Yehuda Lave is an author, journalist, psychologist, rabbi, spiritual
teacher, and coach, with degrees in business, psychology and Jewish Law.
He works with people from all walks of life and helps them in their
search for greater happiness, meaning, business advice on saving money,
and spiritual engagement.
Opposition leader says after
talking with Pfizer CEO and other experts that the over-50 population
must receive a 3rd vaccine shot.
Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this week with Pfizer CEO
Albert Bourla on the need for additional coronavirus vaccines.
"In the last few days I spoke twice with my friend, Pfizer CEO Albert
Bourla," Netanyahu said in a video released Wednesday. "I also talked
to other experts. I have come to the conclusion that the State of Israel
must immediately order millions of vaccines and it must start
immediately to give out the third vaccine dose to the adult population."
"This is the population, those over the age of 50, who are at risk,
at risk for serious illness or death. And giving the third vaccine dose,
not to 200,000 people, but to two million people, that is the only way
to protect this population, the only way to protect the great success
that we brought in making Israel the first country in the world to get
out of the coronavirus pandemic," he said.
"Without
a third vaccine dose, there is no effective way to protect human life
and to maintain an open and growing economy. Therefore, I call on the
government: act immediately and bring the third vaccine dose for
Israel's citizens, right now. Vaccinate two million citizens in the
coming days. You can vaccinate 200,000 people a day, and then it'll be
done. It can be done, and it works.
"Every day that passes endangers the life and health of Israel's
citizens. Therefore, I say to the government, stop dawdling," Netanyahu
concluded.
Israelis banned from travel to UK, Turkey, Georgia, Cyprus
Israelis are now banned from visiting the UK, Georgia, Cyprus and Turkey, the coronavirus cabinet rules.
The four countries will join a growing list of places that Israelis may not fly to; if caught doing so they face a significant fine upon return. The decision will take effect next Friday.
Turkey and Cyprus are two of the most popular vacation destinations for Israelis.
Israelis are already banned from traveling to Russia, Mexico, South Africa, India, Argentina, Brazil, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Spain and Kyrgyzstan due to high COVID morbidity in those destinations.
The 15th of Av: Love and Rebirth
The Jewish mini-holiday of Tu B’Av
The 15th of Av is undoubtedly a most mysterious day. A search of the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) reveals no observances or customs for this date, except for the instruction that the Tachanun
(confession of sins) and similar portions should be omitted from the
daily prayers (as is the case with all festive dates), and that one
should increase one’s study of Torah, since the nights are beginning to grow longer, and “the night was created for study.” And the Talmud tells us that many years ago the “daughters of Jerusalem would go dance in the vineyards” on the 15th of Av, and “whoever
did not have a wife would go there” to find himself a bride.
And the Talmud considers this the greatest
festival of the year, with Yom Kippur (!) a close second!
Indeed, the 15th of Av cannot but be a mystery. As the “full
moon” of the tragic month of Av, it is the festival of the future
redemption, and thus a day whose essence, by definition, is unknowable
to our unredeemed selves.
Yet also the unknowable is also ours to seek and explore.
7 Joyous Events That Happened on the 15th of Av
1) The dancing maidens of Jerusalem
Said Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel: There were no greater festivals for Israel than the 15th of Av and Yom Kippur. On these days the daughters of Jerusalem
would go out... and dance in the vineyards. And what would they say?
"Young man, raise your eyes and see which you select for yourself..." (Talmud, Taanit 26b)
The Talmud goes on to list several joyous events which occurred on the 15th day of the month of Av:
2. The dying of the generation of the Exodus ceased.
Several months after the people of Israel were freed from Egyptian
slavery, the incident of the spies demonstrated their unpreparedness for
the task of conquering the land of Canaan and developing it as the Holy Land. G‑d
decreed that that entire generation would die out in the desert, and
that their children would enter the land in their stead (as recounted in
Numbers 13 and
14). After 40 years of wandering through the wilderness, the dying
finally ended, and a new generation of Jews stood ready to enter the
Holy Land. It was the 15th of Av of the year 2487 from creation (1274
BCE).
As long as members of this doomed generation were still alive, G‑d didn’t communicate with Moses in an affectionate manner. As soon as the last of these men died, once again G‑d lovingly communicated with Moses.
3. The tribes of Israel were permitted to intermarry.
In order to ensure the orderly division of the Holy Land between the
twelve tribes of Israel, restrictions had been placed on marriages
between members of two different tribes. A woman who had inherited
tribal lands from her father was forbidden to marry out of her tribe,
lest her children—members of their father’s tribe—cause the transfer of
land from one tribe to another by inheriting her estate (as recounted in
Numbers
36). This ordinance was binding on the generation that conquered and
settled the Holy Land; when the restriction was lifted, on the 15th of
Av, the event was considered a cause for celebration and festivity.
4. The tribe of Benjamin was permitted to re-enter the community.
On this date the tribe of Benjamin,
which had been excommunicated for its behavior in the incident of the
“Concubine at Giv’ah,” was readmitted into the community of Israel (as
related in Judges 19–21). This occurred during the judgeship of Othniel ben Kenaz, who led the people of Israel in the years 2533–2573 from creation (1228–1188 BCE).
5. Hoshea ben Elah opened the roads to Jerusalem.
Upon the division of the Holy Land into two kingdoms following the death of King Solomon in the year 2964 from creation (797 BCE), Jeroboam ben
Nebat, ruler of the breakaway northern kingdom of Israel, set up
roadblocks to prevent his citizens from making the thrice-yearly
pilgrimage to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, capital of the southern kingdom of Judah. These were finally removed more than 200 years later by Hoshea ben Elah, the last king of the northern kingdom, on Av 15, 3187 (574 BCE).
6. The dead of Betar were allowed to be buried.
The fortress of Betar was the last holdout of the Bar Kochba rebellion. When Betar fell, on Av 9,
3893 (133 CE), Bar Kochba and many thousands of Jews were killed; the
Romans massacred the survivors of the battle with great cruelty, and
would not even allow the Jews to bury their dead. When the dead of Betar
were finally brought to burial on Av 15, 3908 (148 CE), an additional
blessing (“Hatov Vehameitiv”) was added to the Grace After Meals in commemoration.
7. “The day of the breaking of the ax.”
When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, the annual cutting of
firewood for the altar was concluded on the 15th of Av. The event was
celebrated with feasting and rejoicing (as is the custom upon the
conclusion of a holy endeavor), and included a ceremonial breaking of
the axes, which gave the day its name.
As
Moses continues to review the trials and tribulations experienced by
the Children of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the
wilderness, he describes one of the most astounding events ever
experienced by man. "Face to face the Lord spoke with you (Deuteronomy
5;4)." Not by means of an agent or messenger but the Almighty Himself in
all of His glory!
There
are different situations of learning between a teacher and student.
There are teachers who want to teach and students who aren't interested
in learning. There are teachers who really are not interested in
teaching and students who really want to learn. And then, of course,
ideally there are teachers who are excited to teach and explain and
inspire and students who are hungry to devour that which is taught.
It
is the latter situation described above that Moses refers to when he
describes the giving of the Torah to the Children of Israel at Mt.
Sinai- The teacher (G-d Almighty) who is anxious to teach and the
student (the Children of Israel) who are anxious to learn- "face to
face".
The uniquely curved letters "pei" in the words "panim" (face) allude to this. (Baal Haturim, based on Tractate Sofrim)
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation and the Israel Antiquities
Authority are enabling the public to view impressive new sections of one
of one of the most magnificent public buildings uncovered from the
Second Temple period. The discovery – the fruit of archaeological
excavations recently conducted in the Western Wall Tunnels – will be
part of the new route opened to visitors ahead of Rosh Chodesh Elul and
Selichot (penitential prayers).
Part of the structure, to the west of Wilson’s Arch and the
Temple Mount, was discovered and documented by Charles Warren in the
nineteenth century, followed by various archaeologists in the twentieth
century. Now that its excavation is complete, we know that it contained
two identical magnificent chambers with an elaborate fountain between
them. The walls of the halls and the fountain were decorated with a
sculpted cornice bearing pilasters (flat supporting pillars) topped with
Corinthian capitals. The decorative style of the building is typical of
opulent Second Temple-period architecture.
Mordechai Soli Eliav, Chairman of the Western Wall Heritage
Foundation said, “It is exciting to reveal such a magnificent structure
from the Second Temple period while we mourn the destruction of
Jerusalem and pray for its restoration. These chambers are part of a new
walk through the Western Wall Tunnels, where visitors will view
fascinating finds and walk for the first time along the entire route
among Second Temple-period remains that illustrate the complexity of
Jewish life in Jerusalem between the Hasmonean and the Roman periods.”
According to Dr. Shlomit Weksler-Bdolach, excavation director on
behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “This is without doubt one
of the most magnificent public building from the Second Temple period
that has ever been uncovered outside the Temple Mount walls in
Jerusalem. It was built in around 20–30 CE. The building, which
apparently stood along a street leading up to the Temple Mount, was used
for public functions – it may even have been the city council building
where important dignitaries were received before entering the Temple
compound and the Temple Mount.”
“Visitors to the site can now envisage the opulence of the place: the
two side chambers served as ornate reception rooms and between them was
a magnificent fountain with water gushing out from lead pipes
incorporated in the midst of the Corinthian capitals protruding from the
wall. The excavation also uncovered the original massive stone slabs
with which the ancient building was paved. The archaeologists believe
that the guest rooms, which were also used for dining, contained wooden
reclining sofas that have not been preserved.
“Reclining dining rooms were common in the Greek, Hellenistic, and
Roman worlds from the fifth century BCE to the third–fourth centuries
CE. They are known in the archaeological record from private homes,
palaces, temples, synagogue complexes and civilian compounds. Dining or
feasting while reclining is mentioned as early as the Book of Amos – in
the first half of the eighth century BCE – when the prophet rebukes the
people of the Kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
“In the late Second Temple period, before the Temple’s destruction,
extensive changes made throughout the area included alterations to the
building, which was divided into three separate chambers. In one of the
chambers, a stepped pool was installed that was used as a ritual bath.”
Shachar Puni, architect for the Israel Antiquities Authority’s
Conservation Department explained, “The new route provides a better
understanding of the complex and important site known as the Western
Wall Tunnels, while emphasizing the extent of this magnificent building.
It creates a new visitors’ route that passes through the building and
leads to the spacious compound at the foot of Wilson’s Arch (one of the
bridges leading to the Temple Mount), which was also excavated by the
Western Wall Heritage Foundation and the Israel Antiquities Authority.
By making the route accessible and opening it to the public, visitors
are introduced to one of the most fascinating and impressive sites in
the Old City of Jerusalem.”
Remains of the magnificent 2000-year-old building recently excavated and due to be opened to the public. Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority
Remains of the magnificent 2000-year-old building recently excavated and due to be opened to the public. Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority
Remains of the magnificent 2000-year-old building recently excavated and due to be opened to the public. Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority
Stepped pool installed in one of the chambers in the late Second Temple period that served as a ritual bath. Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority
Stepped pool installed in one of the chambers in the late Second Temple period that served as a ritual bath. Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority
Remains of the magnificent building in the Western Wall Tunnels Yaniv Berman, Israel Antiquities Authority
Asterix - The Twelve Tasks of Asterix - #8: Find Permit A 38 in "The Place That Sends You Mad"
Find Permit A 38 in "The Place That Sends You Mad". A mind-numbing multi-storey building founded on bureaucracy and staffed by clinically unhelpful people who direct all their clients to other similarly unhelpful people elsewhere in the building. Obelix goes nearly insane after some time but Asterix eventually beats them at their own game by asking for an imaginary permit that nobody knows about, sending the place into disarray. Eventually Asterix is given Permit A 38 just to make him leave and stop causing trouble.
HQ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI5kwS...SHOW LESS
What's My Line? - Steve McQueen; PANEL: Steve Allen, Helen Gurley Brown (Dec 18, 1966)
MYSTERY GUEST: Steve McQueen
PANEL: Steve Allen, Helen Gurley Brown, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf
The Delicious History of Ice Cream--Since Ice cream is in the news
Ice
cream as we know it seems deceptively simple — a smooth, creamy treat
many of us have enjoyed since childhood. In reality, it’s a marvel of
technology, science, and culinary innovation that has been evolving for a
millennium or more. From its beginnings as a snow-cooled drink in
Persia to a familiar scoop of frozen vanilla, ice cream has taken on
many forms and flavors. Here’s the story of how it all began.
In the Beginning, There Was Ice, Snow, and Science
According to ice cream expert Jeri Quinzio in her book Of Sugar and Snow: A History of Ice Cream Making, the ancestor of modern ice cream is sharbat, an iced drink still popular in Iran and other nearby areas. To make sharbat, shaved ice or snow is drenched in sugar syrup, historically flavored with lemons, rosewater, citrons, violets, or ambergris
(an aromatic sperm whale secretion). Traders imported the idea of
sharbat from Persia to Europe, as well as the sugar to sweeten it.
But
it took a scientific discovery to turn this frosty drink into ice
cream. In the mid-16th century, scientists discovered that mixing salt
or saltpeter (potassium nitrate) with ice lowered the freezing
temperature of water from its usual 32 degrees to almost zero degrees.
Culinary savants quickly realized that this super cold ice-and-salt
slurry could be used to freeze other liquids. The first ice cream maker
was called a sorbetiere: a pewter bucket set in a second,
larger bucket packed with ice and salt in between. The pewter bucket was
filled with an ice cream base; a servant or enslaved person had to
constantly agitate the pewter bucket in the ice, using a lid with a
handle to rotate the inner bucket in its bath of below-freezing ice
water. Occasionally, they removed the top and stirred the freezing cream
with a wooden paddle called a spaddle. Two to four hours later, the ice
cream was finished.
Sharbat was the earliest substance to go into the sorbetiere to be frozen. In Italy, the word sharbat became the word sorbetti, and in the rest of Europe, sorbet and sherbet,
terms that were applied to any kind of early frozen dessert in a
variety of languages before they got to English. Freezing sharbat was a
lucky discovery, since the sugar in the mixture would have kept the
results pleasantly pliable. (Sugar molecules disrupt water molecules and
prevent them from freezing solid.) A careful balance of sugar to water,
as well as constant agitation of the ingredients while they freeze,
creates a frozen — but creamy and scoopable — sorbet.
A World of Flavors
Many
of the first ice cream flavors were developed in Italy, particularly
around Naples, and the first ice cream recipes were published in Italian
in 1692. Lo scalco alla moderna, or The Modern Steward
includes the first recipe for chocolate ice cream. The book also
included fruit and nut ice cream flavors, like lemon, citron, and
pumpkin. Beverages were some of the first things frozen into ice cream,
so drinks such as tea, coffee, and chocolate were among the earliest ice cream flavors.
Soon,
European chefs began to freeze custard pie fillings made with eggs and
milk or whipped cream. Food historian Ivan Day discovered the earliest
known recipe for ice cream in the mid-1660s handwritten recipe book of Lady Anne Fanshawe.
Fanshawe’s husband was a British delegate to the Spanish court, and
Lady Fanshawe saw ice cream made in Spain. In the recipe for “Icey
Cream” that she documented, the ice cream is flavored with mace (part of
the nutmeg fruit), orange flower water, or ambergris.
Other early flavors of ice cream include musk (a glandular secretion of a species of deer), saffron, pumpernickel bread, bay leaves,
and crumbled cookies. However, according to Quinzio, the cookies were
used to flavor the ice cream and then sieved out. Seventeenth-century
Europeans wanted smooth ice creams only; chunky textures à la Ben &
Jerrys wouldn’t be in vogue until the 20th century.
Ice
cream’s place on the President’s table did a lot to popularize the
dessert in the early United States, but within a few decades, American
flavors had expanded far beyond vanilla. The earliest ice cream recipes
published in America — in The Virginia Housewife in 1824 — include almond, coconut, citron, and “oyster cream,” a frozen oyster soup.
Ice Cream for Everyone
Because making ice cream was so time-consuming and laborious, the ability to serve it was initially a sign of extreme wealth.
Fortunately, two innovations in the 19th century made ice cream
available to all. Inventor Nancy Johnson created the crank ice cream
maker in Philadelphia in 1843. It was not only more efficient than the sorbetiere
(the user turned a crank to operate a paddle inside) but also delivered
a more consistently smooth and creamy product. The American ice
industry also rapidly expanded after a horse-drawn ice cutter was
invented that sped up the process of harvesting ice from lakes.
These
technological advancements spurred the opening of ice cream parlors,
one of the few places in the 19th century where men and women were
allowed to go on a date without a chaperone. Naturally, these parlors
became wildly popular. According to food historian Tonya Hopkins, many of these earliest confectionaries were founded or supplied by Black caterers and confectioners
in and around Philadelphia. Examples include Augustus Jackson, a former
chef to Presidents and a Philadelphia native, who perfected the
egg-free “Philadelphia Style” ice cream that remains the most popular in
America today.
Around the same time, ice cream
also became a cheap and common street food, often sold by Italian
immigrants from Naples — the same area where many ice cream recipes
originated. According to Quinzio, these vendors made “Hokey Pokey,” a
slang word for squares of firm ice cream wrapped in paper. An 1885
reference to these bricks describe them as being tri-colored, with three
different flavors: pistachio, vanilla, and strawberry, for the colors
of the Italian flag. This style of ice cream came to be called
“Neapolitan,” after the vendors’ homeland.
Flavors Old and New
Today, ice cream makers often pull inspiration from the past. That may mean reviving a classic ice cream parlor vibe like The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia or Ices Plain & Fancy in St. Louis; or offering flavors such as wild Squid Ink from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in New York City or Honey Bleu Cheese at Sweet Republic
in Phoenix, Arizona. Perhaps one day, we’ll once again see orange
flower water or ambergris ice cream being scooped for adventurous ice
cream fans — but for now, you can’t go wrong with vanilla. Just remember
to thank Thomas Jefferson.
See you on Sunday, bli neder Shabbat shalom
Enjoy tomorrow, our Jewish Valantine day staring tonight