I noticed this announcement in the AJN and wondered about the Hebrew spelling of Aria. אריה after all is a boy's name!
(For more on interesting names see here.)
Friday, September 23, 2011
How do you spell Aria in Hebrew?
Received from Sarah H.
I noticed this announcement in the AJN and wondered about the Hebrew spelling of Aria. אריה after all is a boy's name!
(For more on interesting names see here.)
I noticed this announcement in the AJN and wondered about the Hebrew spelling of Aria. אריה after all is a boy's name!
(For more on interesting names see here.)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Tzetz, Shmetz - abi gezunt!
From Yankel B.
"Interesting to see how none of the 3 clergymen featured in the ad nor anyone on the staff of the AJN noticed the incorrect spelling in the Hebrew version of עץ חיים.
Ameratzus reigns..."
Sure does. Reminds us of "Temple Nit Yisrael"
Ameratzus reigns..."
Sure does. Reminds us of "Temple Nit Yisrael"
Friday, September 2, 2011
What's going on here? - 2
Family issues...? (Strangely, the AJN overlooked to mention the fact that Rabbi Moshe G. happens to be Rabbi Yossi Feldman's uncle.)
What made Rabbi Moshe Gutnick resign from the RCNSW? Staying there as a member shouldn't block his ORA aspirations?
And what about last week's flurry of 'media releases' re the Feldman v. AJN spat? Did the AJN apologise or not?
We offer our readers both versions. Hopefully they can make more sense of this than we could.
VERSION # 1
AJN apologises and Rabbi Yosef Feldman resumes RCNSW Presidency
In a stunning about-face, the Australian Jewish News publicly apologised today regarding a recent controversial story that called for Rabbi Yosef Feldman's resignation from a senior rabbinic position.
On 29 July 2011, the AJN ran a front page story about Rabbi Yosef Feldman entitled "Top Rabbi Must Quit". In a related Article and Editorial, reference was made to a leaked internal email discussion amongst Rabbis in which Rabbi Yosef Feldman put forward certain views in relation to the reporting of child abuse allegations to the Authorities. The AJN interpreted those views in a negative light, berating Rabbi Feldman for suggesting them and calling for his resignation as President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW.
In today's edition, the AJN admits that since the publication of their first article many Rabbis "have since contacted us to confirm they regarded the comments as Halachic conjecture in the context of an academic debate" and in a Statement from the Executive of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, also published in today's edition, the Rabbis go further and assert that "The Executive Members of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, alongside many rabbis across Australia, are of the opinion that the views propounded in those emails were simply conjecture within the context of Halachic discussion and did not necessarily reflect Rabbi Yosef Feldman's personal opinion on those matters." The Rabbis express dismay at the AJN's "interpreting in an unflattering way selected quotes from those emails."
In today's lengthy article, authored by AJN National Editor Zeddy Lawrence, the newspaper refers to its original negative coverage and says that "we recognise and fully appreciate that there are those who felt we could have been less forthright and more sensitive in the way we covered it, and we apologise for any unnecessary distress caused."
"Newspapers are perceived as ignoring ethical and sometimes legal boundaries, in their quest to enthral readers and boost sales. It would be churlish of those of us in the industry to ignore that sentiment. Likewise, it would be churlish of The AJN in particular to turn a blind eye to the feelings of many members of the community about the manner in which we handled the story regarding Rabbi Yosef Feldman."
"In this instance, if there are those who feel we have been sensationalist, then we must take that lesson on board as we move forwards."
The newspaper compares Rabbi Feldman to respected Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth Lord Jonathan Sacks, concluding that "we wish Rabbi Feldman well in all his endeavours and look forward to reporting on his positive impact on the community in the months and years ahead."
As a result of the AJN's initial onslaught, Rabbi Feldman had stepped aside temporarily from his role as President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, in order to clear his name. In today's Statement, the RCNSW Executive informs the community that he has resumed the Presidency, saying that "The RCNSW looks forward to the contribution that Rabbi Yosef Feldman will continue to make together with his Executive in his role as RCNSW President, which he has now resumed."
"It is a fact of human nature that 'sorry' is one of the hardest words to say. Bearing this in mind we warmly welcome the AJN's willingness to acknowledge that their coverage may have been sensational, as well as their apology for the unnecessary distress caused. In particular we laud its undertaking to thoroughly review the way matters of this nature are reported in the future as well as the acknowledgement of its Editor regarding the fine character of Rabbi Yosef Feldman and the significant contribution that he has made to the community."
Also published in today's AJN is a Letter to the Community by Rabbi Yosef Feldman in which he states that "I unreservedly and emphatically condemn all forms of abuse, particularly child abuse. Perpetrators must be brought to justice in the Australian legal system, and I condemn the suggestion that paedophiles deserve protection from that legal system. I believe, as asserted by the major Australian Beth Dins and reported in the AJN, that all credible allegations of abuse should immediately be reported to, and dealt with, by the appropriate Government Authorities."
Rabbi Feldman continues that "I believe that I was seriously misrepresented in material that was recently published by the AJN", nevertheless he concludes his Letter wishing the AJN well and thanking his "colleagues on the RCNSW Executive as well as many Rabbis in NSW and across Australia for their unstinting support in recent times."
"I am hopeful that we can all move forward in unity for the benefit of our community."
VERSION # 2
In a stunning about-face, the Australian Jewish News publicly apologised today regarding a recent controversial story that called for Rabbi Yosef Feldman's resignation from a senior rabbinic position.
On 29 July 2011, the AJN ran a front page story about Rabbi Yosef Feldman entitled "Top Rabbi Must Quit". In a related Article and Editorial, reference was made to a leaked internal email discussion amongst Rabbis in which Rabbi Yosef Feldman put forward certain views in relation to the reporting of child abuse allegations to the Authorities. The AJN interpreted those views in a negative light, berating Rabbi Feldman for suggesting them and calling for his resignation as President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW.
In today's edition, the AJN admits that since the publication of their first article many Rabbis "have since contacted us to confirm they regarded the comments as Halachic conjecture in the context of an academic debate" and in a Statement from the Executive of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, also published in today's edition, the Rabbis go further and assert that "The Executive Members of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, alongside many rabbis across Australia, are of the opinion that the views propounded in those emails were simply conjecture within the context of Halachic discussion and did not necessarily reflect Rabbi Yosef Feldman's personal opinion on those matters." The Rabbis express dismay at the AJN's "interpreting in an unflattering way selected quotes from those emails."
In today's lengthy article, authored by AJN National Editor Zeddy Lawrence, the newspaper refers to its original negative coverage and says that "we recognise and fully appreciate that there are those who felt we could have been less forthright and more sensitive in the way we covered it, and we apologise for any unnecessary distress caused."
"Newspapers are perceived as ignoring ethical and sometimes legal boundaries, in their quest to enthral readers and boost sales. It would be churlish of those of us in the industry to ignore that sentiment. Likewise, it would be churlish of The AJN in particular to turn a blind eye to the feelings of many members of the community about the manner in which we handled the story regarding Rabbi Yosef Feldman."
"In this instance, if there are those who feel we have been sensationalist, then we must take that lesson on board as we move forwards."
The newspaper compares Rabbi Feldman to respected Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth Lord Jonathan Sacks, concluding that "we wish Rabbi Feldman well in all his endeavours and look forward to reporting on his positive impact on the community in the months and years ahead."
As a result of the AJN's initial onslaught, Rabbi Feldman had stepped aside temporarily from his role as President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, in order to clear his name. In today's Statement, the RCNSW Executive informs the community that he has resumed the Presidency, saying that "The RCNSW looks forward to the contribution that Rabbi Yosef Feldman will continue to make together with his Executive in his role as RCNSW President, which he has now resumed."
"It is a fact of human nature that 'sorry' is one of the hardest words to say. Bearing this in mind we warmly welcome the AJN's willingness to acknowledge that their coverage may have been sensational, as well as their apology for the unnecessary distress caused. In particular we laud its undertaking to thoroughly review the way matters of this nature are reported in the future as well as the acknowledgement of its Editor regarding the fine character of Rabbi Yosef Feldman and the significant contribution that he has made to the community."
Also published in today's AJN is a Letter to the Community by Rabbi Yosef Feldman in which he states that "I unreservedly and emphatically condemn all forms of abuse, particularly child abuse. Perpetrators must be brought to justice in the Australian legal system, and I condemn the suggestion that paedophiles deserve protection from that legal system. I believe, as asserted by the major Australian Beth Dins and reported in the AJN, that all credible allegations of abuse should immediately be reported to, and dealt with, by the appropriate Government Authorities."
Rabbi Feldman continues that "I believe that I was seriously misrepresented in material that was recently published by the AJN", nevertheless he concludes his Letter wishing the AJN well and thanking his "colleagues on the RCNSW Executive as well as many Rabbis in NSW and across Australia for their unstinting support in recent times."
"I am hopeful that we can all move forward in unity for the benefit of our community."
VERSION # 2
JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY THE AJN AND RABBI YOSEF FELDMAN
AJN and top rabbi look ahead to a peaceful new year
The Australian Jewish News and Rabbi Yosef Feldman, President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, have this week come to a peaceful agreement in relation to the publication of remarks made by him on the subject of child abuse.
On 29 July 2011, the AJN ran a front page story about Rabbi Yosef Feldman entitled “Top Rabbi Must Quit”. In a related article and editorial, reference was made to a leaked internal email discussion amongst Rabbis in which Rabbi Yosef Feldman put forward certain suggestive views in relation to the reporting of child abuse allegations to the authorities.
The AJN today acknowledged that its coverage may have been considered sensational and apologised for any unnecessary distress this caused.
The AJN today acknowledged that its coverage may have been considered sensational and apologised for any unnecessary distress this caused.
Rabbi Yosef Feldman acknowledged that while the reporter Joshua Levi did not misquote him in the article, he believes that the context of the email discussion was not clarified. However, he acknowledges that the views he expressed could have been misunderstood. He apologises for any distress caused to the community as a result.
In today’s edition of the newspaper, the AJN admits that since the publication of their first article, many rabbis “have since contacted us to confirm they regarded [Rabbi Yosef Feldman’s] comments as halachic conjecture in the context of an academic debate”.
In a Statement from the Executive of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, also published in today’s edition, the Rabbis go further and assert that “The Executive Members of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, alongside many rabbis across Australia, are of the opinion that the views propounded in those emails were simply conjecture within the context of Halachic discussion and did not necessarily reflect Rabbi Yosef Feldman’s personal opinion on those matters.”
In today’s lengthy article, authored by AJN National Editor Zeddy Lawrence, the newspaper refers to its original coverage and says that “we recognise and fully appreciate that there are those who felt we could have been less forthright and more sensitive in the way we covered it, and we apologise for any unnecessary distress caused.”
“In this instance, if there are those who feel we have been sensationalist, then we must take that lesson on board as we move forwards.”
For his part, Rabbi Feldman stated in today’s edition, “I do acknowledge that things I wrote in emails to rabbinic colleagues could have been taken out of context and indeed misunderstood.”
He went on to “apologise to my rabbinic colleagues as well as to the Jewish community as a whole for any embarrassment caused to them by the publication of material based on my emails”.
He added: “I unreservedly and emphatically condemn all forms of abuse, particularly child abuse. Perpetrators must be brought to justice in the Australian legal system, and I condemn the suggestion that paedophiles deserve protection from that legal system. I believe, as asserted by the major Australian Beth Dins and reported in The AJN, that all credible allegations of abuse should immediately be reported to, and dealt with, by the appropriate Government Authorities.”
Comparing Rabbi Feldman’s contribution to the community with that of Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth Lord Jonathan Sacks, The AJN concludes that “we wish Rabbi Feldman well in all his endeavours and look forward to reporting on his positive impact on the community in the months and years ahead.”
As a result of The AJN’s initial article, Rabbi Feldman had stepped aside temporarily from his role as President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW in order to clear his name. In today’s statement, the RCNSW Executive informs the community that he has resumed the Presidency, saying that “The RCNSW looks forward to the contribution that Rabbi Yosef Feldman will continue to make together with his Executive in his role as RCNSW President, which he has now resumed.”
“It is a fact of human nature that ‘sorry’ is one of the hardest words to say. Bearing this in mind we warmly welcome the AJN’s willingness to acknowledge that their coverage may have been sensational, as well as their apology for the unnecessary distress caused. In particular we laud its undertaking to thoroughly review the way matters of this nature are reported in the future as well as the acknowledgement of its Editor regarding the fine character of Rabbi Yosef Feldman and the significant contribution that he has made to the community.”
Rabbi Feldman concludes his Letter wishing the AJN well and thanking his “colleagues on the RCNSW Executive as well as many Rabbis in NSW and across Australia for their unstinting support in recent times.”
“I am hopeful that we can all move forward in unity for the benefit of our community.”
This Press Release has been approved by both parties. Please disregard a previous version which had not yet received the approval of all parties involved.
Footnote: If Rabbi Yosef Feldman is the "Top Rabbi" what does that make his father, Rabbi Pinchus Feldman?
Here is the article by Zeddy Lawrence. Though not quite sure if he is really comparing "Top Rabbi" Feldman with "Chief Rabbi" Sacks...
Reflections on our role as Reporters
By Zeddy Lawrence, National Editor of the AJN
By Zeddy Lawrence, National Editor of the AJN
IN recent days, my mind has drifted back to 2002 and the furore that surrounded the publication of The Dignity of Difference by the Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth, Lord Jonathan Sacks.
Accused by ultra-Orthodox rabbis in Manchester of heresy for implying that Judaism did not have a monopoly on spiritual truth, Chief Rabbi Sacks eventually admitted some of his statements had been open to misinterpretation and may not have accurately conveyed his personal feelings on the matter. As well as rewriting the controversial passages in the book, he issued a statement saying “The problem lies in the use I make of words.”
It was not the first time the chief had cause to regret his terminology. A few weeks earlier he had been lambasted for claiming in an interview that events in Israel sometimes made him feel “uncomfortable as a Jew” and that Israel was forced into postures “incompatible …with our deepest ideals”.
For all the flak he received - and boy was there flak! - the chief was and is still held in the highest esteem, and it is a tribute to the man, rather than his ‘problematical words’ that he invariably pops up in almost every top 10 list of Britain’s most influential and respected public figures.
And so to the present day and the furore that greeted Rabbi Feldman’s comments on the matter of child abuse, as reported in The AJN. ‘Problematical words’ indeed. Taken from an email exchange with fellow rabbis, many of his peers have since contacted us to confirm they regarded the comments as halachic conjecture in the context of an academic debate.
Others in the community, however, read them another way and were understandably dismayed by the opinions expressed.
Which is where The AJN came in.
It is interesting to note the praise heaped on the paper when, in campaigning spirit, it lobbies for Gilad Shalit, it exposes anti-Zionist politicians or it forces online bookshops to remove anti-Semitic books from sale on their virtual shelves. Just last week, a Perth-based ticketing agency removed the option “Occupied Palestinian territories” from its drop-down address menu for overseas subscribers after The AJN alerted them to its presence.
As proud inheritors of the title ‘The Fourth Estate’, nothing fills journalists or newspapers with greater pride than effecting a change in society on behalf of its readers.
But turn that same campaigning zeal within the community and for those caught up in the spotlight, the paper goes from hero to zero.
As a newspaper, we have a duty to represent our readers and take up the baton on their behalf when they feel a grievance towards individuals or institutions that they sense are not acting in their best interests. Likewise, we have a duty to inform our readers of any perceived failings that their leaders may have. As a newspaper and as a journalists, it is our tradition to take a stand.
However, as a newspaper serving a specific community, we face additional responsibilities. One is to promote a sense of unity and pride within that community and in our communal institutions, another is to endeavour to best represent that community to the outside world.
Inevitably, these obligations will occasionally come into conflict, and when these circumstances arise we have to make tough decisions as to what side of this narrow editorial tightrope we should fall on.
Some will welcome our decision and applaud us for our strident stance. Others will feel we have overstepped the mark and condemn us for sensationalism.
We are not the first, nor will we be the last newspaper to stand accused of this charge. Indeed, in the wake of the allegations that have struck at the heart of the Murdoch media empire in recent weeks, the entire media industry is feeling the heat.
True or not in the current climate, newspapers are perceived as ignoring ethical and sometimes legal boundaries, in their quest to enthral readers and boost sales.
It would be churlish of those of us in the industry to ignore that sentiment. Likewise, it would be churlish of The AJN in particular to turn a blind eye to the feelings of many members of the community about the manner in which we handled the story regarding Rabbi Yosef Feldman. While we stand by the content of the story, we recognise and fully appreciate that there are those who felt we could have been less forthright and more sensitive in the way we covered it, and we apologise for any unnecessary distress caused.
With Rosh Hashanah fast approaching, it is timely for us all to take stock of our actions over the past few months. The AJN is no exception. Drawing on our experiences, we must consider our shortcomings, and resolve to do better, in the year ahead. In this instance, if there are those who feel we have been sensationalist, then we must take that lesson on board as we move forwards.
For a newspaper, as for rabbis, it is not always easy being all things to all people. But we do our best, just as they do their best.
Whatever was written in our story does nothing to detract from the tremendous contribution both Rabbi Yosef Feldman and his family have made to our community, or the esteem in which he and they are held.
And as with Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, it is Rabbi Feldman’s deeds and purpose that are ultimately the mark of the man, rather than some ill-chosen words.
That being the case, we wish Rabbi Feldman well in all his endeavours and look forward to reporting on his positive impact on the community in the months and years ahead.
Finally, we feel that had Rabbi Feldman continued with his threatened legal action against the AJN, it would have done far more towards ensuring that the newspaper rein in the types of attacks and reporting that it dished out both to him and to Adelaide's Rabbi Engel.
Pity that. Additionally, a temporary reduction (or better still a total halt to) Chabad advertising Australia-wide, would have taught them an important lesson on respecting readers and advertisers.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
What's going on here? - 1 UPDATED
BIALIK College’s president Graham Goldsmith kept tight-lipped on the reasons why the school last week sacked principal Joseph Gerassi.
In a move that caught many parents by surprise, Gerassi’s employment with the school was terminated last Wednesday, effective immediately. Long-time Bialik teacher Gary Velleman has been appointed acting principal while the school conducts an international search.
Speaking to The AJN on Wednesday, Gerassi said he been prevented by the school council from telling his side of the story, for now.
With Bialik having finished in the top-10 Victorian schools for VCE in 2010 and with school enrolments at the Hawthorn East school at capacity, the move appears perplexing.
But Goldsmith refused to shed light on the reasons Gerassi was marched out, repeatedly telling The AJN, “it’s not appropriate or fair to go into that sort of detail out of respect for him.
The AJN understands a number of senior teachers at the school had clashes with Gerassi, who moved from Johannesburg’s King David School less than three years ago for the job. It is alleged they confronted the board threatening to resign if changes were not made to the school leadership.
When this version of events was put to Goldsmith, he replied: “I’m not going to go into specific interactions the council had.
He added: “We made a unanimous decision, it wasn’t take lightly.”
Dr Paul Bartrop, a former senior teacher at Bialik who this year took up a position in the United States, confirmed there was discontent.
Speaking from his new home in New Jersey, he said Gerassi’s “leadership style” had alienated some teachers and parents.
“I do not think he had a positive influence on the way Bialik College functioned on a day-to-day level,” Dr Bartrop said.
“The college community can now refocus its attention on the core objectives of teaching and fostering of menschlichkeit [creating good Jews],” he said. “It is unfortunate that the college council was place in such a position that it had to take this stand.”
Goldsmith said a meeting had been organised with parents tonight (Thursday), in the interest of “transparency”, but said reporters would not be welcome to attend.
In a letter sent to Bialik parents last Wednesday, Goldsmith wrote Gerassi had been sacked “because council lost confidence in his ability to lead the school”, however, he added the council continues to support “many new programs and initiatives introduced during the three years that Joseph was principal”.
The school president admitted parents’ reaction had been mixed, but added “With a decision like this, it’s not a sudden or rash decision, this is not something that is taken lightly.”
Gerassi began at the school in 2009, taking over from long-standing Bialik principal Genia Janover after her retirement. NAOMI LEVIN
In a move that caught many parents by surprise, Gerassi’s employment with the school was terminated last Wednesday, effective immediately. Long-time Bialik teacher Gary Velleman has been appointed acting principal while the school conducts an international search.
Speaking to The AJN on Wednesday, Gerassi said he been prevented by the school council from telling his side of the story, for now.
With Bialik having finished in the top-10 Victorian schools for VCE in 2010 and with school enrolments at the Hawthorn East school at capacity, the move appears perplexing.
But Goldsmith refused to shed light on the reasons Gerassi was marched out, repeatedly telling The AJN, “it’s not appropriate or fair to go into that sort of detail out of respect for him.
The AJN understands a number of senior teachers at the school had clashes with Gerassi, who moved from Johannesburg’s King David School less than three years ago for the job. It is alleged they confronted the board threatening to resign if changes were not made to the school leadership.
When this version of events was put to Goldsmith, he replied: “I’m not going to go into specific interactions the council had.
He added: “We made a unanimous decision, it wasn’t take lightly.”
Dr Paul Bartrop, a former senior teacher at Bialik who this year took up a position in the United States, confirmed there was discontent.
Speaking from his new home in New Jersey, he said Gerassi’s “leadership style” had alienated some teachers and parents.
“I do not think he had a positive influence on the way Bialik College functioned on a day-to-day level,” Dr Bartrop said.
“The college community can now refocus its attention on the core objectives of teaching and fostering of menschlichkeit [creating good Jews],” he said. “It is unfortunate that the college council was place in such a position that it had to take this stand.”
Goldsmith said a meeting had been organised with parents tonight (Thursday), in the interest of “transparency”, but said reporters would not be welcome to attend.
In a letter sent to Bialik parents last Wednesday, Goldsmith wrote Gerassi had been sacked “because council lost confidence in his ability to lead the school”, however, he added the council continues to support “many new programs and initiatives introduced during the three years that Joseph was principal”.
The school president admitted parents’ reaction had been mixed, but added “With a decision like this, it’s not a sudden or rash decision, this is not something that is taken lightly.”
Gerassi began at the school in 2009, taking over from long-standing Bialik principal Genia Janover after her retirement. NAOMI LEVIN
Monday, August 15, 2011
Yiddish making a comeback
Yiddish - alive and well in New York City
(From MTA NYC Transit)
From Yiddishist:
As someone who grew up hearing and speaking Yiddish, it has been quite painful for me to see how the younger generation have almost totally abandoned the language of our forefathers.
The only remnants of Yiddish these days (by people under the age of 50) is in the Adass Shul and their school where - probably due to an influx of ex-Brooklyn and ex-Kiryas Joel Chassidish 'sons-in-law' - it seems to be thriving. And to give credit where due, the Adass Shul is, to the best of my knowledge, the only place left where all announcements, Aliyah 'auctions' and of course Droshos and Shiurim, are exclusively in 'Mameh Loshon'. It wasn't so long ago when this was the case in Caulfield, Yeshiva, Elwood, Mizrachi and of course Katanga. But no more. How sad.
(Admittedly, we have a few Chabad 'imports' who try their best to keep Yiddish alive in their homes, but with limited success. The Yeshiva - as a school - and the Yeshiva Gedola - seems to have given up on even trying.)
So it was with great pleasure that I read the following article in COL about a project to teach youngsters the basics of the language. I look forward to seeing our traditional tongue - the language spoken by all of our (and other) Rebbes - revived here in Melbourne and in Sydney.
.א דאנק און א ברכה אוף אייער קעפ
Sicha Program Becomes Popular
The unique program, entitled 'Back2Basics,' gives students basic Yiddish skills as well as the tools to learn the Rebbe's Sichos, so they can continue to learn on their own in the future.
What began with students learning from copies of the Sicha and a list of Yiddish word translations and explanations of difficult concepts, soon evolved into participants receiving professionally designed booklets. The number of attendees at the program grew each week as well, with students steadily advancing in their skills.
The entire community of Melbourne took advantage of this unique opportunity and various schools and individuals began using the booklets. Many adults who never had the chance to learn Yiddish when they were younger, viewed the booklets as a resource to finally do so.
Word of the program's success soon spread to the school in Sydney, where it was implemented and became extremely popular as well. Soon, schools and Yeshivas across the globe found out about this new resource and also wanted to use it to the benefit of their students. Programs such as Myshliach, YSP, and various others have used Back2Basics to familiarize the students with the Rebbe’s Sichos and give them the unique opportunity to learn on their own.
As one student said, “Learning the Sichos in their original form is something that everyone would love to be able to do, Back2Basics has made it available for just about anybody.”
Translations: A collection of translated words that someone with very limited Yiddish would find difficult.
Classical Concepts: An overview of the entire Sicha, broken down into summaries of each individual concept.
Getting Started: A selected piece of the Sicha with every word translated. This part is geared for the beginner that is just starting to read Yiddish, to familiarize him with how the words flow.
Show Off Your Knowledge: Review Questions, which generally cover the main ideas discussed in the Sicha.
If you would like to receive the booklet weekly through email, contact ycback2basics@gmail.com
And for anyone else interested in learning the language, here is a recently published book which should help:
Friday, August 12, 2011
Bnei Akiva on the brink?
What about the Melbourne and Sydney branches?
Bnei Akiva in financial trouble Ofer Petersburg YNetnews.com
World's largest religious Zionist youth movement faces budget deficit of tens of millions of shekels, half of Jerusalem staff fired, educational departments shut down. 'There are some difficulties, but we're a strong movement,' says senior World Bnei Akiva official.
The World Bnei Akiva movement appears to be on the brink of collapse: Religious Zionism's huge enterprise is operating at a deficit of tens of millions of shekels, half of the movement's staff in Jerusalem has been fired, and educational activity departments have been shut down.
The movement is facing a cash flow problem due to cutbacks in the Jewish Agency, World Zionist Organization and Education Ministry. It did not receive NIS 700,000 (about $200,000) which should have been transferred from the Education Ministry and more than $1 million from the Jewish Agency, and was forced to find an alternative for the money from communal funding. But the movement's donors, mostly in the United States, have been affected by the global financial crisis.
"Our situation has worsened, threatening the performance of the enterprise which has been accompanying the State's activity throughout the years," says Knesset Member Zevulun Orlev (Habayit Hayehudi), co-president of the World Mizrahi Movement. "There was a time when the WZO and JA carried most of the burden of the Zionist youth movements, but since they're facing difficulties too, the movement is in a bad situation."
Orlev's biggest fear is that the movement's activity will suffer significantly. "Our offices abroad will be affected by the lack of budget and their existence will be questioned. The summer activities will be reduced. I call on the government to come to its senses immediately."
The movement's current secretary-general, Zeev Schwartz, will leave office ahead of the Jewish New Year. Due to the situation, the activity in Israel has been reduced and the number of emissaries abroad has been cut. At least half of the employees have been dismissed. Key departments such as training and PR have been shut down until the movement balances its budget.
Bnei Akiva is an educational enterprise which has trained many generations: 20,000 active trainees across the world, 100,000 people who have immigrated to Israel following the movement's activity, and 200 active emissaries in 70 main cities across the world.
The movement's representatives on the ground talk about a "total collapse". A movement employee told the Kipa website that "the situation has never been worse. The remaining employees are working around the clock to bridge the gaps created following the resource and manpower cutbacks".According to the worker, "The movement will have to minimize its activities. It's a shame that one of the only movements working for Religious Zionism must end its historic role this way."
A senior Bnei Akiva official told Yedioth Ahronoth in response, "It's true that there's a cash flow problem and that we need four million shekels immediately, but Bnei Akiva is a strong movement and is not on the brink of collapse. That's a malicious thing to say. The end of the secretary-general's term led to the recent reports, some of which are irresponsible."
Some comments posted on that site:
Maybe now they will cut back on the Haridi tendencies of the last few years. The separation of boys from girls, the emphasis on fanatical religion, instead of pluralistic religious values.
Shlomo K , Rananna (08.10.11)
2. Bnei Akiva's badly behaved youth
If the end of the funding will bring an end to their Tel Aviv youth center, in which undisciplined screaming and shrieking frequently goes on several times a week until 3-4 a.m., we, the long-suffering neighbours will be crying no tears for Bnei Akiva's demise. 4 million shekels can be better used towards providing more desperately needed hospitals.
Glen , Tel Aviv (08.10.11)
3. Yeshivot Bmei Akiva
the shake up at Yeshivat HaKotel dealt a permanent financial blow years ago. Now Bnei Akiva is getting what it deserves
joe , usa (08.10.11)
4. Bnei Akiva must survive
It has done wonderful outreach work among Jewish youth in the diaspora and was a part of the Israeli social landscape as long as I can remember. However, as the previous talkbacker notes, there has been a strong Haredification in recent years which has caused many modern orthodox young people to look elsewhere for their social life. Personally I attribute this to the very marked increase in Haredi trained teachers in the Mamlachti Dati school system, which has also become sex-segregated from Kita Alef in many towns, and places heavy and often inappropriate emphasis on "modesty" as interpreted by the minority ultra-orthodox stream. I believe that the above is also contributing to the current desertion of religious practice by young adults today who have been taught outward forms instead of spiritual and cultural truths.
Israeli grandma (08.10.11)
5. The state can t let them fall.
The best youth Israel has, comes from this organisation.
ORA , JERUSALEM (08.10.11)
6. collapse
Anybody that falls into the hands of the haridi collapses.These pests are only there to thieve legally and have no intensions to further the aims of the Bnei Akiva principles.Hope the whole activity falls and then maybe people will realise the corruption of the HARIDI
colin (08.10.11)
7. Cause was too many ex BAniks sticking their hands in the pot
It was wonderful to know how many ex hanicha made aliyah, but what was disturbing was that instead of finding a proper job they ended up working for the organisation in Israel instead. They were given jobs that enabled them to return home to the UK on the pretence of a meeting when a phone call or Skype would surfice. They were given jobs as department managers in title but in reality were no more than clerks - grand titles for simple jobs. Thats where the money went - it is not like the days of yesteryear running on a shoestring so as to build up the State and being prepared to inovate instead of spend as if there was no limit. They failed because of constantly taking from the pot, especially those from the UK.
Sid , Jerusalem (08.10.11)
8. I am sure that Bibi will find money for them!
No doubt he will take something that was earmarked for hospital equipment or children in distress because of family violence, so he can enure their vote in the next election which might not be that far off! Netanyahu will find money for anything that will serve his political career and his ego. However, we must also recognize that Bnei Akiva is strongly Zionist and supports serving in the IDF.
David , Karmiel, Israel (08.10.11)
9. As a former Bnei Akiva Rosh Snif I say "Good!"
This movement, which I was once proud to serve, has become an extreme Rightist disgrace. I hope they collapse!
Dovid , Los Angeles (08.10.11)
World's largest religious Zionist youth movement faces budget deficit of tens of millions of shekels, half of Jerusalem staff fired, educational departments shut down. 'There are some difficulties, but we're a strong movement,' says senior World Bnei Akiva official.
The World Bnei Akiva movement appears to be on the brink of collapse: Religious Zionism's huge enterprise is operating at a deficit of tens of millions of shekels, half of the movement's staff in Jerusalem has been fired, and educational activity departments have been shut down.
The movement is facing a cash flow problem due to cutbacks in the Jewish Agency, World Zionist Organization and Education Ministry. It did not receive NIS 700,000 (about $200,000) which should have been transferred from the Education Ministry and more than $1 million from the Jewish Agency, and was forced to find an alternative for the money from communal funding. But the movement's donors, mostly in the United States, have been affected by the global financial crisis.
"Our situation has worsened, threatening the performance of the enterprise which has been accompanying the State's activity throughout the years," says Knesset Member Zevulun Orlev (Habayit Hayehudi), co-president of the World Mizrahi Movement. "There was a time when the WZO and JA carried most of the burden of the Zionist youth movements, but since they're facing difficulties too, the movement is in a bad situation."
Orlev's biggest fear is that the movement's activity will suffer significantly. "Our offices abroad will be affected by the lack of budget and their existence will be questioned. The summer activities will be reduced. I call on the government to come to its senses immediately."
The movement's current secretary-general, Zeev Schwartz, will leave office ahead of the Jewish New Year. Due to the situation, the activity in Israel has been reduced and the number of emissaries abroad has been cut. At least half of the employees have been dismissed. Key departments such as training and PR have been shut down until the movement balances its budget.
Bnei Akiva is an educational enterprise which has trained many generations: 20,000 active trainees across the world, 100,000 people who have immigrated to Israel following the movement's activity, and 200 active emissaries in 70 main cities across the world.
The movement's representatives on the ground talk about a "total collapse". A movement employee told the Kipa website that "the situation has never been worse. The remaining employees are working around the clock to bridge the gaps created following the resource and manpower cutbacks".According to the worker, "The movement will have to minimize its activities. It's a shame that one of the only movements working for Religious Zionism must end its historic role this way."
A senior Bnei Akiva official told Yedioth Ahronoth in response, "It's true that there's a cash flow problem and that we need four million shekels immediately, but Bnei Akiva is a strong movement and is not on the brink of collapse. That's a malicious thing to say. The end of the secretary-general's term led to the recent reports, some of which are irresponsible."
1. Bnai Akiva's gone haridi
Maybe now they will cut back on the Haridi tendencies of the last few years. The separation of boys from girls, the emphasis on fanatical religion, instead of pluralistic religious values.
Shlomo K , Rananna (08.10.11)
2. Bnei Akiva's badly behaved youth
If the end of the funding will bring an end to their Tel Aviv youth center, in which undisciplined screaming and shrieking frequently goes on several times a week until 3-4 a.m., we, the long-suffering neighbours will be crying no tears for Bnei Akiva's demise. 4 million shekels can be better used towards providing more desperately needed hospitals.
Glen , Tel Aviv (08.10.11)
3. Yeshivot Bmei Akiva
the shake up at Yeshivat HaKotel dealt a permanent financial blow years ago. Now Bnei Akiva is getting what it deserves
joe , usa (08.10.11)
4. Bnei Akiva must survive
It has done wonderful outreach work among Jewish youth in the diaspora and was a part of the Israeli social landscape as long as I can remember. However, as the previous talkbacker notes, there has been a strong Haredification in recent years which has caused many modern orthodox young people to look elsewhere for their social life. Personally I attribute this to the very marked increase in Haredi trained teachers in the Mamlachti Dati school system, which has also become sex-segregated from Kita Alef in many towns, and places heavy and often inappropriate emphasis on "modesty" as interpreted by the minority ultra-orthodox stream. I believe that the above is also contributing to the current desertion of religious practice by young adults today who have been taught outward forms instead of spiritual and cultural truths.
Israeli grandma (08.10.11)
5. The state can t let them fall.
The best youth Israel has, comes from this organisation.
ORA , JERUSALEM (08.10.11)
6. collapse
Anybody that falls into the hands of the haridi collapses.These pests are only there to thieve legally and have no intensions to further the aims of the Bnei Akiva principles.Hope the whole activity falls and then maybe people will realise the corruption of the HARIDI
colin (08.10.11)
7. Cause was too many ex BAniks sticking their hands in the pot
It was wonderful to know how many ex hanicha made aliyah, but what was disturbing was that instead of finding a proper job they ended up working for the organisation in Israel instead. They were given jobs that enabled them to return home to the UK on the pretence of a meeting when a phone call or Skype would surfice. They were given jobs as department managers in title but in reality were no more than clerks - grand titles for simple jobs. Thats where the money went - it is not like the days of yesteryear running on a shoestring so as to build up the State and being prepared to inovate instead of spend as if there was no limit. They failed because of constantly taking from the pot, especially those from the UK.
Sid , Jerusalem (08.10.11)
8. I am sure that Bibi will find money for them!
No doubt he will take something that was earmarked for hospital equipment or children in distress because of family violence, so he can enure their vote in the next election which might not be that far off! Netanyahu will find money for anything that will serve his political career and his ego. However, we must also recognize that Bnei Akiva is strongly Zionist and supports serving in the IDF.
David , Karmiel, Israel (08.10.11)
9. As a former Bnei Akiva Rosh Snif I say "Good!"
This movement, which I was once proud to serve, has become an extreme Rightist disgrace. I hope they collapse!
Dovid , Los Angeles (08.10.11)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Bobblehead rabbi: The ultimate honour?
Posted by "American Reader"
Here's a one-year-older-than-God's-parents joke about a rabbi who nodded his head a lot:
In a small Russian town, people brought their complaints to Rabbi Korsunsky to settle their differences. This day, two men were before the rabbi. He listened to the first and said, "You are right." Then he listened to the second man and said, "You are right." When they left, his wife, who was listening in the next room, said to him, "You're supposed to be some kind of judge? How can they be both right?" He listened to her and said, "You're right, too."
On August 8, the San Francisco Giants unveil a rabbi only slightly less agreeable — a nodding headed doll of San Francisco's Rabbi Yosef Langer, who serves as the team's "Rally Rabbi" on Jewish Heritage Night.
So far, more people seem to be bobbing their heads vertically ("cute!") than horizontally ("it's bad for the Jews!") with regards to the Orthodox bobblehead. One senior official with the team told me that he's received only two letters of complaint compared to oodles of "Can you save me one of those?" queries.
Either way, it's hardly the oddest bobblehead doll out there. In fact, it's not even the first rabbinical bobblehead — Rabbi Shmuley Boteach has been nodding for a while.
While once simply a charming accessory, bobbleheads have truly taken a bizarre turn in recent years. (link)
--
Could be a fundraising idea for Chabad Houses - a bobblehead doll of their rabbi.
And here's another idea that won't take long to be replicated on our shores:
In a small Russian town, people brought their complaints to Rabbi Korsunsky to settle their differences. This day, two men were before the rabbi. He listened to the first and said, "You are right." Then he listened to the second man and said, "You are right." When they left, his wife, who was listening in the next room, said to him, "You're supposed to be some kind of judge? How can they be both right?" He listened to her and said, "You're right, too."
On August 8, the San Francisco Giants unveil a rabbi only slightly less agreeable — a nodding headed doll of San Francisco's Rabbi Yosef Langer, who serves as the team's "Rally Rabbi" on Jewish Heritage Night.
So far, more people seem to be bobbing their heads vertically ("cute!") than horizontally ("it's bad for the Jews!") with regards to the Orthodox bobblehead. One senior official with the team told me that he's received only two letters of complaint compared to oodles of "Can you save me one of those?" queries.
Either way, it's hardly the oddest bobblehead doll out there. In fact, it's not even the first rabbinical bobblehead — Rabbi Shmuley Boteach has been nodding for a while.
While once simply a charming accessory, bobbleheads have truly taken a bizarre turn in recent years. (link)
--
Could be a fundraising idea for Chabad Houses - a bobblehead doll of their rabbi.
And here's another idea that won't take long to be replicated on our shores:
Monday, August 1, 2011
Media release from Rabbi Yosef Feldman
Hat tip - SBA list
Following on the AJN's shameful front page report last week - we have just received the following:
Media release from Rabbi Yosef Feldman
On 27 July 2011 and on 29 July 2011, a series of false and defamatory allegations were published by the Australian Jewish News concerning Rabbi Yosef Feldman .
The article, published under the byline of the AJN’s senior Sydney journalist, Joshua Levi, imputed that Rabbi Feldman was in favour of covering up acts of paedophilia by not reporting those acts to the police.
Those statements in the Australian Jewish News were false and are highly damaging to the Rabbi's high reputation. The Rabbi is presently considering the commencement of legal proceedings against the Australian Jewish News, its editor Zeddy Lawrence and Joshua Levi for defamation.
Rabbi Yosef Feldman has, at all times, publicly endorsed the unanimous view of the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales under his Presidency - that all acts of abuse must be reported to the police.
It would appear that the AJN obtained, by means unknown, an internal email exchange among Rabbis in which there was academic discussion of a range of views held by international scholars on how to deal with situations not subject to mandatory reporting. The AJN took extracts from that exchange and constructed a story and an editorial which attributed to the Rabbi views and opinions which he simply does not hold.
The Rabbi does not wish to speculate upon the AJN's motivation in publishing such a scandalously false piece of journalism. His only concern is to repair the damage done to his good name.
The true position is that Rabbi Feldman, like all other right thinking Australian citizens, believes that acts of paedophilia should and must be reported to the police for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution. It is not, and has never been, his view that criminal conduct of this kind should be covered up. The Rabbi's stance is that suspected paedophiles must face the Australian legal system.
There is no suggestion that any abuse has occurred in any Jewish establishment in New South Wales. However, the unanimous view of Rabbi Feldman and the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales is that suspected paedophiles must, if discovered, be reported to the police.
Following on the AJN's shameful front page report last week - we have just received the following:
Media release from Rabbi Yosef Feldman
On 27 July 2011 and on 29 July 2011, a series of false and defamatory allegations were published by the Australian Jewish News concerning Rabbi Yosef Feldman .
The article, published under the byline of the AJN’s senior Sydney journalist, Joshua Levi, imputed that Rabbi Feldman was in favour of covering up acts of paedophilia by not reporting those acts to the police.
Those statements in the Australian Jewish News were false and are highly damaging to the Rabbi's high reputation. The Rabbi is presently considering the commencement of legal proceedings against the Australian Jewish News, its editor Zeddy Lawrence and Joshua Levi for defamation.
Rabbi Yosef Feldman has, at all times, publicly endorsed the unanimous view of the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales under his Presidency - that all acts of abuse must be reported to the police.
It would appear that the AJN obtained, by means unknown, an internal email exchange among Rabbis in which there was academic discussion of a range of views held by international scholars on how to deal with situations not subject to mandatory reporting. The AJN took extracts from that exchange and constructed a story and an editorial which attributed to the Rabbi views and opinions which he simply does not hold.
The Rabbi does not wish to speculate upon the AJN's motivation in publishing such a scandalously false piece of journalism. His only concern is to repair the damage done to his good name.
The true position is that Rabbi Feldman, like all other right thinking Australian citizens, believes that acts of paedophilia should and must be reported to the police for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution. It is not, and has never been, his view that criminal conduct of this kind should be covered up. The Rabbi's stance is that suspected paedophiles must face the Australian legal system.
There is no suggestion that any abuse has occurred in any Jewish establishment in New South Wales. However, the unanimous view of Rabbi Feldman and the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales is that suspected paedophiles must, if discovered, be reported to the police.
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