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March 06, 2008
Gone to Texas Plus Jerusalem Massacre
John Wayne, Stagecoach, 1939
Karen and I are flying to Texas for cousin Tali Belle's Bat Mitzvah—is that a great Jewish-Texas name or what? Anyway, I don't know if we're going to have a chance to blog from the Lone State, so this might be a mini vacation for Seraphic Secret. We'll be back late Sunday afternoon.
Far too often family members only meet at funerals. Karen and I have decided to make every effort to travel to simchas, celebrations: weddings, circumcisions, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.
The pursuit of happiness is enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, and Judaism places the highest value on the holy rituals that mark our identity as Torah Jews. These ceremonies are vital, not as vulgar showpieces for displaying wealth and status, but for transmitting the knowledge, love and joy of Torah from one generation to the next.
Karen and I wish all our friends a beautiful and profound miracle in Shabbat.
Udate #1: And now we must all say Tehillim, Psalms, because Arab terrorists have once again murdered innocent Jews.
And after we say, Tehillim, it's time to dispose of this wretched Israeli government, elect a leadership that will cease negotiating with terrorists and follow a policy of taking the war to the jihadists until victory is achieved.
Update #3: Soccer Dad notes that the Olmert government's incursion into Gaza was not a coherent military operation but a self-serving political move. And now, infamously, Olmert, Livni and Barak have caved in to Hamas.
Meanwhile, I have to finish packing. Somebody puh-leese unchain me from my Powerbook.
Update #4: Mere Rhetoric points out that the media spin is the usual brain-dead “cyle of violence” yadda-yadda. Reports of three terrorists, which indicates a substantial operation, and a large intelligence failure. We can expect to see celebrations in the streets of Gaza any minute now, with horns blaring and sweets handed out to children. Jews have been murdered as they studied Torah—for the Palestinians, it's party-time.
Here's what they have to say about the massacre:
Abu Abir, a spokesman for the Popular Resistance Committees told Ynet that the terrorist attack at the Jewish seminary in Jerusalem in which six people were killed was a blessed act. "The only way that Israelis will have security is if they get up and leave Palestine. All Palestinians will chase after every last one; we won't leave them space to bury their dead. This is the first of many acts that the Palestinian resistance promised and started to carry out."
Fawzi Barhum, a Hamas spokesman, said that "following the IDF action in northern Gaza, it is only natural that the Palestinians react to the massacre that the Israeli army carried out."
Sure, let's expel Jews from Judea and Samaria, and while we're at it let's divide Jerusalem.
What can possibly go wrong?
Packed my socks, my suit, two L.L. Bean shirts, two ties, my favorite slippers. Now I have to agonize about what books to bring. Grrrrrrr!
Update #5: Yup, thousands of people celebrating in the streets of Gaza. Report from Elder of Ziyon. Hey, I have an idea: stop sending this genocidal statelet power and fuel.
Keep in mind that the victims are high school boys as young as 15-years old. Our girlses attended seminary around the block from Mercaz Harav. They had good friends who attended this fine yeshiva that was founded by by Rav Avraham HaCohen Kook.
The terror alert has been raised all across Israel.
Deep breaths, one after another.
My head is pounding.
I'm wearing my hand-tooled cowboy boots, bought on location in Dallas a few years ago. Look great with my Shabbos suit. Kinda like George Dubya Bush—but Jewish.
Oh-oh, our flight's been cancelled, due to severe weather conditions.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at March 6, 2008 10:08 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.
Welcome to the Lone Star State! Hope you have a wonderful time and congratulations to the Bat Mitzvah girl.
This is not our usual weather... just so you know.
Posted by: Sal at March 6, 2008 11:03 AM
Sal:
Uh, what weather? Do I have to repack? I'm almost out the door.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 6, 2008 11:14 AM
" ... Anyway, I don't know if we're going to have a chance to blog from the Lone State ... "
um, dunno,
haven't been out in those parts,
but i heard tell they do have internet access ...
;-))
Good Shabbos,
and,
Oif Simchas!
Posted by: exdemexlib at March 6, 2008 11:22 AM
This Yeshiva attack is very serious... when non-secular sites are attacked by the Arabs, it means they're going off the hook in a big way. Not to make light of the other targets, but Yeshivas and synagogues are usually reserved for very special situations. A state of emergency must be declared in the Knesset and a massive, prolonged response has to happen now.
Posted by: Jake at March 6, 2008 01:20 PM
Of all people, you and Karen can truly understand how important it is to celebrate simchas and not just mark sad life-cycle moments.
May you only share simchas...
Enjoy, have a safe trip, and Good Shabbos.
Posted by: Pearl at March 6, 2008 01:35 PM
Heard from someone who learns at a kollel across the street that they were dressed up as yeshiva boys.
Posted by: kishke at March 6, 2008 01:36 PM
and while we're at it let's divide Jerusalem.
Very good point, especially since the latest reports have it that the terrorist (only one now) was a Israeli-Arab resident of East Jerusalem.
Posted by: kishke at March 6, 2008 01:54 PM
Robert, I'm in the Houston area, what part of Texas are ya'll visiting? I'd love to take you and Karen to dinner, we have a great steak house right here in my little town. Suz
Posted by: Suz at March 6, 2008 02:01 PM
Suz:
Karen and I will be in Dallas. Maybe next time. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at March 6, 2008 02:08 PM
I'm watching BBC news at the moment and I am disgusted by their attempts to blame israel for this murderous act...Israel gains no friends in england by showing restraint...its time to act...I only hope somehow olmert acts or resigns.
Posted by: thud at March 6, 2008 02:52 PM
Thud:
It's an open question as to who is more anti-Semitic Al Jazeera or the BBC.
Olmert will never resign. He's far too valuable to the Arabs.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at March 6, 2008 03:03 PM
Far too often family members only meet at funerals.
Very true.
Posted by: Jack at March 6, 2008 04:16 PM
Robert, have a great trip. My friend called today, from Carrollton (Dallas suburb)to say she was home because of snow and ice and had seen on the tv that I had tornadoes all around me. Go TEXAS! If you dont like the weather when you arrive, Robert, stick around a bit, it'll be hot and humid soon.
Posted by: Suz at March 6, 2008 05:53 PM