Tish'a B'Av: Something Has Happened Since Napolean
| Written by Binyamin Zev Kahane | |
| It is told of Napolean, that upon passing a synagogue during the Ninth of Av, he looked inside and saw Jews sitting on the floor and weeping. When he inquired further he was told the Jews were mourning over the destruction of their Holy Temple. "How long ago did this occur?" he asked. "About 1,500 years ago." "In that case," said Napolean, "there is no doubt that their Temple will be rebuilt. A people capable of crying for so long over its destroyed Temple and Land will eventually find its way home." While the Jewish People remained in the Exile, this was a nice story.Without a doubt, its optimistic message encouraged our people during times of severe hardships. Napolean was keen enough to realize that a people who relives its past will succeed in conquering its future. Indeed, our sages have already stated that, "He who mourns for Jerusalem will merit to share in her joy." (Trachtate Taanit, 30) However there exists one little problem... All this mourning was appropriate when we were forced into the Exile, being held at the mercy of the gentile nations and thus unable to forge our national destiny. In such a case, it was fitting to mourn "whole-heartedly" over our destroyed Temple and land. And today? One need not to have a Ph.D. in history to see how things have changed since the times of Napolean. Then - the land of Israel lay desolate; today it is rebuilt. Then - Jews dreamt about coming to Israel; today Jews not only live in Israel, but they rule over it. Then - all we could do was cry... but today??? Is mourning the only imperative for today? Is it not a bit absurd to lament in the synagogue of the Exile, beseeching G-d for a speedy redemption, when all one need do is pack one's bags and board an eastbound El Al. Is it enough to stand down by the "Wall" of the Temple Mount wailing over the destruction when it is in our hands to erect the fallen city; in our hands to purify the site from the foxes who degrade it, and yes, even in our hands to rebuild the Holy Temple! The historic opportunity to rebuild and renew burns in our hands, and instead we find 101 excuses to disregard it. Fellow Jews! Let us open our eyes and appreciate the wondrous miracles that Hashem has granted us - miracles we have not witnessed since the days of our exodus from Egypt! He who cried, and only cried in the days of Napolean did right; his tears were sincere. But today, he who only cries and does not combine his tears with real action - his lamentations leave much to be desired. His entreaties go unheeded, for G-d urges us on as he did to the Jews before their crossing of the Red Sea: "Why do you cry to Me? Speak to the Children of Israel - that they go forward!" What are you crying for? Go forward and determine your destiny! Arise and act to sanctify G-d's Name! Yes, something has happened since the day Napolean walked into that shteeble on the Ninth of Av. Let us join those who are ready not only to cry, but also to do! |
"Yes to Israel Independence, No to American Dictates!"
| Date: | Friday, July 31, 2009 |
| Time: | 12:00am - 1:00pm |
| Location: | Consulate General of the United States of America |
| Street: | 360 University Avenue |
| City/Town: | Toronto, ON |
The Jewish Defence League of Canada and Bob Kunst from Shalom International will lead a protest against President Obama on Friday July 31 at 12 noon at the Consulate General of the United States of America 360 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
MK Katz quoted the official figures released by the Central Bureau of Statistics today, indicating nearly 305,000 Israelis in Yesha, at a growth rate some three times higher than the rest of the country.
“If this is the official figure,” Katz said, “then we can assume that there are really close to 350,000 people, because of all those who have not changed their official addresses, and outposts, and the like. Together with the nearly 300,000 people in the new Jerusalem neighborhoods, this means that Barack Hussein Obama is telling well over 600,000 Jews that they must all stop having children and buildings and going to the store and sending their children to school and building roads and, in short, to stop growing. This is the type of decree that our worst enemies decreed against us, always accompanied by their Jewish advisors. But just as they did not succeed, the same will be with Obama."
For more information call 416-736-7000
Toronto Zionist Center, 788 Marlee Avenue
Rabbi Meir Kahane in debate with Senator Pete McClosky. A now somewhat 'historic' debate between Rav Kahane (zt'l)and Pete McClosky. McClosky shows the same old line on Israel and what some might even call 'classic nievete',regarding Israel and the Middle East.(He has been known for some "latent" anti-semitism to boot!.) Rabbi Kahane destroys him, as expected. Quite interesting debate!
Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Join and support the Jewish Defence League of Canada. Donations can be mailed to:
Meir Weinstein National Director Jewish Defence League of Canada
While doing IDF (Israel Defence Forces) reserve duty on a mountain overlooking the 
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