] he will find it difficult to see the beneficial light hidden in books, although this light be pleasant to the eyes and therapeutic for the soul.

[In the case of personal guidance, on the other hand, the mentor can ensure that his message is understood fully and correctly. The Alter Rebbe now points out a second disadvantage in written advice. By its very nature its ability to inspire even the understanding reader is restricted to a specific audience. A book does not allow for the subjective differences between one reader's character and another's. It will, of necessity, leave some of its readership untouched.

The Alter Rebbe next distinguishes between two categories of inspirational books. In those books belonging to the first category this problem is more obvious and acute; in those of the second category, less so.

The first category embraces those books that argue for pious conduct on grounds of human intellect. These will surely not affect all readers equally; owing to the diversity of mind and temperament among readers, what profoundly inspires one reader, will leave another indifferent.

The second category comprises those works founded on the teachings of our Sages. It would seem at first glance that in such books the problem of subjective differences between readers would be irrelevant. Since they are based on Torah, which is pertinent to every Jew without exception, surely every Jew could be guided and inspired by them.

The Alter Rebbe points out, however, that not every Jew is privileged to find his place in Torah and to derive the instruction applicable to him as an individual. Thus the problem still obtains, though to a lesser degree.]

Aside from this [aforementioned possibility that the reader's intellectual shortcomings may prevent him from perceiving the light concealed in the holy books, there is yet another difficulty]:

Those books on piety founded on human intelligence surely do not affect all people equally, for not all intellects and minds are alike, and the intellect of one man is not affected and aroused by that which affects and arouses the intellect of another.

As our Sages have said, in reference to the blessing of "He who is wise in secrets" [ordained by the Sages to be recited] on [witnessing a gathering of] 600,000 Jews, (2) [whereby we praise G-d's omniscience in knowing the secrets of them all]: "For their minds [i.e., thoughts, opinions and feelings] are all different from one another."(3)

So too does Ramban of blessed memory [explain the reason for the blessing] in his Milchamot,(4) elaborating on the comment of Sifrei on the verse(5) describing Joshua as "a man in whom there is spirit;"

[Sifrei explains] "that he was able to meet the spirit of every man." (6)

But even those works of mussar whose foundation is in the peaks of holiness, [meaning that they are founded on] the Midrashim of our Sages "in whom the spirit of G-d speaks, and His word is on their tongues," (7) - [even in the case of such works the aforementioned problem obtains.

For although] "Torah and the Holy One, blessed be He, are one," and all 600,000 general souls of Israel, and the individual souls that are their offshoots, (8) down to even the [soul-]spark residing within the most worthless and least estimable members of our people, the Children of Israel, are all bound up with the Torah and the Torah is what binds them to G-d, as is known from the holy Zohar,(9) [and since the Torah does contain what is pertinent to every Jew, those works founded on the Torah ought to appeal to every Jewish reader,]- yet this is [said] in a general way for the Jewish people as a whole.

[This statement of the Zohar speaks of the bond between Jewry in general with the Torah in its entirety. It does not refer to a particular Jew seeking individual instruction in a specific area in the Torah.]

It is true that the Torah lends itself to interpretation by the rule of "general principles and specific applications," and these applications may be further broken down to even more specific details, to apply to each individual soul in Israel rooted in the Torah.

[Thus the Torah contains not only general instruction for the nation as a whole, but also specific instruction for each individual. Therefore, despite subjective differences between people, every Jew could theoretically find in such works instruction pertinent to his circumstances.]

Yet, not every man is privileged to recognize his specific place in the Torah, [so that he may know how to derive specific guidance from it].

Even in the [Torah-]laws governing things forbidden and permissible which have been (10) "revealed to us and to our children [equally]" [for despite the differences between generations, the law applies equally to all, complete objectivity prevailing] -, even in these laws we witness arguments from one extreme to the other between tannaim and amoraim, [with one tanna, for instance, declaring perfectly permissible that which another tanna rules absolutely forbidden.]

Yet (11) "these as well as those are the words of the living G-d." [In this phrase the words "living G-d appear in the plural form (12) (Elo-kim)], because [the diversity of opinions in the Halachah stems from plurality in] the source of life of the souls of Israel - [within the "living G-d" (i.e., within G-d as He is the source of life) - Elokim Chaim.

The souls, and hence also their source, so to speak, are] divided into three general categories: right, left and center, representing kindness (Chesed), severity (Gevurah)... [and beauty (Tiferet)].

Those souls which are rooted in the attribute of kindness tend to be lenient in their halachic decisions, being inclined toward kindness, [which dictates that the object be declared permissible and thus capable of being sanctified if used for a sacred purpose], and so on, [with the attribute of severity dictating stringency in halachic decisions, and the attribute of beauty mediating], as is known.

[In his Iggeret HaKodesh, the Alter Rebbe applies this principle to the legal arguments between the Schools of Shammai and Hillel. The School of Shammai was usually stringent, because their spiritual source was the attribute of severity; the school of Hillel usually lenient because of their source in the attribute of kindness. In certain decisions, however, their positions were reversed. For the realm of holiness is governed by the principle of mutual incorporation (hitkalelut), with kindness containing elements of severity and vice versa.

Now if one's individual spiritual tendencies affect the way he views the Torah even in the area of the Halachah, which is intrinsically objective], surely, how much more so, [will subjective differences play a role] in "matters hidden to G-d Almighty," namely, to one's awe and love of G-d, which are [subjective by their very nature, for they express themselves] in the mind and heart of each person according to his own measure (his shiur), according to his heart's estimation (hash-ara), and according to the "gate" (sha-ar) that he makes in his heart, [to permit his intellectual understanding (of G-dliness) to pervade his heart and generate within him a love and awe of G-d],

as the Zohar (13) comments on the verse, "Her husband is known by the gates..." (14).

[The Zohar interprets the "husband" of this verse as a reference to G-d, Who is the "husband" of the community of Israel. We "know" and attach ourselves to Him "by the she'arim," which the Zohar interprets in the sense of shaar (gate), shiur (measure), and hash'arah (estimation), as explained above. At any rate, we see that being inspired in the love and fear of G-d is intrinsically subjective.

To return to the thread of our earlier argument: If even in the objective halachah we find differences of opinion arising from the variety in human nature, we will surely find a variety of response to inspirational literature. The chassidic saying quoted above, that "seeing" (in books - even Torah books) "is not the same as hearing" (inspiration from a teacher), seems quite justified.

How then could the Alter Rebbe now propose to offer the Tanya to his followers as a substitute for the personal guidance that he had been giving them until this time?

In answer the Alter Rebbe states that the Tanya is addressed to his chassidim, with whom he has a long-standing relationship, and whose specific needs for guidance are known to him from their personal audiences with him. They will therefore find the advice provided in the Tanya relevant to their individual needs.

Chassidim would add that this includes all those who study the Tanya: the Alter Rebbe knew them all and addressed himself to each one's needs in the service of G-d, as though they had spoken to him in private audience. As the Rebbe Rashab phrased it, (15) "To study the Tanya is to converse with the Alter Rebbe]."

Footnotes:

1. The abbreviation may also represent:"May our Stronghold and
Redeemer preserve them," or some similar expression. Compare the
phrase (in the morning prayer): "Stronghold of Israel, arise to the
aid of Israel..." It is possible that the Alter Rebbe wrote the
words in abbreviation to allow for a variety of interpretations of
the blessing.(Comment of the Rebbe.)
2. The reading in the text is Shishim Ribu - "sixty ten-thousands,"
corresponding to the number of adult male Israelites in the Exodus
from Egypt (Shmot 12:37; Bamidbar 11:21).
3. Berachot 58a.
4. Commenting on Alfasi's omission of this passage in the Gemara.
5. Bamidbar 27:18.
6. Rashi, too (ibid.), cites the interpretation that "he could meet
the spirit of every man," yet the Alter Rebbe quotes it from
Ramban. This may be because Ramban suggests the possibility that
a great sage may be the equivalent of, and incorporate within
himself, the minds of 600,000. (Ramban accordingly explains why, as
the Gemara relates, Rabbi Chananya the son of Rabbi Icka recited
the blessing of "he who is wise in secrets" when he met Rav Papa
and Rav Huna the son of Rabbi Yehoshua.) However, recognizing such
a sage requires a discerning mind on the part of the observer, and
for this reason Ramban rules in practice that one should recite the
blessing only when he actually sees 600,000 people. We see from
Ramban, at any rate, that the alternative possibility theoretically
exists. The chassidim, who "know" and "recognize" the Alter Rebbe
(as he says of them later), know him to be such a sage "who can
meet the spirit of every man;" for inasmuch as his was a
"comprehensive soul" (Neshama Klalit), he contained within himself
the spirit of every one of them.
7. Paraphrase of II Shmuel 23:2.
8. See Tanya, ch. 37.
9. III, p. 73b.
10. Based on the verse (Devarim 29:28):"The hidden things are for G-d
Al-mighty, and the revealed things are for us and our children..."
11. Eruvin 13b.
12. Elokim Chayim rather than El-oka Chai.
13. P. 103a,b.
14. Mishlei 31:23.
15. Torat Shalom p. 56.

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DAILY MITZVAH (Maimonides): Wednesday, December 21, 2005

B"H

Kislev 20, 5766 * December 21, 2005

==================================================
D A I L Y M I T Z V A H (M A I M O N I D E S )
==================================================

Today's Mitzvot (Day 110 of 339):

Positive Mitzvah 94
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Positive Mitzvah 94: Keeping a Vow

-Deuteronomy 23:24 "The statements of your lips you shall keep
and perform"

Chani promised to take her younger sisters out to the park one Sunday
afternoon. Later, her friend called and invited her to come over. She
told her sisters that she would take them out the following week.

"But you promised," complained Mimi.
"You said you would," argued Bassie.
"You have to keep your word," Rina told Chani angrily.

Keeping our word is not just a good thing to do. The Torah commands
us to fulfill obligations we have taken upon ourselves.

Whether a promise, a vow, or a plan to bring a sacrifice - we must
make sure that it gets done.

* * *

PLEASE NOTE: The Daily Mitzvah schedule runs parallel to the daily
study of 3 chapters of Maimonides' 14-volume code. There are
instances when the Mitzvah is repeated a few days consecutively
while the exploration of the same Mitzvah continues in the in-depth
track.

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TODAY IN JUDAISM: Wednesday, December 21, 2005

B"H

Kislev 20, 5766 * December 21, 2005

=================================
T O D A Y I N J U D A I S M
=================================

* Laws * Customs * Jewish History * Daily Quote * Daily Study *

Today is: Wednesday, Kislev 20, 5766
Chaf Kislev - "Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism"

======================
Today's Laws & Customs
======================

• "Rosh Hashanah of Chassidism"

The Rosh Hashanah ("new year") of Chassidism, marking the liberation of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi and the subsequent blossoming of Chabad Chassidism, is celebrated for two days, Kislev 19-20. (The Rebbe was released from prison on the 19th, but his full freedom was only obtained late in the evening -- Kislev 20 on the Jewish Calendar.) The two days are celebrated with farbrengens [http://www.chabad.org/2216] (Chassidic gatherings) and an increased commitment to the ways and teachings of Chassidism. Tachnun (supplication) and similar prayers are omitted. For more information and links, see entries for yesterday Kislev 19 [http://www.chabad.org/150146].

=======================
Today in Jewish History
=======================

• Ezra's address (347 BCE)

Ezra, head of the Sanhedrin and the leader of the Jewish people at the time of the building of the Second Temple, made an historic address to a three-day assemblage of Jews in Jerusalem, exhorting them to adhere to the teachings of the Torah and to dissolve their interfaith marriages (the Jewish people were on the verge of complete assimilation at the time, following their 70-year exile in Babylonia).

Links: On Intermarriage [http://www.chabad.org/search/keyword.asp?kid=1567]

• Tanya published (1796)

The first printing of the "bible of Chassidism", the Tanya, the magnum opus of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of Chabad.

Links: The Longer Shorter Way [http://www.chabad.org/63843]; <Lessons in Tanya [http://www.chabad.org/63852] (includes an English translation of the Hebrew text plus explanatory commentary in English); a href="/article.asp?aid=63852">28 Teachings

===========
Daily Quote
===========

"The soul of man is a lamp of G-d" (Proverbs 20:27). Just like the flame of the lamp strains upwards, seeking to tear free of the wick and rise heavenward - though this would spell its own demise - so, too, does the G-dly soul in man constantly strive to tear free of the body and the material existence and be nullified within its source in G-d.

- Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi

===========
Daily Study
===========

Chitas and Rambam for today:

Chumash: Vayeishev, 4th Portion Bereishit 38:1-38:30 with Rashi
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/rashi/default.asp?tDate=12/21/2005&src=ds

Tehillim: Chapters 97 - 103
• Hebrew text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=12/21/2005&Lang=HEB
• English text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tehillim.asp?tDate=12/21/2005

Tanya: Likutei Amarim, beginning of Compiler's Foreword
• Lesson in Tanya:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tDate=12/21/2005
• RealAudio:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=12/21/2005&format=rm
• Windows Media:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/audio.asp?what=tanya&tDate=12/21/2005&format=m3u

Rambam:
• Sefer Hamitzvos:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/seferHamitzvos.asp?tDate=12/21/2005
• 1 Chapter: Mechirah Chap. 2
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=12/21/2005&rambamChapters=1
• 3 Chapters: Nedarim Chap. 4, 5, 6
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/rambam.asp?tDate=12/21/2005&rambamChapters=3

Hayom Yom:
• English Text:
http://www.chabad.org/dailystudy/hayomyom.asp?tDate=12/21/2005

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"TODAY'S DAY": Wednesday, December 21, 2005

B"H

Kislev 20, 5766 * December 21, 2005

=======================
"T O D A Y ' S D A Y"
=======================

Sunday, Kislev 20 5703

Torah lessons: Chumash: Vayeishev, first parsha with Rashi.
Tehillim: 97-103.
Tanya: Approbation by the rabbis...of blessed memory

The first printing of the "Book of the Intermediates" - Tanya - was completed on Tuesday, Kislev 20, 5557 (1796) in Slavita. It included Part I - Sefer Shel Benonim, - Part II - Chinuch Katan - and Shaar Hayichud Veha'emunah.

Igeret Hateshuvah, first edition, was printed in Zolkvi 5559 (1799); second edition, first printing, Shklov 5566 (1806).

Igeret Hakodesh, first printing, Shklov 5574 (1814).

The corrected edition of all four parts was printed in Vilna (Rom
edition) in 5660 (1900) and has been reprinted many times since.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Featured on Chabad.org:

Seasons - A Chanukah Thought

A photo essay by Tzvi Freeman

When it's dark, light a candle...

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http://www.chabad.org/335975

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Compiled and arranged by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in 5703 (1943) from the talks and letters of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe. Note: day of week and Torah lessons indicated are from 5703 (1943).

For a glossary of terms used in "Today's Day" please click here:
http://chabad.org/article.asp?AID=95867

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DAILY DOSE: Scientific Revolution

B"H

Scientific Revolution
---------------------

From this we know that the true purpose of all technology and modern science is neither convenience nor power, but a means to discover G-dliness within the physical world.

A Daily Dose of Wisdom from the Rebbe
-words and condensation by Tzvi Freeman
Kislev 19, 5766 * December 20, 2005

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Featured on Chabad.org:

Seasons - A Chanukah Thought

A photo essay by Tzvi Freeman

When it's dark, light a candle...

Watch this inspiring presentation:

http://www.chabad.org/335975

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Brought to you by Chabad.org

To purchase a copy of "Bringing Heaven Down to Earth: Meditations and Everyday Wisdom from the Teachings of the Rebbe", or other books by Tzvi Freeman, click here:

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THE FREEMAN FILES: Seasons - A Chanukah Thought

B"H

Kislev 19, 5766 * December 20, 2005

=================================
T H E F R E E M A N F I L E S
=================================

Seasons - A Chanukah Thought
----------------------------

Say the word "spring," and thoughts of life and rebirth spring to mind.
"Summer" is a time to reflect and grow, while "autumn" evokes images of
maturation and return.

But here we are in the dead of winter. The seasons of life, light and
color are already a fading memory. What does "winter" have to say?

In "Seasons: A Chanukah Thought", Tzvi Freeman once again stirs
together photography, music and text in his Macromedia Flash kitchen
to inspire and uplift us with the most vital message of the year--the
message of Winter and Chanukah.

It's waiting for you now at: http://www.chabad.org/336568

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Featured on Chabad.org:

Seasons - A Chanukah Thought

A photo essay by Tzvi Freeman

When it's dark, light a candle...

Watch this inspiring presentation:

http://www.chabad.org/335975

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

© Copyright Chabad.org, 2005

For more Torah study and inspiring articles, please visit:
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A7News: Netanyahu Wins Likud Primary, Feiglin Strengthened

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Netanyahu Wins Likud Primary, Feiglin Strengthens
Binyamin Netanyahu is the winner of the Likud primaries. "Tonight the Likud has embarked on its way to leadership of the country," Netanyahu said in his victory speech.
Full Story Below

Headlines:
 1. Netanyahu Wins Likud Primary, Feiglin Strengthens
 2. Sharon Leaves Hospital as Medical Staff Speak Out
 3. Arab 'Right of Return' Conference: We Demand Kibbutz Land
 4. Lack of Response to Kassams Worries Ashkelon’s Mayor
 5. Biblical Robe Produced For Use by High Priest in Holy Temple
 6. President Katzav Meets Gaza Evictees
 7. Chabad Chassidim Celebrate 19th of Kislev
 8. Family of MIA Zachary Baumel Suing Syrian Government in US
 9. India´s Ambassador: Relations with Israel Growing Stronger
 10. Jerusalem´s Handing Out Trees for Christmas

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Editor: Ezra HaLevi
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
19 Kislev 5766

 

1. Netanyahu Wins Likud Primary, Feiglin Strengthens
By Ezra HaLevi

Binyamin Netanyahu is the winner of the Likud primaries. "Tonight the Likud has embarked on its way to leadership of the country," Netanyahu said in his victory speech.

With 98% of the votes counted, Netanyahu received 44.4% of the vote, Silvan Shalom 33%, Moshe Feiglin 12.4% and Yisrael Katz 8.7% - with fewer than 44.6% of the 128,000 Likud voters casting ballots.

Netanyahu told Arutz-7 Monday that the Likud needs a strong leader who will guard Jerusalem, a reference to reports that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon plans to divide the capital.

There is speculation that Netanyahu will attempt to gather a coalition of 61 MKs and seek to become prime minister in place of Sharon, thereby pushing off elections. Under the dissolution of the 16th Knesset, the elections are currently scheduled for the end of March, but if a coalition is formed, the elections would return to November.

Feiglin, who was the only candidate who is not even a Knesset member, beat Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom in Jerusalem, the largest Likud chapter, receiving 25% of the votes. In Haifa, 17.5% of the votes went to Feiglin. He expressed satisfaction with the election results, which demonstrate significant gains for the Manhigut Yehudit - Jewish Leadership faction.

"We will continue to grow and will soon lead the party and the country," Feiglin said. "Today is a great day for the Jewish people, as it is now clear that an alternative leadership is rising, presenting an alternative to the direction the country is heading."

Asked why he and Manhigut Yehudit activists were celebrating the outcome, when Netanyahu was the projected winner of the primary, Feiglin answered: "The winner is the fact that the voters are beginning to understand that a believer must be elected to lead the Jewish people."

Asked whether he was surprised with the percentage of voters who chose to vote for him instead of Netanyahu, despite calls by the Yesha Council not to vote Feiglin, he said: "The Yesha Council appoints itself. They were not elected, and the general public and those who were expelled from Gush Katif eschew their advice in favor of their own conscience and the advice of the Yesha rabbis, who advised people to choose faithful leadership."

"What will you do now?" asked Army Radio's interviewer.

"I will continue to operate within the Likud to bring about a continued faith revolution within the party and the country," Feiglin answered.

Comments from MKs focused on Feiglin's votes rather than Netanyahu's projected victory.

"Feiglin is a Jewish fascist," said Shinui Chairman Yosef Lapid. "His achievements in this election are a stain upon the Revisionist movement."

Education Minister Limor Livnat (Likud) told Channel 10, "Now we will have to insure that Feiglin not be allowed to be a part of the Likud." Livnat has long sought to ban Feiglin from the Likud Party and seek ways to root out Jewish Leadership faction members to stem their influence.

Shas Party Chairman Eli Yishai sharply attacked Likud voters for electing Netanyahu, whom he blames for the poverty in Israel. "The Likud is like a bungee jumper who has not checked his cord," Yishai said.

Shalom’s strategic advisor, Moshe Dubi, told Yediot Aharonot that, "Likud members are behaving like a battered wife, returning to the old and familiar Binyamin Netanyahu.”

Feiglin used an identical analogy Sunday, referring to the Yesha Council's call to vote for Netanyahu.

MK Uzi Landau, who withdrew from the race and endorsed Netanyahu, told reporters that his endorsement is what allowed Netanyahu to win the race in one round. He also told Channel 10 that "Feiglin is not part of the Likud Party" - Landau's first attack on fellow expulsion-opponent Feiglin.

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2. Sharon Leaves Hospital as Medical Staff Speak Out
By Ezra HaLevi

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was released from Hadassah Hospital Tuesday amid reports by his medical team that Monday's press conference did not disclose "the whole truth" about his stroke.


"I see you missed me," Sharon told reporters, "I was excited to see the great concern Israel's citizens had for my health, and I thank them with all my heart. Now we must return to work and move forward."

Asked if his stroke would interfere with his ability to serve as prime minister, Sharon said, "I don't think that it will have an effect on my functioning."

Sharon was ordered by his doctors to stay at his residence in Jerusalem in the coming days in case he needs to be hospitalized again.

The senior doctors of Hadassah Hospital held a press conference Monday and outlined Sharon's condition for the press. Head of Neurology at Hadassah Prof. Tamir Ben-Hur stressed that Sharon never lost consciousness, was not confused at any point and did not suffer any paralysis due to the stroke. Dr. Ben-Hur said Sharon's only problem was slight difficulty in speaking.

The medical team that treated the prime minister when he was first brought to the hospital, however, told the Maariv newspaper that Sharon had been quite confused for most of an hour.

"What was said at the press conference was, to understate, not exact," they said. "The prime minister did not know what day it was, what time is was or where he was. For 45 minutes he could not count or perform basic movements. They [the hospital officials –ed.] are not obligated to disclose everything, but to give inaccurate information is already taking a position [on the matter of the PM's health] and is very problematic. Throughout the first night of his hospitalization the confusion continued, to a lesser extent, and Sharon has not returned to himself completely."

Sharon's doctors have ordered him to lose weight. Yediot Aharonot reported that one doctor suggested Sharon take up meditation and Tai Chi as an alternative to weight reduction.

Prime Minister Sharon is to turn 78 in February and is known for having a hearty appetite. A former aide told Army Radio, "The man loves food. It will be hard changing him at his age, but we will do our best."

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3. Arab 'Right of Return' Conference: We Demand Kibbutz Land
By Ezra HaLevi

Organizers of a "Right of Return" conference held in Nazareth called upon Arab parties to include the return of Arabs to land left in 1948, most of which, they say, is now owned by kibbutzim.


Last weekend the conference, entitled "The Right of Return and a Just Peace" took place in the Arab city of Nazareth, in the Galilee.

The main aim of the conference was to induce Arab parties to introduce the concept of the Right of Return into their platforms. According to a conference statement, "The 'Right of Return' must be incorporated into their political agenda, so that Israel is not able to extort recognition as a Jewish state from the Palestinian Authority and Arab countries."

Dozens of Israeli Jews, many from left-wing kibbutzim, took part in the conference as well, including extreme-leftist professor Dr. Ilan Pappe. "Not all Jews are hard-hearted or boorish with regard to the hallowed Nakba [literally tragedy, the Arab term used to describe Israel's founding -ed.]," Pappe said. "We are a minority, but exist."

One of the conference's main speakers, Salman Abu-Sitta, told those present that getting Israel to return land within the pre-1967 is not a dream, but something that will be done in the near future. "We must continue to struggle for the right of return because it is able to be actualized"

Abu-Sitta said that it is ironic that the Kibbutz movement in Israel, a bastion of left-wing political strength, occupies 93% of the land the Arabs claim as their own. "The number of Jews in the country will dissipate with time and they will no longer be the majority…There is no other way but implementing justice in order to arrive at peace," he said.

Conference organizers protested the fact that Israel did not allow the participation of Kassam Kassam, the spokesman for the Palestinian Refugee Network in Europe. At the conference's conclusion, organizers declared the incident would not pass quietly. "The expulsion of Kassam Kassam [who was denied a visa –ed.] only strengthens our will to strengthen the connection with our nation in exile and our homeland in the battle for the right of return."

Organizers read a speech prepared by Sheikh Ra'ed Salah, the leader of the Islamic Movement's northern branch, who was recently released from prison after serving time for supporting Hamas. Salah emphasized the importance of locating and preserving the Muslim and Christian cemeteries located in Arab villages destroyed in 1948. "We need to draw the attention of Palestinian society toward the phenomenon of the selling of our land, through middle-men and agencies, to Jews and the Israeli government."

Arabs that sell property to Jews often have to move overseas under new identities in order to escape murder by other Arabs. At the same time, land in Jerusalem is being bought up by PLO proxies and PA Arabs are even moving into Jerusalem neighborhoods such a Pisgat Ze'ev, as Israeli law does not prohibit selling of land to Arabs.

There are currently no parties in the Knesset calling for the return of the Arabs who fled Israel in 1948 at the behest of the attacking Arab armies. Israel's position is that the return of those who left, together with their children and grandchildren, will lead to the democratic nullification of the Jewish state. There are some left-wing parties and movements suggesting compensation for those Arabs or allowing the return of a token number to Israel.

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4. Lack of Response to Kassams Worries Ashkelon’s Mayor
By Scott Shiloh

Ashkelon mayor Roni Mehatzri said he is worried that the IDF has not adequately responded to the firing of Kassam rockets on the outskirts of his city, from northern Gaza.

The terrorists, Mehatzri told Arutz-7, “are shooting freely from open areas, from Dugit [one of the Jewish communities uprooted during the Disengagement], without anyone stopping them."

The area between Ashkelon and Gaza, though mostly lacking in inhabitants, is replete with infrastructure projects, such as a regional power and desalination plant, and an oil pipeline. Damage to these facilities could severely disrupt day-to-day life for the city’s residents.

Mehatzri said he was not particularly interested in adding to the city’s passive security defenses. He said it was more important to stop the terrorists from approaching the border and firing their rockets on Ashkelon, a city with 90,000 residents.

Mahatzri said he was calmed somewhat by the fact that the terrorists, apparently, still lack the technical ability to strike at the city’s population. He said both the attacks this past Sunday and last Thursday, showed that their rockets cannot reach into the city limits.

Despite this, he said that he does not understand the policy of the IDF “which doesn’t prevent them from reaching the [border] fence.”

No License to Kill Noncombatants

IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.Gen. Dan Halutz told a forum of senior IDF officers that the war on terrorist did not constitute a warrant to kill noncombatants.

Halutz said that Israel was in the midst of a process to “stabilize the area.” As a result, the IDF “must be sensitive to this complex reality and provide a suitable response.”

He said that the IDF’s counterterrorism operations must be “focused and precise” in order to prevent harm to “noncombatants.” He emphasized the importance of “operational discipline”, saying that “combat was not a license to deviate from orders, commands, and guidelines.”

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5. Biblical Robe Produced For Use by High Priest in Holy Temple
By Ezra HaLevi

After much hard work and research, the Techelet (azure blue) robe of the High Priest has been completed by the Temple Institute and it is hoped to be fit to be worn in the Third Temple.


The blue coat, or me'il techelet as it is called in the Torah, sports 72 golden bells alternating with 72 pomegranates attached around its hem, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet wool.

The project was researched and undertaken by skilled artisans over the past three years. It will join the already completed ephod and choshen (breastplate), featuring the 12 precious stones associated with the 12 tribes of Israel. They are located at the Temple Institute in Jerusalem's Old City, and it is hoped they will be found fit to be used by the High Priest in the third temple.

Master weaver Yehudit Avraham wove the robe using the Navajo "two-sided" weaving technique. The Techelet dye used is the most widely accepted of the blue dyes thought to be the Biblical Blue.

The commandment to make such a robe appears in Exodus 28: 31-35: "And you shall make the robe of the ephod entirely out of blue wool. Its head-opening shall be folded over within it, its opening shall have a border all around of weaver's work - it shall be for it like the opening of a coat of mail, that it should not be torn. And you shall make on its hem pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet wool, on its hem all around, and gold bells between them, all around; a gold bell and a pomegranate, a gold bell and a pomegranate, all around. It must be on Aaron in order to minister. Its sound shall be heard when he enters the Sanctuary before Hashem and when he leaves, so that he not die."

"This is the first robe woven entirely out of techelet in nearly 2,000 years," Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute told Arutz-7. "Next week we shall begin to observe the holiday of Chanukah, which marks the rededication of the Second Temple in the days when the wicked King Antiochus rose up against the Jewish people with decrees meant to separate them from G-d and His Torah. Chanukah also marks the day when the original desert tabernacle was completed. Our sages emphasize that every year on Chanukah, when we kindle the festive lights, there's a sublime illumination of holy light that is released into the world - a continuation of the original hidden light of creation and a spark of the light of the holy Menorah in the Temple. Above all, Chanukah is the time of miracles and thanksgiving to G-d. The completion of this sacred garment marks a great step forward towards the renewal of the Divine service in the Holy Temple."

Click here to listen to Rabbi Richman speak about the robe on Temple Talk.

In the near future, the Institute plans to embark on another major project: the production and supplying of the Torah-specified white garments of the ordinary priests for every male Jewish descendant of Aaron. "Every Kohen from all over the world, will be given the opportunity to register and order his own uniform so that he can be ready to serve in the rebuilt Holy Temple," Richman said.

Click here for additional photographs of the meil and here for more information on the priestly garments.

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6. President Katzav Meets Gaza Evictees
By Ezra HaLevi

Heads of the Jewish communities expelled from Gaza met with President Moshe Katzav and Director of the Prime Minister’s Office Ilan Cohen at the behest of the president Monday night.


The community leaders discussed the problems facing the families forcibly removed from their homes, protesting the series of broken agreements and unfulfilled promises refugees have fallen victim to since the expulsion. They pointed fingers, for the most part, at various government ministries.

Two of the main issues discussed were the continued unemployment of over 2,000 evictees and the operation of only eight of the 200 agricultural projects active before the expulsion. Many farmers have not yet even received land.

Last month, Disengagement Authority chief Yonatan Bassi admitted that dealing with the bureaucracy surrounding compensation was close to impossible. “One needs a doctorate in order to extract compensation from all the different authorities,” Bassi told the Knesset Finance Committee.

President Katzav initiated the meeting in the hope that his interest in the matter would induce government officials to insure that the way compensation for the refugees is handled is improved.

Katzav said that changes in the Evacuation-Compensation Law must be made, and called on Bassi and the Disengagement Authority to immediately draft such changes in order that they be implemented as soon as possible. The President assured the Gush Katif representatives that he would oversee the implementation of the changes personally.

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7. Chabad Chassidim Celebrate 19th of Kislev
By Ezra HaLevi

Tuesday, the 19th of the Jewish month of Kislev, is a Chassidic holiday, commemorating the release of the founder of Chabad-Lubavitch from a Czarist Russian prison.


The festive day is known as the New Year of Chassidut and the Redemption Holiday.

Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi, called the "Alter (old in Yiddish) Rebbe" by students of Chabad chassidut was imprisoned after being charged with treason, a crime punishable by death.

The Russian authorities forged documents and created a narrative accusing Shneur Zalman of making a pact with Turkey to destroy Russia. He was imprisoned in an island fortress on the Neva River in Petersburg. During his interrogations, he was compelled to present to the Czar's ministers the basic tenets of Judaism and explain various points of Chassidic philosophy and practice. After 52 days, he was exonerated of all charges and released.

In its formative years, the Chassidic movement was the object of strong opposition from the Jewish establishment. Even within the Chassidic community, many of Rabbi Schneur Zalman's contemporaries and colleagues felt that he had "gone to far" in allowing the masses access to the hidden aspects of the Torah.

Rabbi Schneur Zalman regarded his arrest as an earthly echo of a Heavenly indictment against his Torah teachings. He saw his release as signifying his vindication in the Heavenly court and redoubled his efforts, disseminating his teachings on a far broader scale, and with more detailed explanations, than before.

"....G-d has sanctified and magnified His name because even the gentile
officials and all the people of the kingdom recognized that 'All this was
from G-d; it is all miracles in our eyes' (Psalms 118:23)," he wrote after his release.

Chassidim therefore view the day as a celebration of the victory of the Chassidic approach over its detractors.

The 19th of Kislev did not gain significance only from that event, however. Thirty-six years earlier, in 1772, Rabbi Dov Ber, the "Maggid of Mezeritch" – a student of Chaddism's founder the Ba'al Shem Tov and Schneur Zalman's teacher - passed away. Before his passing, he told the Alter Rebbe, "This day is our festival."

In recent history, Saddam Hussein was captured in an underground hideout on the 19th of Kislev in 2003.

Customary observation of the day includes the giving of extra charity and the setting aside of time to study works of Chassidut, particularly Rabbi Shneur Zalman's magnum opus, the Tanya.

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8. Family of MIA Zachary Baumel Suing Syrian Government in US
By Ezra HaLevi

The family of missing IDF soldier Zachary Baumel is suing the government of Syria in a US Federal Court.


The Baumels allege that the government of Syria is responsible for the illegal imprisonment of their son Zachary Baumel, a dual American-Israeli citizen, since his capture during a battle along the Lebanese-Syrian-Israeli border on June 11, 1982.

Dr. Stuart H. Ditchek, a friend of the Baumels and the founder of The Committee for the Release of Zachary Baumel, announced the lawsuit, which will be filed in the Federal District Court for the District of Columbia against the government of Syria and its agents. The suit is being brought under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act that provides for an exception to the immunity from lawsuits that most foreign governments enjoy. The Act allows United States citizens to sue certain foreign governments that support and aid terrorist activities and hold them civilly liable for certain criminal acts.

The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act has been used in past years to successfully obtain judgments against countries that support terrorist activities and recover damages from the government of Iran for acts resulting in injury, death, kidnapping and illegal imprisonment.

Daniel J. Scher of the law firm Scher & Scher, P.C. in New York will be working on Baumel's case together with the District of Columbia counsel.

The Syrian ambassador to the United States, Imad Mustapha has been notified via his communications officer at the Syrian Embassy in Washington of the impending lawsuit.

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9. India´s Ambassador: Relations with Israel Growing Stronger
By Baruch Gordon

India's Ambassador to Israel, Arun Kumar Singh, spoke about the growing economic relations between Israel and India in a recent Haifa University lecture.

In 1992, when India opened its embassy in Israel, trade between the two countries amounted to $2 million. Today, he said, it stands at $2.7 billion dollars—a 2,700-fold increase.

Citing the continuous strengthening of ties between geographically tiny Israel and giant India, the ambassador predicted that bilateral trade between the two would jump to $7 billion in two or three years.

He said India was prepared to expand relations with neighboring China, whose economy was developing strongly. Economic competition between countries is a positive thing, he said.

Singh also referred to India's cooperation with Iran in the energy sphere. He thought those ties would not be disturbed by India's arms deals with the United States.

Focusing on Israel-India trade, he pointed out that large Israeli firms were already aware of the significance of India as a commercial and technological center. In this regard, the ambassador noted that there are 2.5 million new cellular phone subscribers in his country each month. This figure is equal to nearly half Israel's total population.

Touching upon one of Israel's top industries, he said that India was one of the world's ten leading pharmaceutical producers.

The ambassador wanted his University of Haifa audience to know that his country was not just a taker, but a giver, as well. In contrast to the past, he asserted, India was investing in other countries, and not just those that invested in India. He referred to the opening of the Bank of India in Israel.

Singh listed others areas of cooperation between Israel and India including the war on terrorism, culture, and space.

Based on an article from Haifa University's Focus Magazine

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10. Jerusalem´s Handing Out Trees for Christmas
A7 Radio's "Yishai Fleisher and Alex Traiman Show"
A7 Radio's "Yishai Fleisher and Alex Traiman Show"

Jerusalem's Handing Out Trees for Christmas

Yishai and Alex take issue with the Jerusalem Municipality for their decade's old tradition of distributing free Christmas trees. Also, discussing the appropriate responses to the stroke suffered by Ariel Sharon.

Listen Now -or- Download*


Also on Yishai and Alex:

Choreographing English Theater, and Politics in Israel

Speaking with Michael Berl, Director of Hebrew University's Beit Hillel Theater, and their current running student production of Les Miserables. Also, Manhigut Mondays with Moshe Feiglin, on the day of Likud's leadership primary.

Listen Now -or- Download*



For more A7 Radio visit www.IsraelNationalRadio.com.



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Today on IsraelNN.com:
PM Sharon remains hospitalised after mini stroke.

   
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 Australian $ 3.4148
 S. Africa Rand 0.7174

Weather
Tuesday's forecast
Jerusalem
13-8°C / 55-46°F
Intermitent Rain
Tel Aviv
18-12°C / 64-53°F
Intermitent Rain
Haifa
18-10°C / 64-50°F
Intermitent Rain
Golan
13-8°C / 55-46°F
Intermitent Rain
The Plains
18-9°C / 64-48°F
Intermitent Rain
Galilee
12-7°C / 53-44°F
Intermitent Rain
Jericho
18-9°C / 64-48°F
Intermitent Rain
Beer Sheva
18-8°C / 64-46°F
Partly Cloudy
Dead Sea
20-13°C / 68-55°F
Intermitent Rain
Eilat
23-11°C / 73-51°F
Partly Cloudy

Specials
Electronic Digital Pen
New digital electronic pen, uses regular paper and ink
Jewish Response to Christian MISSIONARIES
Powerful new complete 18-part CD series with a new study Guide by Rabbi Tovia Singer. Only $99!
Hebrew Art
Hebrew Illuminations Wall Calendar and Greeting Cards
Learn Graphology
Know anyone! Learn handwriting analysis at home. Free program. Guaranteed.
Rothem Collection
Specializing in diamonds & Colored Gemstones manufacturing and unique jewelry design.


Israel Related
Shavei Israel
The starting point for anyone with Jewish roots or ancestry yearning to return to the Jewish people.
A Little House in Bakah
where being small is a big advantage

Israeli Army Surplus
Zahal.org - Your#1 store for Israeli Army Gear
Talk N Save
Going to Israel? Phone Rental - 69 cents per day!
Tel Aviv Meds
Buy medication direct from Israel and save


Israel Charities
One Family Fund
For Israelis, For Israel, We are ALL OneFamily.
Help Feed Israel's Hungry
Struggling Families in Israel Need Your Help Now.
Beit Haggai
Orthodox foster homes for abused and neglected children. www.beithaggai.org
Ahavas Chesed Relief Fund
Help feed hungry Jewish children in Israel.
Yad Ezra VeShulamit
Give the gift of a hot meal to a hungry Jewish child in Israel.

Jewish Books
Jerusalem Collection
The Most Exquisite Selection of Chanukah Gifts
Menashe Sopher
Visiting Israel? Call MENASHE SOPHER. We take care of all of your transport in Israel. Call 1-718-360-5083
HanochTeller.com
Spectacular launch of the website. Mega-Major Discounts!
KinderKlassics Chanukah Sale
Great discounts on books, games, toys, music and more.
Zion Judaica
The leading source of Chanukah Judaica and Chanukah supplies!




 



'Israeli Salad' #117
with Yoni Kempinski
   

- Lone soldiers reunited with their parents.
- French high-school graduates visit Israel.
- Dealing with the expulsion trauma.
- Newborn quadruplet born into the Jewish nation.
- Abel Pann’s art depicting stories of the bible.


Arutz Sheva´s
IsraelNationalRadio

Live Political Analysis, Social Commentary,
Hourly News Reports, and much more.

Arutz Sheva´s
Fundamentally Freund

Michael Freund tackles Politics and Media
with hard-hitting commentary.

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Get up-to-date on what´s going on in Real Estate in the Jewish world.


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