Shabbat Shalom

July 18, 2014

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

Michigan Primary is Aug. 5th (quickly approaching)
National Election is Nov. 4th

Get your Absentee Ballot
For those who will be out of town (or out of their district) on Aug. 5th or for those who are older than 60 or for those who are disabled and can’t get to the polls, you can pick up your Absentee Ballots from your County Clerks office this week.

Please help support and spread the word of our

Michigan Candidates:

Mark Schauer (and Lisa Brown)

US Senate
Gary Peters 

District 3 – Brian Ellis – Western MI – (Justin Amash must go)

District 5 – Dan Kildee – Central MI –

District 7 – Pam Byrnes – Jackson, parts of Ann Arbor…

District 9 – Sandy Levin – HW, RO, Fern, Frank…

District 11 – Livonia/Novi area – Bentivolio MUST go!

District 12 – Debbie Dingell – Detroit, parts of Ann Arbor…
District 14 – Ruby Hobbs – Detroit to Auburn Hills zigzag

District 13 – Ryan Fishman – Rochester Hills, Rochester, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Birmingham, Clawson, Royal Oak, and Berkley

District 14 – Vicki Barnett and Ellen Cogen Lipton (both are friends of mine and brilliant legislators) – Farm., Farm. Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Hunt. Woods, Lathrup Village, Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Twp., Southfield.

District 27 – Robert Wittenberg – Berkley, Ferndale, Hazel Park,Huntington Woods, Oak Park and Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak Township

District 35 – Jeremy Moss – Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin

District 37 – Theresa Rich – Farmington, Farm. Hills.

District 39 – Sandy Colvin – Commerce Twsp, Wixom, West Bloom. Twsp, Wolverine Lake (FYI, Sandy’s Dem. primary opponent, Michael Saari, is an NRA member and used to be listed as a Republican)
District 40 – Mary Belden Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and the eastern portion of West Bloomfield Township
District 61 – John Fisher – Portage/Kalamazoo area.

Sunday July 20th
If you live in Ann Arbor, please stop by the home of dear friends,Bunky and Neal Elyakin on Sunday, July 20, from 5:00-6:00 to greet Debbie Dingell, who is running for the congressional seat currently held by her retiring husband, Congressman John Dingell. Debbie is interested in meeting people in the district and hearing from her (hopefully) future constituents.  THIS IS NOT A FUNDRAISER but they’d like to know if you plan to attend. So please email elyakin@mac.com or call/text 734-417-6094. The address is 1300 Red Oak, Ann Arbor.

  I hope this week’s celebrants have a wonderful Birthday:

July 18th

July 19th

July 20th

July 21st

July 22nd

July 23rd

July 24th