L’Shanah Tovah!

It is now the second day of Rosh HaShanah and I would like to wish everyone shana tova u’metuka! In honor of the new year, I am setting goals for myself. After reflecting on the things I have done wrong during the past year, goals will help ensure the next year is better or “sweeter”. In June I began studying the Torah every week and I would like to continue doing this as well as studying other parts of my faith. With studying I would also like to officially convert to Judaism; I am Jewish by blood, but an absence of practice for 200 years has left it “spiritually dry”. I would like to practice more tzedakah while also doing what I can to help promote religious tolerance. I want to spend more “quality” time with my family; I want us to be closer than ever. My last goal (at this time) will come into play once we have relocated to the Sioux Falls area. I want to become more involved in the community, and teach E to be involved as well. I have had little involvement in Huron and, as a result, I know very few people and very little of what happens here. Sioux Falls will have many opportunities for involvement within the synagogue as well as charities, sports, and other events. I think it will be possible to accomplish these goals as I continue to pray each morning and night to remind myself of my responsibilities and my faith. That’s all. L’Shanah Tovah, Happy New Year, and soon, Shabbat Shalom!

Thilo Sarrazin Asked To Resign!

Today the Bundesbank in Germany finally came to a unanimous decision to ask for Thilo Sarrazin’s resignation. Sarrazin recently made comments regarding Muslims and Jews in relation to, what he believes, are problems with immigration in Germany. Sarrazin’s comments were reminiscent of those made by Neo-Nazis, believing the “wrong genetics” would erode Germany. I’ve seen many comments from Sarrazin’s supporters stating “Jews do share the same genetics” and agreeing with his poor opinion of Muslims. After Sarrazin resigns or waits for Bundesbank to show him the door, I expect to see his face on the next NPD campaign ad. It’s hard to see from so far away, but, over the past few months, it really looks like ant-semitism and beliefs in genetic superiority are on a steady rise in Germany. Let’s hope the German voters stay well-informed and un-bias.

A Film Unfinished

Unfortunately, this film will not be playing anywhere near me, but anyone who lives near one of the theaters showing it, should take the tiem to view it. This documentary needs to make its rounds to historians, gentiles, and Jews. The film was made to clarify and preserve the truth about the lifestyles of the upper, middle, and lower class Jews in Nazi Germany. The history of these men and women was tarnished when the first four Nazi films were found; we need everyone to know the truth. Below are some notes on the film from the studio; you can also view more information at AFilmUnfinished.com.

At the end of WWII, 60 minutes of raw film, having sat undisturbed in an East German archive, was discovered.  Shot by the Nazis in Warsaw in May 1942, and labeled simply “Ghetto,” this footage quickly became a resource for historians seeking an authentic record of the Warsaw Ghetto. However, the later discovery of a long-missing reel, inclusive of multiple takes and cameraman staging scenes, complicated earlier readings of the footage.  A FILM UNFINISHED presents the raw footage in its entirety, carefully noting fictionalized sequences (including a staged dinner party) falsely showing “the good life” enjoyed by Jewish urbanites, and probes deep into the making of a now-infamous Nazi propaganda film.

 A FILM UNFINISHED is a film of enormous importance, documenting some of the worst horrors of our time and exposing the efforts of its perpetrators to propel their agenda and cast it in a favorable light.

Early Shabbat Shalom

It’s only 10:00 am so I’m going to post a comic I found in honor of the coming Shabbos. This caught my eye because I found it humorous but I felt it had some reminder that, while the delicious loaves of challah from Nadine’s in Tucson always brightened my Shabbat, the blessing is really more important than the bread. I may be rushing to mow my lawn before sunset, tonight, but tomorrow will be filled with family and rest.

Shalom!

46 Year Old Afikoman Finally Found!

This appears to be a completely true story, featured on Aish.com’s Jewlarious. After Eli Shorowitz’s mother passed he began to clean her home and found a surprise. The afikoman his mother had hidden 46 years earlier was still in hiding. Jewlarious quotes Shorowitz, saying “This has driven me nuts! I knew it had to be here somewhere.” Obviously his mother took a real pride in hiding the afikoman and never admitted where it was (or hid it so well she couldn’t find it). See the full story here!

Monday Funny

I actually found this comic posted on Jewlarious today. Good for a Monday laugh.

Doors!!

E figured out a few new things yesterday, but one new “skill” tops them all. He has learned to open doors. Yesterday, he walked away from me while we were playing, casually opened his bedroom door and walked right in. This is going to lead to the next step of child-proofing!

Yad Veshem Exhibitions: Destroyed Communities

Yad Veshem have started posting exhibits on their website, with information and photographs of past Jewish communities that have since been destroyed or altered.  Right now they have a great exhibition online for the Munkacs. This exhibit caught my eye as much of my family lived near this community before emigrating to the United States. located in SouthWestern Ukraine, in Mukachevo. The Jewish community grew during the 19th century, but vanished when Nazi Germany invaded the region. Go to “Exhibitions” at http://yadvashem.org to check it out.

Sick!

After feeling congested and under-the-weather for a few days, I had started to think the problem wasn’t just my allergies, but that I am possibly sick. This morning E had a runny noise and he was a bit irritable which leads me to being 99% sure we’re sick. Sorry E!