Times' Alina Tugend Praises Ease of Self-Publishing

The Times' Alina Tugend praised the ease of self-publishing in the Shortcuts section, "Options for Self-Publishing Proliferate, Easing the Bar to Entry."

What she missed in the article was one of the prime motives for an author to turn to self-publishing -- bad experiences with publishers. It's not the trauma of rejection that turns people off from the traditional publishing process. All creative artists know that "passing the audition" is not a given. It is the insult that many, if not most, publishers routinely and mindlessly add to the injury. We have found that publishers commonly offer vague responses, if any, and those that come take months to years to materialize. And wow, talk about idiosyncrasies. One well-known Jewish publisher refuses to accept emailed submissions. And when queried about his policies, he explains that on his desk, he has submissions ten feet deep, not even sensing the irony of his mannerisms. Another Jewish publisher has made a recent crusade of pleading poverty and seeking subventions, while at the same time tightening the number and genre of their new releases. You can't make money if you don't publish a bunch of books. Through their own arrogance and tardiness, the old line publishers are paving a highway to self-destruction, especially exacerbated now by the growing ease of self-publishing.

We recommend CreateSpace, an Amazon company, for anyone planning to self-publish. It's by far the best that we know of. It's common sense. Go with Amazon. Sign up for free and see what they have to offer. Publish your book with CreateSpace: get high royalties, low book prices, and expanded distribution.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 35a-b - translation by Tzvee

B.            He said to him, “Put aside [the objection from] the pottage of heave-offering [with food unclean in the third remove mixed in it]. [35a] For in that mixture there is not an olive's bulk [of heave-offering] in the portion that he will eat in the time it takes to eat half-a-loaf of bread. [That is, he will not consume the minimum in the specified time.]”

Eliezer Diamond on Meaningful Prayer

Eliezer Diamond ponders the modes of achieving meaningful prayer -- on the JTS blog:

...Prayer is first and foremost about connection. For almost all those who come to shul, davening, or indeed one’s very presence in the synagogue—and at the Kiddush—strengthens a sense of connection with the community and with the Jewish people, past and present. For some, prayer brings about a connection with a divine presence. Some call that presence Hashem; some call it God. Yet others experience it as the force that animates all of existence. For some that presence is personal; for others it is cosmic.

In shul we leave behind loneliness and isolation. This is particularly true when we share with others our joys and sorrows through prayers for the ill, the recitation of kaddish, and the celebration of life-cycle events. When others comfort or congratulate us, we learn to value ourselves more because others care about us...more...

Talmud Bavli Hullin 34a-b - translation by Tzvee

S.             And why do we not support [the view that our Mishnah] refers to a case of [34a] unconsecrated things that were prepared in conditions of cleanness appropriate to heave-offering and is in accord with the view of R. Joshua? No, you cannot have concluded that. For it teaches regarding meat. And do we have any instance of meat subject to heave-offering?

T.            What then? [Mishnah must deal with unconsecrated things prepared in cleanness appropriate to] consecrated things. Do we have any instances of wild animals subject to use as consecrated things [i.e., for sacrifice]? [Nevertheless you could make the argument that this precaution of preparing meat of a wild animal in cleanness appropriate to consecrated things makes sense.] He might mix up this meat with other meat [so he would want all of it to meet the higher standards]. He will not mix up this meat with produce [subject to heave-offering. So it is not reasonable to say that the standards for heave-offering pertain in our case.]

Talmud Bavli Hullin 33a-b - translation by Tzvee

D.            Is this not the same as the question posed by Ilfa: if the foetus stuck its leg out between [the cutting of] one organ and the other, what is the rule? [33a] Do you say that the [slaughter of the] first organ combines with the second so as to remove the animal from the category of carrion? Or do you say that it does not?

E.            On this point there is a question only as to whether it removes the animal from the category of carrion. But as to eating, it is forbidden.

F.             Said R. Aha bar Rab to Rabina, “Perhaps [Zira] never retracted his objection. And R. Zira stated [his objection] according to the words of Raba [in A]. But he did not reason in accord with his view.”

G.            Said to him R. Aha bar Jacob, “You may derive from this rule of R. Simeon b. Laqish that you may invite an Israelite to eat the intestines, but you may not invite an idolater to eat the intestines.”

Whoops. Times Does Not Adore Golf in the Kingdom

It's a pan, not a praise. Yes, new age golf movies are an acquired taste.

Movie Review | 'Golf in the Kingdom'
Fellowship of the Links
By NEIL GENZLINGER

Golf may be the world’s dullest spectator sport, not counting soccer: it takes a long time for not much to happen. By that standard, “Golf in the Kingdom” captures the game perfectly.

The film, Susan Streitfeld’s adaptation of Michael Murphy’s 1972 novel, will probably draw the same love-it-or-hate-it response the book has: either it’s a brilliant merger of golf and philosophy, or it’s a collection of windy New Age nonsense about a sport played mostly by rich people.

Mason Gamble portrays Mr. Murphy, who on his way to India stops in Scotland. He ends up playing a round of golf with Shivas Irons (David O’Hara), a mysterious fellow with a knack for spinning pithy-sounding phrases that, if examined in any depth, really aren’t. He also mingles with some golf-playing locals and goes on a predawn hunt for Shivas’s mentor (segments so underlighted that you might as well close your eyes).

Everyone spouts nicely turned baloney elevating golf to the level of a religious experience, which grows tedious fairly quickly. The film almost works, though, if you view the whole thing as a very, very dry comedy.

Times: Publishers Hurrying Trade Paperbacks to Market

We chose to bypass traditional hardcover publishing and go right to trade paperback and digital formats for our new book, God's Favorite Prayers. The Times writes (Julie Bosman, "Paperback Publishers Quicken Their Pace") that the publishing world is embracing the accelerated publication of the paperback book edition. It gives many suggestions and explanations for this trend, ending with these ideas:

...E-books have made price an issue for publishers who are weighing the timing of a paperback. While there is often a huge gap between the cost of a new hardcover (say, $25) and its e-book edition ($13), paperbacks and e-books tend to be within a few dollars of each other, leaving many publishers to wonder if cost-conscious shoppers are reading e-books right away rather than waiting for the paperback.

“I really do think that e-books are part of the reason for this trend of hurrying up that paperback,” said Carrie Kania, the publisher of Harper Perennial and It Books. “You don’t have to wait for a lower-priced version of that book now. I think we need to move more quickly in general.” ....

As bookstore owners pointed out, readers love paperbacks.

“It’s definitely making the consumer happy to have the paperback available sooner,” said Peter Aaron, the owner of the Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, an independent store. “If there’s one form of printed book that will survive, if there was only one, it would be the trade paperback.”

We agree with Peter.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 32a-b - translation by Tzvee

B.            [32a] If another animal was slaughtered [unintentionally] along with it — according to R. Nathan the cow is invalid [by definition] but the other animal is valid [even lacking intention for the act]. According to the rabbis the cow is valid [because he had no distracting intention] and the other animal is invalid [because he had no intention to slaughter it]. But this is obvious.

C.            We need to state this [to clarify the case of the red cow] if another animal was slaughtered along with it according to the view of R. Nathan. It could have made sense to say that the Torah says, “[And you shall give her to Eleazar the priest, and she shall be taken outside the camp] and slaughtered before him” (Num. 19:3). She shall be slaughtered and not she and a companion animal. And what is the circumstance? For instance if he slaughtered two red cows at the same time. But if he slaughtered it together with an unconsecrated animal, I might think to conclude, no, [it does not invalidate]. It comes to make this point.

D.            If he cut a gourd along with it [i.e., the red cow], all hold the view that this is invalid. It a gourd was cut [unintentionally] along with it, all hold the view that it is valid.

Times Video discussion of Michele Bachmann's fundamentalist anti-gay beliefs

Politics The Caucus | Michele Bachmann's Beliefs
July 18, 2011 - Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Paul Volpe discuss Michele Bachmann's evangelical background and the role it has played in her career and presidential campaign.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 31a-b - translation by Tzvee

I.2

A.            Raba inspected [the sharp edge] of an arrow for R. Jonah bar Tahlifah and he slaughtered with it a bird in flight. [We may object]: but perhaps it slaughtered through thrusting [into the neck between the organs]. [No.] We could see that [31a] the feathers around the neck were cut.

B.            But lo it must [have its blood] covered. And if you say that he covered [the blood that fell to ground] did not R. Zira say in the name of Rab, “He who slaughters must put dust below [on the blood on the ground, which he could not have done] and above [which he could go and do after shooting the bird with the arrow].”

C.            As it says, “And cover it with dust” (Lev. 17:13). It does not say “dust” but “with dust [b-`pr].” This teaches us that he who slaughters must put dust below and dust above [that it be between two coverings].

Why Not Buy God's Favorite Prayers in a Jewish Book Store?

It's important that we support our local Jewish book stores. 

So why not go out and buy my book 

God's Favorite Prayers

at a brick and mortar Jewish bookstore?

Judaica House on Cedar Lane in Teaneck

Judaica of Great Neck on Middleneck Road
and coming soon to a book store near you!

Times: Shivas Irons' Golf in the Kingdom Comes to Film

The Times starts its meaty article about the long-awaited film version of Michael Murphy's famous golf novel, Golf in the Kingdom by saying that the book is "practically a sacred text." We think that they mean that it has mystical and philosophical qualities, that people read the book with veneration, and that it addresses ultimate issues of life and meaning. Indeed, like religion, the game of golf is quite elaborate in its rituals and practices and in its demarcations of space. And the classic golf book in question goes far beyond addressing those surface issues. It's one of the most memorable books we ever read.

We are eager to see how the film treats the highly complex book and the more elaborate realities of the game itself. Charles McGrath's essay on the film's long gestation, "A Mystical Tale, From Tee to Green," for the Times begins thusly:

For many golfers Michael Murphy’s 1972 novel, “Golf in the Kingdom,” is practically a sacred text. It’s about a young man, modeled on Mr. Murphy himself, who on his way to an ashram in India stops off in Scotland, where his life is transformed by an encounter with a golf pro and mystic named Shivas Irons, who knows as much about Pythagoras and the Hindu scriptures as he does about hitting a high fade. Several filmmakers have felt similarly transported by reading the book, and “Golf in the Kingdom” has been optioned or in development since before it was even published. Gus Van Sant was interested for a while. Sean Connery was approached about playing Shivas. Clint Eastwood fell in love with the book and clung to the rights for a decade or so before giving up.

At last, though, “Golf in the Kingdom” is coming to the screen. It opens in New York on Friday in a version written and directed by Susan Streitfeld, who has never played golf in her life, and produced by Mindy Affrime, an independent producer...more...

Talmud Bavli Hullin 30a-b - translation by Tzvee

E.            Said to him Abayye, “Is it not stated concerning this, said Rabbah bar bar Hannah said R. Yohanan, `These are the words of R. Eleazar b. R. Simeon [30a] cited anonymously?' But sages say, `Two persons may slaughter one sacrifice.'”

F.             And in accord with the view of R. Eleazar b. R. Simeon we should make a distinction in an instance where the one person who slaughtered wore two garments [Jastrow: scarves]. The first garment should not become unclean and the second garment should become unclean.

G.            But [in response to Raba at C] we are interested in the invalidation of the cow and we are not interested in the proper preparation of the cow.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 29a-b - translation by Tzvee

VIII.3

A.            Come and take note: If he slaughtered half of the gullet and he paused [29a] for long enough to have completed another act of slaughter, and then he completed his act of slaughter — it is valid.

B.            Now if you say, “Halfway is deemed a majority” he already rendered the animal terefah [by pausing in between the slaughter of the two organs. The cut in the first organ is deemed a defect in the major portion of the organ. Hence it must be that cutting halfway is not deemed a majority.]

C.            Does it make sense to reason [that this refers to a case of one who slaughters] a beast? No, [it refers to one who slaughters] a bird. Any way you wish [to look at the matter it will turn out that the act of slaughter is valid]. If halfway is deemed a majority then lo, he performed [an act of slaughter] on the major portion [of the organ]. And if halfway is not deemed a majority then he has performed nothing of consequence [in cutting into one organ of the bird].

Times: Swimming Pool Photos to Cool You Off

We have not yet started liking that new Sunday section in the Times.
This is a lovely photo spread of pools from the "Times Sunday Review."
OPINION   | July 24, 2011
Swim, Meet
A collection of photos by Kate Orlinsky. 

Talmud Bavli Hullin 28a-b - translation by Tzvee

B.            [28a] Is it not [the case here that reference is made to killing] a bird because he needs to use its blood for killing worms? [This then would prove that birds are subject to the laws of slaughter and the obligation of covering the blood.] No, [the reference is to killing a] wild beast because he needs to use its blood for dyeing. [So we can draw no conclusion from this rule regarding the obligations for a bird.]

V.4

A.            Come and take note: “He who wrings [the neck of a bird-offering and cuts the neck from the back] with a knife — [if he eats the meat from this fowl] it renders unclean the clothing of he who swallows it.” And if you say that [we hold the principle that] “there is no requirement to slaughter a bird on the authority of the Torah,” it also should be the case that when he severs the neck bone and spinal cord that renders the bird terefah, the knife should have the effect [slaughtering through the organs] of saving the bird from the uncleanness of carrion. [The principle is that a terefah animal that was slaughtered properly does not become unclean as carrion.]

Israeli doctors learn robotics, with the help of local M.D.s - The Jewish Standard

Israeli doctors learn robotics, with the help of local M.D.s, in The Jewish Standard
A great article by Miryam Wahrman

Talmud Bavli Hullin 27a-b - translation by Tzvee

Bavli Hullin Chapter Two Folios 27A-42A

                                                                                2:1 [27a]

A.            He who slaughters [cuts] one [organ, either the windpipe or the gullet] in the case of fowl, or two [both the windpipe and the gullet] in the case of a beast — his act of slaughter is valid.

                B.            And the greater part of one [of the organs] is equivalent to [the whole of] it.

                C.            R. Judah says, “[This in the case of fowl is so only on condition] that he will slaughter [cut through] the [jugular] veins [of the neck of the bird].”

                D.           [He who cuts through] half of one [organ] in the case of fowl and one and a half [organs] in the case of a beast — his act of slaughter is invalid.

                E.            [He who cuts through] the greater part of one [organ] in the case of fowl or the greater part of two [organs] in the case of a beast — his act of slaughter is valid.

I.1

A.            He who slaughters [implies that if he already performed the act of slaughter] after the fact, yes [the act is deemed proper, but] to begin with, no [he may not perform the act].

B.            [But this leads to a question.] [If he cut] two [both the windpipe and the gullet] in the case of a beast [do we say that if he did this] to begin with, no [it is not valid]? Just how much more must he slaughter?

Talmud Bavli Hullin 26a-b - translation by Tzvee

C.            Said R. Nahman, said Rabbah bar Abbuha, [26a] “It is in the case where it had fermented that there is a dispute [cited in I.1 A]. And the Mishnah rests on the view of R. Judah.” And so said R. Yosé b. R. Hanina, “It is in the case where it had fermented that there is a dispute.”

I.2

A.            Said R. Nahman, said Rabbah bar Abbuha, “Grape skin wine that was purchased with funds deriving from [second] tithe, and then fermented, it is acquired as [second] tithe.” What is the basis for this view? It turns out retroactively that it was fruit [beverage].

B.            But what of our Mishnah that taught, if it fermented, yes [it can be purchased as second tithe] and if it did not ferment, no [it cannot be purchased]? [Could you not argue that] perhaps if he left it, it would ferment?

Talmud Bavli Hullin 25a-b - translation by Tzvee

D.            And what is the source of that assertion? Said R. Jonathan, “The Torah testified concerning an [unclean] earthenware vessel [25a] that even if it was filled with mustard seeds [and the inner ones do not touch the wall of the vessel, all of them become unclean by virtue of being in the air space of the vessel].”

E.            Said to him R. Ada bar Ahava to Raba, “It ought to be the case that an earthenware vessel becomes unclean from contact [of an unclean object] with its outer surface based on the logic of a qal wahomer [as follows]. What is the case with regard to all other vessels? They do not become unclean through [an unclean object that enters] their air space, yet they do become unclean from contact [of an unclean object] with their outer surface. With regard to an earthenware vessel that does become unclean through [an unclean object that enters its] air space, is it not logical to deduce that it becomes unclean from contact [of an unclean object] with its outer surface?”

Talmud Bavli Hullin 24a-b - translation by Tzvee

C.            [24a] Scripture said, “[And you shall give her to Eleazar the priest, and she shall be taken outside the camp] and slaughtered before him” (Num. 19:3). Its statute is to kill it through slaughtering and not through breaking its neck. [We do not rely on logical inferences where Scripture states matters explicitly as a statute, to wit, “This is the statute of the law which the Lord has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and upon which a yoke has never come” (Num. 19:2).]

D.            And do you say that in every instance where Scripture said there is a statute that we do not rely on the logical inference of qal wahomer? But lo regarding the Day of Atonement, about it is written there is a statute [“And it shall be a statute to you for ever that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict yourselves, and shall do no work, either the native or the stranger who sojourns among you” (Lev. 16:29)].

Diana Nyad will swim from Cuba to Key West

The Times has an article about endurance swimmer Diana Nyad, "Ready to Swim 103 Miles With the Sharks: Swimming From Cuba to Key West, Without Leaving the Water"

We find Diana's ambitious project, her quest, her goal -- inspiring. We like best the end of the article with Nyad's explanation for undertaking this massive challenge after a long hiatus.

But why go through this agony again?

Ms. Nyad pinned the reason on her gallop toward 60; it unsettled her greatly. She needed a fresh, powerful target to stir up her energy and ambition. And although she had given up swimming abruptly in 1979, a casualty of burnout, her mind seized on her unsuccessful swim to Key West.

“This is what I need to remedy my malaise,” Ms. Nyad said. “I need commitment to take over. That level of commitment has such a high. There is no thinking about regrets or what will I do with the rest of my life. I’m immersed in the everyday, full tilt. It’s so energizing.”

Ms. Nyad no longer swims in anger, as she did in her youth, when she was working through the sexual abuse she said she suffered as a teenager. Now, she said, she swims in awe of the world around her.

There is ego involved, of course. But her swim has helped her turn a corner, she said, adding that she hopes it will empower others her age.

“I hope a couple will say, ‘I want to live life like that at this age,’ ” Ms. Nyad said. “I want the candle to burn bright. We have changed a lot. Our parents’ generation, at 60, they considered that old age. I’m in the middle of middle age.”

We know one person who might say something similar about the agony of writing a challenging book.

Another great Nyad article is here at Second Act.

God's Favorite Prayers was a Number One Bestseller Today in its first day on Amazon

God's Favorite Prayers was a Number One Bestseller Today in its first day on Amazon!

Of course that was in one category: Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Prayerbooks.

In Books overall it was #17,300 at one time today. A good start. We were mesmerized watching the book listing propagate on Amazon over five days. We approved the printed book on Thursday. It's listing appeared on Sunday. Amazon was shipping the printed books within five days, on Tuesday. We approved the digital Kindle edition Sunday. It was available world-wide for download the next day, on Monday.

Here are Amazon screen shots from one moment today. And go ahead and order your own copy.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 23a-b - translation by Tzvee

D.            [23a] You need Scripture to exclude [the case of a bird] that was subjected to a carnal-act or that was used in an idolatrous ritual. You might have concluded that it makes sense to say this, since it is written, "Since there is a blemish in them, because of their mutilation, [they will not be accepted for you]" (Lev. 22:25).

E.            And the House of R. Ishmael taught, "In every case where it is stated, `Mutilation' [from the root št translated in other uses as, `corruption'], it refers only to a carnal matter or to idolatry." [Mutilation refers to] a carnal matter as it is written, "[And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt]; for all flesh had corrupted [hšyt] their way upon the earth" (Gen. 6:12). [And mutilation refers to] idolatry as it is written, "Beware lest you act corruptly [tšytwn] by making a graven image for yourselves, [in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female]" (Deut. 4:16).

Are Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Jewish?

Mazal tov again - update: Jared and Ivanka had a baby girl 7/17/11. Enews reports on the video below.

//orig. post 7/17/09//
Yes, Jared Kushner is a Jew and Ivanka Trump, not born a Jew, says that she is going to convert so she can marry Jared.

UPDATE 10/27/09: The Times reports they got married 10/25/2009: "Ivanka M. Trump, the daughter of Ivana M. Trump of Palm Beach, Fla., and Donald J. Trump of New York, is to be married Sunday to Jared Kushner, a son of Seryl Kushner and Charles B. Kushner of Livingston, N.J. Rabbi Haskel Lookstein is to officiate at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J...."

The Star-Ledger reported their engagement in July - wishing them a "hearty mazel tov."



Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner engaged; a hearty mazel tov
by Vicki Hyman

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, both scions of real estate magnates (one a felon, but okay) and themselves moguls-in-the-making, are engaged to be married. Trump tweeted the good news, calling it "truly the happiest day of my life," and People confirmed the blessed match on Thursday.

Kushner is the publisher of the New York Observer and the son of powerful New Jersey developer Charles Kushner, who spent more than a year in prison for tax fraud, among other things. Trump, a former fashion model, is a vice-president in dad Donald Trump's company, and has appeared alongside him in "The Apprentice." She also has her own jewelry line. She recently told New York magazine that she and Kushner and both very ambitious: "That's what makes it so amazing to be in a relationship with someone who is supportive of that."

Kushner hails from an Orthodox Jewish family, and Trump says she plans on converting to Judaism.

Times: A moving Article about in Vitro Fertilization at the Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv

There is a truly moving article by Dina Kraft in the Times about in vitro fertilization at the Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv.

TEL AVIV, Israel — Jewish and Arab, straight and gay, secular and religious, the patients who come to Assuta Hospital in Tel Aviv every day are united by a single hope: that medical science will bring them a baby.

Israel is the world capital of in vitro fertilization and the hospital, which performs about 7,000 of the procedures each year, is one of the busiest fertilization clinics in the world.

Unlike countries where couples can go broke trying to conceive with the assistance of costly medical technology, Israel provides free, unlimited IVF procedures for up to two “take-home babies” until a woman is 45. The policy has made Israelis the highest per capita users of the procedure in the world...more...

Talmud Bavli Hullin 22a-b - translation by Tzvee

I.              R. Eleazar b. R. Simeon says, “`According to the ordinance' [implies] according to the ordinance of the sin-offering of a fowl.” What [is the rule] there? [22a] He must hold the head and the body and sprinkle the blood. Even here [for the whole-offering of a fowl] he holds the head and the body and sprinkles the blood.

J.              What should you say that this means? Here is what you should say: What is the case there [for the sin-offering of a fowl]? When the head is still attached to the body he sprinkles the blood. Even here [for the burnt-offering] the rule is that when the head is still attached to the body he should sprinkle the blood.

James Gleick in the Times Sunday Review: Let's Say Kaddish for Printed Paper Books

James Gleick in Sunday Review of the Times writes today about "Books and Other Fetish Objects." We think Gleick is a genius and if he says that real physical books are over, we believe him, we agree with him and we move on.

And that is what he says. He loves books, as do we. He admits that handling rare books is a trip. We agree. But he makes it clear that digitized books are here and they are the present and the future of all writing and communications.

We agree. And we agree even more because we published our first Kindle book TODAY. Yay. It took a while to format and format and format the darn thing. But we think we got it right. Amazon asked us if we want them to determine the price in international currencies. We said yes.

So in 24 hours or however long it takes, our book will be downloadable all over the world.

And yes, we get royalties. More important, we get to influence thinking about religion all across the globe. Instantly.

Yes, like Gleick, we love books. We have a house filled with books. Dead tree books. We like to hold them and feel their heft. We like to smell them and sense their new or old aromas.

But paper books are dead. And though Gleick does not come right out and say it, we will. It is time to say Kaddish for the printed paper book.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 21a-b - translation by Tzvee

J.              [21a] In any event the question [of Raba at F] remains. Said Raba, “It makes sense to say that this is what he does [to avoid the objection from the ruling at F. The priest who wrings the neck] cuts the spinal cord and the neck bone without [cutting] the majority of the flesh.”

K.            When R. Zira departed [to go to Israel] he found R. Ammi who was sitting and saying this teaching [of Ziri at F, above]. He said to him [by way of objection], “If it is dead [after he breaks through the neck bone and surrounding flesh, what good does it do to continue] to stand and wring the neck?” [Ammi sat and,] “He was dismayed for a moment” (Dan. 4:19). He said to him, “It makes sense to say that this is what he does [to avoid the objection from the ruling at F. The priest who wrings the neck] cuts the spinal cord and the neck bone without [cutting] the majority of the flesh.”

The Wonderful Avi Chai Siddur Online Site

We highly recommend the Avi Chai Siddur online site, which has been active since 2009. It's how an online site should look and function, with aesthetics and links to resources.

Thanks to our friend Avigdor Shinan, to the Avi Chai Foundation and to Yediot Achronot Books for such a wonderful Jewish prayer resource. And additional thanks to the technology teams who designed and host the site.

Here is the about description from the site.

סידור אביחי יצא לאור במהדורה מודפסת בשנת תש"ס (1999) בסיוע קרן אבי חי. הסידור נועד "להעמיד בפני המעיין בסידור ובפני המתפלל מתוכו טכסט בהיר, נעים לעין וקריא, נוח לשימוש ומלווה בידע עדכני על הסידור ותולדותיו. בין אם ישמש לעיון וללימוד ובין אם ישמש לתפילה – יהיה סידור "אבי חי" קנקן חדש ומחודש ובו יין עתיק שטעמו עמו." (מתוך המבוא לסידור).

החל משנת תשס"ט (2009) מוצג הסידור בסיוע ועידוד קרן אבי חי בגרסה דיגיטאלית ברשת האינטרנט על גבי תשתית "כותר" שפותחה על ידי המרכז לטכנולוגיה חינוכית (מטח).

לסידור נלווים בגרסה הדיגיטאלית שלו קישורים שונים למאמרי העשרה, לקובצי שמע – במיוחד מתוך אתר הפיוט, לקובצי וידיאו ועוד.

ניתן לעיין בכרכי תפילות וברכות לבית ולמשפחה ויום השבת בבית הכנסת.

Order "God's Favorite Prayers" Today

Click above to order from the distributor.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 20a-b - translation by Tzvee

Here it is on Friday in advance...

C.            Why is that? Because it was taught, He who slaughters [by cutting] at the back [of the neck] — his act of slaughter is invalid. He who wrings the neck [of a bird] at the back [of the neck] — his act of wringing the neck is valid (Lev. 5:8) [M. Hul. 1:4 E-H]. [20a] And if you had concluded that it should mean, “You must pull them around” why specify that he who wrings [that it is valid]? Even he who slaughters [from the back of the neck should be valid if he must pull the organs around]. Rather we may derive [the conclusion that the correct version is], “Even if you pull them around.” And our Mishnah deals with a case where he did not pull them around [behind the neck].

D.            Said R. Yannai, “May the youngsters accept their answer.” For it was taught [further in the Mishnah], It turns out that what is valid for slaughtering is invalid for wringing the neck, what is valid for wringing the neck is invalid for slaughtering [M. Hul. 1:4 M]. What does this exclude? Does it not exclude the case of he who pulled [the organs around behind the neck, that such is not [a case of valid slaughtering]?

Michelle Bachmann on Obama's Choot-spa

Hat tip to Yitz!

Talmud Bavli Hullin 19a-b - translation by Tzvee

H.           And the law is [19a]: [If he cut in the neck to slaughter] from the place where the thyroid cartilage narrows, it is valid. And this concurs with: [If he cut to slaughter and left towards the head] part of the arytenoid cartilages, [it is valid].

I.              R. Nahman declared valid [an animal that was slaughtered] from the place where the thyroid cartilage narrows [and below]. Said to him R. Hanan bar R. Qatina to R. Nahman, “In accord with whose view do you hold? Not in accord with the view of the rabbis and not in accord with the view [in the M.] of R. Yosé b. R. Judah.” He said to him, “I do not know of any view [that refers to] cutting [within the top cartilage ring, i.e., the view of the rabbis in A of M.] or of splitting [the greater part of the circumference, i.e., the view of R. Yosé b. R. Judah in C of M.].” [This could also be a play on the colloquial use of the phrase: I do not know either this fellow or that fellow.] I just know the teaching.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 18a-b - translation by Tzvee

B.            And in all of these the notches must be as big as a notch [that renders unfit] the altar. [18a] And how big is a notch [that renders unfit] the altar? Big enough to catch a fingernail [that is drawn across it].

C.            They posed a question. How big is a notch [that renders unfit] the altar? R. Simeon bar Yohai says, “A handbreadth.” R. Eliezer b. Jacob says, “An olive's bulk.” There is no contradiction [between these views]. This one [refers to an altar made] of cement. And this one [refers to an altar made] of stones.

The Fallacy of Hoffman's the "Startup of You" Mentality

Tom Friedman in the Times touts today the "Startup of You" mentality that is prevalent in our business community these days. The world view contains ideas like these:

...LinkedIn’s founder, Reid Garrett Hoffman, one of the premier starter-uppers in Silicon Valley — besides co-founding LinkedIn, he is on the board of Zynga, was an early investor in Facebook and sits on the board of Mozilla — has a book coming out after New Year called “The Start-Up of You,” co-authored with Ben Casnocha. Its subtitle could easily be: “Hey, recent graduates! Hey, 35-year-old midcareer professional! Here’s how you build your career today.” ...

Hoffman argues that professionals need an entirely new mind-set and skill set to compete. “The old paradigm of climb up a stable career ladder is dead and gone,” he said to me. “No career is a sure thing anymore. The uncertain, rapidly changing conditions in which entrepreneurs start companies is what it’s now like for all of us fashioning a career. Therefore you should approach career strategy the same way an entrepreneur approaches starting a business.”

To begin with, Hoffman says, that means ditching a grand life plan. Entrepreneurs don’t write a 100-page business plan and execute it one time; they’re always experimenting and adapting based on what they learn.

What is wrong with such a thought process? It sounds inspiring, no?

NO. VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE THE KIND OF LUCK AND SKILL AND TALENT TO BECOME WEALTHY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS.

The rest of the people in the world want steady jobs, maybe even careers, just like in the past. DO YOU GET IT TOM? No, Tom is in his own world now, surrounded by a handful of big money makers and he thinks that has something to do with the reality of the rest of the world. It does not.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 17a-b - translation by Tzvee

C.            R. Joseph posed the following objection: The phrase [reads], At any time do they slaughter. [If we accept your teaching] it should have read, At any time do they slaughter and eat. And furthermore [we may ask by way of objection], originally on what basis were they prohibited [from eating the meat they craved]? Because they had to bring [their animals as sacrifices] to the tabernacle nearby. But later [when they came to the land] on what basis were they permitted [to eat the meat they craved]? Because they were far from the tabernacle. [17a] How much the more so now [after the exile should they be permitted to eat the meat they crave] when they are even further [from the tabernacle].

D.            Rather said R. Joseph, “[The text] accords with R. Aqiba.” As it was taught on Tannaite authority, “If the place which the Lord your God will choose to put his name there is too far from you, then you may slaughter any of your herd or of your flock, [which the Lord has given you, as I have commanded you]” (Deut. 12:21). R. Aqiba says, “Scripture only wanted to prohibit for them meat from an animal killed by stabbing.” For originally they were permitted [to eat] meat from a stabbed animal. After they entered the land they were prohibited meat from a stabbed animal. And now that they were exiled you might assume that they revert to the original permission. Therefore we learned, At any time do they slaughter.

Reuters: Crossrider's Kobi Menachemi on his Google+Facebook Browser App

We just got an invite from Barak to Google+ and now we read about this, the app that lets you manipulate Facebook from Google+. Look out Zuckerberg, the Israelis are coming.

Israeli firm's app allows Facebook viewing on Google+

By Steven Scheer

JERUSALEM, July 12 (Reuters Life!) - An Israeli company has developed an application that allows users of the newly launched social networking site Google+ to also view their streams from sector leader Facebook.

Called "Google+Facebook", the application was developed last week by Crossrider, whose main business is developing Internet browser add-on extensions, and already has more than 100,000 downloads, according to Koby Menachemi, Crossrider's co-founder and chief executive.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 16a-b - translation by Tzvee

M.           [16a] These rules are self-contradictory. Rather do we not then derive from them that there is a distinction between [slaughtering with] an object that was attached from the outset and with an object that was detached and then reattached? We do derive this conclusion.

II.1

A.            Said the master, “He who slaughters with a spinning blade, his act of slaughter is valid.” But behold it was taught on Tannaite authority, “His act of slaughter is invalid.” There is no contradiction [between these rules]. This one [where it is deemed valid refers to a case where he slaughtered with a knife attached to] a potter's wheel [because a person turns the wheel]. And this one [where it is deemed invalid refers to a case where he slaughtered with a knife attached to] a water wheel [because the action of the water, not of a person, turns the wheel].

NBC: Fire at KJ Kehilath Jeshurun Synagogue

No injuries, no Torahs in the building due to renovations.

NBC Reports: A four-alarm blaze ripped through a synagogue on the Upper East Side on Monday night.

A fast-moving blaze was first reported to the FDNY at about 8:30 p.m. at the Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on 125 East 85 Street between Lexington and Park avenues. No Torahs were in the building at the time of the blaze.

A photo tweeted by the FDNY showed a powerful fire that had reached the synagogue's roof. The blaze was brought under control shortly before 10 p.m., according to the FDNY.

Jewish Standard Searching for Editor

My good friend Jamie Janoff has a challenging  position open at his paper.

The Jewish Standard is seeking a dynamic, accomplished editor.

The Standard serves Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson counties in New Jersey, reaching 20,000 homes via its print edition, website, e-mail newsletter, and social media. It is independently operated and has been publishing since 1931. Its current editor is retiring after 24 years at the helm.

The weekly newspaper, which is based in Teaneck, N.J., covers local, national, and international news of interest to its readers, who are actively engaged in all aspects of Jewish life. The position requires strong leadership, interpersonal, and teaming skills; community engagement and relationship-building abilities; creativity; and strong story identification/selection, news development, writing, opinion, editing, and newspaper production skills.

Applicants should have a deep and balanced understanding of issues of concern to the Jewish community and experience with page design, digital media, and social networking. Substantial journalism experience is required, and knowledge of or experience in the New Jersey Jewish community is a plus.

Submit a cover letter, résumé, writing samples, compensation history, and references to publisher@jewishmediagroup.com

Talmud Bavli Hullin 15a-b - translation by Tzvee

V.            For it was taught on Tannaite authority, R. Judah says, [15a] “All lamps made of metal may be carried about except for a lamp that was lit on the Sabbath itself [in violation of the prohibition].” But perhaps that case is different because he shifted it [to become a restricted object] with his actions. [Cashdan: in our Mishnah it becomes a restricted object by itself with the commencement of the Sabbath. That case should be less strict, “And if by some means it comes about that the animal is fit for eating it should be permitted.”]

W.           Said R. Ashi, “[The view of R. Judah regarding the animal slaughtered on the Sabbath at A is in accord with the view of] R. Judah regarding cooking [on the Sabbath].”

Talmud Bavli Hullin 14a-b - translation by Tzvee

[14a]

I.1 objects to Mishnah on the basis of Tosefta and works out the issue.

                1:1 J-K

J.             He who slaughters on the Sabbath or on the Day of Atonement, even though he [thereby] becomes liable for his life —

K.            his act of slaughter is valid.

I.1

A.            Said R. Huna, “R. Hiyya bar Abba interpreted [the rule] in the name of Rab, `[The meat] is prohibited to be eaten for that [Sabbath] day.'” And his associates proposed to say that [this view corresponds with] that of R. Judah.

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...

Two New Yiddish Movies in New York City

What are the odds that two new Yiddish themed movies would open in NYC in one week? 

Here are the reviews from the Times.

Movie Review | 'Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness'

So, Would It Hurt You to Go See a Documentary About a Yiddish Writer? By STEPHEN HOLDEN

“Sholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness” is a film biography not just of a writer but of a culture.

• Movie Overview | Showtimes | Trailers | Rate and Review

Movie Review | 'Romeo & Juliet in Yiddish'

Love Speaks in Every Language By A. O. SCOTT 

“Romeo & Juliet in Yiddish” relocates Shakespeare’s lovers to modern-day Brooklyn.

Bill Keller reviews John Julius Norwich's new book on the Popes

Norwich has quite a bit to say in his new book about the popes.

2,000 Years of Popes, Sacred and Profane

By BILL KELLER

John Julius Norwich makes a point of saying in the introduction to his history of the popes that he is “no scholar” and that he is “an agnostic Protestant.” The first point means that while he will be scrupulous with his copious research, he feels no obligation to unearth new revelations or concoct revisionist theories. The second means that he has “no ax to grind.” In short, his only agenda is to tell us the story.

And he has plenty of story to tell. “Absolute Monarchs” sprawls across Europe and the Levant, over two millenniums, and with an impossibly immense cast: 265 popes (plus various usurpers and anti­popes), feral hordes of Vandals, Huns and Visigoths, expansionist emperors, Byzantine intriguers, Borgias and Medicis, heretic zealots, conspiring clerics, bestial inquisitors and more. Norwich man­ages to organize this crowded stage and produce a rollicking narrative. He keeps things moving at nearly beach-read pace by being selective about where he lingers and by adopting the tone of an enthusiastic tour guide, expert but less than reverent.... more...

Talmud Bavli Hullin 13a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

C.            For it was taught in the Mishnah on Tannaite authority, The pomegranate, the acorn, or the nut which the children have fashioned [as a toy so as] to measure the dirt with them, or which they have adapted as a pair of scales — it is [susceptible to becoming] unclean [as a utensil], because they have [the capacity of] deed [i.e., they can fashion them into utensils by hollowing them out] [13a] but they do not have [the capacity of] deliberation [i.e., to transform a hollow object that they find into a utensil merely by their intention to use it as such] [M. Kel. 17:15 D-E].

Countdown to God's Favorite Prayers: Proofs Arrived

The new book is coming...the proofs arrived via UPS

"This book invites the reader into the heart of Jewish spirituality, to learn about its idiom and imagery, its emotions and its great sweeping dramas. It invites the reader to meet six ideal personalities of Jewish prayer and to get to know some of God's favorite prayers."

The countdown has started...  changes as needed.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 12a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

CC.         And if you say that is the case [12a] [what about] the paschal-offering and other sacrifices? [Meir must have fulfilled his obligation to eat such meat.] What can you then say [he must have done]? Rather, where it was possible [to examine the animal], it is possible [that he did require that they examine it]. And where it was not possible, it was not possible. Here too [in general he must have held] where it is possible [to examine the animal], it is possible [that we do require that they examine it]. And where it is not possible, it is not possible.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 11a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

G.            And R. Aha bar Jacob [11a] [will respond to this that F speaks of] an instance where a there is a row of people [standing between the house and the priest and one turns to the next in sequence] and they say that [the character of the spot] stays the same.

I.22

A.            What is the basis for this matter that the rabbis stated, “Go according to the majority?” As it is written, “Turn aside after a multitude” (Ex. 23:2).

JW: Rabbi Andrea Myers Calls Morris the Golfer an Apostate

Nothing gets my attention more quickly than a theological discussion involving a golfer. Rabbi Andrea Myers implies in an essay in the Jewish Week that a character she calls Morris, the Golfer, is an apostate, much like the Talmudic character Elisha Ben Abuyah, whom she directly labels an apostate.

She describes how both of these characters, the modern one and the ancient one, took leave of Judaic practice and/or belief because they "had a problem of theodicy: the question of how God can exist if there is evil in the world." Both men, she implies, especially Elisha Ben Abuyah, "went from being a respected scholar to an apostate." We are not sure that Morris ever was a scholar. But he gets to be classed by Myers together with the ancient rabbi anyhow.

Rabbi Myers is sensitive and certainly appears to grapple with serious theological issues and we applaud that activity. She makes two mistakes, both critical, in her essay. First she criticizes a golfer who chooses not to attend synagogue, and who justifies to her his behavior with a theodicy story. Golfers are above criticism on this blog. They can do no wrong.

More seriously though, Myers misunderstands the term "apostate". That word is reserved in the historical and sociological literature to describe a specific personality. It does not fit to use the term for anyone with a theodicy issue who questions God and avoids organized religion. Thoughtful criticism and questioning is a valid part of organized religious life.

David Bromley in his book "The Politics of Religious Authority" says it most clearly. Apostates are subversive leavetakers from a community of faith, "who are involved in a contested exit and affiliate with an oppositional coalition." Number one, they leave the religion with a specific story of conflict, sometimes an escape-from-captivity narrative. And number two, they affiliate with another community.

Golf is not an organized religion, no matter how religiously one plays it. And Elisha Ben Abuyah does not fit the sociological apostate mold as defined by most who use the term. Elisha after all, is still talked about in the Talmud. He is a special case, not an apostate. You can argue convincingly that there is no such thing as pure philosophical apostasy. It is a term that demands demonstrable sociological acts and affiliation changes, most often joining another religion.

Myers makes a bad confusion of terminology and categories and does poor Morris, the Golfer, a major disservice.

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.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 10a-b translation by Tzvee Zahavy

I.19

A.            Said R. Ashi. “Come and take note: A pitcher [of water of purification] that he left uncovered and he came and found it covered — it is unclean [cf. M. Parah 11:1].” For I may say that an unclean person came in there and covered it up. But if he left it covered and came in and found it uncovered — if a weasel could drink from it, or [if] a serpent [could drink from it] according to R. Gamaliel, or if dew could have fallen in it at night — it is unfit [for use as purification water, but it is not deemed unclean].

Times: St. Louis Park's Victor Vico Khabie is the Boxing Doctor

Hat tip to Barak for letting us know about this great profile in the Times of our former St. Louis Park, Minnesota neighbor, Vico Khabie.

When Bell Sounds, Surgeon Answers Ringside Calling
By GREG BISHOP
Victor Khabie combines his passion for boxing and his knowledge of medicine by moonlighting as a ringside physician. 

See the Times video!

Talmud Bavli Hullin 9a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

C.            Said Amemar in the name of R. Pappa, “One should not stack the loins [kidneys] on top of [other] meat because the fat [from the loins] will drip and the meat will absorb it.” If so when they [the loins] lie naturally we also [ought to fear] that the fat will drip and the meat will absorb it. [No.] The membrane [around the fat] separates it from [the meat] underneath it. If so, [9a] when [the loins] are on top [of other meat] there is also a membrane [to separate the fats from the meat]. [We cannot say this.] Since the butcher handles it [the membrane] disintegrates.

Times: Talmudic Daiquiris in Louisiana

No doubt on a hot day like today many a person is imbibing a frozen alcoholic drink.

Be careful. It is illegal in most states to drive with an open container of alcoholic contents in your automobile.

In Louisiana, Talmudic logic justifies a popular drive through daiquiri stand. The establishment is probably not under rabbinic supervision, but likely under rabbinic admiration for this argument: if you serve the drink in a covered cup and you provide the straw separately, that is surely not an open container violation! But wait, some say, not enough! You must put tape around the lid! Others say you must not have a hole in the lid at all.

Can you say, Straw splitting logic?

Have a happy 4th and drive safely. All rabbis agree, you should never drink and drive.

There You Go! Now Drive Safe, You Hear?
By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON

The drive-through daiquiri stand is a Louisiana institution, a celebration of the state’s sense of duty in matters of amusement as well as its sense of amusement in matters of law.

Pull up in the carport here at Maggio’s Discount Liquors, listen to the nostalgic ding-ding of a full service gas station and tell the smiling young woman (for the attendants are often smiling young women) what unnatural flavor you prefer: Junglerita? Vodka Freeze? Blue Cactus?

In it comes, through the driver’s side window in a cup with a lid. But see here, Your Honor: the straw itself is handed over separately. Ergo, this is not an illegal open container.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 8a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

I.12

A.            [8a] Said R. Zira, said Samuel, “If he heated a knife and slaughtered with it, his act of slaughtering is valid because the sharp edge cuts through before the heat burns [the animal].” But lo there are the sides [of the slit in the throat that will be singed by the heat and that should render the act invalid.] [Not so because we have the principle that] the site of the slaughtering widens [as he cuts and the heat will not touch the sides of the throat].

Talmud Bavli Hullin 7a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

M.           He expounded for them this verse: “And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had burned incense to it; it was called Nehushtan” (II Kings 18:4). [Rabbi explained:] Is it possible that Asa came [and ruled] and did not remove it, that Jehoshaphat came and did not remove it? Did not Asa and Jehoshaphat remove every form of idolatry in the world? [7a] But it must be that they left some room for him [Hezekiah] to distinguish himself. In my case also, they left me some room to distinguish myself [with this ruling].

Talmud Bavli Hullin 6a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

C.            [6a] And if you conclude that he [Zira] did not accept [the argument of Jacob], you could teach the matter as follows. Here [in the case where he ate the meat, the Samaritan slaughtered] with an Israelite standing over him [to supervise]. And there [where he did not eat the Samaritan's meat] no Israelite was standing over him. Do we not then derive that he accepted from him [the argument]? We derive it.

Talmud Bavli Hullin 5a-b translation of Tzvee Zahavy

But perhaps that which Ahab's men slaughtered, Ahab and his men ate. And that which Jehoshaphat's men slaughtered, Jehoshaphat and his men ate. [5a] He would not have separated himself [from them]. What is the source of that assertion? If you say from that which is written, “I am as you are, my people as your people...” (I Kings 22:4), but of this part [at the conclusion of the verse,] “My horses as your horses,” shall we say the same [about that phrase]? Rather [it implies] what will be upon your horses will be upon mine. Here too [the implication is] whatever will be upon you and your nation will be upon me and my nation.