Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Rorsr: You have it right on. That particular quote by Kissinger (About the gassing of Soviet Jews not being an American, but a Humanitarian problem.) was taken (meaning “Read”) out of context. Because when you read the entire quote it gets a totally different –and positive– meaning. What Henry Kissinger was saying, is, that when such a calamity happens (as it did during WWII.) it is not only an American problem but one of the world.
Addendum (to the previous post.) By citing an example of the Chassidic Rebbes I didn’t mean to exclude the Gedolei Yisroel and Tzaddikim of Lita. (Lithuania, Latvia and Belorussia.) One of the most outstanding examples of Receiving individual Yidden and listening and offering advice with Ahavas Yisroel is the Chofetz Chaim ZY”A. There are many stories where the Chofetz Chaim answered someone’s questions even before they had a chance to tell him their problem. But the ChCh. was also involved in helping Klal Yisroel by intervening with the government ministers who were about to issue evil decrees (G’zeiros) that would affect all the Yidd’n who lived in greater Poland in matters of Chinuch and other aspects of Jewish life.
Eclipse; Yes. The Chassidic Rabbis. Especially those of years past. That was the essence of the relationship between the Admor”im and the Chassidim. When someone had a problem with health or was in a Dilemma about a Shidduch or in business, they went to the Rebbe and presented a “Kvittel” (Petition.). The Rebbe, who empathized with them, presented them with advice that came from insight that, at times bordered on Ruach Hakodesh.
Shticky Guy; This (The example that you cite.) is a classic. There are many more instances and circumstances where non-Jews wear a Yarmulka. I read somewhere that during “Prohibition”, where an exemption was given to buy wine, on religious grounds, many non-Jews donned Yarmulkas and even went so far as to change their last names to Jewish sounding ones, in order to buy alcoholic drinks. But a personal story of Kiddush Hashem goes as follows; On a Friday afternoon I entered a Spanish Bodega (really, a redundancy.) to buy a small item (Shoe Polish?). I handed the lady at the counter a $5 Dollar bill. When I looked at the change –after leaving the store– I noticed that I had $13 Dollars. I returned to the store and gave the extra change back. Upon that the store clerk said. “Only a Jewish person would return the extra change. One of us would never do that”. IMHO this was a “Shtickle” Kiddush Hashem.
SS; (Shloimy’s Shver); Thank you for enlightening me, and it’s such a relief to know that you’re not prejudiced. But my first impression was that you’re knocking his being dressed for Shabbos in a silk shirt and tie. Anyway. There are many mysterious/mystical elements to this story. Not least among them is the fact that he gave a non-existing –but genuine sounding– name. This is one of the identifying traits of Eliyahu Hanavi.
Itche Srulik; Your reply to “Trying My Best” was on the right track. He did not define ???? the right way. A “Shogeg” is when you do something knowingly but you’re unaware that this “M’lacha” process is prohibited on Shabbos. “Mis-Aseik” is when some act is being done without you intending to do it. In a practical application, when you walk by a house with a motion sensor and the light goes on as a result, it’s “Mis-Aseik”, not “Shogeg”.
What about last names (Family names) that originated in a different culture (In Europe, for example.) but sound very weird in English? I personally know a family whose name was very elegant in their country of origin but sounds degradingly funny in English. Some family members have altered the spelling to take away the sting of its meaning.
Trying My Best; When someone dedicates their life only to the study of Torah, their lifestyle must be adjusted accordingly. There are stories of Talmidei Chachamim of about 90 years ago and what Spartan lifestyles they had. Their daily meals consisted of a slice of bread dipped in Olive Oil. Their wives and children also went along with their deprived standard of living. But when someone (who is in Kollel full time) wants to keep up with today’s standard of living, then there is an imbalance. Because the funding must come from somewhere. In most cases it’s the wife, who is overburdened by running a household and a well-paying job at the same time. As far as going to college is concerned. It should be pursued with the goal of learning a Profession. Not just for the sake of getting a (secular) education.
SS; (Shloimy’s Shver); No. I wouldn’t say that you wear a Shtreimel on Sunday or Monday (except to a wedding of a member of the family or your Rebbe.) But on Shabbos you DO wear one. But that (alone) doesn’t make you prejudiced. BTW. I “Googled” and looked up in the on-line directory the name of the person (or Malach) who helped me at that time, and the result came back that “There is no one by that name in New York State”.
PBA Popa-Bar-abba; You seem to notice the good after the bad has happened; Todd was, (after all the “Maasim Tovim” he committed during his life) suddenly a “Tzaddik”, while you can’t accept a story that ended well at face value. Truthfully, a person has to accept everything that comes from Hashem, whether the “Good” is visible at first glance or hidden. The point (of my retelling this episode) is, that some people think stories of Hashgacha Pratis are only in the story books and happened hundreds of years ago. But, in fact they are happening to everyone on a daily basis. We just have to open our eyes. (And our minds.)
PBA (Poppa-Bar-Abba); Yes. There is Hashgacha Pratis even in negative events. In fact. the Gemara says that a person is obligated to praise Hashem for the negative events in life just as he does for the positive ones. One must be a “Baal-Madrega” to accomplish that. But, to celebrate (and thank Hashem) when things DO work out and recognize the hand of Hashem is a basic obligation. Especially, when there is a touch of the mysterious about it.
SS;(Shloimy’s Shver); p.s. (I write the postscript in the beginning. Then, it’s really a Pre-script or, pre-fix.) Am I glad you’re Shloimy’s Shver, And not mine, thank you.; You DO have a very skewed look at events and people. You only select the negative. Instead of looking at the ideal side of someone trying to help a fellow Jew who is stranded close to Shabbos, you knock that person for helping and being there at the right time. Then, you give yourself away as being extremely prejudiced. You have a certain image of someone being dressed in ???? ???. Therefore, he can’t possibly live in Haverstraw. No. There are probably not too many Yidden living in that town who wear a Shtreimel and Bekishe. But he was dressed in a silk shirt and necktie. He is still a Teyere Yid. I doubt if you would pull off the highway on Erev Shabbos (or any other day) to help a fellow Jew. Without seeing a picture of you I can (probably) draw an accurate image of you and your manner of speech.
Sacrilege; I thought of that. But in addition, I asked around from people who live in the general area. No one ever heard or knew such a person. Now, I’m trying to be realistic. But the way he appeared suddenly, the speed and ease that he performed the work and the calming words he said to me. This was a “Person” fully dressed in fine shirt and tie willing to do such “Dirty” work like changing a tire was a surprise altogether.
Charliehall; (In response to admonition taking Global Warming seriously.); We’re not referring to mansions like yours and other “Plain Folks”. What I was referring to were the (Super) Mansions of the Hugh Careys and Al Gore. (Minus the Missus. She left him recently for “Maasim Tovim”.) who preach conservation to others, while they travel by private jet and SUV. Their supermansions are Super-Cooled at the parties they’re throwing.
Yes. Being “Eco-Friendly” and doing our share of recycling is a Mitzvah, but not to go overboard with all those phony issues about Global Warming. In fact, those who seem to be the foremost advocates of limiting the normal expansion and comforts of life in the name of global warming are the most hypocritical individuals. They own and drive the largest, most gas-guzzling vehicles like SUVs and motor boats and cool their mansions to the max, leaving the largest “Carbon Footprint” (in their own vernacular.).
Shticky guy; (OP); You took the words right out of my keyboard, in your latest post. I was beginning to wonder if people are going to post their stories of Hashgacha Pratis or it will deteriorate into a boxing match by people showing off their ego. So here goes my story of Hashgacha Pratis or, “Giluy Eliyahu”. On a Friday afternoon we were on the way to Monsey (from Brooklyn) to join in a family simcha. Soon after starting on the Palisades Parkway my car had a flat tire. I pulled over on the shoulder and started jacking up the car. But I had tremendous difficulty with loosening the lugs. I started wondering if we’ll make it in time for Shabbos, with an Hour and Twenty Minutes remaining. I was Mispallel to Hashem for help. Soon, a car pulled over. A gentleman comes out, all dressed for Shabbos. He got to work on the tire with such ease and speed. He didn’t even let me take out the spare. Within five Minutes, the job was done. When I asked him for his name (after thanking him) he gave me a very uncommon last name and he said he lives in Haverstraw. ???? ?? ??? ????. Naturally, we arrived ?”? at our destination with plenty of time to spare. Ever since, I’ve been looking in directories of the entire area. I didn’t find anyone by that name. So I concluded, it must have been Eliyahu Hanavi. In Zchus of Shabbos.
passion4music; The last word in your previous post (describing the colors) is “AZ..” You probably intended to write; Azul = Blue!
Mod 80: Generally. From a Kashrus stand-point, there is an issue with some of the Scotch Whiskeys. Those that are blended. Some are blended with other whiskies that are aged in Wine Casks. Hence there is the Shaila of “Yayin Nesech”. Bourbons, on the other hand, are aged in their own barrels. As I like to say that I have Two “Rebbes”. Old Weller (107 Proof) and Wild Turkey (101 Proof).
Homeowner; No hay ningun peligro si el hombre (O la mujer) no toca el contacto d’el corriente!
Translation; HO; The (track of the) subway is very dangerous.
Reply; There is no danger at all, if the man (or woman) person doesn’t touch the electrical contact (Third Rail.)!
WIY; (Post #6); All the good and negative qualities that you enumerate in that post make me wonder if it’s not a projection when you make those broad accusations (in a previous post) that the average religious Jewish person regards non-Jews in general as sub-human. Speaking about myself and most of my acquaintances and friends, I know that none of those negative traits exist in our interpersonal relationships with the general (non-Jewish) population whether at work or in other, casual, social settings. Among other things, you pat yourself on the shoulder for greeting the attendant who accompanies his patient to Shul. It so happens that at my Shul, there is a (non-Jewish) attendant present every Shabbos morning, who is greeted by most passersby. Those people who deviate from the standards of good behavior are disrespectful to others of the Jewish faith, too.
Poster; By your own admission you point to a potential problem at your place of work. Your personal opinion (and probably of all the other family members) about the difference in the quality of work between you (plural) and the non-family workers. That is a potential for conflict. Because, all employees are supposed to be treated (and thought of) equally. IMHO. If someone works for a Commercial outfit or an institution, you are supposed to do 100% quality work, and likewise be respected by the proprietors and management. If management feels or has evidence that a particular employee is not performing at their best, that employee should be sent away. Personally. I’m 100% loyal to the establishment where I’m employed. And I feel the mutual respect. Were it otherwise, I would not be employed at such place for the long term.
sister Bear; I haven’t tried (or used) Google “Translate”. But I know whereof you speak (about the quality and flow of the translation.) I’ve seen similar “Translations”? from English to Yiddish, where you couldn’t make heads or tails out of it, unless you first read the original message in English. Because to really, successfully translate from one language to another, one has to be steeped in that culture. Preferably to have lived in that particular country where the native language is spoken. Even ads on billboards that essentially have the same message are not translated from English to Spanish word for word. Rather, they convey the identical message with different sentences.
Aries2756; Thank you for your (latest) post. Makes me feel (much) better:)
Moderator-80; This is so true. Working with members of one’s own family is a liability, in 99.9% of the cases. I personally know of a few cases where a Father and Son were in business together and they ended up with an extremely bad relationship. They could not separate their professional life from their personal life. And if they both (family members) work for the same employer, one family member feels that he is being judged by the performance of the other.
Haifagirl; do you know that Sarah Schenirer (The founder of Bais Yaakov, back in Europe.) (Who didn’t know that?!) and Lillian Wald, who initiated the Visiting Nurse service were unmarried. Yet they enjoyed the utmost respect. Besides. If someone wants to enjoy being called a Rebbetzin so and so, all they have to do is find a great grandmother’s aunt who lived in a certain Polish or Hungarian village and let everyone know that they prefer to be called the famous, world-renowned “Rebbetzin…. of Sharosh Potok or Novosibirsk”.
Aries2756; I can see that your honor is still hurt. Please accept my sincerest apologies. The reason we post here on this Honorable thread and website is to express an opinion and have fun. Not to be upset or cause someone else to be upset. The reason I’m a little more proficient in Spanish than some other posters here, is, that I used to live in a South American Country for 3-years+ as a child. As far as the importance of correct Spelling and pronunciation, I personally witnessed a very embarrassing moment where someone was trying to compliment a lady in Spanish and he mispronounced the word, ending up saying something not very nice.
WIY; A Spell-Check(er) doesn’t tell you the right Spelling. It merely marks the wrongly spelled word. There should be (and probably is) a program where you type in any word Phonetically or in any similar, wrong way and it gives you the right Spelling. Four egzemple, eef eye wur tu rite ay centns wit dis foulty sin-tax, de enhens’d “Spell-Check” prougrem wood giv me de korrekt speling.
Almost none of the popular Jewish music originated with Jewish composers. Only the lyrics were changed. (Naturally.) For example, the popular song “Yidd’n” sang by MBD is taken from a German Rock band. (I don’t think it’s the other way around.) Even some of the Marches that are sung on Rosh Hahsana and Yom Kippur are adapted from music by (Old) Russian Composers. As some of the other posters have suggested, that the important thing is how it touches the soul.
Regardless of the Halachic angle of the discussion at hand, there is a correlation between “Cases” and ????? pronounced the “Lithuanian” way (Kay-ses). Especially, when speaking of the Megilla, we learn ????? ???????. Additionally. To drink the Four Kay-ses on Purim is a Mitzvah.
p.s.: I’m afraid this post has been written in the spirit of ?? ??? ???.
I suggested a long time ago that the Auto manufacturing companies sell cars without turn signal (Blinkers) in the Heimishe areas of Brooklyn. Boro Park, Willi, Flatbush, etc. Because the Heimishe Oilom doesn’t use them, anyway. But then again, there’s no time to signal when you pull out of a parking spot @ 60 MPH, 2-ft. in front of the approaching vehicle. Enumerating all the faults and inconsideration in driving of the Heimishe Oylom could fill volumes in cyberspace. After having said and read all of that, there’s no place I’d rather live (while in Golus) than good old Boro Park.
feif-un (Poster #3) has it right. By the time the soup reaches the plate, it is a “Kli shlishi” (Third vessel) and Challah being dipped is a non-issue. Let’s not look for more Chumros that have no basis in Halacha. The end result of these unnecessary and not thought through stringencies is that life becomes unbearable and some people will drop truly important parts of Religious observance that are integral to Halacha.
HaLevi; The (possible) reason the store owner was annoyed at you (Besides being boring.) (NE this was a joke. Don’t take it personally.) is, that he is in business to earn money and even the seemingly casual conversation is really to get you in the mood of spending money at the store. When he/she realized that the conversation will not lead anywhere, they got annoyed. I’m speaking of personal experience. I once visited a Sears store when the salesperson struck up a seemingly casual conversation. As a personal habit, out of respect, I will not end a conversation abruptly. After chatting away for about Five Minutes, the sales p. asked me (Rhetorically) “Is this [conversation] going to lead to a sale?!
Wolfish Musings; From reading your post, we can conclude that you are a fine Yiddishe Family that doesn’t have any tags or labels. Just fine. Doing whatever needs to be done at the right time and place. But sometimes, people who take the best of all cultures could end up in a very funny place. For example, the father could have a Shtreimel or Spodik with Peyos spun over the ears in the Belzer style. Wearing a 3-piece suit & tie with rolled-up pants and black stockings. The mother could be wearing a “Shpitzel” (A hyper frum form of headdress.)and very short (just knee-length) dress. “Sheer”? stockings with a seam and pink, high heel shoes. The oldest boy would have a flat “Biber Hat”, short pants and socks with high-gloss shoes. You can figure out the rest. (Enough of writing these narishkaiten.)
aries2756: If I offended you (Haven’t a clue, how.) I apologize. Sometimes, I like to inject a little humor in the most serious subjects. I haven’t attended any heart surgery sessions, yet. But I’m sure the chief surgeon cracks a few jokes during the operation. As far as testing me on my Yiddish, you’re welcome to do so. While you’re at it, you can test my Hungarian, Hebrew (Loosh’n Koydesh)French. I’ll (probably) fail miserably. But it must all be taken with a grain (In my case, a clump) of salt and a big smile.
El Chico; The Little one (Boy); La Chica; The Little one (Girl):
Aries 2756; (I-We) do mind your spelling. Because it means a world of difference and conveys just the opposite message that you intended; In Spanish, “Esposo” means Husband; “Esposa” means Wife.
Shalom means peace, in Hebrew. In Sapnish it’s Spelled “Paz” Or; “La Paz” (The) Peace.
Charliehall; On the question if turkey is Muttar, due to lack of Mesorah. There has been a discussion about this subject about 150 Years ago by the most prominent Poskim of that generation. The conclusion was that it is Muttar. Here we are. As far as making a party to celebrate this day specifically. Reb Moshe Feinstein ZTZ”L concludes that it is Assur. But eating turkey on this day in itself is not prohibited by any Posek. Unlike some Junior talmidei Chachamim who misinterpreted the words of R. Moshe.:
Poppa-Bar-Abba; In reference to Ladygit’s original question about whether Bishul Yisroel is required on cereals and other condiments. She asked a rhetorical question. “How come Rabbonim are issuing Hechsheirim on those products”?! You said that it was Loshon Hora. I’m sorry to dispute your verdict. But since when is asking questions, especially without mentioning any names, L”H?!
IMHO; Even in face to face confrontations (I call it that), no one should answer highly personal and intrusive questions by a stranger, especially if unsolicited. A decent person, if they have a serious proposal of a prospective shidduch, will approach the interested parties in a discreet manner and will solicit information that is of a general nature and not highly personal. Someone who is by nature a gossip and will label themselves “Shadchan” just for the purpose of eliciting information and spilling it all over the neighborhood will lose their credibility very fast.
Health; I was born in Israel. I had the good fortune of living in a South American country for about 3 1/2 years. You may be right about the spelling of “Cansado”. Sitting in front of the computer, I did not have the privilege of a Spanish Dictionary. Your admonition is well taken.
Health; Your Spanish sentence needs some polishing. First of all, we distinguish between Male and Female forms of address. Buenas Noches is thusly spelled. (A/O Buenos Noches); “Ahora, Yo “ESTOY” (Missing in your sentence. Without the (Missing) word, your sentence would come out like ; “I very tired”.; “Y voy al mi cama para duermo” is also incorrect. “Y Voy A mi Cama para Dormir”. Additionally. “Canzado”, I believe is spelled with a “Z”, instead of an “S”.
(I apologize for giving you a public lesson in Spanish, in front of all the readers/posters of “Coffee Room”.
Shikur; You state in your post “I will stick with my group”. (On the subject of picking between diverse opinions of Gedolei Yisroel who were for, or against secular studies and Zionism.) But you do not elaborate who YOUR group is!
Myfriend; You are misinterpreting (as opposed to narrowly transliterating) the thrust of the cited “Drashot Chasam Sofer”. The emphasis in his message is (essentially the same as RSR Hirsch’s, albeit through different methods) that we, the Jews shouldn’t get acculturated with the native population. Meaning, feeling comfortable and one of them, as happened, in Germany, with the tragic results in the end. The Reform movement and intermarriage and general acculturation was not a short term process. It took about 150 Years.
Homeowner; You are 100% correct in your reply to tzippy. (About the meaning of “Navidad”. That is the trick of Language Translation. You can’t just narrowly transliterate. You have to capture the true and practical meaning of the word/phrase you are using.
Laer; Your comment about the pronunciation of “J” needs some modification; In some South American Countries, it’s pronounced exactly like a Hebrew ???. For example “Jaime” is pronounced like ????. And “ll” is vowelized as a light (English “J”) Calle or llama are pronounced “Kazhe” and “Zhama”, respectively, (If not respectfully.)
Aries2756; Some minor corrections are in place for your translations from Spanish, (which are greatly appreciated.)
Paper = Papel (Not Papier, which is French.); Monday = Lunes. (Not Lunas); Saturday = Sabado (Not Sabato.)
Poster #4; (Deyezooger) You unwittingly mixed in Polish and Russian words, too. There’s a joke about someone who went in front of a Judge to receive Canadian Citizenship. The Judge asked the Zaidy (or Bubby) “Do you speak English?” The candidate answers, “Oui”. Judge says. “That’s French”. Candidate says to spouse. “I didn’t know I speak French, too”…!
Frumladygit; In your last paragraph you advise that “Someone should just go in (To a Starbucks)with a video camera and order something…. and ask to be shown around where they wash the dishes, etc… ; Do you really believe that they’re so naive to show you around when you’re holding a video camera in your hands?! But if they get official OU certification, I trust the OU if they tell me that it’s 100% OK to buy a coffee from Starbucks.
Among the Wedding Shtick that I’ve seen on many Chasunas is, someone ignites 5 or 6 sticks. (Some, on both ends.) Usually, it’s a professional-amateur-volunteer who does it l’Sheim Mitzvah. Other times, it’s a friend of the Chosson. They juggle it very adeptly and it’s beautiful. But, at the same time this is potentially a very dangerous stunt. At one time, a performer juggled those lit sticks, and the entire structure caught fire and they ended up with 24 people dead and many injured, r”l.
Sam I Am & Addicted; Starbucks is considered a restaurant for all practical purposes. They DO serve food in-house. You can really go into a pilpul that they serve only Mezonos (Cake) and what is the “Ikkar” and the “Tofail”, since they are a Coffee Shop that serves cake as a side dish. But, from a Halachic standpoint it makes no difference. Since they serve sit-down (as opposed to take-out only)meals, too. In that sense, the Barnes & Noble Book store is on the same level. (As a matter of fact. There is a combo B&N-Starbucks store in Manhattan, NY.)But, even for those people who drink Cholov Stam, there is a problem how the metal milk containers are washed. (What other food dispensing dishes are washed in the same batch or machine.)