Dear Friends and Family,

The cowardly and evil suicide bombing in Bulgaria against Israelis had the signature of the Iranian leadership.  Condolences go to the families of the 6 people who died and the 35 injured passengers.  No sympathy for the 7th death of the bomber who by the way was carrying a fake Michigan Drivers License.

The honeymoon is over as Likud and Kadima get divorced.  They must have taken the same marriage counseling class as the Kardashians.

Shame on the Boy Scouts as they voted to re-affirm their ban on Gays.  Though your Girl Scout cookies are still safe as they (the Girls Scouts) have never discriminated against sexual identity.

Today, July 20th, is a popular birth date.  At least 4 readers on this list share today’s birthday and I know 3 of them were all born the exact same year about 4 or 5 few decades ago (by who’s counting).  They include Ricky M (my brother who is only 15 months older than me), Marcie O (the proud mama of Ziggy and 4 others 2-legged children), Lucy H (the Brazilian born vet who cares for the 4-legged children in this community) and David F (the Illinois raised, but NY resident AIPAC director who was born way after the above 3), plus these other friends who also have July birthdays.Rina R (our favorite son-in-law’s Imma), Scott K (our fearless Detroit Jewish Community Leader), Lim L (another James Taylor fan and writing expert), Michael S(smoothest voice at TI), Lea L (helps to combat food insecurity), Vicki B (fights the good fight in Lansing), Brad S (lucky to be married to the sweetest wife, Judi), Ricki R(fun tennis player married to her namesake), Hal O (powerhouse lawyer in Grand Rapids), Arthur L (Hannan’s cousin and Bev’s lucky husband), Gail F (Book Maven of Detroit and Steve’s wiser half), Conrad G (great advocate for justice), Marla D (Brings us all the news fit to see), Nancy H (had a big birthday and keeps us all healthy), PJ C(Detroit born, San Francisco resident who is missed in Michigan) , Rick L (Handsome and effective leader of JARC), Jodi C (New Mexico nurse friend), Bridget Mary M(Supreme Court candidate, please vote for her, and winner if 2012 Distinguished Brief Award), Krista B (beautiful and talented girlfriend of the birthday boy), Shelby L (our 3rd son from other parents), Jason M (Wise and prolific Detroit Rabbi), Jen G (expert in Naturopathic and integrative medicine), Larry J (Papa Larry to many happy grandkids), Barbara K (best friend to Irvin and dear friend of ours), Steven T (creates beautiful art through lens and hand), Annabel C (creator of the tastest delights in Michigan).

Last month the UN marked World Refugee day by recognizing that 800,000 people in 2011 were forced to leave their homes and find refuge in other countries.  Which nations, do you think are the worst perpetrators of this atrocity? Afganistan, Burman, Sudan… Yet, though the nearly 70 years of the UN’s existence, there has never been acknowledgment of the 850,000 Jewish refugees who were kicked out of their homes (with some communities that had existed for over 2,500 years).  This is just one of the many bias acts by the UN against our global Jewish peoplehood.  If you want more details of this atrocity, please read Israeli UN ambassador, Ron Prosor’s article:
http://tinyurl.com/UN-on-Refugees

This week’s musical edition is from the Babushki Russian Grandmas singing Beatles “Let it be”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVpEP8FgM7U

Last, but not least, please enjoy this video of the creative and beautiful 2012 Jerusalem Light Show: http://tinyurl.com/Jerusalem-Light-show-2012

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

Persistency is a good thing when it is productive, however when lines are crossed it becomes a waste of time and money.  After over 30 attempts to repeal the Affordable Health Care Bill, that line has been crossed. Congress needs to move on to more productive work and allow this Bill to take its course and prove the naysayers wrong about their predictions.

Just as abortions went into back alleys, so may circumcisions in Germany after this month’s German Court banning of the health enhancing and religious ritual. Both the Muslim and Jewish Communities are working together to combat the courts ruling.  I will keep you posted.

Let’s pray for the medical staff in Cambodia who are working diligently to find a cause and cure for the mysterious illness that has killed over 60 children in the last several months.

Finally, in the year 2012, ALL countries competing in the Summer Olympics will have women athletes. Saudia Arabia (the last holdout) was pressured to include women on their team.  Also, for the first time, female athletes will be represented in all events.  And for my last Olympic related update… there is still no Minute of Silence for the Munich 11 at the opening ceremony, though there is a rumor of a possible less public commemoration.  Even after 100,000 petition signatures plus the US, Canadian, Austrian and German support, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) seems to be more concerned with possible retaliation (of countries who find Israel an “inconvenient”) than doing the Right Thing.

The Syrian defections are coming fast and furious.  Top Generals and Ambassadors are sending clear messages to President Bashar al-Assad to stop the murder and mayhem. The man needs to go!

Enjoy this flash mob of a different sort:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GBaHPND2QJg  (thanks Ettagail)

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa

Dear Friends and Family,

As you read this message, we are at the midway point of our “Planes, Trains and Automobile” trip through Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa.  More details about the trip will be provided next week. But a serendipitous moment occurred in Toronto as we were looking for a spot to view the Gay Pride Parade and among thousands of people in the crowd we ran right into dear friend, Ronny Elkus. We love those beshertful (meant to be) monents.

Here in, Canada they have an inclusive Health Care System and our Supreme Court just last week upheld our Affordable Health Care Act, but if you are looking for a progressive health care State for women, I would steer clear of Mississippi.  Their State’s (one and only) Women’s Health Clinic may have to close within 45 day unless they win a lawsuit to protect them from a new State law.  I wouldn’t move to Kentucky either as Senator Rand Paul is holding hostage a Senate Bill by trying to attach   an amendment stating that life begins at fertilization.  With friends like these, who needs enemies.

Across the ocean, Egypt is settling in with their new President, Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood.  In his first public speech he promised to uphold the international accords.  I hope he is an honest man… time will tell.

How about a Gilad Shalit update.  He was in NYC last week visiting the New York Times and the Jon Stewart show.  He’s new career is a sportswriter for an Israeli newspaper as he seems to know every detail of every athlete even info that occurred while he was in captivity.  Wishing him all the best with his new career goals.

I am a Ben Taylor fan (as in James’ son) and he has a new album. Take a peek and listen:  http://tinyurl.com/Ben-Taylor-new-album

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom,

Lisa