Adam Dickter's Continuum blog

Yahrzeit In Mitzpe Ramon

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Wed, 03/21/2012 - 11:06
The machtesh at Mitzpeh Ramon.

When it came time to observe my mother’s first yahrzeit last week, I was in Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev. A fitting place since my mother, Sondra, was an avid traveler and particularly enjoyed her many visits to Israel.

The itinerary for my trip was planned weeks in advance, and so I anticipated the need to find a minyan there, and was assured by the American Associates of Ben Gurion University, which hosted the junket, that it wouldn’t be a problem.

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Submitted by Gilad Kahn (not verified) on Sun, 04/01/2012 - 13:13.

We at the Yeshiva High School for Torah and Environmental Studies in Mitzpeh Ramon are sorry that you were not able to join us for a minyan since you were right near us! Unfortunately, exactly when you were here, WE (our entire yeshiva) were hiking in the Golan Heights for a few days. We hope that next time you are in the area, you can join us for Tefillot. I will personally give you a tour of the machtesh (crater). Sometimes we bring in shabat with tefillot overlooking the crater. It is spectacular.

I enjoyed your article.

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Inside Ben-Gurion's Head

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Fri, 03/16/2012 - 11:45

The founder of modern Israel had little doubt about his place in history.

David Ben-Gurion, who lived from 1886-1973, meticulously saved copies of every letter he wrote and even asked his father to save letters he received because they would be needed later, for the history books.  His diaries contained detailed notes of what he was experiencing at crucial moments in history. Less apparent, though, was what this instrumental figure was feeling in his heart.

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A Night In Be'er Sheva

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Mon, 03/12/2012 - 20:49

One of the first things we did when we checked into the U-Tel Guest Apartments at Ben Gurion University’s Be'er Sheva campus was follow the yellow sign to the closest bomb shelter.

In the basement of the building next door  were two massive airlock-type doors, with a shower area in between for dealing with chemical or biological weapon exposure.

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Santa At The Kotel, And Other Randomness

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 22:55
This Purim reveler is making a list and checking it twice.

I had to share these pictures from Shushan Purim eve at the Kotel. I saw hundreds of people in costumes in Jerusalem, but this one wins the prize for chutzpah.

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A Double Dose Of Purim

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 05:17
Pre-Purim in Tel Aviv.

I didn’t plan it this way, but my travel schedule today and tomorrow is a Purim-lover’s delight.

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A Double Dose Of Purim

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 05:15

I didn’t plan it this way, but my travel schedule today and tomorrow is a Purim-lover’s delight.

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IVF And Religion

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Mon, 02/27/2012 - 18:17

Some news reports over the weekend suggest that Pope Benedict has come out against in-vitro fertilization, when in truth that has been a longstanding policy of the church. What may be new was his emphatic rejection, in which he was quoted as saying it is “arrogant.”

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Oscar Race Won't Be 'Extremely Close'

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 11:11

It's a retro night at the Oscars, with two films that hearken back to the early days of cinema up for top honors, and a host who is a blast from the past.

For the first time , I’ve managed to see every one of the nominees for Best Picture. (Hey, the kids are grown up, and no reason to limit my nights at the theater to Pixar offerings).

It’s a safe bet that the real competition is between:

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The Good Wife: Is Giselle Bundchen An Aishes Chayil?

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 12:08

"A woman of valor, who can find her?"

Many Jews ask that question every Friday night with the recitation of the song "Aishet Chayil" at the Shabbat table.

One answer to the question: Tom Brady.

The Patriots quarterback may not have walked away with an MVP trophy or a Super Bowl ring after last Sunday's showdown in Indianapolis, but he did get a reminder that he is married to his No. 1 fan.

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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/11/2012 - 18:34.

no offense. AMEN!!!! finally, somone with common sense! besides she didn't call them out, the media did. like the cowards and hypocrites they are, they are hiding behind her, while they trash her, and the whole team including her husband!.

Submitted by Ari Jacobson (not verified) on Wed, 02/15/2012 - 19:31.

The Proverb in fact praises her virtues from A to Z, or rather Aleph to Taf: she is trustworthy (Line 2, corresponding to letter "beit"), works cheerfully (4), is proactive (5), a good businesswoman (6 & 9), physically strong (8), generous (11), dignified and optimistic (16), speaks with wisdom and kindness (17), is industrious (18), and is G-d fearing (21).

Its very antiquity is why she is appreciated for her inner qualities. And it embeds a hint across the ages to Giselle, the modern heroine: "beauty is vain (21)."

Summary is my own.
Translation courtesy Aish HaTorah: http://www.aish.com/sh/ht/fn/48966686.html

Submitted by 1perry1 (not verified) on Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:42.

Giselle came off as having no class whatsoever. You can't blame her mouth and her comments on the Giant fans as this article does - we are all responsible for our own actions regardless of the source or what we are reacting to. Quite frankly, suggesting Giselle is an aishes chayil is an insult to those that truly are and this article misses the mark entirely. What Giselle does manage to teach us from her rant is that community and team go out the window when you lose. The Pats never would have been in the Super Bowl without Welker, but because he dropped a pass at the end of the game - a so-so pass that turned him awkwardly - we can scapegoat him. We don't need to show appreciation for all he did before - it's only the now that counts. Adam, if Giselle is an aishes chayil, I invite you to my home - where we'll redefine the words for you.

Submitted by Alan Loren (not verified) on Thu, 02/23/2012 - 22:36.

I think we are all perhaps expecting to much of Mrs. Brady. After all, it was the end of an emotional game, the fans were taunting her, and she came out with an extemporaneous comment that was offensive to Brady's teammates.

At the very least, she was being protective of her husband. She is obviously very devoted to him.

Now, as for her denigrating his colleagues. Not a good thing to do, but it certainly wasn't premeditated. It seem to be a response centered in the heat of the moment and borne of frustration.

Regards.
Alan Loren

Chief Editor
My Word Wizard
Inspirations

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Super Bowl Kaddish Conundrum

Submitted by Adam Dickter on Sun, 02/05/2012 - 13:45

I have one prediction today that doesn’t have to do with football. At least not directly.

Early mincha minyans, in the 12:30-3:00 range, are bound to be very popular on the East Coast.

With the Giants facing the Patriots in a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl, who wants to miss out on the pre-game show with a late afternoon/evening minyan?

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