Teaneck's Moshe Butler pleads guilty to criminal bank and wire fraud

Forbes reports on the tangled web of crimes of a scamster from Teaneck, Moshe Butler, age 33, "Motel Art, Flat Screen TVs, Bad Trades, And Bouncing Checks Collide In Federal Case."

In 2009, Butler was charged in a criminal Information with running a $2.25 million scam, to which he was released on bail pending sentencing.

The final tally has Butler pleading guilty to two criminal Informations charging him with bank and wire fraud....

On June 13, 2012, he was sentenced to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release; and ordered to pay restitution in the amounts of $2,259,311.35 for the television scheme and $207,375.25 for the check scheme; and ordered to forfeit $208,172.21....more

Love at First Sight - the Koren Talmud Bavli Berakhot is Breathtaking

Forty five years ago in 1967 we first met the Steinsaltz edition of the Berakhot in Hebrew. Twenty one years ago in 1991, we met the first English edition of some volumes of the Steinsaltz Talmud from Random House. At some intervening points we met the actual Rabbi Steinsaltz. One time we had him visit the University of Minnesota and speak with our students. A very few attended. He was charming to them in his own way.

Now in 2012 we have been introduced to the stunning, dazzling, spectacular Koren Talmud Bavli Berakhot in English and Hebrew/Aramic with the Steinsaltz commentary, Koren Talmud Bavli, Vol. 1:Tractate Berakhot, Hebrew/English, Standard (Color) (English and Hebrew Edition)

First impression. This iteration for us is breathtaking. Well, that is because we are a Talmudic blogger and have spent many years with Talmudic editions. This one is downright beautiful, strikingly attractive. Okay, we confess that we fell love with it at first sight.

This clearly is a book of substance and depth. But first, it is so remarkable to behold and so amazing to hold. We've had the book for three days and still, when we look at it, when we embrace it, when we touch its pages, we gasp quietly for a short breath.

In our life yes, with many volumes, there are few about which we have had such an utterly romantic first attraction.

We will be caressing its folios now for the next few days and weeks. Eventually the initial attraction will subside and we will be in a better place to assess the real virtues and shortcomings of the book. Right now in the throes of this passion we cannot say anything at all critical or objective.

You know how that is.

Talmudic Books for Kindle
The Kindle Talmud in English

Is Bar Refaeli Jewish?

Yes, Bar Refaeli, the Israeli model on the cover of the 2009 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, is a Jew.

She commendably is active in charity work - a supporter of the worthy organization, Project Sunshine, founded by the brilliant young financier Joseph Weilgus.

SI cover girl Refaeli nudges her swimsuit south
By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL, AP FASHION WRITER

NEW YORK -- The world knows a lot more about Bar Refaeli today than it did yesterday, including where her tiny tan line falls. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit unveiled the 23-year-old Israeli, who has been romantically linked to Leonardo DiCaprio, as a first-time cover girl on Tuesday.

This gig, more than top fashion or entertainment magazines, can be career-altering as it puts a model's face (not to mention, her fantastically toned body) in front of millions of eyeballs, appealing to both men and women, sports fans and fashionistas.

It's the cover that matters most, says SI group editor Terry McDonell, but each model - 19 for this issue - gets an equal shot at the cover. Refaeli wears a string bikini by Missoni - and the strings on the bikini bottom are being tugged south.

"The cover has to reflect the athleticism and sexiness of the culture. This photo is modern, her hair and swimsuit look natural. You see her freckles. Her body is amazing and she looks intelligent," McDonell said...more...

Sports Illustrated (Orthodox men should not click on this link.)

(repost from 8-14-09)

How can we better Memorialize the Shoah in our Synagogues?

The Holocaust now is memorialized in synagogues mainly peripherally through added events and tacked on references or via artwork in the building vestibule. We think that the Shoah must be more tightly integrated into the ritual and symbolism of every Jewish place of worship.

We have pondered over the years how we could make this particular meaningful change in our synagogue. We want to add tasteful and appropriate symbolism for the Shoah in a more central shul location, to commemorate and offer a pause for reflection for the Holocaust, the most traumatic epoch in Jewish history.

Modifying a synagogue in any way is a difficult project for anyone. There are many pitfalls that can get in your way. You may find obstinate trustees, reluctant rabbis, timid members and the like that make accomplishing any change in a synagogue - no matter how well-justified - at least utterly aggravating and probably well nigh impossible.

As a result, as we said, most projects of this nature - adding a Holocaust memorial symbol to the synagogue - are relegated to a hallway or basement - not to the main sanctuary. But like us, many of you will prefer to have your own chosen symbol centrally located - in the main sanctuary in a more meaningful place of honor and prominence.

Accordingly we suggest it is best and most practical that you follow these five steps to complete your own synagogue-symbol-project promptly and without interference, rejection or aggravation from others.

Step #1
Enter your synagogue and visually locate the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light, in your synagogue's sanctuary. This perpetual light is commonly installed right above the Aron Kodesh, the Ark, at the front and center of the synagogue.

If you ask, officials of the synagogue may tell you that this light currently signifies either the menorah of the ancient Temple, or God's presence in the chapel, or the spiritual light that emanated from the Temple of old. Be that as it may, you are going to make a change in that signifier.

Step #2
This is the tricky part. Do not even think about touching the light. It is tempting to try to make some physical change during a revision project. However you must resist this impulse.

As we intimated, every shul has people who make it their business to oppose any visible improvement in the structure or decor of the synagogue. You do not want to run afoul of these folks. Your project is a work that you create independently with the help of your imagination.

Step #3
Close your eyes and imagine an inverted Hebrew letter vav. Yes, the eternal candle or lamp with its flame looks to us like an upside down vav, the letter that has the numeric value of six. Recall that six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust.

Step #4
Say to yourself the words, Ner Tamid lezichron Hashoah - meaning, this is the eternal light in memory of the Holocaust.

Step #5
Open your eyes. You have change the signification of a symbol that stands front and center in every synagogue sanctuary and you have completed your project.

Now you can meaningfully remember each time you enter the synagogue to look first at that eternal light at the focal center of your house of worship - to take a moment to reflect on the enormity of the suffering of the Shoah - and to give thanks for the constant resilience of the Jewish people.

[Repost from 2007.]

JTS publishes over 100 podcasts via Apple's iTunes

In a welcome initiative the Jewish Theological Seminary Announced the Launch of JTS iTunes U with quality recordings of events and presentations for the public at large.

The unanswered question in this press release is how (or whether) JTS leverages iTunes and all other digital technologies for instruction of its students in and out of the classroom.

The Jewish Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the launch of the JTS iTunes U site. The site, accessible via Apple’s iTunes, makes public lectures, Torah commentaries, and select JTS courses available for free streaming and downloading.

“The launch of the iTunes U site marks a fantastic step forward for JTS’s online presence,” says Rabbi Charlie Schwartz, director of Digital Engagement and Learning at JTS. “It is now possible to easily find, download, and experience the deep and meaningful learning that happens every day at JTS.”

The JTS iTunes U site features a wide variety of content. The weekly Torah commentary podcasts are easy to find and subscribe to, as are recordings of public JTS lectures and events, such as the popular series of Library Book Talks that feature JTS faculty and other distinguished authors discussing their latest books. Collections of lectures detailing issues in contemporary Jewish philosophy, theology, and ethics highlight how JTS scholarship engages with the challenges of the 21st century. In the near future, full courses—complete with course materials—will be made available, providing access to JTS’s world-class faculty and high-level Jewish learning. 

“Opening access to the wealth of learning, scholarship, and meaningful engagement with Jewish tradition that embodies JTS is core to the university's mission,” says Rabbi Marc Wolf, the newly appointed vice chancellor and chief development officer of JTS. “In the coming months, JTS will dramatically expand the ways, both innovative and traditional, that communities and individuals can be inspired by the energy of JTS,” Rabbi Wolf adds.

The JTS iTunes U site can be visited via iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/institution/jewish-theological-seminary/id472010491. 

Download iTunes for free: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/.

Talmudic Books for Kindle on the Talmud, Bible, Kabbalah and Prayer
  The Kindle Edition of the Classic Soncino Talmud in English

Secular Israelis attack Haredim with nude Gauguin and Botticelli posters

A new escalation in the current culture wars -- poster wars -- in Israel.

Nude images hung in religious J'lem neighborhood

Haredi residents of Kiryat Yovel neighborhood in Jerusalem shocked to discover that paintings of nude women are hung on local bulletin boards – during Shabbat
Kobi Nahshoni

The Secular-haredi tensions over the exclusion of women reached new heights in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Kiryat Yovel where there is a growing haredi community. Local bulletin boards were recently pasted with pictures of women posing almost entirely in the nude.

The pictures were put up suring the Sabbath and included a caption that read: "The glorification of women." The haredi residents were horrified by the "abominable signs" but could not remove them because it was the holy day and doing so would involve desecrating the Sabbath.

Times: Marvin Hier is the only Rabbi in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

In a charming story, the Times asserts that Marvin Hier is the only rabbi in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, "...Rabbi Hier...has been an active member for three decades. Teni Melidonian, a spokeswoman for the Academy, said he doesn’t know of any other rabbis among approximately 5,800 voting members..."

Yasher Koach, good job, Rabbi Hier.

"God's Favorite Prayers"- worthy of an Oscar

Happy New Year from the Met Premiere of Enchanted Island

Me

My date

It is funny, fantasy and baroque at the Met. What could be a better way to spend New Year's Eve with 3,800 of your "friends"? And a world premiere of a new opera with Plácido Domingo as the god Neptune and a host of wonderful singers.

The Times called it a Baroque mash-up and gave it a mainly rave write-up, explaining in part,

...Most of the “Enchanted Island” score is drawn from the operas, oratorios and cantatas of Handel, with a few of his hit tunes offset by more obscure excerpts. Many of the remaining vocal pieces are by Vivaldi. The works of the French Baroque composers Jean-Philippe Rameau, André Campra and Jean-Marie Leclair were mined for choral music and descriptive instrumental bits, at which the French excelled...

Mr. Sams modeled the tone of his libretto on the 18th-century English pastiches and masques written by John Dryden and Alexander Pope. Essentially “The Enchanted Island” is Shakespearean fan fiction. It takes place in the otherworldly realm where Prospero, hero of “The Tempest,” lives in exile with his daughter, Miranda. Who should turn up but the two pairs of honeymooning lovers from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” coincidentally shipwrecked on that very isle. When Ariel, Prospero’s sprite, replicates the bumbling mischief of Puck, the madcap mix-ups of “Midsummer” are reprised to both humorous and poignant effect. The plot is further thickened by the sorceress Sycorax, mother of the evil Caliban and archenemy of Prospero. She is merely mentioned in “The Tempest” but here becomes a star turn created for Ms. DiDonato...

Alas, we did not stay for the gala dinner and dance ($1690 per person). And no, we did not go to Times Square to see Lady Gaga at midnight.

"God's Favorite Prayers" yet another Baroque Mash-up

Times: Non-Jewish Couples are Using a Huppah Wedding Canopy

The Times has a surprising account of how non-Jews are adopting the Huppah as a part of their wedding ceremonies, "Exchanging Vows Under a Canopy, No Matter the Faith," by MARIANNE ROHRLICH.

The article explains, "In Judaism, a traditional huppah typically consists of a prayer shawl or other cloth attached to four poles, which is held aloft over the couple by family members, and is intended to signify the newlyweds’ new home. They are purposely open-sided to welcome the guests."

Haaretz: Eilat Mazar calls the City of David a 'tourist gimmick'

Haaretz reported that archeologist Eilat Mazar has called the lavish City of David archaeological expeditions and park an unscientific "tourist gimmick". 

We visited the sites last spring and can testify that indeed it is a dig that is set up for public consumption and that it tends to present a heavy handed nationalist interpretation of the site. But it is way more than a "gimmick" and it is somewhat scientific, although largely undramatic.

For a really good account of how archaeology and nationalism intertwine in Israel, buy my son's book, Archaeology, Stamps and Coins of the State of Israel By Yitzhak Zahavy.

Here is the Haaretz story:

Top archaeologist decries Jerusalem dig as unscientific 'tourist gimmick'
Dr. Eilat Mazar, who worked in close cooperation with the group - which promotes the 'Judaization' of East Jerusalem - says excavations carried out in violation of accepted procedures.
By Nir Hasson

An archaeologist who worked with the Elad association in Jerusalem's City of David claims that the association and the Antiquities Authority are carrying out excavations "without any commitment to scientific archaeological work."

Dr. Eilat Mazar - a Hebrew University archaeologist who worked in close cooperation with Elad over past years, and who is considered one of the most productive researchers in Jerusalem and in the City of David area in particular - has castigated Elad for the excavation of a large subterranean pit, called "Jeremiah's Pit," at the entrance to the City of David visitors' center complex.

LA Times: Wilshire Blvd. Temple to Begin a Record $175-million Renovation

The Los Angeles Times reports on what may be the most expensive renovation for a Temple or Synagogue -- a $175-million renovation and redevelopment project. The work will take two years. The Times give some background on the history of the Temple beginning in 1872:

...Jewish merchants and bankers contributed toward the $1.5-million cost of the sanctuary, but movie money provided much of the synagogue's flash and dazzle.

The 100-foot-high dome was the gift of Hollywood tycoon Irving Thalberg. The dome is inscribed with the Shema Yisrael, a declaration of monotheism. (A few years ago, after a chunk of water-damaged plaster tumbled from the domed ceiling, the temple installed a white tent to catch any other bits.)

Louis B. Mayer provided the east- and west-facing stained glass windows, while Carl Laemmle donated the eight cast-bronze chandeliers designed to resemble ancient prayer spice boxes.

Most theatrical and tradition-altering of all were the Warner murals (painted on canvas affixed around the interior walls), the gift of Harry, Jack and Abe Warner in memory of their brothers Milton and Samuel. The drawings depict Jewish history from creation to the discovery of America, portrayed as a figure holding the torch of liberty.

The images of Moses, Samson, David and Elijah were painted by Hugo Ballin, head of Warner Bros.' art department. They marked the first extensive use of paintings in a synagogue since ancient times, said Stephen Sass, an attorney for HBO and president of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California....

The Temple web site is here.

NY Post: Kaja Whitehouse Catches us up with Ezra Merkin

We were wondering the other day what ever happened to the Madoff ponzi scheme feeder, Ezra Merkin. We thought, perhaps he now is out helping those who lost all of their money in that awful scheme. Perhaps Merkin has sold all his personal property and is making amends for his bad investing on behalf of so many people. Perhaps he is engaged in good deeds to try to mend the crooked world that he helped to create. Perhaps that is how he has decided to unfold act 2 of his life.

Well, Kaja Whitehouse caught up with some of the Merkin news and it looks like J. Ezra is having none of that goody-goody benevolence and has no intention to repent or atone or make good on any damages or debts. Check out the details in the brutal story of Merkin's scorched earth litigation and intransigence.

Investors stew as Madoff middleman lives the good life

By KAJA WHITEHOUSE

Noel Wiederhorn, a 71-year-old pediatrician from Wyckoff, NJ, thought his nightmare was over in May 2010, when an arbitration panel awarded him $1.75 million -- all of the nest egg he lost to Ezra Merkin, the New York financier who funneled over $2 billion to convicted Ponzi king Bernie Madoff.

But the victory was short-lived as it became clear that Merkin, who is estimated to have earned half a billion dollars by investing his clients' money with Madoff, wasn't going to honor the award within 30 days as ordered by the arbitration panel.

Instead, Merkin -- who required investors in his $5 billion hedge fund firm, Gabriel Capital Group, to resolve disputes in arbitration -- has been stalling the award with a string of legal actions.

"He's certainly using a scorched-earth litigation tactic," David Bamberger, Wiederhorn's attorney, said of Merkin.

What Explains Jewish Achievement?

We received a new book, The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement, a paperback by Steven L. Pease.

It's a handsome and worthy publication.

The publisher tells us about it:

"The Golden Age of Jewish Achievement chronicles the astonishing record of one people's disproportionate achivements and the causes behind it. The stunning performance of Jews over the last 125 years can only be compared with that of the Italians during the Renaissance, the Greeks during the era of Pericles, or the Dutch during their own Golden Age.

Vishnu's Avatars at the Brooklyn Museum

“Vishnu: Hinduism’s Blue-Skinned Savior” is a new show at the Brooklyn Museum. The Times says about the exhibit, "it takes a while to radiate its full devotional glow over a show that is gratifyingly large but also dauntingly crowded with ideas and information."

We must see this exhibit, especially because we have a section named "Avatars of the Priest" in our new book, "God's Favorite Prayers," beginning on page 99. The Times says this about the show,

...Judeo-Christian tradition has one God. But in Hinduism multiplicity is the name of the spiritual game, and Vishnu has taken full advantage of this by descending to earth in several very different forms.

These forms or incarnations are referred to as avatars. The usual number given is 10, listed chronologically, as if in evolutionary order. He first materialized as a giant fish, then as a tortoise, then a wild boar, then half-human lion. Thereafter he took on fully human forms, as a dwarf named Vamana, a militant Brahmin named Parashurama, a warrior-prince named Rama, and a blue-skinned cowherd-playboy named Krishna.

In each case the avatar arrived to set an example of ethical living or to get the world out of a jam. That certainly was true of the Buddha, who is frequently identified as avatar No. 9. And it will no doubt be true of a final incarnation, which will materialize in the future to give aid and counsel when the terrible age we live in comes to its nasty end...

Times: The $22 billion Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala

It's hard to imagine that the Times got this estimate of and Indian hidden religious treasure right. Apparently the cache came to light as the result of a whistleblower from the Temple.

Beneath a Temple in Southern India, a Treasure Trove of Staggering Riches
By VIKAS BAJAJ
MUMBAI, India — A court-ordered search of vaults beneath a south Indian temple has unearthed gold, jewels and statues worth an estimated $22 billion, government officials said Monday.

(The Indian government sent two dozen police officers to a previously unguarded shrine for round-the-clock security after jewels were discovered.)

The treasure trove, at the 16th century Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, is widely believed to be the largest find of its kind in India, catching officials in the state of Kerala by surprise and forcing the government to send two dozen police officers to the previously unguarded shrine for round-the-clock security.

James Frey's Dazzling Messiah Book

Controversial author James Frey has written a brilliant book about a contemporary messiah, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible. The book is self published for Kindle via Amazon. And a luxury hardcover edition has been issued by Gagosian Galleries. Quite a creative way to publish this breathtaking work of fiction that raises dozens of important theoligical issues.

Here is what the publisher says about the book:

For two thousand years people have spent their lives waiting, praying, fighting, begging, and going to war for the Messiah. They continue to do so, every minute of every day, every day of every year. And yet, as far as we know, the Messiah has never come.

How would a man like Jesus be perceived if he appeared today? How would he live, what would he say, what would he preach and believe? How would society react to him, and what would they to do him? And though he may be the Messiah, he is not the man that has been prayed for over the course of the last two thousand years. He believes religion is a fraud, government is a sham, and that love should be a choice, regardless of gender. He is, as Christ was, everything that religious leaders and government officials fear, what they speak against, and what they destroy. He did not burn books, or picket doctor's offices, or spend his time in religious institutions. He simply preached a message. Love your fellow man.

Written from the perspective of his family, friends, and followers, in the same way the story of Jesus Christ was told in the New Testament, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible is the story of Ben Zion Avrohom, also known as Ben Jones, also known as the Messiah, also known as the Lord God.

In The Final Testament of the Holy Bible James Frey, America's most controversial bestselling writer, has written the most compelling and provocative work of his career.

Brilliant New Edition of the Classic Szyk Haggadah

I am glad to say that I have a copy of the New Edition of the classic Szyk Haggadah.

Simply put, this is a brilliant book, perhaps one of the finest I have ever held in my hands.

Since my childhood I have been fascinated by the Szyk Haggadah. We had a copy in a box in our home. Opening it and turning the pages always inspired in me flights of imagination and wonder. Over the years I have come to appreciate the extensive talent that Szyk brought to the text of Passover seder.

With Szyk as your guide you get to feel the full impact of the great drama of slavery and redemption in all its nuance as an Israelite, Jewish and rabbinic performance. Szyk bridges the ages with his art, which is both technically striking and piercingly creative.

Is Met Soprano Natalie Dessay Jewish?

Updated: Natalie Dessay as Lucia di Lammermoor at the Met.

Yes, Natalie Dessay is a Jew.  She converted to Judaism to marry husband and baritone, Laurent Naouri. They have two children.

Our source is Rebecca Mead who wrote a vibrant, colorful profile (“The Actress”) in The New Yorker, of Natalie Dessay, operatic soprano, who sang in “La Sonnambula” at the Met in 2009.

In the middle of this charming 2009 article Mead tossed in the surprising fact of Dessay's conversion to Judaism. Here is the abstract, you will need to register to read the entire piece online.

ABSTRACT: ONWARD AND UPWARD WITH THE ARTS about opera singer Natalie Dessay.

YouTube Video for the People of the Book

If you spend your weekend rearranging your books...
Hat tip to Miriam G.

My Love is Blue, My World is Blue, My Religion Too

In 1968 the song by Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra - Love Is Blue - topped the pop charts for weeks. What do the lyrics mean? "Blue, blue, my world is blue. Blue is my world since I'm without you..." Blue to us in our culture is a marker of sadness.

Not so in ancient Israel. Blue there was a marker of sanctity and royalty.

Hat tip to Bernice for bringing this wonderful Times article to our attention about the new discoveries and debates over the true blue color that the Torah says we must use in the fringes of our clothing. Bernice cares about colors -- she is an artist.

Memo From Ramat Gan -
Rediscovered, Ancient Color Is Reclaiming Israeli Interest
By DINA KRAFT
RAMAT GAN, Israel — One of the mysteries that scholars have puzzled over for centuries is the exact shade of blue represented by “tekhelet,” which the Bible mentions as the color of ceremonial robes donned by high priests and ritual prayer tassels worn by the common Israelite...more...