Esser Agaroth The approximate monetary equivalent of two cents. Commentary on life in Israel and on being Jewish. Statistics Unique Visitors: Total Unique Visitors: Outgoing: Total Outgoing: 4 0 48 3811

Articles from Esser Agaroth

Haveil Havalim #137 2007-10-21 11:06:00 9 of the Eighth Month 5768Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Soccer Dad. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means "Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'One of the big responsibilities I find hosting Haveil Havalim is my perceived necessity to compose some fabulous and unforgettable introduction.I just finished writing a long, yet un-fabulous, and totally forgettable one. You cannot see it below, because I erased it. I did leave two, completely unrelated parts, the parts which I believe are the most reflective of the personality of your ...

Ben-Ya'akov Receives Administrative Restraining Order 2007-10-17 17:18:00 5 of the Eighth Month 5768Yekutiel Ben Ya'akov (Mike Guzofsky) has received an expulsion order from K'far Tapu'ah where he resides and runs a security canine program and yeshiva on the K'far Tapu'ah Hilltop. Ben Ya'akov is forbidden from entering anywhere in Judea and Samaria, excluding Maleh Adumim until the end of December. The edict was signed by General Gadi Shamni the Chief of all troops in Judea and Samaria, and who is empowered by the military authority that governs the "territories" to exile Jews and to execute other emergency administrative orders for "state security purposes."Ben Ya'akov recently submitted his candidacy in the municipal elections of Kfar K'far Tapu'ah. The military order that expels him from K'far Tapu'ah is clearly interfering with the democratic political process and will make it difficult for him to campaign and seek election.Nerya Ofan of Yitzhar also received a similar expulsion order.Ben Ya'akov and Ofan's official response will be release ...

'Tis The Season...Olive-Picking Season... 2007-10-17 16:05:00 5 of the Eighth Month 5768Two nights ago, as reported by Nissan Ratzlav-Katz of Arutz 7, administrative restraining orders were issued for several Jews in Samaria, including Yitzhar resident and Mishmar HaMiqdash (Temple Guard) Neriah Ofan.They are not allowed in Judea nor Samaria through the end of December, the duration of the "Masiq" (olive harvest). The "authorities" claim this action is to prevent any potential conflicts from occurring between Arabs picking olives and local Jewish residents. Apparently the thought never entered their heads to serve the Arabs, who do not have any valid documentation supporting claims to land and olive groves, with the restraining orders.This year that includes Hanukkah. These men will not be allowed to spend Hanukkah with their families in their own homes, in their own communities. One of those served with an administrative restraining order is my friend and neighbor, Yekutiel Ben-Ya'akov. This time last year, Neriah Ofan (2nd row, 2nd from rig ...

Haveil Havalim #136 Is Up! 2007-10-14 17:00:00 2 of the Eighth Month 5768Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival #136 is up at HH Founder Soccer Dad's.I'm on deck for #137. Please send me your submissions via the handy-dandy, Blog Carnival submission form, by clicking here. ...

Krembos Have Arrived! 2007-10-09 11:16:00 27 of the Seventh Month 5768A week ago, NRG, the Israeli daily Ma'ariv's on-line edition, reported that fall is indeed just around the corner, due to the reappearance of Krembos (Hebrew).(*Warning: Original link contains cartoon pritzes.)For those of you who do not know what a "Krembo" is, it's kind of like a Mallomar,...but not. Wikipedia lists a reasonable description in Hebrew. But, when the English link is clicked, the following appears:Chocolate-covered marshmallow waferA Chocolate-covered marshmallow wafer is a confection known under different names in different countries.The HUTZPAH! Lumping Krembos together with the less than adequate substitutes from other countries!Anyway, one of Krembos' crucial functions is that they serve as an Israeli ice cream substitute during the colder months of the year. Starting around now, ice cream starts to dwindle, and eventually becomes almost impossible to find until next spring.Why this phenomenal change-over occurs in Israel, I have ...

Restaurant Meme 2007-10-08 14:55:00 26 of the Seventh Month 5768OK. So, I wasn't exactly "tagged" for this meme. In fact, I wasn't "tagged" at all.I stole it.I know, I know. You're all thinking:"Ya'aqov, really! If you have time to sit around, surf the Internet, and actually push your way into silly and annoying, little blogger games, then you REALLY need to get a life!"But, I couldn't help myself. I had to put my 10 Ag. worth into this crucial question of the Top 5 Five Restaurants in my area. It originally read:Add a direct link to the post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include city/state and country that you're in.Stolen from"Jacob DaJew"LinkK'far Tapu'ah, Shomron, IsraelList out your top 5 favorite places to eat at your location.I'm going to stick with Jacob's lead on this, and list "...my top five favorite places to get food from, not necessarily restaurants." I don't think I going to stick with just five, either. Oh, and, I'm not going to limit myself to one tiny location which is ...

Haveil Havalim #135 is up! 2007-10-07 18:47:00 25 of the Seventh Month 5768The post-Haggim edition of Haveil Havalim is now up on Soccer Dad's blog. ...

A Non-Offensive(?) Ramadan Joke 2007-10-01 04:45:00 Hol HaMo'ed Sukkoth 5768A couple of years ago, I was in the Me'ah Sha'arim neighborhood of Jerusalem during much of the Fall haggim. The Seventh Month (Tishrei) coincided with the Muslim month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast during daylight hours. A cannon fired in the evening indicates the time when it is permissible for them to start eating.That year, I clearly recall hearing a second cannon fired a good 45 minutes to an hour after the first. I asked my friend if he knew what the second cannon was for.But, then I realized was it for on my own. The second fired much later after sunset were for the Muslims who hold by Rabbenu Tam.*********************Rabbenu Tam is well-known for many of his rulings on Jewish Law, including his stringent ruling regarding Shabbath ends. ...

Shabbat ba'Aretz 2007-09-23 00:31:00 Mossa'ei Yom HaKippurim 5768The various communities in Yehudah & Shomron (Judea & Samaria) are a lot more diverse than you might think. And, so there are diverse kinds of Shabbath experiences available to you, and all you need to do is pick up the phone."Shabbat ba'Aretz" (Shabbat In the Land) is a program connecting 18 - 35 year olds with families in Yehudah & Shomron for Shabbat. Learn about the Jewish People's Biblical connection to the land first hand, and meet the people who have returned to our ancient homeland.Please call Jackie (02-9974030 or 054-6302174) by Tuesday to guarantee placement. First-come, first-serve. Please call between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM. For your protection, Egged Buses have protective shields on their windows.The Egged Bus schedule (English) provides you with easy and up-to-date, travel information from Jerusalem. Some buses are also available to Yehudah & Shomron from Tel-Aviv, Netanyah, K'far Saba, and Be'er Sheva. The Dan Bus Co ...

To Refuse Or Not To Refuse 2007-09-20 09:33:00 8 of the Seventh Month 5768I recently received an e-mail from a like-minded journalist in the north of Israel, SHmu'el HaLevy, commenting on the issue of IDF soldiers refusing orders.Following his letter is my "10 Agaroth" on why soldiers are even placed in a situation where they must decide whether or not to follow orders.Following this are links to news and additional commentary on the topic of IDF soldiers refusing orders. Most people consider me to be a "right-wing extremist." I'll have to assume that's due to my respect for Torah and it's central importance to Am Yisrael and humanity in general. I cannot imagine why else I would be categorized in this manner. However, many of those who have placed me into this box, a box in which I am quite pleased to dwell, are usually surprised, if not shocked, by the rahmanuth (compassion/mercy) with which I regard those IDF soldiers, thrown into a position of having to decide whether or not to refuse orders.Usually, I am the one frustr ...

Shabbat ba'Aretz 2007-09-17 10:35:00 19 of the Third Month 5767Shabbat In The Land – Young Jewish adults, ages 18 – 35; be our guest for any Shabbat (free of charge) on one of the settlements throughout the country.Call Jackie 054-630-2174 by Wednesday for placement**********************************************************Donations may be sent to:Menachem GottliebYemin Avot 6/595421 Jerusalem ISRAELFor "Shabbat In The Land" program*All money will be used for advertising the program.The variour communities in Yehudah & Shomron are a lot more diverse than you might think. And, so there are a diverse kinds of Shabbath experiences ...

Top Ten Words and Phrases of 5767/???"? 2007-08-31 11:50:00 Erev Shabbath Qodesh Parshath Wayelekh-Nissanim 5767The following is the list of Top Ten Words and Phrases of ???"?/5767. The presentation of this list is an annual tradition. Do not expect to understand all of these words, unless of course, you currently live with me in the same domicile (a word which did not quite make the list,...maybe next year).Enjoy.Shannah Tovah. 10. Tedious This year's [hopefully] self-explanatory word9. Poser Pseudo intellectuals to simple fakers and liars, posers are annoying.8. Vermin Let's put it this way. I had to use some mouse traps smuggled in from the US, as the Israeli [legal] ones aren't so effective.7. Uncouth A nice way of saying "Am Ha'Aretz."6. Ill-Bred Provincial Another nice way of saying "Am Ha'Aretz." Unfortunately, one phrase just isn't enough for me.5. Hiatus That annoying thing that TV series do, instead of perpetually pumping out new episodes. No, I don't have a working television.4. Vulgar It's not what you think. If it ...

Harry Potter Sikkum we'Siyyum 2007-07-27 14:09:00 Erev Shabbos Koidesh Nahamu 5767 There was a shailah as to whether I could pick up the newly released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows for my friend on Sunday, as I hadn't gone to the mikveh that day. I did carry it in plastic which some say it acceptable bidi'eved, and was careful about kedushah and taharah. I have already addressed the issue of the buying the book during the "Nine Days." My friend for whom I was shaliah mitzvah, had pre-ordered the book, thus avoiding this issue all together.We were so anxious to read the book, that we didn't mehazer in hevrusa after every perek, let alone after every daf. I must admit, I did have to call him with a shailah about Godric Gryffindor's sword.I'm sorry to add this spoiler, but we still don't know if Anthony Goldstein is halachicly Jewish, and thus whether we need to send a shaliah to address his Shabbos and kashrus needs, among others such as seeing if he needs a mezuzah for the Ravensclaw Common Room or getting him some te ...

Haveil Havalim #126 Is Up! 2007-07-22 13:56:00 7 of the Fifth Month 5767Reb Chaim HaQoton is hosting the 126th edition of the Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival. Reb Chaim says there are actually 126 links listed on this weeks edition. Don't drive yourself crazy by trying to count them. Just check it out, and enjoy the fruits of his labor.... ...

Machon Shilo Publishes Special Tisha B'Av Kinna Commemorating the Destroyed Communities of Gush Katif and the Northern Shomron 2007-07-19 04:14:00 4 of the Fifth Month 5767Cross-posted with permission from Machon ShiloJERUSALEM, ISRAEL, July 18, 2007 (Menachem-Av 4, 5767) - Machon Shilo has published a dirge ("kinna") about the destroyed communities of Gush Katif and northern Samaria. The dirge is to be recited as part of the Jewish Ninth of Av Service that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Jewish Temples by the Babylonians in 586 CE and by the Romans in 70 CE.The Jewish Communities of Gush Katif and the northern Samaria were destroyed on the Tenth of Av in 2005. The motivation of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in destroying these communities has been the subject of considerable speculation.The dirge was written in the style of Rabbi Eliezer HaKalir, the 6th century composer of religious poetry. Rav Buch's dirge is based on "How the Rose of Sharon Sits", HaKalir's dirge of 24 stanzas about the 24 shifts of the Priests ("Kohanim") in the Jewish Temple ("Bet HaMiqdash"). Words of the Rabbi Buch's dirge are ...