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November 17, 2006
Thanksgiving in Jerusalem
Karen and I are flying to Israel on Sunday Novemebr 19th, via a direct flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv. For the first few days we will be staying in Efrat with Karen's brother, David.
For Shabbat, we will be in Jerusalem.
It is no accident that we will be in Israel during Thanksgiving. This important American holiday holds a special place in our hearts -- as Jews we understand that America is unique among the nations of the earth in the manner in which she has embraced her Jewish citizens. We view this as an extension of the American democratic character, and of the core religious nature of a good portion of the American people.
Several years ago, when Offspring #2 was attending seminary in Jerusalem I was also there for Thanksgiving. And so this year, with Offspring #3, Karen and I will celebrate America in Jerusalem -- for this is fitting and proper and in these times when a good portion of the world has declared jihad on America and Israel what could be more fitting than to celebrate Thanksgiving in Jerusalem.
The unveiling for Karen's father, Rabbi Philip Harris Singer ZT'L will take place Friday, November 24, 2006 (Kislev 3) at 10:00 am. The cemetery is Eretz Hachaim near Beit Shemesh, Israel. Block 1 Section 8.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at November 17, 2006 09:36 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
Tseitschem l'shalom, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and trip. I know it will not be a purely happy time...it will tinged with great sadness, as you wrote about missing your father-in-law in a previous and beautiful/touching post.
Love the words about America, also, so very true. My dad and my mom's parents, all immigrants, would have seconded those without hesitation.
It makes me sick to read so much anti-Americanism from...Americans. It's one thing to constructively criticize, but the hatred is disgusting. A classic case of people who don't know how to appreciate anything; as has also been pointed out, were they to try to say the same things about a truly repressive regime, from within that country, say, like North Korea or most of the Arab countries...they would be tortured, imprisoned or murdered.
It's not hyperbole.
We need to have real hakaras hatov for America..and work to keep its ties with Israel intact.
Posted by: Maurice at November 17, 2006 10:11 AM
Maurice:
Thanks so much for your kind and genereous words. That hatred of America has become a badge of honor among so many Eurocentric leftists is to be expected. That so many Jews have joined the ranks of these marginal thinkers is truly a shame. I have always taught my children that one of the worst human characteristics is ingratitude.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 17, 2006 12:07 PM
Robert, a safe trip to you and Karen. Enjoy your daughter. Enjoy your turkey. I know your reasons for going are bittersweet, but isn't that what life is...moments of great joy mixed with moments of great sadness. Looking forward to hearing about your trip. Happy thanksgiving to you and yours.
Posted by: cruisin-mom at November 17, 2006 04:50 PM
No good deed goes unpunished.
Posted by: Marko at June 9, 2007 07:49 AM