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Avi K: so according to you, as you quoted sources, if Jonathan Pollard was ch”v still imprisoned, the right thing to do would be to let him rot? As פדיון שבויים is not applicable, and there’s really no middle ground – you either do all you can to save him, using all resources available for his defense etc., including Maaser money – or stand by idly in the name of upholding American justice. After all, he plead guilty to a crime in a “righteous” US court.
Goq: looks like Joseph’s statement of “almost every day” is coming true.
Though the circumstances are different, today we have this
And yesterday we had this in the news
Brooklyn: Man Convicted In Murder Case Freed After 21 Years In Prison
The scary part is how flaky the law seems. Sheldon Silver (although they may still retry him) is B”H not going to prison because of a recent Supreme Court ruling that more narrowly defines corruption, and in his case the instructions to the jury were more “machmir”.
I also wanted to point out in another thread that is now closed and discussed rightful tzeddakah causes , that AFAIK the mitzva of פדיון שבויים does not depend on guilt or innocence.
Great post WTP!
Wolfish: actually it says in Pirkei Avos that anyone from whom one has learned even one thing is worthy to be called Rebbe. So you definitely qualify here.
Additionally, part of your post seems to be almost verbatim of a previous post of yours. Since I remembered it, you must actually be a great Rebbe.
But I’m not going to hurt you and refer to you as such, as רצונו של אדם זה כבודו.
Syag gets it.
Thanks for bringing up and expounding on one of my points a lot better than I did here:
Part of the shock comes from thinking that only when learning does one struggle for parnassah. News flash: most of us struggle financially no matter how long in the work force.
Meno: Dried salami
ZD: he said he studied computer programming plus, so that’s not exactly “no education”.
The first job is usually the hardest to land and least paying. Many people take the best offer they get and try to find something more profitable after a year or so. In other cases once he proves himself/the employer doesn’t want him to leave, he can get a nice raise.
It’s almost never a good idea to hold out for an unrealistic number, even if in the short term it makes no sense.
Part of the shock comes from thinking that only when learning does one struggle for parnassah. News flash: most of us struggle financially no matter how long in the work force. And of course we must (individually and collectively) reassess our spending standards.
Joseph: I don’t think it’s always so black and white. And a lot of it is related to a doctor’s experience. The same type of infection that’s viral 90% of the the time is bacterial in 10% of cases. And not always does the doctor know for sure which one it is. (When a specific cancer treatment, to make an extreme comparison, is only successful 10% of the time, even the best of doctors will latch onto it in the absence of a better alternative, I believe.)
So if a patient knows that last time his sinus infection, for example, was cleared with anti-biotics, why wouldn’t he want the same treatment for his new infection? And if the doctor isn’t 100% certain that the patient is wrong, why wouldn’t he cave and prescribe it?
Sorry ChanieE and Meno for my mistake.
Thanks DY for the correction. And GH (Gadol Hadorah?) for the tip.
Insurers also consider private purchasers more of a risk, as working people are generally healthier. So they charge individuals/families higher rates than those in a group.
(Just realized DY’s post was earlier in this thread – so I’m talking about his question to Meno there.)
DY: The larger the pool of insureds one (usually government/employer) pays for, the lower the price they can negotiate. When insurers have too many “cheap” customers, they try to make more money on the rest.
We also get anti-biotics indirectly from our drinking water and treated livestock. Good luck avoiding it.
Also, I don’t think DY was only referring to this instance when he labeled AK anti chareidi.
I don’t know who Archie Bunker is, but I wanted to point out that “Yid” is not a pejorative unless uttered with contempt.
Virtually signed by a proud Yiddish speaking erliche (I hope) Yid(dene).
CTL: I believe NY state has passed a law to fund college education for those earning under 100k, of course with many strings attached.
And while you’re lobbying congress, perhaps lobby that instead of only giving a tax credit for each dependent, they can base tax brackets on “per person” income, replacing the current single/married based income. That’ll make the tax brackets more complicated, but we do have computers nowadays.
After all, I am planning/hoping to be rich one day in the near future…
Eliezer8687: this baloney that many in chasidishe circles don’t obtain marriage licenses is purely that, nonsense. At most, it takes a few months to have the marriage license done, since nowadays one needs a government issued ID first.
Gettingby: Sorry I didn’t relate the exact expression he used, but IIRC I should correct it to say his accountant “makes” expenses, instead of “writes off”. Which I understood to mean makes up.
Gettingby:
True story since you’re mentioning anecdotes. We had a non-Jewish immigrant Uber driver recently. He was openly discussing his finances, past (different job) and current. He said since he doesn’t earn too much (drives about 10 hours a day, 5 days a week) he’s covering his expenses and earning what he needs, apparently for a single guy. His accountant “writes-off” expenses such as car-washes, insurance, gas, etc. and he doesn’t work more hours so he can be eligible for Obamacare. He said his friends that work longer hours aren’t as profitable since they can’t have so many expenses. (He didn’t FULLY spell it out, but the way he mentioned it, it seemed there are only so many car washes one can logically claim…)
This was all said openly, and apparently he’s not the only one. The system is almost rigged in the name of progressive taxation. I’m not condoning anything, just pointing out facts about our system and how it’s manipulated by many, not davka Jews.
Avi k: I know I owe you a reply, but you failed to address mine about the Kushners taking a chartered bus to a political wedding. The (non Jewish) media couldn’t really care less about their kashrus or Shabbos observance (let alone tznius) to malign them. Hence when time after time photos and articles depict violations of such, it shows a pattern which can no longer be considered mere conjecture.
We must protest these fully, as they are done publicly by so-called observant Jews and are the true definition of chillul Hashem.
Stealing from the government must also be condemned, however when we are not privy to the facts and these are mere allegations by agencies that may or may not have their own agenda to advance (a very typical one which they keep on stating albeit indirectly, is to scare others into following the law to a “t” because of perceived laxity) hence they may need some people arrested to show they are serious about enforcement. I won’t use the anti-Semitism card, but there are definitely those against the expansion of Jewish Lakewood that may have instigated these investigations. (There are usually anonymous tip lines where one can report such allegations.)
In this case we need to wait for more facts to be established and not bash anyone personally, however educating the public about legality can and should be done. As I mentioned it’s already being done, I’m not sure if in all communities, and there’s always room for more education and chizzuk as needed. Exaggerating the scope of the issue is definitely a chillul Hashem as well, especially since none of us know the truth about enough people’s true situation to judge a community. We can leave that for the haters, they know the Halacha of eisav…
DY: If you don’t understand what “leard” means it’s because you haven’t leard it yet…
(Sorry I couldn’t resist.)So where is Lilmod?
It’s been a few weeks… We miss you LU.
As I stated on the Ivanka rumor thread, there are asifas on educating the community on how to live life legally.
The main comment I got on that line was about the correct spelling of “business” (thanks to everyone for sticking up for me). BUT IT WAS A SIMPLE COPY PASTE, which I erroneously thought was obvious.
Google will verify it – and you’ll get to see some photos related to the event.
(Sorry, I got busy/lazy to follow through with an answer on all of Avi K’s points. And it kind of seemed pointless to argue with him).
I’m reposting this so you don’t have to go thread hopping. (And by the way, I’m really proud of the very few spelling mistakes I’ve made in the coffee room.)
Dror Free @DrorFreeOrg
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Jun 22TONIGHT DINA EVENT:
educating our community on legal and buissness topics. in Williamsburg
The continental 75 Rutledge st2. Of course I do, but they are not blank checks. A huge chunk of American Jewry assimilated in the early waves of immigration, partly because people felt they needed to work on Shabbos TO LITERALLY PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.
Anyone trying to give them the benefit of the doubt can no longer do so. As I mentioned, they are no longer pretending to ask shailos, and honestly, who thinks attending a political wedding necessitates violating Shabbos for, or finding leniencies such as it’s “only a chartered bus, and we’re not the ones driving?”.
There’s a story I heard which I was reluctant to share as I didn’t know all the details, but due to its relevance I’m opting to share it now. (Please excuse my vagueness, and if anyone can fill in the specifics, I’d appreciate it.)
Some decades ago, while bombs were aimed at Israel, a certain Rabbi (whom I’ll refer to as Rabbi A) published a pamphlet detailing the specifics of his psak heter that bomb shelters may be built on Shabbos because of Pikuach nefesh. Another, more traditional Rabbi (whom we’ll call Rabbi B) disagreed, so Rabbi A paid a visit to Rabbi B to try and convince him of what he perceived as the truth.
The Talmidim of Rabbi B expected a point by point “academic” rebuttal on the merits of Rabbi A’s heter, instead they were surprised when Rabbi B approached Rabbi A and exclaimed
“!מיין מאמע האט מיך געלערנט אז מען דארף היטן שבת”.
(Roughly translated “My mother taught me that one must keep Shabbos!)
This story epitomizes what’s wrong with your “don’t you believe in Halachik principles of…?” approach, and what many of us are wary about. Temimos is often a good thing, of which we can all use a couple of doses of nowadays…AviK:
I honestly hate to engage you in conversation as we are coming from two ends of the spectrum, and no matter what I say, I won’t convince you as your mindset is pretty much set in stone, but I’ll try for the sake of all the other readers here. (I’ll break it up in a few posts for readability.)
1. Toeles: All the honest geirim, who struggled to be accepted as sincere and find a Rabbi/Rebetzin to mentor him/her, learned the halachos, became full fledged Jews and made and continue to make serious sacrifices for their Yiddishkeit every day, to them I say Chazak!
We don’t want them to ch”v think that the more politically connected or rich one is the less is required of them. In other words it’s all G-d forbid a sham.
Additionally, the claim that none of us will be meshadech with their kids is ludicrous. We are all related, and Kol Yisroel areivim zeh lezeh. If you go to any random Jewish wedding and don’t find someone you have a familial connection with, that would be more of a chiddush… Their kids so far go to Orthodox day schools and can end up leaning either way in their Yiddishkeit – and marry accordingly.
If we let everyone do as they please when it comes to geirus, we might seriously need to institute yichus certificates in Orthodox America.
And for those constantly complaining that nothing is being done about those that break the law in our community, there’s definitely more being done than many realize – especially when it comes to education.
Hope the mods will allow this for the sake of quieting the critics (I know it’ll never be enough…)
Dror Free @DrorFreeOrg
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Jun 22TONIGHT DINA EVENT:
educating our community on legal and buissness topics. in Williamsburg
The continental 75 Rutledge st(Similar symposiums are held annually in other neighborhoods.)
Sorry guys but as time goes by, it seems their Shabbos observance is rapidly going out the window. No more pretenses about asking shailos.
And yes, I believe converts are held to a higher standard because they presumably CHOSE to take on the mitzvos. If one is quick to throw it all off, their motives are rightfully doubted. We all chose to accept the Torah at Har Sinai, but unfortunately for many there’s that generational disconnect.
Jared’s Jewish heart l, as history has proven, doesn’t bode well for his family’s future Yiddishkeit. Hence we should never give a pass and substitute someone’s good deeds for the Torah’s requirement of basic mitzvah observance. It’s nice that one cares about fellow Jews, but for Yiddishkeit to have staying power a lot more is needed. We can’t turn a blind eye, and surely Beis Din shouldn’t either.
Joseph: With a “newish” fridge we use velcro strips to keep the fridge and freezer switches covered on Shabbos and Yom Tov and removed afterwards. (Two small strips of the “hook” side stuck one above and one below the switch, a long “loop” side velcro that gets raised to connect the two velcros and keep the switch pushed in so it’s off, or lowered when we want the switch to function as usual.)
It’s not a perfect system, and the velcro may need to be replaced occasionally. If something goes wrong, a non-Jew will need to be called to help out.
Sorry I’m not good with the links yet. I was referring to post #1301471 from Blav.
And as a Zdad posted, Wolf repeated the name Ivana in his reply.AviK:
Blav did here
to which Wolf replied tongue in cheek, and you took the bait fully.On newish models, taping the switch and leaving it that way causes the fridge to go into “vacation mode” after a few days which lowers its cooling temperature.
Avi: Wolf is the designated Tzaddik around here.
He was simply pointing out someone’s error in referring to Ivanka as Ivana.
Now if Ivana truly is Jewish… Oh, wasn’t this the premise of the OP?
All good suggestions.
On top of all the practical aspects of addressing it, I usually say the posuk in tehillim “״ראה עניי ועמלי ושא לכל חטאותי.
Joseph: they were most likely including SNAP, WIC, perhaps Section 8 and/school vouchers on top of Medicaid; which all adds up to a small fortune.
mentsch: Refuah shelima to whoever this person is to you. This must be a very trying time for you.
Wow Joseph! What hashgacha and zchus for you to post this now, when the story is over a year old.
You missed this paragraph which makes the story make more sense, although I don’t understand why the daughter wasn’t notified right away. I guess every news site runs the story a bit differently:
“Despite all medical predictions, Lyndee was back, responding, not even realizing what was happening Amanda came in the next day and melted down.”
Benk: have you ever complained to the schools about the cost of trips etc. being too high?
I also know someone who literally “bribes” her kids to not go on school trips. So say your kid desperately wants a new bike for example, offer to buy it instead of him going on the school trip. Or perhaps something cheaper like going out for ice-cream one on one with a parent. Whatever works. These trips are generally not mandatory.
And if you’re not in the minority as a struggling parent, try to get the school to have the parents vote (now for next year) on how much they are willing to pay for school trips.
If you’re willing to prepare lunches, you might be able to opt out of the catered lunch cost.
Good luck!
If your local fish market sells frozen tuna steaks those should be okay. The commercial/deep freezers are supposedly more safe as they have a more stable temperature. And IIRC they need to be frozen for at least 72 hours.
Also, make sure it’s flash frozen. I believe it says so on the packaging.
On top of that find a vinegar or salt recipe to add flavor. I believe it needs to be somewhat marinaded but I’m not sure the sushi-stores do so.
If it seems too complicated there’s always frozen imitation kani.
Also, white and Vidalia onions are naturally sweet, so consider using those.
Meal mart beef and chicken spreads contain actual sugar.
You can find the ingredients on line. (The chicken I looked up at Avi Glatt website, where you must enter a shipping zip code to search.)
ZD: Liver is high in iron. It can be a lifesaver. We know you don’t like it, but if it’s fresh and Kosher, don’t be a food snob.
Add Mayo.
If “watering down” liquid soap seems like too much work, almost all poskim agree that foaming hand soap is okay. (And of course you can still make that on your own.)
Also, you can water down liquid soap in the palm of your hand. The idea is not to “spread” the soap befor it’s diluted.
But again, to be sure, ask your LOR. (If you feel shy, remember that it’s good practice, so you’ll feel comfortable asking a shailah when true need arises.)LU: just a tidbit that you might appreciate. In your quest to find the more important aspect, Hashkafa vs. personality, realize that IMHO Hashkafa usually shapes one’s personality. So it’s really not an either or, but their Hashkafos (if honestly portrayed) will give you clues to their personality.
A lot of it stems from working on one’s middos based on what he/she deems important. Again, honesty is key here.
I like to add a bit of smoked paprika.
And mix up the beans a little for variety and experimentation. So in addition to the traditional “Chulent mix” how about adding some black eyed peas or large lima beans? See what works for your family.
And if your husband “never” criticizes your cooking, he’s not being open and honest. If he always criticizes your food, you probably need couple’s counseling…
I think so too, but honestly it’s probably healthier to use than styling gel is. And I didn’t mention the other option I heard, IIRC, which is diluted apple juice…
I personally can’t stand the idea of using edibles in one’s hair, but is commercial junk we’ve been programmed to buy really a better option? And if they could get away using sugar as an ingredient, I’m sure they would.
Styling gel is often used to shape and maintain the curl for boys’ peyos, for those that don’t have natural curls. It’s a lot more common than having it permed. An old school option is to style it with “sugar water” or something similar.
I have a “Techina” in my Machzorim that says something about being able to light candles etc. till 100 years (it’s in Yiddish). When I catch myself saying it I quickly correct it to 120, although lately I’ve been tempted to add more years… Now that’s something I consider a klallah. But basically most of us are in denial about our mortality.
And to find The Bear is Back posting on this – 120 years – thread is also a serious wake up call, unless I’m confusing posters.