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"I can't take it anymore".

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Chanukah - it's not the Jewish Christmas !

First, a little history. The Hebrew word,Chanukah, means re-dedication. In 167 BCE, Israel had been conquered by the Syrian-Greeks. As most conquerors, they preferred their own culture to be practiced. Antiochus, the king, outlawed Jewish observance- no circumcision, no Shabbas, no Torah study, no Rosh Chodesh. The penalty was death. Soon, no Judaism! Many Jews called Hellenistic Jews (anything Hellenistic means Greek) were already assimilating. The Greek culture was, at that time, beautiful. Their science, art, philosophy, and architecture is still admired. The emphasis was on the perfection of the human body and its comfort. In my opinion, if Antiochus had minded his own business, a slow but steady assimilation would have occurred, ending Judaism. He didn't understand the Jewish people. As soon as he told them they couldn't, they had to. As usual, there was an incident. In the village of Modiin, Greek forces commanded the Jews to sacrifice to a pagan god. One submissive Jew complied. An elderly priest, named Mattathias, became so enraged he killed him. Mattathias, and later his son Judah, led a guerilla warfare against the Greeks. Antiochus sent thousands of troops to crush the rebellion. After 3 years, against incredible odds, the "Maccabees" drove off the Greek army and were allowed to practice Judaism again. Please understand, when the rebellion was over, the Maccabees did not conquer Greece. All they wanted was to practice their religion as they pleased. It was the first war for religious freedom ever fought. The Jewish rebels re-entered Jerusalem and found the Holy Temple in shambles and desecrated with idols. They cleaned the Temple and re-dedicated it on the 25th of Kislev. However, when it came time to light the menorah, they could only find 1 jar of purified oil with the seal of the High Priest. It was enough for only 1 day. They lit the menorah anyway and, here it comes, the miracle. The menorah stayed lit for 8 days until a new supply of purified could be brought. This is generally regarded as a message from God: Job well done! As with all Jewish holidays, there's the history and there's the message. So, what is the message of Chanukah? Chanukah is the holiday for standing up for your beliefs. There were many. We were few. Their culture was appealing. Ours is one of discipline. They wanted to make us like them. Those stubborn Maccabees said NO! We would rather live in caves, live a life of hardship, of deprivation, fight against impossible odds than to be like you. We want to be who we are and have always been. Separate, different. Were they being logical? Of course not. They were being faithful. They understood that it's that separation, that difference that allowed them to survive as Jews. So, treasure that difference! It's what allows us, also, to survive as Jews. I find it interesting, not coincidental, that Chanukah always comes around Christmas. It's impossible to avoid the music, the movies, the lights, the trees, the Santas. Once again, they are many. We are few. Once again, how beautiful, how appealing, how inviting. Could it be that every Chanukah/Christmas we are being asked to choose- Hellenistic or Maccabbean? So why not put up lights or a tree? After all, Christmas is also a federal holiday. Because it is an accommodation to what we are not! Because it says it's ok to be like them! Because we are not Hellenistic Jews. We must remember to be Maccabees. I don't mean this to be an anti-Christian piece. I am not even suggesting a rejection of the Christmas spirit (bah humbug). I am suggesting an awareness of the Chanukah spirit. The menorah we light is supposed to be placed outside or in a window to let passers by know this is a Jewish home. It is our faith, our pride, our stubbornness that has allowed us to survive against impossible odds. The message of Chanukah: Hold on to your convictions. Never submit to assimilation, no matter how attractive or appealing. Remember and treasure that difference that makes us Jews. It always has, and still is, keeping Judaism alive. PS. The obvious follow-up question is why is it so important for Jews and Judaism to survive? I'll write another article, another time. It will be called "A light unto nations."

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Egypt- oops !

12/2/2011

Happy day! Mubarak is gone! There are democratic elections in Egypt! Be careful what you wish for. When Mubarak fell from power, the estimates were that the Muslim Brotherhood would control approximately 15% of the new Parliament. Preliminary results reveal it will be closer to 45%. Who is the Muslim Brotherhood? Why is it so dangerous for them to be the controlling political faction in Egypt? In 1924, the Caliphate (a religious Islamic state) was outlawed. In response, in 1928 the Muslim Brotherhood was formed. It was an Egyptian organization dedicated to reviving the Caliphate and imposing Sharia law on a GLOBAL scale. What's the difference between all these radical groups we've heard of- Al Qaida, Taliban, Hamas, Hezballah, Islamic Jihad, and others? Perhaps, the best way to understand it is by comparing it to the Mafia. All these other groups are families and the MB the godfather. Honestly, they have not been very important until the last 10 years. They are now gaining in significance and power. Their ideology and goals are not controversial- for them. They wear them as a badge of honor: Islam must dominate. Restore the Caliphate and take it global. Social revolution, violent Jihad, and martyrdom are acceptable tools of Islamic revival. Ideas such as freedom and human rights are products of the West and Jewish influence. Society must be ruled by God, not men. In other words, their plan is to convert you- by any means, at any time, at any place, to any one- or kill you. The other day, approximately 5000 people at a Cairo Mosque chanted "One day we will kill all the Jews." "Tel Aviv, judgement day is coming." The world's response? So far, nothing. Nothing from the media. Nothing from interfaith groups. Nothing from the EU. Nothing from the Obama administration. In other words, weakness, wishful thinking, and appeasement. Normally, I wouldn't mind. I guess I'm used to it. Besides, who cares about the rantings of radical, fanatical groups who exist only for world domination under their philosophy? Hmmmmm. Oh yeah. I forgot. Ignoring them and appeasement doesn't work! Remember Neville Chamberlain "appeased" Hitler with the Munich Pact. I can still hear him announcing "peace in our time." How did that work out??? Several years ago, there was a trial in Dallas of the Holy Land Foundation- an alleged charity. Unfortunately, the proceeds went directly to Hamas. During that trial, there was testimony about a 10 step plan for Radical Islam taking over the world. Ridiculous. Right? Think again! The first 3 have already been accomplished. Step 4? Topple secular Muslim governments and install religious Islamic states- a la Iran. Sound familiar? So far, Yemen, Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco, and Turkey. Libya is next. Syria and Jordan soon to follow. Since its inception, the MB has been opposed to democracy. It has now changed its mo. In Egypt, they cynically cry "one man, one vote, one time." They may have changed their methods. They may have changed their politics. There are 2 things that will never change: their goal of a global Caliphate and their hatred of Israel and Jews. So, it appears that Egypt will be VOTED the newest Islamic state under Sharia Law. This means honor killings and forced female circumcisions. It also means a death sentence for adulterers, homosexuals, converts from Islam and an end to religious freedom, human rights, and the 30 year peace treaty with Israel. Control in Egypt also gives the MB one thing it has never had- an army. With all of the Middle East on edge because of Iran's nuclear ambitions,  a militarized MB in Egypt brings the entire region closer to out right war! I admit I have little regard for "world opinion." But the world must begin to hold the MB accountable for their words and deeds. If the world doesn't care about Israel or Jews, then do it for the thousands of Egyptians who risked their lives in Tahrir Square demanding a better life and future. We live in a world where political correctness is more important than common sense. If the world doesn't wake up soon, how long will it be before today's genocidal slogans becomes tomorrow's realities?

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A reader responds:

So the fundamental argument with this is that overt action by outside countries strengthens the Muslim Brotherhood by unintentionally uniting Muslim's behind an organization they feel with fight most vehemently for their rights.  These are only the first round of elections, and we must remember that the Egyptian people lead largely by youth overwhelmingly rejected "authoritarian style rule".  The MB cannot remedy the economic ills the precipitated the youth lead movement.  Further, the only group who will truly have power in the near future is the Egyptian military, which is allied with the United States (which is allied with Israel). 5000 people chanting death to Israel, while abominable is not a reason for the world to act overtly in Egypt.    Shit, 5000 people march here in the US protected constitutionally while chanting damn blacks and Jews. And in finality, the leaders of the world will not interact in a serious manner w/ the MB.  They'll listen as to not allow them to the create "the evil West" out of all countries non-muslim, but won't take them seriously. Further, there are many Americans, including a few of my friends on the ground right now helping the people organize parties.   Because there have been no parties of consequence in Egypt for 50 years, it's a tough thing to do overnight.  Consequently, the only group that can organize people is one making a religious argument.   Much of this has to do w/ the fact that "parties" are the ultimate examples of something offering "intangible value".   That takes time to create, and communicate to people and it will happen, but as democracy is a messy process it will take time.   It may get slightly worse before it gets better, but as those things occur along with increased equitable economic growth, all will be well. The real potential danger, the military, is basically supported by US foreign aid so there is a force of balance. ______________________________________________________________________________________

GN responds:

My goodness. What an interesting interpretation of my piece! I'll respond in the order of the reply. First, you said the MB is "unintentionally" uniting Muslims. What?????? The sole purpose for their existence is to unite Muslims!! Unite them in a Holy Jihad to create a global Caliphate under Sharia Law. That's not my interpretation. That's their stated purpose. They would agree with me, not you! Nothing could be more intentional. Next, the US govt sent billions of $ to Mubarak's Egypt. The reason- we bought him. We bought intelligence and peace with Israel. Shadey? OK. But it worked for 30 years.  Next, the MB CAN remedy Egypt's economic ills- but in a very interesting way. Egypt's economy is in the toilet. Their stock market has dropped 40%, unemployment and food shortages are rampant. They have no oil. These are seeds of discontent, ripe for revolution. The MB will gain a significant piece of the new parliament. They will try to pass all sorts of Sharia legislation. Their real success, however, will come later. The new govt will have limited success. The MB will step in and promise jobs, employment, education, medical care.  The $ will come from Iran!! Iran will support the MB just as it supports other terrorist groups. Oh yes, the trade-off for the Egyptians- accept Sharia Law. How do I know? That scenario has already played out in Lebanon and is happening now in Libya, Morocco, and Turkey. Next, the military has power temporarily. The MB has already announced they are unhappy with the temporary, military-appointed leader. As their influence grows, they will become the real power in Egypt. Next, 5000 people shouting anti-semitic  chants is symptomatic of a larger problem. One of the characteristics of Radical Islam is intolerance- intolerance of any other belief. Coptic Christians are being killed and their churches are being destroyed. The Israeli embassy is already closed- oh, excuse me, I mean destroyed. Next, did I read this right? "...the leaders of the world will not interact in a serious manner w/ the MB." Are you kidding?? Have you not heard our president apologize to Arab leaders (google Obama- Cairo speech). Have you not seen or heard Arab terrorist leaders at the UN? They not only get applause but a global audience!! Ahmadinajad gets credibility just by speaking there. Abbas tried to bypass negotiations with Israel and get statehood.  Next, the MB will be taken seriously (unfortunately). In Egypt, they have organization and $. That's a formula for being taken seriously! Finally, wake up and smell the coffee. The "real danger" is not the military, but a radical muslim group gaining  power in the Middle East. They teach hate and intolerance. They have no reasons for their hatred, only excuses. They prey on the weak, the poor, and the uneducated who are very willing to believe that their plight is someone else's fault. This formula is not new. Read the history of the growth of the Nazi party in Germany in the 1930s. The MB has a stated, documented 10 step plan for world domination- and it is working! They are very patient, well funded, very bright, and very very dedicated. They are prepared to die for their beliefs.