Do justly, now.
Love mercy, now. 

The Talmud

As the New Jewish Year of 5776 approaches this Sunday evening, we reflect on our actions of the past year and prepare ourselves to pray, repent and make promises of improvement for the coming year. These High Holidays are the time to take stock in our lives and just as we are committed to Tikkun Olam (repair the world) so too should we work to Tikkun ourselves.  As we listen to the sounds of the Shofar, may forgiveness be blessed upon all of us as we enter the High Holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.  This beautiful song brings the message and meaning of the Shofar to heart.

Heart is what’s needed to handle the current refugee crisis, second only to the post WWII era (when our ancestors were seeking shelter).  An estimated 4 million Syrians have fled their war-torn country and as they spread across Europe, the EU is demanding equivalent participation by EU members.  The United States has agreed to increase our acceptance by 10,000 in the next year. Even Israel is debating their role in this crisis with her enemy neighbors. From the beginning, Israel has (quietly) given lifesaving medical assistant in a field hospital near the border or transferred more serious patients into Israeli hospitals. http://www.timesofisrael.com/critically-injured-syrian-transferred-to-israeli-hospital/

Yes, we see incredible effort by many in the Global community to help with this devastating crisis, though there is one glaring exception this compassion. Where is the assistance of the wealthy Gulf States which share a language and religion with many of the asylum seekers. Here is an interesting article that identifies how many people each country is helping including Zeros for all of these countries:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/09/world/welcome-syrian-refugees-countries/index.html

With Syria in shambles and Daesh (self proclaimed ISIS) on the doorstep taking over many of its major cities, isn’t it nice to know Syria doesn’t have a nuclear reactor which could fall into evil hands.  8 years ago this week (Sept. 7, 2007), the Israel Defense Forces destroyed the Syrian reactor based on theBegin Doctrine stating that no enemy of Israel’s should possess nuclear weapons. Iraq’s nuclear efforts were also eliminated based on this doctrine   while Iran certainly fits the bill as well, but time will tell on that front.

Speaking of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Congress has returned from its Summer vacation and conversation on the Floor will include two important issues…The Iran Deal and the Government budget, specifically what should and shouldn’t be funded. Though many legislative voices continue to debate this (done) Iran Deal, most comprehend that it will progress forward with much scrutiny. We were extremely disappointed that Senator Gary Peters decided to approve the deal even though he understands it’s serious pitfalls. For example, Iran has again voiced it commitment to end the existence of Israel with this week’s actual statement “I’d say (to Israel) that they will not see (the end) of these 25 years.” http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/10/middleeast/iran-khamenei-israel-will-not-exist-25-years/index.html This is serious Sh*t that is constantly repeated and should not be ignored. Once the deal is in progress, every step and breath of Iran’s future will need to be microscoped and evaluated to prevent or punish offensive actions.

Chopping Block

And analyst predict the possible government shutdown on Oct. 1st because Congress is behind the 8-ball on passing several spending bills.  If we can learn from history, extension will be issued and hopefully with a bit more time, they will come to a consensus (a rare word in DC) and do what’s right for their constituency. But of course, the much demonized Planned Parenthood is always on the chopping block and with the recent bogus undercover videos to fuel their fire, conservatives are chomping at the bit to defund the lifesaving efforts of this valued national organization.

My favorite Pope (Francis) will be visiting our Nation this month as his resume continues to build with Humane and Progressive initiatives regarding Climate Change (a global problem blaming apathy and greed),  Abortions (granting forgiveness), Divorce (easing annulments) and Homosexuality (“who am I to judge”).  May the Pope’s visit to the United States strike a chord with all Americans and encourage closed minded religious based activist (like our “dear” Kentucky clerk) to ask themselves “what would the Pope do” in their situation. And speaking of (no name, no fame) Kentucky clerk, it is disgraceful and insulting that her lawyer is comparing her treatment (during this fame seeking spectacle), to Jews during the Nazi era.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/world/1.674760 And to continue this comparrison game, her supporters asked why Mayor Gavin Newson of San Fransicso was not jailed when (in the reverse) he issued gay marriage license before they were legal back in 2004.  After 4,000 marriages, the case made it through the California Supreme Court which ordered him to stop, which he did. There is more detail in this is a very interesting article and (btw) bravo to Mayor Newson:

Decrease the Stigma

About 1 Million people each year die in our world from suicide. Returning United States Veteran rates are rapidly increasing.   September is Suicide Prevention Month; a month (though all month/days matter) designated to raise awareness of education, destigmatize mental illness and help decrease our raising rates. https://www.iasp.info/wspd/

I’m sure it’s not symbolic of anything, but a record breaking sandstorm covered the middle east (including all of Israel) this week which brought high temps and high pollution to the country.  Israelis were encouraged to stay indoors and avoid outdoor physical activity. The sandy air is expected to subside prior to Sunday evening’s holiday but the heat will stick around to melt the honey on those dipped apples. http://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-break-power-record-as-sandstorm-persists-into-third-day/

Speaking of Holiday Treats, here’s one that will take your sweet tooth for a wide ride: http://www.kveller.com/recipe-sweet-fried-noodle-kugel-balls/

Though I missed watching it Tuesday night, I picked up bits and pieces via the internet and heard David Bianculli (from Fresh Air) praising the glories ofStephen Colbert‘s premiere episode.  I never doubted his ability to bring his vibrant brilliant repartee to CBS latenight. He shed his Conservative Narcissist persona and exposed his talented self to satisfied viewers.  Here is the closing musical moments with a variety of performers, including Stephen himself, singing Sly and the Family Stone’s hit “Everyday People”: