Reprinted with permission.
(גליון חודש אדר א’ ניתן למצוא כאן.)
Year: 2019
Bibi Is Awake – And So Are All the CHAREIDI Politicians!
Another murder.
“He is very awake,” I said to myself.
But out of respect for the (apolitical) gathering, I did not say that in my speech.
He is very awake and aware of the fact that all those shouting there, with the exception of the ZEHUT voters, are all deep inside his pocket.
He is very aware of the fact that after he embraced Arafat, was willing to surrender the Golan Heights, gave Hebron to the PLO, released thousands of terrorists, supported the Expulsion from Gush Katif, was defeated at the Marmara, surrendered to the Iranians, destroyed Amona, destroyed Netiv Ha’avot, destroyed the Ulpana neighborhood, destroyed homes in Ofra, destroyed outposts, froze construction, surrendered on the Temple Mount, was defeated in Operation Protective Edge, pays protection money to the Hamas and is preparing the division of Jerusalem with Trump – he is very aware that just this morning, the head of the New Right party committed to endorsing him – and only him – for the premiership after the elections.
There has never been a leader like him, who is so beloved by his constituents even after he repeatedly slaps them in the face.
So why should he make a change to what is working so well?
He is very aware that the Land of Israel is very important to his electoral support base. But that tribalism and defeating the Left is even more important to them.
Our Prime Minister is actually very awake. And for that reason, the murders – and the privileges afforded the murderers – will continue.
“How can you say that the rightist bloc doesn’t interest you at all?” a childhood friend who was expelled from Gush Katif asked me yesterday.
“Have you forgotten what party expelled you from your home?” I answered.
Our prime minister is wide awake.
For the sake of the Land of Israel and the security of its people – it would be best if he went home to get some sleep.
Oh, Am I Making You Uncomfortable? SO SORRY!
Someone once came to the Chazon Ish on Shabbos from Tel Aviv. The Chazon Ish asked how he came from outside Techum Shabbos? The visitor answered, “people say” new buildings have already been built in the gap. Upon which the Chazon Ish asked the visitor to refrain from touching the wine…
Rule: If you don’t know that an action is permitted, then for you it isn’t.
Have you ever used a business located in a residential building (kindergarten, Kippah store, barber, etc.)?
Was the establishment several floors up?
What gives you the right to use the elevator on your way there?
Perhaps you assume the business pays a larger share in elevator expenses (ha!). Well, what gives you the right to “assume”?
Were you then asked to serve as a witness at a wedding?
Did you say yes?
Eh?
Please Don’t Make Your Rabbi Research Different Refrigerators!
The Gabbai of Rabbi Steinman zatzal once told me people do this. There is a famous letter by the Ba’al Hatanya asking his followers to cease with similar behavior. But this is not Derech Eretz.
First do research into the facts, investigate and evaluate, then seek advice.
Breishis Rabba 63:6 for individuals:
ותאמר אם כן למה זה אנכי רבי יצחק אמר מלמד שהיתה אמנו רבקה מחזרת על פתחיהן של נשים ואומרת להן הגיע לכם הצער הזה בימיכם אם כך הוא צערו של בנים והלואי לא עיברתי.
Only then did she go to Shem and Ever.
The same for the public, Brachos 3b:
אמר להם לכו ופשטו ידיכם בגדוד מיד יועצים באחיתופל ונמלכין בסנהדרין ושואלין באורים ותומים.
First, they drew up a working plan with Achitofel, and “got the votes”. Then, and only then, would they consult the Urim Vetumim.
A word to the wise…
More Trade = Less War (See Rashi Breishis 31:52)
Trade War, War on Trade, and War for Trade
There is no such thing as a “trade war” since trade is by definition a peaceful, mutually beneficial activity. However, there is such a thing as the war on trade – that is, the war on the entrepreneurial ethos, cheap and high-quality goods, and peaceful international relations. Fortunately, there is also such a thing as the war for trade – that is, the war on the institutionalized stupidity and malevolence known as politics – and it is a duty of conscience for all people of good will to incessantly and effectively wage the latter in order to avoid the ruinous consequences of the former. No less than global peace and prosperity are at stake.
From Wisniewski, here.