tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46199472699393307322024-03-02T03:56:50.077-03:00One day and two daysHelping to repair the worldIsha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-136578363921768792012-10-01T13:35:00.000-03:002019-08-19T21:33:46.051-03:00The Festival of Sukkot<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vjWMNgQQYA4/TJjbZ3lfUlI/AAAAAAAAAVI/WOUurapfyMY/s1600/Sukkot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vjWMNgQQYA4/TJjbZ3lfUlI/AAAAAAAAAVI/WOUurapfyMY/s320/Sukkot.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sukkah Wall - Fabric paints on cottons; <a href="http://www.pomegranatestudios.com/index.cfm?vpage=522&mediaid=569&vlarge=1">click for contact</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Hebrew Calendar begin at sundown, </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1-7 October 2012 --15-21 Tishrei 5773<i>.</i></span></b></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;"><b>...On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Festival of Sukkot, seven days for the L-RD. -Leviticus 23:34</b></span><br />
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<b>The Festival of Sukkot begins on Tishrei 14th at sundown</b>, the fifth day after Yom Kippur. It is quite a drastic transition, from one of the most solemn holidays in our year to one of the most joyous. Sukkot is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in Jewish prayer and literature as Z'man Simchateinu, the Season of our Rejoicing.<br />
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<b>Sukkot is the last of the Shalosh R'galim</b> (three pilgrimage festivals). Like Passover and Shavu'ot, Sukkot has a dual significance: historical and agricultural. Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. Agriculturally, Sukkot is a harvest festival and is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif , the Festival of Ingathering.<br />
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<b>The word "Sukkot" means "booths"</b> and refers to the temporary dwellings that we are commanded to live in during this holiday in memory of the period of wandering. <i>The Hebrew pronunciation of Sukkot is "Sue COAT," but is often pronounced as in Yiddish, to rhyme with "BOOK us."</i> The name of the holiday is frequently translated "Feast of Tabernacles," which, like many translations of Jewish terms, isn't very useful. This translation is particularly misleading, because the word "tabernacle" in the Bible refers to the portable Sanctuary in the desert, a precursor to the Temple, called in Hebrew "mishkan." The Hebrew word "sukkah" (plural: "sukkot") refers to the temporary booths that people lived in, not to the Tabernacle.<br />
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<b>Sukkot lasts for seven days.</b> The two days following the festival, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, are separate holidays but are related to Sukkot and are commonly thought of as part of Sukkot.<br />
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<b>The festival of Sukkot is instituted in Leviticus 23:33 et seq.</b> No work is permitted on the first and second days of the holiday. (See Extra Day of Holidays for an explanation of why the Bible says one day but we observe two). Work is permitted on the remaining days. These intermediate days on which work is permitted are referred to as Chol Ha-Mo'ed, as are the intermediate days of Passover.<br />
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<b>Arba Minim: The Four Species</b><br />
On the first day, you will take for yourselves a fruit of a beautiful tree, palm branches, twigs of a braided tree and brook willows, and you will rejoice before the LORD your G-d for seven days. -Leviticus 23:40<br />
Another observance during Sukkot involves what are known as the Four Species (arba minim in Hebrew) or the lulav and etrog. We are commanded to take these four plants and use them to "rejoice before the L-rd." The four species in question are an etrog (a citrus fruit similar to a lemon native to Israel; in English it is called a citron), a palm branch (in Hebrew, lulav), two willow branches (aravot) and three myrtle branches (hadassim). The six branches are bound together and referred to collectively as the lulav, because the palm branch is by far the largest part. The etrog is held separately. With these four species in hand, one recites a blessing and waves the species in all six directions (east, south, west, north, up and down), symbolizing the fact that G-d is everywhere. Detailed instructions for this ritual can be found under Sukkot Blessings.<br />
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The four species are also held and waved during the Hallel prayer in religious services, and are held during processions around the bimah (the pedestal where the Torah is read) called hakafot each day during the holiday. These processions commemorate similar processions around the altar of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. This part of the service is known as Hoshanot, because while the procession is made, we recite a prayer with the refrain, "Hosha na!" (please save us!). On the seventh day of Sukkot, seven circuits are made. For this reason, the seventh day of Sukkot is known as Hoshanah Rabbah (the great Hoshanah).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"><b>Significance:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;">Remembers the wandering in the dessert; also a harvest festival</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"><b>Observances:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;">Building and "dwelling" in a booth; waving branches and a fruit during services</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"><b>Length:</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "tahoma" , "arial"; font-size: 13px;">7 days</span></div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-62754824102862558682012-09-13T18:04:00.000-03:002012-09-13T20:30:23.326-03:00Rosh HaShanah 5773 - The Jewish New Year (2012)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vjWMNgQQYA4/TILPng_VRwI/AAAAAAAAAU0/RtnypCW72y4/s1600/roshashanah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vjWMNgQQYA4/TILPng_VRwI/AAAAAAAAAU0/RtnypCW72y4/s400/roshashanah.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia, verdana, arial, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Painting by </span><a href="http://www.blumenfeldart.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">artist Rochelle Blumenfeld</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">l</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem - </span></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."</span></div>
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<b>The Jewish New Year</b> is a time for reflection, in which God begins the trial of every human being. The day celebrates the anniversary of the creation of man, the sixth day of Creation of the World.<br />
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A Jewish day begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. Therefore, Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified below.<br />
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<b>Rosh HaShanah </b><br />
<b>(September 16-18, 2012 / 1-2 Tishrei 5773) </b><br />
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"In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts" (Leviticus 23:24).<br />
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Rosh HaShanah is the Jewish New Year that falls on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It is observed by attending synagogue services where the shofar is heard and eating a festive meal with traditional foods such as fish, a round challah and apples and honey. Throughout theTorah, the shofar is mentioned as a special element in many ritual observances, not only at Rosh HaShanah.<br />
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For example, each new moon was announced with the blowing of the shofar. Rosh HaShanah begins the “Ten Days of Awe”. During this time it is customary to examine our relationships with ourselves, with others and with God.<br />
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Rosh HaShanah is celebrated for two days in Israel and in Orthodox, Conservative, and some Reform congregation. Other Reform congregations celebrate for one day.<br />
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The opportunity of Rosh Hashanah is too important to leave things to chance. Here's a short list of what you need to know.<br />
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<b>Pre Rosh Hashanah</b><br />
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<b>A key component of preparation</b> for Rosh Hashanah is apologize to everyone you have wronged during the past year. The greatest extent possible, we want to start the year zero and no one to keep some pending against us. Each must also be quick to forgive those who wronged them.<br />
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<b>Many people</b> have the habit of going to the mikveh before Rosh Hashanah, after noon. The mikveh (bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism), which has the power to purify certain spiritual impurities, may be an important step in the process of teshuvah (repentance). Some have the custom of visiting the cemetery on the morning of Rosh Hashanah, and pray at the grave of the righteous. Of course not pray "to" the righteous, but for God that hear our prayers on their behalf.<br />
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<b>The morning before Rosh Hashanah</b>, we do Hatarat Nedarim, cancellation of all the promises (vows). In terms of the Torah, say something simple like "Do not eat more candy" can be considered a vote 'legal'. So, before Rosh Hashanah, halted all votes, they were made intentionally or not. This is done by prostrating before three men (or ten if possible) and asking to be freed of the votes that were made. The annulment of the text can be found in a Siddur or Machzor of Rosh Hashanah.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Rosh Hashanah</span></b></div>
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Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-39245481347721209942012-09-07T23:48:00.000-03:002019-08-19T21:31:16.349-03:00Uniting Palestinians and Israelis with Yoga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkiR-n7hv08/UEqwuBOh3XI/AAAAAAAABVw/uM11puuCVqY/s1600/Olive+Tree+Yoga+Foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkiR-n7hv08/UEqwuBOh3XI/AAAAAAAABVw/uM11puuCVqY/s320/Olive+Tree+Yoga+Foundation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Ruthie unites Israelis and Palestinians with yoga</b><br />
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by <a href="https://twitter.com/rally" target="_blank">RALLY</a> - AUGUST 28, 2012<br />
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In the summer of 2011, <a href="https://rally.org/olivetreeyogafoundation" target="_blank">Olive Tree Yoga Foundation</a> (OTYF) taught classes to Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities. They developed relationships with established teachers in Israel, planned the opening of an OTYF studio in Bethlehem, and brought the unifying energy of yoga to residents of the tent city protests in Tel Aviv.<br />
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OTYF’s mission is to create a powerful community of transformative leaders through the practice of yoga. Led by Ruthie Goldman, OTYF promotes and supports the teaching of yoga in communities affected by conflict, specifically, the underserved regions of the Middle East. Through yoga they aim to bring unity, strength, and possibility to Israelis and Palestinians.<br />
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In this light, OTYF consciously avoids schedule conflicts with religious holidays and does not propose any specific resolution to the conflict; their work is geared toward offering the possibility of equality for Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. For Ruthie and friends, yoga is a part of the trajectory of the solidarity movement in Palestine and Israel. They believe that yoga can bring an inner peace to those who practice and that this, in turn, will contribute toward a path to peace.</div><br />
<a href="https://rally.org/olivetreeyogafoundation/donate" target="_blank"><b>Donate Now</b></a></div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-33263901582595162032012-08-24T19:30:00.000-03:002012-08-24T19:30:07.300-03:00Friends of United Hatzalah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfcSx4dhf8w/UDf_CcGeBwI/AAAAAAAABUM/I4Av-UI6fEA/s1600/United+Hatzalah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfcSx4dhf8w/UDf_CcGeBwI/AAAAAAAABUM/I4Av-UI6fEA/s320/United+Hatzalah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>United Hatzalah's response time is now under 3 minutes. By doubling the current volunteer corps and increasing the ambucycle fleet and defibrillators, United Hatzalah will achieve its goal of a 90 second response time - anywhere in the country.</i></b><br />
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The mission is to support the lifesaving efforts of United Hatzalah of Israel. United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Services organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah's service is available to all people without regard to race, religion or national origin.<br />
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United Hatzalah has more than 1700 volunteers who come from a complete spectrum of Israeli society, religious and secular, male and female, Jewish and non-Jewish. Not only have the volunteers been able to redefine the government’s status quo of emergency first response, Arab and Jews are also working together, side-by-side, and have been able to break down religious barriers through United Hatzalah's sole mission and unifying motivation: to save as many lives as possible.<br />
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United Hatzalah volunteers, all of whom are trained and certified as EMTs, paramedics or doctors, respond to any medical emergency in their vicinities, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. United Hatzalah volunteers establish a life-saving bridge of medical care to nearly 200,000 people each year within 2 to 3 minutes from a distress call. Volunteers treat an average of 500 people each day and individually respond to an average of 360 calls per year in Israel.<br />
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United Hatzalah trains and equips emergency first response volunteers who live and work in communities, cities and kibbutzim throughout the entire State of Israel in order to provide a more rapid, effective medical intervention. A proprietary GPS based deployment technology identifies the most qualified and closest volunteer to an emergency, maximizing efficient allocation of resources and minimizing response times. Fully equipped ambucycles travel nimbly through traffic, narrow alleys and obstructed roadways to bring all the necessary medical equipment an ambulance carries to the scene of an emergency.<br />
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Given the success that United Hatzalah has experienced in Israel and the thousands of lives it has saved since its inception, United Hatzalah believes that its distributed emergency response model can be easily replicated to save lives throughout the world. United Hatzalah has already been recognized as an international leader and is currently collaborating with global organizations.<br />
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United Hatzalah considers lifesaving to be of utmost value. While maintaining transparency, honesty and loyalty, United Hatzalah will continue to save lives in Israel, on a completely voluntary basis, in order to provide critical medical treatment to every citizen in need. United Hatzalah partners with other emergency agencies including ambulance companies, firefighting and rescue services, the army, and the police. United Hatzalah integrates into the existing emergency service framework by filling the gap between the time an emergency call is received and the arrival of institutional emergency services.<br />
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Please, make a donation; <a href="https://www.israelrescue.org/donate.php" target="_blank">https://www.israelrescue.org/donate.php</a></div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-87536156825483308802012-07-04T22:01:00.000-03:002012-07-04T22:01:34.520-03:00REFLECTIONS ON GOOD AND EVIL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RX7N6IcomJs/T_SeFcm5wcI/AAAAAAAABTM/MSPaDTFr6Lg/s1600/Tree+Of+Knowledge+Of+Good+And+Evil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RX7N6IcomJs/T_SeFcm5wcI/AAAAAAAABTM/MSPaDTFr6Lg/s400/Tree+Of+Knowledge+Of+Good+And+Evil.JPG" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Michelangelo painting Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><b>Genesis 2:9 </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">And out of the ground made the L-rd G'd to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden and the </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">tree of knowledge of good and evil</span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;">. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Genesis 2:17 </b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">But of the </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">tree of the knowledge of good and evil</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.</span></span></td></tr>
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<br />
<b>RAMBAN, GENESIS 2:3</b><br />
<b>"And know that there is more encompassed in the words “to do,” for the six days of creation are akin to the days of the existence of the world."</b> [AJWS translation]<br />
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According to Ramban, the creation of the world is not completed, but in the continual process of creation.<br />
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<b>ECCLESIASTES RABBAH 12:14</b><br />
What is it about Good and about Evil? It is said in the name of the house of Rabbi Yanai, one who give a poor person a small amount of money in public, for it happened once that Rabbi Yanai saw a certain man give some money to a poor person in public, it is better that he not give him than that he gives him now and disgraces him. The house of Rabbi Shiloh says, one who gives charity to a woman privately brings her into suspicion. [AJWS translation]<br />
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<b>PSALMS 34:12-20</b><br />
Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you what it is to fear G'd. Who is the man who is eager for life, who desires years of good fortune? Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech. Shun evil and do good, seek amity and pursue it. The eyes of G'd are on the righteous, G-d's ears attentive to their cry. The face of G'd is set against evildoers, to erase their names from the earth. They cry out, and G'd hears, and saves them from all their troubles. G'd is close to the brokenhearted; G'd delivers those crushed in spirit. Though the misfortunes of the righteous be many, G'd will save him from them all. [JPS translation]<br />
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<b>RAMBAM, LAWS OF TEMPERAMENT 6:7</b><br />
If one observes that another committed a sin or walks in a way that is not good, it is the person’s duty to bring the erring one back to the right path and point out that he/she is wronging him/herself by this evil course, as it is said, “You shall surely rebuke your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:17). One who rebukes another, whether for offenses against the one who rebukes him/herself or for sins against G'd, should administer the rebuke in private, speak to the offender gently and tenderly, and point out that the rebuke is offered for the wrongdoer’s own good, to secure for the other life in the World to Come. If the person accepts the rebuke, well and good. If not, the person should be rebuked a second, and a third time. And so one is bound to continue the admonitions, until the sinner assaults the admonisher and says, “I refuse to listen.” Whoever is in a position to prevent wrongdoing and does not do so is responsible for the iniquity of all the wrongdoers whom that person might have restrained.<br />
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<b>MISHNA AVOT 5:13 - <span style="background-color: white;">There are four types of charity givers:</span></b><br />
- One who wishes to give, but that others should not give: their eye is evil towards that which belongs to others.<br />
- One who wishes that others should give, but that they themselves should not give: their eye is evil towards that which is their own.<br />
<i><b>- One who desires that they themselves should give, and that others should give: they are pious.</b></i><br />
- One who desires that they themselves should not give and that others too should not give: they are wicked. [translation by USCJ, edited for gender neutrality]</div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-2207168789467230502012-06-12T13:16:00.000-03:002019-08-19T21:18:38.394-03:00Give away more money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWSipO5TraQ/T9JEdXPHm5I/AAAAAAAABSY/-YjdyQU6wIg/s1600/donation+with+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWSipO5TraQ/T9JEdXPHm5I/AAAAAAAABSY/-YjdyQU6wIg/s320/donation+with+love.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Give away more money - You will become richer! Charity To Assist Growth. By Ronn Torossian<br />
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or donations can often be seen as window-dressing, but if done right, corporate (and personal) responsibility encompasses giving and the highest form of fulfillment. Earning my living helping corporations (and individuals) utilize the media and public forums to build their brand, we are often asked if certain charitable initiatives will help companies make more, or be portrayed better and my professional answer is always – Only if you are dedicated to it and really believe in it.<br />
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Other than the divine blessing and requirements of donations (tithing), we also merit many business realizations from giving to charity. In his book “Giving”, former President Bill Clinton tells of an African tribe he encountered as a result of his “Clinton Foundation”, that has a unique way of greeting each other. When someone says ‘hello’ the other greets him with “I see you.” It’s a powerful message in a world where differences are usually quite visible. Clinton testifies on his amazement with the amount of individuals and business alike that share so many causes and are actively contributing to organizations, NGOs, and charities.<br />
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To “win” at corporate responsibility and giving requires dedication. Celebrities, who walk around hospitals one-time, attend fundraising events for NGOs or make a public donation without sincerity can often be seen, with good reason as insincere. I don’t rule out the possibility that some play the game in a very strategic and bleak approach to the issue of giving. But it shouldn’t undermine those individuals, businesses and “even” corporations who are devoted to a larger goal than their own sales and profits.<br />
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I was raised in a home where giving wasn’t an option – it was a requirement, whether your money, time, attention or thoughts. For me they are part of a holy, higher value and I believe all people should give, regardless of how much or how little they have. The almighty rests his blessing on those who give, and certain “karma” if you will, shines your life and interactions with people.<br />
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Charitable donations raise a company (and individuals’) self image and self awareness. Helping and giving makes you feel good, and more focused on your purpose in the sector or your role. It allows organizations (and people) to be balanced and focused, and lessons jealously, allowing you to feel accomplished and focused on earning even more.<br />
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Yet another business benefit is the amazing people you meet at non-profit organizations you care about – you meet people who care about issues similar to you, and as you develop a bond over time, naturally you can make life-long friends, and also naturally beneficial business relationships. (And some of the people you meet through charities can be completely inaccessible in the “real world” but can be reached via the charity you devote your time and effort to).<br />
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These people can even evolve into your biggest clients as they did for me. Am certainly not saying to join, or get involved in CSR for business relationships – Join if you believe in and want to help the cause… but of course always expand your network.<br />
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Here are some initiatives to consider:<br />
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Social Responsibility acts: Whether an individual or major corporation, engage in corporate good. Your employees might very much identify with a list of causes that they and you can embark around the neighborhood you work from, or individual causes. Match donations, or offer time to causes. Can even allow corporations to be rallied as a team around a cause, which becomes useful for corporate morale.<br />
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NGOs and Dinners: Beside the obvious goals met when you attend a dinner and the objectives it fulfills with your contribution, you get to meet very interesting people who share the notion that our common humanity is vital. That is your evening and opportunity to mingle, bond, and make new connections. The cause can set the basis for self-reflection and encouragement to support the benefit you attended.<br />
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Programs: This is where unique resources come to place. Participate in programs where you can make a difference. PR firms of course can assist in media work, restaurants with food, and the like. Promote the cause like you’d help a loved one.<br />
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There are many ways and means to give. The initial act is the most important and ultimate fulfillment that you will gain, and remember that it is never too late to start – Just do it. Give the money away, the blessings of every kind will be returned to you in many multiples. That’s a personal and Public Relations guarantee.<br />
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<a href="https://www.ronntorossianupdate.com/" target="_blank">Ronn Torossian</a> is president and CEO of 5WPR, one of the 20 largest independent PR agencies in the U.S. Named to the “40 under 40” list of PR Week & Advertising Age, Ronn Torossian was a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and may be reached at Rtorossian@5wpr.com and followed on twitter @rtorossian5wpr</div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-62196082706234382242012-05-13T12:36:00.000-03:002019-08-19T21:25:22.667-03:00The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><i>"The village will be a place of hope, where traumatized youth can "dry their tears" (Agahozo) and "live in peace" (Shalom)."</i></b><br />
Tikkun olam (literally, "repairing the world," and practically, "engaging in social action") is one of the core tenets of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. At the Village, to undertake tikkun olam as a central project because of the strong contribution it offers to the youth of Agahozo-Shalom themselves, as well as to the surrounding communities.<br />
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<b>The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV)</b> is a residential community in rural Rwanda. Its 144 acres are home to youth who were orphaned during and after the genocide in 1994. The Village is designed to care for, protect and nurture these young people. It is a place of hope, where "tears are dried" (signified by the Kinyarwanda word agahozo) and where the aim is to live in peace (from Hebrew, shalom). The marrying of these two languages and concepts in the name of the Village is intended as a reminder of the success of similar efforts in Israel, where genocide also changed the face of a nation.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://fundraise.asyv.org/give/38411/#!/donation/checkout" width="520"></iframe><br />
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Within Agahozo-Shalom’s supportive and structured community, the rhythm of life is being restored, with the ultimate goal of equiping young people who have lived through great trauma to become healthy, self-sufficient, and engaged in the rebuilding of their nation. The environment of love and safety created at Agahozo-Shalom serves as the backdrop for programs designed to help our teenagers grow both emotionally and intellectually. The experiences they accumulate at their village home are intended to help them at every level of their future development.<br />
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In addition to healing oneself, Agahozo-Shalom teaches the principle of serving the community, both locally and globally. The young people at Agahozo-Shalom are learning through principle and practice the value of mending the world around them (as are the many volunteers who join us from around the world). Our graduates will emerge from Agahozo-Shalom as balanced adults who are not only able to care for themselves and their families, but who are committed to making their community, their country, and their world, a better place.<br />
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<b>The Spark of an Idea</b><br />
In November of 2005, <b><i>Agahozo-Shalom Founder Anne Heyman and her husband, Seth Merrin</i></b>, heard a talk about the Rwandan genocide. At a dinner after the talk, Seth asked the speaker to identify the biggest problem Rwanda faced. The answer was the vast number of orphans with no systemic solution to support their well-being and development.<br />
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Immediately Anne, a South African-born lawyer and mother of three living in New York City, connected the challenge of the Rwandan orphan population to the similar challenge that Israel faced after the Second World War. When there was a large influx of orphans from the Holocaust,, Israel built residential living communities called youth villages. Anne was inspired to bring this model to Rwanda.<br />
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Misson - To enable orphaned and vulnerable youth to realize their maximum potential by providing them with a safe and secure living environment, health care, education and necessary life skills. Education and service are used to model and create socially responsible citizens in Rwanda and around the world.<br />
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<b>PHILOSOPHY</b><br />
The goal of the Village is to restore hope and opportunity to traumatized young lives. A place of learning and renewal, the Village offers a safe, nurturing environment where Rwandan youth can gain the skills and self-confidence they will need to fulfill their individual potential and make an active contribution to a stronger, more peaceful Rwanda.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iBXlEueE68/T6_T-URjsKI/AAAAAAAABQo/tBxS2f2EMEw/s1600/Agahozo-shalom.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iBXlEueE68/T6_T-URjsKI/AAAAAAAABQo/tBxS2f2EMEw/s320/Agahozo-shalom.org.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Repairing the Individual</b><br />
The philosophy behind ASYV is based heavily on the Yemin Orde Youth Village. We believe that there is a timeline in every life, and that it is important to recognize that each traumatized youth has a past, present and future. Trauma causes a break between the past and the present, traumatic events that they need be to repaired in order for the young people to live in the present and be able to dream of having a future.<br />
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At the Village, each teenager will deal with their traumatic break on two levels. One is called tikkun halev, meaning “repairing the heart” in Hebrew. This includes individual therapies that range from music and art to seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. The second level of the therapeutic process in tikkun olam, meaning “repairing the world.” The notion is that an individual’s healing can be furthered by doing acts of kindness for others and the feeling that they have a part in creating a more just world.<br />
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<b>Focus on Learning</b><br />
ASYV focuses on developing students both cognitively and socially. Schooling is geared towards the ideal of university but also provides students with choices for vocational tracks. Broadly, the Village education focuses on communal participation, and encourages the spirit of volunteerism as a means for sustainable development and community enrichment. It also seeks to expand each student’s talents, skills, and capacity to become not only functioning members of society, but leaders of their communities.<br />
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<b>Financials</b><br />
<a href="https://www.asyv.org/financials">Where does the money come from? / Where does the money go? </a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://fundraise.asyv.org/give/38411/#!/donation/checkout"><b>Three Easy Ways To Donate</b> Please, Click Here</a></div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-20571264300608197592012-03-27T20:32:00.001-03:002012-03-27T21:22:32.927-03:00Pesach - Passover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Pesach (Passover) 2012, April 7—15 Nissan, 5772, 1st day of Pessach begins after sunset, 6th April. </b><br />
The Passover is an eight-day Festival (seven in Israel) commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.<br />
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For the duration of Passover, no leavened bread is eaten for which reason it is also called Chag HaMatzot - The Festival of the Unleavened Bread.<br />
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<b>"In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month between the two evenings is the L-RD'S Passover.<br />
And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the L-RD; seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work. And ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto the L-RD seven days; in the seventh day is a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work." - (Leviticus 23:5)</b><br />
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<b>"And this day shall become a memorial for you, and you shall observe it as a festival for the L-RD, for your generations, as an eternal decree shall you observe it. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove the leaven from your homes ... you shall guard the unleavened bread, because on this very day I will take you out of the land of Egypt; you shall observe this day for your generations as an eternal decree." - Exodus 12:14-17</b><br />
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- When the Temple in Jerusalem was standing, the focus of the Passover festival was the Korban Pesach (lit. "Pesach sacrifice," also known as the "Paschal Lamb"). Every family large enough to completely consume a young lamb or Wild Goat was required to offer one for sacrifice at the Jewish Temple on the afternoon of the 14th day of Nisan,and eat it that night, which was the 15th of Nisan.<br />
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- Today, in the absence of the Temple, the mitzvah of the Korban Pesach is memorialized in the Seder<br />
Korban Pesach, recited in the afternoon of Nisan 14, and in the form of symbolic food placed on the<br />
Passover Seder Plate, which is usually a roasted shankbone. Source: Wikipedia<br />
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- The name "Pesach" (PAY-sahkh) comes from the Hebrew root Peh-Samech-Chet , meaning to pass through, to pass over, to exempt or to spare. It refers to the fact that G-d "passed over" the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt. In English, the holiday is known as Passover. "Pesach" is also the name of the sacrificial offering (a lamb) that was made in the Temple on this holiday. The holiday is also referred to as Chag ha-Aviv , (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzoth , (the Festival of Matzahs), and Z'man Cherutenu, (the Time of Our Freedom).</div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-65302237550006271032012-02-06T12:55:00.000-02:002019-08-19T21:27:44.976-03:00The Boldrini Hospital - Cancer & Blood Diseases<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Early Childhood Center Boldrini</b></span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><i>The Centro Infantil Boldrini is a reference hospital in Latin-America, acts 33 years ago in the care of children and adolescents with cancer and blood diseases.</i></b><br />
<br />
The Boldrini Hospital is an example of hope, of social commitment, however there is plenty to do: to achieve complete compliance, promoting the development of scientific research to assist in the understanding of cancer, which constitute the pillars of performance of this entity. For both, partnerships with universities, government, society and entrepreneurs are crucial.<br />
<br />
It is through solidarity that humans do evidence of true humanity.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mission</span></b><br />
Caring for children, adolescents and young adults with blood diseases or cancer through medical and multidisciplinary, regardless of socioeconomic level, race or creed, and to develop teaching and research.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Overview</b></span><br />
Being a Centre of Excellence in the diagnosis, treatment, teaching and research of cancer and hematological diseases in children, adolescents and young adults.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The values</span></b><br />
- Work grounded in comprehensive care to patients and their families.<br />
- Multiplier Center of expertise, technologies and services.<br />
- Use of national and international protocols of treatment.<br />
- Research funding.<br />
- Innovative character, working with pioneering the process of humanization of hospitals, promoting since its inception the dignity and the respect to all persons who seek the hospital.<br />
- Ethical management through transparency.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSngWPyNJaY/Ty_kiYHAB-I/AAAAAAAABJg/WC07o9xHx9c/s1600/site_boldrini_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSngWPyNJaY/Ty_kiYHAB-I/AAAAAAAABJg/WC07o9xHx9c/s400/site_boldrini_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How to help: visit <a href="https://www.boldrini.org.br/site/default.asp">https://www.boldrini.org.br/site/default.asp</a></span></b></div></div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-23647413118487562022012-02-05T11:35:00.000-02:002012-02-07T14:41:33.329-02:00Tu B'Shevat - "The New Year of the Trees"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Tu B'Shevat, the 15th of Shevat on the Jewish calendar - </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Wednesday, February 8, 2012.</span></span><br />
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- Is the day that marks the beginning of a "New Year of the Trees". This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.<br />
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Legally, the "New Year of the Trees" relates to the various tithes that are separated from produce grown in the Holy Land. These tithes differ from year to year in the seven-year Shemittah cycle; the point at which a budding fruit is considered to belong to the next year of the cycle is the 15th of Shevat.<br />
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We mark the day of Tu B'Shevat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. On this day we remember <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Devarim "Deuteronomy" 20:19</span></b></i> and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Devarim - Chapter 20</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', arial;"><span class="co_VerseNum" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;">19. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', arial;"><span class="co_VerseText" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px;">When you besiege a city for many days to wage war against it to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them, for you may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. Is the tree of the field a man, to go into the siege before you?</span></span></div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-68057192789907209552011-12-23T20:21:00.001-02:002011-12-23T22:50:05.191-02:00Natális Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Natális (Latin) also derives from 'nature', the sum of the active forces in the universe.*</b><br />
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The word "Christmas" originated as a compound meaning "Christ's mass". It is derived from the Middle English "Cristemasse" - which is from Old English Crīstesmæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038.[6] Crīst (genitive Crīstes) is from Greek Khrīstos (Χριστός), a translation of Hebrew Māšîaḥ (מָשִׁיחַ), "Messiah"; and mæsse is from Latin missa, the celebration of the Eucharist.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Natális Poem - Merry Christmas</span></b><br />
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May the Light of G'd<br />
Be steadfast in the ways,<br />
Illuminating all days<br />
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May all the moments<br />
Be filled with happiness, peace and joy<br />
And in heart<br />
Good feelings<br />
Kindness, love and charity.<br />
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May the G'd<br />
Bless your health, your job,<br />
your victories<br />
And all your dreams.</div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-85503097422367543102011-12-20T10:42:00.000-02:002011-12-20T10:43:37.321-02:00The Chanukah - To Dedicate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The festival of Hanukkah or Chanukah contains a universal message for all people of all faiths - a message of freedom, the victory of good over evil, light over darkness.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The Jewish feast of Hanukkah (Dedication) commemorates the restoration of Jewish worship at the temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE, after Judah Maccabee removed the pagan statuary.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The symbol of the party, an eight-armed candelabra, acquired special significance for the Jewish people during the revolt against religious coercion of the ancient Greeks, about 2,200 years ago. </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>This chandelier, in fact, represents much more than just a religious symbol. It symbolizes the freedom of expression and thus indicates the diversity and pluralism as important in our society. Giant chandeliers light up in public places proclaiming the universal message of religious freedom, as has been done in hundreds of cities around the world.</b></span></div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-1224089036324764652011-12-13T00:24:00.000-02:002011-12-13T19:22:50.859-02:00Happy Hanukkah 5772 / 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">The festival of Hanukkah starts Tuesday night Dec. 20th, 2011 / <u>Kislev 25th, 5772</u> and runs through Dec. 28th, 2011 / <u>Tevet 2nd, 5772</u> (Hebrew Calendar)</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Hanukkah rituals: </i></b><br />
Many families exchange gifts each night, and fried foods are eaten.<br />
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Hanukkah is celebrated by a series of rituals that are performed every day throughout the 8-day holiday, some are family-based and others communal. There are special additions to the daily prayer service, and a section is added to the blessing after meals. </div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-8258506890088544262011-11-28T12:21:00.001-02:002011-11-28T12:59:39.051-02:00Help a dog, a cat or a child? Choices<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tamagotchi - the virtuous pet</b></span></td></tr>
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Reading about the 15th anniversary of the virtual pet Tamagotchi, I made a comparison with people who love pets more than loves humans.<br />
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In making comparisons, discover there are people who spend more on your pet, than spend on humanitarian aid (if and when do).<br />
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I understand loving a pet, it's fair, all creatures must be loved - meekest or cruel. All animals have the right to life, this is indisputable.<br />
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What upsets me is someone spend more money on an animal than spend on humans poor or in need of food, health and even education. Some say:<br />
~ But my pet is innocent!<br />
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Yes, I agree, if you bring home a dog or cat, for exemple, this becomes a great responsibility.<br />
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But one child, a sick man, young adult or even humans without education, who become prey to a vicious circle of poverty and neglect, these creatures no are also our responsibility to individual or collective?<br />
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If we have the ability and luck for we can live well and sustain pets (many animals require very expensive money to living), why not devote a part of our material and intellectual richness to sustain or provide help for humans in need?<br />
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These are questions that seem complicated, but I thinking one simple answer; We need more love for our fellows.<br />
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Some persons should having Tamagotchis and allocate their resources to more nobles causes.</div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-22725520308051865772011-11-20T14:47:00.001-02:002011-11-20T15:43:08.282-02:00JDC - Ethiopia, "This Is a Soul"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://youtu.be/ib0CFB74XM4" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View Trailer - Dr. Hodes lifesaving work in Ethiopia.</span></a></td></tr>
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Ethiopia is considered a low-income country-less than half of the country can read and write and almost a quarter of the population lives on less than $1/day.<br />
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<b><i>The 1984</i></b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Moses" target="_blank">Operation Moses</a> and <b><i>1991</i></b> <a href="http://ishashiri.blogspot.com/2009/10/jews-of-ethiopia-operation-solomon.html" target="_blank">Operation Solomon</a> massive airlifts transported Ethiopia’s Jews to Israel. Following Operation Solomon, JDC started to take care of approximately 2,800 Felas Mora left behind in Addis Ababa. Some years later, JDC developed an emergency assistance program using medical clinics in Addis Ababa and Gondar, implementing a nutrition program for malnourished children as well as other health-related initiatives. As of December 2009, JDC’s clinic in Gondar is tending to the medical needs of the more than 9,000 Felas Mora awaiting emigration from Gondar to Israel.<br />
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<b>Need</b><br />
Poor sanitation and a lack of access to modern medical treatments and education are among the crippling challenges facing Ethiopia.<br />
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<b>Response</b><br />
JDC—through its global non-sectarian arm, JDC-IDP—lends its expertise in public health and education. Efforts include:<br />
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- Raising sanitation standards by building water wells, latrines, and irrigation systems.<br />
- Life-saving medical programs, including heart and spinal surgeries as well as treatment for Hodgkin’s disease.<br />
- Construction of 6 schools in rural Ethiopia and launching of a university scholarship program for young women.<br />
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<b>Impact</b><br />
JDC’s humanitarian initiatives have reached many people in the communities of Addis Ababa and Gondar with critical help:<br />
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<b>-</b> Thousands of individuals are receiving medical care through JDC’s newly opened clinic in Gondar. <br />
<b>-</b> Dozens of children have successfully undergone spinal surgeries or cancer treatment through JDC’s partnership with the Mother Teresa Care Center<br />
<b>-</b> Nine wells have been built and are providing clean drinking water for villages in the Gondar region. <br />
<b>-</b> Hundreds of children now study in comfortable conditions in the rural schools recently built by JDC. <br />
- 30 needy students have received scholarships to complete their university studies; 24 for completion of their nursing studies.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Support Dr. Rick Hodes' Lifesaving Work</span> - <a href="https://www.jdc.org/donation/donate.aspx?type=ETH">Donete now</a></span><br />
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<b>Check Out New Book:</b> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/j063-20/detail/0061759546">This Is a Soul: The Mission of <b>Rick Hodes,</b> by Marilyn Berger</a>.</div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-35237574266040977232011-10-30T11:30:00.000-02:002012-05-06T02:48:15.039-03:00Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Brazil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnCN2gn-vA0/Tq1M3-G2z6I/AAAAAAAABAg/UPjKAx-OHEI/s1600/Primeira+Sinagoga+no+Brasil1+-+Recife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bnCN2gn-vA0/Tq1M3-G2z6I/AAAAAAAABAg/UPjKAx-OHEI/s320/Primeira+Sinagoga+no+Brasil1+-+Recife.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In 1636, Jews built the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/news/synagogue-in-brazilian-town-recife-considered-oldest-in-the-americas-1.233058" target="_blank">Kahal Zur synagogue</a> in Recife</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">/Br</span></span></td></tr>
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Jewish history in Brazil dates back to the time of the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Gaspar da Gama, a Jew by birth, but later kidnaped and forcibly baptized, accompanied Portuguese admiral <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_%C3%81lvares_Cabral" target="_blank">Pedro Alvares Cabral</a> when he landed in what is now Brazil in 1500, beginning a more than 500-year presence in the New World.<br />
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Brazil is the largest country in South America, occupying half of the continent’s land mass. It is also the largest economy in the region. Formed primarily after 1920, <b><i>Brazil’s Jewish population is currently the 10th largest in the world. </i></b>Ethnically diverse in origin, its Ashkenazic component is primarily of Polish and German descent, while much of the Sephardic population is of Egyptian descent. Nearly all Jews live in urban areas, with São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, having the largest Jewish community, followed by Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre.<br />
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Brazil is a federation; consequently, the Jews in each state have an organization of their own. The central body representing all <b><i>Jewish federations and communities in Brazil is the Confederação Israelita do Brasil (CONIB), founded in 1951</i></b>. This umbrella organization includes 200 associations engaged in promoting Zionist activity, Jewish education, culture, and charity.<br />
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<b>Need</b><br />
Income disparity is a major problem throughout Brazil, including in its Jewish communities. There is a need to create development and income opportunities to ensure a self-sustainable future. Attention to the enrichment of Jewish culture and heritage is also needed.<br />
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<b>Response</b><br />
JDC acts as a partner and consultant to the Jewish communities of Brazil, helping to enhance services, community development initiatives, and outreach activities. JDC’s efforts include:<br />
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Opening the Ariel Job Center in Porto Alegre, which provides training and job placement help<br />
Monitoring a microloan fund for the community of São Paulo<br />
Workshops for small Jewish communities in the country’s interior<br />
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<b>Impact</b><br />
JDC support is enriching Jewish community development in Brazil through training programs and exchanges. These include:<br />
- The 2nd Latin American Conference for Homes and Day Centers for the Elderly, held in São Paulo in November 2009, brought together representatives from Jewish care facilities in eight Latin American countries<br />
- <a href="http://www.einstein.br/responsabilidade-social/Programas-Comunitarios/Residencial-Israelita-Albert-Einstein/Paginas/residencial-israelita-albert-einstein.aspx" target="_blank">The Albert Einstein Jewish Home for the Aged</a> and Hospital in São Paulo—the largest Jewish hospital in Latin America—partnered with JDC for the event</div>Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-85716605763869633272011-10-07T05:26:00.000-03:002011-10-07T10:55:20.207-03:00Yom Kippur - "Day of Atonement"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and you shall not do any work ... For on that day he shall provide atonement for you to cleanse you from all your sins before the LORD. - Leviticus 16:29-30"</i><br />
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<b>Yom Kippur, starts at day 9 and ends on 10 of Tishrei, 5772 (Jewish Year).</b><br />
<b>In 2011 starts at sundown on Friday night 7 October. (Kol Nidre), and lasts all day Saturday 8 October, 2011 until sundown.</b><br />
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<b>The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement"</b> and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. In "days of awe", I mentioned the "books" in which G-d inscribes all of our names. On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in these books is sealed. This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends.<br />
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- As I noted in Days of Awe, Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur.<br />
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- Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day. It is well-known that you are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water) on Yom Kippur. It is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. <br />
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- Most of the holiday is spent in the synagogue, in prayer. The services end at nightfall, with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a long blast on the shofar. It is customary to wear white on the holiday, which symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow (Is. 1:18). Some people wear a kittel, the white robe in which the dead are buried.<br />
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- The liturgy for Yom Kippur is much more extensive than for any other day of the year. This prayer book is called the 'Machzor'. The evening service that begins Yom Kippur is commonly known as Kol Nidre, named for the prayer that begins the service. "Kol nidre" means "all vows," and in this prayer, we ask G-d to annul all personal vows we may make in the next year. It refers only to vows between the person making them and G-d, such as "If I pass this test, I'll pray every day for the next 6 months!"<br />
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- There are many additions to the regular liturgy. Perhaps the most important addition is the confession of the sins of the community, which is inserted into the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah) prayer, all sins are confessed in the plural (we have done this, we have done that), emphasizing communal responsibility for sins.<br />
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After Yom Kippur, one should begin preparing for the next holiday, Sukkot, which begins five days later.</div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-20028751746423109442011-10-04T15:17:00.000-03:002011-10-04T15:23:16.063-03:00The power of healing - Arabs and Jews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Look how Israel treats its Arab minority </b><br />
(Part 2 - The power of healing)<br />
Original post by Michael Ordman<br />
(some highlights)<br />
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Let’s begin in hospital. Israeli Arabs comprise 20% of the population of the Jewish State, therefore 20% of all hospital treatment benefits Israeli Arabs directly. This ranges from standard procedures through to life-saving operations and everything in between - there is no discrimination whatsoever.<br />
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In August last year, a Bedouin Arab couple's newborn son was saved by sophisticated treatment, which included days of being connected to a $200,000 heart-lung machine at Sheba Medical Centre’s children’s hospital. In December, Rehovot surgeons saved the life of an Arab construction worker who was impaled for 4 hours on a metal rod.<br />
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When any donor organ becomes available, the Israel Transplant computer checks all waiting recipients for suitability. So when Gamal Haja from Nazareth died from a stroke, his sister was amazed and consoled when she was notified that she would receive one of his kidneys. And the tragic death in a car crash of an East Jerusalem Arab boy was somewhat alleviated when his parents agreed to donate his organs, thus saving 3 people including an 8 year old Jewish girl and a 7 year old Arab boy. And just this month, Nabil Hourani’s lungs breathed new life into an Arab and a Jew following his death from a cerebral hemorrhage. Hourani's brother said. ‘My brother now lives on, in both Arabs and Jews, and this is very important to me’.<br />
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Israeli hospitals are centres for programs that provide benefit to both Arabs and Jews. Hospitals provide National Service opportunities to Arabs who don’t serve in the IDF, such as Nizar Elkoury and Lubna Kadry – two Arabs who happily perform their duties at the Rambam hospital in Haifa. Hadassah Hospital’s Dr Simcha Chesner has enlisted the Israeli Ministry of Education to use his Idud program to help Arab and Jewish children with ADHD achieve their full potential.<br />
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Israel has also some unique facilities for Arabs with specific medical conditions. The first (and so far only) registry for potential unrelated Arab donors of bone marrow or stem cells – which have the ability to cure cancers and other serious disorders – is at Hadassah University Medical Centre in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem. Israel is also the only country in the world where genetic testing is directly funded by the government. These tests greatly reduce child mortality in the Arab Bedouin population. So it is not surprising that infant mortality of Israeli Arabs has been reduced dramatically and Arabs here live noticeably longer on average than Americans. The average lifespan of Arabs has increased by a massive seven years since 1980.<br />
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Israeli funded tests for genetic disorders benefits Bedouin Arabs<br />
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The organisation Dental Volunteers for Israel runs a paediatric dental clinic in Jerusalem. Its multi-ethnic treatment policy is summed up by one of their supporters, the artist Lynne Stein - ‘Everybody smiles in the same language.’ To emphasise Israel’s inclusiveness, please watch this video of disabled Arabs & Jews working together. A unique (and profitable) Israeli call centre employs 150 Jewish and 30 Arab physically and mentally disabled adults. ‘Call Yachol’ translates as ‘everyone is able’.<br />
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I want to end by singling out Arab Israelis who are shining examples of Israel’s all-embracing society. In May, five Arab girl students from a school in the Galilee, who developed a groundbreaking device to ease side effects of cancer patients, represented Israel in an international competition in Netherlands. Next, Dr Rania Elkhatib is the first Israeli Arab woman to become a plastic surgeon. In fact she says, in this video clip, that she is the first Arab woman to become a plastic surgeon anywhere!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KI1XvWxahU0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I will leave the final words to Dr. Hossam Haick from the Israel Technion who has pioneered early cancer detection using breath tests. ‘I was born here. I am tied to Israel. I also want to prove to others from the Arab community that nothing is impossible. You hear quite a few prejudices from Arab-Israelis; that Arabs cannot get ahead in Israeli academia. I wanted to prove that this is not true; to prove that if you are talented enough, you get to wherever you want.’ - Please also watch him on this video clip.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xwMx2lrfnyA?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Michael Ordman writes a weekly newsletter containing Good News stories about Israel.<br />
<a href="http://www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com/">www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com</a></div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-7224079723846340372011-08-25T12:58:00.001-03:002011-08-28T22:39:52.800-03:00How to Help Somalia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Options For Famine Relief</b><br />
In the scorched-by-drought Horn of Africa, the famine continues to take its biggest toll on the most vulnerable. In southern Somalia alone, the crisis has killed 29,000 young children in the last 90 days<br />
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<b>Many organizations and funds have mobilized to provide relief:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.unhcr.org/emergency/somalia/global_landing.html">UNHCR</a> has asked for $136.3 million and suggests donations such as $7, which provides therapeutic food for a malnourished child.<br />
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<a href="http://www.redcross.org.uk/foodcrisis/?approachcode=68764_heroEAfrFood">The British Red Cross</a> and <a href="http://www.kenyaredcross.org/index.php?page=Online-Donation">The Kenya Red Cross</a> are both accepting funds online or through mail to first mitigate the crisis and then help people in the region restore their livelihoods.<br />
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<a href="https://www.mercycorps.org/donate">Mercy Corps</a> has helped deliver water to 16 Kenyan villages in the last few days, providing relief to almost 120,000 people. The organization is accepting donations to continue expanding its work.<br />
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<a href="https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5680&5680.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=yntbu8g334.app217b">Oxfam</a>, in conjunction with <a href="https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6239465/k.544E/Childrens_Emergency_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp">Save The Children</a>, is appealing for $144 million. Any amount is welcome, but the Oxfam site suggests $50 to provide 200 people a day's supply of clean water or $100 to feed a family of six more than two weeks.<br />
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The<a href="https://www.rescue.org/donate/drought_africa"> International Rescue Committee</a> is accepting donations that will provide medical screenings, expand water-supply systems and offer help for pregnant women, among other efforts.<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/category/intl-region-africa/somalia">The ELCA World Hunger Relief</a> is accepting donations to provide immediate aid to refugee camps in the Horn of Africa. One hundred percent of donations will be used for regional relief, including filling a food distribution gap by providing enriched porridge to children and the elderly who are too weak to eat dry food.<br />
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<a href="https://actionaidusa.org/do/donate/east_africa_food_crisis/">A donation to Action Aid</a> will help deliver emergency supplies of food and water, and provide support, ensuring people don't become reliant on food aid.<br />
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<a href="https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=3821&3821.donation=form1">The U.N. Children's Fund asks for help</a> in assisting the more than 2 million children who are malnourished.<br />
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<a href="https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=341">International Medical Corps</a>' is accepting donations as it ships food and oil to four refugee camps. The Corps will also construct additional latrines and bathing areas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.israaid.org.il/">IsrAID</a> - The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid</div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-22882878704191996732011-08-22T17:20:00.000-03:002011-08-22T17:20:23.850-03:00Repair the world: Long Term Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;"><b>Tikkun Olam (Repair the World) <br />Framed Print by <a href="http://judaicacollection.com/artists/gad-almaliah/">Gad Almaliah</a></b></span></td></tr>
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The phrase in hebrew "Tikkun Olam" - Repair the world, was first used to refer to social action work in the 1950s. In subsequent decades, many other organizations and thinkers have used the term to refer to social action programs; Tzedakah (charitable giving) and Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Kindness) and progressive Jewish approaches to social issues. It eventually became re-associated with kabbalah, and thus for some with deeper theological meaning.</div>
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No matter how you can help, a little, more or less, or whenever. The important thing is to help with love and truly dedication, believing that a small spark can ignite the fire that will light up and restore the world.</div>
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<b>LONG TERM SERVICE (3 months-2 years)</b></div>
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Are many program opportunities geared towards making a long-term difference in a community. The Jewish community also has several long-term service fellowships like Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps, the JDC’s Jewish Service Corps and Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship, Adamah the Jewish Environmental Fellowship, and the Jewish Organizing Initiative (JOI).</div>
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<b>PUBLIC SERVICE (1 year-a lifetime)</b></div>
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Most people identify public service as governmental work — everything from being a firefighter to running for elected office. But working for a non-profit is another meaningful form of public service that allows you to be directly involved in the life of a change-making organization.</div>
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<b>PHILANTHROPY (Anytime)</b></div>
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<b>- Non-Profit:</b> If you have the financial resources to give big — great! — but you do not need a million dollars to support the work of an organization. Virtually all non-profits have links on their website that allow you to give as little or as much as you can online. And don’t just wait until the end of the year – your donation is important all year round.</div>
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<b>- Micro-Loan:</b> Donating through micro-loan organizations like Kiva extends the life of your gift. The money you give supports new business ventures in developing countries, and eventually is paid back, allowing you to “re-donate” the funds to someone else.</div>
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<b>- In-Kind:</b> Giving charity is not just about money. You can also donate goods like an old car, clothing, cell phone or computer to directly provide for people in need, or support the work of a start-up organization.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">The framed print above, you can find it here: <a href="http://www.galleryjudaica.com/Product.aspx?product=1349&Category=7&Artist=1&Label=Gad+Almaliah">Gallery Judaica</a></span></b></div>
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Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-22645991451300905662011-08-18T22:57:00.001-03:002011-08-18T23:00:13.995-03:00Repair the world: Short Term Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>G</b></span>et Involved - Want to repair the world? Whether you have five minutes, an afternoon, a year, or an entire lifetime to devote to service and social justice, you can make a difference.</div>
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Exist different ways to get involved on the important issues:</div>
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<b>SHORT TERM SERVICE (1 day-3 months)</b></div>
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<b>One-time volunteer:</b></div>
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Many direct-service projects simply require that you show up once, or commit for a week-long project: to paint a house, serve dinner at a shelter, plant trees in a neighborhood park, visit residents in the VA hospital, or flier for a organization.</div>
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<b>Alternative Spring Break:</b> </div>
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Spending a winter or spring break engaged in service is becoming increasingly popular amongst college students. In addition to getting a tan, participants get to make a difference in a community and meet other students from across the country. Interested? Check out the alternative break programs through American Jewish World Service (AJWS), Hillel, Jewish Farm School (JFS), Jewish National Fund (JNF), Jewish Funds for Justice (JSFJ) and the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).</div>
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<b>Project Organizing:</b></div>
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Organizing a discrete project — like a canned food drive, a fundraiser, installing solar panels on your home, or inviting a speaker to educate your community — takes a bit of time and planning, but the payoff is worth the extra effort.</div>
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<b>Campaigning:</b></div>
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Whether it’s for an issue you care about or a politician you believe in, signing on to volunteer for a campaign is a direct way to make a sustained impact.</div>
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<b>Fundraising:</b></div>
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Joining a walkathon like the AIDS Walk or bikeathon like Hazon’s Jewish environmental bike ride is a profound way to raise both money and awareness for an organization or cause, while having an amazing time.</div>
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Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-37935020285738229972011-08-17T23:36:00.002-03:002011-08-17T23:44:50.594-03:00Repair the world: Get Involved - Quick Service<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACpRVAtdPzU/Tkx7f5EdwBI/AAAAAAAAAxM/KeorMb-HrDs/s1600/Repair+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACpRVAtdPzU/Tkx7f5EdwBI/AAAAAAAAAxM/KeorMb-HrDs/s200/Repair+the+world.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
“It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it.” (Avot 2:21)<br />
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Want to repair the world, but feel overwhelmed or unsure about where and how to start? Whether you have five minutes, an afternoon, a year or an entire lifetime to devote to service and social justice, you can make a vital difference. The categorie below outline different ways to get involved on the issues that matter to you.<br />
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Whether you have five minutes or an entire lifetime to devote to service, you can make a vital difference.<br />
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<b>HOW TO SERVE - </b><b>QUICK SERVICE (1-10 minutes)</b><br />
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<b>Petitions:</b><br />
Taking a moment to sign a petition on a topic you care about is always worth the time. If you receive the petition over email, Facebook or Twitter, an extra 30 seconds lets you forward it along to friends and continue spreading the word.<br />
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<b>Phone call:</b><br />
Calling a representative is easier than it sounds and something you can do on your lunch break, walking between classes or meetings, or from the privacy of your home. The non-partisan news and civic engagement organization, Congress.org can connect you to an issue. Then, find your representative’s contact information here and call, email or tweet them your message.<br />
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<b>Apps: Have an iPhone or similar?</b><br />
There are hundreds of service and social justice-related apps that can connect you to information and ways to get involved in a few seconds. If you’re iPhone free, the website The Extraordinaries links you to “micro-volunteering” opportunities that you can complete from your computer in a few minutes.
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Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-5382308306442714122011-08-15T12:09:00.001-03:002011-08-15T12:15:32.569-03:00Tu B'Av / Hag HaAhava - Holiday of love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: small;">Tu B'Av - Hag HaAhava</span></b></td></tr>
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<b>Tu B'Av, the 15th Day of Av, is both an ancient and modern holiday</b><br />
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The fifteenth day of the month of Av, is a Day of Love in Judaism.
(in this year; Monday, August 15, 2011 - Hebrew Date: Yom Sheni, 15 Av, 5771).<br />
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Originally a post-biblical day of joy, it served as a matchmaking day for unmarried women in the second Temple period (before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.). Tu B'Av was almost unnoticed in the Jewish calendar for many centuries but it has been rejuvenated in recent decades, especially in the modern state of Israel. In its modern incarnation it is gradually becoming a Hebrew-Jewish Day of Love, slightly resembling Valentine's Day in English-speaking countries.<br />
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There is no way to know exactly how early Tu B'Av began. The first mention of this date is in the Mishnah (compiled and edited in the end of the second century), where Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel is quoted saying; <i>"<b>There were no better (i.e. happier) days for the people of Israel than the Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur, since on these days the daughters of Israel/Jerusalem go out dressed in white and dance in the vineyards. What were they saying: Young man, consider whom you choose (to be your wife)?"(Ta'anit, Chapter 4)</b>."</i><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Origins of the Date</span></b><br />
The Gemara (the later, interpretive layer of the Talmud) attempts to find the origin of this date as a special joyous day, and offers several explanations. One of them is that on this day the Biblical "tribes of Israel were permitted to mingle with each other," namely: to marry women from other tribes (Talmud, Ta'anit 30b). This explanation is somewhat surprising, since nowhere in the Bible is there a prohibition on "intermarriage" among the 12 tribes of Israel. This Talmudic source probably is alluding to a story in the book of Judges (chapter 21): After a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and other Israelite tribes, the tribes vowed not to intermarry with men of the tribe of Benjamin.<br />
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It should be noted that Tu B'Av, like several Jewish holidays (Passover, Sukkot, Tu Bishvat) begins on the night between the 14th and 15th day of the Hebrew month, since this is the night of a full moon in our lunar calendar. Linking the night of a full moon with romance, love, and fertility is not uncommon in ancient cultures.<br />
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For almost 19 centuries--between the destruction of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish independence in the state of Israel in 1948--the only commemoration of Tu B'Av was that the morning prayer service did not include the penitence prayer (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachanun">Tahanun - "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Supplication"</span></a>).<br />
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In recent decades Israeli civil culture promotes festivals of singing and dancing on the night of Tu B'Av. The entertainment and beauty industries work overtime on this date. It has no formal legal status as a holiday-- it is a regular workday--nor has the Israeli rabbinate initiated any addition to the liturgy or called for the introduction of any ancient religious practices. The cultural gap between Israeli secular society and the Orthodox rabbinate makes it unlikely that these two will find a common denominator in the celebration of this ancient/modern holiday in the foreseeable future.</div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-48708892848760305332011-08-06T09:08:00.000-03:002011-08-06T09:08:08.410-03:00Association for Support of Children with Cancer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fV43FfsLybY/Tj0rPcTeN_I/AAAAAAAAAt8/uiM827Gdd0Q/s1600/AACC+hospital+Brazil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fV43FfsLybY/Tj0rPcTeN_I/AAAAAAAAAt8/uiM827Gdd0Q/s320/AACC+hospital+Brazil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.aacc.org.br/doacao/passo-um/">Help the children building a new hospital</a></span></td></tr>
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<b>Mission: </b>The AACC - Associação de Apoio a Criança com Cancer, is a non-profit social organization whose mission is give support bio psychosocial and existential for children and adolescents with cancer and their families.<br />
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<b>Vision: </b>Be a reference in research, treatment and care of children and adolescents with cancer.<br />
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<b>Values: </b>Ethics, Transparency and Improvement of Human Dignity, are the principles that guide the work.<br />
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<b>History: </b>AACC was born on 11 April 1985 on the initiative of José Marcus Rotta and your wife Wanir Leo Cavalcanti Rotta, after experience in a support house in Seattle, USA, from November 1983 to April 1984, as a result of treatment his son James, a victim of leukemia.<br />
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The couple's initiative found support in a group of parents with children with cancer, in order to accommodate children living outside São Paulo City when they need to perform cancer treatment. The families who lived on the outskirts of Sao Paulo, which came from the state or other parts of Brazil and neighboring countries had nowhere to stay with the patient. So, many times, staying in hostels or in road and can not provide adequate nutrition and hygiene to patients and eventually dropping out of treatment and returning to the place of origin. The primary need was, therefore, to these patients stay offering conditions of proximity to the treatment site.<br />
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<b>Objectives:</b> Support to cancer research - Collaborate in developing and training of health professionals - Training of volunteers - Construction of a reference center dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and rehabilitation of children with cancer<br />
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The AACC currently has a staff of 20 employees, 120 volunteers and more than 1,500 monthly donors between individuals and corporations, and numerous pontuals donors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.aacc.org.br/preciso-de-ajuda/como-proceder/">How to find help from the AACC - Get information</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.aacc.org.br/doacao/passo-um/">Help the children building a new hospital</a> - Only in the State of São Paulo/BR, there are more than 1,800 new cases of childhood cancer per year. Currently, 65.6% of children can not find appropriate care.</div>
Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4619947269939330732.post-20924340560478804332011-07-17T01:16:00.003-03:002011-07-17T11:12:34.864-03:00All men are equal<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxldSkfTDeg/TiLpL4XyVkI/AAAAAAAAApo/1_5bPiOEDIU/s1600/heart+vs+mind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxldSkfTDeg/TiLpL4XyVkI/AAAAAAAAApo/1_5bPiOEDIU/s1600/heart+vs+mind.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">The</span> <span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">love always</span> <span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">win</span></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">In the vast</span> <span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">literature has</span> <span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">a</span> <span class="hps" title="Click for alternate translations">truth:</span></span></b><br />
<b>All men are equal.</b><br />
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Those of us who read Dante, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Tolstoy and other great novelists, understand each other and we feel as individuals of the same species because in the works of these writers we learn that as human beings, regardless of social position, geographical, financial situation or historical period, we really equal in emotions, needs and aspirations in the fight for survival.<br />
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Nothing better protects us from the stupidity of the prejudice, racism, xenophobia, religious or political sectarianism this truth that always arises in the vast literature: All men are equal.<br />
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Nothing can teach us better than good novels to see the ethnic and cultural richness of the human legacy and multifaceted manifestation of human creativity and love.<br />
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by Mario Vargas Llosa*</div>
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Isha Shirihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02576542401838400200noreply@blogger.com2