Scapegoats through the ages and the Purim parallel

The concept of Tikkun Olam, Hebrew for "repairing the world", is an important mission. To prevent or resolve  social chaos wherever and whenever it presents itself should be the goal of all people, regardless of ethnicity or religion. In a piece for the Huffington Post Canada's religion blog, Toronto-raised Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troste, director of North American programs for Rabbis for Human Rights North America, traces the practice back to the time of Esther and the story of Purim.

From your blogger on the Ground

With your permission, I want to share with you my thoughts in this tense time. You now these facts but...
We have just finished the happiest holiday in the Jewish calendar, Purim, it was an amazing fun time.  Unfortunately, in Israel there is a war brewing. Two weeks ago a beautiful family was butchered in their sleep, Udi, 36, his wife Ruth, 35, and their children Yoav, 11, Elad, 4 and Hadas, 3 months. Then last week, the south was bombed again, from Gaza. Many people have had to sleep in bomb shelters. Kids are having nightmares and people are terrified. When the sirens ring out there is roughly 15 seconds to run to a shelter. Today a bus in Jerusalem was bombed next to the central bus station where a woman was killed and forty others were injured.


So, what's going on???


From the moment of the birth of Israel - despite its incredible success -  this tiny state has fought enemies on all sides. They deny Israel its right to simply exist. With the bravery and sacrifice of its citizens, the brave army and with a lot of help from G-d, Israel not only survives, it flourishes.

The simple and short solution is, not to give in and show weakness to enemies and world "press". The cause of the terrorism that strikes us is from teaching the "education of violence" to children by Palestinians. Change the educational system and we will have an amazing life in Medinat Yisrael. Like Golda Meir said: Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us.

We are a people who desire peace with our neighbours. We want to see an amicable end to the violence and bloodshed.

I have three amazing children, live in a nice community, appreciate what I have, and love so living in Israel so much. We are strong and will continue to be…

Please look into these YouTube short movies:
"Glenn Beck on Itamar Massacre"
Tamar Fogel, the 12-year-old who discovered her murdered family in Itamar, speaks out
Melanie Phillips on Israeli TV
shema Yisrael by Yossela and Atira Ote

References made from:
Textbooks in the Palestinian territories

Top Purim Stops 2011

This weekend as many of you know we celebrate Purim, eating some Hamantaschen, reading from Megillat Esther and making a lot of noise. What are some of the hot-spots where today's Jewish youth will assemble? Two top events come to mind: The Annex Shul and the Forest Hill Jewish Center will likely get quite the crowd.

At the Annex it all gets underway at 8:30p.m., the event held jointly with Impact Toronto, UJA and Jewish Family & Child. The theme this year - "Heroes and Villains" - dress up as your favorites then party the night away at Revival Bar on College you can buy your tickets online to save $5 or it will be $20 at the door. For more information on the event click here.


Alternatively, for those who have never been to the Forest Hill Jewish Center and need a little extra time Saturday night, their event kicks off at 9 p.m. with the Megillah reading followed by a live band entertaining the partygoers afterwards. This event is free for all those interested, but BYOB.

Wherever you may be getting together be safe and have fun. Happy Purim!

Make sure you dance on Simchat Torah

Bringing back one of RABBI MICHAEL STAVSKY's favorite posts:

Judaism is filled with joyous holidays. The Torah commands us to “be happy on your holidays” (Deuteronomy 16:14), and we fulfill this commandment by refraining from work, spending the days praying to HaShem and eating good food.

But when one thinks of the most joyous of all holidays, what comes to mind? Many might say Purim, with its many beautiful practices, such as reading the megillah and exchanging mishloach manot. But during only one nine-day holiday period do we refer to the days as Zman Simchateinu (the time of our happiness). These are the holidays of...

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