Frum Jews and Genetic Screening

Let me start off saying that it is very possible that I can be completely wrong on this. However, I have some anecdotal evidence that could show the opposite.

My wife and I know a frum, chassidic family where the wife is very much opposed to the use of modern medicine, and uses it only in extreme measures. Let me give you an example: as far as I know, this family does not vaccinate their children, the wife, when she was ill with a serious illness, used only natural remedies and let the illness progress significally before getting treatment.

This brings me to the following news article:

(IsraelNN.com) Dov Ber Holtzberg, the four-year-old son of murdered Chabad emissaries to Mumbai, India, Rabbi Gavriel Noach and Rivki Holtzberg died at a Jerusalem hospital during the predawn hours of Tuesday from Tay-Sachs disease. The Holtzbergs lost their first son to the disease at the age of three.

Yes, I know that it's bad to speak about the deceased, and yes, the story is heart-wrenching. However, given how much information there is on "Jewish" genetic diseases, the Dor Yesharim service (among others), and the fact that they already had one child with Tay-Sachs, why do people have so much bitachon and so little hishtadlut?

I am not saying that this wonderful couple, may G-d avenge their death, should not have never gotten married, chas v'halila. However, given the fact that they knew that both of them were carriers for Tay-Sachs after the birth of their first child, why not exercise caution, and not rely on providence? And yes, I know that "caution" is a very light word for that; however, does it warrant the misery they and their relatives had to endure? Note that there's a one in four chance to have a Tay-Sachs baby if both parents are carriers - not one in a million.

Why not take a chance to prevent more misery? Isn't there already too much misery in the world?

I'm just puzzled by this.

And again, I would like to say to Moshe - the only survivor of this family: 

"Hamakom Yenachem Otcha B'Toch Avelei Tzion veYerushalaim." 

Yaakov Avinu's work ethic or Having money before having kids

See this post. Makes me wonder how many people know of this

Parsha Thought

Today I've got a weekly email from my shul. In it, the Rav of the shul expounded on virtues of "Being Honest and Learning Good Even from Wicked." As an example, he brought the honesty of Yaakov in his dealings with Lavan, and, as a parallel, brought down a story about Chafetz Chayim. The story is as follows:

In a bathhouse, the Chofetz Chaim (a distinguished Torah Scholar Rabbi Meir haCohen) once saw a person using an article that belonged to someone else. The Chofetz Chaim went over to him and whispered, " A person who washes himself with something that does not belong to him ends up dirtier than when he started."

I'm just wondering: how long will it be until someone quotes this story and based on it, will claim that Chafetz Chayim was an expert on infectious diseases.

Quiz from Emes Ve-Emunah

R Harry Maryles has the following quiz on his blog. It is not composed by him, rather sent to him by one of his readers. Enjoy.

1) Imagine this scenario: In the course of your work, you find that another “frum” employee is taking large sums from the company, in the process depleting a pension fund so that dozens of lower-level laborers at another site (probably all non-Jews) will be cheated of their retirement funds. What do you do?

A) Ask him for a percentage, implying that if he doesn’t cut you in you’ll tell.
B) Nothing, because taking money would be abetting the theft and telling on him would be mesirah.
C) Tell him to stop stealing and to return what he took.
D) Call the police and/ or the company security force.

2) Your boss, seeing that all 8 days of Chanuka are marked in red on the calendar, asks you if you need all the days off, or just the first two and last two. What do you reply?

A) You tell him you also need a day before and a day after, to set up the Menorah and take it down.
B) Yes, you need all 8 days off
C) Only the first and last days.
D) You tell him the truth, that work is unaffected.

3) A close relative is seriously ill, and you really want to help. What do you do?

A) You fly to a famous Eastern European cemetery, where you recite a prayer.
B) You have a prayer said in the synagogue the next time you are there.
C) You recite Psalms at home.
D) You recite Psalms and give charity.

4) In selecting a bride for your son, how much of a role does her parent’s wealth play?

A) Hugely important, I am tired of supporting him.
B) Hugely important, my son is too learned to have to worry about money.
C) If they have money, it means they are smart, and I want a girl with good genes.
D) More important is how they got the money: is the money kosher?

5) In checking out a potential shidduch, which of the following is a deal-breaker? (Select only the most important, if several qualify)

A) The boy/ girl has been in trouble with the police over drugs & alcohol
B) The family has a history of relatives in jail.
C) The family eats “gebrokts” on Passover.
D) The potential groom/ bride is overweight .

6) If your plumber is known to be refusing to give his wife a “Get”, and your dishwasher isn’t working, what do you do?

A) Call him anyway, since it is impossible to live without a dishwasher.
B) Hire a cleaning lady until you get a number for another “heimishe” plumber.
C) Call a different plumber from the Yellow Pages.
D) Call him, tell him why you are not using him, and call a different plumber from the Yellow Pages

7) Your young child tells you that his Yeshiva is cheating, taking government funding that it isn’t entitled to by inflating attendance figures. He thinks it’s all good fun. What do you do?

A) Ask for a discount on your tuition.
B) Nothing, the Rosh yeshiva is a Godol, and if he does it, it must be okay.
C) Spread the news around in shul.
D) Protest formally to the yeshiva, and take your child out, explaining why.

8) You are down to your last money for the month, there are still four tzedaka appeals in front of you, and you can only respond to one. Which do you send to?

A) Pidyon Shevuyim for a Satmar in jail for beating up an anti-Zalman.
B) Pidyon Shevuyim for a nursing-home crook, a Talmid Chochom caught faking mortgages, or a frum smuggler who “didn’t know”.
C) Kupath Ha’ir, despite their inane ads
D) Your local needy person and/or shul.

9) How do you fulfill the custom of “Kaporos”?

A) I go to the closest place that has live chickens. Period.
B) I use live chickens, but only if they don’t look like they are being abused.
C) I do what my neighbors do, and that’s good enough.
D) I use money only.

10) I skip my evening Daf Yomi when…

A)… Only when my wife won’t find out
B)…..I can find an excuse.
C) . .. I am tired
D) …I need a break.

11) In making a simcha, the following is NOT a factor at all:

A) Money
B) What the “machatonim” want
C) What the kids want
D) What others think

12) My reaction, when I see headlines accusing a religious man of criminality, is:

A) To accuse the media of being anti-Semites.
B) To judge him innocent, period.
C) To judge him innocent until proven guilty.
D) To be ashamed.

13) I drink only Chalav Yisroel…

A) When anyone is looking
B) Always
C) Unless I’m out of town
D) Except for ice cream and candy bars.

14) Shtreimels are…

A) As important as anything else in the Torah
B) Almost as important as anything else in the Torah
C) Optional
D) Too hot to wear in the summer

15) My wife’s hair covering must be…

A) All of it, all the time, double-wrapped.
B) Sheitel, snood, I don’t care as long as it’s covered
C) Whatever, as long as she’s still attractive
D) Basically covered, but it’s really her decision

16) Shabbos meals must be…

A) Precisely the same menu, 52 weeks a year, because it’s holy
B) Absolutely must have at least fish, chicken, kugel and chulent
C) Can vary a little bit, if the Mrs wants
D) Must be inviting to those eating them.

17) After the “Motzi” blessing, I cut the Challah, and then...

A) Handle each piece, dipping it in salt and handing them out
B) The law says to dip it in salt, so I dip it, of course!
C) Realize that salt shakers are a recent invention, as is hygiene
D) Just cut them and pass them around on a plate with the salt shaker

Chai) On Rosh Hashana, the following is on my table:

A) Honey, a dozen fruits whose names I don’t know, and a big animal head
B) Honey, some fruits, and I have no idea why
C) Honey, a pomegranate, and some odd fruit for a shehechyanu blessing
C) Honey, a pomegranate, and a printed guide from a charity that lists customs I can make fun of.

How to score your results:

For every A answer, add one point.
For every B answer, add two points.
For every C answer, add three points
For every D answer, add four points
Add the numbers together to get a total

If your total is:

18 or 19 You should not be reading this, you should be on Yeshiva World or Vos Iz Neiz writing nasty bigoted comments in broken English and in all caps. Also, you need to shower more frequently. Even if they didn’t in the old country.

20 to 36 You are badly in need of continuing education in Judaism’s core values, ethics, and basic morality. Also, you should brush your hat.

37 to 50 You aren’t as closed-minded as some, but you are still far from being a complete human being. You need to learn more about Halacha and about Jewish values.

51 to 65 Mazel Tov, pat yourself on the back, you’re several steps above a Neanderthal. At least you understood all the words here, and most likely feel entitled to act really superior now that you have proven that you are too smart to read the Jewish Press anymore. Still, don’t get too snooty since you actually did demean yourself by taking this quiz.

66 to … Have you already calculated what the highest score could be? I thought so. I also think that you probably cheated a little, choosing answers for point value more than for veracity. So, you’re a top scorer, you think that makes you a mensch? It doesn’t, since you have already betrayed insecurity in your religious values by taking this dumb test. Get with the
program- the real program- and start learning so you can help rescue the ignorant from sinking into the morass of ignorance and superstition that is overtaking Orthodox Judaism.

Heavenly court proceedings revealed - Finally

Finally, a detailed account into proceedings of the heavenly court. What makes this one so special is:

1. It is contemporary
2. Includes video (reinactment / recreation)

This was sent to me by a very respectable rav in my community that heads a yeshiva.
The link to the video was preceded by this:
"

My dear friends:

I rarely, if ever, forward messages on a mass scale, but what can I say? The following (is a) long video . . . and perhaps you should save it for Tisha B'av. Even if you take this man story with many grains of salt . . . its message is inspirational and jolting to the neshama!! A very very worthwhile investment of time!

I hope you have a meaningful fast!"
The way I understand it is as follows: "This can all be a bubbe-maisa, but it is inspirational and neshama-joulting"

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7332930594849349840&hl=en

Inspired by a lecture

I have a car. In fact, I have cars for all of you. What I'm talking about is that I have a Rolls Royce for every one of you! You know, it's the car that has a steering wheel, and an engine. It even features an exhaust pipe. And you know what else? It has doors - all four of them! And it even has three, yes I'm not mistaken, three mirrors - two on the side and one under the ceiling. It also has enough seating for five. And, also, the wheels are round!!! And you know what, these cars are free to all of you because you, my dear readers, are all the heirs to the Rolls Royce empire, you hear that? For all of you!!!


This is how I felt at a recent Torah lecture. I felt that I was being sold a Rolls Royce with the selling points that could equally be applied to Kia Rio. Because the points the speaker was making could be heard in many other places. Like self-help books. Like college guidance center. Like a career center, or all other places where you go to get advice, for people to help you, etc. The only difference between those places and the lecture I've been to is that the speaker purported that all that he was saying was Torah.

And most people bought it as such!!! Why? The same way many people are persuaded to vote for certain candidates. Most people vote not because they researched all the options and weighed all the decisions with regards to policies. Rather, they rely on the charisma, and the credentials of the politician (and charisma definitely has more weight that credentials). Audience tends to like speakers (and politicians) who can make jokes that suit most of the audience. It does not matter if those jokes irk a select few in the audience, as long as they are not big donors to the speaker's cause. Therefore, these lectures are aimed at people who do not think outside the box, even though the speaker may promote the notion of doing just that. The audience does not realize that just because today, in front of them, this speaker ridicules something that they, too, find ridiculous; the same speaker may tell another audience something else that is ridiculous to that particular audience, but at the same time, not quite funny, or may even be very close to heart of this, current audience. It is just the matter of having a polished speech, good answers for Q and A session, and making the jokes that are appropriate for the bulk of the audience.

So the question to the audience: Is this a valid kiruv approach?

A quick one:

Does anyone know if there's a connection between the Hebrew word "nekeva" and the Arabic word "naqba"?

Proper word usage

As a fan of proper language, I really like this post by ProfK on the usage of words "nice" and "good". Check it out.

Could not resist to share.

Where do the Arabs get the flags for burning? Treppenwitz has the answer!

Gilgulim digest from jewish sources

I was always fascinated about apparent ease with which some speakers discuss soul transmigrations. Reincarnations with precise neshama lineage, speaking to neshamas of those no longer with us and other topics rarely arouse follow-up questions in audiences that I was a part of. I have asked a friend of mine to tell me more about the subject. He said that while he himself is not very proficient in this area of tradition, he will find me some good sources. This article is a good digest of different themes in subject of gilgul. It does not attempt to affirm or dispute the concept, but provides a good coverage from a chasidic perspective.

Enjoy! :)

http://hasidicstories.com/Articles/Themes_In_Hasidic_Stories/nigal_1transf.html

Funny video

With a hat tip to Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer, enjoy this video:

On a lighter note...

Check out this post by Jameel at the Muqata. Hillarious, in my opinion.

Chag Kasher v'Sameach

Great post from Marty Bluke

About half a year ago, I picked up a book at shul, called Jewish Women Speak on Jewish Matters. Inside this book was the linked article. When I read it, I had the cynical thoughts along the lines of the following blog entry by Marty Bluke. Since he presents it in a much better way than I can, please, read it here.

Are you ready to greet moshiach?

The following appeared in the Agudath Israel Passover publication:

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO WEAR TO GREET MOSHIACH?

reprinted with permission from Jewish Tribune

Last Rosh Hashonoh my family discussed what it will be like when Moshiach comes and how we are all looking forward to his arrival. It was then that my mother asked, “Have you decided what you are going to wear to greet Moshiach?” The whole family got very nervous. I could not think of one outfit in my entire wardrobe which would be fitting for the Ovos and Imahos and other tzaddikim to see me dressed in!
How could I appear before them with my skirt just covering my knees? Maybe my new suit is okay? No, the problem is it’s too tight-fitting. Can one wear my skin colour tights? But how would Soroh Imeinu know there is some covering there? She will think it is my bare leg!
How can I wear my Shabbos shoes with those high platform heels? What will Moshiach say to that? I really like my new Shabbos outfit but it reaches my ankles - is that really appropriate for me to wear?
We all experienced a sinking feeling. How is it possible - though our wardrobes are packed with clothing - we have nothing to wear to greet Moshiach?
Then someone commented, "If all our clothes are not good enough for Moshiach, why are they okay for us to wear now? If we have been crowned by Hakodosh Boruch Hu with the most precious adornment - Bonim atem Lashem Elokeichem, shouldn’t we always look like Bnos Melochim?"
We were all speechless. We had absolutely nothing to say for ourselves. We had to confess we have nothing in which we would feel comfortable to appear before Moshiach. Suddenly the solution hit me like a bolt of lightning. “I think I would wear my school uniform! That’s something I’ll feel good about wearing!” Imagining to myself the throngs of Bais Yaakov girls all going out to greet our holy ancestors in one united uniform, my heart swelled with a warm glow.
But why is my uniform the only outfit of which Moshiach would be proud?

------------------------------------------

So, if I understand correctly, in the writer's opinion, Moshiach, Avot and Imahot are shallow people, who "judge a book by its cover." I wonder what the author thinks of people who don't even think of wearing a suit to greet Moshiach. What does she think Sarah Imeinu wore? Just keeps me wondering how brain-washed the frum teenagers (assuming that's the age-group of the author) are by the institutions they attend.

Introducing a (relatively) new blogger

About a month ago, SephardiLady of Orthonomics recommended a blog by ProfK, called Conversations in Klal. It is similar to Orthonomics in content, but is updated much more frequently (don't know where the author finds the time). Also, I love her style of writing. The latest post was the best. In addition to pertinent content, I loved the examples and analogies. See this for example:

"And Pesach O's cereal just in case little Frumi should go into a deep funk at being deprived of Cheerios." - hillarious, in my opinion.

"And my favorite: the non-gebrokts packaged passover pasta products, with a taste and consistency somewhere between rancid wallpaper paste and baked Elmer's glue. " - a classic.

I highly suggest adding her blog to your must-reads.

Orthonomics hasn't written for a week. I assume it's because it's tax time.

Back to ADDeRabbi

Recently, ADDeRabbi posted an entry titled Ethical Dilemma. In it, he presents a situation where he had forsaken a day of work because the document he was translating had been tampered with. What's interesting is his thoughts:

"I was not concerned about getting into legal trouble. A disclaimer (i.e. "I'm translating the document, not vouching for its authenticity", or some such) takes care of that. I could easily find a halakhic loophole as well (I do not want to get into it because it would necessitate revealing too many details of the case). It's just the wrong thing to do. It's unethical to be involved with fraud. End of story.

At a different stage in my life, I would have taken solace in the fact that God would somehow pay me back, right here in this world, for my behavior. I don't think like that anymore. I tend to think, rather, that "No good deed goes unpunished." So where's the comfort? I spent a whole day working on a project, and ignoring my kids who, like me, had the day off.

I wish to make it perfectly clear that this decision has not given me some type of inner peace. I do not feel good for having "done the right thing." If anything, it has made me very agitated. I wasted a day and pissed away about $350. And I am not blessed with the gift of absolute certainty that, in this case, would at least have granted me the confidence that I am doing what is right in the eyes of God and man. No such luck."

I think that this way of thinking is more mature than thinking that "G-d will provide" or "G-d will make this up" or "G-d something something." What if not? Does doing the right thing have to bring the inner satisfaction?

Also, notice that he could have translated the document and got paid for it using a halachik loophole, as he mentioned. I guess in that regard he's not like a guy I know who said, "What's so immoral with not paying taxes?!" I'm sure that guy eats only handmade shmurah matzah on Pesach, but sells his chametz; uses Prozbul, but not heter mechirah. I guess he has a loophole for cheating on taxes as well, as long as it fits his hashkafah, since his hashkafah determines his morality. Oh well...

Gives something to think about...

Post Purim Stuff

Sorry for not blogging for 12 days (gosh, it's a long time). Now to the regular programming:

Firstly, I'd like to share with you this beautiful bracha poster:


Secondly, in light of the Burka post that started a storm on this blog, here's a video of the ladies in burqas:




Hat tip to Jameel for both of those

Pay scale in the Jewish world

BrooklynWolf quotes the Yated and starts the discussion about how pay in the frum world is dependent upon age and gender, and not the skills for the work performed. I know that wrpn and his wife have real life examples of that as well. Feel free to comment.

For the Germophobes around us

With a hat tip to ADDeRabbi, I'd like to offer this short article from JTA:

Health warning over hospital mezuzot

Published: 02/24/2008

Devout Jews should think twice about kissing hospital mezuzot.

According to an Israeli study released this month by Assaf Harofeh Hospital, mezuzot in medical wards frequently carry germs and bacteria that can lead to illnesses such as urinary tract infections, intestinal upsets and skin rashes.

The conclusions were reached after studying 70 mezuzot from different parts of the hospital. Though the communicability of the illnesses is far greater among patients, whose immune system may be compromised, doctors said healthy hospital staff and visitors also should take precautions.

Many religiously oriented Jews touch mezuzot when passing and then kiss their fingers as a sign of reverence for the biblical inscription carried within.

Make your own conclusions. Though I do like the one of Adderabbi :-)

Welcome another blogger

I'd like to welcome ConcernedJewishGirl to the blogging community. Currently, she has 2 great posts about the logistics for Purim and Pesach. Please go to http://concernedjewgirl.blogspot.com/ and give it a read

For those doing taxes

Please read Choosing an Accountant article at Orthonomics

Declining dollar and the Israeli Hareidim

The Jewish Worker posts two articles:

The declining dollar and the Charedi world and

The Gedolim say the dollar is worth 4 shekels.

Definitely worth a read.

Orthonomics post on day schools

Sephardilady posts an article about the conditions that teachers face teaching in Jewish day schools. Her main point is that the behavior of students in day schools is inferior to behavior of students in public schools, even in the tough neighborhoods. This is something to think about...

Also, read the comments, people speak from experience there.

Living Inspired....

Everyone who knows me knows that I hate inspirational stories. I see them as full of holes, with mismatched evidence etc. Maybe it is because of the presenters, and the way they bring hearsay as truth, maybe it's something else. Anyways...

However, I do like inspirational stories. I like the ones that are told first person, (relatively) easy to verify, and do not include "miracles", only coincidences that inspire. Here's one from one of my favorite bloggers, Jameel at the Muqata. Enjoy.

JPost article: The next looming demographic disaster

Here's an article from Amnon Rubinstein, former Meretz MK (so judge accordingly), titled "The next looming demographic disaster." In the article, he mainly argues against the restoration of child benefit payments to the pre-Netanyahu levels. Though I agree with him in that regard, I agree with him for a different reason. Namely, not for the effects of the decreased birthrates after Netanyahu cut the benefets, but for the promotion of the market economy in Israel and move away from the socialist economy.

What I want to bring to attention is the following. Rubinstein says that with the higher birthrate among Hareidim and Arabs, compared to the rest of Israeli population, by 2025, there'll be a higher percentage of people on welfare (namely, Hareidim and Arabs), and lower percentage of people who are supporting those on welfare, regardless of child payment legislation. Even though he writes that restoring the previous levels of child support "may alleviate distress in the short term among large, low-income families, it means a future of growing poverty and recession for Israel's economy", I don't see how the same scenario would not apply in a slightly longer term if the child support payments do not increase.


Thus, what will happen 20 years from now? The answer is unclear, however, I don't think that current situation will remain at status quo.

How Did Jewish Women Know When To Light Shabbat Candles in the 18th C.?

With a hat tip to Mississippi Fred MacDowell, I'd like to point your attention to Lion of Zion's article of
How Did Jewish Women Know When To Light Shabbat Candles in the 18th C.?

Keep this article in mind when deciding whether to hold 18 or 20 minutes before sundown for candlelighting

Please check out Orthonomics

Orthonomics is a blog I discovered about a year or two ago. The author of the blog, Sephardi Lady, is an accountant, she writes excellent articles about surviving financially while living a Jewish Orthodox lifestyle. Topics range around taxes, money management, tuition, etc. I advise everyone to subscribe to her blog (the way you can do it is via google reader or bloglines). Also, check out the comments on the blog, they're excellent as well.

Burkas and the authenticity of Judaism

Adderabbi posted an interesting entry today. Please read and tell me if he has holes in his reasoning.

Olomeinu and Handel Ehrlekh

Are professors the "Best of Our Society"? Find out in the Olomeinu posted by S.
Don't forget to compare it to the Chick tract linked to in that blog.


On the same page, check out the link to Blog in Dm's Handel Ehrlekh post - hillarious, though pathetic, if you really think about it.