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Interesting quotes from famous Jews
My father never lived to see his dream come true of an
all-Yiddish-speaking
Canada.
-David Steinberg
I once
wanted to become an atheist but I gave up. They have no
holidays.
-Henny Youngman
Look
at Jewish history. Unrelieved lamenting
would be intolerable. So, for every
ten Jews beating their breasts, God
designated one to be crazy and amuse the breast beaters. By the time I was five
I knew I was that one.
-Mel Brooks
The time
is at hand when the wearing of a prayer shawl
and skullcap will not bar a man from the
White House, unless, of course, the man
is Jewish.
-Jules Farber
Even
if you are Catholic, if you live in New York,
you're Jewish. If you live in Butte, Montana, you are
going to be a goy even if you
are Jewish.
-Lenny Bruce
The
remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served us nothing
but leftovers. The original meal has never been
found.
-Calvin Trillin
Let me
tell you the one thing I have against Moses. He took
us forty years into the desert in order to bring us to the one place in the
Middle East that has no
oil!
-Golda Meir
Even a secret
agent can't lie to
a Jewish mother.
-Peter Malkin
My
idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with
me.
-Benjamin Disraeli
It's so
simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say
it.
-Sam Levenson
Don't be humble; you are
not that great.
-Golda Meir
I
went on a diet, swore off drinking and heavy eating, and in fourteen days I had
lost exactly two
weeks.
-Joe E. Lewis
A
spoken contract isn't worth the paper it's written
on.
-Sam Goldwyn
I don't want to achieve
immortality through my work. I want to achieve immortality through not
dying.
-Woody Allen
Whoever called it
necking was a poor judge of
anatomy.
-Groucho Marx
A
politician is a man who will double cross that bridge when he comes to
it.
-Oscar Levant
Too bad that
all the people who know how to run this country are busy driving taxis and
cutting hair.
-George Burns
A committee is a
group that keeps minutes and loses
hours.
-Milton Berle
I don't
want any yes-men around me. I want everybody to tell me the truth, even if it
costs them their
jobs.
-Sam Goldwyn
Television is a medium
because it is neither rare nor well
done.
-Ernie Kovacs
When I bore
people at a party, they think it is their
fault.
-Henry Kissinger
"DAILY JEWISH WISDOM" is found @ Beliefnet.com
JEWISH WISDOM:
Fear builds walls to bar the light. - Baal Shem Tov
Engage in Torah and charity even with an ulterior motive, for that habit of right doing will lead also to right motivation. - Talmud: Pesahim, 50b
The sword comes into the world because of justice delayed and because of justice perverted.- Ethics of the Fathers 5:8
Ever since Rabbi Akiba used the Passover seder to plan a revolutionary struggle against the Roman occupiers, the Jews have used the seder to begin concrete work on tikkun (healing and transformation).
- Rabbi Michael Lerner, the Tikkun Magazine Passover supplement 2006
To work out ends of righteousness and love are you called; not merely to enjoy or suffer.
- S.R. Hirsch, "Nineteen Letters," 1836
“Pessimism is a luxury that a Jew can never allow himself.” Golda Meir
The worship of God, though desirable as an end itself, can somehow never be in the right spirit, unless it impels one to the service of man. - Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan
Concentrate on three things and you will not fall into the grip of sin. Know from where you came, where you are going, and before Whom you will have to give account and reckoning.- Pirkei Avot 3:1
We cannot learn from general principles: there may be exceptions. - Johanan, Talmud: Kiddushin
A truly generous man is he that always gives, whether it be much or little, before he is asked.- Orchot Tsadiqim
The best security for old age: respect your children.- Sholem Asch
A Jew can be Jewish with God, against God, but not without God.- Elie Wiesel
He who promotes his own honor at the expense of his neighbor's has no portion in the world to come.- Judah b. Hanina, Genesis Rabbah
Even if all the world tells you, "You are righteous," consider yourself a sinner. - Rabbi Simlai
Prayer is meaningless unless it is subversive, unless it seeks to overthrow and to ruin the pyramids of callousness, hatred, opportunism and falsehood. The liturgical movement must become a revolutionary movement, seeking to overthrow the forces that continue to destroy the promise, the hope, the vision.- Abraham Joshua Heschel, "On Prayer"
Lose with truth and right rather than gain with falsehood and wrong.- Maimonides, "Tzavaah"
Seek the good in everyone, and reveal it, bring it forth.- Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1811), "Likutey Moharan"
Just as we love ourselves despite the faults we know we have, so should we love our neighbors despite the faults we see in them.- Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov
A man should never impose an overpowering fear upon his household. - Babylonian Talmud, Gittin 6b
If you add to the truth, you subtract from it.- The Talmud
Love unaccompanied by criticism is not love....Peace unaccompanied by reproof is not peace.- Genesis Rabbah 54:3
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http://dcourier.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=87841&SectionID=74&SubSectionID=114&S=1
for 5771
| 11/25/2010 9:59:00 PM Hanukkah a time to give thanks | |||||
Freedom. Tolerance. Giving thanks. Rabbi William Berkowitz sees these as pillars of both the Thanksgiving holiday and Hanukkah. Berkowitz, who leads the congregation at Temple B'rith Shalom in Prescott, said Thanksgiving and Hanukkah have similar themes that people can take to heart in life's peaks and valleys. Both focus on thanking God for the harvest, religious freedom and being grateful for another year of life, Berkowitz said. "I think it's very important that in good times and not such good times that we set aside occasions for celebration and pure joy," he said. The Jewish holiday commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Hellenistic Syrians in 165 B.C., and the restoration of the holy temple in Jerusalem. Jews observe Hanukkah by lighting candles for eight days to commemorate the number of days that oil burned after the Maccabees lit it in the temple, thinking they had enough oil to burn for just one day. Hanukkah begins at sunset Wednesday. "It's a chance to spread light and joy in the winter darkness," the rabbi said. "We've been doing this for 2,000 years." Berkowitz said the Prescott temple will host a potluck celebration during the holiday with local members, including the youngest members of the congregation. "We often experience Hanukkah through the eyes of our children, and it's a very happy time," he said. "It's a clear reminder of how much uplift and love family can bring." Adele Plotkin with Beit Torah Jewish Congregation in Prescott Valley said there is some thought that Hanukkah came from a missed earlier holiday with a focus on giving thanks for a good harvest and for having ample means of sustenance. Plotkin said Hanukkah is about religious tolerance and people coming together and getting along regardless of their religion. "The main message of Hanukkah is celebrating religious freedom and freedom from discrimination," she said. Bailee Petrovsky, who is preparing for her Bat Mitzvah next year, said the holiday is about the history of the holiday, the gifts, the tradition and the family coming together. Bailee, 12, said she thinks it's "cool" that the Maccabees thought the oil would last one day and it lasted more than a week. And Bailee is looking forward to continuing the message and meaning of the holiday for years to come. "I think it's important that families have traditions," she said. David Ziminsky, who is the same age as Bailee, said he enjoys seeing his family drive up from the Phoenix area to celebrate with him - and the food. David said he, too, wants to move the holiday forward. "It's fun. I want to teach my kids," he said. |
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http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=75612&TM=41264.96
Prescott families celebrate religious freedom during Hanukkah
 | By Doug Cook, The Daily Courier |
| |||||
Huddled in front of a spacious living room window as the sun set late Friday afternoon, Eve Zack and Adele Plotkin led a group of nine celebrants in song as they lit four Menorahs on a small covered table to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.
The Menorahs' candles symbolize the "Festival of Lights" - a time when Jews praise God for the religious freedom their ancestors gained thousands of years ago after taking back the Holy Temple in Jerusalem from Greek oppressors.
According to the Talmud, following that victory, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to light the Temple for one day - yet the oil burned for eight days, which was the time it took to prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.
"This is a celebration of religious freedom - the right of everyone to not be imposed upon by anyone else," said Plotkin, a lay leader for the Beit Torah Jewish congregation based in Prescott Valley. "The idea is to respect each other while being able to do things as we see fit."
For eight days, starting Friday, Jews celebrate their liberation and will ignite candles on each of those days through Saturday. The sacred flames from the Menorah candles represent the celebrants' spirit and the figurative light they shine on the world.
"The idea of lighting the Menorahs near a window is to share with everybody outside the evidence of the miracle (when the temple was lit for eight days with insufficient oil)," Zack said.
Zack, an orthodox Jew who played host to the gathering, introduced her three children - P.J., 11, Mirah, 9, and Raina, 5 - to the true meaning of Hanukkah and all it represents.
Singing songs and reading from Biblical scripture in both Hebrew and English, every person lit two candles stationed in the middle and to the far right of the Menorahs.
"Each of us has a candle," said Plotkin as she guided the ceremony. "For every good deed we do, our light will lead the nation in joy and cooperation."
Afterward, participants sang the hymn "Rock of Ages" and spread out their dreidels - toys that look like spinning tops - for playing games on the Menorah table before moving to the kitchen and igniting the Shabbat candles in honor of the Jewish Sabbath.
As each person lit the Shabbat, he or she cupped their hands and covered their faces and chanted, "Shabbat shalom!"
Prior to blessing and breaking bread, and eating salad, pretzels, peanuts, tuna salad, vegetable soup, fritters, and potato pancakes from the kitchen table, everyone shared a common blessing. They sang the Kiddush - adapted from the first four verses of Genesis Chapter 2 that describes God's rest on the seventh day after the creation - and drank wine or grape juice from a small paper cup.
One of the celebrants, Kevin Holbrook, a 22-year-old senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, brought his girlfriend, ERAU sophomore Sara Gurnett, 19, to Zack's Prescott home to recognize Hanukkah and the spirit it invokes.
Holbrook, who was raised Jewish, met Plotkin through the Civil Air Patrol and found out about the celebration she helped organize.
Gurnett, a non-denominational Christian, said she is "dating into the Jewish faith."
"I had always celebrated Christmas growing up, but I had a lot of Jewish friends," she said. "People don't get to see the Hanukkah experience first-hand. It's interesting."
When the ceremony wound down, Zack spoke about how she and her children would spend the next 25 hours after sunset at home by themselves - reflecting on their lives without contacting the outside world. With their TV, phone and computer turned off, it afforded them an opportunity to relax, read, play and cherish the company of their nuclear family.
No work. No chores. No distractions. No worries.
"It's a beautiful faith, and it's very meaningful," said Zack, who has been observing Judaism for the past six months. "It has a deep, rich beauty that, when you really get into it, is pretty much everywhere."
Comments are in reverse chronological order. It is best to read them from the bottom end up!
Reader Comments as of 9 am Monday
Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009
Article comment by: Rev. Irene
I think it is glorious that families can get togetlher to celebrate a religious holyday of their chice and do it without fear. We are all children of the same Creator and we all just take a different rout to return to His House. Happy Holidays to all in love and freedom. And so it is Rev. Irene
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: Sparky Red(Site administrator's note: This comment was removed because it violated our Terms of Use Agreement)
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: Shari
Hey Doug, thanks for the wonderful article! I just went to Israel last January, for the first time, and it was the deepest, most profound experience of my life. To everyone, ignore this Rev. Tom guy. Truth be told, I think he's just trying to rile people up. And if he truly believes what he says, let him. I've seen much more beautiful, accepting comments from people of all faiths on here, which I think speaks much louder. Happy Hanukkah! And to the Christians, Merry Christmas! And to anyone of secular beliefs, Happy Winter Solstice! =) This is a beautiful time of the year.
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: Richard
I am a Christian and just want to say I think this is a wonderful article. The reporter did an excellent job providing all of us a glance inside this event, which appears genuine and sacred to the Jewish people. I respect their devotion to God and the way they strive to live in our community in peace -- honoring their God and their fellow neighbors. Thank you Courier for providing this article.
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: No name provided
How much do you want to bet that all of the anti-religion jerks out there wouldn't have the guts to walk up to a Muslim and tell him there is no Allah or Mohammed, and that the Koran is rubbish? Not one of them. Quit attacking the Jews and Christians for their beliefs, and keep your propaganda to yourself.
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: OOPS!
"curmudgeon" thanks for the info - always willing to learn from others.
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: Water Baby
REV TOM WHAT'S YOUR LAST NAME & WHERE DO YOU PASTOR? "HAPPY CHANUKAH" TO ALL BEAUTIFUL JEWISH PEOPLE!
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: TO: REV. TOM
If it weren't for God's "tolerance" REV>< TOM, you'd still be a lost soul!
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: honkybrujo
Rev. Tom, do you really make a living off spreading this mythology?
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by: Rev., where's the fruit?
"wow" to Rev., take your negative/critical spirit to the foot of the cross. (born-again too).
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Curmudgeon
More to OOPS: Actually "Catholick" is a correct spelling according to the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles'_Creed
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: For SHAME! (LS)
Rev. (?) Tom hardens hearts.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: S Franks - Jew For Jesus
Hey: Rev. Tom - - - "real christians" don't judge those outside church walls. God is tolerant! Me senses an angry spirit pouring forth from you! You won't bring the "unsaved" to Christ with that attitude! TO: "Curmudgeon" - - - - feel better now?
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Adele
WOW! I realize now that there was even more light coming from this small, heimisch [homey], celebration than we thought...there are actually five menorot in the picture! [count the flames!!!]
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Rev. Tom
Wow, are there any "real" Christians out there? Jesus Christ is Messiah for all the world, including the Jews. As you can see by the postings on this site, His name is like fingernails on a chalkboard, to those who are lost. I have some very sobering news for you "tolerant" folks...God is not tolerant. He sent His Son to this earth (we will be celebrating the event on the 25th, it's called CHRISTmas) to fullfill the scriptures and to take the worlds sin on Himself, so that all who believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. He is the ONLY Way, the TRUTH and the LIFE. So there you have it, you can accept it or not. That's religious freedom, but when you stand before Him, you can't say you haven't heard the TRUTH.
Article comment by: OOPS!
Thanks "Curmudgeon" for taking the time to point out my error in spelling chosen incorrectly. Catholicks. . . uh . . . or would that be Catholics? Well, anyway, yes some are the "very elect" as are others. Marianne Elizabeth Vangalio
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Curmudgeon
Bob: What? You're hoping humanity is eventually going to become rational? Hold your breath for that one! ------ By the way, I think the Catholicks told me they were the CHOOSEN... uh... or would that be CHOSEN?
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Celebrate Diversity
There is indeed too much ignorance and intolerance in the area. Just the other day, I asked twice to see the "holiday" stamp selection at the PV post office. I was shown the one with Madonna and Child and the ones with snomen. Finally, I specifically asked for the Hanukah ones and was told that they don't stock them! I informed the clerk that not everyone is a christian and she replied, Well *I* am!
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Marianne
Dear Bob: One's heart desire to see the "disappearance" of all religion is, within itself, a religion. There can be no exclusion of any religion; its virtually impossible, therefore, making it a religion. Marianne Elizabeth Vangalio
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Bob
When we can just be ,and not need a label{ No Tribes in traditional Native America have a word for Religion).I hope that I live long enough to see religion disappear as all primitive superstition that needs a greater being to look out for US.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Son of a Jewish WW2 Vetern
To out ignorant and intolerant "self proclaimed Rev. Tom." A history lesson for you. • FIRST SYNAGOGUE DEDICATE IN THE USA (1763) On this date, the "Touro Synagogue" was dedicated in Newport, Rhode Island. The synagogue, named after Isaac Touro, its first officiating rabbi, was the first synagogue in the American Colonies. 2ND DAY OF CHANUKAH MIRACLE (139 BCE) On the 25th of Kislev in the year 3622 from creation, the Maccabees liberated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, after defeating the vastly more numerous and powerful armies of the Syrian-Greek king Antiochus IV, who had tried to forcefully uproot the beliefs and practices of Judaism from the people of Israel. The victorious Jews repaired, cleansed and rededicated the Temple to the service of G-d. But all the Temple's oil had been defiled by the pagan invaders; when the Jews sought to light the Temple's menorah (candelabra), they found only one small cruse of ritually pure olive oil. Miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new, pure oil could be obtained. In commemoration, the Sages instituted the 8-day festival of Chanukah, on which lights are kindled nightly to recall and publicize the miracle. Your comments provide us " Never Again"
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Rev. Kev
Let me re quote Rev. Tom: Christianity, a beautiful faith that is lost when those like Rev. Tom show their ignorance of the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Tom, seek forgiveness my misguided, ignorant Reverend friend, tainting Christ's teachings is no way to the Father.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: God's Choosen Ones
Since 1980 I've celebrated Hanukkah with my beloved Jewish friends in Sedona and we celebrate Christmas together as well. Jewish people are God's CHOOSEN; to embrace them is to embrace Him. My hope and prayer, as many celebrate this holiday season; be it Hanukkah, Christmas, winter solstice, or others, that we could at least make an attempt to mature some and cease with the ridiculous, childish, uncalled for degrading remarks. Who does it benefit anyway? Happy Hanukkah. Shalom! Marianne Elizabeth Vangalio, (born-again Christian), Peace!
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Why Can't We All Get Along?
Another of the beautiful aspects of Judaism is that the prosthelitizing that many Christians feel compelled to do (for whatever reason) is strictly forbidden. Judaism, present long before Jesus of Nazareth was born (remember the Old Testament?)has no need to seek out converts. Those who practice Judaism are secure in their beliefs and need not worry about finding a place in heaven. That is guaranteed. It is unfortunate and grossly disrespectful for non-believers to take any opportunity to tell Jews that "you are wrong; we are right." Such arrogant, self-righteous statements are simply destructive and hurtful....quite "un-Christian," don't you think? I appreciate the fond statements that have been made by others who recognize that Hanukkah is a celebration of joy that can be shared by all, regardless of their core religious beliefs.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: AMAZED IN ARIZONA
Apparently, "Rev. Tom" just could not pass up the opportunity to preach his particular doctrine in response to a lovely piece about our Jewish citizens celebrating Hanukkah. We do so hope Rev. Tom feels so much better now that he has scratched that particular judgemental itch.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Adele
What a wonderful example of why Jews celebrate Chanukah! In this great country we have the right to believe and observe as we wish without needing to bow to the tyranny, disrespect, insensitivity, and rudeness of people like Rev Tom. In fact, we grieve for these people and pray that they [and he] will see the light of their own scriptures, thereby coming to embrace tolerance and respect for differences. Unfortunately it is clear right now, from what Rev Tom wrote, that we are not his "Jewish friends".
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: ForConsciousness
@Rev. Tom... Only in Prescott would yours be the first comment after such a gentle and moving story of family and friends recognizing their faith and honoring religious freedom. Religious freedom, as guaranteed in the Constitution, means not having to be molested (in print or in person) in practicing one's traditions. Blessings for the Zack family, friends, and all of their faith, as they celebrate as they see fit, during these holidays (as this time of year is celebrated by many cultures beyond Christian...)
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Prescott, Thy Name is Intolerance
To Rev. Tom: You and your ilk of "there's only one way" are what makes this town so incredibly intolerant in many ways. Why don't you just cool it.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Hey Rev
Rev. Tom...As a Christian, you have offended me. There is a time and place for everything. You are a fool and so is the Courier for posting your comment.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: azlaydey
Celebrate your faith in God in your own way..... L'Chaim!
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by: Rev. Tom
A beautiful faith that is lost without its' Savior Jesus Christ. Seek Jesus my Jewish friends, there is no other Way to the Father.
