malkakugel-blog - Tumblr blog

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

My Trip to Cuba

I just got back from one of the most interesting countries in the world: Cuba. Although I haven’t traveled to such exotic places much before (this was my first time), I think I decided what my favorite part of traveling the world is. My favorite part of this trip was the interactions I had with this fantastic culture. These people are so different from what I’m used to, here’s why.

While walking through the streets of Havana, or horseback riding through the mountains of Venales, I saw people doing something very uncommon in New York: nothing. Every ‘house’ in Venales has several rocking chairs on the front porch, for residents to just sit, think, watch, wonder, perhaps even hum.

Cubans love to interact with one another with passion, excitement, laughter and love. The men are very family oriented, smiling at every child they see. Everyone was so friendly to us that we began starting conversations with our taxi drivers, tour guides, and even some strangers (sorry mom). Every conversation is full of life, and every word is lived to be spoken.

Call this inappropriate, but listen to this. In Cuba, any age male flirts with every age, size, and shape woman. The love is felt from everyone around. for tourists, of course, having every man whistle at you as you walk by gets you feeling immediately weary. It wasn’t until our tour guide, while walking with us through old Havana, blew a kiss to a young teenage girl holding a puppy, leaving the girl blushing and grinning, did I understand that the flirting was not for selfish reasons, but in the most organic way building up this girls sense of self worth. The women walk with an extra skip in their step and a grin on their face as they know they are beautiful from the feedback they get without even having to ask for it. There is also no advertisements, no posters and billboards of idealistic body types, hair types etc. Women are beautiful for the fact that they are women.

They make things work. Check out the state of living here, no garden, driveway, or even windows for these tiny apartments in old Havana.

Peeking inside, you see a couch, a refrigerator, maybe a bed. But the people are outside, chatting with their neighbors, feeding the stray dogs. This really touched me since it got me wondering, if these people only saw the houses in Brooklyn, or in Beverly hills for that matter, would they be able to come back to these homes? Would they be disgusted, or more ashamed? Is there pressure among the kids at school of who’s house is nicer? Cleaner? It’s definitely something to think about.

I’m not sure if this is completely owed to Communism, but as mentioned above, people are just sitting around. watching, whistling, making music etc. This leads me to another interesting observation. When approaching the booth where wifi cards are sold, I saw a line. Well, it definitely looked like a line. But when I stood in the back of it, people started talking to me in spanish, then pointing to a men second in line, and then to the man in front of me, out of order and in a strange language. Only when I asked what was going on did I understand that the line was in fact, out of order and the true order of the line was memorized by the people waiting. they each approached the line, asking ‘que ultimata’ or ‘who is the last’ and then gestured to themselves showing that they would be next. I found this so funny! The best part is that when the person standing in front of someone finishes buying wifi, they don’t step up, because they know it isn’t their turn. Hey, I was only there for four days,I can’t say this for sure, but it didn’t seem like anyone was rushing anywhere at all. That was interesting for me, as a New Yorker :)

Lastly, there is music EVERYWHERE. Every Taxi we hopped on to, every street we walked by, every one of them had music. There was only one Taxi that didn’t have music and when I asked why not, the driver said it was because he sold his radio to buy food for his kids.... I still don’t know whether he was joking or not.;).

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNe4gsEO_paza44q3YwpU986aKpGfiN0nUQ2417HBGXQxvNUDR7Q5W30vWMCRW2vw/photo/AF1QipOLcTFOx0Qk2ZZ0u4lYWrmgM9IejEdGScWXwzlV?key=bENWMlZnOEo2cF9ld19YeXFmLXRFVG9GVnlFMUZn

After I bought a wifi card, I sat down on a bench to punch in the long 10 digit number as my username, followed by another several digits for a password to unlock the internet access. As I was doing this, a man approached me and asked where I was from. After telling him I’m from New York, he asked my opinion on the matter. He explained (in a broken English) that he is part of a software development team to create apps for Cuban smartphones. He wanted to know if I would pay a dollar for an app that would scan all these numbers for me so I wouldn’t have to type them in. I explained to him that although it is a good idea, if he charges money for it, another company will immediately copy his idea, but make their app free with ads, I think he understood what I was saying because he asked me what kind of things are advertised on apps. After I showed him some of the apps I use on my phone, I showed him how a QR scanner works. Oh boy, you should have seen his face! I hope he understood what I was showing him but his utter shock made me believe that he did. The appreciation for new things we encounter is spectacular to watch.

P.S.

If you are planning on going to Cuba in the near future, firstly I strongly encourage it. secondly, shoot me an email, I’d be happy to advise you on what to pack, how to spend your money and all the rest.

Happy Reading!

Malka

#Cuba travel culture

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Diversity

And how we’ve made it work to our advantage

The definition of diversity is; the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness: variety; multiformity…. variety; multiformity…the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, color, religion, socioeconomic stratum, sexual orientation, etc.: a point of difference. (dictionary.com, n.d.). In my own words, when a bunch of different things come together into one situation, there is diversity.

Part of having diversity is the unison created by the many unalike. In order for there to be diversity, there must be something in common. An example of this can be the nationalities of the world. Our planets population will always stay interesting because of its’ enthrallingly unique cultural differences. All these people, still, are people, live on this planet, have their own culture, etc. it’s like opposites, opposites have more in common than one might think.

Diversity comes in every simplification. The planet is diverse, but after splitting into nationalities, nationalities are diverse. Communities are diverse, families are diverse, individuals are diverse in every time, place and presence of others. Bodies are diverse with many biological components. Things can always be broken down into the most simplest in concept and smallest in size. Diversity exists in all measures.

It can be used as an excuse for many not to discipline themselves. Without getting political, conformity is not as bad as make it to be. Conformity is part of growing up, dismissing unrealistic dreams, maturing, and shedding our childish ways. Although a painful process, it is necessary for any potentially successful human being. As mentioned above, the beauty of diversity comes from the balance between diversity and unity. We shouldn’t be busy rubbing in our differences and making everyone ‘accept them’. “But in reality — which is to say, when applied to actual people, not flora, fauna or financial securities — the notion of diversity feels more fraught, positioning one group (white, male Americans) as the default, and everyone else as the Other. Multiple studies suggest that white Americans understand “diversity” much differently than black Americans.” (Holmes, 2015)

Without leaning in to a political argument, diversity has helped communities around the world culturally and even more financially. “The reality is that Diversity and Inclusion is no longer just a numbers game, nor just another politically correct workplace initiative; it’s about bridging the opportunity gaps that will continue to widen if we continue to ignore the message the marketplace is clearly telling us: that it’s becoming less about the business defining the individual and much more about the individual defining the business.” (Llopis, 2016)

Necessary products are no longer a problem in supply. The challenge for distributors now is to catch the eye of the consumer and make the sell in distinction to the competition. Distinction being the key word here, the sales market calls for as much diversity as it can get. Anything that makes one stand out, and distinguish from the others (selling the exact same product) is a win.

Diversity is so important to the general public. “Diversity can create curiosity. By being exposed to different people and cultures, a student may want to learn more about a particular group which can give them insight into how and why things work as they do and possibly a way to change them for the better.” (T.)

So now that it’s been established that diversity is important to every commonality, where is diversity seen at its best? I took a global history course in the 9th grade. Im not exaggerating when I say the course was captivating. Partially because we learned about all the weird things the ancient Egyptians and Chinese did for beautification. Partially because before our eyes, we ‘witnessed’ the forming of the world we live in today. And in my view, the most effective tool in initiation modernization for these countries was cultural diffusion.

Cultural diffusion is the result of two previously secluded cultures’ interference with each other, by war, travel, royal marriage etc. Considering the relatively new communication standards of today, the lack of communication of those days had been the only barrier for these enlightenments. A perfect example of cultural diffusion is the famous story of Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims were at a major disadvantage not having expected such a cold winter after their arrival. At a loss of food and proper shelter, the Pilgrims only survived their hardships with the help of the Native Americans. They taught the Pilgrims how to work the land and harvest a means of support.

Another example that we learned about was the exchange in cultural motifs owed to the Chinese Silk Trade. “As trade along the Silk Road grew, Chinese weavers sought to design silks that would appeal to other cultures. The style of the Persians was reflected in Chinese weavers' Tree of Life design, featuring scenes of saddled horsemen, and the roundel animal symbol. The use of gold-wrapped thread and intricate knots was influenced by the culture of India. The Byzantines, who developed silk production in Constantinople after two monks smuggled silkworms and mulberry leaves out of China, used the Assyrian two-headed eagle symbol in their silk designs. The Egyptian draw loom method of weaving silk made its way along the Silk Road to Syria and Iran.” (Turner)

The above two examples prove that the mixing of cultures, or diversity, was crucial to the modernization, education, and survival of many nations. Till today the social fraternization in any civilization helps those involved in many ways.

Although not quite as dire as those days, the mix of culture is still important today. Yes, it is more easily acquirable now, and will never stop happening till the end of time. Differences in climates, history, language, government, religion and so much more will forever keep this planet interesting.

In my opinion, the master of the mingling match in our day is the United States of America. And to favorably be more specific, the City of New York is a fantastic combination of every culture imaginable squeezed into a tiny little space. The cultural diffusion isn’t just more encouraged than other societies, but it is forced! Squishing an Italian family next door to the Orthodox Rabbi’s apartment on east Broadway. Poof! Next thing you know, the Jews are eating pasta and the Italians are making Cholent. All of them are buying produce from the Russian tradesman on the corner who comes to the Rabbi’s house for Friday night Meal with his Jewish wife and kids. It’s one big happy family; Each nationality is both celebrated and adjusted to make it work.

Aside from the fantastic benefits of diverse communities noted above, after the simplification process discussed, it’s time to look into ourselves. What parts of yourselves need to have a talk? What kind of connections need to be made inside that head of yours? How can you become a more dynamic person to yourself and those around you? The beauty of this is the fact that you don’t need to change, it’s all there already. Come on, readers, don’t you think we all could use a bit more rationality in those passionate feelings in our heart? Could your computing brain ever take a break to think of another’s pain? Connections are everything, the give a little, the get a little, it’s the beauty of the world we live in.

Bibliography

dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from Dictionary.com.

Holmes, A. (2015, October 27). Has 'Diversity' Lost it's Meaning? The New York Times.

Llopis, G. (2016, April 23). Is Diversity Good For Business? Forbes.

T., S. (n.d.). The Importance and Benefits of Diversity. TeenInc.

Turner, L. L. (n.d.). Cultural Diffusion & the Silk Route of Ancient China. Classroom.

Diversity. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved February 13, 2017 from Dictionary.com website http://www.dictionary.com/browse/diversity

}},{"https:-A�F(_

#By Malka Kugel

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

A Toddler’s Greeting

I wrote this piece about six years ago when I was in HIgh School. I wouldn’t say I was anti social but crowds were definitely not my thing. I was jealous of my baby sister who had the easiest warmest smile to the most perfect strangers. You’d be surprised what you can learn from a toddler.

My mother sends me on errands a lot with my 3 year old sister, Batsheva. We walk up and down Kingston Avenue with the yellow stroller (many of you have probably seen us). This activity occurs frequently and I find myself observing my little sisters reaction to seeing so many people. This stroll is a great thrill for her. I walk to and from school every day as well as to farbrengens and study sessions. Our walks are a chore, as well as an outing, it all depends on which point of view; the toddler or the teenager.

After school I’m not in socializing gear. I just want to finish the job. If I see someone in my class, I’ll give a brief smile, that’s pretty much it. I wear a big hooded sweater and somewhat cover my face because I’m tired, worn out and beat. My sister, however, learned that if she flexes her wrist bone a few times in the air, it makes people around her smile. That’s all that she needs. Our outings are rather comical. I can be covered by my hood and I miss my teacher from the 8th grade; Batsheva won’t! She gets a friendly wave… who cares who she is? She deserves a wave from Batsheva. Actually, everyone does! Men, women, old young, frum or not, beggars, children- they each get a wave from Batsheva.

Now think about how embarrassing this must be for me. Why can she greet my cousin and I can’t? Is it right that my friend be friendlier to my sister just because I feel like being anti-social today? My barely talking sister taught me a great lesson; anything that can make another Jew smile is important. Who am I to decide if this person gets a wave or not?

C�l��

By Malka Kugel

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Jewish Ghettos

Ghettos were built to isolate Jewish Communities from the rest of the population. During World War I, ghetto life was one of many Nazi restrictions on Jews. Although the idea of ghettos may seem like a pleasant bungalow colony environment, it had many more negative facets to it. Jewish Ghettos were known for their contaminated and befouled living conditions.

To begin with the positive, ghetto life did encourage tight, Jewish communities. Orthodox societies are generally sheltered away from the rest of the world anyway, for many reasons like avoiding outside influences, preserving traditional values and remaining independent from the non-Jewish dominations. In fact, the term "ghetto" originated in sixteenth-century Venice where it was used to refer to the Jewish quarter. [1] Orthodox societies today are formed with the same shielding methods.

The Germans regarded the establishment of ghettos as a provisional measure to control and segregate Jews[2]. We find this isolation method to be used a number of times in different countries where the Jewish people were not the dominant sect. As early as 1179, the third “Lateran Council” of the Catholic Church decided that Christians should not live together with Jews[3]. (The concept of Jews living close together was from the long before that. Streets, neighborhoods, countries, no Jew was completely isolated from his brethren. Those areas were not at first called ghettos because that Italian name did not enter the European languages until the Venetians introduced it in the 16th century. In Germany, Jews were confined to a few streets called Judengasse or Jew alley[4])

Referring to the forced inhabitance of ghettos, living conditions were awfully overpopulated, under sanitized and overcrowded. The starvation, chronic food and fuel shortages, and severe winter weather led to repeated outbreaks of epidemics. [5] Living tight-knit doesn’t have to be dangerous. The ideal purpose of the ghettos was to isolate them completely, in a ghastly fashion, basically to make their lives miserable.

To promote the segregation from the rest of the world, the Germans imposed Judenraete (Jewish councils) to the ghettos. The early Judenräte were formed to report numbers of their Jewish populations, clear residences and turn them over, present workers for forced labor, confiscate valuables, and collect tribute and turn these over. Failure to comply would incur the risk of collective punishments or other measures. Later tasks of the Judenräte included turning over community members for deportation.[6] Turning fellow Jewish People against each other is always the worst for us. It took us into exile and will always be a threat to stability in any Jewish community. The Nazis knew this, which explains compelling Jewish councils on the Ghettos, although there truly is no legitimate reason to exist at all.

Professor Michael Marrus, a well-known specialized Holocaust historian, was asked in an interview if the Judenräte should be blamed for cooperating with the German’s and carrying out their cruel orders. “The heads of the Judenrat were utterly unprepared for the kind of catastrophic circumstances they faced. Remember that these were Jewish organizations established at the behest, and on the demand, of the Nazis who, at gunpoint, required people to assume these positions in most cases. The kind of blackmail that these Jewish leaders faced is something scarcely imaginable today.”[7]

The Photo on the left depicts Jews waiting near the home of Judenrat Chairman Isidor Krumholtz before leaving to perform forced labor outside the ghetto, Andrychów Ghetto, 1942. The wicked assignment of the painful authority to the unlucky Jews devastated the unity of the forced societies. These cozy communities turned into hateful knots of controversy.

Regarding food distributions, the extreme shortages were literal murder methods in every Ghetto. The Nazis, who ultimately controlled the amount of food that entered the ghetto, did not provide adequate sustenance to the Jews of the ghetto. Through the reduction of access to food, the Nazis perpetrated a slow genocide against the Jews of Europe. The Nazis were aware of the murderous effects of their food policies, and allowed those policies to continue resulting in the mass execution of the Jewish people in the ghettos.[8] Ration cards allowed ghetto residents only 300 calories of food daily, a small fraction needed for sustaining health.[9]Included are photos depicting Ghetto life. They convey the significant food scarcity in every member of the ghettos.

So don’t be fooled by the comforting idea of living so close to your loved one. In a society built by those who eat like you, dress like you, live like you, believe like you. Most of us live with that luxury today. Ghetto life was a harrowing period for our nation. Nazi Germany did many things, Ghettos were [a big] one of the oppressions deposited on us. With scarce food, harsh labor, controversy, oppression, the list goes on. There are pros and cons to everything, they are usually ruled out to become neutral. I wait for the day when ups and downs of Jewish torture will neutralize into just another bullet point in history.

[1] Origin of the word ‘Ghetto’ from Dictionary.com

[2] “Ghettos under the Nazis” written by Susan D. Glazer, found on myjewishlearning.com

[3] “History of the Ghetto” by Dr. Gerhard Falk. Found on jbuff.com

[4] “History of the Ghetto” by Dr. Gerhard Falk. Found on jbuff.com

[5] “Ghettos under the Nazis” written by Susan D. Glazer, found on myjewishlearning.com

[6] “Judenrat: the Jewish Councils in Eastern Europe under Nazi Occupation” by Isaiah Trunk

[7] Excerpt from interview with Professor Michael Marrus

University of Toronto Adi Gordon. Amos Morris Reich, Amos Goldberg.

[8] Center for Jewish History/ access.cjh.com. “The supply and distribution of food to the Lodz Ghetto” by Helene Julia Sinnreich,

[9] “Forced Labor in Warsaw Ghetto” unknown author, fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/gallery/p209.HTM‎

By Malka Kugel

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Jewish Pride

The nature of all living things is to pursue life. The only exception is a candle. The nature of a candle is to extinguish itself, and be absorbed into its source. This is the closest we can get to the nature of spirituality. Spirituality is the opposite of selfishness, living for G-d. Regardless of what we are feeling, our sole purpose is to serve G-d, whether it is in our nature or not.

Over the centuries, Jews have gone through a lot of discrimination and anti-Semitism which has made an effect on our self-worth as Jews. If everyone in the world says you are crazy, can they be wrong? Over the years so many of us have grown to believe the things that others tell us. So many Jews now hide their faith partly due to discrimination but mostly because of shame. But if I don’t even respect myself how can I gain respect of others?

The 6 day war pulled us out of this rut. Finally, a lot of Jews stopped hiding their belief and we became proud. It was a major event in the healing process. Unfortunately this pride did not encourage Jews to come closer to Hashem but rather, most people were not proud of their Jewishness but rather despite it. Many wondered if the pride was of their religion or strong army.

The ultimate pride is that of being the servants of Hashem, our sages, our unique connection to G-d. We are so proud of Jewish Celebrities, Yiddishe Kups, and traditions. But what’s behind it all? We are so caught up in the bells and whistle that come along with Judaism; we forget why we are Jewish at all.

Our group targeted three stories, each with a different point of view in Jewish Pride. We addressed the sacrifices that Jewish Men, Women and Children make for the unselfish reason of taking pride in our religion.

The first story is a story about a Shliach. There was once a Shliach who needed some donations. He called a philanthropist and tried arranging a meeting. This man was very busy so arranging a meeting with him took very long. Finally, they arranged a date for the rabbi to meet him. At the meeting, he started to talk to the gvir when he noticed the time. It was getting dark so the Shliach started davening Mincha. The gvir was appalled and after the Shliach finished Shmone Esrei, he explained that although it was a huge honor to be able to speak with him, he had a more important meeting with Gd. The Gvir understood and was impressed by his commitment. This Shliach took pride in his original time slot for GD.

The second story is the story of Chana, the Mother of Shmuel Hanavi. Chana was a tzadeikes but did not have a child for many years. Finally, Chana gave birth to a son, Shmuel. It was that time a year; Elkana’s family was going up to Shiloh. Chana would have loved to go along but stayed home with her infant. Chana recognized the integrity in staying home with Shmuel because Torah gives women the utmost honor. We must take pride in our Jewishness and not fall to bashing of so-called feminists in the secular world. Chana took pride in her role as a Jewish mother and priorities as an Aishes Chayil.

The third story is an excerpt from Megillas Esther. Mordichai noticed 3 children walking home from Cheder and asked what they had learned in school that day. The children said they learned about “al tiro…”. Children have the Kabolas ol and pride in Yiddishkeit that cannot be taken away from them. These children took pride in their trust in and connection to Hashem.

By Malka Kugel

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Flashback to 9th Grade Miracles

Hi, my name is Malka Kugel and I live in Brooklyn. I have never really met you before, but I feel that you deserve a miracle story- a true miracle story. This passed summer of 2010; I spent about 61/2 weeks in Los Angeles, California in a dorm. But this was not just any ordinary dorm; this was the dorm that housed 16 incredible girls who where 16 in many who applied for Kol Neshama- the greatest experience (NOT a camp) of a lifetime. Now, you may ask, what is it that makes this experience so extraordinary? Well, I’m here to tell you that one of the factors that make this program so special is the miracles that happen within this place. And, I have a story that happened to me personally this summer.

This year, Director Mrs. Robin Garbose, created a masterpiece of a movie within the 61/2 weeks of the summer. Everyone in Kol Neshama was involved in making the wonderful new movie, “The Heart That Sings.’’ That included me, a girl from Brooklyn. I played the part of Risa Gottfried, best friend of Perl Nussbaum, one of the main characters, played by Rachel Levy. Of coarse I was ecstatic about my part, but when we got on set, it was a bit annoying; I always had to be on set when Perl had a line, solo, or even grunt. And if you don’t know already, that means waking up at the early hours of the night, drive 45 minutes to a (excuse me but, Disgusting!) trailer park where we got our hair, makeup and wardrobe done. Not to mention that this is in the middle of august and the scorching weather added a lot. And what was the purpose of all this? Just to… be there! Well, that’s okay; I kept a smile and tried to be happy. I really was lucky. But even if I was having a bad day; I didn’t want to complain to Robin about this because poor Robin was so busy and besides, it was a pretty good part; I did have a couple of lines. So I just kept a great big smile on my face.

One day on set, I awoke early, got dressed, drove to set, davened, ate some breakfast, got dressed into my costume and had hair and makeup done. Then I waited, and I waited and then I realized that I was waiting a long time! I started thinking about all of the other girls in the dorm, who were in the pool or shopping now, but I always kept on reminding myself that it was worth it. Besides, I would be filming soon; filming was fun- when you got to do it. So there I was, in the 4 by 4 trailer waiting for Cheryl the Assistant Director to call me to set. It was getting dark and I occupied my time by listening to my iPod and just walking around the spacious location. Then, we were told that we weren’t going to be filming today but we could watch the monitor and the acting. Disappointment. But, okay someone else was having fun. So Rachel Levy and I went across this huge location and watched Rivka Seigel and the others film. It was very enjoyable for some reason, as I was watching; I lifted my arm to itch my ear, but, where was my earring? It was gone! My ears get infected unless the earrings are pure gold. So, I was wearing my grandmother’s vintage earrings that she got in Ukraine a few years ago. And now, it’s gone. Wow, this was enough; I decided there and then that I had had a bad day. I was upset. All I wanted to do was go home to the dorm, lie in my bed and relax, maybe drink a coke. But, I was in the trailer park, nervous about my earring, and a little depressed. You know when one is upset about one thing, it all starts piling up, and the little things that didn’t really bother you suddenly bother you. That’s how I felt. Now, it was dark, and cold (ironic no?) and icky. So I went home with high hopes for tomorrow. The next day I had to come back to set (since I hadn’t filmed the day before) so I was waiting for a while till I would be called to set and it never happened. well, I finally got to film, but right before I stepped into frame, a piece of scenery fell onto my foot. And this scene was probably the only scene where I was walking and I had a full length view. I was limping; it was actually quite the comical scene, for me. The next day I returned to set with… less enthusiasm, that’s for sure. The next day, the same happened, and it continued the few following day. I found myself moping around all day, which isn’t my style at all. Then, it occurred to me, that I didn’t have much time left on set. I had better cheer up, if I want to remember this summer as a good one. At that moment I was called back to set. On the way there, I put a very sweet smile on my face, looked down at the sand and noticed a sparkle reflected in the sun. I picked it up from the deep sand. I stared in awe at my single dusty earring.

,C�E�

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

the subway pole

Im the subway pole i hold up Bad hands Sad hands Frozen hands Beaten handS Chapped hands Manicured hands Nails of all colors Watches of all faces Gloves of all textures Skin of all races I stand here strong All day all night I cant move or bend or stretch at all For if i would many might fall I stand her strong alll day all night empty trains tight trains Im always on call I see love I see hate I see homeless people Early and late I see schoolkids I see businessmen I see kindness Now and then I see confusion I see confidence I see vulnerability I see youth I see life I see purpose But I dont see what they do I dont know where they go Still As stiff as it may be As boring as it may seem My job Is to hold them up right To get them there good as new So they can do what the do

by Malka Kugel

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Quote

Believing that we are not good enough or are less deserving of love because of someone else’s inability to love us is one of the most destructive fictions we can ever consider to be truth. If we loved someone honestly, truly and with all of our heart and they failed to love us equally in return, that’s their inadequacy – not ours. If we trusted someone completely and without question and they broke that trust, that’s their cruelty – not our naivety. We’re supposed to love wholeheartedly and we’re supposed to be able to trust those we love… If our love and trust were returned to us as betrayal and pain that is not our fault. It is not a weakness on our part that allowed it to happen – the weakness was theirs. Attributes like love and trust are not faults in our personality that caused our pain… they are not flaws we need to fix or change… The person we loved should become more loving… the person we trusted should become more trustworthy – but we should never harden ourselves to the world simply to be able to endure the actions of the selfish and the untrustworthy. The world needs more people like us and less people like them – so never change yourself to be anything less than you are… We need to fight through our pain and have the strength to hold on to our love and our trust… because disconnecting ourselves from others and numbing our feelings will never be the answer to a world full of people who don’t care for others enough.

Ranata Suzuki (via theprocast)

222 notes · View notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

My Hometown; Crown Heights

From the In-Towner’s Perspective

Crown Heights is known to the world as Chabad’s Powerhouse and home of the Rebbe. But Crown Heights is also home to many locals. Those who grew up in Crown Heights or moved in after they got married and raise their children there, have a lot to say about it as much more than just Lubavitch Headquarters, but as home. This report will serve as an eye-opener to what Crown Heights looks like from the point of view of the in-Towner. I’ve interviewed many friends and family that were either raised there, or are raising children there now. Based on my compilation, although there are some oppositions, the views are mostly shared on what it’s like to live in Crown Heights. The purpose of this research paper is to give you a peak into life in Crown Heights

To really explore something, one must ask himself, “Why does this thing exist at all?” So, why do we have a small community of Lubavitchers, supposedly serving a crucial purpose, situated in the middle of Brooklyn?

No one can really know why the Rebbe did certain things, but when the Frierdiker Rebbe came to America, the Rebbe made it clear that America was a good, free land. When the Rebbe Rayatz was in Philidelphia, someone asked why it was so important for the Rebbe to visit famous American landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Rebbe answered: “דאס איז געווען מיין ערשטער וואונש ביי מיין אנקומען קיין אמעריקא צו זעהן דאס וויגעלע פון דער אמעריקאנער פרייהייט“My first wish, coming America, was to visit this cradle of American freedom.” The Rebbe also laid a laurel wreath at the Liberty Bell and declared “The freedom which is based on religion is the strongest freedom”. Although Crown Heights isn’t specified here, The Rebbe Rayatz made a point of declaring his alliance with America. [1]

The Rebbe and Frierdiker Rebbe needed a powerhouse community to support all the Shluchim that would later be sent out all over the world. Crown Heights was apparently the best place to plant the seed of the tree that would grow to reach every corner of the world. Crown Heights is in the center of the world, NY, and only a subway ride away from Manhattan. But it also has the advantage of being slightly suburban (in comparison to Manhattan). This is conducive for raising children in a closed environment in which the influence from the world can be somewhat limited and controlled.

So Crown Heights seems like a great place to start a movement like Crown Heights. But what actually goes on inside this tight knit community? Is it as perfect as the Rebbe may have envisioned it to be? Is it as productive as the world demands of it? Are we producing strong Lubavitcher Shluchim with the ability to change the world once they leave the nest?

This question can be explored with the resources collected from my fellow Crown Heights residents. I interviewed twelve seminary girls who have been brought up in Crown Heights, a few of my immediate family members[2] ,as well as my parents who raised their children in Crown Heights. I asked them three questions to start off the conversation.

The first question, was; “Is there anything about living in Crown Heights that makes you proud?” 3/17 said they did feel proud about living in Crown Heights. From all of those yesses, all 13 were proud of general community facts and efforts like the child oriented rallies, hosting Shluchim Kinnus weekend, Simchas Beis Hashoeva, Tishrei, 770, Chessed, being the Rebbe’s home, Ahavas Yisroel, diversity, frum atmosphere, kosher food and Tzedaka. One interviewee voiced that her personal pride came with time and maturity. “It takes time, but then I realized that it’s a good foundation and a great place to find yourself as a solid Lubavitcher.” For example, many people say that they don’t like to daven in 770 because it’s so stuffy, smelly and unpleasant. Really, if they would get past the superficial aspects of 770, it’s clear that there’s much more to this place than just a pleasant davening experience.[3] I couldn’t agree more. Yes, Crown Heights isn’t California or the Hamptons or even New Jersey. It can have rainy days, soggy newspapers, germy subway stations, low class neighbors, litter, stuffy buildings, stained trash cans and inside-out umbrellas. But are these what make it or break it for the Capital of Chabad’s worldwide outreach effort? Crown Heights is special. The shul may not be the most majestic but it is the one that the Rebbe, our leader, taught, inspired, and guided us from. I’m sure there were no demurring feelings of the benches in 770 while the Rebbe was saying prophecies about the world’s ultimate redemption.

The second question they were asked was; “What would you like Crown Heights to have offered you when you were growing up or raising your children?” Many didn’t answer this question too quickly. 11/17 had ideas of things they wished Crown Heights would have offered. From those 11, 7 thought the education could have been better with extracurricular activities, secular education for the boys, more individualized school structures, and smaller classes. 2/11 wished Crown Heights would have offered a warmer and welcoming attitude towards everyone without being so judgmental. One wished there would have been more trees.

Before continuing on to the third question, let’s discuss education for a minute. Allegedly, a big percentage of my interviewees wished the education in Crown Heights was better. For many, Education is a major problem in Crown Heights. Although this isn’t everyone, it’s enough to be a problem. My mother had the most to say about this in her interview[4], and rightfully so, she is in the process of finishing \eleven children’s’ schoolings in Crown Heights. My mother believes that although we shouldn’t complain as we have several of the Rebbe’s Mosdos within very close proximity, the schools could really use some help. For starters, we need more outside support for those kids that need a little extra help. We can’t forget about the kids here. Although they can get lost in big crowds, every child deserves the best education that works. Many of our finest teachers are on Shlichus that is one of the sacrifices of Lubavitchers in general. But there are still many talented people in Crown Heights, they are just a minority. We need to work with what we have and share, and it’s hard.

From the students point of view, many responses effect of; we need better education, better teachers, better school building (feel like my education is second-hand or being settled for),more extracurricular activities (as a joint effort between the school and the community), opportunities to work with your talents, more of a focus on the arts, secular education for boys etc.

I was in Bais Rivka my whole life. I can’t say that I’m 100% happy with the education I got, I think I could have gotten better. Obviously there is no perfect school, and I grew from Bais Rivka in ways I couldn’t have grown in any other school. But it would have been nice for my teacher to ask me how I was doing in the class, if it was hard for me, help me with my study habits etc. Many students love Bais Rivka for the freedom of being in such a big school, for the independence from the staff, the ability to get lost in the crowd, but it doesn’t work for everyone. So when majority of disappointments from the community are rooted in the education systems, I can understand.

On the other hand, many student’s board and dorm in Crown Heights just to be able to go to Bais Rivka and experience that education. There definitely are special qualities to Crown Heights schools that not many others have, for example, hosting the Chof Beis Shvat convention, Lag Baomer floats, yud tes kislev programs, etc. but there’s always room for improvement.

This brings us to our third interview question of “do you see a future for yourself here?” Most answers were to the effect of “Yes, not my first choice but I would be very happy here”.2/17 gave a firm NO. Both the ‘no’s were to dodge raising kids in Crown Heights, one was against the system and the structure while the other was against the lack of friendly people and individuality. Both didn’t want to expose their children to that kind of neighborhood.

4/17 gave more ambivalent ‘no’s. These 4 didn’t think that they wanted to raise their children in Crown Heights because it has changed since their childhood and they don’t trust that the good will overpower the bad. Also, there is a very legitimate fear that parents and/or future parents can have, of their children being exposed to somewhat religious people who aren’t quite up to the standards (that they would wish their child to understand) as a frum Jew. Most of those worried (from my research) prefer their children to be exposed to complete non-Jews or complete non-religious Jews over “religious Jews’ that pick and choose what to oblige by.

This brings us to the big question of raising children on Shlichus/out of town or in Crown Heights. Everyone wants the plain and simple answer; what is best for my child’s frumkeit? Unfortunately, I am not qualified nor experienced enough to give advice on this topic, but I can state what is known and explain each option.

One resident, while being interviewed, mentioned her fear of the “Chabadlite” movement. For many, this is a legitimate concern and can serve as a reason for people to specifically not want to live in Crown Heights or move away. With every religious community, there is the concern of bad influences to be infiltrated into the safe haven and spoil the holy atmosphere. Crown Heights happens to be a very welcoming and open community. This has always been its pride and to its credit. But this can be dangerous. There is an advantage of living amongst non-Jews or non-religious Jews. This advantage is that there is and will always be the consciousness that I am different and we are coming from different places. Once our very own Lubavitchers start picking and choosing, things get confusing. However, two examinees brought up the following valid point; a strong and stable home will be strong and stable wherever it is. Chinuch starts from the home. This was brought up in several interviews as it is a major factor in raising a family in Crown Heights.

My father was raised in Crown Heights and lived there most of his married life. Crown Heights is constantly growing and my father was able to experience the changes as a first-hand resident. He sees Crown Heights as a refuge to the impurity that surrounds it, an example of what a community should look like, a growing family, a commercializing family, a connected network that unites us all around the world, a happy place etc. Regarding the problems of Crown Heights, he believes that all problems can be solved by the individual defeasance of my temptations. We must always remember that we are constantly being watched by our children and by the world and we must stay living examples[5].

These brief interviews hopefully served as a portal to everyday life in Crown Heights. Honestly, the real reason why I performed these interviews was to find a solution or at least some validation for a dilemma I am going through right now. Unfortunately, I feel some slight resentment toward a certain aspect of my education that had been inescapably overlooked.

When I was growing up, every special day in school was honored by a program, including a special guest speaker to address us. These speakers were almost always Shluchim from out of town. This was a real treat for us, we got to hear inspiring, entertaining, funny success stories uncovering the great achievements of the all Shluchim living so far away. These success stories, never before heard, always new and fresh, inspired every girl in the crowd every time, making us feel so proud to somehow be associated to the Shlichus movement.

We were also always taught to go out to the world and change it for the better, to destroy the bad in the world, to do this in the world, the world, the world. I can’t say this about everyone, but because of these speeches and talks, I convinced myself from a very young age that “there is no way I can stay here.” I couldn’t bear the idea of staying in Crown Heights, living life and wasting my talents in Crown Heights while real Lubavitchers have crazy, dare-devil stories of how they affected 500 people in their community and how this person walked out of my house and came back 10 years later with a husband, sheitel and ten kids etc. etc.

I know this is wrong, but I can’t help it. Maybe this means that I’m cut-out for Shlichus, Maybe this means I need to change the world, maybe this means I have to learn to be happy with what I have. Having this problem could mean a lot of things. But this could turn my life very sour, very fast. Practically speaking, I will G-d willing get married, and settle in Crown Heights at least just to start out. But will not be happy because of this fear of feeling useless and wasting time. So far, no one has been able to help me with this problem. I am adamant that the solution is not to just escape and move on Shlichus. I want to be able to be happy and feel useful wherever I am doing good work.

There’s also something about being from out of town that will just always be cooler than being from Crown Heights. Without blaming schools or friends or anyone for that matter, many people don’t speak too highly of Crown Heights citizens or ‘Crown Heights-ers’. Chof Beis Shvat always brought Shluchos from the coolest places on earth. I always felt jealous of those girls who were able to stand up and say a story from their Shlichus. Whose parents were always honored and asked to speak, who were constantly asked to state where they were from. This is no one’s fault, I was just always jealous. Always ashamed to say where I was from, trying to hide it, trying to ignore the reliable reactions I got from people after I said where I was from. “Oh, so you went to Bais Rivka…” which sounds to me like “oh, I know your life story…” or “oh, you’re one of those”. Its ok, it really is, in fact, I would probably act the same way if I grew up from out of town. But why shouldn’t I be proud of living in Crown Heights? Why should I feel embarrassed from my background?

This problem is due to stereotyping. We all stereotype sometimes and its usually the product of harmless chit-chat. But it can get out of hand. Sometimes generalizations about mass groups can be understandable, logical, but they will never be 100% true. I hear things about my home place that really breaks my heart. Things like “I went to a stupid Crown Heights-er doctor that doesn’t know what he’s talking about” or “Crown Heightsers NEVER say good Shabbos” or “that skirt is so Crown Heights-ey”. Things like “she’s such a stupid, racist Crown Heights-er”. Yes, we hear the, and yes, they hurt.

I know that Crown Heights is one of the most interesting mix of people living in one place, making it extremely diverse and colorful. I would try to figure out what was ‘Crown Heights-ey’ about me, so that I can quickly change it. But we aren’t robots, we are all different and when I am glued to someone else, no matter how different we may be, all individuality just disappears. My faults become hers and hers become mine and there is no escape since we live five blocks away from each other. This only brought me to the conclusion that these stereotypes were simply wrong, false, made up and fabricated. But we still hear them, they still come up, and they still bother me.

There’s no way, however, that I can let these petty remarks bother me so much. It’s important to be able to live life confidently, and to be able to try your best to disregard what others say about you.

One of my personal pros of living in Crown Heights; my father was raised there but my mother is the only one in her immediate family that lives there. This automatically opened my house to my mother’s extended family as a guest center. My house is sometimes referred to as ‘the train station’. We are always hosting people, feeding people and welcoming people on a regular basis. And this is not just my family. Families in Crown Heights are known for their incredible Hachnosas Orchim that I was always very proud of. Some more advantages; the Ohel is very close by and we have access to it whenever we need to go. We have 770 and the Rebbe’s House. We have kosher food, we have frum neighbors we have many shuls to choose from, we have tznius clothing stores, classes, shiurim, job opportunities, women’s exercise, and for those that can appreciate it; a beautiful Brooklyn setting.

Aside for all that, I am proud to live in Crown Heights. There aren’t many places out there that are bursting with opportunities like in Crown Heights. Everyone can find his or her place in Crown Heights without being unnecessary. Let’s not forget about the problems in Crown Heights that can be solved with hard work, the Rebbe’s Bracha and dedication.

Crown Heights serves many purposes. It is the crash center, the powerhouse, the home, the heart, the source of everything. How can we neglect this treasure of ours for reasons like rainy weather or less than perfect education systems?

There’s so much to do. For example, Teenagers tend to get lost in Crown Heights. As a young adult living in Crown Heights, I personally never liked going to Shul on Shabbos. None of my friends went to the one my family went to, I wanted to be able to hear the Chazzan, and many more reasons. Youth programs, teen clubs, after school programs, extracurricular activities, more opportunities for self-expression etc. These are only some examples of how there are amazing people out there, being Shluchim, holding up the world from Crown Heights. I want to be able to be that kind of person, who doesn’t need to leave to feel like she’s doing something. It is our job to repair and improve these flaws and make Crown Heights what it could and should be. Each and every one of us have an individual obligation to do all we can to make Crown Heights a place we, the Rebbe and the world can be proud of.

[1] להעיר מהמסופר בספר המאמרים תש"ד ע’ 114 בהערת כ"ק אדמו"רץ ספר השיחות תר"פ-תרפ"ז ע’2. I found this in an article about The Rebbe’s travels written by Yosef Shandling.

[2] Chaya Neubort, Shterna Fridman, Cherry Wolff, Sara Junik, Mali New, Shana Brawer, Mirel Deitch, Chasha Wuencsh, Mushka Napparstek, Batsheva Rivkin, Rachel Saginor, Esther Malka Cohen, Shevi Wolvovsky, My Brother Zevi Kugel, My Sister-in-law Tova Kugel. (all current residents of Crown Heights and were raised in Crown Heights)

[3] Mali New

[4] My Mother, Chana Kugel. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but moved to Crown Heights permanently in 1995 after having already started a family. Although all children weren’t necessarily born in Crown Heights, it’s safe to say that the majority of their childhood was after we had moved. This makes my Mother a very experienced and knowledgeable figure in this field, specifically in education.

[5] My Father, David Kugel. Born and raised in Crown Heights. My father knows Crown Heights since its younger years, when all adults were survivors and had a story. Crown Heights is constantly growing and my father was able to experience the changes as a first-hand resident.v

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Gentrification

by Malka Kugel

Twenty four year-old Sarah lives with her dog in her Brooklyn loft. She eats out every day, donates her clothing from last season to charity, and sends happy New Year’s Day card to her hairdresser. She rises at seven thirty AM every weekday, adorns her custom made jogging gear and high class headphones for her 45 minute jog around Prospect Park with her dog. She returns home to a shower and freshly dry-cleaned Ann Taylor work outfit. She blends her advised proteins and takes it to go for her train ride. After transferring from the 3 to the 1 and walking to W 57th Street, Sarah picks up her 16oz. iced soy Hazelnut Macchiato from Starbucks costing her $4.43 on her Chase liquid card. She then heads to work. Sarah has a sought after career in interior design. She works for Kati and Curtis Design on 57th street.

Meet 24 year old Chaya Mushka who lives on East New York with her husband and 3 children in a 2 room apartment. Chaya Mushka’s husband, Menachem Mendel learns in kollel and earns $50 a day. That adds up to $300 dollars a week. After the phone bill, groceries, tuition, rent, electricity and water bill, the small family has only pennies on the dollar to spend on things like clothes and toys. But Chaya Mushka isn’t complaining. She chose this life. She knows that bringing children into the world comes with a lot of sacrifices like no new clothes, furniture, jewelry etc. Chaya Mushka wakes up 6:00AM to feed her 5 month old baby, dress the other kids, make breakfast for them all and prepare lunch for her husband. At 8:45 she takes her double stroller and drops off her two oldest at Bais Rivkah and Lubavitch Yeshiva. She takes her baby home and starts with the laundry but she ran out of detergent and needs to wait for Mendel to come home so she can get money to buy more from the corner store. All day Chaya Mushka scrubs the apartment until it shines and makes her dinner; Microwave pizza and broccoli. At 4:00 the bus drops off the kids and the baby wakes up from her afternoon nap. Her daughter needs four dollars for a trip to the Ohel tomorrow but, like the detergent, Chaya Mushka needs to wait for Mendel to come home at 7:30 so she can get these small, yet important expenses paid for. After the kids are finally sleeping, Chaya Mushka sits down with her husband for tea. They ask each other about the others’ day and laugh at the cute things their kids said to their teachers. And then Mendel breaks the news to her. The rent went up by $75 a month. Chaya Mushka swallows her fear and starts to write down all the ‘little’ expenses to cut out. And then she realizes, her family is too close to poverty.

Sarah is a Yuppie: Young Urban Professional. People like Sarah give the small cheap building on East New York Avenue class and sophistication. Her neighbors are now proud to live there. Starbucks coffee is interested in the storefront for sale across the street and Sarah’s friends from college like that the park is so close by. New restaurants, bars, coffee shops and theaters are opening up. Lubavitchers, who have been living in Crown Heights for a while now, find this shift in civilization culture to be notorious, controversial amongst the tight-knit community. Several believe that Crown Heights’s Yuppie society alterations threaten the sacred influence of the Lubavitch upbringing. And why shouldn’t they? Orthodox Communities are known for their sheltered surroundings. Others don’t mind living amongst high-class residents. And who doesn’t want to live in a supposedly affluent environment?

Apartments, “many built in around the time of the Civil War, can easily top $2 million; the median price was $602 per square foot last year. Many were built by well-known architects, including Montrose Morris, Axel Hedman and C. P. H Gilbert. ”[1] “the median asking price for a Brooklyn Heights apartment has risen 37.8 percent in the past five years to $792,500……. Brooklyn is the top pick of more and more harried urbanites, and the proof is in the numbers. With sale prices and especially rents rising sharply in Brooklyn, brokers said, many home-seekers find that popular neighborhoods no longer come at the discount they’re expecting.”[2] “In 1985, Crown Heights was also highlighted as attracting “many newcomers in search of affordable housing near the more prosperous Park Slope. People are looking for reasonably priced housing within a comfortable commuting distance of New York and Crown Heights offers that.”[3] And here’s where the problems start. Citizens can relocate to wherever they desire, as long as this doesn’t disturb former inhabitants of the community. 60,935 people moved to Brooklyn between April 2010 and July 2012. Brooklyn keeps growing and it will keep growing over the years. Young people seeking opportunity hop on a plane from all over the states and rent three bedroom apartments in Brooklyn. After all, Brooklyn is only a subway ride away from the Manhattan, the city of chances. Old tenants are kicked out because of the wealthier new ones moving in. Where does that leave families like Chaya Mushka’s?

[1]

So you’re Priced Out. Now What? New York Times.

[2]

The not-so-outer borough: Brooklyn’s fast-climbing home prices make it nearly as expensive as Manhattan

By Katherine Clarke

[3]

NY Times Reportage On Brooklyn Gentrification Stuck In A Loop. By

Ben Yakas

By Malka Kugel Al7cp�4�a�-3

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Effective Communication

According to Benjamin Franklin

I liked Fanklin’s statement; “Humility is a necessary means to our conversational ends…listen well, to bracket our own preconceptions in order to understand what the other person really thinks.” I know I can use some help in the area of listening sometimes. It’s so easy to jump to conclusions and make assumptions right away without hearing out what the other person is saying.

Benjamin Franklin’s five guidelines for ethical speech works very well with the guidelines of Shmiras Halashon. The five guidelines pretty much wrap up what it means to be a mensch in a conversation. Very often we find ourselves talking just for the sake of talking. and very often, we may wonder why someone would tell us something so irrelevant and it usually comes from the same root. People like to talk, and they like to be listened to. A mensch listens and keeps most of his thoughts to himself. I see this as a constant daily struggle for me. listening to some people can really prove to be a challenge at times. But it’s a good place to start.

Although I understand it, I’m not sure I agree with the guideline; ‘Express our own beliefs in a way that acknowledges their possible falsehood.’ In my opinion, if you aren’t completely confident and sure about the statement before it is spoken, it should be swallowed back down. Yes, after making a statement we should be opened to criticism and opposition, but if you won’t be able to stand with it, why should you bother saying it?

By Malka Kugel �7�:�7�

0 notes

malkakugel-blog · 8 years ago

Text

Standing Strong in Your Beliefs

And the Role Models who showed us how exactly to do it

For my position paper, I decided to discuss two giants who each raised different establishments so dear to me. My love for Chabad is, as I’m sure you are well aware by now, owed to my cherished upbringing in a Chabad Lubavitch family and community. And since there is no place like home, my absolute favorite place in the world is the Lan of Israel. I have been blessed to be able to visit this spiritual paradise several times and would do anything to keep it safe.

Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Lubavitcher Rebbe have many contrasting views. Judaism is unique for its diversity. The diversity of this nation gives it its beauty. Zionism and Orthodoxy have always had their ups and downs in support for one another. Although each stand on the general foundation of Jewish People and History, their views are far from the same. The overall difference is understood to be over the Land of Israel.

The land of Israel plays a major part in orthodox Judaism. At the end of the Pesach Seder, at every Jewish wedding, in every day’s prayers, we mention Jerusalem and our yearning for our home. Then why is Jewish rule over the land such a problem? The Lubavitcher Rebbe was born in 1902 in Nykolayiv, Ukraine. In 1929, he married the daughter of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Shneurson. After the war, in the year 1950, the Sixth Chabad Lubavitch Rebbe past on and left his authority to his son-in-law, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneurson. Also, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe, rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneurson committed the rest of his life to bringing the Jewish people closer to the ultimate redemption. His Chassidic, Orthodox following followed in the shadow of his strong leadership, and made a great difference in the world and continues to do so.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, “Born on February 27, 1928, in Kfar Malal, Palestine (now Israel), Ariel Sharon was a key player in Israeli military operations for decades, inspiring debate over the ethics of his tactics. Founder of the Likud Party, Sharon served in Parliament and became minister of defense in 1981, later taking on other posts. He was elected prime minister in 2001 and served until 2006, upon suffering a stroke. After eight years in a coma, Sharon died on January 11, 2014 at the age of 85. (Editors, 2014) after being elected Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon surprised his supporters and country with his decision to evacuate the Jewish people from their settlement in ‘Gush Qatif’(or the Gaza Strip) “Sharon alienated many of his supporters and his own party members with his call for a withdrawal of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip.” (Editors, 2014) till today, many wonder what Sharon’s motives were for the disengagement. Most assume that he was pressured into this decision by the wrong advisors, as now, Gaza is the source for so many of Israel’s problems.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe never visited the Land of Israel himself. He supported and sent countless emissaries to start communities and institutions, however, never had the chance to visit himself. The Torah has an interesting view on the Land of Israel during the diaspora. “בְּרַ֣ח ׀ דּוֹדִ֗י וּֽדְמֵה־לְךָ֤ לִצְבִי֙ א֚וֹ לְעֹ֣פֶר הָֽאַיָּלִ֔ים עַ֖ל הָרֵ֥י בְשָׂמִֽים (Solomon) Midrash Rabbah: The redemption of the Jewish people is compared to the grain harvest, the grape harvest, the spice harvest, and to a woman giving birth. The common thread of all these metaphors is that they cannot be done too early. If grain is cut too early, it will not be good even as animal feed. If grapes are cut too early, they will not even be good to make vinegar. If spice is picked too early, it will not have a smell; it must be allowed to dry out on the tree. And if a woman gives birth prematurely, the baby will not live. So too, if the Jewish people hurries the end, they will not be successful, but at the proper time, may it be soon, they will be successful. (Midrash Rabbah on Song of Songs 8:14)

According to the above Torah sources, Jewish people should not be able to live independently in the Land of Israel, correct? Let’s explore the Rebbe’s point of view. Here’s a pretty clear answer I found on a forum from chabadtalk.com; “Ideally, no state should have been made until the coming of the Messiah. The creation of the state of Israel was a great sin. We are still paying for that sin today, in terms of the numerous Jews lost, G-d have mercy, in the numerous wars that Israel has fought in, and in the various terror attacks that simply would not have happened had the state never been created in the first place.

That having been said, the creation of the state means that we now have to deal with an existing problem. Giving back the state is not a possibility, nor would it be particularly responsible. Now, our role is to prevent any more death and destruction from occurring due to this unfortunate Zionist creation. The Lubavitcher Rebbe recognized that when the terrorists fear the Israeli Defense Forces, terror goes down. When the terrorists see the IDF stand down in the face of an adversary (whether through military defeat, or for the purpose of pursing “diplomatic” objectives), they are embolden and step up their efforts. To that end, the Lubavitcher Rebbe advocated for a strong IDF. That does not mean that he was a Zionist, or that he supported the State, G-d forbid.” (“Meshulam”)

So although Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s and the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s general view may not seem to contradict as much as many other Jewish leaders will, the topic I want to discuss specifically is that of Gush Qatif.

The Rebbe always believed that our judgements should be guided by strength and not weakness. So although the Rebbe had departed physically from this world before Gush Katif’s expulsion, it was clear what his views on the matter would have been. “Peace through strength holds out the only hope for that troubled region. By standing firm, Israel could deliver the coup de grace to terrorism around the world. By helping to hasten the inevitable collapse of dictatorship and totalitarianism in the Middle East; instead of being part of the problem, Israel could become part of the solution and earn its honorable place in history.” (Krasnianski) By staying firm, we can accomplish anything. Just like a bully who only gains power from the silent onlookers, if only one of them would stand up to his or her behavior, the chastising would end instantly.

Although Ariel Sharon originally believed in preserving the Land, he even got elected because of it, the scariest part of his reign was his ability to completely turn his opinion around in the opposite direction. That is something the Lubavitcher Rebbe never ever did, or even tolerated!

This tragic political mess puts the dunce cap on Sharon’s head, as the weakling who couldn’t fight back. If there is one thing any leader, and especially a political leader must possess it’s consistent, strength of character to pursue the right decision. The Rebbe is known for the numerous times he stood up to important philanthropists and diplomats in the name of Torah. Regarding Teshuva, Tzeddakah, the writing of a second volume, things always could get better and better.

Bibliography

“Meshulam”. (n.d.). http://www.chabadtalk.com/forum/showthread.php3?t=9416.

Editors, B. ( 2014). Ariel Sharon Biography. The Biography.com website.

Krasnianski, B.-T. (n.d.). The Fate of Gush Katif is the Fate of New York. chabad.org .

Solomon, K. (n.d.). Song of Songs.

By Malka Kugel .png?70)5��-3�

0 notes