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GOOD SHABBOS
25 June 2009 |
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Dear All,
The Winter has ‘Tukka’ arrived on the Highveld, with unusually rainy & cold weather…….one of the coldest winters in years…….and the weather is Cape Town is ‘Skrikky’ with 9 metre hugh waves, rain , snow and Cold…Brrrrrrrrr
The ‘Rugger’ was E-mazing, with a full house in Durban, and the weather was ‘lekker’ for Rugger , especially a 3.00 pm kick off, which is the ‘ Amolikke Yoren’ kick off time……Hate night games……The Bokke won 26-21, and must wonder what happened in the last 20 minutes, with the Lions completely dominating, and the Bokke again playing for time (Final whistle). This could have been a GR888 victory, istaed a lot of question marks remain…The Bokke have to keep it among the forwards again, and not let the Lions get good ball to their backs, or else they will rip the series from us……..Hard test, BUT….The Boks did well to hold on, after the long break from competitive Rugger……The emerging Boks game….this is the type of games that the Manne used to use the soften up ‘Tactic’s’ and this was really the first mid week game that the Lions had a bit of REAL opposition, and eneded up with a 13-13 draw…….all things point to a BOK victory , BUT….the Lions will come close……
Oey vy, soooo near, BUT….yet soooo far in the World Cricket 20 / 20 Semi-finals for the ‘Bokke’……. Reckon Duminy should have gone for the BIG ones, and if he got out, plenty of others to follow, BUT….we remain ‘Chokers’….and will have to wait a few more years, BUT…. We did play well all tournament, BUT…as ‘Nasty’ (Naas) Botha says, it is the final score on the scoreboard that counts…….The Sri Lanka – Pakistan final was again VERY one sided with the Pakis’ Klapping the Sri Lankans in their ‘Moer in’…….…..
The Confederation Cup, has proved that our transport situation is in a mess…and methinks that FIFA with all their ‘Bobbameises’ are putting in tooo many requirements….how do the same amounts of Cricket & Rugger fans, get to the Stadiums and back, without all the Drek of special taxi’s etc….which have really been a disaster…??? When I mentioned 3 years ago, when we won this GR8 award, that they could never fill the stadiums etc, I was told I was negative, and did not know what I was talking about……. before the Cup started I again stated that they would have to give out tickets to fill stadiums…….and they have now decided to do that, BUT…what will happen for the World Cup next year…?? Will the Local ‘Rabble’ expect freebies again, and I reckon the early Rounds, in ‘The Bundu’ (Timbaktu- In ‘Alle Drerden af un Dek’) will again be VERY badly attended, with the later stage of the Sokka 2010 drawing good crowds…….
Bafana Bafana were hailed as Champions after their win against NZ, and could have easily made it 6-0, BUT….against Spain we played VERY well to only loose 2-0 , and still qualify for the Semi’s…bit ‘Mishuga’,BUT…….last night was a shocker, and the USofA are in the Final, having beaten Spain….if we win tonight, I reckon it is a ‘FIX’………….
Wimbledon is starting again, and with ‘Der Nadal’ out, who knows, Federer might get another Final win……at Wimbledon, as he is VERY positive after the win on Clay………….and of course he loves Wimbledon…
The Indian owned a hen and each morning would look in his garden and pick up one of his hen's eggs for breakfast.
One day he looked into his garden and saw that the hen had laid an egg in the Boer's garden. He was about to go next door when he saw the Boer pick up the egg.
The Indian ran up to the Boer and told him that the egg belonged to him because he owned the hen.
The Boer disagreed because the egg was laid on his property.
They argued for a while until finally the Indian said, "In my family we normally solve disputes by the following actions: I kick you in the ‘baetzim’ and time how long it takes you to get back up, then you kick me in the ‘baetzim’ and time how long it takes for me to get up, who ever gets up quicker wins the egg."
The Boer agreed to this and so the Indian found his heaviest pair of boots and put them on, he took a few steps back, then ran toward the Boer and kicked him as hard as he could in the ‘baetzim’.
The Boer fell to the floor clutching his nuts howling in agony for 30 minutes. Eventually the Boer stood up and said, 'Now it's my turn to kick you.'
The Indian said, "It's OK. Keep the damn egg!" (Dis’n Kak een hierdie…..)
Last week’s Joke / ‘Schtick’ about the Bristol Zoo Keeper ‘Shmitzing’ with the money he collected was a Hoax ( I did put ‘Bobbameis’) and Barbara in Sydney sent me the link for an article explaining the story…..
Urban myth of the Bristol Zoo parking attendant. It's a story which has been circulated on the internet for months and made people around the world chuckle from behind their computer screens. View full article
The Solid Gold Toilet!!
Before the 2008 inauguration of Obama, he was invited to a get acquainted tour of the White House. After drinking several glasses of iced tea, he asked George Bush if he could use his personal bathroom.......
When he entered Clinton's private toilet, he was astonished to see that President Bush had a solid gold urinal.........
That afternoon, Barack told his wife, Michelle, about the urinal. 'Just think,' he said, 'when I am president, I could have a gold urinal, too. But I wouldn't do something that self-indulgent!'.......
Later, when Michelle had lunch with Laura at her tour of the White House, she told Laura how impressed Barack had been at his discovery of the fact that, in the President's private bathroom, the President had a gold urinal........
That evening, when Laura and George were getting ready for bed, Laura smiled, and said to George, 'I found out who ‘pished’ in your saxophone.
Quite an interesting look at ‘OUR’ ‘Grayser Chaver’, Barack Obama……who seems to be doing everything he said he would not, while electioneering…like getting into bed with the ‘Mozzies’…… and giving Israel a torrid time at the moment..
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=101162
Politician: One who shakes your hand before elections and your Confidence after…….
While walking down the street one day an ' An Obama Member of Congress' is
tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem.
We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules..'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake
his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at
the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter
is waiting for him.
'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'
The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the Congressman . 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says,………
'Yesterday we were campaigning.. ..Today you voted.' ( Soooooo true………).
My “OLD” Hotelschool Chaver Ralph Lewinsohn, who hails from Windhoek (The Original Suid Wester..) is putting together a Namibian get together in the ‘Land of Milk & Honey’ (Israel) on Friday 6th.November ….all Namibians in Israel & those visiting are welcome…contact ; Ralph Lewinsohn , Kibbutz Kfar Aza 85142
Tel/Fax: 08- 6809730 ,Cell: 050-6492344,…. Email: ralphlew@gmail.com Ralph has been in Israel for the past 30 years, which has been on Kfar Azza……these days he works as a Tour Guide offering tours of Israel in many languages including Afrikaans……
Got a very ‘Heart Warming’ story on ‘Kaddish’.. See the article at ;
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/Kaddish_with_Oprah.asp Very moving.
On a much lighter note, the ‘old’ Schuster Golf course ‘Schtick’ what a ‘Lag’ and my Chaver Julian ( Snorr) Wolfson from Wingate is in the video….need a Lag,
‘Gib A Kuk’ tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpqKgKXAgJg&NR=1
Porkies! …Souff Effrikka have just had the 1st. Swine flu confirmed this week…..
Just phoned the swine flu helpline and all I got was crackling.
How did the pig go on holiday? The swine flu.
Swine flu isn't a problem for pigs, because they're all going to be cured anyway.
The first sign of pig flu is that you come out in nasty rashers.
If you want a clear train carriage on the way into work this week, just start coughing loudly and exclaiming "Iválgame dios!" in a Mexican accent.
Swine flu is getting serious. It has been reported to be a hamdemic, which may lead to an aporkolypse... But we'll get through. Where there's a swill there's a way.
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed at home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none.
And this little piggy had influenza A virus subtype haemagglutinin protein 1 neuraminidase protein 1.
The only known cure for Swine Flu has been found to be the liberal application of oinkment.
My friend says he's got swine flu, but I think he's telling porkies.
I have to say, I'm finding all these jokes about swine flu pretty boaring. (Oey vy…)
The SARS ‘Manne’ are really ‘Wakker’ and I received a SMS saying that the new Tax year starts on 1st. July, and the Sunday papers would have Tax details……?? Really getting ‘Jacked’ to ‘GUP’ our Geld……. If your ‘Tax matters are in Tatters’ contact Taxrelax for best advice…Click on their Website on letter……. www.taxrelax.co.za
"In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes. " ……. Benjamin Franklin
When you put the 2 words 'The' and 'IRS' together it spells: ……. 'Theirs.'
A penny saved is a government oversight.
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Tuesday was the Jewish Businessman of the Year Award, and it was a very ‘Glitzy Affair’ with Captains of the ‘Yiddisher & Gentile’ business community attending……in recent years they have made many new awards, BUT….The main award, for the Companies was Brian Azizollahoff……a real deserving winner……The Jewish Report will have a complete list of all the Category winners….Online www.sajewishreport.co.za and of course the Hard copies in all the ‘Yiddisher’ Shopkellas’……. Pictures http://www.stantgsm.com/list_pics.php
The evening is sponsored by ABSA, and their ‘Balabos’ Gill Marcus make a welcoming speech and of course the ‘Striding Man’ – Johnny Walker Black Label was also one of the sponsors and the Striding Man was running….The Co-ordinator of the evening was Suzanne Weil, who had everything perfect…..
Very ‘Balabatishe’ evening……(Make one proud to be a ‘YID’ )……
WHAT DO YOU CALL A ZULU PANELBEATER? …………….. “E PRESS E DENT”
Jewish V Goyish…….!!!!!!
Judges Are Jewish ………….. Juries Are Goyish
Packing all the mini hotel shampoos is Jewish …….. Using them is Goyish
Ordering family style is Jewish …….. Ordering a la carte is Goyish
Cruises are Jewish ………. Walking tours are Goyish
Bunions are Jewish …………. Flat feet are Goyish
Simon Says is Jewish …….. The Hokey Pokey is Goyish
The Limbo is Jewish …….. Line dancing is Goyish
Picking from your mate's plate is Jewish …. Not wanting even a "little taste" is Goyish
Fruitcake is Goyish …….. Fruit and cake is Jewish
Reading "how-to" books is Goyish ……….. Writing "how-to" books is Jewish
Tiffany's is Goyish …………. Your Uncle Ira in the Jewelry District is Jewish
Last week was again a ‘HUGE’ Shabbos at Sandton Shul, with the Winer Barmy & the Lewis / Flekser Ofruff, and all the families are from Sandton, and the Shul was ‘Lekker’ full……… This coming Shabbos will also be VERY special as they have Azi Schwartz, a highly regarded Chazzan, and World renowned Conductor Raymond Goldstein assisting with the services on this Friday / Saturday…..they have come to the ‘Beloved Country’ to participate in the JNF concert on Sunday night, which also features Steven Leas & Colin Schachat, ‘old’ Souff Effrikken favourites….Should be a GR8888 concert……heard the Manne practising for Shabbos last night……be there…Picture http://www.stantgsm.com/list_pics.php
Passing bars is Goyish ………… Passing the Bar Exam is Jewish
DIY (Do it Yourself) is Goyish ……. PAG (Pay A Goy who knows what he's doing) is Jewish
Morbidly obese is Goyish ………… Baby fat is Jewish
West Coast is Goyish …. East Coast is Jewish
White bread is Goyish; ……. Rye is Jewish
Sushi is Jewish; … Chopsticksare Goyish
Laughing at someone else's troubles is Goyish; ..Laughing at your own troubles is Jewish
"Youngsters" are Goyish, …….. "Kids" are Jewish
Buttering bread is Goyish; …… Spreading margarine is Jewish
Sitting quietly to get served is Goyish: …. Standing and waving one's hands is Jewish
WWF is Goyish, ……… the NBA is Jewish
Tattoos and piercing are Goyish; …….. Diamonds and pearls are Jewish
Saving Money is Goyish; …….. Investing money is Jewish
Doing Landscaping is Goyish; …… Hiring a Landscaper is Jewish
Beer is Goyish; …. Wine is Jewish
A party that revolves around the buffet table is Jewish: ….A party that revolves around the bar is Goyish!
Making lists of what's Jewish and what's not ….. is VERY Jewish!! (Oey vy…………).
Well, the Maccabian’s are almost on their way to the ‘Land Of Milk & Honey, and there is still no word about the Rugger team…….there are +/- 200 Shpielers going , plus parents, siblings and ‘Nogshleppers’, soooo that is a lot of Souff Effrikken ‘Yidlach’ going for the games…..should be GR8888….I am at the Prima Kings in Jerusalem for Shabbos 17th./ 18th. July, if any one is staying there or around there…..meet for Friday Supper @ the Hotel..?? Irvin Gordon from Sydney, is going to represent Oz at over 50’s squash….he is a brother in Law to Allan Rabbie here in the ‘Beloved Country’……..got a dated picture of the 1981 ‘Maccabi Sokka’ Gold winners……...see picture at; http://www.stantgsm.com/list_pics.php
An exhibition paying tribute to the game of rugby will open at the South African Jewish Museum from 30 June 2009. The Glory of the Game: Rugby and the Jewish Springbok ‘Minyan’ will honour those Springboks who made their mark on the world sporting stage…at the Jewish Museum in Cape Town…Details see
http://www.stantgsm.com/list_info.php they are also having talks etc….
First-year students at Onderstepoort Vet School in Pretoria were attending their first anatomy class, with a real dead cow.
They all gathered around the surgery table with the body covered with a white sheet. The Professor started the class by telling them,
"In Veterinary Medicine it is necessary to have two important qualities as a doctor:
The first is that you not be disgusted by anything involving the “Animal body". For an example, the professor pulled back the sheet, stuck his finger in the ‘Tochus’ of the dead cow, withdrew it and stuck his finger in his mouth.
"Go ahead and do the same thing," he told his students.
The students freaked out, hesitated for several minutes.
But eventually took turns sticking a finger in the butt of the dead cow and sucking on it.
When everyone finished, the professor looked at them and said,
"The second most important quality is observation. I stuck in my middle finger and sucked on my index finger. Now learn to pay attention.
Life's tough, but it's even tougher if you're stupid." (Einaaaaaaaaaaaaah…..)
The strike threats continue, with the SABC ‘Wekkers’ threatening a ‘Blackout’ of the Confederation Cup if there demands are not met……Methinks that some money must have changed hands, as the Cup is still being televised…??(soooo far)…… This week, the Dr’s , Nurses, Dentists in Government facilities are going on strike….Theirs is ‘Tukka’ for a deserved case, and not just this ‘Blackmailing’ ……The Men from the Ministries decision to go for the NHI (National Health) could be a bigger mess tah the Arms deal, as that just cost the ‘People’ huge, and of course a few of the Manne made HUGE profit from ‘Shmearing’…..,BUT…the NHI will cost Billions X 10 and of course cause MORE misery among the ill……….Latest is that 50,000 construction ‘Wekkers’ on the stadiums are to go on strike for huge increases….gone is the ideal that the World Cup would create labour….in every country, they have labourers…not here…everyone wants to be a ‘Balabos’…….. and today they decided NOT to lower the interest rate sooooo the Manne will go ‘Mishuga’ again……
Two nuns, Sister Catherine and Sister Helene, are traveling through Europe in their car. They get to Transylvania and are stopped at a traffic light. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a tiny little Dracula jumps onto the hood of the car and hisses at them through the windshield.
'Quick, quick!' shouts Sister Catherine. 'What shall we do?'
'Turn the windshield wipers on. That will get rid of the abomination,' says Sister Helene.
Sister Catherine switches them on, knocking Dracula about, but he clings on and continues hissing at the nuns. 'What shall I do now?' she shouts.
'Switch on the windshield washer. I filled it up with Holy Water at the Vatican ,'
says Sister Helene.
Sister Catherine turns on the windshield washer. Dracula screams as the water burns his skin, but he clings on and continues hissing at the nuns.
'Now what?' shouts Sister Catherine.
'Show him your cross,' says Sister Helene.
'Now you're talking,' says Sister Catherine. She opens the window and shouts,
'Get the %7@3$*&@# off the car!' (Einaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…)
Got an E-mail from Mark Suransky, who sent me a VERY well written description of a Room they have to let in Stoke Newington, London…Just ‘Gib A Kuk’ at the details at ; http://www.stantgsm.com/list_info.php
Remember that I will be away from the 8th. July till month end……….Have ‘Ragmonis on my ‘Komputta’……BUT….keep sending news and jokes up till then….. My holiday E-mail is; ssmookler@gmail.com
A lion was getting married.... at his wedding was a mouse shouting away...
and congratulating the lion …. "all the best my brother.... good luck....."
Seeing the mouse shouting away, claiming that the lion getting married is his brother...
another Lion grabs the mouse in anger and asks:
"Who the hell do you think you are.... How can a lion be your brother......
you are only a mouse...." The Mouse replies.... "I was also a Lion before I got married"
(Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….)
Yislaaaaaaaaaik……The ‘Spiedkops’ have gone ‘mishuga’ in the Ou Transvaal, and never mind all these ‘Brave’ words from various organizations telling drivers to know their rights….They have been locking up ‘Normal’ drivers for offences, that usually carry fines ONLY, so be ‘Wakker’ and do not try ‘Loshen Hora’ on tehse guys…they mean business at the moment….. see article…
http://www.news24.com/Content/SouthAfrica/News/1059/700d824e44904675b1ceb5e65820ea1a/11-06-2009%2009-06/Short-cut_motorists_arrested Do not mess with these ‘Mumzers’ ‘cause the moment you argue, you are a ‘Racist’….E-mazing….
FOR the MOST ‘Jacked up’ Yiddisher Wedding registry, ‘Gib A Kuk’ at ;
www.lechaim.co.za ………….Run by Young Yiddisher ‘Boychix’ ……
Mazeltov to Moria Mann, who celebrated her Bat mitzvah at the Sandton Shul Hall…. Mazeltov to Parents Yossi & Vered Mann….Yossi used to supply me with the B & B (Beigel & Beigel) BIG “B “Pretzel and we used to make a snack with the Pretzel, adding sliced avo, biltong and black pepper……what a snack it was, BUT……he does not bring those in any more, BUT…still does a large range of B & B pretzels and Nutella products……Mazeltov to the whole family……
Pictures ; http://www.stantgsm.com/list_classifieds.php
Mazeltov to Reuven (Garber) , who got engaged to Dina Carno this week……
Reuven’s Dad Arnold is from Malaat, Lithuania, where my Family came from….Dina is the daughter of David Carno, one of the triplets……..
Mazeltov to the whole ‘Mishpocha’………
Did a Locum at the Geceleter / Miller wedding last night, and it was a ‘lekker’ evening…. Mazeltov to Jacqui ( Geceleter) & Wayne Miller………..Jacqui’s dad Jules was in the Army with me (Lenz 1971)…and her Mom, Serena has been working at Chabad House for many years……The Marathon Man (Johnny Birin) started the wedding with a few Hora’s and Shiva Brachot, and then they had a BIG band to end the evening…….The Hall was WELL decorated by Kari Berkowitz and the use of Ice scultures on the Main Table was a hit….GR88 ‘Vibe’…..I believe that Wayne & his Mom Elaine & the family hail from Kaapstad, and although I do not know them a ‘Grayser’ Mazeltov to the whole ‘Mishpocha’……….
The easiest way to source Simcha ‘Wekkers’ & suppliers is to ‘Gib A Kuk’ at http://www.stantgsm.com/simcha/sg.htm
| MANTIS SECURITY TIP (Call 011- 487-1000) of the week; |
- ‘Yidlach’ visiting the ‘Beloved Country’ must always be aware of the dangers when landing in Souff Effrikka….
- Always try and get friends and family to fetch from Airport…..
- If hiring a car, always be on the alert that you are not followed from the Airport…
- Try not to drive after dark, if you are not sure of the area you are visiting….
- Never leave any valuables, Passports etc in Hotel rooms…..
- Be ‘Wakker’ & ‘StreetwiZe’ all the time………
| Call; Mark Kramer @ MANTIS (011-487-1000) for advice and sign up and discuss it with his experienced staff. |
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Have a peaceful, restful Shabbos….…
From Stan and the Clan.
smookler@netactive.co.za
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The ‘Stan The Good Shabbos’ Joke Book is now available at Major Bookstores around the ‘Beloved Country’ and also on Kalahari.net …sooo get yours, and eventually when I have recovered my outlay, I can consider a second book….
CLICK HERE Also now available in Irvine at the African Hut www.africanhut.com |
Please remember that the VORT comes in after the sign off, and is a self standing item…
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Parsha of The Week |
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INSIDE / OUTSIDE
B”H
Rabbi Yossy Goldman,
Sydenham Shul,
C/O ‘Beloved Country’
Some arguments are petty affairs between small people who aren’t big enough and so need to stand up for their perceived honor or imaginary status. Other arguments are classic differences of opinion between people of stature, where each has an opinion worthy of consideration. We need to be able to discern the subtleties beneath the surface of any debate before formulating our own view.
This week’s Parsha tells the story of the mutiny of Korach, a cousin of Moses who challenged his authority. In the end, Korach and his henchmen were swallowed by the earth in a Divine display of rather unearthly justice.
The Midrash reveals some of the behind the scenes dialogue and debate between these men. Remember, Korach was no pushover. Besides being of noble lineage, he was clever, wealthy and quite charismatic. One of the questions Korach put to Moshe was this: Does a house full of holy books still require a Mezuzah? Moshe answered that it did. Korach scoffed at the idea, ridiculing Moshe. The little Mezuzah contains but two chapters of Torah, the Shema Yisrael. A whole houseful of books with the entire Torah won’t do the trick and a little Mezuzah will? It doesn’t make any sense, argued Korach.
Why was Moshe’s answer correct? What indeed is the significance of a small parchment on the doorpost in relation to a library inside? The Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose 15th Yahrtzeit was observed this week, explained that it all depends on location. The books are inside. The Mezuzah is outside. When there are Jewish texts inside our study and living rooms this indicates that the home is a Jewish home. This is good and as it should be. But what happens when we leave the comfortable confines of our home? Do we cease to be Jewish?
The Mezuzah is at the threshold of our homes, at the juncture and crossover between our inner lives and outer lives. As we make the transition from private person to public citizen we desperately need to be reminded of whom we are and that we take our identity with us wherever we may go. There is only One G-d, says the little scroll, whether in our private domain or in the big, wide world.
One of the many works by well known author Herman Wouk is an autobiographical novel called Inside, Outside in which he portrays his own inner struggles straddling these two worlds. His pious Talmudist zayde had a profound influence on him but so did Hollywood and Broadway. It took him a long time to find his way and settle into an observant Jewish lifestyle while still writing bestsellers.
Being Jewish “Inside” is relatively easy. It’s when we hit the “Outside” that we encounter temptation and turmoil. The challenge every Jew must face is to remain proudly Jewish
even in the face of conflicting cultures, curious looks and often hostile attitudes.
In the German-Jewish community of old there was a slogan which has long been discredited. Yehudi b’veitecha v’ish b’tzeitecha. “Be a Jew in your home and a man outside.” The Nazis did not distinguish between Jews who looked Jewish or those who had removed any visible identifying marks.
Today, traditional dress reflecting a national character is common, accepted and respected – from Scottish kilts to Arab kaffiyehs. The outlandish hairstyles of sportsmen and celebrities are not only accepted, they are mimicked by millions of mindless wannabees. Is it too much to expect a Jew to assert his Jewishness in unfamiliar corporate territory, or to keep the Yarmulke on his head even when he walks out of Shul?
Moshe rejected Korach’s argument with good reason. The Mezuzah does not replace the need for Jewish libraries, but it serves as a perennial reminder on our doorways. As we step out of our home to enter the outside world, it beckons us to take our G-d and our Torah, our values and our traditions, along with us.
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