Dear Friends and Family,

Continued Distress
This week brings a continuation of our prayers and thoughts for Israel’s rapid and safe dismantle of Hamas’ Terror.  With the IDF’s ground incursion, the death toll is raising but when one side uses deceitful and ruthless tactics, no one wins. This message epitomizes the ideology of the region:

“Israel uses Weaponry to Protect civilians while Hamas uses civilians to protect weaponry”.  Israel HATES war while Hamas HATES Israel.  And for a small region, the conflict is getting top billing.  World opinion is either on one side or the other with pockets of violent anti-Israel protests risking lives all over the world (Paris, Nazareth, Germany, Houston, Ireland).  What is Israel to do…? After 66 years of trying to get along with her neighbors, it’s time to just isolate, protect and continue to build our Homeland that was obtained legally and with deep historical roots. I’m an optimist but, sadly, I don’t see Peace in our near future.   I do see hope when I read letters like this one, which is just SPOT ON! http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-letter-to-israel-an-indian-writes/ And of course stories of the Israeli Field Hospital set up to assist injured Gazans is ignored by most in the world…but not here: http://www.israel21c.org/headlines/israel-sets-up-field-hospital-for-wounded-gazans/ And lastly, here are 5 media myths about the situation that will enlighten your view, especially if you’ve been watching CNN, reading the NYTimes or listening to NPR: http://www.ajc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=7oJILSPwFfJSG&b=9077509&ct=14093965

Abrupt Continuity
We, in the US, take Freedom of Religion for granted.  This week, in Iraq, ends the millennial long history of Christian in Mosul as Islamist threatened (with death), that all Christians either flee their homes with no possessions or convert.  Thousands fled while 5 families converted.  These persecuted victims are decedents of the earliest Christians from 2,000 years ago who’s history is now wiped clean from Mosul. Pure genocide.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-christians-flee-mosul-militant-threats-24659276

Water Disruption
There are many things we can’t live without but none more important than water.  Sadly, over 7,000 Detroiters, who couldn’t afford to pay their water bills, had their service turned off last month. Nearly half came up with the payments and had their water return but the others were still dry till this week when the Water Department gave those who still had unpaid bills a 15 day reprieve. Most hope those who are still without service can make arrangements for a payment plan so service is not interrupted in the future. Again our friends to the North are coming to our rescue as carloads of Canadians plan to deliver 200 gallons of water to the dry Detroiters:http://tinyurl.com/CanadianWater

313
And speaking of Detroit, Happy 313 Birthday (celebrated yesterday July 24th) which coincides with the Detroit’s 313 Area Code. To celebrate, maybe you’d like to purchase a cool and unique pair of Detroit Flip Flops made from recycled (illegally dumped tires) http://tinyurl.com/DetroitTreadsSandals

Interrupted Sleep
Another necessity for the well-being of our health is Sleep. Recent research indicates that sleep has a direct correlation to your health.  It’s the new “Apple a day”…
Here are 37 tips on how to achieve a better nights rest:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/better-sleep-tips-best_n_4958036.html  Wishing you a Lila Tov (“good night”).

May next week’s Shabbat message be filled with more peaceful news.  Shabbat Shalom to you and your loved ones.

Lisa

Bonus Music Video
Please enjoy this beautiful rendition of David Broza’s famous song “Yihiyeh Tov / It will be good”.  This English version was first song by a father (heading to fight terrorism) to his son more than 10 years ago and now the father and son are singing it again as the son heads to Gaza to fight that same battle.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152316818298717&fref=nf

Condolences
The above song is a tribute to all of the people who have lost their lives these last several weeks. Condolences to the Israeli families of the nearly 30 deaths from this Operation Protective Edge as well as these two Americans/Israeli soldiers who were killed.

Max Steinberg z”l

Sean Carmeli z”l

 

Dear Friends and Family,

Tragedy
Nearly 300 people traveling from Amsterdam to Malaysia were killed when their aircraft was shot down over Ukraine on Thursday.  Condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

Disproportional War
Though Egypt tried to negotiate a ceasefire earlier in the week, their true feelings about the conflict are exemplified by this quote:  “Thank you Netanyahu and may God give us more [people] like you to destroy Hamas!” – Azza Sami of the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram.  Least we forget, Hamas is a terrorist organization just like Al Qaeda yet during 9/11 and our fight against Bin Laden, I don’t ever remember the news media giving ample time and interviews to Osama so he could spew his lies and rhetoric. So why must we hear the Terrorist spokesman from Hamas give his message of deceit on radio, TV and in newspapers?  Sadly the people of Gaza are being manipulated and scarified for Hamas’ sole purpose of destroying Israel.  While Israel strives to protect her citizens with warning sirens, bomb shelters and missile defense systems, Hamas (the elected government) has spent it’s money stockpiling rockets to kill as many Israelis a possible. Gaza has NO sirens, No protective shelters but they have the world’s sympathy with their intended (disproportional) high casualty rate and their continual brainwashing messages of Hate to their children.  Here is a factual and clear 5 1/2 minute video that describes the historical situation of the Middle East.  Most of you know these facts…its the world who needs educating (thanks, Reuben, for  sharing):
http://www.israelvideonetwork.com/the-most-important-video-about-israel-ever-made

Hamas Victims

French Fury
This week, while Israel continued it’s protective shield defensive to eliminate the 10,000 stockpiled rockets in Gaza, France was celebrating Bastille Day but not all French were focusing on themselves.  Sadly, the escalation of Anti-Semitism reared its ugly head in Paris as thousands of pro-Hamas demonstrators at Bastille Square attacked a Synagogue with stones and bricks while Jews were inside praying.  Police needed to attend to the violent situation to assist the barricaded Jews.  This video shows the full picture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6k3RH3AUkc and here is the article about the demonstration:
http://ejpress.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49737&catid=2  The French Jewish immigration to Israel (escaping the rising hatred) has quadrupled in the last year indicating the severity of the situation.  500,000 Jews live in France (Europe’s largest Jewish Population), yet their security among hostile neighbors is forcing them out of their home. Israel expects 5,000 French Olim (immigrants) to make Israel their new home this year.

Suit Stunt
Here in our country, specifically DC, the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, has decided to sue President Obama, (as far as I can tell) for performing his job.  The specifics of the suit address the delay of ObamaCare which they (the Republicans) tried to repeal 50 times.  Boehner sees this lawsuit as a more palatable course of action than the extremes of his sect, who want to impeach POTUS.  This political stunt is a complete waste of money and time.  A better use of our time (among many other issues) is how to humanely deal with the 10s of Thousands of refugee children fleeing from the life threatening effects for forced Central American Gang violence partly due to our insatiable drug appetite.  Those who are protesting their temporary housing options don’t seem to understand the full picture.

Friendly Reminder
Since I’ll be away during our Michigan Primary (Aug. 5th), I have already sent in my Absentee Ballot.  There is a Statewide Proposal (14-1) to “Reduce State Use Tax which I researched (http://www.lwvmi.org/documents/VG2014P_Prop14-1.pdf ) and found much support for so I voted YES on this proposal.  Also, there is an Oakland County Millage Renewal which I also voted YES. Lastly, if you are voting the Democratic Party (you can only vote one section) I urge you to vote for Rudy Hobbs (US Congress, District 14).  Rudy is the smartest, most capable and experienced candidate with a pro-Michigan, pro-Woman and pro-Israel stance.

Shalom Bayit (Peace of the Home)
Sadly, we lack Shalom in our House of Worship.  As our Rabbi is moving on, we bid him gratitude for his excellent 16 years of leadership and wish him well, though during this transition we need to remember our Jewish morals and act accordingly. Some have been blinded by emotions and have lashed out disrespectfully to fellow congregants who volunteer their time (with no personal gain) to help guide the direction of our Shul.  It was shocking to hear some of the visceral attacks that were unfiltered from fellow Jews.  We will get through this segue with hopes of healed wounds and optimistic visions of our future.

Beauty
I am a minimalist when it comes to fashion and beauty so I completely identified with this beautiful message about Beauty from Colbie Caillat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoZLPSw8U8&feature=kp

Tacky
I hope you enjoy this fun filled video spotlighting Weird Al and some high profile friends. Are you Tacky…?
http://uproxx.com/music/2014/07/weird-al-yankovic-is-back-with-the-brand-new-video-for-tacky/

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

Lisa

                       1925-2014

(in honor of Germany’s world cup finals)

Dear Friends and Family,

Sorrow
I intended to open this week’s Shabbat email with a message of Independence, Freedom and Hope as we celebrate our 238th birthday, but, of course our week began with the most somber discovery of the 3 Israeli Teens’ demise.  Israel is Independent yet surrounded by enemies.  All citizens are Free yet safety is elusive.  Hope is her national anthem but Peace seems to be a dwindling image.  What will Israel’s 238th birthday hold? Will the day come when Israel can celebrate her independence without the constant threat of annihilation? The neighborhood is DANGEROUS with inhabitants who are filled with hate and value death (even against themselves) in exchange for dominance.  We value LIFE and need to remember our ethics while continuing to PROTECT our citizens yet keeping the casualties of our enemies to a minimum.

Stronger Voices
The day the teens were found coincided with the month-long commencement of the reflective Ramadan holiday.  Muslim observance of Ramadan includes fasting during the daylight hours, praying, reading the Quran, being humble, refraining from bad deeds and giving charity.  Certainly killing teens would be counterintuitive to the holiday.  We must continue to pray for the day when moderate Muslims can safely stand up and speak out to repress and root out the violent radical high-jackers of their religion, like this brave Arab teen who’s life is now threatened after criticizing terror.  His aunt, an Arab Israeli Knesset Minister (though very anti-Israel), objects to his peaceful stance.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/threats-against-israeli-arab-teen-who-slammed-kidnapping/

Politicized Decision
Shame on SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) for disregarding one of the major blueprint elements decreed by our forefathers.  We must keep our vast and varying religions clear and separate from our governing bodies. This new judgement by SCOTUS has set a precedent and opened pandora’s box.  There are 71 other companies who’ve sued to restrict affordable Birth Control from their employees.

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/04/hobby-lobby-sebelius-contraceptive-for-profit-lawsuits (side note, our Michigan Attorney General, Bill Scheutte, filed briefs against the ObamaCare in 6 of these 71 lawsuits). The Citizens United debacle which opened the door to Corporations being treated as People is one of the rationalizations for this latest decision. Corporations are NOT People and even if they were, they can’t pick and chose which LAWS they prefer to follow. It is now the LAW to (wisely and for the good of our country) require Birth Control to be covered under Insurance.  Half of all pregnancies are unexpected (yes HALF!).  One way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and decrease abortion is through safe and affordable birth control. Also, there are many health benefits to the Pill. http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/features/other-reasons-to-take-the-pill This Supreme Court decision is a direct assault on Women’s Health Care.  I don’t see them cutting off Viagra from anyone’s insurance policies.  Here is a great diatribe (by the brilliant President Jeb Barlet) of why religion needs to stay in their own Houses of Worship and out of our civic policieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYaewOBGybw

Lots of Dishes
Many of you will be joining friends and family for Shabbat dinner tonight but I assume it won’t be as large as this Guinness World Record Shabbat Dinner of 2,226 attendees in Tel Aviv last month:
http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/176199/worlds-largest-shabbat-draws-2226-to-tel-aviv

Two Step
I love this meshing of Laurel and Hardy dancing to my favorite Santana tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkZGg0qNdCc&feature=kp

Chevre Cheese
To conclude this week’s email, here is a photo from last weekend’s trip to Eugene, Oregon when we visited Liat (our daughter) and Andrew (Liat’s boyfriend) on the goat farm.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Sweet Shabbat Shalom and a joyful 4th of July weekend.

Lisa