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September 30, 2004

The reactionary Jewish vote

Jeff Jacoby on his fellow Jewish voters:

Continue reading "The reactionary Jewish vote"

Judith | 09/30/04 at 04:15 PM | 5 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Z'man Simchateinu

Sukkot is also known as "the season of our joy"; in fact, we are commanded to be happy during Sukkot. So here is an old corny Jewish joke to give you a giggle:

Continue reading "Z'man Simchateinu"

Judith | 09/30/04 at 02:29 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

September 29, 2004

Sukkot begins tonight

Today is the secular anniversary of my uncle's death; the yahrzeit is on Simchat Torah. My Sukkot post from last year. A fall harvest ritual from Temple days, being revived by the New Shul.

I wish I'd seen this before I went shopping for ritual objects on Sunday:

Continue reading "Sukkot begins tonight"

Judith | 09/29/04 at 03:41 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Chagim

Bush and Kerry woo the Jews

Dueling editorials in the Jewish press: Vote for Bush! Vote for Kerry!

Bush's formal statement on Israel
Kerry's formal statement on Israel.

Bush is using the same approach to court the Jewish vote as he using to court Christians.

Continue reading "Bush and Kerry woo the Jews"

Judith | 09/29/04 at 10:22 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

No, no antisemitism here

Remember Andrew Wilkie? Seems another insufferably self-righteous Brit never got the memo. (What I find frightening about people like this is not so much their vitriolic views, but that they are so insulated from reality that they think they can write these kinds of letters on company time and there won't be any repercussions.)

Apparently the FBI guy spearheading the AIPAC inquiry has a history of having issues with Jews. More here.

A 7th generation New Zealander is ashamed of his country. Related.

This report isn't fresh news, but belongs in any antisemitism roundup.

Judith | 09/29/04 at 08:57 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Antisemitism watch

September 28, 2004

Where the elite meet to greet

Via Protocols, yet another in the many slavishly flattering articles on my wonderful davening and studying minyan, which is also tediously cliquish if your demographic isn't 20-something/Ivy League/Jewish Day school/Jewish professional parent/year in Israel/earnest left-liberal. But the davening and studying are great. I have learned to look elsewhere than the Jewish Upper West Side for my friendships. (You move to a new town, sometimes it takes a few years to get the hang of things.)

Judith | 09/28/04 at 09:52 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Doing Jewish

The end of an era - in New York anyway

The lone Bush campaign table on the streets of New York displayed its wares for the last time on Saturday. But only because Ray is making his annual winter trip to Florida and plans to set it up there until the election. Go Ray!

Saturday was Yom Kippur, so I was not helping out at the table. But on a beautiful hot sunny Sunday - after a morning field trip with my shul to buy my lulav and etrog on the street on the Lower East Side - I made my way crosstown through Chinatown and the City Hall area to the marina restaurant near Ground Zero for a farewell brunch with 20 other campaign table volunteers.

Continue reading "The end of an era - in New York anyway"

Judith | 09/28/04 at 06:17 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 27, 2004

Jews in odd places: Scotland

A bitter row has broken out in Scotland's Jewish community after a pro-Israel group was accused of suggesting its opponents would not have been worthy of surviving the Holocaust.

The Scottish Friends of Israel has clashed with an organisation called Peace Now, which was established in 1982 to promote dialogue and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. (Glasgow Herald)

William | 09/27/04 at 01:50 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Jews in odd places

Blog roundup - politics!

Jessica and Karol do Dallas. For the conservative film festival. And they visit the weekly Protest Warrior Halliburton love-in.

Meanwhile, back in NYC, some pix from the Spirit of America fundraiser.

Andrea Harris to James Wolcott. Just put down your beverage and read it.

Continue reading "Blog roundup - politics!"

Judith | 09/27/04 at 01:21 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 24, 2004

I am pretty unprepared this year

Last year's 10 Days of Tshuvah countdown - Day 1.

Last year's 10 Days of Tshuvah countdown - Day 0 - Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur Day, consisting of writings by Rabbi Alan Lew, from his book This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared, and his reaction to hearing the "Kol Nidre" melody after years away from the Jewish community, a narrative which still gives me chills.

Judith | 09/24/04 at 10:44 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Yamim Noraim

September 22, 2004

Memogate follies, cont.

A previous post collected some Shakespearean riffs on Memogate. And now, from a somewhat different genre:

Continue reading "Memogate follies, cont."

Judith | 09/22/04 at 10:56 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - The Fourth Estate

Preparing for Yom Kippur

A good detailed overview.

This year, Yom Kippur is on Shabbat this year. Sort of like two big waves crossing each other and creating a humongous wave.

Laws of the seudah hamafseket, the final meal before the fast.

A story of a transatlantic friendship and a hunt for a "Kol Nidre" composition.

The derivation of the the word shofar..

How to repent with a broken heart.

Some books on Yamim Noraim themes.

Judith | 09/22/04 at 10:15 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Yamim Noraim

Dirty tricks Dept.

Betsey has the best roundup on the latest Dem dirty tricks: an email campaign aimed at college students, insinuating that Bush plans to reinstate the military draft if elected. However, the exact opposite is true: the Bush admin has steadfastly maintained it doesn't believe a draft is necessary or desirable, and the only attempts to introduce pro-draft legislation have come from Democrats. If you know anyone in college, please get the word out what a scam this is.

Speaking of scams, "vote early, vote often" is not just a joke. Is anyone going to do anything about all the voters registered twice?

UPDATE: We support the troops, that's why we want to bring them home! Yeah, right.

UPDATE: More on the likelihood of the draft returning.

Judith | 09/22/04 at 06:52 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Election Projection

This site runs a daily electoral college vote projection based on polls.

This chart superimposes various campaign decisions and media events over a timeline of the Iowa Elections Futures Market. It's revealing.

Continue reading "Election Projection"

Judith | 09/22/04 at 05:31 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Way cool stuff

This totally hilarious Matrix Kung Fu movie bad special effects pingpong TV comedy sketch was linked from the Corner.

Another video, this time an extreme sport meets Hurricane Ivan. "And we're gonna go suuuuurfinnnn, surfin' USA . . . ."

The Army uniform has been redesigned for the first time in decades. Check out all the cool new features. Also, join the Army and learn Arabic in 5 days.

The Apple Product Cycle: an affectionate and exasperated tongue in cheek description of Mac madness, via American Digest.

Judith | 09/22/04 at 04:53 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Amazing things

September 22, 2004

Protest Warrior needs people for an event this Sunday in SF

San Francisco Voice for Israel and the local chapter of Protest Warrior will once again join forces to confront their nemesis: . . . more »

Judith | 09/22/04 at 01:06 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 21, 2004

Big Tent

Related to the topic of sane people fleeing from the Democratic Party: The excellent and quirky public radio show This American Life did a show about how the Republican Party is more inclusive and diverse than the Dems. It's . . . more »

Judith | 09/21/04 at 10:30 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Blog roundup

Fletch, of the luscious Austin Country Limits photoblog (and the late lamented and not even up anymore Smokyblog) has just posted all the photos of his recent Rocky Mountains trip. Gerard van der Leun conducts a a poignant visit . . . more »

Judith | 09/21/04 at 01:36 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Around the blogosphere

September 20, 2004

Informal teshuva countdown

I'm not going to do an entry each day like last year, but you can visit these selected entries from Last Year's Ten Days of T'shuvah: 10 Days of Tshuvah countdown - Day 8. 10 Days of Tshuvah countdown . . . more »

Judith | 09/20/04 at 11:22 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Yamim Noraim

September 18, 2004

What I Learned from Jews, by Nonie Darwish

This article isn't online yet. I cut a few paragaphs that were repetitious. When it goes online I'll post a link. . . . more »

Judith | 09/18/04 at 10:23 PM | 2 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Comparative Religion

More Yamim Noraim

Rosh Hashana is the birthday of the world. Rosh Hashana is the day of radical Jewish consciousness. (More on symbolic foods, including fish heads.) . . . more »

Judith | 09/18/04 at 08:42 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Yamim Noraim

September 15, 2004

Shana tova, everyone!

I have been so engrossed in the Rathergate unravelling, before that the anniversary of 9-11,and before that the RNC and various related activities (it's been a very busy Ellul!), that I have neglected my usual holiday-related posts. I am . . . more »

Judith | 09/15/04 at 03:20 PM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Yamim Noraim

Yet more liberals for Bush

Bush got a big bounce in New York State, which usually votes Democrat but went to Reagan in '80 and '84. Bush is still trailing Kerry, but not by much. I thought this election might be a blowout, but not . . . more »

Judith | 09/15/04 at 03:16 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 14, 2004

You happy few, you band of bloggers

I stopped trying to keep up with Rathergate, since many others were doing a much better job (and still are), but check out the round-robin Shakespeare thing. As is my wont, I'm going to ferret out all the gems . . . more »

Judith | 09/14/04 at 05:59 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - The Fourth Estate

Happy New Year from the President

I send greetings to all those celebrating Rosh Hashanah. On this holy occasion, Jews throughout the world celebrate the beginning of a New Year. In synagogues and homes, Jewish families reflect on the year that has passed, and look forward . . . more »

Judith | 09/14/04 at 04:38 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Yamim Noraim

Yet more Gore voters for Bush

Jeff asks if the Democrats would have been better off with Al Gore as their candidate. My reply: . . . more »

Judith | 09/14/04 at 04:36 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 13, 2004

Representing Bush on 9-11 in Manhattan

I didn't make it out to the Bush campaign table on 7th Avenue this weekend, but here is Ray's report: . . . more »

Judith | 09/13/04 at 11:21 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 11, 2004

9-11, cont.

Previous 9-11 anniversary entries here and here. Last year's 9-11 entries here. More from Jeff Jarvis, who was at the Ground Zero memorial this morning. . . . more »

Judith | 09/11/04 at 08:19 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - 9-11 and its ilk

Latest mainstream media debacle, cont.

I had so many updates in my last post about the Killian forgeries that it was time to start a new post. In my previous entry I wrote:You have to wonder how dumb the forgers (and the mainstream media) . . . more »

Judith | 09/11/04 at 07:24 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - The Fourth Estate

September 10, 2004

The anniversary approaches, cont.

Previous 9-11 anniversary post here. Jeff Jarvis writes again about the people who fell or jumped. Terry Teachout writes about returning to NYC after 9-11. A 9-11 memorial at a campus has been vandalized. . . . more »

Judith | 09/10/04 at 05:42 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - 9-11 and its ilk

Latest mainstream media debacle

Mary has a nice roundup of links on the Killian forgery accusations. Charles has been using his years of experience with desktop publishing to point out many inconsistencies in the documents. You have to wonder how dumb the forgers . . . more »

Judith | 09/10/04 at 02:48 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - The Fourth Estate

September 08, 2004

Arrival Day Blogburst

I am remiss at not noting Arrival Day, September 7th. Yesterday was the 350th year since Jews landed at what was then called New Amsterdam, and Head Heeb Jonathan Edelstein has been blogging about this impending date for over . . . more »

Judith | 09/08/04 at 06:13 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Jews in odd places

Political SIGs

Someone on some comment thread a few months ago (I don't have a link for this; it just stuck in my mind) advanced the idea that much of the Michael Moore-ish rabidness of liberal politics these days comes from . . . more »

Judith | 09/08/04 at 05:54 PM | 5 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

The Jewish Carnival of the Protestors

Culture Festival Week? Not too bad, according to the Forward.UPJ's ascent to the leadership of the biggest protest this year was seen by many Jewish observers as connected to a larger sensitivity among progressive groups toward the concerns of . . . more »

Judith | 09/08/04 at 05:35 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Useful idiots

Sweeping up after the carnival

Previous Carnival of the Protestors entries here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. More tolerance and diversity from the New York Metro Anti-Bush Arts and Culture Festival Week. And being a thoughtful guest. . . . more »

Judith | 09/08/04 at 03:38 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Useful idiots

September 07, 2004

The anniversary approaches

Howard's memoir of 9-11, one year later. That week - a month after I joined Kesher Talk - I wrote about what the Jewish tradition can offer about how to memorialize 9-11. My favorite Jewish story from 9-11 - . . . more »

Judith | 09/07/04 at 03:58 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - 9-11 and its ilk

September 06, 2004

Carnival of the Protest Warriors - final wrap up

Previous Carnival of the Protestors entries here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. More about Thursday night's counter-protest, the one I actually made it to. (I got interviewed by a NYDN reporter but didn't . . . more »

Judith | 09/06/04 at 07:57 PM | 2 Comments | 1 TrackBacks | Categories: - Useful idiots

Divine Divahn

My favorite Jewish world music band will be at Satalla on Wednesday with new musicians on cello and violin. Oi Va Voi will be at Makor at the same time, which is one of those Manhattan cultural cornucopia hard . . . more »

Judith | 09/06/04 at 06:00 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures

Street scene, revisited

I helped out again at the Bush campaign table on Saturday. (Previous entry on this here.) Instigator Ray Agostini (who was a Maoist student radical in his youth) has the report: People were knocking on our imaginary doors before . . . more »

Judith | 09/06/04 at 05:36 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 05, 2004

The Zell Miller strategy explained

"Dennis the Peasant," who comments regularly at Roger Simon and Michael Totten: . . . more »

Judith | 09/05/04 at 10:42 AM | 6 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Carnival of the protestors, outside

Previous RNC entries here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Communists For Kerry take over Republican Convention, arrest delegates, establish one-party rule. Many stirring photos of dedicated comrades advancing the People's cause down 7th Avenue, . . . more »

Judith | 09/05/04 at 01:04 AM | 2 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Power to the People

September 04, 2004

Others' words are better than mine

Read this. Read this. A comment from Tom's blog:I have another quote in mind. Jeremiah 32:35:And they built the high places of the Ba�al, which are in the valley of Ben-hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass . . . more »

Judith | 09/04/04 at 09:52 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - 9-11 and its ilk

Blog roundup

Blogger well wishes for former President Clinton. Get well soon, Bill. British pundit Melanie Phillips just spent a few weeks in the US.The thing that really hits you between the eyes is the optimism. You meet it again and . . . more »

Judith | 09/04/04 at 09:14 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Around the blogosphere

September 03, 2004

Krispy Kremes for the Homeless

At the opening of the new Krispy Kreme in Washington DC, former Kesher Talk contributor, Rami Genauer, won himself donuts for life by being the first in line... but it turns out he does not eat them, so he will . . . more »

William | 09/03/04 at 11:21 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: Sensual pleasures

Carnival of the Protest Warriors

Previous Carnival of the Protestors entries here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. I woke up today feeling much better, started at the Republican Jewish Coalition event, then joined my fellow Protest Warriors in the last . . . more »

Judith | 09/03/04 at 02:10 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Power to the People

September 02, 2004

Weatherblogging

Yikes, Chris Muir is evacuating. Stay safe, Chris! . . . more »

Judith | 09/02/04 at 01:44 AM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Around the blogosphere

Being Dick Cheney

The best comment on Alan Keyes' recent bigoted stupidity (in the comments):Well, Dick Cheney knows what to say to him next time he sees him. I hope he will. . . . more »

Judith | 09/02/04 at 01:14 AM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

September 01, 2004

Carnival of the RNC, inside

Previous Carnival of the Protestors entries here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. How geeky am I? I watched the RNC this evening on C-SPAN live streaming while reading comments at Allah and LGF (do not click . . . more »

Judith | 09/01/04 at 08:39 PM | 4 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Blog roundup

Shai's 2nd blogiversary is an occasion to gather links to his best posts. Eve Tushnet had a birthday a few weeks ago. Scrumptious American heartland landscape photoblogging from Michael Totten. Speaking of scrumptious heartland photos, Fletch is still on . . . more »

Judith | 09/01/04 at 06:26 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Around the blogosphere

Bat Kol

Allah says everything about Arun Ghandi that needs to be said. . . . more »

Judith | 09/01/04 at 04:07 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Israel vs. the world

Carnival of the Protestors (and RNC)

Previous Carnival of the Protestors entries here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Don't look at Iowa Electronic Market, Glenn, go over to Chicagoboyz and check out the InTrade box on their sidebar. Bush has been gaining a . . . more »

Judith | 09/01/04 at 02:27 PM | 1 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - GOTV '04

Environmentally conscious terrorists

Rabbi Lazer Brody's most recent post features an unsettling story about disappearing scrap metal in southern Israel, and the way in which it's being 'recycled.' . . . more »

William | 09/01/04 at 01:23 PM | 0 Comments | 0 TrackBacks | Categories: - Israel vs. the world