The JewniProj at UCSC

Bye and thanks for all the Gefiltefish!

2007-05-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have decided to take a bow and say goodbye as one of the "staff" contributors of JewniProj. I have enjoyed my time blogging on the SC scene and would like to thank G-Squad for the opportunity to be a founding member of his team.

It is clear that the blog is changing (no new posts in over a month). As I move farther and further away geographically and chronologically, and even spiritually, from UCSC and S. Cruz, I feel that I have less to contribute that may be relevant for this blog's intended audience, and also wish to explore other themes and topics for which this blog is less suited.

So goodnight SC, we love you!

Fedora Black

Emergency Campaign for Burned Child in Tzefas

2007-04-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

I recieved the following email from the Nechal Novea Tsfat Fund:

Rabbi Binyamin Rosenberg, director of Eizer L'Shabbos, has called out to all "rachamonim bnei rachamonim" to come to the aid of an American family now living in Tzefas, whose ten year old son Akiva Shimon ben Doba was severely burned during bi'ur chometz near his home in the Ma'or Chaim apartment complex, when a youth with behavioral issues threw a can of turpentine into the fire.

Akiva Shimon – who was standing farthest away from the bonfire – was hit directly by the explosion, and received third degree burns to his face, hands, and stomach. A Chassid from Borough Park visiting relatives in Tzefas was on the scene, and saved the boy's life by tackling him and extinguishing his burning clothing. The family spent Yom Tov in the Intensive Care Unit and subsequently stayed with a burn specialist in Bnei Brak. It is estimated that the father will have to bring his son for treatments three times a week for the next month, and then at least once a week until it is determined if he can treat his son at home. In addition to medical expenses, the father (who works in a local seforim store) will lose much work time and income.

Please send your tax-deductible contribution to:

Eizer L'Shabbos c/o Rabbi Zvi Davis 1161 East 9th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230

Checks should be earmarked "Akiva Shimon Fund" at bottom.

WHATEVER YOU CAN GIVE WILL HELP!

Also: please daven for Akiva Shimon ben Doba – whose emunah and savlonus are an example to all. May he have a speedy refu'ah sheleimah without ANY scars, physical or emotional, im yirtza Hashem!

The Nechal Novea Tsfat Fund and Eizer L'Shabbos are both legit funds that due amazing work, and I suggest that you consider sending a donation to this cause.

No Pot for Pesach....if you're Ashkenazi!

2007-03-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Reuters reports that the Israeli Green Leaf Party has announced that rabbis consider cannibis to be kitniyos, and as such is off-limits to Ashkenazi Jews during Peasch. Kitniyos are foods such as rice, beans, and kasha that are banned rabbinically during Pesach as they are similar to grain products (wheat, spelt, oats, barley, and rye) which are forbidden by the Torah during Pesach, and may be confused with them. Sefardim never accepted the ban on kitniyos, so it would seem that if you are sefardi, you don't need to worry.

Isreali politics...oy vey!

On a related note, Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkratz, z'l, writes in his "The Laws of Pesach" that cigarettes contain many chometz, kitniyos, and even treif ingredients, that make them forbidden for Pesach and it seems questionable for year round use as well. So perhaps smokers of all kinds should consider making this Pesach a true season of freedom.

The End of an Era

2007-03-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

Big things are happening in Santa Cruz. Passover is coming up in a couple weeks, which is the celebration of our liberation from bondage in Egypt and our formation as G-d's People; that, everyone most likely knows. But in case you haven't yet heard, it is the end of an era for the Chabad Student Center as well, which is moving from its location of three years at 136 Iowa Drive to a new location on King Street. Here is an excerpt from Rabbi Chein's most recent email, in case you're not pvrivy:

There are some things you always wanted to try out. Life can be busy and those things can be tried out next week. So you wait for next week, and the week after that, and then the week after that…

There is no next week. Following are events that will take place for the LAST TIME EVER at the Iowa Drive Chabad House!

Café Soul – Wednesday 3/14 7:00-8:30

Friday Night Live – Finale 3/16 7:00 – say goodbye to winter quarter, say goodbye to the Iowa Drive Chabad House, say goodbye to a chapter of Jewish history…

…and be there for the opening of a new, bigger and better, chapter of Jewish history: The opening of the new Chabad House on King Street (Chabad Rules – get it?!)

For the first time ever a Five Star Passover Seder at 1142 King Street – feel the liberation in this regal new location. RSVP now!!!

Crazy. Mazal tov, mazal tov! Continued and increased success.

"The Producers" in Hebrew

2007-03-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

I just got back from seeing "The Producers" musical in Hebrew over in Tel Aviv. I have to say that overall I was impressed with the translation but a little disappointed with the production since I had seen a more exciting one back in San Francisco... :)

The interesting part was seeing the level of sensitivity to all Holocaust related material that was quite uncensored in the original movie/musical. Most of the jokes were the same and obviously they still had the big "Springtime for Hitler" dance but at certain points in the play there was no doubt that this was a performance for Israeli Jews.

In some ways it ended up being funnier. While Bialystock and Bloom are pretending to swear a blood oath to protect Hitler's name they spit and mutter "imach shmo" [may his name be erased] under their breath (but loud enough for the audience to hear and appreciate.) At other points the sensitivity proved to be disappointing, since the spinning and dancing in the shape of a swastika was probably my favorite part of the original movie/musical, and it was cut from the Israeli production. Overall the conscientious visuals and dialogues helped add another level of humor and intelligence to an already complex storyline.

If the Jewish people are ready to sit and watch men in tight leather pants with swastikas on their arms dancing on a stage then I think we have reached a very good place in our growth as a people. Tomorrow night my grandparents, both of whom lived through the Holocaust, will be going to see the show. I can't wait to hear what they'll think of it.

Purim

2007-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! I hope everyone is stocking up on alcohol, planning their costumes, and brushing up on hilchos Purim!

Just keep in mind that the mitzvah to get drunk "until you don't know the difference between 'Cursed is Haman and Blessed is Mordechai'" only applies on Purim day, which this year is Sunday, March 4th. Which isn't to say that you can't get drunk on Saturday night; it just won't be a mitzvah.

There are a number of other mitzvahs associated with Purim day. In short they are: "Hear the Megillah (scroll of Esther). Give charity to at least two people. Give a gift basket of food to at least one friend. Feast and Party!" Click here for more information.

Here's the breakdown of Purim events for UCSC students:

Thursday, March 1
Purim Costume Party
10:00 pm - 1:00 am
@ E3 PlayHouse, 435 Front Street
w/ DJ Boaz from Israel, The Sababa Belly Dancers, Food, Drink and Dancing
$3 in advance, $4 at door with costume, $5 at door w/o costume
(sponsored by Hillel, Israel Action Committee, and the Jewish Student Union)

Saturday Night, March 3
Israeli-themed Purim Bash
8:00 pm - 11:30 pm
@ Chabad Student Center, 136 Iowa Drive
Israeli cuisine, hookahs, Israeli music, costume-clad party-goers, and 18 minute Megillah readings every hour on the hour.

Purim Celebration
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
@ 407 Broadway
w/ Traditional Scroll of Esther Reading, potluck desserts and drinks,
live music with The New Holy Shickers
(sponsored by Congregation Kol Tefillah)

Sunday, March 4
Queen Esther’s Brunch
1:00 - 3:30 pm
@ Hillel, 222 Cardiff Place
w/ Esther Reading, Brunch, Drinks, live music with The New Holy Shickers
(sponsored by Hillel, Chabad Student Center, and the Jewish Student Union)

Be happy and be safe!

New Location for tonight's Class

2007-02-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

Last minute change in venue...

Tonight's Nefesh HaChaim class will be at Sam's place.

7:30 as usual. (We'll probably be talking more about Shabbat Zachor & Purim than the Nefesh HaChaim tonight.)

Address: 101 Soquel Avenue, Apt. 418.

Directions:

This is in the "Border's" bookstore building at the corner of Pacific and Soquel Ave. You will find the entrance towards the back of the building on the Soquel Avenue side. There is an electronic directory; scroll through the names until you find "Sam Koplowicz" and the numeric code, punch it on the keypad which will ring my apartment.
After entering the lobby, proceed to the elevator and go to the 4th floor (the only option). Upon entering the roof-top garden, turn right and right again to find Apt. 418. In case of difficulty please call 426-7566.
Parking is plentiful within one or two blocks of this location. There is the Front Street/Soquel garage right next door. There are meters all around (free after 8:00 p.m.), including on Front Street, onSoquel Ave., also one block away on River St., etc., and a free surface lot off Front St. at the corner of Cathcart (behind the Del Mar Theatre).

Share the wealth. Bring a Jewish friend!

Shabbaton in S.C. Feb. 23-24

2007-02-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

Shabbat at the little purple house
-120 West Cliff-
with
Rabbis & Rebbitzens
Grossman, Gordon & Braun

Friday, Feb 23

* 5:38pm: Candle Lighting
* 5:40pm: Mincha, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat & Dinner
Zemirot and Ruach led by R. Braun

Shabbat Day

* Davening at Chabad
* 1:00pm: Lunch (time is approximate)
* 2:30pm: Parsha class with R. Gordon:

To build a Mishkan: Fundraising, Design and Construction
- refreshments will be served -

* 4:45pm: Mincha followed by Seudat Shelishit (the third Shabbat meal)
* 6:20pm: Ma'ariv followed by Havdalah
* 6:40pm: Shabbat ends

Motzaei Shabbat (Saturday night)

* 7:45pm: Rabbi Grossman's lecture on the Torah and the environment at the Hillel

If you plan to join us for Shabbat meals, please RSVP to sandy@jsn.info

Another amazing Shabbat in Santa Cruz made possible by the
Jewish Study Network
Raising the level of Jewish literacy in the Bay Area

"Honor Your Parents" with Rabbi Manis Friedman

2007-02-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

"Honor Your Parents"
With Rabbi Manis Friedman

World renowned author, counselor, lecturer and philosopher.
Author of the best-selling book DOESN'T ANYONE BLUSH ANYMORE?

Parents - Living with the People You Can't Live Without
Is Mitzvah number five the most difficult? Is it a two way street?
How to walk through it.

Thursday, February 22
7:00 PM
Bais Menachem Shul
834 28th Ave
$15 suggested donation

Sponsored in Memory of Kayli Bas Moshe Zweig
By her daughter Hida Langer

And Esther bas Herschel Siganur
by her grandchildren The Kushnirs and Zilberfayn Famalies

S.C. Lecture: Torah & the Environment

2007-02-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

Torah ‎and the Environment

Rabbi Yaakov Grossman presents the Jewish ethos on Man’s role in Nature.‎

Learn about Judaism’s outlook on:‎

‎Pollution
Global warming
Zoning laws
Preserving ecosystems
City planning
Green belt

What does the Talmud say about development vs. preservation?‎

• balancing the need for parkland against expanding cities
• eminent domain
• grandfather clauses
• compensation
• the individual vs. the community

All these critical issues will be addressed in a talk by Rabbi Yaakov Grossman, a lecturer in ‎Talmud at Yeshivas Sha’ar HaTorah in Queens, New York. Rabbi Grossman has blessed the ‎Santa Cruz community with his teachings with visits dating back to 2004.‎

February 24, Saturday Night at 7:45‎
Santa Cruz Hillel House, 222 Cardiff Place

This lecture was made possible by the Jewish Study Network –
Raising the level of Jewish literacy in the Bay Area.

A special thank you to the Hillel for hosting!

Update on the New Chabad House

2007-02-16T06:31:00.000-08:00

I came across a nice write-up about the new Chabad House on Chabad.edu. Here is an excerpt:

Challenging the generational assumption that in America, being Jewish isn’t really that important, for decades Chabad families have been giving Jewish college students opportunities to grow through education, self-fulfillment and Torah – and to have fun doing so.

A case in point is the established and new-in-the-making Chabad Student Center at the University of California at S. Cruz. Perhaps the most beautiful college campus in the nation – planners nestled buildings among redwood forests and bucolic landscaping not far from the ocean – the school reportedly boasts the highest percentage of Jewish students amongst all universities on the West Coast.

With the purchase of the new Chabad House, the more than 2,800 Jewish students and faculty at UCSC can look forward to a larger place of their own in the near future. The building is being dedicated by philanthropists George and Pamela Rohr. Plans call for a kosher kitchen, grand dining hall, lounge, sanctuary, event garden, guest rooms and a residence for Rabbi Shlomie and Devorah Leah Chein.

Click here for full article.

Where did they get such incorrect information? UCSC is definitely the most beautiful campus in the nation. Jay kay. But for real, it all sounds very exciting. Much success.

Mark Your Calendars!

2007-02-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

So this is the guy who Abdul Malik lambasted. Malik is a Muslem cleric who spoke at UCSC last year.

In any case, we have here a top notched speaker. He should be really good.

Here's the event description (courtesy of SC Hillel)...

Start: Feb 26 2007 - 7:30pm
End: Feb 26 2007 - 9:30pm
Contact: Tammi Benjamin
Contact Email: tbenjami@ucsc.edu
description:
Dr. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum, a prize-winning columnist and author and co-author of 25 books on Islam and the Middle East. He sits on five editorial boards and has testifed before many congressional committees.
Sponsored by Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, American Jewish Congress, and Middle East Forum
Location: Stevenson Event Center

Y-Love Coming to the Bay Area!

2007-02-15T04:17:00.000-08:00

Y-Love is one of the greatest and least well-known of chassidic hip-hop/rap artists. He is based on the East Coast, but is making an appearance soon in the Bay Area! This is definitely an opportunity not to be missed. For more info on Y-Love, check out his blog at ThisIsBabylon.net.

Conscious Hip Hop: Live Show and Discussion with Artists Felonious and Y-Love

What happens when a rapper chooses to speak the truth instead of reinforcing negative stereotypes?
Can an MC be political and still "move the crowd"?
What makes music "conscious" and how can it be used as a force for social change?

Join Oakland's MC Crew Felonious and Brooklyn's innovative Hasidic MC Y-Love for a night of music and inspiration. We are proud to bring you this unique opportunity to hear from Hip Hop artists about the power of art and activism followed by a bumpin' live performance. Discussion will be moderated by Singer/Songwriter Amy Tobin.

Felonious and Y-Love, Live at Bruno's
2389 Mission St, SF
415-643-5200
Saturday, Feb. 24
Discussion at 8pm
Live Show begins at 9pm
21+. Tickets $10.

RSVP for the discussion to hwinig@ajws.org.
Co-sponsored by the Hub of SF Jewish Community Center, American Jewish World Service and AVODAH alumni partnership, and Progressive Jewish Alliance

Soul Structure in Santa Cruz

2007-02-12T11:54:00.001-08:00

Reminder:

The Nefesh HaChaim class continues tonight (2/12)
at Sharon's place at 7:30.

More on the astronomical enormity of the Neshama, the interconnectedness of its components and the benefits of this design for man.

It's more than a class, it's a weekly reminder of who we are...

Bring a friend with a soul!

Rabbi Gordon
yisroel@jsn.info

Hebrew Reading Crash Course

2007-02-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Level II Hebrew Reading Crash Course

Enhance your Hebrew reading skills by reading traditional Jewish texts!
Congregation Kol Tefillah will again be teaming up with the National Jewish Outreach Program to bring to our community this 5-class sequel to the popular "Read Hebrew America" class.

When: Sundays, beginning February 18th, 10:30 am to 12pm
Where: Santa Cruz Hillel (222 Cardiff Pl., next to the 7/11)
Fee: FREE

RSVP Required: 457-0264 or email Tammi: tbenjami@ucsc.edu

Israeli Jewelry and Gift Show in SC!

2007-02-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Israeli Jewelry and Gift Show

Come to a sale of original and exquisite jewelry and

Judaica from Israel and take care of all your gift needs.

COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR ISRAELI ARTISTS

Date: Feb 11 2006

Time: 10:00 – 1:00

Place: Temple Beth El

3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos

and

7:00 to 9:00 PM

671 Worth Lane, Scotts Valley

Featured artists:
Mira Doek, Ruth Doron, Shulamit Kanter.

For more information, contact Miriam Fishman, Tel.: 426-3433
Show presented by Brenda Ganot, Dr. and Mrs. Fishman’s daughter.

Jewlicious 3.0 is coming... are you ready?

2007-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Class tonight: The Neshama

2007-02-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

The Nefesh HaChaim class continues tonight with chap.15,
a revolutionary understanding of the neshama, the Jewish soul.

Monday night (2/5) at Sharon's place at 7:30pm

Even if you've missed some classes, don't miss this!

Rabbi Gordon

Insights from Rabbi Gordon

2007-02-02T00:45:00.000-08:00

So these are still some notes from past lessons, as I now happen to have a communist literature class that conflicts with my old schedule of Mon. nights at the Rabbi’s shiur. (In the future I’ll be doing write-ups from the recordings of Rabbi Gordon’s class thanks to asserted efforts by Hebrew lecturer, Tammi Benjamin.)

Somehow our class had lent itself to the subject of Tshuvah or repentance. (Get it lent itself--repentance, a Catholic thing, whatever--okay that was a pretty lame joke anyway and this is supposed to be a serious class I’m reviewing…) When person does complete Tshuvah, the Tshuvah is so powerful that the person’s particular sin from past is transcended into a merit on the individual’s part. “It’s like Hashem goes back in time and tinkers with the existence of the aveirah (sin) and now somehow it works out to be a merit on the individual’s record,” the rabbi explained.

The Talmud brings in Yecheskil: “when a rasha (a wicked person) departs from his evil behavior and does justice and righteousness, then by them he will live” (I hope I quoted this right.) This is what it means when we say in our blessings: ‘asher kidshanu b’mitzvosav…’ ‘who has sustained us in His Mitzvos…’ The implication of this and the word in for ‘in His Mitzvos’ is that people need to live for the Mitzvos and not die by them. (The only exception to this is when there’s an instance which involves what Judaism views as the 3 cardinal sins: murder, rape and idolatry: for each of these, death takes precedence over the act—for example if someone stuck a gun to you and said either you do one of these 3 things or I kill you, Halakhicly it is best to be killed).

Furthermore, the exhortation is to live within your Mitzvos. R. Chayim Vilozner asks, what does Yecheskil mean? Somehow the debate led to: ‘by’ them (as opposed to ‘in them’) would be referring to the aveirot (the restraints) rather than the positive Mitvos. So why does it say “in them?” This was followed by a deep discussion on the Hebrew ‘aleichem’ and ‘Bahem’ and questions about Yecheskil. As you can see I do not recall all of the details, but I remember it was resolved with: only Tshuvah can reverse the aveirahs (and not the tons of positive mitzvahs that went unperformed). But when a person does all the Mitvahs to the full extent (shleima), perfectly, then (if I’m not mistaken) the unperformed positive Mitzvahs can also be amended for.

The Rabbi later delved into the Kabbalistic Zohar and somehow tied in an analogy to the chariot of the patriarchs as a vehicle for Hashem’s presence, but I think this is enough for now.

SCIAC-

2007-02-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for the upcoming Israeli Film Festival: Through the Lens of Israeli Culture!

February 20-22nd, 2007!

Jack Baskin Engineering

8pm.

This film festival looks at the multifaceted dynamics that make up Israeli Culture. We will feature movies that reflect Israel's multiculturalism and relevant themes to Israelis today. Mark your calenders!

Tu B'Shvat Videos

2007-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

Learn more about Tu B'Shvat with a great video lecture by Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum of the Azamra Institute, and get a first hand view of a Tu B'shvat Seder with this video from the Shema Yisrael Torah Network. The complete order of the seder is available here from Aish HaTorah.

Tu B'Shv-izzle

2007-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

So it's the holiday of Tu B'Shvat again this Shabbat, the well-known but oft misunderstood "birthday of the trees." According to Chabad.org, "On this day we remember that 'Man is a tree of the field' (Deuteronomy 20:19) and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue." Some mark the day by eating fruits native to the land of Israel, while others host a whole "mystical Tu B'Shvat seder" somewhat analogous to the Passover seder. And some people just hug a tree ;)

Today the Jerusalem shuk was filled with music and costumed entertainers putting passers-by in the holiday spirit. I was surprised to see that such a big deal was being made for what I had thought was a slightly obscure holiday. It was all very nice, but probably a climb up Tree 9 would have been a more moving experience.

In any case, I have translated a short digest of a sicha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe regarding Tu B'Shvat. For further learning, please see Chabad.org or Aish.com. Please enjoy.

On this Shabbat falls Tu B'Shvat (the 15th of the month of Shvat), the "Rosh Hashana of the trees." Similar to the way that the first of the month of Tishrei (Rosh Hashana) is the Day of Judgment for each individual, likewise Tu B'Shvat is the Day of Judgment for trees.

There is a well-known statement in the Torah (Deuteronomy 20:19) that "Man is a tree of the field," and it is learned from this that there are parallels between a person and a tree, in the manner of the growth of the tree.

The tree is called in Hebrew tzomeach (lit. "growing") since it is always growing--starting from a small seedling in the earth, then becoming a small sapling, then a great tree, a fruit-producing tree.

And this is what a person can learn from a tree--to always be in a state of growth. It is not enough that today one learned Torah and fulfilled mitzvahs; tomorrow, you need to reach new heights, to learn more Torah and to fulfill mitzvahs even more beautifully, always striving to reach higher, and not to become content with what one is currently doing. And when a Jew strives to reach new heights, he or she is ensured the aid of G-d in those efforts.
(originally summarized in Hebrew from Likuttei Sichos, Section 2, Pp. 518-9)

I hope you guys gained some lessons from that botanical analogue.

In honor of this special holiday, the Chabad Student Center and Hillel will both be hosting special fruit-themed Shabbat dinners.

Chabad Student Center
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Taste of the Tropics Shabbat
Fruit themed Shabbat Dinner: full dinner with a fruity twist and a fruit assortment for dessert. On this night Judaism celebrates the New Year for the trees. Why hug a tree when you can kiss a fruit?
Location: Chabad Student Center, 136 Iowa Drive, Santa Cruz

Hillel
7:30pm - 10:00pm
Shabbat dinner this week will feature the fruits of Israel. After the four course meal (kosher meat with vegetarian options) we will enjoy the kabbalistic experience of a Tu B'Shevat Seder: four glasses of wine, symbolic fruits and nuts, and a chance to explore the 4 worlds: Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, and Spiritual. No background experience required. If you are an environmentalist, or Jewish, someone who likes trees, or just someone who likes wine, this event is for you. Spread the word!
Location: Santa Cruz Hillel, 222 Cardiff Place, Santa Cruz

Yalah Yalah Ahmedinejad

2007-02-01T00:34:00.000-08:00

Okay fine, the song flows better with Nasrallah, but anyway check this out. Here's an email that's been going around (in case you haven't already recieved it) encouraging people to sign a petition regarding the Iranian leader which will be presented to the International Court of Justice at The Hague:

================================
I just signed the petition at: http://www.Aish.com/Iran

It calls on the international community to indict Iran�s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for incitement to commit genocide.

This has a strong legal basis, as the 1948 UN Genocide Convention classifies �incitement to commit genocide� as a crime against humanity. The purpose is to eliminate the genocidal murderers before they take action.

This petition that will be presented to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

It takes less than 10 seconds to sign the petition.
Public outcry by a critical mass will force world leaders to take action.

SIGN THE PETITION NOW:
http://www.Aish.com/Iran

Okay, this post was short and simple but I thought it was Jewniproj worthy.

Free Showing of "An Inconvenient Truth"

2007-01-30T03:59:00.000-08:00

This just in from COEJL Santa Cruz:

Sat. Feb.3, 7-9 P.M. FREE FILM: "An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore. Rabbi Paula Marcus will lead a discussion following the film.

at: Temple Beth El
3055 Porter Gulch Rd., Aptos

If you haven't seen this film or want to see it again, don't miss it! I suggest you read the credits out loud at the end of the film, for very important messages to read together and discuss.

Remember to plant trees and use compact flourescent bulbs. We can all choose a career or lifestyle to help our planet. "Tikkun Olam" = Repair The World.

For more information, please contact Roberta: 462-2594 or e-mail:
roberta57@cruzio.com

*Temple Beth El wishes to make this event accessible to people with disabilities. If you have disability related needs, contact the Facility Services Coordinator: 479-3444 X 203.

New location for SCIAC!!!

2007-01-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

SCIAC (the Santa Cruz Israel Action Committee) has a new location that is convenient for these cold, winter nights. We will now be meeting at Cowell College Room 222 (upstairs from the Academic Advising Office). Hope to see you all there.
We will be discussing our upcoming film festival and guest speaker Aryeh Green.

7:30pm monday night
Cowell College Room 222
sciac.vze.com

New Chabad House--watch out!

2007-01-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

So it seems to be confirmed, the Chabad Student Center of Rabbi Shlomie and Devorah Leah Chein will be moving to a new location! R. Chein miraculously brokered a deal to get a snazzy new place on King St. (near Laurel St.) and it looks like there will be much more space for Friday Night Live, holiday services and meals, Jewish learning programs, kicking it with Mendel and David... you know, all the great things that Chabad already does for students at UCSC.

Yes it will be at the former Frisbee Club house, for everyone who knows of it, or remembers those... interesting (well somewhat trashed) freshman nights. Okay that wasn't all of us, but for those who can recount a vague image of what I'm talking about, I'm sure it won't be very hard to adjust. I mean a completely new atmosphere: new kind of cheers-a L'chaim!, a slightly different form of comraderie-'you're also taking physics?' 'Yea, I was in Israel last summer too.' It almost reminds me of a Hassidic story I heard about a Yid in a tavern saying L'chaim and having the right intent in order to revitalize himself in a spiritual sense and drive the angel of death further away with each gulp and... ah whatever, I forget it. But anyway, I'm digressing.

But really, this is a serious endeavour which will hopefully have a huge impact on Jewish students at UCSC and provide them with many meaningful Jewish experiences to come. Quite a few of us have already become well accustomed to cramping 40-70 students into an all too modest living room for Shabbos dinners, and it's about time we found a solution. Also for the Cheins' sake, with two kids and a third on the way, this house will surely enable them to have more space for their family as well as for a growing multitude of starving slugs.

Here is an official email message that CSC is put out:

Some time this quarter, Chabad House - YOUR Jewish HOME on campus - will be getting a new address. To help make this happen we need your home address.

Your parents might want to support this tremendous endeavor, and we must give them the opportunity to do so. A beautiful brochure has been printed and we would be more than happy to send it to them.

Additionally, if you have any friends or relatives they may also be interested in supporting this amazing cause, so email me their address and we will send them a brochure as well.

Alternatively, I can give you the brochure and you can send it to them with your own letter, or a customized template we created for students who want to request the help of family and friends.

Mi casa, Su casa – let’s do it together!
Shlomie

Chabad Student Center
www.jewcsc.com

So Hatzlacha Raba to the Cheins that everything goes through with this. Also anyone who wants to donate or persuade friends and family to donate-that would be terrific. You can also check out this link to give donations.

I personally can attest that efforts from the Cheins have really enhanced my Jewish life in college and it's impossible to put into words all that Chabad does for Jewish students at UCSC and for the entire community. (Though if you want a great video on it check out G-D SQUAD's post, 'HighLIGHTS - Shabbat at Chabad' from a couple weeks ago.)

Short Notice: Brilliant Rabbi Spending Shabbos in SC

2007-01-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

I just recieved this in an email:

Rabbi David Fohrman is coming to Santa Cruz this Shabbat - 1/27/07
For those of us who have been honored to learn Torah with Rabbi Fohrman 
we can attest to his fabulous teaching – do not miss the opportunity.

Dear Friends,

Rabbi David Fohrman is one of the most brilliant and engaging teachers 
of Jewish texts that it is my good fortune to know.   Based on a unique 
methodological approach to Torah that he has developed, Rabbi Fohrman 
manages to plumb the depths of the text in an extraordinary way.  Rabbi 
Fohrman is coming to Santa Cruz this Shabbat and will be giving two 
classes on the theme "Whispers of Slavery in the Book of Genesis" (see 
below).  These talks are not to be missed.

-Tammi

Series Title: Whispers of Slavery in the Book of Genesis
Two talks that will explore the background to the parshiyot we are now 
reading in the Torah - the Story behind the story of the Jews' sojourn 
in Egypt.

Schedual is as follows:
Part one: The Birth of Ishmael  - Saturday afternoon at 2pm
Part two: What Does it Mean to Forgive? A Closer Look at Joseph and his 
Brothers  - Saturday evening at 7pm (with ice cream)

Location: 144 Jenne St, Santa Cruz.  This is off Laurel and Chestnut  
St.

SHABBAT 200 At College 9 & 10

2007-01-24T16:43:00.000-08:00

Shabbat 200 Services: Reform, Conservative, Chabad

Submitted by shalom bochner on Thu, 01/04/2007 - 3:14pm. Hillel/Student Groups Calendar | Jewish Holiday

Start: Jan 26 2007 - 6:30pm

End: Jan 26 2007 - 7:20pm

Contact: Shalom Bochner

Contact Email: shalom@santacruzhillel.org

description:

It's Shabbat 200 where we try to get 200 Jewish students in the same place at the same time. To kickit off right there will be three different Shabbat Services to choose from. Or you can "hop" between them and sample them all:

Reform / Camp-Style Services led by students
Conservative / Egalitarian Carlebach-style led by students and staff
Chabad / Chassidic-style led by staff

locations at or near Colleges Nine and Ten TBA

Want to be a service leader? contact Shalom.

Location: TBA contact Shalom for more info

(This 'event description' courtesy of SC Hillel)

Donate Blood-It's a Mitzvah!

2007-01-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

So there was a blood drive at our very own Santa Cruz Hillel (located next to the 7-11 at the base of campus) and it was pretty successful. Since one person who donates the standard amount of blood can save, on average, 3 people's lives, and judging by the turn out, I'd say it was really amazing. Big Yasher Koach to Monica and Ayla and everyone else from Hillel who helped organize it! It was put on by Stanford Medical Center (check http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu/ for more info.)

Anyway, I looked up some of the Jewish aspects to this and it turned out there is a great deal of encouragement from leading Rabbis to donate blood if one is able to. This is primarily because it is seen as Pikkuach Nefesh (saving of life) and, for the most part, healthy people who are capable face no risk that the operation will have any serious after effects. (One may be a little weary for the next few hours and a donor should not do anything too physically exerting at least for the rest of the day--also one should drink plenty of water and take in plenty of nutrients before the operation.)

Quite a bit more time has been spent ascertaining the Jewish values in donating an organ which is obviously a much larger commitment. On http://www.medethics.org.il/articles/JME/JMEB1/JMEB1.37.asp
you can see that organ donations too have been up for serious debate among Torah scholars.

For a Halachic analysis of donating a kidney and many of the leading opinions involved see: http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=1/8/2007

In general, there are four fundamental issues concerning transplantation from living donors.

A. The danger to the donor.
B. Donation under coercion.
C. Sale of organs and tissues.
D. The legally incompetent donor.

All halachic authorities agree that where a procedure is not a life saving measure, one may not significantly endanger the life of a donor, nor may one coerce a potential donor to donate.

For more of a basic summary on Jewish medical ethics check: www.aish.com/societyWork/sciencenature/Why_Jewish_Medical_Ethics.asp

Monday Night Torah in Santa Cruz

2007-01-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

Torah learning continues tonight (Monday night) at 7:30pm, at Sharon's place, 132 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz 9506.

Even if you missed earlier classes, come tonight and discover the mystical definition of Teshuvah and the profound spiritual impact of human speech.

--Rabbi Gordon

Incites from Rabbi Gordon

2007-01-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Due to past criticism I’ll try to make this post less ‘notesy’ and more cleanly and reader-friendly.

So school has resumed and R. Gordon’s classes are back in session (check other posts for location and time). I guess there’s no further escaping these weekly write ups which I had intended on doing.

I’m now calling this post ‘Incites from R. Gordon’ which is based on his discussion of ‘Nefesh Hachayim’. Any attempt at giving a thorough overview on portions of this text would be beyond my capabilities and would only be degrading to the text. So I figure if I simply throw in a few words of wisdom, if you will, from R. Gordon during his ‘Nefesh Hachayim’ shiur it will suffice for a jewniproj post.

Though for now I feel I should give a little more of an introduction to what R. Chayim Vilozhin’s ‘Nefesh Hachayim’ is:

In some circles I have heard of it described as a sort of Hassidus for the Litvish or other non-Hassidic orthodox. Elsewhere I have heard of a Rabbi in a yeshiva recommending that if a Jew were not to study the ‘Tanya’ of R. Shneur Zalman of Liada or other great works of Hassidus, they should at least study 'Nefesh Hachayim' because the vast majority of it unfolds essentially the same pearls of Torah as does the Tanya. (Mind you this claim should not be accepted as fact; I arrived upon it through hearsay-though it would be quite interesting to look into the conceptual similarities between the two sefarim). In any case the work contains a prodigious amount of explanatory Kaballah: covering the infinite nature of a Creator, a universe, life, man, the soul, Mitzvos, Tshuvah, the perfection of a physical realm, and it is all way beyond me. I can only reprocess the material and try to give some context.

Without further adieu… This was taken from a few weeks back:

Rabbi Gordon, in the process of reading and expounding upon Nefesh Hachayim, was relating the design of man and his correspondence with the design of the universe. He went on to say that when a person does a Mitzvah (a good deed/a commandment from the Torah) with a certain part of his body, it gives Kidushah (holiness) to that corresponding part of the universe (whatever that meant). The next stage in the process is that Kidushah bounces back (so to speak) from that part of the universe back to the person; the radiance of that light shines back and forth. When it bounces back at a person, the person is surrounded by the light of Kidushah and he’s in Gan Eidin (or “on cloud nine” as the Rabbi put it; elucidating the concept into secular terms so we could all relate). The opposite is also true: when someone does something not so good, negative energy bounces back on the person and he’s in Gohenim (hell).

Someone then raised the question: (in light of the fact that) we’re living after the sin of the golden calf… and now people are in an in-between state of being neither completely good nor completely bad (as we learned in a previous lesson), what happens? The Rabbi explained: “We’re (perpetually) living in mixture of Heaven and Hell.” He added jokingly, “You can be struck by radiation and infrared at same time.” Someone can therefore perform a Mitzvah or do anything, but it cannot be done with 100% perfect Kavanah or good intent (the Rabbi seemed to indicate, if I’m not mistaken).

Someone asked another question about the nature of a hell. The Rabbi answered: R. Aryeh Kaplan puts forward that Hell is a person standing before G-d with all his sins laid out before him-just that moment of unprecedented embarrassment is hell. Though Gohenim is a cleansing process and not meant to be eternal (like a Christian Hell which seems to view hell as an ultimate end where ‘sinners’ go in an afterlife) but rather something in the process to T’shuvah (repentance/return to a Creator).

This discussion of the state of mankind since the sin of the golden calf led me to recall something fascinating which the Rabbi had said in a previous lesson. R. Gordon was clarifying what it meant that mankind today is no longer in the same state of righteousness or purity as he was when he was in Gan Eidan (before the eating from the Tree of Knowledge) or as he was immediately after the receiving of the 10 Commandments (before building the golden calf). He went on to say that his Rebbe had taught him and the other yeshiva boys to never trust anyone who says they’re doing something “for the sake of Heaven.” If you ever confront someone who makes such a statement, the Rabbi explained in the words of his Rebbe, you should run as far away as you can from this person. It is known that such a person will just as quickly stab you to death “for the sake of Heaven.” The point was that in this current state Gallus (exile), good and evil are so intertwined within every person (every person harboring a Yetzer hatov and a Yetzer hara) that no one can claim they’re doing something purely for the sake of Heaven. (Sure there may be Tzadikim who can always oppose their Yetzer hara or perhaps even kill their yetzer hara, but still such a statement cannot be made in the current world.) There may have been some specific verses that allude to this concept, but I don’t remember them.

Something else which was also quite fascinating (something I personally had never noticed before) was the use of language which the Torah employs when it comes to the ‘Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.’ R. Gordon points out that the Hebrew for ‘Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil’ is ‘Etz Hada’at Tov V’rah’ and da’at in fact means more than just knowledge (as translated into English), but it actually implies the kind of intelligence that signifies a joining or unison. I guess this kind of intelligence can be compared and contrasted with binah and chachma which are the two other kinds branches of intelligence. So when we read it as a ‘Tree of the unification of good and evil’ it suddenly has a different effect. It is as if to say: with the consumption of a fruit from this tree man will gain an understanding of good and evil, but moreover he will also acquire a skewed view; a blend between the two. Before, I had thought of the Adam and Havah story in rather simplistic terms: once man didn’t know anything good from bad so he lived in complete purity: ignorant bliss. Then one day he gets this command and eats this apple (which according to most sources was not an apple, but some other kind of fruit) and he becomes informed about good and bad and from then on he’s constantly tempted and pressured to do one of the two. But now, in light of this ambiguity, if you will, the text takes on manifolds of new meaning, at least for me. It makes me question everything about the motives behind conventional man and his inherent inability to differentiate between things.

Melanie Phillips Speaks at UCSC

2007-01-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

Time: Jan 23 2007 - 7:30pm
Place: Merrill Cultural Center
For more information contact Tammi Benjamin at: tbenjami@ucsc.edu

Award-winning British journalist and author, Melanie Phillips, will speak about her recent book "Londonistan" in a free lecture on Tuesday, January 23rd at 7:30pm in the Merrill College Cultural Center, UC Santa Cruz.The suicide bombings carried out in London in 2005 by British Muslims revealed an alarming network of Islamist terrorists and their sympathizers. Ms. Phillips exposes the threat of radical Islam and the growing anti-Semitism in England, Europe and beyond, and she discusses how the advance of the global jihad is facilitated by the collapse of Western values, self-confidence and national identity.

This should be a really interesting event. I was going to give a link to an article about Phillips on jpost.com, but there were technical difficulties. So here are some excerpts from the article entitled 'A modern Cassandra' by Anshel Pfeffer (Jerusalem Post; Jan 5, 2007)

Melanie Phillips has never been an official spokeswoman, but in her 
writing over the years she has never shied away from her Jewishness, 
and she is currently one of the most outspoken voices in a community 
which traditionally has been very careful not to rock the boat...

As a leading columnist for the Daily Mail, Phillips has been at the 
forefront of the anti-establishment campaign trying to convince Britons 
that their country is being threatened by a wave of radical Islamism 
that has found in London and other cities not only a physical safe 
haven, but also a convenient center for the dissemination of its ideas 
and a source of many eager new converts.

Her latest book Londonistan analyzes the rise of a new generation of 
Muslim youths, radicalized by fanatical preachers who found shelter in 
Britain thanks to a lax immigration policy and the blind eye of the 
authorities, a situation that led to the bombings of London's public 
transport in July 2005 by British-born suicide bombers. Phillips 
connects the loss of national and religious values in British society 
and the culture of moral relativity and political correctness with an 
environment which continues to allow the activity of these preachers 
and their followers, even after the bombings.

In the media and in person, Phillips cuts an austere, almost 
puritanical image. She is very quick to correct her interviewers, 
making absolutely sure they understand her precise message...

Her journalistic output of long, opinionated and carefully argued 
columns in the Daily Mail, the Jewish Chronicle and the Spectator and 
an extensive on-line diary on her personal Web site is prodigious. She 
enjoyed a meteoric rise at the Guardian, Britain's major left-wing 
newspaper, at the start of her career, but her stubborn questioning of 
various policies, such as family values and educational standards, led 
to a rapid alienation from her former colleagues. Today they are among 
her many detractors in Britain, where she is widely regarded as an 
outspoken extremist.

An adjective often applied to her is "shrill," a consequence of her 
incessant challenges to the prevailing wisdom and confronting the media 
and political establishment with a constant supply of uncomfortable 
facts. She is fully aware that many in her own community see her as a 
troublemaker. She insists that despite the headstrong image, she is 
capable of self-criticism.

"I question myself all the time. And of course they regard me as an 
extremist because I rock the boat, I make life uncomfortable for them. 
They will have to tell me what I say is untrue or exaggerated, and I 
will deal with these claims one by one."

PHILLIPS IDENTIFIES the radicalized and growing Muslim community as 
only one factor leading many British Jews to consider emigration.

"It's also not entirely because of the perception that non-Muslim 
Britain has become very aggressive towards Israel" she says, "though 
these are very important contributory factors. In my view, a very 
significant driver is simply the increasing Jewish awareness among 
British Jewish youth. There's been a dramatic increase in my lifetime 
of the number of Jewish children being educated at Jewish schools, a 
very considerable rise in Jewish awareness and learning that is all for 
the good. And such young people increasingly feel in large numbers that 
there is no future for them, or to be more precise for their children, 
in Britain, that it's not possible to live the kind of fulfilled Jewish 
life that you can live in Israel."

HighLIGHTS - Shabbat at Chabad

2007-01-14T04:18:00.000-08:00

And to think, this video almost went unnoticed.

Scholarships for Israel Studies

2007-01-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise is pleased to offer five $15,000 Schusterman Israel Scholar Awards to students interested in pursuing academic careers in fields related to the study of Israel. These highly competitive awards will be available to undergraduates who have already been accepted to graduate programs, graduate students who have received master’s degrees in Middle East related fields who wish to pursue doctorates, and doctoral students who are writing dissertations related to Israel. Grants are renewable for up to five years based on the completion of certain milestones. Proposals from candidates in all disciplines with an Israel focus are welcome. The competition is open only to U.S. citizens.

Complete applications including transcripts and references must be received by *March 1, 2007*.

Eligibility Requirements and application materials are available at
JewishVirtualLibrary.org.

Sincerely,
Mitchell G. Bard, Ph.D.
Executive Director
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE)
2810 Blaine Dr.
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Tel. 301-565-3918
Fax. 301-587-9056
Email: mgbard [at] aol.com
Web: Jewish Virtual Library

Gays OK But Cant Get Any Play :(

2007-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

So the new revelation of the Conservative Movement is the acceptance of Homosexuals into Rabbinic institutions and the ability for Conservative Rabbis to officiate at same sex marriages. Pretty spiffy, huh?

But there's a catch ...

While Homosexual marriage is now kosher, ANAL SEX is now UNKOSHER.

This rule not only applies to homosexuals but also to all members of the tribe (who affiliate conservatively, of course) That is, you can have a felatio free-for-all with all your facebook friends, but a homosexual couple is prohibited from having anal intimacy.

Is this an issue we can stand behind? Or is it just a pain in the ass?

Two things to consider ...
1. Homosexual marriage and Patrilineal Descent
2. Homosexual marriage and the Union Ceremony

Much Love
the NETMESSIAH

Mark your calendar, if you want

2007-01-07T04:09:00.000-08:00

Bloggers Unite

2007-01-04T09:39:00.000-08:00

Bloggers Unite! From left to right: Laura from The J-Life, Tomer from Oy Bay!, Laya and Dave from Jewlicious.com, and myself.

Some of you may have heard that Jewlicious.com's birthright israel trip is in full effect right now (see day 1 and day 2). The trip is being staffed by Jewlicious blog-elders Dave (ck) and Laya; I spoke to a few of the participants, and it sounds like they're having an amazing time.

And it just so happens that premier Bay Area blogmeister Oyster from Oy Bay! is on the trip as well. Last night they were in Jerusalem, so Oyster called me up and I had the opportunity to have a few l'chaims in downtown J-town with the whole blog crew, including another Bay Area blogger, Laura from The J-Life and Michael from Jewlicious as well. It was like one big bloggy family (how many more times should I try to fit the word "blog" into one of these sentences?).

There will undoubtedly be continued updates on all of their blogs, so if you want to keep abreast, be sure to check them out (and for all you Bay Area residents, make sure you bookmark Oy Bay!, since it is, after all, the premier Bay Area Jewish blog).

Enjoy the rest of your trip, everyone!

Also, speaking of Jewlicious, this would probably be a good opportunity to give a small plug for Jewlicious at the Beach 3.0, taking place March 9-11 in Long Beach, CA. As any of the UCSC students who attended last year will readily tell you, last years gathering was one of the best weekends of the year. In fact, I think someone might have said it was the best weekend of their life, but don't quote me. What was it all about? Spirituality, excellent music, excellent food, Jewish culture, and a bunch of other stuff. Pretty much just let your wildest Jewish weekend gathering dreams come true. Yeah, Matisyahu was there. So check it out and sign up.

Nefesh HaChaim at the Rossman's

2007-01-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Shavuah Tov.

This week we're back at the Rossman's!

Nefesh HaChaim resumes Monday (January 1st) night at 7:30 on the ocean.

Call 650-796-6752 or e-mail yisroel@jsn.info if you need directions.

See you there.

-Rabbi Gordon

10th of Teves

2006-12-30T11:46:00.000-08:00

In an email from Rabbi Friedman of Chabad by the Sea:

Tevet 10: Sunday, Dec. 31
Fast day, Prayer schedule, no classes

This Sunday, Tevet 10, is observed as a day of fasting, mourning and repentance, in remembrance of the siege of Jerusalem.

It was on this date in the year 3336 from Creation (425 BCE), that the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. Thirty months later -- on Tammuz 9, 3338 -- the city walls were breached, and on Av 9th of that year, the Holy Temple was destroyed. The Jewish people were exiled to Babylonia for 70 years.

Today, this is one of the five major public fasts we observe. We refrain from food and drink from daybreak to nightfall, and add the Selichot and other special supplements to our prayers. (More recently, Tevet 10 was chosen to also serve as a "general kaddish day" for the victims of the Holocaust, many of whose day of martyrdom is unknown.)

As such:

1) The Sunday morning Minyan will be at Chabad at its regular time of 9:00 AM, only this week the service will include the supplemental prayers and the Torah reading.

2) The regular Parsha study will be held after services at Chabad without the breakfast. It will begin a bit later than usual, as the services are a bit longer.

3) We will have Mincha service at 4:30 PM followed by Maariv service and light break-fast refreshments.

4) The fast (which begins in the early morning) ends at 5:40.

May this be the last fast we observe in exile and may we merit the coming of Moshiach very, very speedily, Amen.

Chabad by the Sea

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

email: info@chabadbythesea.com
phone: 831-454-0101
web: ChabadbytheSea.com

One of my Rabbis here in Jerusalem recounted a very interesting story recently. I don't remember it word for word, but this is the gist: A Chassid recently (read: last week) walked into a Chabad shul and said, "I have proof that Chabad is wrong!" (Obviously this was not a Luvavitcher chassid). He said, "In the Gemarah, there is an argument about whether the 5th of Teves or the 10th of Teves should be the fast day. Since the 5th of Teves also has the attribute of a day of mourning, for Chabad to celebrate on that day proves that they are wrong!"

He was referring to the holiday celebrated in the Chabad community known as Hei Teves, the 5th of Teves, a day of great rejoicing in celebration of a victory of the Chabad movement and its Rebbe in the 1980's. The Rabbi turned to this Chassid, and said, "Ah, but you see, it is known that in the Era of Moshiach, fast days will become days of great celebration! This is a sign that we're surely already in the beginning of the Era of Moshiach!"

May tomorrow be a day of great rejoicing and celebration.

Menorahs Vandalized in South Bay

2006-12-27T13:30:00.000-08:00

The Mercury News Reports (hat tip Jewschool):

Two Silicon Valley menorahs were vandalized over Hanukkah, the latest crime coming Thursday night when a rabbi arrived at his Sunnyvale center to find the 5-foot candelabra high dragged away from its place, its candles snuffed and stolen and its steel body bent in half.

A Mountain View menorah placed in front of the city's civic center was also damaged Dec. 15, the first night of the Jewish observance. Late that night a rabbi discovered the menorah's lights had been smashed and the wires yanked out.

Police in Sunnyvale and Mountain View separately confirmed they were investigating the cases. But the departments had not connected the incidents and reported no suspects had been identified.

Full story

What do you guys think? Was it a war on Chanuka?

I've Been Dreaming of a White Shabbos

2006-12-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

Arutz Sheva reports:

A light snow has begun to fall in Jerusalem. Although the snow has not yet begun to accumulate, the city has snowplows on standby. Snow has been falling in the North, in Judea and Samaria, and even in the Negev desert, since Wednesday morning. At this time, heavy snow is falling in Bet El and Hevron. The snow is not yet accumulating.

Full story.

The snow has now begun to accumulate, B"H. If we're lucky, it will be a white Shabbos, mamish.

Sanctifying the Nostrils

2006-12-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

Let’s continue out series on sanctifying the seven candles of the face, this time looking at sanctifying the nostrils. Rebbe Nachman’s follower Yitzchok Breiter states that one sanctifies the nostrils by taking “a long breath of patience, no mater what.” He derives this from the Rebbe’s advice that sanctifying the nostrils involves having fear of Heaven. Rebbe Nachman himself finds root in this idea from a verse in Isaiah (11:3):”V’haRiCHo ([Moshiach] shall be filled) with the fear of Hashem....” Due to the similarity between v’harRicho and Rei’aCH, the sense of smell, the Rebbe sees the nose as an allusion to fear of Heaven.

But what does fear of Heaven have to do with a long breath of patience? The answer is that one who has fear of Heaven realizes that ultimately all the trials and troubles of life, from the person who cuts you off in traffic to loss of a job or even illness (G-d forbid), stem from the will of Hashem. While we cannot control what happens to us, we can control how we react, and by acting with calm and patience, we in fact emulate Hashem himself. Hashem is described as “erech apayim,” literally “long nostriled,” suggesting how He is slow to anger and patient with us. He shows the kind of face we would expect from a calm person, relaxed and with clear flowing breath, instead of a face scrunched up in anger. By being patient with others, as Hashem is patient with us, we copy this trait, and avoid the faulty and harsh judgments that often accompany a sudden burst of anger. And not only do we gain greater mental clarity from exerting patience, we also gain better physical health, keeping at bay many of the health dangers that follow from stress and anger.

For more on attaining both inner and outer calm, I highly recommend The Trail to Tranquility, by Rabbi Lazer Brody.

50% Off Sale on Books at KehotOnline

2006-12-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

Sanctifying the Mouth

2006-12-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

In our last installment on the Seven Candles of the Face, we are given two views of how to sanctify the central candle of the face, the mouth. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov stated that we can sanctify the mouth by not speaking falsely, while Reb Yitzchok Breiter, a follower of the Rebbe, stated that we sanctify the mouth by avoiding saying forbidden things and by speaking words of Torah and prayer.

While their advice may seem different, it is actually the same. The Torah, in both its written and oral aspects, is Truth given directly from Hashem. The prayers in the siddur, a large part of them being taken directly from scripture, are also words of Truth. Not only is it a mitzvah to pray and study Torah daily, fulfillment of these mitzvahs actually requires physical articulation of the vocal organs and thus speech, even if it is barely more than a whisper. Furthermore, words of kindness and sympathy to one who is ill or troubled are, just like Torah study and prayer, mitzvahs. As such, these acts of speech serve to bind us closer to Hashem.

Just as True speech can bring us closer to Hashem, False speech can distance us from Hashem. Slander, talebaring, mockery, and gossip are all examples of False speech, even if the words spoken in each of these situations don't contain any false information. Apart from being actually forbidden by Halacha, this kind of speech is destructive and far more than any physical blow, and spreads and corrupts like an illness. Filling our mouths with Truth helps us avoid these pitfalls.

For more on avoiding improper speech, I highly recommend Chfetz Chaim: A Lesson a Day, the Concepts and Laws of Proper Speech arranged for Daily Study, published by Artscroll.

A Special Shabbat at Chabad by the Sea...and You're Invited!

2006-12-21T21:02:00.000-08:00

I would like to invite you to join us for a very special Shabbat at Chabad.
It will not only be Shabbat, but also the last and brightest day of Channukah. And we'll be joined by some very special guests.

Among them:

The services, including a song-filled Hallel service, will be led by rising-star Benny Friedman (pictured here performing at Universal Studios City Walk with neo-Chassidic rocker Yossi Piamenta.) Benny's very young career grows quicker after with performance. This Channukah alone he performed in four cities in Florida and Louisiana.

Then, we will be treated to a special Shabbat- Channukah sermon by renowned teacher and scholar, Rabbi Manis Friedman. Rabbi Friedman's talk is "What Would the Maccabees Fight for Today?" Services will be followed by a Kiddush/Oneg sponsored by Rabbi Yochanan & Bailly Friedman in honor of all the wonderful company.

We hope you can join us!

Wishing you Happy (what's left of) Channukah and a wonderful Shabbat.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yochanan Friedman Chabad by the Sea

Days of Thanks

2006-12-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Rabbi Lazer Brody of the blog Lazer Beams has made a wonderful post about Chanukah and thankfulness. In it, he shares some powerful thoughts by Yaakov Kalati that will make you realize how fortunate you really are, and how much you have to thank Hashem for.
Here is an example:

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, spare change in a dish
someplace... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

See the full post here.

Sanctifying the Candles

2006-12-20T22:14:00.000-08:00

We continue our Chanukah series on Rabbe Nachman's teaching of the Seven Candles of the Face, this time giving an overview of what sanctifying the candles entails.

Rebbe Nachman himself gives the following overview:

You can sanctify your mouth by not speaking falsely; your nostrils by having fear of Heaven; your ears by by believing in the Tzaddikim; and your eyes by shutting them in the face of evil .
----Likutey Moharan I, 21:2

Reb Yitzchok Breiter (may Hashem avenge his blood), a famous Breslov chassid who died in the Holocaust, explains the issue in the following way:

Sanctify your eyes by not looking at evil; sanctify your ears by listening to the words of the wise; sanctify your nostrils by taking a long breath of patience, no matter what, thus showing love to the person with whom you were about to be angry; and, sanctify your mouth through words of Torah and prayer and refraining from saying anything forbidden.
----Seder HaYom 21

While these two overviews seem to differ with respect to certain points, they are in fact the same. G-d willing I will continue this short series by taking a more detailed look at how one sanctifies the mouth.

For those who are interested, Yitzchok Breiter's Seder HaYom is available on the Azamra Institutes website, translated as "A Day in the Life of a Breslover Chassid".

Nefesh HaChaim or Chanukah? Special Day & Place!

2006-12-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

Nefesh HaChaim continues at a new time and place (Sam's place), tonight, Tuesday, at 7:30pm.

Call 650-796-6752 or e-mail yisroel@jsn.info for directions.

The Seven Candles of the Face

2006-12-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

The great Chassidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov teaches:

There is a level of intellect one attains by means of numerous introductory explanations. This knowledge, once your mind has already comprehended and embraced it, is known as Inner Intellect. There is also a greater knowledge, one which is at present beyond your capability to attain, known as Transcendent Intellect. When you are found worthy, this level of intellect comes to you without any introductory explanations, but by means of a G-dly influx. And the only way to become worthy of this G-dly influx is by sanctifying your mouth, nose, ears and eyes -the seven apertures of the head which allow the influx into the mind. These apertures are known as the Seven Candles. They correspond to the seven lights of the Menorah [in the Holy Temple], with the head -the mind- corresponding to the Menorah itself.

----Likutey Moharan I, 21:1-4

With Hashem's help, I will be presenting more on the teaching of the Seven Candles as we continue with the festival of Channukah.

For more on the Seven Candles, see chapter 16 of Crossing the Narrow Bridge by Rabbi Chaim Kramer or listen to "The Seven Lights of Our Face" by Rabbi Jonathan Rietti.

Grand Menorah Lighting in SC

2006-12-17T15:42:00.000-08:00

From Rabbi Friedman of Chabad By the Sea:

Here's a quick reminder (and some clarity after the misprints in the paper) about the lighting ceremony at the giant menorah tonight.

We're meeting at 6 PM and will have a lighting ceremony followed by a Channukah party!
The giant Menorah is on the corner of Pacific and Front (across from the clock tower.) The party will be next door at the Vets Hall.

Join us for the lighting and then for the crafts, games and Latkes.

Bring a friend and we'll see you there.

Chanukah Spirit???

2006-12-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings! It's Christmas time again, and in effect, it's also the time when Jews feel the most un-American. But! it's also soon to be Chanukah, a holiday that commemorates the independence and preservation of the Jewish people from the assimilating force of Hellenism. How odd I find it that the two holidays juxtapose one another... On one hand, our gentile neighbors are celebrating universalism and neighborliness while us Jews are celebrating our fierce desire to remain culturally distinct and apart from the social mainstream. People question whether or not Jesus was really born on Christmas; maybe Jews should question whether or not Chanukah really happened on the 25th of Kislev as well because maybe the rabbis decided to commemorate the Maccabees victory over the Greeks and the restoration of the Temple just to contrast the two holidays (this point is made facetiously).

Over the last half-century, I believe there has been a movement to "CHRISTmas-ize" Chanukah as much as possible. We, Jews, like it because we feel less left out of the "Season," and Christians like it because we, Jews, are indirectly included in their spiritual celebration, getting us one step closer to finally accepting Jesus. Ultimately, instead of being the Christmas season, it becomes the "Holiday" season - a season for everyone! - and every man, woman, and child, Jewish or Gentile, starts patterning their lives in the same way, engaged in a search for gifts and holiday preparations. Meanwhile, while Jews are out shopping for Chanukah gifts for their Jewish friends and family, they also buy Christmas gifts, partly out of guilt and partly out of love, for their non-Jewish friends so that they know that they are not forgotten and un-loved on their favorite holiday; it's at this point, however, where the separation between Chanukah and Christmas dissolves and any claim to the contrary is nothing but a delusion. Do you think if Jews did not give gifts on Chanukah that we would go out of our way to get gifts for gentiles on Christmas? ...it's possible, but definitely to a much smaller degree than what occurs today, I think. And is it just me, or is it a bit annoying, that my non-Jewish friends only know of one Jewish holiday, Chanukah, and only remember to wish me a happy holiday once a year, for Chanukah, one of the least important Jewish holidays of the year? In the end, businesses make a lot of money, and Jews have sold a piece of their soul away for some gifts.

Today's Jewish youth face existential threats to their Jewish identity in every facet of their existence. If you are thinking this is going to start being a lecture on Jewish-only dating, I promise you it is not, but I need to raise the issue of the difficultly of maintaining one's Jewish identity in an overwhelming, non-Jewish society, that in many ways causes us to compromise our distinction on a near daily basis in the context of Chanukah. Because I am "Jew-ish," I have to make a fuss when my friends want to order a pepperoni pizza and then receive the butt-end of their ensuing frustration at my "ridiculous" eating restrictions, and because I am "Jew-ish," I am unable to date anyone I want without lots of baggage and guilt both from my parents and from my romantic interest who feels she is being shut-out, and because I am "Jew-ish," I can't just easily plug into any popular, social ideology that forces me to compromise my Jewish beliefs. "What would Jesus do?" is a question I'll never ask myself seriously, but it is a serious question that the majority of people in America ask themselves multiple times a day. As a Jew, I am always going to be on the outside, and these sacrifices are made all the more difficult by the fact that I am not even sure that I believe in G-d, which leads me to wonder if this struggle is in vain. Nevertheless, as my personal life gets more entrenched within the non-Jewish population, it gets harder to fight back assimilation because being successful socially often means going with the flow.

In this light, the importance of Chanukah increases for me, the typical American Jew. Because the Maccabees fought, ultimately, to preserve our people from the forces of assimilation and a twisted, universal concept of humanity that demanded conformity in the name of oneness. At this time of year, especially, we need to re-affirm and strengthen our distinct identities, not dissolve them. From what I can see, there are many parallels, between the fight of the Maccabees and the struggle of the modern Jew. According to the thinking of the time, Hellenism represented "social evolution," "liberalism," "enlightenment," and the promise of "world peace" by tearing down the differences that divide us. I don't mean to imply that any of those ideals are anathema to Judaism; however, the dark side of Hellenism was that this "new humanity," this new model for human behavior and thinking, was quintessentially Greek and shunned the maintenance of cultural distinction. So too, as I see it, is the new "enlightened liberalism" of our modern day, which, like the Greeks, takes up issue with Judaism's wish to remain distinct, true to its traditions, and apart from the greater world. Moreover, other social vectors are collapsing on this situation. The Christian mentality, of loving your enemy and turning the other cheek brings about unmerited criticism of Israel's military defense of its borders and its population; in addition, Westerners who devalue cultural institutions and envision a world without borders or distinctions inappropriately categorize Israel as an apartheid state and Judaism as a racist religion. Therefore, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict increasingly plunges the world towards the possibility of a global, nuclear confrontation, it is becoming less easy for many non-Jewish people to tolerate Israel's wish to remain distinct and Jewish.

Size in numbers and regional expanse has always been the pride and glory of other religions while Judaism's main focus, through the millenium, has been on preserving its tiny family. In a dog-eat-dog world, where might often makes right, it's very easy for the "little guy" to get squashed by the "big guy," but miraculously, our people has survived not just assimilating forces but poverty, wars, genocide, forced expultions, and other civil rights abuses as well. Being part of the "Chosen People" definitely comes with a lot of inherent prestige, merited or not; however, for those who incorrectly conclude that not being one of "The Chosen" means that they are further from grace and inherently delinquent in the eyes of G-d, it is easy to direct their enmity towards Jews and Judaism, wishing to see it destroyed in order to preserve their self-importance and personal world-view. In the "iron furnace" of Egypt, our people was created and in the cauldron of adversity, our people survived against incredible odds.

In generations past, it could have been so easy for any Jew to escape their oppressed plight and convert, but they faced every attack to their existence out of a sense of pride, strength, and a deep need to pass on something greater than themselves. Thus, in the end, I cannot stress enough how important it is for Jews to preserve the Jewish integrity of Chanukah because it is on this holiday that we commemorate and honor our daily struggle to preserve our heritage and stand-up for our beliefs against those who are made insecure by those who are different and see our Jewish identity as an obstacle to be overcome. Sure, I understand giving gifts is a great way to spread the joy of Chanukah and fits so well with the holiday's spirit, and if it didn't come around Christmas time, I would be all for it; however, on the one Jewish holiday, where we celebrate, especially, the distinction between Jew and Gentile, I think it is only right that our actions, from a bird's eye view and an inner-eye view as well, don't make that separation too hard to see. As a secular Jew, myself, engaged in a constant struggle with the belief in G-d and my Jewish identity, there is no other Jewish holiday at this point in my life where I find more personal meaning and connection to than Chanukah, so please, this year, it is my suggestion that we give no gifts, put up no Chanukah lights around the edges of our house, and bring no Chanukah bushes into our homes either....Just light a few candles and reflect on the miracle of our survival in a world of complexities and contradictions, and REMEMBER, they tried to kill us, we won, let's eat!!!!

I will be following up this essay on a review of Rabbi Gershon Winkler's book, "Travels with a Rabble-Rousing Renegade Rabbi" and a discussion on what it means to be "Jew-ishhh."

2006-12-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Jewish slug sings Hannukah tune... back in the year of my birth

Shabbat shalom and happy Chanuka!

2006-12-15T03:47:00.000-08:00

Shabbat shalom and happy Chanuka, from Jerusalem!

UCSC's Own Joins the IDF

2006-12-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

One of UCSC's own Jewish slugs is about to become a soldier of the State of Israel. Shiranne Radzinski, who has thus far completed her sophomore year at Santa Cruz, has decided to take a few years off to complete her term in the Israeli Defense Forces. She submitted the following to the JewniProj on the eve of her conscription:

I left UCSC at the end of last year and moved to Israel to join the Israeli army, and the time is finally here. Tomorrow morning I will begin my two year service in the IDF. I expected to be a little more nervous, but at this point there's nothing I would rather be doing, so nervousness is out of the question.

Leaving Santa Cruz was hard, but not as hard as it would have been for most other UCSC students, I guess. I'm Israeli, I lived in Israel, my parents were in the army and my older brother paved the way for me when he left UCSB to join the army three years ago. For as long as I can remember, I knew that I would eventually join the army myself.

And this is the real deal I'm talking about. It's not a few months of playing army or volunteering with a group of Americans. I came with a program called Garin Tzabar, but the service is individual. Garin Tzabar is geared towards Israelis like myself who want some help with the army-joining process, but is also welcoming of any person who wants to commit to a full service in the IDF. I am part of the West Coast group, with lots of Californians, a couple Coloradans, a girl from Arizona, a kid from Washington, and even a few Canadians. Most of the group lived in Israel at one point or another. Many people grew up in Hebrew speaking households. Some didn't speak a word of Hebrew before they landed in the country. We all live together on a kibbutz, spend a few months working and then start our army with a home to come back to on the weekends. The key advantage of the program is the home on the kibbutz and the garin family. My garin is a family of high school graduates, college students and college graduates all with the same goal: to serve Israel.

I had no doubt that I wanted to join the army, and some doubts as to whether or not I should join with Garin Tzabar or try to go through the process on my own, but this was a minor issue. The only real dilemma I had was when to leave. Should I go as soon as I turn 18? Should I wait until I finish college and get a degree? My parents and many of my UCSC friends tried to convince me that it would make more sense to wait. Eventually I decided that I would feel more comfortable going in at age 18/19 rather than at 20/21 if I wanted to feel like I was no different from other Israelis. Going back to college after the army shouldn't be so difficult.

Now that I'm in Israel I have no doubt that I made the right choice. Rather than spending too much money on another two years of confusion, uncertainty, and lots of distractions, I've committed myself to doing something that I believe in, maybe even giving myself a little more time to digest the world before trying to throw myself into it. I'm 19, I have time.

Living in Ein Harod Ihud (my kibbutz) with Garin Alon (my garin) has been an amazing and new experience for me. I can't help but feel that I am incredibly lucky to be here. I'm also lucky enough that my parents decided to move back to Israel a little after I did, so I don't have to miss my family as much as everyone else.

My bags are pretty much packed, my uniform is folded and ready, and I'm totally excited. I think it's time for bed.

With love,
Your good ol' UCSC pal,
Bringing Santa Cruz to Tzahal,

Shiranne

You should have great success in your defense of the Jewish People. You'll be in our prayers.

"Rabbi Grinch"

2006-12-12T04:46:00.000-08:00

I'm sure by now everyone has heard about the whole balaagan going on with the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. (Just in case, here it is in a nutshell: Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky, a Chabad shliach in Washington, asked the airport to include a menorah in its holiday display, which at the time consisted solely of Christmas trees. When the airport refused, Rabbi Bogomilsky threatened to sue. Then, strangely, instead of including one Chanuka menorah in the airport, the officials instead took down the trees. Which led to a whole balaagan. Jewschool covered it here.)

Since then, things got pretty bad:

A local rabbi is receiving hate mail and angry phone calls after Seattle airport officials took down its Christmas trees in response to his request to include a giant Menorah in the airport's holiday decorations, his lawyer said on Monday.[...]

Harvey Grad, the rabbi's attorney, said it was never Bogomilsky's intention to have the trees removed and the rabbi was "saddened" by the port's decision to remove all holiday decorations instead of including the Menorah for Hanukkah.[...]

The Chabad of Greater Seattle asked the airport to put the trees back and will not pursue any legal action even if the airport does not include the menorah into this year's holiday decorations.

Full story

Since then, the airport decided to put the trees back.

Christmas trees are going back up at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Pat Davis, president of the Port of Seattle commission, which directs airport operations, said late Monday that maintenance staff would restore the 14 plastic holiday trees, festooned with red ribbons and bows, that were removed over the weekend because of a rabbi's complaint that holiday decor did not include a menorah.

And one of the most telling parts of the article:

Airport managers believed that if they allowed the addition of an 8-foot-tall menorah to the display [...] they would also have to display symbols of other religions and cultures, which was not something airport workers had time for during the busiest travel season of the year, Airport Director Mark Reis said earlier Monday.

Full story

Right, so they had time to take down the trees, make a huge deal out of it, and then put them back up, but they didn't have time to put up one simple menorah.

Notes from Rabbi Gordon's Class

2006-12-12T00:39:00.000-08:00

In Rabbi Gordon's class, we have been studying a great work by the acclaimed student of the Vilna Goan, Rabbi Chayim Vilozhin. It is called 'Nefesh Hachayim'.

R. Gordon encouraged me to write up postings from my notes in class so here goes. (This is beginning with a few weeks ago)

Few things in review from previous lessons:
-Hashem is constantly pumping energy into the world
-man is Betzelim Elokim (in the image of G-d; maybe there's a better word in English for image?; see the Rambam for more details-'Moreh Nevuchim')
-man by doing/breaking mitzvos puts forth positive/negative energy into the world
-Eliyahu Kramer (in the name of the Vilna Goan): "G-d wanted it so that Israel could have merit (z'chus) so He gives Israel many Mitzvahs to perform."
-the Hebrew for 'Torah Tziva Lanu Moshe' in gematria is 611. Plus there were 2 Mitzvahs that the whole people of Israel heard at Sinai. This = 613. There are also many other things: the Talmud relates there are 365 negative commandments which corresponds to the 365 days of the solar year and 248 positive commandments which correspond to the number of limbs on the body.
-according to Vilna Goan there are 613 roots and then there are the many mitzvos that stem out of this and this is how a Tzadik (righteous person) can constantly be putting out positive energy into the world in all of his actions.
-talks about how man corresponds to the universe and universe corresponds to man.
-something like man's soul is to his physical body as man is to the universe (so man functions as the soul to his universe)
-the soul is the driving force and the body is the vehicle
-relates how elements of the universe are perfected with faculties of the human body.
-many many more notes (come to the class or check out the previous lessons which will probably be on http://www.jsn.info/audio.html )

Some ideas from the Shiur on Perek daled:
-talks about how Jews create unprecedented good or harm in the spiritual realms through their actions (most effectively), their speech, and even their thoughts; for instance if a Jew were to have a negative thought in mind like for example the idea to get with a prostitute, he brings much more spiritual damage than when Titus brought a prostitute into the Holy Temple (with the Roman's destruction of the Second Temple)
-in this example it's interesting because the Hebrew word for prostitute has something to do with the symbol of jealousy. Leads the discussion somehow in the direction of asking: "but it states that Hashem Himself is a 'jealous G-d'..."
-So we ask, who here is jealous? G-d is because where He is supposed to be, a prostitute is; what is supposed to be used for His service and a place of holiness is being used for immorality
-the point of this is also that if human beings are passionate creatures, passion needs to be satisfied--so if this must be done in a Kosher way. (Side note: this was pretty heavy stuff for me at the time.)
-discussion of being able to control thoughts which ultimately have profound impact on the world since thought leads to speech leads to action; so R. Gordon mentions R. Nachman of Breslov who says, "if you believe you can destroy, believe you can fix."
-humans in being Betzelem Elokim have the ability to create worlds with their deeds and creative actions. So they can create tons of positive worlds or negative worlds (Has v'shalom)
-many, many more things,

There will be a lesson tonight, come tonight if you're able to, sorry for really short notice. If not, come in the future, the address is posted weekly. All I can say is, it's the real deal, it's really fascinating stuff given in an intellectual forum (though most of the things that are brought down are beyond most people's abilities to comprehend logically like say if it were a Gemara class). You have to come to see for yourself.

Please send me comments; was this too long? too scattered? too obscure? Would it be better if I did more of a summary than giving bullets replicating my actual notes?

Nefesh HaChayim continues!

2006-12-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that our Nefesh HaChayim class continues tonight (Monday night) at at 132 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz 9506.

Of course, we'll talk a bit about Chanukah too!

--Rabbi Gordon

Happy Yud-Tes Kislev

2006-12-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

Shavua tov and a good yom-tov to everyone. Tonight starts Yud-Tes Kislev, what is known as the "Rosh HaShana of Chassidus." This day commemorates the imprisonment and subsequent release of the Alte Rebbe, the founder of Chabad Chassidus, author of the Tanya, and a leader of his generation.

For deeper reading on the meaning and story of Yud-Tes Kislev, please see Chabad.org.

I have translated a short account about a certain incident that occurred to the Alte Rebbe during his imprisonment (from an abridged sicha by the Lubavitcher Rebbe in Meayi'in Chai). Please enjoy:

During the Alte Rebbe's imprisonment, an officer from the Russian government came to visit him. This officer happened to be extremely well-versed in Tanach (Torah, Prophets, and Writings) and educated in Jewish matters.

One of the questions which this officer presented to the Alte Rebbe was regarding the explanation of the line in Torah, "G-d called out to Adam and He said to him, 'Where are you?'" The officer asked, "Didn't G-d know where Adam was? For what purpose did He ask, "Where are you?"?

The Alte Rebbe first answered him with the explanation offered by Rashi. [namely, that the question "Where are you?" was a way for G-d to open a conversation with Adam without completely scaring him.]

"I am already very well aware of what Rashi says," the officer replied, "but I want to hear the explanation of the Rabbi!"

To this, the Alte Rebbe answered:

"At the time that a person arrives to such and such an age (and here the Alte Rebbe mentioned the exact age of this particular officer), G-d asks him, 'Where are you?' Do you know for what purpose you were created in this world? What you need to do, and what you have accomplished?"

The Rebbe Rayatz explains:

The reply of the Alte Rebbe saved him from klos hanefesh (literally, saved his soul from expiring). The Alte Rebbe was overjoyed because of the merit that had befallen him, to be imprisoned and to give over his soul for the sake of the Torah of Chassidus; this matter caused the Alte Rebbe great delight. He arrived to such an elevated love and clinging to G-d, to the point that he was prepared to cling to G-d completely, to leave life in This World, and to return his soul to its Maker.

At the specific moment that the Alte Rebbe was answering the Russian officer, he thought about the fact that G-d asks each individual: "Where are you? Did you do everything that was required of you? Did you fulfill your obligations in the world?" This question struck the Alte Rebbe and saved him from klos hanefesh. He remained alive, in This World, and continued to be engaged in the subjects for which his soul had descended to the world--the spreading of Chassidus.

***

Every matter that occurred in the life of the Alte Rebbe creates a lesson for us.

The question, "Where are you?" is asked to every Jew at every time, from the greatest of the great to the smallest of the small. Each individual is asked according to his or her own ability and level.

With the Alte Rebbe, the question "Where are you?" prevented his soul from expiring, and for others, the same question reminds him or her not to listen to the voice of the yetzer harah, but rather to overcome it and to be strengthened in the study of Torah and fulfillment of the Mitzvos.

"A good yom-tov! May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year in the study of Chassidus and in the spiritual lifestyle of Chassidus."

We'll be Writing History!

2006-12-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Torah completion this Sunday!

This Sunday (Dec. 10th) we will complete the writing of a brand new Torah scroll right here in Santa Cruz! We will be joined by Rabbi Moshe Klein, a fourth generation Sofer (ritual scribe), who will write the last few lines of the Torah.

Here are all the details: What, Where & When

We will gather at the Vets Hall at 1:00 PM for the completion ceremony. (If you will be joining Rabbi Klein in writing a letter, you will be asked to arrive a bit earlier. See below.) Refreshments will be served. The Torah will be completed and then all present will parade the Torah up to Chabad by the Sea. (We're praying for wonderful weather!)

At Chabad we will have a welcoming ceremony for the Torah followed by a light but festive lunch.

Special Kids' Workshop While the Torah is being completed, we will have a special Torah writing workshop for the children! At this workshop the kids will learn how a Torah is written and even get to try their little hands at wiring in the special Torah script with a real quill on real parchment!

Every Jewish child in town should know about this! Help spread the word.

Dedication Opportunities In keeping with tradition, dedication of portions of the Torah is being made available. Those who wish to can sponsor anything from an entire book of the Torah, a Parsha (e.g. your Bar Mitzvah Parsha...) or even a single letter. All who dedicate any part of the Torah will be honored with the joining Rabbi Klein in writing one of the final letters in this special Torah.

Here are the dedication options:
Book - $1,800 Parsha - $540 Aliyah - $360 Verse - $180 Letter - $54

You can make dedications using our online donation form at www.chabadbythesea.com/donate or by contacting me at the phone number or email address below.

Dedications should be made in advance of the event if possible.

I hope you can join us! Please join us if you can and please help us get the word out by forwarding this email on to your friends.

Thank you and looking forward to seeing you.

Rabbi Yochanan Friedman
phone: 831-454-0101
email: rabbi@chabadbythesea.com
web: http://www.ChabadbytheSea.com

Torah class tonight - come and exercise your freedom of religion!

2006-11-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that our Nefesh HaChayim class continues tonight (Monday night)
at 7:30pm at 132 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz 9506, with the fabulous chapter six!

Even if you missed earlier classes, now is the perfect time to jump in.

Rabbi Yisroel Gordon

2006-11-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

To The Procrastinator's Delight - Nachman

Thanksgiving: For Jews?

2006-11-23T01:25:00.000-08:00

Unlike other traditions such as Halloween, which has pagan roots, and Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Christianity’s founder, Thanksgiving has grown out of a motivation to thank G-d for the good people have gained in America, and is not associated with a particular religious group. As such, it would seem that it would be unproblematic for Jews, even those who are faithful to traditional Halacha, to celebrate Thanksgiving. Indeed, the article “Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Purim” posted on OU.org states that the majority of American rabbis did not prohibit celebrating Thanksgiving, including such Torah giants as Rav Moshe Feinstein zt'l and Rav Yosef Dov Soloveichik zt'l.

While Thanksgiving isn’t forbidden, should Jews still embrace it, or even celebrate it? From my own perspective, I can only say that I don’t celebrate it, nor do I think Jews should or even need to. One reason is that thanking G-d is a daily, some would even say constant, affair in Judaism. The first words we utter in the morning are “Mode ani lefahnechah,” literally “I give thanks before you,” an act of thanking G-d that is performed even before we get out of bed. The liturgy is full of praises of thanks and of acknowledgements that we cannot live without G-d’s loving help. An excellent example of this is the "Asher Yatzer" blessing said after using the bathroom. Even in such a mundane situation, we acknowledge what G-d does for us. We should focus our energies on daily thanksgiving, not just being thankful one day a year.

A second reason grows out of practical considerations. Thanksgiving Day always falls out on a Thursday, a day where much of the cooking for Shabbos begins. To stage a large meal or gathering on Thursday takes away from Shabbos, both in terms of prep time and in terms of quality. Shabbos is meant to be the height of the week, and a voluntary event of similar proportions can make Shabbos seem less special. In fact, I try to use the extra time I have off during this season to invest even more time on Shabbos, for example by making extra dishes or going more in-depth with the Parsha. Shabbos is actually a gift from G-d to the Jews, and to truly value, appreciate, and invest time in a gift one has received, is probably one of the highest forms of thanksgiving one can show.

What is your view? Comments welcome!

JOIN AVODAH: THE JEWISH SERVICE CORPS & RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

2006-11-21T05:07:00.000-08:00

One of our own (alumni) Jewish slugs has been working with the Jewish social-work organization AVODAH this year in New York City, and she is putting out the call for more to join... so presumably it is fulfilling work! We miss you Chimpo!

HELP fight for justice and equality in New York, Chicago, and Washington DC's neediest neighborhoods. Work full-time on issues you care about--immigration, hunger, literacy, public health, domestic violence, and more.

LEARN first-hand from veteran organizers, activists, and educators. Gain skills, investigate the connections between Judaism and social justice, and share your passions with fellow Corps members.

LIVE together with other young Jews and build a community committed to integrating social change and Jewish values in a pluralistic environment.

Join AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps. You'll earn health insurance and a modest living stipend to cover housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. There's a $1,000 exit stipend and most qualify for an Americorps Education Award up to $4,725 for repayment of student loans or future education. Student loan deferrals are available.

Applications are now available. The deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2007. Go to Apply.Avodah.net or contact us at apply [at] avodah.net or 212-545-7759 x305.
APPLY NOW

Win an iPod with Hillel

2006-11-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

In a recent message from Rabbi Shalom Bochner:

Hi! If you already know about this, pass it on to others. If you don't know about this, read on...

Santa Cruz Hillel is conducting an on-line survey to get feedback from Jewish students about our programs. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. Once we have complete surveys from 100 students who have attended at least one Hillel event, we will do a raffle for a brand new iPod Nano! Everyone who fills out the survey has a 1% chance of winning! We have received about 30 completed so far. So, fill out the survey and send this e-mail on to others. You can help your chance of winning by giving others a chance to win.

The survey can be found through our website: SantaCruzHillel.org

You can also go there directly by clicking here.

If you are involved with a student group (Sigma, AEPi, Leviathan, SCIAC, 12 Tribes co-op, etc.) please make sure that everyone in the group has a chance to help you win a free iPod and also help your Hillel.

Thanks and Shabbat Shalom,

-Shalom

Can You Spot Rabbi Shlomie Chein???

2006-11-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

Last week our beloved Rabbi Chein attended the annual Chabad conference in New York. I haven't checked in with him yet about his trip, but I found pictures! Hooray!

CAN YOU SPOT RABBI CHEIN????

2 Big Israel-Related Events Coming Up at UCSC This Week and Next Week

2006-11-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

So I hope this comes out alright... this is my first time sending a post.

In case this comes out blurry and I make an utter fool of myself, I'll just give the main details:

*Wed. Nov. 8 7:45, Phys. Sci. 110;
Larry Greenfield (Republican Jewish Coalition, key figure getting the warrant for Yassir Arafat's arrest)

*Tue. Nov. 14th at 7:30, Merrill Cultural Center;
Professor Barry Rubin (director of the Global Research for International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and a
professor at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) editor of the
Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal and of the
Turkish Studies Journal, also written hella bks)Even if u don't agree with all the politics of either of the speakers, please come-show support, voice dissent, ask questions in the Q and A period afterwords and bring friends--GET THE WORD OUT.

Hope to see you there,
Zev

Jewish Learning Institute - Last Minute Info

2006-11-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

This just in from Rabbi Friedman of Chabad by the Sea:

I just wanted to send you a gentle reminder that the opening class of "You Be the Judge" is tonight at the UCSC Inn.

It's not too late to join.
Even if you haven't yet registered, it's not too late; you can still participate.
The fee for the full series is $125 (or $225 for couples) but you can try out the first class before committing.

(Lawyers can receive nine MCLE credit hours and, conveniently, the UCSC Inn is also a voting location!)

I do ask that you please let me know that you'll be coming as we need to print student handbooks and let the hotel know how many people to set up for. You can reach me at 454-0101 ext.1.

You can see more information about the course at the Jewish Learning Institute website:

If you can't make it to this series, don't worry, this is only the first of three courses this year. The next course is entitled The Kaballah of Character and the spring course is Flashbacks in Jewish History.

With the variety of topics, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Looking forward to seeing you either at this or any of the courses and wishing you all the very best, always.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yochanan Friedman
Chabad by the Sea

Monday Night Learning Continues

2006-11-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

The saga continues this Monday night, November 6th @ 7pm, with the next exciting episode of R. Chaim Volozhiner's "Nefesh HaChaim."

Even if you missed last week's intro, now is the time to join the chevra!

Location: 132 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz 95060 (831/427-1285)Directions from the intersection of Mission St. and Bay St.:Take Bay St. up towards UCSC. Turn Left on Nobel. The second street on the right is Castillion Terrace (a tiny street with a circle). Parking is most available on Nobel. Walk up Castillion Terrace and turn right into the first driveway. Walk straight ahead onto the walkway. I'm in the first unit on the left, right there behind a wooden gate. There is a mezzuzah on the door!

Rabbi Gordon

Check out my new parsha blog:
www.therelevantparsha.blogspot.com

Rioting in the Holy City

2006-11-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, there is a "Gay Pride Parade" planned to take place this week in Jerusalem despite aggressive opposition, mainly in the form of riots. This is in addition to an Israeli competitor recently acquiring the title of "Mr. Gay International" in Palm Springs.

Opposition to the parade reached a crescendo the past two days, with a fake bomb placed in Jerusalem's Har Nof neighborhood and violent rioting instigated by haredim.

Late Sunday evening, a surprise decision by Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz to deny police requests to suspend the Jerusalem Gay Pride March planned for Friday set off urgent moves to reach a possible compromise.

[...]

Mazuz's decision quickly reverberated across Jerusalem's haredi neighborhoods, as residents of Mea She'arim, Geula and Romema took to the streets, blocking Rehov Sarei Yisrael and Kikar Shabbat with burning dumpsters and tires.

On Sarei Yisrael, people in the crowd threw rocks at police officers, and five protesters were detained for questioning. A failed attempt was made at blocking Rehov Tzefania and the major artery and frequent flashpoint Rehov Bar-Ilan, and similar protests were also held in Bnei Brak.
It was this effect - and worse - that police had feared when they held a situation assessment Sunday morning, at which the country's top law-enforcement officials decided that the risk to human life was too high to allow the parade to be held.

Full story

I am going to omit my own opinion of the situation, but please enjoy my vlog as an embedded observer on the front lines.

Welcome to the team!

2006-11-03T05:06:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple months the JewniProj has been in a state of transition. But I would like to cordially welcome two of our newest team members, JimboJew and Zeeeev. I think their contributions to the online Jewish community will be valuable, and I look forward to seeing what they have to share with us.

Shabbat shalom from Jerusalem!

2006-11-03T04:53:00.000-08:00

As is known by those who know, here in Israel we changed over our text of the Shmoneh Esreh this past Saturday night to include a supplication for rain, and it was raining plenty on Sunday, baruch Hashem.

And now it looks to be another fantastic Shabbat.

Rochel's Yartziet

2006-11-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night November 1st and and Thursday day November second is the yartziet of Rochel Imenu, the wife of Jabob and one of the four matriarcs of Judaism, and the loving mother of all the children of Israel.

Light a candle in Rochel's honor and ask Hashem for what ever you need, secure in the knowledge that she is advocating on your behalf.

Torah Tonight in Santa Cruz!

2006-10-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

Dear Chevrah,

I am glad to report that after much deliberation we have a topic!

Something different...

Tonight we begin "Nefesh HaChaim" - the "ethico-kabbalistic" magnum opus of Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner (1749-1821).

Don't miss out!

Rabbi Gordon

Time: 7:30pm, tonight! - (monday, oct. 30)

Location: 132 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz 95060 (831/427-1285)

Directions from the intersection of Mission St. and Bay St.:

Take Bay St. up towards UCSC. Turn Left on Nobel. The second street
on the right is Castillion Terrace (a tiny street with a circle).
Parking is most available on Nobel. Walk up Castillion Terrace and
turn right into the first driveway. Walk straight ahead onto the
walkway. I'm in the first unit on the left, right there behind a
wooden gate. There is a mezzuzah on the door!

check out my new parsha blog: therelevantparsha.blogspot.com

Halloween and the Jews

2006-10-29T22:04:00.000-08:00

The day of tricks, treats, and all things ghoulish known as Halloween is upon us on Tuesday of this week. While Halloween, as practiced by many Americans, has little spiritual or religious significance apart from the use of supernatural imagery, it’s religious and specifically non-Jewish origins cannot be denied, having grown out of the pagan Celtic Samhain, the Irish All Hallows Eve and the Catholic All-Saints Day.

With such a pedigree, I think a Jew’s participation in Halloween activities is questionable at best. The emphasis of Judaism is on life, not death, and we certainly have a number or days and occasions during the year where we remember those who are no longer with us physically. The folks over at the Orthodox Union seem to agree, and have posted some thoughts as part of a series called “Wicca, Torah, and Truth,” which looks at Wicca, witchcraft, and the modern Jew.

What do you think? Do you plan to party like a pumpkin, or is this just another Tuesday night? Post your thoughts, and let us hear what’s in that Yiddeshe kop of yours.

Interesting Artistic Opportunities

2006-10-29T05:13:00.000-08:00

This was forwarded to me by Rabbi Shalom Bochner. Sounds interesting:

>I'm looking for models with Middle Eastern faces. Our first account
>> is of the woman who wiped Jesus' feet with her hair. I'd like to
>> have some actual pose time with the model, but after that I would
>> work from a photo.
>>
>> Sooooo, I'm wondering, do you know of any folks who might be up for
>> something like this?
>>
>> We'd really appreciate any help or direction you could give us.
>> Blessings,
>> Ruthie Korch
>> 831.426.6869

Well, he was Jewish I suppose.

Standard Time Begins

2006-10-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that today, Sunday October 29th, Standard Time resumes at 2:00am, so remember to set your clocks back one hour.

To lazy to set your clock to the right time? It might just earn you a Darwin Award:

Living on Zionist Time
5 September 1999, Jerusalem
In most parts of the world, the switch away from Daylight Saving Time proceeds smoothly. But the time change raised havoc with Palestinian terrorists this year.

Israel insisted on a premature switch from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time to accommodate a week of pre-sunrise prayers. Palestinians refused to live on "Zionist Time." Two weeks of scheduling havoc ensued. Nobody knew the "correct" time.

At precisely 5:30pm on Sunday, two coordinated car bombs exploded in different cities, killing three terrorists who were transporting the bombs. It was initially believed that the devices had been detonated prematurely by klutzy amateurs. A closer look revealed the truth behind the explosions.

The bombs had been prepared in a Palestine-controlled area, and set to detonate on Daylight Saving Time. But the confused drivers had already switched to Standard Time. When they picked up the bombs, they neglected to ask whose watch was used to set the timing mechanism. As a result, the cars were still en-route when the explosives detonated, delivering the terrorists to their untimely demises.
Reference: Margot Dudkevitch of the Jerusalem Post, Ron Kampeas of the Associated Press

Partners in Talmud

2006-10-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Partners in Talmud: Santa Cruz - Kew Gardens

After a very successful pilot project, in which several members of our community learned Talmud one-on-one with members of Rabbi Ya'akov Grossman's community in Kew Gardens, New York and came together virtually for a summary lesson via Webcam, the KT education committee is pleased to announce our first formal Partners in Talmud course.

Here is how it works:

Congregants from Santa Cruz will be paired up with their own individual study partners from the community of Rabbi Grossman in New York. The partners will study Talmud over the phone by scheduling one learning session of about one hour per week at their common convenience. The New York partner, who will have prepared a session with Rabbi Grossman, will call his Santa Cruz partner and review with him/her the material, which will be emailed in advance of the session. Approximately once a month, after completing a segment of learning, participants from both coasts will get together, summarize what they have learned and participate in a joint roundtable discussion via a Webcam connection, which will connect the two groups gathered in their respective cities.

The first topic that will be covered is the lighting of the Chanukah menorah. Partners will begin to learn during the week of October 29 and continue through the week of December 11 (just before Chanukah). If you are interested in participating in this unique learning opportunity, please call 457-0264 or email Tammi: tbenjami@ucsc.edu.

Rabbi Gordon Returns!

2006-10-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

A message from Rabbi Yisroel Gordon:

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be back in Santa Cruz this Monday night (Oct. 30) like old times. So if you're in the mood for some enlightening and inspirational Torah discussions... or even if you're not but you recognize your duty as a Jew... or even say you're just nostalgic, join us Monday night at 7:30 for the launching of year six!

Topic? Still up in the air. Let's say it'll be a surprise, even to me! (email your wish list to yisroel@jsn.info)

Location: 132 Castillion Terrace, Santa Cruz 95060 (831/427-1285)

Directions from the intersection of Mission St. and Bay St.:

Take Bay St. up towards UCSC. Turn Left on Nobel. The second street
on the right is Castillion Terrace (a tiny street with a circle).
Parking is most available on Nobel. Walk up Castillion Terrace and
turn right into the first driveway. Walk straight ahead onto the
walkway. I'm in the first unit on the left, right there behind a
wooden gate. There is a mezzuzah on the door!

Special thanks to Sharon for hosting!

Rabbi Yisroel Gordon

Jewish Study Network

Tsniut and Tsreaking

2006-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

On the eve of October 4 2006, the UCSC campus witnessed an annual tradition... First Rain. When the first rain of the school year falls for more than 15 minutes in the evening of a weekday (unstated, generally understood social rules... are there more??) many students streak across campus. I've heard that it's a fun bonding activity for the campus, but I wouldn't know.

Streaking just isn't my activity. For some, it seems like a wonderful liesurely activity, but for me, not so much. I personally don't like advertising my circumcision to the world. Perhaps, my hesitation is because of Tsniut.... Oh Tsniut....

Tsniut is the Jewish concept of modesty. We may be all too familiar with stories of women with covered elbows and long skirts. But Tsniut applies to men as well. Granted, I haven't brushed up with the code in a while, but I'm pretty sure running naked across campus isn't on the "ok with modesty" list.

But I will offer my classmates the benefit of the doubt, or as the Sages call it, Chaf Zechut.....

Gan Eden Mikedem
Perhaps they were attempting to physically manifest the atmosphere of Gan Eden, the Garden of Eden. Perhaps they were channeling Shechinat Hashem, the feminine resonant aspect of God, and delving back into the nakedness of our ancestors Adam and Chava (Eve). By bearing it all, they asserted that they strive for the close relationship between human beings and their creator, the continuous former of the universe, the Holy One Blessed Be He. As Rabbi Nachman Of Bratslav suggests, God is always calling out to us "Ayecha!?", "Where are you!?" In response, the students of UCSC reenacted the first people to answer that message, and brought an equivalence of Paradise to the forests of Santa Cruz, K'Gan Eden Mikedem, like the Garden of Eden in the beginning.

Har Tzion
Many students who participate in the First Rain debaucherous dash agree that there is a miraculous sense of unity. The run is not sexualized, but rather envigorated with a fervor of bonding and brotherhood/sisterhood. There is a common goal of embracing the moment, feeling the rush of adrenaline, and embracing a campuswide sense of community. Just as our ancestors stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai, surrounded by fog and mist (Semitic Special Affects), and experienced the miracle of revelation, so too do participants, knee deep in fog, experience revelation as well. It is a single moment in the academic year when they come together as Kahal Santa Cruz, and witness the unity of the campus. Just like when we feel a sense of familiarity among the tribe, and we claim it was because we saw each other at Mt. Sinai, so too is there a familiarity amongst those who bare testament to the miracle of First Rain.

Choni HaMa'agal
There is a story in the Mishnah (oral law) which tells of a guy named Choni, who is given the title, HaMa'agal, The Circle (Drawer). I won't go into the story, but the basics are that in a time of drought, he drew a circle in the ground, stood inside, and challenged God that he wouldn't leave till God brought rain. God does, people are happy, end of story. Perhaps UCSC students are attempting to draw one big, massive, naked, circle on the UCSC campus to usher in a time of rain to sustain the harvest. They make with their feet (and sneakers) an Eruv, a boundary for which they refuse to leave until God grants them a rain-filled (organic) crop yield. Ok, that's a bit of a stretch, but I wanted one more example.

Or maybe I give them too much credit!

Busha
What is more Halachicly (legally) wrong, and absolutely more shameful, than breaking tsniut is Busha, embarrassment. I do not believe that the runners felt much embarrassment. But one of the worst sins one can commit in the Jewish faith is embarrassing someone in public. It is said that all people go into the next world, Olam Haba, except people who embarrass others in public. This may seem a bit extreme, but the Sages explain more in the Talmud. It is just despicable that people would take pictures of the running, choosing not to run, and then post them online. If the internet is not public, I don't know what is. This is definitely the worst case of Busha I have ever seen. *tear*

Choni HaMa'agal.

Spend a weekend in New York with Chabad!

2006-10-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

This just in (or actually, it came in about 23 hours ago) from the Chabad Student Center:

We have an opportunity to offer the famous Chabad NY weekend for just $275 – if we get a big enough group we will do it! If you are interested you must commit by Saturday Night!

Trip Details:

Depart SFO Thursday night November 2nd at 10:40pm

Return to SFO Monday afternoon November 6th at 12:09pm

We arrange transportation to and from all airports. We arrange lodging in NY. We arrange most meals in NY. We take you for tours of Brooklyn and Manhattan. We provide a Shabbat experience with over 400 college students from across the country. We hook you up with a Saturday night Jewish Hip Hop concert.

You pay for one or two meals that we eat out. You pay for subway rides and any additional touring that is not on our agenda. You have a good time.

If you are interested let me know RIGHT AWAY!

See you tonight,

Shlomie

Yeah, sorry for the late notice. Sign up ASAP if you want that phatty price. (Sometimes a flight to NYC and back alone costs that much... or more!)

Ohiso.com

2006-10-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Look out JewSchool and Jewlicious, there's a new player in town. Ohiso is a brand new blog featuring hip insights into the Jewish world of pop culture. Formed by some of the hippest (oh, maybe second hippest ;) ) Jewish bloggers on the net, Ellie and Akira, Ohiso boasts to give you your fill of "Jewish gossip, tshirts, and more..."

So far, there are not many articles, since they are brand new. Give 'em some time! (They just added me on Myspace today). They have a HUGE tshirt/sweatshirt/yid-gear store (through our dear friends cafepress... of course). Their stuff is funny. I'll admit, the end of the Jewish Punim (Puns plural, Hebrew) gets a little lame... you can tell they were pushed for ideas. But some of their t-shirts made me run through the halls of the 12 Tribes CoOp yelling silly t-shirt slogans (Holla 12 Tribes! Yo!)

Overall, great start. Now, if only Chanukah was a little closer so I could afford those shirts!

Check em Out at Ohiso.com.

Enjoy!

Hookah: The Middle Eastern Killer

2006-10-17T16:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, when most people smoke a cigarette too close to my breathing radius, I cough as if to say, "Get that nasty cigarette smoke out my face. OUT MY FACE!" But I'm always down to hit the hookah; not only does it smell and taste great, but it's a lot healthier than smoking a cigarette... Or is it? As posted on Jewschool.com:

“People who use these devices don’t realize that they could be inhaling what is believed to be the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes in one typical 30-60 minute session with a waterpipe, because such a large quantity of pure, shredded tobacco is used,” said Christopher Loffredo, Ph.D., Director of the Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology program at Georgetown University Medical Center.

…”People think the water absorbs the toxins, and that is true to some extent if the toxins are water soluble, but tar isn’t, and tar contains the carcinogens,” he said. “We believe that, compared to the typical cigarette smoker, waterpipe smokers are exposed to larger total amounts of nicotine, carbon monoxide and certain other toxins.”

And because the tobacco is burning at a lower temperature, it is more tolerable to inhale deeply, and in fact you need more force to pull air through the high resistance of the water pathway,” Loffredo said. “That means the tobacco smoke can be penetrating deeper in a person’s respiratory tract than cigarette smoke does. The damage could be even worse than seen in cigarette smokers….”

Full story here. Be careful out there.

Hillel Creates Its Own Blog

2006-10-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Check it out on the Hillel website.

Know Your Bible

2006-10-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Daily NaCh starting today!

Did you know that by reading 2 chapters every day, you could complete the entire Bible in one year?

Take part in AZAMRA's free Internet Bible-in-a-Year Study Cycle and get acquainted with the world's greatest Book of eternal wisdom – for an investment that could be no more than 10-15 minutes a day.

The cycle is set to start Monday 24 Tishri 5767 / 16 October 2006 and end Friday, 23 Tishri 5768 / 5 October 2007. The daily study will consist of approximately 2 chapters from the Neviim (prophets) and the Ketuvim (writings), the two parts of the Bible that come after the Torah, together known as "NaCh". Along with the standard weekly Torah portion, one can thus learn the whole Bible in one year. In addition, sign up for the free daily Know-your-Bible emails.

Many Jews, including those raised in traditional environments, lack familiarity with NaCh, and are put to shame by Christians who can quote whole lines, citing chapter and verse. This fact is commonly exploited by missionaries and others. Mastering the whole Bible is helpful in guarding against such exploitation, and is a key to understanding later texts.

So get your daily NaCh today!

Read Hebrew America

2006-10-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

Congregation Kol Tefillah presents:

Read Hebrew America

Learn to read Hebrew in five easy lessons! Congregation Kol Tefillah is teaming up with the National Jewish Outreach Program to bring "Read Hebrew America" to Santa Cruz.

When: Sundays, Oct. 22 to Nov. 19, 10am to 12pm

Where: Santa Cruz Hillel (222 Cardiff Pl., next to the 7/11)

Instructor: Dianne Sigman

Fee: FREE

RSVP Required: 457-0264 or email Tammi Benjamin: tbenjami [at] ucsc.edu

JUST for a day

2006-10-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

I have been informed that Hillel buses will be traveling to this event from UC Berkeley. (Particpants will also be coming from USC, UC IRVINE, UC RIVERSIDE, UCLA, CSUN, SD State, UCSD, UCSB, Long Beach, Occidental, Claremont, and UofA.)

Join more than 1,000 students who will take to the streets and beaches of Los Angeles on November 12 when Hillel launches JUST for a Day, a one-day social-justice blitz that will make a difference in lives of Angelinos.

Meet students from all over the west coast, volunteer your time and learn about the issues affecting LA. Organizations with volunteer opportunities include:

P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless)
Heal the Bay
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Midnight Mission
Venice Family Clinic
Beit T’shuvah
Downtown Women’s Center
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

And after all is said and done…

GUSTER and the LeeVees will perform a closed show for all JUST for a Day participants at the Henry Fonda Theatre in LA!!

In order to take part in this event, SIGN UP NOW.

Or conctact your local Hillel.

Tsniut and Tsreaking - First Rain and the Semitic Brain

2006-10-09T13:31:00.000-07:00

Soon to come, I promise!!!!

Forgiveness 2.0

2006-10-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness 2.0

Background:
If you havent seen, I created a facebook group called "Do You Forgive Yonah Feinstein?" to try to bring the concept of Tshuvah, spiritual return, (goyisha-transgression and repentence) into the 21st century. An overwhelming number of people joined, both of those that I invited because I know that I have done wrong to, and those that were not invited but wanted to show their support. I believe the highpoint was at 98 (crossing fingers for 100).

Ok, Here We Go:
Thank you all so much for your forgiveness this year. It makes me truly glad that we can actually seek a second chance after our wrongdoings.

Over the course of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and the progress of this group, I have thought a lot about the things I have done, aka, the ways ive pissed yall off, and how I can make ammends.

This group is definitely a frist step. It has enabled self reflection, primarily on my behaf, and I hope it has made you think about the ways we can all become better people.

Seeking forgiveness electronically has been an interesting endeavor, no doubt. I have received both well wishes and criticism for this feat. But overall, I believe it has made a positive impact.

That is why....
I'd like to brainstorm about taking it one step further. How can we utilize the casual and anonymous nature of the internet to both rid us of guilt and regret, as well as help us seek forgiveness, and ultimately, become better people because of it.

Any Ideas?
Would a PostSecret model work? A blog? a YahooAnswers model?
Let me know what you think.

Mazel Tov to the Libicki's: It's a boy!

2006-09-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

A great big Mazel Tov to former UCSC grad-jew-slug Daniel Libicki and his wife Faina (now in Palo Alto) on the birth of a baby boy this past Thursday!

May he be a great source of joy and blessing for all of Klal Yisroel!

Props

2006-09-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Some of you have noticed our beautiful new Jewnification Project banner at the top of the blog. I would like to thank Natasha Sherwood de Hale, a fellow UCSC student, who actually drew that trippy design by hand especially for the JewniProj, after which it was scanned and incorporated into the design.

Thank you Natasha. Your creativity has brought the blog to a whole new level.

Things to Consider for YKYK6

2006-09-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

It is curious that we are privileged to welcome the beginning of the academic year with the beginning of the Jewish year. And on top if it all, the interim chancellor is Jewish! Coincidence? I think not. Perhaps this is a clever scheduling kuntz (yiddish - meaning joke or trick) from our brothers at the association of the Elders of Zion. But alas, if only it were so!

As both the academic and Jewish years begin, we all have the opportunity to truly reflect on ourselves as students, as people. Where else in the world do the pressures of alcohol and sex and violence and especially gossip come into play more than the college campus? Sad but true, the dorms are breeding grounds for drama drama drama!

So now not only do we have the ability but more so the obligation to take a good look at ourselves and decide how we are going to act this year. We should ask ourselves how we can do our parts to fix this broken world.

As Yom Kippur 2006, or what I'd like to call YKYK6, draws near (Sunday night) we are amidst what the tradition calls Yamim Nora'im, the terrible days. We are encouraged to confront everyone that we have wronged this past year and beg for forgiveness. We are to contemplate the fragility of life, and hope that this year we will be written in the book of life, and not that other scary codex (check out www.bookofdeath.com).

But have no fear, hopefully you will be exonerated this year! (....Unless you've been naughty....you'd better watch out, you'd better not cry, you'd better not pout, I'm telling you why, the Lord Almighty's writing you down!)

So I figure ... if we're going to have a clean slate come Monday night ... why not live it up a little in the meantime?

Ever wondered what lobster tastes like?
Ever felt the thrill of drinking milk straight from the carton?
Ever had the urge to push all the buttons in the elevator?
Or to leave the toilet seat up?

YOU HAVE UNTIL SUNDAY NIGHT!

So ... in conclusion ...
To all I have wronged this year, please forgive me. I have times when I am an asshole, and I regret my mistakes, and seek to change my ways this coming year.

Gmar Tov Yall!
Have an easy fast!
Happy YKYK6

New Learning Opportunity in Santa Cruz

2006-09-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

by Amittai Moshe

Thursday nights 9pm beginning Oct 5th @ The Bochur Pad
"Kashrut Basics Made Easy"
featuring your neighborhood Hassid, Rav Shlomie Chein.

Anyone interested in the how-to's of keeping a kosher kitchen is welcome.

WARNING: Learning Torah with the chevrah at nighttime may lead to serious farbrengening and in certain cases l'chaims; caution is advised.

For location details, email JewniProj [at] gmail.com.

Hip Hop for Rosh HaShana

2006-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

by Amittai Moshe

Yo, JewSlugs in the hood. The JewniProj came across this video not too long ago, turns out it's featuring a friend of mine from Yeshivah, Ori. Word up to you Ori, keep busting rhymes and most of all Keep it Kosher!!!!!!

-Amittai

Leviathan is back, and better than ever (probably)

2006-09-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

UCSC's premier student-produced Jewish mag/newspaper is getting ready for another year of ~~drunken shenanigans~~ scholarship and literary and cultural accomplishments.

No, but seriously, if you're interested in writing for UCSC's best and longest running Jewish publication, our first meeting is tomorrow, Thursday September 28th at 7pm in the Press Center, which is kind of near the Media Center, directly next to the ARC (known more commonly, and incorrectly, as the "ARC Center"). And according to our new Editor in Chief, Ari Breakstone, "there will be some tasty treats [on hand]- ohhhh yeah."

If you're thinking, "Oh man, why would I even want to write for a dorky Jewish publication," let me give a sample list of some of the titles of articles from our last issue: 420 on Passover, "The apartheid state of Israel," Hassidic Trance Party, Israeli punk??!?!... you get the idea. Come check it out.

And word on the street is Leviathan is going to have a website up and running sometime this year, so keep your eyes and ears open.

L'shana tova u'm'tuka!!!!!

2006-09-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, September 21st, I had the pleasure of participating in a uniquely Santa Cruzian Jewish event, a fusion between an appreciation for nature and a call to the yiddishe neshama to wake up at this time of entering a new year.

Eitan Altshuler, with Rabbi Shalom Bochner of Hillel, organized a hike to Tree Nine (the legendary climbing tree behind Colleges 9 and 10), where we were to climb to the very top and blow the shofar (it is a widely practiced Jewish custom to blow the shofar every day starting at the beginning of the month of Elul, in order to arouse oneself to soul-searching and self-betterment).

In my eyes, the event was a huge success. Me and Eitan climbed the tree, shofar in hand, and belted out the traditional order of blasts from among the treetops, and Shalom echoed with his shofar at the base of the tree. Blowing a huge shofar while sitting on top of a huge tree in the forest, looking down at a cloud-filled bay in the afternoon light, was moving to say the least.

Two other students, Josh and Pepper, joined us at the top, and this fact is of particular importance. Not only did they seem genuinely appreciative of the whole event, but apparently they actually found out about it from the JewniProj, which, as far as I know, was the only online resource to have listed it. Yasher koach again Eitan for organizing this event. I hope it becomes a Santa Cruz tradition.

I personally want to ask forgiveness from anyone I may have offended this past year, and I wish everyone a sweet, happy, and healthy new year! L'shana tova u'm'tuka!

Website Updates Galore!

2006-09-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Other than the Jewnification Project, two of the most important online resources for UCSC Jewish students are JewCSC.com and SantaCruzHillel.org, which have both been updated recently.

The Hillel website got a major face-lift and now features a decidedly more user-friendly interface and two calendars, one for "Hillel events" and one for "community events." Otherwise, there is still the requisite list of student groups, a page of birthright info, and a page to donate money to Hillel. More updates are in the works, according to Shalom Bochner's message on the Hillel homepage.

In addition to the updates to JewCSC.com reported previously, now there is a free interactive classifieds section which is sort of like a Jewish Craigslist.com (in the rough) where you can hook up housing, rides, and buy and sell stuff, all in the Santa Cruz Jewish community. There is also now a section called "In my humble opinion," which is supposed to be "a forum for locals to comment on local and international events." If the commentary is as colorful as that on the articles on Chabad.org, it will be well worth reading (e.g., see the commentary on this article, which had been linked to in a JewCSC.com e-mail... sometimes the comments are more interesting than the article itself).

My heart is full to see our campus Jewish orgs seriously using the internet as a tool to improve our community. Your efforts should be fruitful in the new year.

Shabbat Report: Matisyahu Revisited

2006-09-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

One week ago during Shabbat, September 8-9, eight students from UCSC came to Berkeley to spend some time with Matisyahu and family. It was a beautiful Shabbat overall, and I personally want to send a special thanks to the Ferris family for hosting us, and to the Chein family for organizing it on the UCSC side.

Also in attendance was my friend and Bay Area blogmeister himself Oyster (formerly TAltman) from Oy Bay!, Laura from The J-Life, and of course the Chein family from the Chabad Student Center at UCSC (Jewcsc.com).

In the midst of the lavish Friday night dinner, Matisyahu himself was mixing drinks for students over at my end of the table. After dinner, Talia Miller gave a valuable shiur/Q&A on Jewish intimacy.

Saturday our own Rabbi Shlomie Chein gave a d'var Torah about the time he met Bill Clinton when he was still the Prez (and when Shlomie was still the Bochur). The whole story was an analogy for Rosh HaShanah, when we need to prepare ourselves to meet with the King of kings; and hey, even though we might not be "dressed" for the occasion, and even though we might feel like we're just too distant spiritually for approaching G-d at this awesome time, we need to keep in mind that all that doesn't matter. Whatever we can offer is enough, and we have a whole new year to improve ourselves.

So Oyster got some pretty sweet pics and wrote a couple informative posts about the weekend; Click here to check it all out.

Shofar, so good

2006-09-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, Rosh HaShanah is right around the corner. Like, in a few days.

To get us in the Rosh HaShanah spirit, this Thursday at 6:15pm, there will be a phatty hike to the ever popular Tree Nine, which will include a shofar blowing in the woods.

This is what it's all about my friends; going out into nature, hearing the call of the shofar and looking inside yourself, trying to find paths to grow in the new year.

Of course, if you just like hiking and climbing trees, then this is also right up your alley.

We will be meeting at the Bay Tree Bookstore at 6:15pm and then walking to Tree Nine.

Shofar, [not] so good

2006-09-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

Here's an alert sent out by Rabbi Shalom Bochner (thank you sincerely for the heads-up):

A Christian man who is involved with a "Judeo-Christian" group is doing a public shofar blowing at 7:30 pm on the first day of Rosh HaShanah (Saturday 9/23) at the clock tower downtown. He came into Hillel today and asked me to hang up one of his fliers, which I obviously didn't do. We spoke for about 1/2 hour and he was respectful but still didn't seem to understand why Jewish organizations won't / can't support messianic Jews for Jesus events. Anyway, in case anyone is interested, they are doing this event and I am sad to think there might be Jews who will be tempted to get involved with this church when they hear the shofar. Anyone wanna go down there and put on a real Rosh haShanah event?

These missionizing types really bug me.

Yasher koach Shalom. What chutzpa, to try to put up a Christian missionary flier in Hillel. Keep us updated.

She remembers her roots

2006-09-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

As some of you may or may not know, Talia Coutin, the former Editor-in-Chief of our hip UCSC Jewish rag, the Leviathan, has been interning the past few months in New York for the Jewish Telegraph Agency.

In her most recent article, Talia describes the "webbe rebbe" phenomenon, whereby Jews around the globe pose their Jewish-themed questions to live Jewish scholars over the internet, and she wonders what far-reaching affects this phenomenon has facilitated, if any at all. The piece is well written and researched, and probably has all the elements of a good article that Talia always used to talk about (back in the Leviathan days) but that I always forget.

One of the websites that she mentions is AskMoses.com, which UCSC's own Rabbi Shlomie Chein participates in. I used to use the site pretty often, and I definitely recommend it for any basic questions about traditional Judaism or a Chassidic lifestyle.

Now, you may remember that a number of months ago, a certain JewniProj contributor was very disappointed with a certain telegraph agency over certain editorial choices, but I'm extremely pleased to note that in this most recent article, the JewniProj was actually mentioned (in passing) and even linked to.

Yasher koach to Talia for her accomplishments these last few months, and you should have continued and increased successes b'ruchnius v'b'gashmius in your upcoming East Coast endeavors.