Tzedek-Tzedek

The right to protest is a central feature of democracy. This is even encoded in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights , ensuring freedom of assembly, freedom of association and freedom of speech. Furthermore, youth groups, such as the Scouts and thousands of other organizations around the world, are a vital channel for kids to develop their social and leadership skills, contribute to their broader society, and learn responsibility and civil duties. For almost 100 years, Zionist Youth movements have provided an opportunity for teenagers to put their feelings and ideals into action; to make an impact on the world around them, by helping others and by building their land. Here in Beit Shemesh, the City dedicates budgets to fund some of the Youth Movements' activities and facilities.  However, when the Municipality recently failed to transfer funding to the city’s Youth Organizations, the kids took the initiative and arranged a wall-to-wall...

An original concept - drasha set to music!

As you celebrate Shavuot remember that the Torah that we receive is a Torat Chesed...a Torah of Kindness. Lema'an Achai is the paradigm of kindness and achdut (unity) as we aim "As One" to help others achieve financial independence.   How many organizations can tell about the hundreds of people who have been able to come off of the "dole"? Your generous partnership will enable to us to empower others with the "tools" to face any and all crisis.   Consider Lema'an Achai in your Yizkor pledges as a fitting memorial to your loved ones.   Donate now by clicking  HERE  .   On behalf of the families, staff and volunteers of Lema'an Achai I thank you for your dedicated support and wish you and yours a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Sameach!   Warmest Regards, Avrohom Leventhal

By Rabbi Dov Lipman 1)CONSTRUCTION ON CULTURE HALL TO FINALLY BEGIN? Years have gone by with no progress on the construction of the new Culture Hall in Migdal Hamayim.  Recent controversy surrounding groups that want to check for bones on the site has caused the most recent delays.  Pressure has been mounting on Mayor Abutbol regarding this issue, leading him to issue a promise that construction will begin by no later than this coming Thursday.  Construction is expected to take between 1 1/2 and 2 years.   2)PARENTS OVERCHARGED FOR GANIM It has been revealed that parents may have been charged as much as 80 NIS more than they should have for ganim for the upcoming school year.  Richard Peres, the city councilman who holds the education portfolio, explained that it will be difficult to determine which parents are owed the money and the city should use the money to improve the physical structures of the local ganim.  Pers claimed that o...

There is considerable resistance in some communities to frank discussion and clear education about child protection & the risks of child abuse. The nay-sayers tend to refer to tznius (modesty), and the fear of causing panic amongst the children and adults. I was mulling this over on a recent trip abroad, and was fascinated by the safety presentation on the plane. If you travel frequently by air, you will be familiar with these safety presentations featuring the air hostesses. A pre-recorded message explains about the oxygen masks, emergency exits, lighting, lifejackets etc, while the air hostesses point, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, at the doors etc and demonstrate the use of the oxygen & safety belts. If you look around at your fellow passengers, you’ll see they are deep into their novels, exploring on-board entertainment, or already doped up and asleep. The only ones looking at the hostesses, seem to be more interested in the packaging than ...

Latma's always a good laugh. If you're short of time, go to around Minute 2, and watch "The Bibi Show" stand-up comedy, featuring Shaul Mofaz....

We all went to sleep Monday night expecting elections in September, and awoke Tuesday morning to find a new coalition agreement, and the general election shelved until their scheduled time in 18 months time. The surprise coalition agreement between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the newly installed opposition leader and Kadima Party leader, Shaul Mofaz, has got the whole country a-jabber.     (What’s left of) The Opposition, shrieked “foul play!”, waved their proverbial red cards, and denounced the coalition agreement as a “dirty maneuver”. The reasons stated for the declarations of outrage were: 1. Shaul Mofaz had just campaigned for the Kadima Party leadership by stating his hostility to all things Bibi. He had promised Kadima’s rank & file that, if elected to the Kadima leadership, he would work tirelessly to overthrow Netanyahu. And here he was, days later, joining the (apparently despised) Government. 2. Recordings were air...

I am currently in Harrogate, Yorkshire, attending a wonderful family barmitzvah. My brother Mike and I wrote this skit on the plane over, and we performed it to the guests at the seuda/meal on shabbat. It went over very well. I offer it here in case others are also on 'entertainment' for a barmitzvah, and may wish to use the material. Enjoy! The Yorkshire Barmitzvah Boy by David & Mike Morris [Rabbi Cohen "C" is sitting reading a chumash. Knock at the door. Harry "H" enters. Harry has a flat hat and broad Yorkshire accent]  H. Hello? Rabbi Cohen? Yes, I’m Rabbi Cohen.. Can I help you?  H. Yes, I hope so. My name is Harry I’ve come to discuss my son’s barmitzvah. C. Wonderful. H. You see, my son Jim’s now twelve years old, and I was considering whether he should have a  barmitzvah. C. Whether he should have a barmitavah? Is Jim Jewish? H. Yes –  Jim’s Jewish and he’s very proud of it. C. As you know, all ...