Year 2, Day 259 (So Many People Without Sense Nor Focus, Part 2)

I had mentioned in yesterday's post that there were two things that disturbed me... well here is the second. Recently the President of Iran spoke at the UN. This, in itself, is nothing new. He's spoken there several times, and about the same issue: anti-Semitic vitriol. There are several things wrong with this; a) he spoke at the UN this past Wednesday, which was Yom Kippur (about as coincidental as protests in the Middle East occurring on 9/11, to protest an anti-Islam video that had been on YouTube since July); b) the photograph of Ahmedinijad:

This is the same photo that was not only run by the New York Post (did you notice he's flashing a "peace" sign all the while he's spewing hate), but was also used for an article in the New York Daily News

Now here is where I connect the dots between yesterday's post and this one: There is a backlash against Victoria's Secrets latest lingerie line, but silence concerning the above stated facts of Ahmedinijad's anti-Israel stance?! Really?! Ahmendinijad wants to see the total destruction of Israel, a.k.a. genocide - remember that word from the sickening events that developed in Rwanda several years back - where's the outcry now!! Israel has been behind the U.S. for many decades, yet, our current government CONTINUES to completely disregard Israel - and blatanly disrespect their Prime Minister - and continues to do NOTHING on the issue of Iran. Iran speaks in the UN: the masses are silent; Victoria's Secret come oput with new lingerie and you come unglued for no good reason! There have been more outcries of "racism" these past 3 1/2 years than I have ever seen before.

That's the problem with our society: we have become a bunch of spineless, over-sensitive pansies, while Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood are planning world domination... but many don't care, as long as they have a mindless cause to protest and their "reality" TV shows.

How's this: wake up and be a part of REAL reality.

Year 2, Day 257 (Yom Kippur)

Today is Yom Kippur, translated in english as Day of Atonement. A day that we reflect upon the past year's events within our personal lives, seek forgiveness from those whom we may have done wrong, forgive those who may ask for it, and seek repentance from HaShem, our G-d. It was first implemented by the command of HaShem in Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:1-34, which is also one of the readings we have on this day. For those who are unaware, HaShem is Hebrew, which translates, literally, as "The Name". In Judaism, many (like myself) hold The Lord's name (one of many) in such high reverence, that we address Him as such, instead of speaking out His Holy Name. One of the spellings of His Name is referred to as the tetragrammaton (י-ה-ו-ה). This, when one comes upon it in Scripture, is read simply as HaShem, or it is even permissible to speak it out as, "the yod-heh (י-ה) as joined with the vav-heh (ו-ה)." Not to be misled, though, this is the same G-d that you study in the Bible, whereas Allah (in the quran) is not.

Yom Kippur is also spent as a day of fasting and praying. Anybody who has taken part in such will agree that the praying is easy, the fasting takes some discipline and devotion. For us, fasting is more than choosing one thing to refrain from eating and/or drinking, especially on Yom Kippur. On this day, we fast from all food and drink. Though, much like the Sabbath (and Yom Kippur is also observed as a Sabbath), exceptions can be made. If one has health issues where fasting could be detrimental, they are permitted to eat or drink (whichever would prevent danger of the health issue). In Judaism, life is precious.

The fasting has been relatively easy, though it proves much more difficult as I drive by restaurants. Though I continue to look to HaShem for the strength and endurance to carry on. Fortunately, I do not have a job that requires strenuous activity. I bless HaShem that He has given me the strength to carry on, as I will also bless Him at the end of this fast.

May you all be blessed!

Year 2, Day 253 (A Good Sabbath, A Sweeter New Year)

The weather has been getting cooler (which I enjoy) and the Sabbath has been blessed! As I make my way to Pennsylvania, I reflect upon the year that has just passed and what I can do to make this new year one that HaShem would bless. With Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) approaching, I search my memory to try and purge my life of past sins and establish forgiveness, not just a forgiveness/repentance between myself and my G-d, HaShem, but also with my fellow man. Repentance is something that, for a long time, people have either dismissed or addressed with a lackadaisical attitude. However, in the years that I have been studying Torah and Jewish traditions, I've discovered that repentance/forgiveness is some that should not be handled in folly. It is something that shapes who you become. A forgiving heart grows a joyous spirit. That is something that I deal with continually and I hope the attitude of forgiveness doesn't revert back. Daily stress can be a hindrance to the process, even a distraction from forgiveness. But if we focus on the things that are most important (such as creating a joyous atmosphere around us), it develops into something that becomes "second nature" to us.

So if anyone has become bothered by anything that I have posted here, I do sincerely - and deeply - apologize. This blog is not meant to offend, belittle, nor derate anybody, but rather (and I hope this goal is reached) to bring awareness - hopefully an awakening - to things I have observed within the world as we know it. Should I offend you at any time, I encourage you to let me know, either on this blog (I always publish legitimate comments, but delete the spam), or via email (some of you have my phone number, so that's ok, as well). You will always receive a prompt, professional response.

May you all be blessed!!