Opuscula Original Omer Is much better Than “new” Omar

FOR JEWS, THE “ORIGINAL” Omer is far superior to the ‘new” Omar.
Observant Jews will be counting the days of the original omer from the second night of Pesach, at the second seder for traditional Jew outside of Israel.


Observant Jews also may be counting the days until the new Omar, the anti-Semitic, anti-Israel bigot is turned out of office.

Of course we need to remember that for the first 33 days of the “good” omer things were not so good for 24,000 yeshiva boys studying with R. Akiva.

These religious youth died, allegedly for their behavior toward one another; not acting the way an observant Jew is expected to act (but certainly in line with the “new” Omar).

Torah.org (http://tinyurl.com/y4rvx2yg) comments that The Gemora in the tractate of Yevamos 62b, tells us that “Rabbi Akiva had 12,000 pairs of students…and all of them died in one period of time because they did not conduct themselves with respect towards one another…they all died between Pesach and Shavuot…and they all died a terrible death.

Rabbi Dani Schreiber, who teaches at Midreshet Torat Chesed in Netanya, Israel (http://tinyurl.com/y4n6yutk) notes that At first, this seems quite shocking. These were 24,000 Torah scholars who were the students of Rabbi Akiva , the teacher who taught that “You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ואהבת לרעך כמוך is the most important principle in Torah in his opinion! How could it be that his own students failed so gravely when it came to the interpersonal realm?

Looking closely at the Talmud we see that it says that they lacked kavod (respect), and we then need to understand how kavod differs from ahava (love). Maimonides (Hilchot Ishut [15:19]) says that a man has an obligation to love his wife as much as himself, but to respect her more than himself. Those sound like two different measuring sticks. What, then, is the difference?

R. Schreiber then answers his own question:
*  Love is the bond that is created between people based on what they have in common – we enjoy those aspects of someone else which we connect with and can relate to.
*  Respect is the bond created between two people when they tolerate and celebrate the differences between them. And it is respect that is often more important in relationships because it is those very differences which have the potential to pull us apart.

The Omar spouting anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rants from Washington certainly has no respect for anyone other than, maybe, Muslim females; at least that’s how her bigotry identifies her.

Of course, Ms. Omar offends people in one breath and apologies in the next. Her Democrat colleagues apparently cannot identify recidivism of the tongue; they search for excuses for her behavior. That she is not chastised by the party in power shouts that her colleagues in the House concur with her bigotry.

An interesting question: What do her constituents back home think of their representative now that they have seen the “real” Ilhan Omar.

The original omer is, for the first 33 days, a semi-mourning period in which many observant Jews forgo haircuts and the men allow their beards to sprout.

I think that behavior is appropriate when thinking about the “new” Omar; she is a disgrace to thinking people, both left and right.

We should mourn the lack of civility, of respect; we also should mourn the inability of some people to actually THINK, to LISTEN to opposing views.

What is amazing is the number of non-observant Jews who rally to her cause even as she denigrates them. Once and forever presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is in her camp even though to Rep. Omar, all Jews are reprehensible, regardless if they are “accident of birth Jews” and totally self-hating, Reform, or Conservative. (What she must think of the black hat Jews in Deal is beyond my ken. I suppose her attitude that “a Jew is a Jew is a Jew” is something with which I can agree; our reasoning for this is at opposite ends of the spectrum.)

 

One thing the original brings observant Jews is a revisiting of Perki Avot, a/k/a “Ethics of the Fathers” (no matter how it is transliterated from Hebrew).

Avot is something Rep. Omar should study and practice. I don’t expect that will happen; after all, the avot all are Jews of the worst sort: ethical.

I’m relatively certain she would like at least one of Hillel the Elder’s remarks: If I am not for me, who will be for me. It’s a “me-me” world in which the politician lives with many of her fellow Democrats . . ,  and perhaps a few left wing, “progressive” Republicans as well.

The original omer ends with a celebration — Shavuot — I am certain when her term in the House ends, assuming she’s not re-elected by her fellow bigots, will be noted with a celebration among people who think; who want to bring the country together rather than to expand the chasm that daily increases thanks to the new Omar and her ilk.

In my seven decades I have never seen such a division between parties and such animosity among people who once were civil and respectful to one another.

We have become like Akiva’s students — showing disrespect to one another, never LISTENING to one another — indeed, not waiting for another to finish a thought unless it agrees with the our opinion.

If two children squabble over a toy, an adult steps in to settle the dispute and bring harmony back to the tiny combatants.

Unfortunately, the two children are the political parties; the really sad thing is there are no adults — political leaders — to end the tantrums and bring us to a peaceful arrangement.

PLAGIARISM is the act of appropriating the literary composition of another, or parts or passages of his writings, or the ideas or language of the same, and passing them off as the product of one’s own mind.

Truth is an absolute defense to defamation. Defamation is a false statement of fact. If the statement was accurate, then by definition it wasn’t defamatory.

עינים להם ולא יראו * אזנים להם ולא יאזנו

Comments on Omer vs. Omar

Opuscula A few ideas to help Keep peace @ the seder

The article is titled 10 Tips for De-Stressing Your Thanksgiving, but many of the "tips" are valid for Passover's seders as well; some require a little editorial license, but all are worth a quick read.

The first recommendation is to "Focus on the meaning of the holiday. That means. According to Health Central:
The whole gist of this holiday is to connect with family and to count your blessings. It is not to cook the perfect meal or to have perfectly behaved child (although that would be nice sometimes). Take the time to laugh and have fun with your family. Be grateful for the happy moments.

Actually, the "gist" of the seder is to connect with the entire Jewish family - from the יציאת מצרים (the exodus from Egypt) to Jews today, wherever they may be on the globe. If there is enough to eat - and in most homes there will be more than enough - and if the hagadah is read without too many "But my rabbi said…" comments or "My mother used to grind her own horseradish and it was (pick an adjective) than tonight's, then welcome Elijah to שלום בית (a peaceful home).

Suggestions Numbers 2 and 7 seem to be contradictory, but maybe not.

Number 2 instructs Get outside and continues There is nothing which will drive a hyperactive child or adult more stir crazy than sitting in the house all day. Take a walk, play some touch football, go bike riding if the weather permits, play in the snow if it is snowing outside, but do get outside even if you have to bundle up. These, of course, are pre-sundown activities.

Number 7, titled Let your child be part of the meal preparation will at lest put extra hands to the task - both boys and girls can learn what goes into preparing a Passover meal, and usually, both boys and girls are more than willing to help out. The suggestion, after some editing, reads Children are much more likely to eat something that they had a hand in creating. Let your child help as they are able.

Suggestion Number 4 encourages Make merry with music. For us, that means practicing the Pesach favorites:

  *  הודו (Hodu)

  *  אחד מי יודע? (Who knows one?)

  *  חד גדיא (Had Gad'ya)

  *  אדיר הוא (Ader Who)

If some words are "mangled" or completely changed, go with it. Who knows, a new Passover tradition may have just been created.

Suggestion Number 6 is for anyone who travels with restless passengers anytime of the year. Basically, If traveling, pack an activity bag. Every parent should know that, but "just in case." It might be wise to also carry some pillows for sleepy passengers (of all ages). The Web site suggests Bring things like small toys, crayons, markers, and paper. You can pack an electronic game or even a small DVD player. The goal is to give them some independent activities to keep them busy during the less lively parts of your visit. Make certain also to pack non-electronic toys - the first day(s) of Pesach are "like Shabat" and, for the more observant, electrical - including battery operated - toys and devices remain tuned off - just like the cell phones.

Tip Number 8 builds on Number 6 and tells us to Play some games!. Some children like physically active games. There is twister and limbo as well as indoor bowling with plastic pins and ball. There are foam dart board games as well as magnetic fishing. Some other hands on games especially for younger kids are Hungry Hippos, Ants in the Pants, Don't Break the Ice and Mouse Trap. Keep in mind that the kids need to (try to) stay awake until they find the afekomin and everyone exclaims שנה הבאה בירושלים! (Next year in Jerusalem).

Tip Number 9 says Reward good behavior and suggests that parents (and wise hosts) Go to a dollar store and buy small toys and trinkets to give to your child at certain intervals for good behavior. Some good choices might be Slinkys and coloring books. You'll need a prize for whoever finds the afekomin anyway, but it's wise to have something for all the children of all ages.

Finally, Health Central recommends having what it calls a Cool Down Zone,, a place where the child can temporarily "get away from it all." There might be an "antsy" adult that would be prefect as a chaperone to read age-appropriate books or help with puzzles, flash cards, etc.

Meat, Poultry, Fish at Passover Some things need K4P, others don't

 

According to R. Ya'aqob Menashe in his Torah Minute for 17 March/15 Adar, A man should inquire about the halakhoth (laws) of Pesah (Passover) thirty days before Pesah to teach himself, during these days, all laws pertinent to the holiday of Pesah, every day.

Do otherwise kosher meat, poultry, and fish need special Kosher for Passover (K4P) certification?

It depends on who you ask.

If you ask the local kosher market, the answer probably will be "They do (require specialK4P certification)."

And the butcher may be correct - for that particular store.

On the other hand, if you ask the Orthodox Union (the OU), the answer is "No, providing …"

Others weighing in on the question include:

* Jewish Virtual Library

* Ohr Somayach

* Shemay Israel

* Vaad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle

* Young Israel of Staten Island (YISI)

 

WITH THE EXCEPTION of the Vaad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle, all kashrut organizations in the U.S. are strictly Ashkenazi. Seattle's 2014 list is a mix of Sefardi and Ashkenazi and both are clearly marked. The cRc's list for 2014 flags products that are kitniyot and suggests that readers "contact their local Sefardi rabbi" to determine if the product is K4P for Sefardim and Mizrachim.

Seattle Vaad Sample Page

 

Since the entry was first written, the Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate has revived its Recommended Passover Product List For Sephardic Communities so now there are again two trustworthy Sefardi lists.

The JSOR discontinued its list for 2013, relying on other (Ashkenazi) lists.

I'm glad its back.

Orthodox UnionThe OU's opinion comes from its web site and states that "Cuts of raw meat can be remedied for Pesach by an effective rinsing of their surface under cold water. Ground meat, though, cannot be sufficiently “cleansed” by rinsing as the meat is often processed in grinders that also process chametz-containing products such as kishke. Without a thorough sanitation of the machinery between different products, the ground meat can potentially contain actual kishke particles – nullifying its use for Pesach.
Products from local butcher stores and supermarkets, with the plethora of products (including Chametz ones) being processed nearby, cannot be recommended without a there being a special Passover program in place – even for raw meat and poultry products."

Vaad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle GENERAL SEPHARDIC POSITION: Meats, Chicken, Fish, Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, etc. and all natural non-Chametz foods are naturally Kasher, whether these products are bought specifically for Pesach or not, they can be washed before and used for Pesach. - Vegetables (frozen & fresh: Many vegetables may be used on Pesach. Frozen vegetables: It is preferred to buy fresh. However, if it is hard to find the same quality in fresh - frozen vegetables may be purchased before and then used for Pesach even though sometimes they are blanched in the same equipment as pasta. We don’t worry about absorbed residue on commercial equipment if the food is bought before Pesach. - Canned fruits and vegetables: Even though some manufacturers produce cheese and other items it does not affect the clean production of vegetables.

Star K The Star K puts out its annual Star K Passover Director; it's 2014 version already is on the WWW. The K4P list suitable for Ashkenazi - products containing kitniyot are listed as "not kosher for Passover." The 2014 guide states under the heading Meat and Poultry, Packaged that Fresh raw meant and poultry bearing a reliable kosher certification may be used on Passover, however, all ground meat and poultry require K4P certification.
Under the Fish, Frozen Raw that Frozen raw fish with no added ingredients, bearing a reliable kosher certification does not have Pesach concerns. (Exception - Individual vacuum=packed frozen salmon pieces should be used with K4P symbol of certifying agency approval).

Jewish Virtual Library The JVL's web site is unequivocal, with the caveat: "All fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and meats are kosher for Pesach as long as they have not come into contact with chametz."

Young Israel of Staten Island (YISI) states in a PDF file that "All frozen or fresh raw meat and poultry with kosher supervision in original factory packaging."

Shemay Israel SI's site tends to obfuscate by stating that "Meats and Poultry: All brands of raw poultry are kosher for Passover year round. After your butcher "koshers" for Pesach, all raw varieties of meat, cut chicken and veal are acceptable." That leaves me with the question: If you buy before the store is kashered (made kosher) for Passover, are the products K4P?

Answers via email in the order received.

* Ohr Somayach: R. Reuven Lauffer writes from Jerusalem that "It is absolutely essential that all meat, fowl and fish have special Pesach supervision." March 17/15 Adar 2

* Chicago Rabbinical Council: R. Sholem Fishbane responds for crcweb.org that "Usually meat and poultry from the factory does not (require a special certification {ed.})but from a store would need. Not sure about fish though." March 17/15 Adar 2

* OK   Miriam Wudowsky writes that The cryovac bags have a starch inside which could be (corn) kitniyos. They get special starchless ones for P.

KASHRUT.COM If the question is "Is it kosher?" or "Is it safe?" Arlene J. Mathes-Scharf's Kashrut.com is, without a doubt, the best gateway to the world of kashrut and food safety.

Ms. Mathes-Scharf's weekly emails (free subscription) and web site collects

* information about things kosher from the major certifying agencies in the U.S. and elsewhere

* identifies general food health alerts from the U.S. and elsewhere

* lists organizations with special K4P lists

among other things of interest to people who eat.

Kashrut.com is the Google of kosher information. (I prefer Dogpile's search engine, but that wouldn't sound good when talking about food.)

ALWAYS CHECK Kashrut.com's Passover Alerts before heading to the market.

Some K4P lists

cRc http://www.crcweb.org/Passover/2014/complete_passover_guide-2014.pdf (2014) 65 pp of everything from pre-Pesach prep to what to put on the table - and how.

COR - Kashrut Council of Canada http://www.kashrut.com/Passover/pdf/CORPassoverGuide-2014.pdf (2014) English only

Jersey Shore Orthodox Rabbinate (JSOR) http://www.jsor.org/2014Passoverlist.pdf (2014)

MK Canada http://mk.ca/f2/ 188 pp in English and French.

OU http://issuu.com/oukosher/docs/passoverguide14/1?e=2900859/7057805 (2014) - Note this Guide is 100 pages long.

Scroll K / Vaad Hakashrus of Denver
http://www.kashrut.com/Passover/pdf/ScrollK_2014.pdf (2014) Includes form to sell hametz.

Star K http://www.star-k.org/PassoverDirectory2014_Web.pdf (2014) - Note this Guide is 126 pages long.

KosherQuest http://kosherquest.org/magazine_flip/ 32 pp including advertisements (2014)

Va’ad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle http://seattlevaad.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/SEATTLE-VAAD-2014_5774-PASSOVER-DIRECTORY.pdf (2014)

It is almost Adar Bet Time to PANIC!

Pesach is almost here

It's Sunday morning, the 23rd of Adar Aleph (Adar 1) .

There are seven more days left in Adar 1 (not counting today.)

Purim falls on the 14th of Adar - Adar Bet (2) if there is an Adar Bet otherwise the 14th of Adar 1.

Doing the math, I see we have 21 days before Purim.

We haven't yet even lost an hour on the clock as the government messes with our minds.

But The Spouse went into

PESACH PANIC MODE

She'll remain in this mode until Mimunah, when all of our friends suddenly become "Moroccans for a night." (Wonderful time.)

Now we have a smallish house - two bedrooms and the office, plus a couple of bathrooms and a two-car garage that can't be used for cars due to all the other "stuff" inside: sukkah wood, gas burner for frying Friday night fish; the usual things one finds in a Jewish family's garage.

She is not quite as bad as her mother used to be. Mother-in-Law, whom I love dearly, used to whitewash all the walls of the quarters she shared with her late husband. Wiping down the walls, as my "modern" wife does, was insufficient for my M -  I -  L.

Sara tackled the guest room today.

The furniture is moved.

The mattress and innersprings are tipped out of the bed frames. We argue: does she help me or does she not? I win; she does not. The slats are removed.

First she does a "once over lightly" with a dust mop, then comes the furniture polish and rag to get into every nook and cranny of the bed frame.

Meanwhile, I bring out the 6-foot A-frame ladder to dust the ceiling fan's blades and light fixture.

Before the innersprings can be restored to their position, she wipes it down: top, bottom, and sides.

Next comes the mattress; same procedure.

Now the floor is attacked where furniture will once again be placed. Fortunately, several years go (about this time of year on the Jewish calendar if I recollect correctly), I bought and installed "sliders" under the corners of all the furniture. (I used a floor jack to raise the bed, corner by corner.)

The vacuum is silenced and I bring in the small three-tier step-stool to being down the curtain rod and the curtains hanging from it. Off come the curtains - dainty things - and soon are in the washing machine.

Meanwhile, the mattress pad and bed covers had been airing out in the driveway (we're forbidden by the mafia that controls the Homeowners Association to have clothes lines in the backyard so putting the stuff in front is a bit of "Residents' Revenge"; prohibiting clothes lines hidden in the back yard makes a lot of sense in south Florida where a wash can dry in 30 minutes or less.).

The Spouse busies herself with "other things" until the wash is done.

Once washed and dried in a non-environmentally friendly electric dryer, the curtains are restored to their normal location and the floor is (re-)vacuumed; no footprints allowed.

This week I have the pleasure of Pesach prepping the office.

Mind, hametz is strictly forbidden in the office. Weak cold tea and hot coffee are the only things allowed from the kitchen to the office. I even remember to "de-crumb" myself before approaching the room. (My wife is not the only crazy one in the family.)

I don't mind doing the office. It's my space and I can put things where they are convenient for me. It does necessitate getting on the small, 3-tier ladder to reach some pictures and to move around some "must have close at hand" books. Once back on the floor, I get to empty each drawer, dust it inside and out, and - having dusted each item that was in the drawer, return the item . . . to be forgotten until next year. (Is there hametz in a dry erase marker? Would a dog eat it if there were?)

Once I'm done with the office my next job puts me back on the 6-foot A-frame ladder dusting the hanukiah (Hanukah menorahs) collection and the walls on which they sit. There are (now) only about 20 hanukiote; there were more, but when the kids moved into their own homes they took their favorites with them.

For me, the rest is all downhill. Empty, dust, and refill my clothes drawers; hose down the outside of the windows (and spray the accordion shutters with their annual shot of lubricant while I'm at it).

Finally, wash the cars, pull out and wash all the mats and wash them.

But I have to hurry. Purim is only 21 days away and from then to Pesach . . .

Funny thing is, we do not envy our neighbors who either limit cleaning to the kitchen and dining room or the folks who wink at "spring cleaning" and hide their hametz behind taped kitchen doors.

With our grand-daughter in Israel, all this pre-Pesach prep makes up a little for not having any small hands to help in the search for hametz - we do it, but it's no fun.

Food for the poor, food for thought

This morning we had a schnorer collecting money to help the poor buy Passover provisions.

Without going in to my opinion of schnorers from Israel coming to the States to beg, I will suggest that Rambam - Moses ben Maimon, a/k/a Maimonides - was right when he told us that our charity - check that, our obligation - begins at home and works outward:

* Family
* Jewish Community
* City
* Country
* Israel
* Rest of the World

While it is commendable to donate to schnorers from Israel, or, for that matter, any place, we need to set aside a greater portion for the poor in our midst. Trust me, there ARE Jewish poor, especially in this economy.

While we are told that even a poor person must give צדקה - and to repeat my earlier point, tzdakah is NOT "charity," it is an obligation that falls on all of us - we should distribute our resources to others based on Rambam's approach (ibid.).

Here in southeast Florida we have several food banks. There's a Jewish - therefore "kosher products" - food bank almost within walking distance. My wife occasionally works there and the food bank is a frequent debit entry into the check book. As it should be.

Typically, in Conservative and Reform congregations, the schnorer approaches the religious leader who gives from the congregation's Discretionary Fund. In so-called "Orthodox" congregations, the schnorers approach the rabbi who then lets the congregants know it's OK to donate; the schnorer's purpose it legitimate.

Here, most schnorers check in with a committee that issues - rubber stamps, actually - a document certifying the schnorer's purpose.

Pesach - Passover - is nigh. Passover prices likewise are both "nigh" and "high." Local food banks need help, both financial and physical.

If you don't know if there is a food bank - Jewish or otherwise - in your community, ask a rabbi or synagogue administrator. Check at the JCC or Federation office.

Failing that, check on line. I used the Dogpile (http://www.dogpile.com) search engine to find "Jewish food banks in South Florida" and got several hits. Unfortunately, the hits failed to include my nearby food bank. (Turns out "We Are One" lacks a Web presence, ergo no hit.)

Now - a note to food merchants.

I understand why prices are raised for the Passover buying season.

Supply and demand.

The manufacturers and wholesalers raise their prices as the demand from Jews who might keep "semi-kosher" for a meal or two increases. (Semi-kosher in that the food left the market kosher, then went into a non-kosher utensil to cook, later to be served on non-kosher plates and eaten with non-kosher knives, forks, and spoons. Still, if it is the thought that counts. . .) I cannot fault the food chain for the higher prices given the sudden, and brief, demand.

But we keep kosher year round.

It would be nice if one of the markets offered us either (a) coupons valid for Pesach products or (b) a discount card valid for Pesach products.

We have many kosher markets in the area; if any one offered a break to its regular customers on Pesach prices, we’d probably make that our primarily market. As would our circle of friends (mostly Sefardim/Mizrachim, so Bet Yosef/Halak meat is in order.)

I suggested this in the past, but the words always fell on deaf ears.

Back to the point: It's fine to give, directly or indirectly (via the congregation's Discretionary Fund), to out-of-town schorners, but remember to take care of the Jews in your own community.

And once Pesach is over, remember that people still have to eat; just because you celebrated memunah doesn't mean you should cease giving to the food bank.

Find a food bank in your community - ask at the synagogue, the JCC, the Federation - and support it however much you are able.