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It’s nice to see that at least one commentator here has remembered that the Biden Harris administration has sent hundred of millions of dollars worth of munitions to Isreal the past months.
All talk about the requirement for Hakaras Hatov never applied to Democrats, interestingly enough.
I dislike Democrats. Deeply. But I happen to dislike dishonesty more. Sure Biden has never been a friend to isreal in the past. But we owe him a tremendous debt of Hakaras Hatov for how he acted since October 7, for the most part.
There is only one thing that Trump cares about and that is Trump.
That is the key to understand everything he says and does.If he acted Pro-Israel, it was because at that time that was what he thought was best for him.
If he gets mad at someone, or at a country, because they slighted his ego, and he feels that he should therefore remove his support, he will. If he feels it will benefit him to restore his support, he will.Capt. Jack Sparrow once said that “A dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly. It’s the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they’re going to do something incredibly stupid.”
So too, you can always count on Trump to honestly do what he feels is exactly what he feels is best for himself. Honestly.
I personally feel that it’s actually a shame that Capt. Jack Sparrow isn’t running for president.
There’s a point that I can’t fathom here, and I don’t expect too many people to acknowledge.
Biden has done a TREMENDOUS amount of good for Isreal over the last 6 months. Money, support, and much, much more. There is zero evidence that Trump would have done more or better for the Jews. Even taking his own words on the topic. It’s easy for Trump to SAY that he would have supported Isreal, helped win the war, which wouldn’t have happened in the first place, and also make sure that no Palestinian civilians would be killled. What would he have actually DONE no one can possibly know. We do know what Biden has done, which is far more than anyone would have ever expected, and there’s a lot to be thankful for.
I’m thankful to Trump for moving the embassy. I think he is generally a friend of Isreal, though he is primary a friend of whatever he will see as helping himself. But to say that you must vote for Trump if you care about Isreal and the Jewish people , because Biden doesn’t help us is completely ignoring the reality since October 7. Biden has and is helping us tremendously. Why should he be deserving of our Hakaras Hatov?!?
I don’t like Joe Biden. I don’t like his politics or his style etc. I don’t really like any politician, in fact. But the lack of honesty and the double standard in talking about who is good and bad for the Jews is bothersome to me.
Why did you switch from polyester to BB suits?
Did leasure suits go out of style?If I were a goy I wouldn’t waste even one second on this site, and certainly not in the coffee room.
Just sayin.
Therese Raquin is far better literature.
I don’t think that Amelia Bedeila is connected in any way to the great Bartelby, who prefers not to.
The unfortunate message that the books give over is that good cooking can allow stupidity and wilful irresponsiblity to be overlooked and forgiven. There are others who share that view.
I missed the intent of the original post completely. Please elaborate.
Square Root: Why don’t you quote from the Torah, or from Gedolai Yisroel?
These quotes aren’t worth the pixels they’re printed on.Like my rav said, the meteorologists are good at everything except predicting the weather.
And Hashem loves when Jews want to do Mitzvos!!
The absolute certainty of some people that “knew” there would be no Sukka this year was disheartening.
A little faith, and little hope, a little humility , and some more yearning for what we really look forward to, all that could have been improved upon.
BH we got a special Bracha! More and more imyH !!
Moadim Lisimcha!!!
Every yeshiva Bochur must read Zaritzky’s “Beyond The Sun”, especially at this time of the year ( at a time that he wouldnt be otherwise occupied with Torah and Avoda, ‘course).
This concept is also Mevuar from Tosfos at the beginning of the 3rd Perek in Kiddushin by their postulation of Rav Yochanan’s concept of “Shraga Dilivni”, which enables the paradox of קדושי מאה תופסין בה.
String theory? Bah! Brick Theory….
Those with 2 heads know……
It’s good to read stories about regular people who became great.
Remember: “”It is our choices, Herschel, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”Off topic, but on topic – if you keep finding the inevitable loopholes in your filter, whichever it is, you may want to also check it Guard Your Eyes. You’ll probably be very glad that you did.
“That’s enough out of you! And you too!”
Trillian.Which Drush of the Bina LiIttim, please?
“This is a hoodwink. He winks in his wink hood. Without a good wink hood, a hoodwink can’t wink hood”.
It is true that since Poe we have not found such alliterary genius as mastery evinced by the late, great Ted Geisel, may he rest in peace.
But the deep existential messages in Lobel’s “Frog and Toad” put Keirkegaard, Kafka, and Sartre out of business, in this author’s estimation.
Methinks that perhaps you, TD, should realize that I did realize, and tired of the subject, attempted to change the discussion to world literature .
The deep wisdom and incredible life lessons in Arnold Lobel’s fantastic Frog and Toad books should be studies, reviewed, and internalised , as I have been doing for years. Such lessons such as “how to be alone together”, how to say “blah” properly, how to find the buttons you have lost, and how to avoid the Old Dark Frog are indispensable. Their existential wisdom surpasses any literary Gadlus outside Torah (including but not limited to such eternal gems as “Ulysses”, Alcoholic Anonymous, Wuthering Heights, and Hamlet).
To denigrate Frog and Toad demonstrates that you are a foolish boor, your meaningless critiques vanish in the motioning sun, as the dew of night.For Shame!
There’s a lot to talk about here . Just one point.
When someone gives a lot if Tzedoka and is honored for it, his identity as a Baal Tzedoka is being honored. That’s the paradigm . If he has a personal shortcoming in another area it’s not relevant . If he is widely known to be openly unethical etc this wouldn’t apply, but mosdos usually avoid that.
When someone IDENTIFIES with their Toeiva identity , that’s a different story entirely. They identify as a poster-child to make a statement to promulgate an Aveira.This is a hoodwink
He winks in his wink hood
Without a good wink hood
A hoodwink can’t wink hoodTheodore Geisel
Aka Dr. SeussRav Chaim Kanievsky zatzal write up an entire list of what he considered Kol Hatorah Kula for an individual who wanted to make a specific Yossochor/Zevulan partnership covering it all. It was quite an extensive list.
Rabbi Eisen from Shas Yidden has the list, (and has faced facilitated a number of such partnerships. )
Except Avira, Reb Eliezer and a few others
I mostly lurk but can’t agree more with many of your points, Neville.
I am frustrated and saddened on a regular basis by the fact that almost no one researches or quotes actual sources even when discussing Torah topics, Halacha or Hashkafa. It’s extremely saddening.
I don’t think I have ever seen any source that refer to being able to see Hash-m.
The highest Malachim say “Ayei Mikom Kivodo”.
The Chayai Hakodesh are Ratzo Vishov.Being able to sense the Kavod is a different concept. (Har Sinai -Umaareh Kivod Hash-m K’Eish Ocheles etc”
Not sure what you write is accurate at all or even possibly acceptable
Avira,
I generally agree with you.
I don’t , of course , disagree with any of the sources that you have posted.The concept of being an atheist and outwardly following the Torah, for externalistic reasons such as not wanted to change one’s lifestyle etc is certainly not ok. If a person is a genuine Kofer , unfortunately he must suffer all the consequences in Olam HaEmes that result. I don’t think anyone would say that being “Orthoprax” is ok.
HOWEVER, I have two cautionary qualifiers.
1. It would not be proper to say to someone Jewish who claims to be an athiest , that he should start violating the Torah externally Chas Vishalom, in order to “honestly conform” his actions to his beliefs. Regardless of one’s beliefs, it’s not ok to be Oiver Issurim. His Teshuva will be far easier if he hasn’t abandoned particing Yiddishkeit, as well. So it important that if you are “demolishing orthopraxy” you shouldn’t be misunderstood as saying that people who don’t believe shouldn’t maintain their Yiddishkeit in practice. Doesn’t mean it’s ok, of course.2. I have met many people who are confused about what they belive , and aren’t sure themselves. Emuna is deeply rotted in the Neshoma. Yiddin who were tremendous Avaryanim RL have suddenly chosen to give ip their lives rather than repudiate their Yiddishkeit.
I’m not sure that some people who think that they are atheists aren’t really lost in the midst of a Nisayon in Emuna. I’ve found, that when engaged in conversation , many will admit to be unsure of what they really feel. What drives the engine of maintaining Yiddishkeit on the outside may often be the Neshoma refusing to lose its grip on what’s most precious to it, althewhile allowing various rationalisations to take place. I would caution against pushing people who say they don’t belive. I’ve heard people say “I don’t know why I still won’t eat Treif/marry a non Jew/ eat on Yom Kippur etc”.This doesn’t mean it’s ok, it’s not ok to be a Kofer.
But sometimes people need help to realize that they are not as far away as they think. Everyone can do teshuva
Gadol,
Opinions are not knowledge.
A smattering of ideas, combined with an inflated sense of one’s own wisdom, a mouthpiece and platform. That the CR profile.Saying “the level of knowledge here in the CR is a lot higher than most discussion boards” is true. But it means nothing compared to genuine knowledge, earned through years of relentless , self-effacing study and hard work. It’s always worth asking someone who is busy learning and has no time for the Coffee Room, and for those that think they know more and better.
I’ll Leave the bathroom now and return my work phone to it’s charging dock, and go back to the Beis Medrash.
It shouldn’t fall within the purview of common sechel to ask ignorant people question. I would suggest that you ask someone who you know actually knows the answer to your question, so that you can take what he says seriously.
Once the general topic has been raised:
Why write BDE or Baruch Dayan Haemes in a comment?
Are you adding something ? Giving someone something to think about? The headline of the article usually already says it. You are Yehuda ViOd LiKra.
Obviously, when one hears a Besura one SAYS Baruch Dayan Haemes.
But I can’t figure the thought process of the five or so people who feel it necessary to respond in the comments and reiterate that which already has been stated for one and all.“You are old,” said the youth, “and your jaws are too weak
For anything tougher than suet;
Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and the beak —
Pray, how did you manage to do it?”“In my youth,” said his father, “I took to the law,
And argued each case with my wife;
And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw,
Has lasted the rest of my life.”Lewis Carrol
I couldn’t find a source in Shulchan Aruch to add a Mi Shebeirach for a group of people who require Tefillos , worthy as they may (or may not) be.
During times of conflict in EY, in our Shul, we say a few Kappitlach of Tehillim after Davening followed by Acheinu . Sometimes the Rav makes an announcement requesting all to say Tehillim in the Zchus of all Yiddisheh in EY including the soldiers who are being Moser Nefesh for Klal Yisroel…
Far more appropriate , than a new Mi Shebeirach
Nemesora:
You’re reaching. Saying “that’s your opinion but not mine” isn’t a refutation of Maven’s cogent points. Nit picking on the details doesn’t take away the thrust of the idea.The truth is, that you are drawing the target, and your arguments, around your previously lodged arrow and emotional attachments.
Maven: I’m impressed. Doesn’t happen that easily and almost never on YWN
Tefillin will often be damaged if you leave them in the car, (clearly depends on the weather) , generally it’s not a good idea.
I’ve seen some people use a container designed for Israeli soldiers that looks like an insulated thermos with reflective material etc that is supposed to keep Tefillin safe in almost any environment. I’m not sure how to get it or if it’s truly effective.
Gadol,
It’s really ugly the way you talk to Avira. I know he pushes your buttons, but, please…
And your mischaracterization of the perspective that eschews situations with secular exposure as pushing being chained in the kitchen is equally ugly…Avira,
The truth is that a career in the secular world presents a challenge to both men and women. How one defines success, defines oneself, relates to other, creates compromise, how one changes perspectives, goals, aspirations , etc etc . Without discussing the “Kol Kevuda” aspect, I’m not sure that there is need to make it an issue about women’s ruchniuis per se …
“ A fish stinks from its head”.
Of course the the actions of the followers flow from the vision established by those who espouse a philosophy that leads to action, and the leaders are also responsible for the inevitable dilution and distortions of the original philosophy
See also Ramban in P Achrei who refers to Plato as a Rasha, and his explanation for that appellation…
Zaphod,
Excellent points.
Sartre, Kierkegaard , Camus, and the others created a a value system and life philosophy which has helped create the cesspool we encounter today. “being true to your whole self”, “living fully”, etc etc ad nauseam. Defining living and value in terms of one’s own existence and experiences , this perspective is completely antithetical to Torah on every level.
(I don’t think it would be an oversimplification to summarize “The Myth of Sisyphus” as אכול ושתה כי מחר נמות. )Yet so much of this philosophy has made its way into the underpinnings of todays worldview that, sadly, these points are perceived as basic “truths” even within our own Machane.
It’s not worth touting the smart things Sartre may have said. Yiddin should avoid the philosophers. They have nothing worthwhile to add to and very much to detract from the perspective in life that we receive wholly from our Heilige Torah
It would be worthwhile to read the beginning of 19 Letters, where Rav Hirsch described the need to understand and appreciate the Torah’s life-perspective from within, not from without.
Avira,
I realize that the language I choose could have come across as something that I didn’t mean. I obviously agree that there’s no concept of Jewish Values outside of the Torah. I can’t agree more. Thank you for clarifying.What I meant, and didn’t say clearly, If you read his essays (which I did in the bathroom years ago), you will see glimmerings of a Yiddisheh Neshama that seems to me to have the potential to be truly great .
My hergish was חבל חבל חבלImagine if we would have had Chiddushei HaIlyui M’ulm instead of the Manhattan Project and various interesting essays ….
It’s interesting – if you read Einstein’s essays , you will find many expressions of Jewish thought and feeling. He has an entire essay on why Jews don’t go hunting, for example, that is fascinating. He was a Chochom who understood much
Imagine how much Klal Yisroel could have gained if he would have been brought close to the Torah….A lot of his points are cogent and valid.
It’s wrong to say that in previous generations Shidduchim happened organically, without a shadchan, with people asking each other out. That’s untrue. Perhaps in certain American communities that was done a generation ago, but that was never the way it was done in the Torah world. Yiddin used Shadchanim.
I don’t have solutions.
I don’t think that recreating our norms regarding Tzniyus and interactions between boys and girl is the right solution. I think that people who know what the Torah says (which is the primary definition of Daas Torah) all agree on that.His argument that failure shouldn’t be rewarded is compelling. But I don’t think free market capitalism will solve the problem.
The other two jobs where you can be wrong and ineffective most of the time and keep your job are being a weatherman and a politician. In both of those fields I dint see any improvement.
The wish I had a solution.
I don’t think he does, either.My observation has been that sometimes even the most respectful children can act in way that are out of character. They can question and challenge. They will claim that they are just acting out of concern that their parent should not make a bad decision that hasn’t been thought through, etc. Though this concern is partly the genuine motivation, there’s also sometimes a resistance to seeing a parent in a relationship with someone who isn’t Mommy…
With regard to your question about families “blending”- my limited observation is that this less of an issue when seniors marry – the children aren’t really operating in a setting in which they are expected to blend into a single unit (as happens when younger people remarry). It seems to be a bit easier for everyone to be respectful and loving. Expectations and frustration, as always, should be somewhat managed by trying to anticipate areas of conflict and using open and clear communication ….
May Hashem guide you with Siyata dishmaya and chessed
@dorah
There you go again!
What mentch1 was saying is that people will often quote their Rosh Yeshiva as saying what they wanted to hear. Not the Rosh Yeshiva actually made such a statement.
He was making a case in point about how the picky older single doesn’t wish to see himself that way, and will interpret the reality in according to how he wants to see things. But you see a negative commentary on hapless Roshei Yeshiva, and an opportunity to make a snide and depreciating comment about them.You are badly jaded. Many of your comments reflect this. I feel sad for you
And yes, I’m expecting the response you will give, if you deign to respond.
“And on we worked, and waited for the light
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread”It was because they didn’t have herring.
With herring, even bread without meat doesn’t require cursing.
At least if you have a little Bromfin to go with it.You are old father William , the young man said
And the hairs of your head have turned white
And yet you incessantly stand on your head.
Do you feel at your age this is right ?And close your eyes with holy dread
For he on honeydew hath fed
And drunk the milk of paradise
Kubala KahnFor he on honeydew hath fed
And drunk the milk of paradiseActually, the “Minhag “ to give a diamond engagement ring was invented by Jewish diamond Sochrim!
It’s a Minhag that has helped many Yiddin make Parnasa !
What saddens me isn’t just that people think that the YWN Coffeeroom is a place for a Halachic discussion , it not even the overwhelming Am Haaratzus of most of the answers.
What bothers me the most is the complete lack of awareness of the fact the genuine knowledge is needed to opine on a matter of Halacha. Throwing out softball Sevaros, quoting links to articles on the web, what has happened to the Am Chacham VaNavon?!?
Oh. Theyre spending time in the coffee room and online.
Ok. Nuff said. Time to leave the bathroom and go back to Beis Medrash
My grandmother used to add a sliced apple to the shmatlz herring she made. She said that was what made it taste so good.
I don’t know how she went about making the shmaltz herring, but with the apple it was better than any other.It may not have been the apple. Her chicken soup etc was also better than anything else …
I miss her , for a lot more than for her food . The Taam of a lost generation was one that enhanced every part of Yiddishkeit and life. Even the food…
The Shleimus of Torah demands that we treat it with the respect of allowing it to remain majesticly unhyphenated.
People are not always perfect. We do not always follow a perfect Torah perfectly. So sometimes we have people who follow some of the Torah and succumb to their Yetzer hora and act in an unethical manner . This doesn’t reflect negatively on the Torah, Chas vishalom.
Bringing up the “Frum people who are unethical” straw man argument is a distraction that does nothing to take away from the basic point that the Torah is the source and measure of Ethics. Claiming that the Torah needs to be hyphenated (e.g. Ethical-Torah ) is a claim that the Torah is Chas vishalom deficient in some way, rl.
תורת ה׳ תמימה משיבת נפש, מאירת עינים, מחכימת פסי, טהורה ועומדת לעד.
Of course, a Torah Jew’s intuition will be in consonance with the Torah, a healthy Neshama will want what’s right and abhor what’s wrong . But the litmus test isnt one’s intuition , it’s the Torah.
In fact, there are those that explain that this was the actual Nisayon of the Akeida. Avrohom Avinu “felt” that it was wrong. That’s what his heart told him. (In fact, it wasn’t Ratzon Hashem to kill Yotzchok, so his heart was sensing correctly). Yet, he was Mivateil his human understanding and intuition to the Ratzon of HKBH. And the Aibeater said “Now I know that you are a YIREI ELOKIM “
Trilliant, Zaphod.