Last weeks torah portion...

Last weeks torah portion or parasha was extremely important to me because of my aging mother. We had an argument over my direction. Why are we arguing now? It hurts that we argue, at all, nowadays. Why can't life always be sunny?

In this week’s parsha, we find the last of the three patriarchs, Jacob (who has already adopted the name of Israel), on his deathbed. As he readies himself for his passing, he calls upon his sons to ‘bless’ each of them in order to prepare them to carry on leading what is to become the holy nation of Israel.

Several of these ‘blessings’, however, can hardly be considered blessings at all. In fact, Jacob takes this opportunity to reproach some of his sons for their past wrongdoings (most notably, his rebuke of Shimon and Levi for their vengeful massacre of the city of Shechem (Gen. 49:7)). Others, that he does not rebuke directly, receive ‘blessings’ that merely state parts of their character – who they were or what they did. Are we to consider statements of character and criticism of past actions blessings at all? Furthermore, how do Jacob’s final words to his sons prepare them to lead and shape the nation?
Shprintza Herskovitz, through her use of the Ohr HaChaim commentary on this week’s parsha, gives insight to these questions:
“The commentary Ohr HaChaim (R. Chaim Atter) explains why Yaakov rebuked his sons for the negative things that they did. Ohr HaChaim says that by mentioning their deeds, Yaakov was telling his sons that had had to take responsibility for them. R. Attar goes even further to say that sometimes the rebuke itself is a blessing because it makes a person aware of his or her responsibility. Once a person is aware of his responsibility he can then correct or improve his actions, which can then result in increased blessing” (Rays of the Sun, p. 106).
This is to say that the blessing inherent in the criticism offered to each of his sons exists in that it gives each the ability to examine himself and choose to take responsibility for his actions. The ability to choose ‘good’ and to shape a better world that the awareness presents is held in such high regard that it is, in itself, considered the blessing and, therefore, divine.
Further, the blessing of the choice to create a more ideal world is in itself what helps to shape Israel as a holy nation. Through the classic literature, we do not find that our forefathers were inherently good people. Rather, we find that many of them were regular people with evil inclinations who were continuously presented with the choice to take responsibility for their actions and for the world around them.

The German-Jewish Sociologist Erich Fromm elaborated on this point in his own interpretation of the Old Testament:
“That the Bible does not refrain from acknowledging the evil in man becomes quite clear in its descriptions of even its most important personalities. Adam is a coward; Cain is irresponsible; Noah is a weakling; Abraham allows his wife to be violated because of his fear; Jacob participates in the fraud against his brother Esau; Joseph is an ambitious manipulator; and the greatest of Hebrew heroes, King David, commits unforgivable crimes.
Does all this not imply that the biblical view of man is that his essence is evil, that man is essentially corrupt? This interpretation cannot stand against the fact that, while the Bible acknowledges the fact of man’s ‘evil imaginings,’ it also believes in his inherent capacity for good… Man, in the biblical and post-biblical view, is given the choice between his ‘good and evil drives.’”

On his deathbed, Jacob attempts to give his sons the choice of responsibility towards good and thereby develop the foundation for Israel as a holy nation. The holiness is to stem from the ability to self-examine and self-criticize as a nation – and the subsequent choice to shape the world for the better.

Today, we must examine the extent to which the nation of Israel has lived up to its classification as a holy nation. Are we aware enough of the impact that our actions have on the world and people around us? We live in a world where the individualist mentality rules and only small minorities are brave and willing enough to pay attention to their affects on others – brave and willing enough to strive towards a better world. Is Israel a part of those few or are we merely another of the world’s nations acting in the interest of the elites without regard or even awareness of others? If we are, as a nation, to strive towards holiness and good, then we must examine these questions, self-criticize, and develop our ability to choose our responsibility in the world. Through this self-examination, we would be blessed.
Shabbat Shalom.


http://hechalutz.org/2.1/parashat-hashavua.html

Winter is a spiritual time of year for me.

Winter is a spiritual time of year for me.

Indoors all the time with lots of time to think about the future.

To think well -- I need to stay warm especially around the neck area.

I don't want to catch the flu so I need a beautiful new scarf from http://www.galileesilkjudaica.com/ with Jerusalem hand painted on it.

We also have georgeous talitot, and other beautiful items for your prayers.

Hannukah miracle

Do Hannukah miracles have to be spectacular? Or can Hannukah miracles be the simple things?

My Hannukah, this year, was a miracle of simple things -- a new Hannukiah (candelabra), family togetherness, continuity, and some simple new winter garments. Aren't those things miracles too?

Galilee Silks offers garments, and accessories that are not simple. Our garments are modern, fashionable, and stylish. An addition to anyones wardrobe.

From indoor winter scarves to indoor tableclothes to woolen talitot -- Galilee Silks offers Jewish silk fashion for your indoor winter life with your family and friends during the cold season. Each or our items in our catalog are indoor miracles!

As always, Galilee Silks continues to offer traditional Jewish -- wedding, bar mitvah, bat mitvah, shabbat, Pesach, and other holiday items used throughout the Jewish year. Please, browse our full catalog, here.

Miracles come in small packages. Galilee Silks is proud to present our miracle traditional and winter items for your family.

Is 13 an Adult? About Bar Mitzvah

Galilee Silks found on the web this interesting part of an article on http://www.jewfaq.org/barmitz.htm

Quote:

"Many people mock the idea that a 12 or 13 year old child is an adult, claiming that it is an outdated notion based on the needs of an agricultural society. This criticism comes from a misunderstanding of the significance of becoming a bar mitzvah.

Bar mitzvah is not about being a full adult in every sense of the word, ready to marry, go out on your own, earn a living and raise children. The Talmud makes this abundantly clear. In Pirkei Avot, it is said that while 13 is the proper age for fulfillment of the Commandments, 18 is the proper age for marriage and 20 is the proper age for earning a livelihood. Elsewhere in the Talmud, the proper age for marriage is said to be 16-24.

Bar mitzvah is simply the age when a person is held responsible for his actions and minimally qualified to marry. If you compare this to secular law, you will find that it is not so very far from our modern notions of a child's maturity. In Anglo-American common law, a child of the age of 14 is old enough to assume many of the responsibilities of an adult, including minimal criminal liability. Under United States law, 14 is the minimum age of employment for most occupations (though working hours are limited so as not to interfere with school). In many states, a fourteen year old can marry with parental consent. Children of any age are permitted to testify in court, and children over the age of 14 are permitted to have significant input into custody decisions in cases of divorce. Certainly, a 13-year-old child is capable of knowing the difference between right and wrong and of being held responsible for his actions, and that is all it really means to become a bar mitzvah. "

Then the article goes on about giving Bar Mitzvah gifts...

There is where galilee Silks comes in, we have the perfect Br Motzvah or Bat Mitsva gift: a Tallit!

Galilee Silks Tallitot are appreciated greatly by the people who obtained one. We see this from the many enthousiastic response emails we receive from grandparents or parents who sometimes together with the br Mitzvah boy or the Bat Mitzvah girl, or without them make their choice from our online shops.

Do not forget our Tallitot on SALE! We invite you warmly!

Tallitot for Bat Mitzvah

Galilee Silks creates beautiful Tallitot for Bat Mitzvah girls. Often a grandmother or mother buys the Tallit as her special gift for her granddaughter or daughter.

Galilee Silks Tallitot are made very skillful with care for the smallest detail. We can imagine that the Bat Mitzvah girl herself can show her Bat Mitzvah Tallit to her own granddaughter when time comes!

Order your Bat Mitzvah gifts now while our Tallitot ON SALE is ongoing! Also have a peek in the special Bat Mitzvah department in or online store.

Tallit Exploratory Quiz

This is from the Rabbi Scheinerman website http://scheinerman.net/judaism/index.html

and really realy nice because there is no wrong answer:

Tallit Exploratory Quiz.
The questions below are designed to encourage you to explore the significance and religious meanings associated with the tallit. There are no right or wrong answers; rather, whatever answer you consider will lead you to new insights. Feel free to explore several answers to each question
The purpose of the Tzitzit is:
To feel closer to God.
To have something to play with during services.
To serve as a reminder of God's commandments.
Another Jewish ritual object with a similar purpose is:
Shabbat candlesticks.
Siddur.
Seder plate.
Mezuzah.
Which of the following appeals to you?
Wearing a tallit makes me feel wrapped in God's presence.
Wearing a tallit makes me feel "dressed and ready" to pray.
Wearing a tallit makes me feel connected to other Jews.
If you do not wear a tallit for prayer, is it because:
I'm not yet 13 years old.
Where I pray, no one wears a tallit.
I usually go to synagogue for evening services.
I would feel uncomfortable.

Galilee Silks has many nice Tallitot on SALE come have a look!

Tallitot on SALE ongoing!!

Tallitot in a variety of colors and patterns for Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah on SALE in Galilee Silks Judaica shops.

Galilee Silks beats the recession!

A variety of most beautiful Jewish gifts you can imagine, a unique hand created tallit with matching kippa and tallis bag at rock bottom prices.

Come check it out at Galilee Silks online.

Tallit, Tallis, Tallitot!

Galilee Silks is currently adding new tallitot in the online Judaica shop, come have a look at our wonderful hand made mens and womens tallitot! The perfect present for Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and other Jewish events!

More Galilee Silks Tallitot on Sale!

Our Sale on limited quantity Galilee Silks Tallitot continues!! Obtain now a unique Bat Mitzvah or Bar Mitzvah present, or give a Tallis for the upcoming Jewish Holidays!

Please visit our Judaica Online Store to view our outstansing collection of Mens and Womens Tallitot.

Deals Deals!! Now Tallitot ON SALE!!

Galilee Silks offers now special Tallitot on sale!! Visit our online Judaica store by clicking the promo. Get your Tallit deal now, Limited amount of Tallitot available!

Free Silk Gift!!

Judaica from Galilee Silks make great gifts for all occasions. We like to give too! On a purchase of $50 [or more] from our Galilee Silks Judaica store or our Judaica Etsy shop we add a hand painted pure silk scarf for FREE!!

Just follow one of the links and browse through the wonderful world of Galilee Silks. Not to forget our new additions: wood laser cut Judaica gifts. See you there!

Being Jewish - a lovely Tallit Poem

Tallis

by Roxanne Scher

I murmur the blessing
before flinging it on,
my silky, rippling tallis.

Like a whispering breath
on my shoulders, it reminds me
that I will now be praying.

The knotted fringes twine
around my fingers, like
ropes pulling me to safety.

Lilac and purple, blue and
turquoise, it catches the light and sunlight splashes on to me.

Waves of fabric roll on to my arms,
stroking my neck with
their flowing fingertips.

I touch the knot to
the torah as it goes by,
then kiss it with pride.

My silky, rippling tallis.

From the site: Being Jewish

Galilee Silks New Judaica Store updated

Our new Galilee Silks Judaica Gift store carries now more than 150 Tallitot for Men and boys, women and girls!
Our Tallitot follow the traditional classic tallit in wool with beautiful original designs, inspired by our natural environment: the Land of Israel.
Gallilee special designed Modern Tallis is very popular as Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah gift and make a beautiful present for Jewish weddings.
Bring a visit to our new Judaica store whith its user friendly display of our tallitot, make your choices and use the Paypal or Ccard checkout. We ship by expres and registered mail, and promise you a 100% friendly customer service! Soon we exand Galilee Silks Judaica with more Judaica gifts by Israeli artisans.