*JDL* Yom Kippur Message

On Yom Kippur, during Musaf, and on Tish’ah B’Av, during the Kinos, we read the tragic story of the Ten Martyrs. These were among the greatest Sages of the Talmud, including the spiritual giant, Rabi Akiva, who were tortured to death by the Roman Government.

*JDL* Parsha September 10, 2009

The Torah Parsha this week is Nitzavim-Vayelech.

It is important to understand the context of this parsha.  Moshe is explaining in detail to the Jewish People, what they as a people must do when they enter the Land of Israel.  The entire message was essential and every word and command had deep meaning and importance.  The Jewish People was and is always to be, a Special and Chosen People living in a Special and Chosen Land with the Torah. 

*JDL* Important Announcement on TIFF

 

Expose and Confront Incitement Against Israel and the Jewish People

 

A protest by haters of Israel, ‘filmmakers’ and ‘artists’ opposed to a Toronto International Film Festival program that spotlights Tel Aviv is growing, with plans to hold a press conference Thursday to coincide with the festival’s opening.  This anti Israel protest is part of an international campaign called ‘boycott, divestment and sanctions’ or BDS.  The purpose of this BDS campaign is to distract attention away from Radical Iran’s Nuclear plans and to allow Hamas and Hezbollah to attain more weapons.

*JDL* Parsha of the Week: September 2, 2009

This Shabbat, the Torah Parsha Ki Tavo will be read in all Shuls. “… Because you did not serve G-d with happiness and with gladness of heart, in abundance of everything; therefore, you shall serve your enemies… “(28:47-48)

Because you did not serve G-d when you enjoyed happiness and the abundance of all good things, you shall now suffer want. (Rashi)

Not only did you sin, you did so “with happiness and with gladness of heart” — for this the punishment is doubly severe. (Maayanah Shel Torah)

Even though you served G-d, you did not serve him with joy — that is the source of all afflictions. (Maimonides)

When Jewish brothers and sisters do not perceive any positive reason for living as a Jew, the net result is self hatred and admiration for others which includes haters of Jews. The organization J Street, personifies self hate in the collective.