Jewish and Israeli Blog Round-Up! 11 Sh'vat 5774

And the much esteemed Haveil Havalim keeps shining, lighting up our road.

Haveil Havalim #263: Post - Yom ha Shoa edition

This week was indeed, as one of the bloggers mentioned, a frenetic one. Yom ha Shoa, the Kam/Blau scandal, the Holyland bribery affair that's just started to unfold, the Polish elite tragically expiring in a plane crash. Throw in about five (or ten) powerful earthquakes in different corners of the world, and the job of putting it all in a perspective becomes a tough one.

As usual, let's go to the reminder - what HH is about:

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'havel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

Now that we are all on the same page we can start: again with a picture by Dzeni:

Note that the names on the Yellow Badge are not "recycled" from previous images - even though the shape is the same. A large version of the picture is available at this link.

Holocaust

What makes her different from many other Jews of her generation?

Her Holocaust Memorial Day.

Poland and the day of remembrance.

Holocaust Memorial Day: thoughts.

Never again.

A Window to Hope and Despair.

The Story of the Treblinka Extermination Camp.

Day Of Remembrance

Lest we forget.

Tragedy and Glory: Resistance and Remembrance on Yom HaShoah.

The 'Virtues of Memory'.

Against All Odds, My Grandmother’s Story.

Personal Journeys: A Child of the Holocaust.

Deanna Durbin and the Holocaust.

Nu, Israel?

The Scandal (a separate paragraph for the Kam/Blau affair). We shall definitely continue talking about it for a while. Like In The Time of The Judges, say some. And how about Moshe Negbi who thinks that Anat Kam is Another Ellsberg? And, as a matter of self-aggrandizing: my four bits too.

Smelly and yummy usually means cheesy.

The US-Israel bond may shake and break. For sure.

Let's Wait A Generation or Two - I am ready to.

The phony “peace process” - yes, as phony as they come.

Dog, cat, kids and a Shiloh history story.

Falafel for falafels. It's time, too...

Taking Down the Caravilla. Be shaah tova!

And another day in Israel.

Will a "Palestinian" Islamic Terror State be Forced Upon Israel?

About the Money…

Bulldozing our history.

And, on the other hand: Israeli street names: Hassan Shuqri.

Remembering Chaim - Memorial Day 5770.

It isn’t Israel causing Iran’s race for the bomb.

Israel’s economic rather than military wings are spread and flying independently. Good.

Solution for High School Tuition Crisis? Almost, I would say.

On Ariadna Jove Martí, Conflict Tourism and Wannabe Martyrs.

Jewish Anti-Semitism. It sure goes around.

Let Them Meet Steel. Maybe.

A marriage of convenience - would you believe such a thing exists?

110 useful and educational links about Israel toward Independence Day.

Judaism and Jewish Culture

Aren't we, the Jooz, allowed to pour some righteous wrath from time to time, even if the pouring is pretty much virtual and harmless?

The bus issue that just wouldn't go away or Rebellion On Jerusalem Bus No. 74 .

On the pace and scheduling of public prayer (I wonder why, if we are so clever, hadn't we invented that prayer wheel?).

On Ta’amei Ha-Mitzvot.

Teaching Jr About Tolerance of "Other" Jews. Yep, not easy that one.

Religion and State in Israel - April 12, 2010 - in two parts.

A good question regarding modesty. And another on mikvah rules.

How did Chazal know that 'drop exudes from the brain and develops into semen'? Well, isn't it all in our minds? I wouldn't know the answer for sure.

Are the Samaritans right in how to spell veHanosei?

What is Yom HaAtzmaut?

Ah, But How White are His Teeth! Good.

On orthoprax Jews and orthoprax Christians.

And now to the big stuff.

A Time to Keep Silent…and A Time to Speak. A great one, even if I say it.

Man: pinnacle of Creation or anticlimax? I knew a person that claimed that pinnacle to be a dose of tequila with salt and lemon on the side, but it's questionable... cause there is whiskey.

Once upon a time, there was a holiday called Pesah (Passover).

Rescuing Lust from Extinction.

Now, does a woman have to be afraid if she runs past a group of Haredi men in the park?

Stuff Yeshivish People Like. Why, some of these I like too...

Out and About (and the Benefit of the Doubt).

Understanding the Misunderstood: The Bible.

General (politics and other trifles)

So what is the Middle East's biggest con-game? No, it's not oil. And when you have your usual guilty party in your sights, you don't have to worry about Iran.

President Obama’s Anti-terrorism Theatrics: A Tale of Two Cities.

Equal opportunity blamers - a new game in town? And don't miss The wages of appeasement.

Did Netanyahu Come To Obama's Nuclear Summit After All--Impersonating Sarkozy?

Definition of “terrorism”. With a "but".

A challenge: tell your story in six words! Prizes - TBD (To Be Defined).

Obama’s Pie in the Sky. And We Need to Connect the Dots.

Gnome Chomsky 5: and his dog predicate. He he he.

National Nuclear Festival in Tehran. A strange holiday, you would agree.

British Lawyer Wants to Throw Global Warming Doubters in Jail! For Eco-Cide? Nu, shoin, now I have seen it all (Nah, I am joking, of course).

Darkness in Gaza: so who is guilty? Guess.

Baby Assad vs. Barack Obama. 1:0 after the first game.

Those far right but very wealthy Jewish-American organizations. Go figure.

Stephen Walt gets a smackdown. Always a pleasure.

The wrong way to fight Jihad.

Get some perspective on Jewish losses, Obama!

Times Square bombing plot – seriously scary. More to come, I'm afraid.

76 of 100 Senators urge Clinton to reaffirm bonds with Israel. Like one can count on whatever Hilary pledges.

The Guardian parades Rachel Shabi’s ignorance – again. Bleh...

Ed Koch: almost off the Obama train. Thank You, Former Mayor Koch.

Blank slate.

Of Plots And Monsignors. Cool? You bet.

One-state tour visits our town. Or - a plague of one-staters?

Mass Starvation and Displacement in Syria.

Dangerous doppelgangers - has this ever happened to you? Er...

Calling all angels. Yes, we may need some of them soon.

Hebrew: To Unite All Jews. Yes, but sometimes on a bad day I think that it will be better if each of us was talking a different language, to prevent internecine squabbles.

Why ChaCha = Fail?

Kyrgyzstan Jewish Community Anxious. I am anxious to know what the heck they are doing there.

Fun

Do you recognize this man?

Solar power scam - I put in it "Fun", although it is neither here nor there. Amazing stuff.

All the people should glorify the honor of being his soldiers and disciples and dash like the wind toward the victory in the drive to build a thriving nation under the uplifted banner of the Juche idea. Mmm... lovely.

A model Zionist? And no drooling on your keyboard, please.

On the other hand: Don’t Let the Bed Bats Bite. Yup.

Unbelievably, many, many families are washing men’s and women’s clothing together at the same time in the same washing machine. It may lead to... to... dancing!!!

BEAJ has finally found a home. Oh boy...

Malaysian Politicians Keep Finding Zionist Plots. All's well, long as it keeps them busy.

British elections campaign and the ups and downs of cows.

How-to cut a Star of David - in 5 paper folds and 4 cuts only!

"Oh Beautiful for Toiletries...." He he.


Cats (but of course)and (as an exception) dogs

Now It Can Be Told: That Cat Can’t Stay Is Out!

Does a person have a right to a bad day? I guess so.

Personal

Locusts. A matter of taste, I am still sure (this is why I put it in Personals).

Jacob Richman opened a Cafepress Store.

I have danced to the end of love, she says.

A History of My Child's Life.

Why Rabbis have no friends, Part 24. Do they? Some of my best... nah, I am delirious.

Take life as it comes, a day, and an hour, at a time. Advises don't come any better than this one.

And now to the Late City Edition.


Meta HH

Please send your posts for the next edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow-at-sbcglobal-dot-net.

And please, let me know if you find a broken link, it happens from time to time.

Haveil Havalim #255: post - Groundhog Day edition

The reason why this edition is called post - Groundhog Day is that there were no meaningful holidays in the vicinity. And the only Jewish/Israeli connection to Groundhog Day (the animal in question not being kosher) is our local variety of that animal:

My initial sentiment was to expect him out of his bunker this time. But, upon second thought, why not let him be? He is pretty well used to the underground way of life by now, and besides - what do we all need him for above ground?

Anyway, let's go to the reminder - what HH is about:

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'havel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

Now that we are all on the same page we can start: again with a picture by Dzeni:

If you are not into Ferrari or something like this, the ad for a Tu Be Shvat - friendly car should appeal to you too.

So, Israel?

PLO/Fatah has a new charter. And here is why this charter wouldn't bring peace.

Are we indeed preparing for The Great Expulsion?

How Many Kids Can One Man Abuse? Apparently a lot, although to be frank, the problem is not resolved in any democracy. It's not a simple one.

The Aral Tradition. Interesting angle.

On The Beauty of Hebrew. Amazingly (great minds thinking alike?) on the same subject.

You Don’t Need to Be Dyslexic to See the Fink in the NIF. Indeed. More on the same subject: New Israel Fund Funding End of Israel and New Israel Fund supports anti-Zionist propaganda.

While we are all proud of IDF effort to help the victims of Haiti disaster, some people cannot help Exploiting Israeli aid for politics and Israel-bashing. Well, the dogs they are a-barking, but the flying aid continues.

I looks that it's not only I that came to Inescapable conclusion: Israel must probe the Gaza war. We were successfully painting ourselves into that corner, and here we are. More on the doofuses who...but of course we'll continue to disagree on this, as on everything else.Which doesn't necessarily have ought to do with the fact that Goldstone is the result of 40 years of the perversion of international law. Or The goldstone rumor mill. Not to forget: Goldstone, Oy!

Responding to a peace activist: a difficult task well done.

Fit for a king (David). If you like the man or not - he is a guest. I would much prefer to see Carlos Santana, but he ain't coming anytime soon, it seems. Still, OK, Italian Prime Minister Has Meaningful Visit. So be it.

To 443 or not to 443? Is it a good question or is it a good question?

Preparing for the Israeli Earthquake. I guess we'll be as prepared as we are for anything else. At least we are great in the afterthought.

When in need: computer professionals support groups in Israel.

Abbas probably never saw it coming - yep.

How many rocket attacks in a ceasefire? Do you still count?

Surprise, surprise! Gazans don't think they benefit from tunnels.

There are good things one could say about Lieberman, but he's clearly in the wrong job. I could add that I don't know whether he was a good bouncer, but this is neither here not there.

Aardvark Israel is Launched: What Does It Mean? Curious? Just read it.

Why El-Al Threatens to End South African Route - with a good reason.

I Explained That They Were Like Spies. Why "like", Batya? Diplomats, spies - same difference.

Madonna At the Kotel - not what you think about (too much, if you ask me).

Very Private Prayer on the Public Bus - that's fine. No one should mind, I guess. Unlike the Battle at the Kotel and the "mehadrin buses" battles, which many of us do mind.


Judaism and Jewish Culture

Maghen Avraham synagogue in Beirut - a monument to the past.

More Unites Us Than Divides Us: An Observation. Should I add to that: united we stand? Doesn't work very well for us, does it? Also: Halachah Question: Beis Din.

Something different for a change: on the books by Sydney Taylor.

"Yeshivish" as a second language - quite amazing.

Ayn Rand and R' Shimon Shkop - it's about balance.

Did all the nation *see* the sounds? Like in "And all the people saw the voices..."

Uncle Why Answers More of Your Jews Questions. In details, too.

More on Religion and State in Israel. And more.

Splitting Sea, Miriam's Tambourines, Manna Cookies - don't you just love it?

Our Tu b'Shevat Seder? Nu nu... and I thought... oh well.

Cantorial Music: An A-choired Taste? Interesting question. Not to speak about R' (or "Know when to walk away").

On Being Grandparents, not Cash Cows. And I thought these were synonyms...

Thoughts and Musings on the 2010 Kosher Restaurant & Wine Experience. Reading this, I wondered about the author's classification: somewhere between three different kinds of religious Jooz and one kind of non-Jooz he lost one (granted, less important) category... you guess which one.

Men Mind the Home As Women Arrive At Chabad Headquarters. And more power to the women, I say!

Want to spice your son's bar-mitzvah with a First Class Piper?


General (politics and other trifles)

Remember Enderlin, he of Al Durah affair? The man hits bottom, keeps digging. Let him keep at it, and the deeper the better.

Chomsky theology - this invention made my day. Bulls' eye.

You want to kill the Jews? Sure, dad/mom...

Kill dependency on foreign energy and we kill support for Islamists. Good point. Remember it when you stop at the pump next time.

The Greeks had a word for it: hypocrisy. They sure knew what they are talking about.

The Porajmos never really ends. No, it doesn't.

This why I consider going for a Hummer: Climate change boss owns FIVE cars and has chauffeur.

If you are not with us, you are against us! Good stuff, only one remark - it's a paraphrase of Lenin's reference to some other party at the time. Mr Vinogradov used it for his own purposes.

England is the breeding ground of fundamentalist Muslims, some quite respectable people dare say. Would I argue?

Do You Get Drained By Other People's Energy? I do.

Protesting Galloway’s Terror Roadshow. Doesn't usually help with that vermin.

A short lesson in defamation. Goes a long way to understanding the Independent.

More on the truth behind the smiling mug of Mahmoud the Mad.

Ladies and Gentlemen…Mr. Leonard Cohen. So good.

Legacy of Hope: Anti-Semitism, the Holocaust and Resistance Yesterday and Today.

When should parents stop giving? Oy vey, that's a tough one.

Osama Bin Laden, the Media and “The Memento Effect” - a great one indeed.

Taking Tea with the Taliban? Better bring your own poison, methinks.

About the State of Obama. Well, he still has 3 years of guaranteed employment...

Financial Times 2009: A year of Middle East editorials, a year of anti-Israeli crap.

Ben White, David Irving, An Israeli And Oxbridge Types. Not surprising, but educating nevertheless.

Israel has a friend in Italy, some people say. But not much of a friend. Entertaining, though.

So whom the God hates? The freaks from the Westboro Baptist Church surely don't think it's them.

Some morning briefs that may save your coffee expenses: your adrenalin will surge without it. And the news the wire services don’t report. Why should they, indeed?

Where do you expect to find the backer of Iraq's Chemical Ali? Of course you are right, in the UN Human Rights Commission...

French Catholic Church's Dhimmitude - an interesting point, isn't it?

To drill or not to drill? Even in Israel they are drilling like mad, so why not in US?

Guardian vs. the IDF response to the Goldstone report - a comedy of want overcoming wit.

Tony Greenstein aka Tony Greenstalin aka Tone the Tea Leaf, goes into attacking mode.


Fun

Extreme sheep LED art. Tres cool indeed!

HaHaפuch: It's Not Just a Coffee Anymore. Good. I hate coffee carrying this name.

An Israeli, a Palestinian, and Peace Negotiator walk into a Bar. Not bad.

Great Folk Tales! But the Bank Leumi express lane is not a tale - a friend of my friend personally... aw what the heck!

Are daughters smart, even when they are having a touch of flu? Definitely. And a careful blogger should take it into account.

Are meteorologists a sinister bunch of crooks? You decide.

Was Elvis Jewish, he asks? What does he mean by "was"? "Was" - what a weird notion. I talk to the man almost daily...

Aussie Dave’s Advice For the Dumb. I would add a corollary: if you insist on doing it, why waste your time on a semi-nude one?

And you thought we are done with the Groundhog Day? Not yet, read this first.

Lipa Schmeltzer concert causes Haiti Earthquake? Nu, shoin - now I have heard it all.

Should this man be banned from Trader Joe's? I say - not yet.

An Atheist's NFL Predictions (yes, I put in in the Fun section on purpose).

Iran says its 'compelling logic' scares enemy. Now tell me it's not funny.


Cats (but of course)

A touching photo-eulogy to Catschka, RIP.


Personal

Thank G-d for Family in a Crisis. So true.

I guess this post by now covers four subjects (this is a whole "WOW" for efficiency), but the granddaughters are beautiful indeed.

A lovely story about Zaydee Dovid. And a great picture too.

Another set of great and moving pictures: Great-Uncle Harold: A Photo History without Words.


Movies with Jojo - for a person who doesn't dig movies.

We don't ask for directions and we don't ask for a shoulder to cry on, even though we all want it. Nu, nu...

Laurie R. King Replies. That's way too cool. I wonder if an autograph from Stephen is possible.


Meta HH

Please send your posts for the next edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow-at-sbcglobal-dot-net.

And please, let me know if you find a broken link, it happens from time to time.

Haveil Havalim #241 - The Blogoversary Edition

The reason why this edition is called The Blogoversary is down there in Personal, anyway it is not that important. What's really important is to remind everyone what HH is about:

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

A special remark to this edition: I never censor submissions to HH. It being so, any complaint or even a slightest grumble about other blogger's "unacceptable" political, religious, sexual or any other preferences will be met with a swift, rude and most forceful response possible. So take care.

Now that we are all on the same page we can start: with another picture by Dzeni:

First of all, it's kind of a tradition here with me (see Personal) and, besides, the sheep was irresistible.

Nu, Israel

Yes! The first blogger to notice the rain! A few clues that winter is headed our way.

Rabin - 14 years later. Agree with him or not - but what do we have in the recent crop of politicos? Gurnisht, I am afraid. And these days, peace seems more elusive than ever…

And, of course, this is what being Jewish means: an opposite view of Rabin.

When convenient, close, and cheap are an oxymoron. And, speaking about prices and neighbors: how expensive could Arab olives become?

Chronicles of a Water Crisis: Litzman Sheds Crocodile Tears and MK Tirosh Advocates Civil Disobedience. So good.

No one else mentioned this yet, so Goldstone and investigating the Gaza war.

One of the most beautiful sights in the world... true, and the more the merrier. And another important item: A Quick and Easy Guide to Living in Celsius. Now how about the other way around?

Finally: Bad Things About Israel. We had it coming... but of course, you can't expect a Canuck to write the word "neighbours" in a correct way.

Bridging the chasm between us - it's a tough and a critical issue indeed.

Lebanon: Israeli Agents Launching Rockets At Themselves To Make Us Look Bad. As expected.

Jon Stewart interviews Anna Beltzer and Mustafa Barghouti. J.S. gets to be a pain in the neck lately.

Iranian Negotiations: Ploy of the Week or Deal of the Century? And excellent question. I am afraid that many of us suspect the same answer.

Jerusalem - not on an empty stomach.

She doesn't take no prisoners at all, as they say in Hebrew.

6′-11″ 260-pound of craving for Jack in the Box? The things people crave for...

Dead Sea skin. Cool.

Can There Be Any Doubt About The YeSh"A Council? You tell me... I have doubts about everything.

You think breast cancer has no boundaries? Think again.

Nostalgia Sunday – Gil Gibli Investigates Past Crimes.

Most people who write about the unending hummus wars forget one simple thing: these wars are superior to the other kind...

The Temple Mount: Herod; Waqf; PA; Etc. I would say Herod's approach to things was the most straightforward. Oh well.

So what is another day in Israel about? Take one: The Day In Israel: Fri Oct 30th, 2009.

Amnesty's Palestinian water shortage hoax - when you don't know what to lie about next, always turn to Israel, it works. More: The Latest Libel Against Israel.

Yes, IDF is the peoples' army. Hope it remains so forever.

Time after time about Israel. Yes, times change.

Yep, and this happens here to: the new locked door policy.

Queers for Palestine: They’re on the wrong side.

Judaism and Jewish Culture

So what is the Secret Code? A question I am disqualified from answering for two reasons.

To anyone who wonders about the Perils of the Jewish Blogosphere, I would like to say: no worries, jump in and start exercising the jaws. And make them feel your bite, there is no other way.

Critique of Pure-Unreason - food for thought, indeed.

A question asked: Ashkenazi or Sephardi? Please respond.

Intent of the seller. Complicated.

Should they fall? You tell me.

If Never Fail Challah isn't Judaism, what is?

Nu shoin, it's Yiddish now. Mottel makes it tough on us. But then: Rebuilding Babel: A Redux in Blank Verse.

Religion and state in Israel - in two parts. And close to this subject: The Chumra Stops Here - on the famous segregated buses.

Real Jewish activism. "One might assume that Jewish activism must be both Jewish and be activist to warrant this description". Difficult to disagree. And a good example of such.

When a person misses teaching Religious School sometimes. And some thoughts on hair covering, which also don't apply to me, and also for two reasons. Ehehe.

Taking all of the trouble out of writing a dvar torah.

Shiloh - What's In A Name? You have it all figured out for you.

The Illuminated Fortress and Abraham.

Rescinding a Get. No, thanks, I shall waive the whole get issue. Stay put is my motto.

The Jews of China - welcome to the club.

Os Judeus Sefarditas de Inglaterra. Hint - use the "English translation" button.

Ethical Wills and the Second Death.

Now some counterpoints: Evolution - The 'Best' Counter Arguments. On the other hand: Roman Polanski's Story Could Have Been An Old Testament Saga.

MO Rabbis say texting on shabbos is better than talking in shul. Oy vey...

A wonderful way to spend Shabbat.

General

And unlikely pair of self-hating Jews gets exposed... nu, shoin.

The Shape Of Things To Come? I hope not.

What with expecting a "clean" bomb from the East, now we have to worry about a "dirty" bomb from former Soviet States too?

The stuff of nightmares. Part two.

Beware neighbours who turn into monsters.

The masks are starting to fall. Good.

Is This The Boston Globe or Al-Aqsa TV? Good question.

How can we do without a single mention of that health care reform? Cannot Afford to Be Wrong.

To URJ: Israel is not the USA. Yeah, well, you would think it's obvious. But not, as it appears.

Relationship between Support for Israel and Freedom. Remarkable or remarkable?

Invitation to CiF. My "favorite" too.

Re Wicked Bitches of yesteryear.

Supposedly unrelated: Time of The Rangers. But interesting nevertheless.

Invoked the ire of the Paulistinians… he he he...

This Halloween DON'T GIVE ANY MONEY TO UNICEF !!

Things that frighten him this year.

URJ President Yoffie booed at J Street, I smirk. If it is humanly possible to have a collective smirk, I join this one. Ach, it was a good smirk... And here is another opinion of J Street - roundup of J Street conference posts. And more: For Now, J Street Is Just Not-AIPAC, And It Shows. And how about J Street and designer political opinions? And J Street Round-up, 1.

When too much of Ken Roth is enough: Bernstein answers Ma’ariv’s questions.

I Have Lived A Thousand Years. "Not an easy read, of course, none of them are. I had to put it down several times and go off and do something else to forestall being consumed by anger and tears." About a book by Livia Bitton-Jackson, by the author of Leaving the Alamo.

You better refresh The Day of the Triffids. Cause it's, like, coming.

Unknown Occupations. A must.

Birth of a myth: Rachel's Tomb and the making of an Arab lie.

UN Watch indeed deserves our thanks. More power to them. On same subject: There Must Be As Many UN Special Rapporteurs As Obama Has Czars. So true.

Orwell, antisemitism and Egypt.

Could a person be generous to a fault? Yes, as it appears.

Sex trafficking: the thing no government likes to see.

Sharia Punishment - Behind the Wheel. Car as an instrument of Allah?

Do you still remember the Howard Rotberg affair? Well, I am happy to add that this attempt of oppression of the free speech (there is some of that in Canada, unfortunately) did not do him in. The opposite it true: Howard Rotberg has published two new books: Exploring Vancouverism: The Political Culture of Canada's Lotus Land and Tolerism: The Ideology Revealed.

Ruminations about a birthday gift. Oh boy, the mere thought fills me with dread. And how a pacifist goes on a jihad, with a bit of a genocide on the side.

Ban the books? My opinion on this couldn't be expressed in this post. Self-censorship, you see.

Islamic Jihad celebrating defeats - are you sad?

Haaretz becomes right-wing and more from the Mullah-sphere. Bwahaha.


Fun

The mysterious sect that promotes the plague of unintelligible road signs in Israel doesn't limit its terrorist activity to road signs. Double wow!

Grilled Nation to be accepted as a new UN member state? Fine with me, they already have all kinds...

Fail. Don't drink while reading that one.

The sure thing to make a Russian "Oleh" happy is listening to an American Oleh's Hebrew. Heblish, to be precise. But, apparently, the electric appliances are another good indication.

How to grow up to be tall, sinewy, slim and trim, energetic, extremely clever and modest.

No Mushkie, you can't slam people's poetry. Oy vey, is it an illusion or is it an illusion? And the wild sandy yonder - where, in the land of milk and whatnot?

I would bet that this quiz has more than four answers. But I'm not a betting person.

Great Moments in Great Leaderhood: Songun Underwear. Try to keep your underwear dry when reading this.

Flatfoot Freeschtick - wozzat? You have to read to know.

Circumcise Me! Again! Again!

Help fathers find a masculine halloween costume for your effeminate son.

Now, if you have reached this point in the post (did you really?), you are entitled to watch this and have some more free fun:



Blogging

She got a Normblog profile. Congratulations!

He complains that his best posts are often heartwrenching. But so what: most good things in life are either forbidden or unhealthy or fattening...

Cats (but of course)

Aria.

Kitty palate cleanser.

The Return of Pinocchio.

Personal

Batya, she of many blogs and incomparable energy, retired from her day job. I guess it means that we'll see more blogging and more blogs now. Be sha'ah tova.

It so happened that this HH fell close to Simply Jews fourth blogoversary, which has just (October 29) passed. In that first post So what else is new? I have complained about pigeon shit clogging the rain gutters and about a related issue, namely Mahmoud the Mad. So what else is new indeed?

Some math related to the blogoversary: this Haveil Havalim is the fourth on Simply Jews, so it makes, let me see, an average of one HH per year here. Not bad.

Meta HH

Please send your posts for the next edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. I found this to be very helpful in organizing your posts this week. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow-at-sbcglobal-dot-net.

And please, let me know if you find a broken link, it happens from time to time.

Haveil Havalim 223 – Hot and Humid Edition

This time I've volunteered - I confess. One needs a dose of community service from time to time, even if there are no misdemeanors, police and court decisions involved, I guess. So that's it - in the midst of local summer, when good folks in the coastal area of this country sweat profusely if outside and sneeze and cough when under air conditioning and/or swine flu inside, I am sweating over HH 223 HH edition. No ifs and buts about it.

Here we are, friends, sweating bullets, cannonballs, rockets and other ammo while trying to sort out this edition. Now to the explanation/disclaimer from the founding fathers:

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

Yeah, all that jazz, you know, maximum two posts per your weekly submission and stuff. So let's go! Minding the weather, I shall start with something that is definitely cool:

Created by Dzeni of Not Quite Perfect, this image, cool by itself, carries a cool quote by one of the coolest people ever gracing this not-so-cool planet. I hope you all feel a bit cooler by now, and we can go to the main menu.

Oy, Israel!

That's for your information and general education: There are now no less than three main plans for wiping Israel off the map. Nu, well - we shall see to it, eventually.

Palestinian rejectionism? No way, impossible to believe. Really.

Cherries! Like little hearts bursting wth love for this Land...

Settlement freeze. No matter what is your position on it, there are ways to fight it intelligently and calmly, without undue histrionics. Speaking about histrionics, some attempts at Hasbarah should better be aborted.

Two states of confusion. That's rich - normally one confusion state will suffice... and some think it should be One Land for One People - go figure.

Will the State Department Convince us of His good will? Nu, shoin, another good one for you to ponder.

Nadia Matar of Women In Green is on trial for calling Yonatan Bassi, the coordinator of the Azza Expulsion, a name. Well, not just a name, but a trial?

And what about us? What is it we do/should do after Bibi's speech? On the other hand, you ask, what will Bibi hold out for? A good question. Although - some people think that Bibi may have just gotten the political pass. And Is Israel Caving On The Settlements?

Yesterday [June 22 actually] marked three years (according to the Jewish calendar, this Thursday will be the Gregorian date) since Gilad Schalit was abducted at Kerem Shalom. Three years of talks, of attempts at negotiating his release - but he is still absent. Schalit, however, is not the only Israeli soldier to be left behind.

And yes, it was an Unhappy Father's Day for Noam Shalit. Now - not only in Iran: Twitter Poems for a Brave Israeli Soldier.

Could our errors be comical? You bet.

Having a son in the army. How familiar and always nerve-wracking.

Somewhere in Israel, or in America, there is a Gush Katif kipah - if you find one, let this (exhausted, needless to say) mom know immediately, please. And some people consider that over the years, the orange became dull, dark and dirty, and this week it finally broke and fell off. On a related subject: Sullivan Sullies.

New Tel Aviv Bar The Rogatka Takes Veganism To The Extreme. Is it your kind of shtick? Not mine, for sure. Better be off eating schnitzel with IDF folks. But it's up to you. On the other hand, we still have a few people of the book, what has remained there after the advent of iPhone.

It appears that I (and you too, I guess) missed an important date: 175 years to the Great Plunder of Safed.

Apparently we still live in a land flowing with milk and honey.

Believe it or not, you can have fun with Roadblocks on the West Bank. You bet.

And then, some people are Getting their panties tied up in a bunch! Totally uncool, them.

If he had been Binyamin Netanyahu… I guess he would have been called Bibi then.

Some good news for a change: UK says no to arms embargo on Israel. Well, with caveats...

And more good news: new Israeli educational stamps posted online.

Even more: Omri Casspi Makes History!

Day after day after day. The man is a true titan of Israeli blogging. Hats off, you(we) midgets!

Sheikh Raed Salah, the leader of the Islamic Movement’s northern branch: what can I say about him? Rarely a more deserving person graced the walls of Israeli prisons. Studies in Demopathy: Inside the Haifa U. Muslim Aparthied Speech.

Cutting that cursed cord - now, that's a capital idea!

The snake that roars - in the press, at least.

Are you a bookkeeper? Then take care, someone is after you.

Judaism and Jewish Culture

Wherefore art thou Simon and Schuster? Getting there, be my suspicion.

What character traits you have to nurture and make perfect? Read and learn.

What made the olden days of shidduch making so different from now? And more.

It appears that some prayers don't make it up to Heaven. I promise to be careful now.

A few thoughts on the Koren Sacks Siddur. Er... and Borrowing from someone else's nusach... nu, well!

Some recommended reading to prepare for Tesha B'Av.

Cyber Or-20 Cyber Kehillah-3 Social networking. Hmm... the mere headline makes me swoon.

Verbally Paining a Rasha. Don't know what Rasha means? Read it.

Religion and state in Israel? Any problems? You don't say...

Anyway, Welcome to Ask A Heeb.

How can the observant Jewish leadership justify an active effort to expand Jewish life outside of Israel? Is life in the diaspora a goal of the OU? Good questions.

What is in a name? Not much, one could say. But is it so?

Reproductive System Malfunction Parade? Nu, OK, at least someone mentioned that parade.

Spitting in the synagogue - Hygiene, Tolerance and a Public Space. Yep.

Sweet Rose, by any other name, on the other hand... she will be back, I am sure. And What’s in a name for an interfaith family?

You can't say that being a frum Jew is ridiculous until you've actually, properly been a frum Jew. Now go argue with this one...

Picture of the Week: 3 Tammuz Edition.

We are all family: now it takes a cheek swab DNA test, and you are a confirmed Jew. Or not...

How To Shop for a Yeshivah for Your Child? I am glad someone else addresses this question.

Pre-Marital Mikvah Parties and Thieving Sofrim in the Jewish Week. Oy vey, this is where it gets way too complicated for yours truly. Thieving ministers, thieving bankers, thieving pols - but thieving Sofrim?

General

Batya, she of many blogs and of incomparable energy, turned a page in her personal calendar (עד מאה ועשרים) and she thinks that the second half is shorter. Just wait for the third, says I, it really flies. Her only complaint is that It's Hard To Be One's Own Photographer. Congratulations and all the best to Batya!

More about dates: A tale of two hats, 75 years apart.

Now what do you know about Mesorah Project?

Brit Tzedeck v'Shalom Vs. Brit Shalom. Grr...

What is Ju Zionism? Uhu... I knew it all the time.

On a completely different note: what do you think about iPride and The Hypocrisy of Richard Silverstein? Methinks Rich is a putz, but what do I know? And since hypocrisy was mentioned: it appears that J Street Dislikes Israelis’ Opinions. Grr...

How do you like "racism as Jewish patology"? Wow.

Prof. Haim Bresheeth - still dreck. It's quite a scientific observation.

Hamas brutality against Fatah on Palestinian TV – PA public screening. Between us only - Fatah do the same - off screen, of course.

And I guess you will be tickled pink to know that some American Jews are unwittingly supporting enemies of Israel.

What President Obama should have said in Cairo. But didn't.

Seems Hillary's Tongue Is Cleaving. I always suspected that tendency of hers.

Another date almost forgotten in the West: Behind The Iron Curtain: June 22, 1941.

Are Zionists dirty? You would think it depends on the date of the last shower...

Baby Assad: Instead Of Peace Talks With Israel, How About I Get A Direct Line To Obama Instead? Nu, beseder...

Is Using Carter A Two-Edged Sword? Or a four-way enema? Anyhow, what is Jimmy Carter smoking or has he become senile? I vote for the latter explanation. More on the hypocrite. That too.

The UN Human Wrongs Council. As usual. This time it took them 6 hours to righteously bash Israel and only one minute to remove the DR Congo from further "consideration". Bleh...

So, can we say that we are learning some lessons from goings-on in Iran? Dunno - you tell me. Meanwhile they kill women. The right to bare arms in Iran. Should Ayatollahs come to Meryl for some English lessons? And more on Iran. And on the audacity of being present. After all is said and said again: what do Palestinians make of the Iranian events? And that Russian trip Mahmoud the Mad made - it was symbolic indeed. After all - sweet tweet! Who, indeed, can comprehend this? And now - on the outcome for Iranian Jewry. Experts say it may be far less idyllic.

So, when people ask how to get the best of Twitter, the answer is above, it looks like: go visit Tehran.

A related issue: Iran massacres prove UN is impotent. As if we needed more proof.

Another related (but really minor) subject: Roger Cohen. From apologist to sworn enemy, in less than three months. How does one explain this? Should one even try (to explain this)?

ACLU and Hamas? Go figure.

If the mountain won't come to Mohammad, Mohammad must go to the mountain. Or, in other words, the United States to return ambassador to Damascus.

Tony Judt is kinda boring in his blind prejudices and ant-like persistence. Responding, Yet Again, to Tony Judt - well, someone has to do it, I presume.

When Missouri Nazis Keep Heschel Highway Clean, it's really a hoot.

It's a marathon for sure, but she will run it as a sprint. And get to finish it, leaving us all standing. As usual.

Some days it is good to be a man - would you argue with this, cowardly enough, statement?

Apartheid couscous business is brisk at Trader Joe's, good.

But Don't Tell Greenland There's No Global Warming. Or else...

On fear and loathing - in London.

People don't argue that the burqa is a sign of subservience, however there is an uncertainty about the state enforcing its removal.

Stupid UKIP, stop picking on Churchill. Right.

Now imagine this with your breakfast. And relax...

After all, whose fault is this (no matter what "this" is)? Of course, its Mr B....

Loungin’ on Dad’s Day - any Dad's preference, I bet.

What Does It Take For A Creationist To Accept Evolution? A kick in the pants?

The nature of the Internet? I thought these two words are mutually exclusive.

Wow, that was... how to say it... well, far out. However, no censorship in this here HH. And somebody else is dejected.

Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Censorship of Kiddies - inspired by another blogger.

Fun

That F-word, I mean Florida - would you volunteer to go there for a month to take care of your three grandchildren, as obnoxious, no doubt, as they are dear? Yes, I am afraid you would. The other upside is you can spoil them even more rotten to spite your son/daughter...

Relay Race Trials? In the midst of Jerusalem? No kidding.

I am sure that this time your answer will be unanimous: would you eat something that was baying while alive? Not to mention the location:

(I had to copy this one, it's simply irresistible).

Ahmed & Salim - they sure rock!

Guess who is really hurting? Them Egyptians, it appears.

Some people (like me) would say "Aw, nuts", looking at this as a proposition for a breakfast.

Is this character becoming a commie? Well, no... but some vodka will do him no end of good.

An Open Letter to the Jewish Press - would you sign it? Yes, it is a test.

A revenge-vowing meeting of school youth and children - guess where it was held? Pure bliss...

Heshy is coming! Gevalt! And he is as cool as cool can be.

Yael is happy for now. But soon her felines will chew through the cables, and then...

Speaking about Iran - how many teeth are allowed by the Health Ministry?

When a kiss is a bit more than just a kiss.

"I can't believe I ate (almost) the whole thing!" I wish I had me a dollar (well, make it shekel) for every time I have done the same...

Kids. He he he.

And even more fun: Chelm-on-the-Med - it rocks!

Cats

Well, not exactly, I just wanted to set this in a separate section. You shall know why after reading.


Meta HH

A general remark: all submissions (and more - meaning an extra searching and picking effort from yours truly) were posted here - no censorship of any kind.

And another one: I have "invited" several non-Jewish bloggers in this one.

Now to the future:

Please send your posts for the next edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival via the Blog Carnival Submission Form. The method is very helpful in organizing your posts this week. If you're interested in hosting or receiving more information about the carnival, please contact Jack at talktojacknow-at-sbcglobal-dot-net.

Bye for now. I mean - Lehitraot.