Haveil Havalim # 76

Haveil Havalim is the carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It’s hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Soccer Dad. The term “Haveil Havalim”, which means "Vanity of Vanities", is from Kohelet, Ecclesiastes, which was written by King Solomon. Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other “excesses” and realized that it was nothing but “hevel”, or in English, “vanities.”

The Israeli Reality

Batel Beshishim has a very moving post, which puts a face on the victims of terrorist attacks in Israel.

Yisrael Medad of My Right Word has something to say about Israel's democracy in action.

He also uncovers the disturbing possibility of Shiloh residents being allowed to remain in their homes - under Palestinian authority.

Greg at Hear, O Israel reflects on the Gaza Beach incident and ponders what happens when politics trumps human rights.

Israel Matzav tells us about a former director general of Israel's foreign ministry, who comes out in favor of a negotiated surrender of most of Israel's strategic assets to the Palestinians.

Joe Settler dissects an "interesting" weekend.

He's also wondering who's running the war.

Boker Tov, Boulder! talks about the existential reality of Jewish life - and underscores the right choice.

Jerome Kaufman at Israel Commentary discusses an article, which claims that the demographic boom is on Israel's side.

Ernest Jr. of My Share of Sun in Israel shows us a glimpse of the Phillipine Parade and Bazaar at Hayarkon. Very colorful!

Orthomom talks about a new program, which produces "glatt-kosher" attorneys, both men and women.

Just what we need - more lawyers! ; ) And Classmate-Wearing-Yarmulka apparently seconds the sentiment...

The Town Crier brings us the news of the highest building in Israel being built - by Donald Trump.

The Hashmonean declares that Olmert is struggling for survival.

Orthodox Anarchist brings the report of an illegal party being violently shut down in Tel Aviv. Very disturbing.

Rahel of Elms in the Yard tells us a tale of two lists.

Batya reviews some restaurants in Jerusalem.

Scottage of Perspectives of a Nomad has the third part of his experiences in Israel - and it deals with the danger of daily life and surviving terror.

Aliyah Blog ponders about how it's possible to work for an Israeli company and a U.S. company at the same time.

In Context criticizes the Israeli leaders from various ends of the spectrum for allowing ideology to cloud their thinking.

Westbankmama has an interesting explanation for "Baruch Dayan HaEmet".

Lisa of On the Face, tells us what bloggers are writing in Hebrew. Come to think of it, HH is mostly an English-speaking roundup (I included one Spanish blog this time). Perhaps we could diversify it with time. Any volunteers?

Muse of Me-ander tells an amazing true story about her experience with a bus driver.

Israel Matzav asks why is it that Israel always acts with restraint towards terrorists.

He also discusses the apparent failure of unilateralism.

Elliot Chodoff, writing for Mideast: On Target notes that Olmert's Convergence Plan is actually multilateral, rather than unilateral.

Bookworm Room finds evidence that Israel was right in withdrawing.

In Context talks about Eliyahu's mother.

The Dry Bones blog pays a beautiful tribute to Israel's Army with this golden oldie.

... And Reactions to Bias and Absurdity

Westbankmama is angry (and rightfully so) with the attitude towards the State of Israel and asserts the right of the Israelis to be happy and safe.

Treppenwitz rants in reaction to the most recent biased coverage of Israel in the media - and among bloggers.

Joe Settler has some strong words for the Left and its leadership. And he's quite right.

The Bacon Eating Atheist Jew declares that there is no such thing as Palestinian land - and gives a good history lesson.

Olah Chadasha of Greetings From the French Hill does not understand the silence in the face of a WMD threat from Fatah.

AbbaGav reacts to Cindy Sheehan's planned hunger strike with his usual wit and hilarity.

SnoopyTheGoon of Simply Jews cleverly fisks a trite article dealing with the conflict.

He also presents a very effective and clearly biased cover page.

Bradley of The Egel Nest alerts us to a Neo-Nazi group, which staged a demonstration in April of this year.

Oxmyx of Oy Vay blog is angered by the lack of coverage for the death of Elyahu Asheri.

Elder of Ziyon reacts to a biased article in the Washington Post, an article which links to a blog.

Ra'anana Ramblings reacts to a rabbinical decree against hitchhiking.

Batya, on the other hand, is disgusted by the way the question of hitchhiking is posed in the first place.

Chayyei Sarah writes a very humble post apologizing for her earlier statements about the Gaza Beach explosion.

Oleh Yahshan reacts to the absurd number of false calls with respect to the start of Operation Summer Rain and is wondering whether anyone's actually in charge.

The Enemy Attacks (Again)

Oleh Yahshan of Greetings From The French Hill responds to the killings of 2 soldiers and the kidnapping of one - and his answer is WAR.

Ze'ev of Israel Perspectives has a plan of his own.

Ezzie is pissed off.

Jameel@The Muqata gives us some key terms to help us understand the semi-reengagement, which took place in response to the most recent Hamas-led attack.

He also remembers some precedents for the latest abduction - and the outcomes.

Saus of The Hashmonean brings us the breakdown of the terrorist infiltration.

Treppenwitz wonders what Gilad's father would consider the right course of action.

Chardal reflects on the recent attacks and explains why the fence is part of the problem, not a solution.

Israel Matzav concurrs.

Yoav of New Zionist analyzes why this attack is different from all other attacks.

Aliyah Blog warns us about the consequences of not learning from history.

The Hashmonean updates with the news that the Syrian Hamas leader was implicated in this attack - and hopefully, this will be the end of him!

Israel Matzav expands on the role of the Syrian Hamas in the kidnapping.

He also explains why arresting terrorists is a bad idea.

And with regard to the arrest of sixty Hamas officials, Israel Matzav asks whether it's a police action or war.

... and calls for Peretz's resignation.

Elder of Ziyon reminds us about the way international law views hostage-taking.

Meryl Yourish, meanwhile, informs us that the terrorists have issued their demands.

She also compares statements of Kofi Annan with respect to the situation. Oy. (Hat Tip: Ezzie)

Atlas Shrugs informs us that Iran and Syria are pressing Hamas to keep the k kidnapped soldier, Gilad Shalit.

Ezzie tells us about the lives of the two fallen soldiers. Baruch Dayan Emes.

Meanwhile, Michael Eisenberg of Six Kids and a Full Time Job, worries about the possibilty of Gilad being smuggled out to Egypt through one infamous route.

Israel Matzav explains why IDF missed the attack.

Rafi G. of Life in Israel talks about the implications of the government's inaction in the face of the attack.

Arlene from Israel talks about the confusion over the post-attack situation and clears up some misconceptions.

Dave of Israel At Level Ground compares Amir Peretz with Levi Eskhol, and worries about the implications of such a comparison.

Fundamentally Freund asks where is the spirit of Entebbe.

AbbaGav tells us to prepare for a repeat of Jenin.

Meanwhile, Syria is preparing as well - preparing to protect that Hamas leader, as reported by Jihad Watch.

Batya, at Shiloh Musings, remembers the time when she was proud to be an Israeli.

Vital Perspective live-blogs Operation Summer Rain.

Israpundit has Michael Oren's article, in which he calls for a return to targeted killings.

IRIS notes that the PA leaders have been advocating kidnappings for some time.

Jack admits he was wrong about disengagement.

Chana, The Curious Jew, responds to the abduction in a beautiful and graceful way, by thinking about Gilad's situation and letting him know directly how much everyone's concerned about him.

Batya of Shiloh Musings brings us the sad news that Elyahu Asheri has been murdered.

Judith Klinghoffer of Deja Vu talks about holding PA accountable for the attack and includes an interview with a Palestinian official, who's singing the same old song.

Daled Amos talks about a possible diplomatic breakthrough in the attempt to get Cpl.Gilad Shalit released.

Oleh Yahshan notes that during the entire Operation Summer Rain, thus far, not one person has been injured.

Jack writes a thought-provoking response to the murder of Elyahu Asheri.

Chana has a quote by Rabbi Soloveitchik, very appropriate to the occasion.

Meanwhile, Greg at Hear, O Israel, remains skeptical about Olmert's first initiative in over three months.

Chayyei Sarah attends Elyahu Asheri's funeral and discusses it in her post.

Alcibiades at Kesher Talk discusses Herb Keinon's article in Jerusalem post, in which Keinon muses that Hamas may use the latest operation for further victimization.

Lost in Bec's World talks about Eliyahu Asheri and tries to figure out who's to blame.

On a positive note, Israel Matzav has some advice for how to recover Gilad Shalit alive.

Westbankmama praises an interesting move by the IDF and a very good chess player behind it all.

Ezzie talks about 1000-for-1 offer.

And don't forget to look at his beautiful response to the hostage crisis.

New Blogs and Websites

(Hat tip: Soccer Dad )

This Ongoing War: It's updated several times every day, often from sources that most people do not see or even know about. Its purpose is expressed in this statement:

Chronicling the Under-reported War of Terror Against Israelis: This war is killing us. Most people lack a factual understanding of events in our region because the media often report them inadequately and inaccurately. Our daughter Malki, murdered at the age of 15 in a restaurant massacre in 2001, was a victim of jihadist hatred and barbarism. Jihadism will end in Israel (New York, Madrid, London, Bali) only after people first understand the scale on which it's happening.

Please be sure to check it out!

Dreaming of Moshiach - The title says it all. The blog features sumbission from various blogs of all the people who've dreamed of what would happen once Moshiach is here.

Akiva writing at Dov Bear alerts us to a new blog called Hitler Cats (featuring cats, which look like Hitler), and ponders an appropriate reaction.

Heichal HaNegina announces a new Yahoo group, dedicated to the Modzitzer Rebbe and invites YOU!

Jacob Richman has a new website called Learn Hebrew - it's a free flash site for learning new words, and includes audio and transliterations.

Who's who in the Tanakh? You can find out by visiting TanakhProfiles, Rabbi Johnathan Mishkin's new website. It's a database of every person in the Tanakh. (Hat tip: Yutopia)

From Around the J-Blogosphere

Jack's grandfather passed away. May his memory be a blessing.

He has some memories of his grandfather here.

On a much happier note, Ralphie of Kerckhoff Coffeehouse welcomes a new baby (and it's a girl!). Mazal Tov!!!

Ezzie is expecting some guests on his blog... and meanwhile, gives us an introduction!

ADDeRabbi writes about selecting the name for his son, whose brit was last Sunday, as well as naming his other children.

Veev of Air Time says goodbye to an important person in her life.

Exsemgirl tells us a great story about handling one very angry little boy.

Marnie, a.k.a. Annabel Lee, spends a lovely girls' weekend in Las Vegas and celebrates her recent engagement.

David Linn of Beyond BT writes about maintaining the relationship with his brother even despite the religious divide and the song his brother wrote for him.

Jerusalem Gypsy's Oldest daughter gets married. Mazal Tov!

Shoshana of Sweet Rose talks about personal happiness and relationships.

Velveteen Rabbi discusses overcoming the challenges before one wedding ceremony.

Ezzie goes on a secret J-blogger mission.

Jameel@Serandez (huh?!) gives us a fake but accurate coverage of the Super Top Secret J-Bloggers Meeting. (Shh! Don't tell anyone!)

Step By Step...Ima? is busy planning her wedding and worries about balancing out the various relatives.

Robert and Karen of Seraphic Secret talk about Rabbi Singer, Karen's father, who passed away recently.

Tobie of Voices in My Head, celebrates her first blogiversary.

The Jblogosphere blog now features some new icons you can also add to your blogs.

Scottage of Perspectives of a Nomad blogs about a very special watch.

Nephthuli, at Just Another Jewish Conspiracy, evaluates the importance of international law.

Ezzie and Serach celebrate their second anniversary this week.

Likewise, a Happy FIRST Anniversary to Oleh Yahshan and Olah Chadasha!

Soccer Dad publicizes Shalom USA's 7th anniversary.

Rafi G. of Life in Israel gets new glasses.

The War Against Us

Israellycool reports that the terrorists claim they've kidnapped the missing Israeli teenager Eliyahu Asheri and discusses the newest developments since the kidnapping.

Smooth Stone brings us news that Hamas plans to subjugate other countries, besides Israel. (I don't think so.)

Bagel Blogger looks at the possible causes for the most recent escalation of the conflict.

Alcibiades at Kesher Talk presents us with two articles on Zarqawi, both worth reading.

Daled Amos presents us with a claim that Al-Aksa Martyrs' Brigade may have WMD.

Israel Matzav asks whether there'll be a Palestinian Civil War.

Oxmyx of Oy Vay Blog remembers Leon Klinghoffer.

Solomonia reviews a book, which imagines life in the Islamist U.S.

Manuel Delgado, (El Blog de Manuel Delgado), points out a new anti-semitic group in France.

I write about a socialist conference at Columbia University, and the lectures on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran, which I observed there. It was completely outrageous.

Israel Matzav discovers that most Egyptians and Jordanians don't believe Arabs carried out the attacks on 9/11... and a few other things.

Israellycool is seeing red.

Batya of Shiloh Musings asks what is "moral" - and gives some clear standards for defining moral (and immoral!) behavior in U.S. and Israeli governments' policies.

Shtender at Hayom blogs up a discussion about terror and terrorists.

Akira of Sushi Kiddush comes to believe that it's time to disarm North Korea before it's too late.

The Augean Stables take the 72 Virgins to task.

Elder of Ziyon brings us a poll, which shows that the majority of Palestinians support terror attacks.

Jewish Blogmeister reports the possibility of Hamas and Fatah recognizing a two-state solution. Is it a joke?

Joe Settler predicts what the terrorists will do next.

Chaim of Life-of-Rubin brings us a shocking photograph from Gaza.

Unwilling Self-Negation looks at the Qu'aranic verses, frequently misapplied by the Muslims.

Neo-neocon searches for a term to describe our enemies.

Sultan Knish talks about Russia's intentions and strategy towards Israel... and they are definitely not of the friendly pursuasion.

Judy at Jerusalem Diaries, brings us an interview with Efraim Halevy, the former head of the Mossad, who predicts that Hamas may implode.

Elder of Ziyon gives us a lengthy list of female would-be suicide bombers who are currently residing in Israeli prisons. These are the prisoners the terrorists want released in exchange for Gilad Shalit.

Zionism and Israel Information Center has a photo essay about the victims of the Qassams in Sderot and other areas.

Judeopundit reports Al-Aqsa's statement that they've fired a rocket tipped with a chemical warhead on Israel.

Israel At Level Ground features a NY Jewish Week associate editor, who calls on Jews to leave Israel and come to the United States.

E-kvetcher has a haunting photo-post, showing the horrors of war.

Israel Matzav brings us the news that Egypt warns Israel not to take the peace treaty for granted.

He also tells us that Mubarak demands that Syria expels Mashaal.

In other news, Israel Matzav makes it clear that there's a lot of noise, but nothing decisive.

And that, in fact, it is Peretz who's preventing the IDF from entering Northern Gaza.

The Colossus of Rhodey remembers the raid on the reactor.

Powerline has some updates on the hostage situation.

And Rick Richman, writing for Jewish Current Issues, writes about the week of kids.

Life Beyond War

Amishav talks about discovering Roman toilets in Bet She'an.

It's Almost Supernatural discusses the debate about Israel's acceptance of the neutral Red Crystal symbol as a condition for joining the Red Cross.

The Dry Bones Blog features an excellent take on the latest developments in the - Presbyterian Church divestment campaign - and it's good news, for once..

Jewish Russian Telegraph brings us an interesting article about Russian Jews fighting to gain acceptance in Australia.

Not Quite Perfect shows us what happens when the sun sets and color fades from the world...

A Simple Jew engages in a conversation with another blogger about finding positive signs in the birth of one's child.

Israel Matzav informs us that the U.S. Trade Representative is under fire for allegedly covering the Saudis.

The Jewish Freak shares some conspiracies.

Harry of Emes ve-Emunah gets a chance to listen to Professor Robert Aumann and discusses the lecture.

Maurice Picow of One Jerusalem writes about a recent meeting of Jewish leaders in Maryland and the discussion of the future of World Jewry.

Yo, Yenta! discovers that NASA now consults rabbis about the proper accomodations for Jewish astronauts.

She also informs us that Atlanta now has one of the fastest-growing Jewish populations in the country, and gives us a list of other significant Jewish communities in the U.S.

Mottel of Letters of Thought discusses movies within the Jewish world.

Anshel's Wife concludes that ignorance is bliss.

Jack Davidov of The Jewish Cube ponders whether frum people should get married as young as they do.

Stacey has lunch at a Thai restaurant and wonders whether cigar is sometimes more than just a cigar.

MordyS, writing for Serandez, asks whether Jews really are that different.

Mis-Nagid, writing for Dov Bear, gets personal and then asks for money (for charity).

Barefoot Jewess posts for the first time in 4 months and talks about what it means to be poor.

Yaakov Menken, writing for Cross-Currents, has more on the Lakewood Internet ban.

Muse of Me-ander has a remedy for earaches.

Orthoprax has some questions pertaining to the recent studies on homosexuality, linking it to genetic factors.

Hasidic Rebbele mourns the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense.

I'm Haaretz, Ph.D. offers us a timeline of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's life and ideas, and a beautiful photograph of the Lubavitcher and Rebbetzin, both appropriate in light of recent events.

Chaim of The Life-of-Rubin has a round-up of posts dealing with the Rebbe's Yahrtzeit, and some incredible pictures.

Sarah's View offers a series of great photographs from her recent visit to safari.

Jameel@Dov Bear ("Jameel the Ubiquitous") horrifies us with the news that the Defense Department imposes a loyalty test on American Jews.

Having participated in the week-long takeover of DovBear's blog, Mis-Nagid posts nothing but kefira.

Zion Truth brings us a fascinating and well-researched historical entry about the REAL George Antonius.

Shlemazl has some Russian superstitions - including one we all know too well, unfortunately.

Rahel of Elms in the Yard talks about two Renaissance men.

Israel At Level Ground reports that NBA has drafted two Israeli players.

Rishon Rishon introduces us to The Universal Law of Intepersonal Dynamics.

The Armchair View brings us the news that Harvard is beginning to suffer the consequences of driving out Larry Summers.

What's a Jewish carnival without a few good Jewish lawyer jokes? Check out Israel At Level Grounds for the legal details.

It's Almost Supernatural is happy that the South African Red Cross voted in favor of accepting Maged David Adom into the International Red Cross.

Ocean Guy of Somewhere On A1A has his weekly History Friday and writes about the Italian Jews welcoming the French army in 1798.

Mottel of Letters of Thought talks about Chabad today and Gimmel Tammuz.

Esther of My Urban Kvetch talks about thinking in Hebrew after her visit to Israel.

Ezzie brings us some great entertainment in the form of Diet Coke and Mentos. (The Show)

Blogging Up A Storm

Soccer Dad makes an excellent observation about pro-Israel blogging and what we can do to help.

He responds to the comments here.

Muse of Me-ander talks about JBlog Central adding the element of competition.

Woland has some solutions for preventing identity theft in the blogosphere.

I discuss the way community blogging doesn't really contradict the individualist purpose of many bloggers.

Westbankmama has a great one about kvetchy bloggers. (Hat tip: Ezzie )

Elster talks about using blogging anonymity to create a positive image of oneself, and the challenges such image-making presents.

Karin Kloosterman, writing for Israelity, has been appointed as Israel writer for TreeHugger.

Ze'ev of Israel Perspectives warns us that blogging can kill, if we don't get our act together.

Judaism

At Cross Currents, Jonathan Rosenblum criticizes "scientific" attacks on religion.

Godol Hador gives us the result of his internal debate between faith and reason.

Jewish Atheist uncovers the laws of miracles.

At Jewish Community Professionals, we are presented with the Devil's Advocate's view on Shteibels.

Yeranen Yaakov talks about the end of days - are we there?

On The Main Line pontificates about pims - and includes a very interesting linguistic background.

NY's Funniest Rabbi talks about disagreements, the challenge of spiritual leadership in the Torah, and the consequences.

Ricky Ricardo of Unenlightment asks how blue is different from all other colors.

Mah Rabu talks about different approaches to prayer direction arrangements, and what's really important.

Frum Idealist talks about the esoteric meanings of numbers, and tackles "one".

Rock of Galilee talks about G-d's role in tragedies.

Criticall Mastiff discusses a strange blessing, which deals with forbidden unions.

Renegade Rebbetzin writes the Yom HaAtzmaut post that never was.

The Lab Rabbi talks about Tammuz and uncovers a few fascinating interpretations.

Netivat Sofrut talks about the "equal but different" treatment of men and women in Judaism.

Nephthuli of Prima Impressionis criticizes the lack of religious self-confidence apparently behind one recent blog debate.

A Mother in Israel ponders whether we overdo Shabbat.

Drew Kaplan talks about sleep - for the perplexed.

My Obiter Dicta writes about combines combining Korah with Huqqat.

That's it for this week's edition!

Your host,
Irina