Dear Friends and Family,

Bravo to the Women of the Wall, and I’m not talking about the Pink Floyd Female Fan club, I’m taking about the brave women who continue to get arrested at the Kotel (Western Wall of the 2nd Temple ruins) just because they believe praying in this sacred space should be equally accessible to both genders and all religious streams. Many men, (includingDr. Yitzhak Yifat, in the center of both photos, was one of the IDF paratroopers who liberated the Kotel in 1967) were present to support the women’s monthly prayer session as they wore (forbidden for women) prayer shawls and tefillin.

This is just one of the symptoms of the Ulta-Orthodox (Haredim) influenced Government which must be updated to reflex the modern Israeli society. The Israeli population is about 20% Haredi, yet most don’t contribute to the work force (because they are full-time Talmud students), require separate schools, have many children and are exempt from Army Service.  There is hope on the horizon with new Knesset member (American born) Rabbi Dov Lipman from the (Central) Yesh Atid (There is a Future) political party. Though he is from the Haredi community,  he sees the importance of compromise between the Ultra-Orthodox agenda and the main stream of society.  I pray he can make some progress.

Speaking of the Haredi community, here is a wonderful organization, Footsteps, that helps those raised in the insular Ultra-Orthodox community here in the US who wish to enter and acclimate to modern society.  You’d be surprised how foreign modern life is to them.  Thanks, Ariella, spotlighting this agency. http://www.footstepsorg.org/about.php

Why, is the question that a billion devotees are speculating after hearing this week’s announcement of the Pope’s resignation (the first to do so in 600 years).  Is it the failings of his mind and/or body (though this never stopped previous Popes) or is it the continued scandals and mismanagement that keeps plaguing the Vatican.  Another big questions is who will be the next Pope.  Are Catholics ready for an African or Latin American Pope?

As it now heads to the House for approval, bravo to the Senate for renewing the Violence Against Women Act(with amendments to help combat adult and child trafficking among other improvements).  22 Republican Senators voted against this bill, including Lindsey Graham (SC), Orrin Hatch (UT), Mitch McConnell (KY), Rand Paul (KY) and Marco Rubio (FL).  I wonder what their reasons were for NOT continuing the protections for their mothers, sisters, daughters and friends against violence and abuse.  A billion women and men danced all over the globe this past V Day (Feb. 14th) as a global expression to protect ALL mothers, sisters, daughters and friends from violence and abuse. Bravo to Eve Ensler for starting this movement.

We just entered the Year of the Black Snake according to the Chinese calendar. It is suppose to bring steady progress and a focus on details for this New Year.  Our City of Detroit could use some steady progress yet it might take an Emergency Manager to focus on the details needed to move us in the right direction.

Mazel Tov to Carole King on receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented to her daughters on her 71st birthday.  I’m not sure why she didn’t accept on her own behalf but either way, it is well deserved.  Carole King and James Taylor were my first Guest Shabbat Shalom Greeters. If you missed it the first time, here it is again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgMadBJJmkE

Kelly Clarkson won a grammy for her song Stronger, but this lip sync version speaks volumes about true strength.  Please be forewarned, if you tend to get emotional or have a connection with cancer, this might elicit tears:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=525615210792991

Farewell to Rabbi David Hartman (who died this week at age 81).  He was the founder of the Shalom Hartman Institute which focuses on pluralist Jewish education and progressive thought.  Also, Farewell to Chris Kyle (Navy Seal Hero and Author) who was gunned down by a fellow troubled Vet he was trying to help.  Another example of how mental illness (PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Guns should never mix. Incidentally, Bradley Cooper is currently working on transforming Chris’ book into a movie, so I assume we’ll continue to hear more about this American Hero.

In our Attention Deficit world of high speed data, here is an incredible (literally) World History in 2 minutes.  Thanks Michelle R, for sharing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=MrqqD_Tsy4Q

If you took part in Fat Tuesday this week, I hope it was followed by Weight Watchers Wednesday!

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

Lisa

Post Script (aka. P.S.) and just for fun, whether you are a Jerry Lewis Fan or a Family Guy Fan, you should enjoy this youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBASVon3dhs

Speaking of progressive… from 1800 until just last week, a French law has remained on the books that prevented women from wearing pants.  The law has be altered throughout the years (for exceptions like bike and horseback riding) but never removed until France’s Minister for Women’s Rights finally (in the 21st century) made in Null and Void.  We, in the US, have many laws that need “Nulling and Voiding”, like women aren’t allow to wear patent leather shoes in Cleveland or alter their hair without permission from their spouse in (my home state of) Michigan.  I’m not sure who has authority over your hair if you’re not married.  Maybe your father, brother or nearest male relative…

Another progressive move (though also overdue) was the acceptance of our Federal guidelines for immigrants to acquire Driver’s Licenses. Just after I “shamed” our Michigan Sec. of State in last week’s email, she switched gears and will now follow the rules and distribute the much needed licenses.  I take Zero credit for this change of heart as Ms. Ruth Johnston is NOT on this email list but kudos to whoever got her to do the right thing.

Also mentioned a few times in these emails (during the election season) was the fact that most of our presidents (post 1948) hadn’t visited Israel until their 2nd term, and this holds true for President Obama (though he was in Israel in 2008 as a Senator).  It was just announced that Israel will be Pres. Obama first foreign destination during his 2nd term.

One fact about our Old City of Jerusalem that might be confusing is that the (Golden) Dome of the Rock (a Muslim Shrine) was built right on top of the (Jewish) sacred grounds of the destroyed 2nd Temple.  Jerusalem was fought over and ruled by many different faiths throughout her 5,000 year history and in 691 BE the Dome was built to commemorate the site where Muslims believe Mohammad ascended on his night journey to heven. When this Israeli tourism video was produced, they needed to carefully explain the Old City’s history.  I think they did a great job:http://www.timesofisrael.com/golden-dome-goes-poof-in-ministry-vid/

Our human bodies are miraculous…both durable yet fragile at the same time.  Are bones are strong, our organs are protected, our system is brilliantly conceived (by whom or what, I’m not sure) with numerous defensive mechanism.  Yet, we are not invincible to bullets or bacteria.  This week 2 deaths reminds us that life is fragile and should be appreciated. Condolences to the family and friends of (48-year-old) Steve Singer, who grew up in West Bloomfield but lived his adult life in Arizona. A legal disputed erupted with gun fire that took Steve’s life, which is another reminder that serious gun control measures are needed SOON.  Also, condolences to the family and friends of (19-year-old) Emily Stillman of West Bloomfield, who died this past weekend from bacterial meningitis.  This weekend is also the 1 year anniversary of the car accident that took the life of dear friend, Jeff Zaslow. The life and health of our loved ones is a precious gift we must cherish and appreciate.

This new song by Matisyahu called “Searchin” resinated with me.  Something about the chorus just grabbed me.   I hope you enjoy it too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Klut6WK0dw

Farewell to:
– Ed Koch, New York’s 105th Mayor, who was mourned by thousands at his funeral this week.
–Monopoly Iron…welcome Monopoly Cat.
–Saturday USPS delivery as of August.  We will welcome the $2 billion a year savings long before we miss our Saturday Junk Mail.
–Stewie, the World’s longest cat, who died of cancer this week.  Last week’s email spotlighted dogs so it only seemed fair to include a cat in this week’s message:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/06/stewie-worlds-longest-cat-dead-cancer_n_2629533.html?ref=topbar

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

Lisa