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  • in reply to: Another Health/Ubiquitin “Classic”. Will it ever end? #1926630
    rational jew
    Participant

    Statistical Reasons to Question the Biden Win
    Based on an article in The Federalist titled “5 More Ways Joe Biden Magically Outperformed Election Norms”.
    (Main points only to avoid copyright concerns)
    link:
    Or not

    Trump Election Gains
    President Trump gained more than ten million votes since his 2016 victory; no incumbent president in nearly a century and a half has gained votes in a re-election campaign and still lost.

    This, despite President Trump’s record support among minority voters.

    2. Bellwether Counties
    Biden is set to become the first president in 60 years to lose the states of Ohio and Florida on his way to election.
    Despite national polling giving Biden a lead in both states, he lost Ohio by eight points and Florida by more than three.
    Of 19 counties around the United States that have nearly perfect presidential voting records over the last 40 years. President Trump won every single bellwether county, except Clallam County in Washington.

    4. Biden Won Despite Democrat Losses Everywhere Else
    Randy DeSoto noted in The Western Journal that “Donald Trump was pretty much the only incumbent president in U.S. history to lose his re-election while his own party gained seats in the House of Representatives.”
    5. Trump’s Primaries Performance
    First, no incumbent who has received 75 percent of the total primary vote has lost re-election. Second, President Trump received 94 percent of the primary vote, which is the fourth highest of all time.
    Third, Trump set a record for most primary votes received by an incumbent when more than 18 million people turned out for him in 2020 (the previous record, held by Bill Clinton, was half that number).

    in reply to: Another Health/Ubiquitin “Classic”. Will it ever end? #1926617
    rational jew
    Participant

    @Reb_Eliezer:
    Can you point to a particular article that answers these particular statistics from The Federalist?
    Otherwise, simply pointing me to a website that you rely on is a classic case of appeal to authority, a very common logical fallacy.

    in reply to: Another Health/Ubiquitin “Classic”. Will it ever end? #1926575
    rational jew
    Participant

    @Reb Eliezer:
    “Even if there was fraud, there was not enough to overturn the election.”
    I think that there are enough testimonies some of which have been heard by various committees and legislatures that it is reasonable to assume that some fraud is very likely. Obviously, until everything has been properly investigated it would be early to assume that Trump won, or that there was more fraud this year than on average. I remember one of the witnesses stating that the mistreatment of the Republican poll watchers happened during every election.
    (It was Dr. Linda Lee Tarver in the Michigan senate committee hearings.)
    On the other hand I do not think that anyone at all can confidently state that there was not enough to overturn the elections. How do you know? The nature of fraud is that the perpetrators will lie and try to hide the evidence, so it might take time until the case can be proven. The Russian collusion investigation took years. In general it is quite hard to prove a negative. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
    As far as I am aware, the strongest indications we currently have that Trump indeed won are the significant statistical anomalies.
    One good article is by The Federalist titled “5 More Ways Joe Biden Magically Outperformed Election Norms”.
    There are many more analyses of the data that suggest that Trump should have won, but I think that anyone who reads just these 5 should be convinced that the Republicans have legitimate concerns. Even if you do not consider these statistics exceptional, I think that at least this should allow for some understanding of the Republican position.
    I would be really interested if someone with a background in statistics can comment on that article. Is it representing the data fairly? Can you put some rough figure on the chances of Biden winning given those odds?

    rational jew
    Participant

    It seems that I need to be clearer.
    I am not referring to any evidence of fraud. I am only saying that there is strong evidence of potential for fraud, such as not allowing poll watchers to observe the counting closely enough to be able to detect fraud. The court case won by the republicans to allow closer inspections is strongly indicative that these claims are well founded.
    Yet democrats are not concerned by that, or other serious security breaches allowing potential for fraud, clinging to the hope that no strong evidence of actual fraud will be discovered. I do not know why you are all so sure that no evidence will turn up. Again, evidence that can change the results is not the point I am making.
    To be clear, I find it worrying that no one is bothered by the fact that fraud could easily have occurred
    without being caught, since the usual security measures considered critical in all free democracies were not consistently enforced during the counting.
    At risk of sounding repetitive – how can such elections be respected if fraud could so easily have occurred even if nothing can be proven?

    rational jew
    Participant

    When it comes to legitimate concerns about mail in ballots no deep explanations are offered by CNN:

    Mail-in ballots
    Giuliani falsely claimed that mail-in ballots are “prone to fraud.”
    Facts First: Election experts have told CNN time and time again that mail-in ballots are a safe form of voting and not subject to widespread fraud.

    That is all. Just trust the experts.
    Rudy clearly described the weaknesses of this process, especially when no applications were made in advance, but CNN expects its readers to just follow the party narrative and not be overly concerned about the details, despite the fact that this means that election fraud can easily happen in the future even if no actual cases fraud can be proven.
    It is like leaving your front door wide open and to justify it by saying that there is no evidence that any property has been stolen. Yet.
    And go back to sleep comfortably for four more years.

    rational jew
    Participant

    The following is from a CNN “fact check”:

    Poll Watchers
    Giuliani claimed that more than 600,000 ballots in Pennsylvania “weren’t inspected which renders them ballots that are null and void.”
    Facts First: This is false. Nothing is illegitimate about those ballots.
    A Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice decided that the Philadelphia County board of elections complied with the law in how it allowed observers access to the canvassing process.
    The law allows the observers to be present, the judge wrote, but they do not have the right to inspect or look over the shoulders of the workers counting the ballots. The judge ruled canvas watchers in Philadelphia cannot challenge ballots and don’t need to inspect each individual signature.

    This all may be factual, and technically legal, but the fact remains that the inspectors claim not to be able to witness the counting like in any free elections around the world. Correct me if I am wrong, but I am not aware of such instances occurring in the past. The opportunity for fraud this time really seems unprecedented. Again, even if there is no evidence that fraud occurred, elections cannot be trusted if there is unreliable supervision.

    rational jew
    Participant

    Regardless of which side you support (full disclosure: I support Trump), are we not to be concerned about the vulnerabilities that have been exposed?
    The debate here seems to be whether or not there is evidence of fraud. But this is a separate concern.
    Even without much knowledge of the issues, a few allegations can be verified or at least strongly suspected, enough to worry anyone who just wants the best man to win fairly. These reports should concern not only all US citizens but everyone in the free world since this lowers the standards for what can be considered a fair and free elections. Corrupt people are watching closely to see what they can get away with. The US has considerable influence on the culture and values around the world.
    I really try to be objective and accurate in my observations so I welcome any criticism or corrections you may have.
    Just one of the many irregularities being reported: there have been many claims that inspectors were not allowed to observe the process enough to reasonably verify that no fraud was taking place. This alone should be enough to cause a bipartisan outcry and some serious investigations with heavy punishment and condemnations to ensure that it never happens again. If tampering is likely, those results cannot be trusted and ideally new elections should be required. Or some alternative measures that guarantees fair elections.
    Just because there is no evidence that will stand up in court, that does not mean that there are no strong reasons to suspect fraud and certainly no one should be expected to trust and respect the results. This situation should be unacceptable to anyone who cares about truth and justice.
    If no republican is allowed to observe the counting, even if there is not a shred of evidence of fraud, why should they trust the results?
    And why are Democrats and indeed governments around the world not expressing concern about this? Does it not worry them that elections are being held with such low standards? Would you eat food with a similar level of Kashrut supervision?

    in reply to: Eretz Yisrael fervor #1752772
    rational jew
    Participant

    The mraglim were “ma’asu b’eretz chemdah”. They were disgusted with the delightful land that Hashem gave them as a gift. They admitted the benefits of the land, but still, did not love the gift of Hashem enough to overcome their fears.
    To give an example, many people are afraid of marriage. There are many potential conflicts, so many risks involved. But sometimes, when we meet the right one, the love is so intense and so deep, that we feel that nothing, not even death itself, can stand in the way of our love.
    That was the sin of the M’raglim. Of course there were risks. The Cna’anim were strong. The spys reported that the people were mysteriously dying, according to Chazal. But, as with any strong relationship, even faults are seen as cute. The Jewish nation did not yet have that deep trust in Hashem to ignore all of their fears and fall into the embrace of Hashem in His own palace.
    “Yerushalayim is surrounded by mountains, and Hashem surrounds His people.”
    If you stand in Ir David, on the spot of the one who said these words, you can see two mountains coming round as if in an embrace of Yerushalayim and the Jewish people.
    There is no place like home.
    Sometimes, you feel that love, so you move to the Holy Land, but sometimes you must first move to feel the love.
    It may not be easy, and there may be many seemingly valid reasons. Efes ki az ha’am hayoshev ba’aretz! The people are strong! It’s dangerous!
    But there are many reasons not to marry your bashert.
    No rabbi will force you to marry.
    It must come from the heart.

    in reply to: Going on Vacation without a Minyan #1571525
    rational jew
    Participant

    Does anyone have a source for the halachic obligation (not just the importance which can be seen in brachot 6 – 8,) to pray with ten men?

    in reply to: Kedusha #1535107
    rational jew
    Participant

    The English word special has similar usage. ‘Special education’ is not the same use of the word as ‘there is something special about a shul’!

    in reply to: Kedusha #1535103
    rational jew
    Participant

    Kadosh means special or different. It can be positive or negative. With kilayim, pen tikdash ham’leah it is more or less neutral, but is in a special category. In the usual positive ‘holy’ use of the word, it means noble .

    in reply to: Kedusha #1535029
    rational jew
    Participant

    Kedusha is often misunderstood by many, in my opinion. It means something special and unique that requires appropriate respect. It may involve separation from the physical, but to define it as separation would be very inaccurate. It is easy to make that mistake as Rashi does quote a midrash that says that “kedoshim tihyu” here is referring to separation from unacceptable relationships and sin in general. The Ramban goes further and includes distasteful behaviour such as vulgar language and overeating, which are not explicitly prohibited by the Torah. It might sound like this means avoiding physical pleasure as much as possible. But with a little examination of the context of the use of the word “Kadosh” in general, it would seem like the a better approximate translation would be special, noble or dignified. Occasionally avoiding some pleasures are incidental to acting as a member of the elite group designated by Hashem Himself as those who must be an example to the world and demonstrate how to be His faithful servant and partner in creating a perfect world, a utopian society, where there is no evil to fear and all men seek only the best for his fellow man. Peace and love, laughter and joy, will replace the tears of today. We have already succeeded to a large degree in influencing the world to be so much kinder and more compassionate than even a century ago. There is much more to be done, but we are far away from the cruelty that was once the norm. War is slowly going out of fashion. Such a nation as ours must certainly act in a way that befits such a princely mission.
    To describe that as separation from bodily pleasure is simply a misrepresentation. It is like describing the actions of someone who wants to be healthy strong, and live long (a very important goal mentioned in the Torah many times and should be common sense,) as avoiding physical pleasure. This could not be further from the truth! He may avoid many foods and overeating, keep a strict routine and engage in sometimes painful exercises, but he is doing all this in order to enjoy life more!
    Similarly, a prince may deprive himself from many common indulgences in order to enjoy his position properly with the respect and dignity it deserves. Self sacrifice is sometimes the opposite of what is expected of him as a member of the royal family. Often he is required to indulge when it is inappropriate not to, such as regards to appealing clothing, appearance and general conduct such as how and what he eats.
    To conclude, misunderstanding the meaning of Kedusha could very well lead to the opposite of Kedusha, not to mention unnecessary suffering to others.

    rational jew
    Participant

    Joseph,
    If that is what you call emunah peshuta and you support that belief system, why do you blame the NK for their actions and why do you expect them to change?

    in reply to: Would you let your children listen to non-jewish music? #1522244
    rational jew
    Participant

    There is an important aspect of the problem some have with non Jewish music that many people don’t seem to realise. Ultra orthodox Judaism is based largely on the idea that in order to prevent Jews becoming irreligious, it is necessary to preserve the culture as much as possible. This includes a dress code, various traditional ideas such as anti Zionism and the great stress on the importance of spending time in Yeshivah regardless of actual success, depending on the community and the level of barriers erected to prevent Jews from leaving the community.
    The same idea applies to music. This is why many will find no problem with Jewish singers, but non Jewish singers with the same song or even classical music will be considered as wrong and somehow inappropriate. Some will even justify this with kabbalistic concepts of of somehow purifying the “soul” of the song through the holiness of the Jewish singers who may need to be a great rabbi, depending on your beliefs. You may believe that, and there is no way to disprove it, since holiness is such an elusive concept.

    rational jew
    Participant

    There are stories of people who have encouraged censorship in order to get more support. I think it would be a lot more effective to engage with them in rational debate and challenge their premises which leads to such shocking conclusions while validating some of their genuine concerns.
    That way we could more effectively prevent those on the border, who are partly convinced of some of their arguments, such as the prohibition of creating a Jewish state. Unfortunately, today even many Zionists are guilty of the same crime as the NK, which is ignorance and a belief system based on faith and not on genuine research after hearing real intellectual authorities on both sides.

    rational jew
    Participant

    Censorship has a habit of backfiring and causing unintended consequences.

    in reply to: Age discrimination in shidduchim for younger boys #1508089
    rational jew
    Participant

    Joseph,

    Thank you for your interest and your kind compliment.

    In short, the natural female preference for an older, taller and stronger husband is the need for a man who can protect and provide for her. The Torah says “You will desire your husband, but he will dominate over you.”
    Women are generally more attracted to men who are confident and have more money to support a family.

    On the other hand, Hashem gave men a preference for younger women, since that means a greater chance for more children, besides giving a greater chance of being the dominant partner. Men are not as limited in that respect and can have children much later in life. Beauty is an indication of youth amongst other things.

    in reply to: Will learning Mussar help a psychopath or Narcissist? Among others. #1506682
    rational jew
    Participant

    The way many people learn mussar, I imagine it would make very little change to their character. Simply reviewing the importance of being kind, even for a healthy person, may make a lot less real change to your habits than you might expect. It may inspire you, but without a careful, calculated approach to mussar, you will probably be disappointed and surprised most of the time that mussar is not helping much. This, I believe, is the true reason why studying mussar is not popular. It does not work. Some may comfort themselves and say that it must be helping somehow and that it’s a long road, it’s not your job to finish, just to do the best you can etc. But anyone who seriously studies the messilat yesharim will see that it requires serious thought, keeping a journal, the basis of the cheshbon hanefesh, deciding which actions are helpful, setting goals, writing them down and developing strategies to improve. Anyone who thinks about themselves will begin to see how he works and realise some obvious changes to make, often very simple. The mussar movement was very different and much more intellectual than the current approach to mussar. However a psychopath may actually be very successful with mussar, since they may be low on emotional empathy, but can often be high on cognitive empathy. A psychopath has the ability to control their actions and can actually have a lot of insights into themselves due to their intellectual ability. Maybe start a new thread on mussar, how to study and different approaches.

    in reply to: Age discrimination in shidduchim for younger boys #1506676
    rational jew
    Participant

    Don’t feel bad about the age discrimination. It’s not immature, or not taking your personality into account. Many girls prefer an older boy, just like they prefer a taller boy. This is why there will always be an age gap. Especially when most boys prefer a younger girl. I can go into the reasons for this if anyone is interested, but these are the facts. There are rules for attraction. It’s not just personality. Maybe if people paid more attention to the rules of nature, then we could work towards a better solution to the shidduch crisis. But I have a lot of respect for you for trying to get married young. I wish more people would do that. Trying to find a shidduch will make you more mature, as above posters have found, when reality hits you. If Nasi succeeds in getting boys to consider marriage earlier, it will be well worth it.

    in reply to: Common Sense Gun Policies #1480664
    rational jew
    Participant

    I am quite surprised that none of the posters here has mentioned the most relevant research on this subject (as far as I can see.) Comparing countries with gun laws to those without are not accurate at all since there are many many factors which influence murder rates, such as culture or police corruption. And if you do check all the world statistics, you can see that there is in fact no correlation between gun laws and murder rates. However if you compare homicide rates before and after gun regulations in the same country, then you will find consistently that homicide rates go up after the ban. They may go down again years later due to other factors such as putting more police on the street.
    Just Google “Murder and homicide rates before and after gun bans. ”
    But this clearly shows that gun laws are dangerous and we should fight them with the same intensity that those who are trying to remove our defense from violence, however well intentioned they may be.

    in reply to: Gog umagog #1440699
    rational jew
    Participant

    I would think that calming everyone down instead of encouraging them to do Teshuvah so that the bad part of the war won’t happen is the opposite of what Hashem wants.

    in reply to: Gog umagog #1440697
    rational jew
    Participant

    I think the OP is not trying to state the obvious but to hear different sides of the subject. Without yet checking what the Rebbe says (although I intend to,) I think the proper approach is to realise that every negative prophecy may happen, but can change for the positive if we do Teshuvah.
    Yirmiyahu 18, 7: One instant I may speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to uproot and to demolish and to destroy. 8. And when that nation repents of its evil for which I spoke concerning it, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to it.

    in reply to: So much toirah that I want to learn #1378501
    rational jew
    Participant

    I’m not sure exactly what the problem is but it might help if you take notes as you learn to keep you focused. It is also extremely useful for chazarah to be able to just review your notes in English. The idea is to have a short simple summary of everything in the way you remember it. If the problem is setting goals then decide on a minimum you want to learn a day and keep a simple log. If you do not manage consider setting lower demands. Simple idea, but most do not take advantage of it. It also helps to know how much you will have learned in a year. It is very motivating.

    rational jew
    Participant

    Simple. What Jews have always done until the self-hating Jew Marx created his system. Every Jew gives charity. Do you give? Does the government force you to give? There’s your answer. Pure free market capitalism means you give charity and get schar. Socialism means you give way more than a fifth that is usually assur to give it is spent terribly inefficiently you get no (or little) schar because you gave it as tax. Besides for the terrible injustices when businesses are forced to close due to regulation.

    rational jew
    Participant

    Degel Hatorah MKs Confer With Gedolei Yisrael On Jerusalem Bill

    Moshe Gafne announced he is going to confer with Gedolei Yisrael Shlita to determine what to do regarding the Jerusalem Bill sponsored by the Bayit Yehudi party. The bill is at the heart of a machlokes between Gafne and Health Minister Yaakov Litzman. This is expected to take place on Thursday night 19 Tammuz. Gafne will be going with MK Uri Maklev to confer with HaGaon HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita.

    The decision of Rav Shteinman will determine whether Degel Hatorah will support the bill promoted by Education Minister Naftali Bennet, which demands that any decision regarding Jerusalem be subject to the consent of a majority of 80 MKs.

    Following Gafne’s opposition to the bill, it was not raised last week by the ministerial committee as scheduled, and it was postponed to this coming Sunday.

    (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

    in reply to: The one failing of Jewish music #1308369
    rational jew
    Participant

    Reb Yidd
    the flies were there before you, they are just freedom fighters to get back their territory. It is just evil human racist colonialism that makes you think you have a right to kill the poor innocent creatures. You are as bad as the Nazis committing fugicide (noun, the deliberate and systematic extermination of a winged species.) We will boycott you by not replying to any of your posts however funny or useful they may be.

    in reply to: The one failing of Jewish music #1308349
    rational jew
    Participant

    if you live in eretz yisrael you may have a chiyuv midin kibush as it says pen yirbeh alecha chayas hasadeh. Dov shurin may be appropriate. Or perhaps depending on your interpretation of baal zevuv it may be a chiyuv to uproot avodah zarah. There may also be sfek sfekah d’pikuach nefesh due to zika etc. But you must take into account possible dangers from animal rights activists such as litebrite. You should probably speak to a competent orthodox rabbi before taking any action musical or otherwise.

    in reply to: Why is MK Litzman supporting a monopoly? #1306752
    rational jew
    Participant

    I do want to mention that I’m not trying to attack Litzman as a person. He may be very well meaning and I may be no different in his situation. I just want to question his policy. Well meaning smokers also get cancer. Litzman may win popularity contests but that only means he’s a good politician who knows what his voters want (or at least what he can get away with) not what they need. I question the role of torah guidance some of his decisions. Instead of defending him we should let him know what we believe. Why are we capitalist in America but socialist here? As Avi mentioned if the half communist Shelly Y. is praising him that is not a compliment. She’s been on record criticizing charities because they distract the state from it’s “responsibilities” giving it an excuse not to take “care” of us. Private charity must eventually inevitably come into conflict with public welfare. They are opposing systems practically competing for attention. This may not seem obvious but the mindset of blaming the government is very different from the mindset of taking care of it yourself.

    in reply to: Why is MK Litzman supporting a monopoly? #1306247
    rational jew
    Participant

    Joseph,
    I said I find it hard to believe the torah would support an economic system invented by a self-hating Jew, which has proven to cause untold anguish that we pray every day will be removed with the return of our true judges and hashems law. No bet din would pasken that no one may compete with a certain business that has become a monopoly such as here. If sha’are zeddek (or any one who wants to open a hospital) and haddassah would come for a din torah no dayan has any source I’m aware of to rule against competition, (including hasagas gvul which is very limited to a case where one is practically stealing another’s clients.) Have you never seen two Jewish shops competing? It’s probably going to be quite hard to find an explicit halachah against monopolies (where are the coffee room beki’im?) however there are many instances where the torah encourages competition. But the point is, in a din torah if there is no source against competition the dayan has no right to rule against the competitor and will in fact cause customers to suffer. The torah favors neither rich nor poor, unlike some modern ideas of justice.

    in reply to: Why is MK Litzman supporting a monopoly? #1304520
    rational jew
    Participant

    Joseph,
    what is your source that the Torah is not opposed to monopolies? We must be very precise when quoting halachah or we run into the danger of speaking like the reform who say the torah believes in everything they want it to under some vague idea of tikkun olam or kavod habriyot.
    You said “depending on the circumstances”, this detail can make all the difference in defining a monopoly. I hope you don’t mean the Torah would be OK with everything being a monopoly?
    I find it hard to believe the Torah would support a system that has been proven to fail whenever tried and is supported mostly by so called “liberals” who are more likely to be anti semitic and anti rich. Do you support Obama care?

    in reply to: Why is MK Litzman supporting a monopoly? #1304519
    rational jew
    Participant

    Yitzchokm,
    the question now is why isn’t Litzman trying to change? Does he have to enforce the corrupt system? Why doesn’t he try and free up the market where possible? Allow for less regulation even if it’s still technically public. Push and speak up for change. Why isn’t he that change you suggested I vote for?
    I think Avi K meant he shouldn’t be a nanny at all, not for cigarettes or sugar or anything, but if he does have a big brother policy why is he more concerned about trans fats than cigarettes? It seems he’s not going to be that change. So the question returns are these his policies or the psak of gedolim? If it’s his policy it’s da’as ba’al habatim so why should I vote for him? If it’s from the gedolim, where is the torah source for it?

    in reply to: Anti Zionist demonstration planned in Barclays Center #1288911
    rational jew
    Participant

    This is a false argument. Either there is a danger to yeshivot or there is not. Either we can rely on chareidi parties or we cannot. Even if the organizers are hypocrites and reshaim or contrary to an undefined da’as torah or whatever you think, their arguments should be considered on their own merits.
    But I think both sides are really arguing about a hypothetical situation. If every extra soldier contributes to and is essential for our security this may be a real question – is it right to have many in yeshiva who are not truly learning all day and protecting us with their torah, (and may even be deteriorating spiritually for that reason), when they could be providing more protection in a hesder or other setting. But study after study show this is not the case and there are many secular and dati Israelis advocating to transition to a professional army for better security.
    Chareidim should be making this point and receive broader support and legitimacy. Instead they sound like “we need a draft but not us”, which is outrageous.
    Dati leumi should take note that Moshe Feiglin, a symbol of religious right wing activism since Oslo, has been saying for years that although he encourages chareidi participation it should not be enforced for the above reason. You may not agree but at least give a reason why not. Mostly those against do not understand the issues or just have a traditional approach, “thats how its always been” or “its a mitzvah so we must force you”. If people would understand the concept of individual liberty we would have a lot less division.

    in reply to: Anti Zionist demonstration planned in Barclays Center #1288617
    rational jew
    Participant

    An important point not being adressed by either side is the fact that most if not all independant experts on this subject including all commisions set up by the IDF such as the ben bassat and shefer commitees reccomend a transition to a proffessional army as in most western countries. Those who think it can’t be done in a small country like Israel should read the reports (availble in english) to get the facts. Only 2% serve in combat roles. The rest serve mostly in support such as logistics or food preparation etc all of which can be outsourced. Of those eligible for draft less than half serve the full term with 23% being rejected and many dropping out due to being unfit or leave early for other reasons.

    in reply to: Anti Zionist demonstration planned in Barclays Center #1288618
    rational jew
    Participant

    The current situation actualy leads to weaker security and potentialy more fatalities since soldiers are much less experienced (many deaths in wars were due to inexperienced or unproffesional fighters) and a huge amount of money is wasted on superfluous jobnikim instead of on better technology and paying a decent salary to those who protect us and deserve it. The economy loses as a result of three years of wasted potential – a high tech worker is making coffees. The army loses quality services a private company could provide. An army marches on it’s stomach and our boys deserve the best. The list of problems goes on. I strongly encourage anyone concerned about Israels security and prosperity to research this subject.

    in reply to: Har HaBayis Revisited #1112424
    rational jew
    Participant

    “Netanyahu today banned politicians from ascending to the HH”B. Is Netanyahu a raging leftist who sees a violent outcome when Jewish politicians ascend?”

    Possibly he did so as the arab mk’s would also be blocked from further incitement which indeed happened, and arab mks still complained. Besides netanyahu does not act according to his beliefs, which he has written about, but whatever is best for his polls.

    This is why we should vote for the most right wing party possible even if you don’t agree with half of what they say, just so that there will be tension pulling to the right forcing the PM’s decisions to at least be appropriately tough and not too pacifist. This is pikuach nefesh.

    There is an argument not really dealt with here and that is the danger of giving an inch in response to terror. It may be assur to go up, it may anger the arabs and even in the short term cause more casualties, (maybe not), but if you give in anything when hammas demand it all just encourages more terror. And at least 40 to 50% arabs support them. This is the “salami” tactic. First get one slice not essential to us then another till they have it all. Today its har habais tomorrow its the kosel.

    We find similar ideas with the din of sha’as shmad when they want us to abandon the entire torah we don’t give in even on chumros.

    Also the din is we do not free captives in certain circumstances even if they will die in order to save future captives. We find these results today with isis, those countries who don’t negotiate have sacrificed a few unfortunate cases but their citizens are now safe. It’s not worth their bother to capture them if they’ll get no money.

    in reply to: Should I run from this guy??? #1100052
    rational jew
    Participant

    Seriously I think no one can answer if they don’t know both of you.

    in reply to: Should I run from this guy??? #1100051
    rational jew
    Participant

    On the one hand I should tell you to run from him but on the other I might wreck your future so I’ll tell you to leave unless I’m not qualified to answer this question. I hope I’ve been helpful.

    in reply to: Every post must say the same thing. #1100012
    rational jew
    Participant

    Because every post must say the same thing. If it doesn’t the mods will delete it for being inappropriate.

    in reply to: Iran Agreement Will Go Into Effect #1098708
    rational jew
    Participant

    As far as Iran becoming an existential threat to Israel, there’s little to fear. Israel will bomb them without any care to what the US or anyone thinks long before Iran comes close to getting a bomb. This is not like Gaza or Lebanon this genocide. So lets calm down and hope the mossad are informed enough when to make these decisions.

    in reply to: loving your fellow jew- how far? #1099084
    rational jew
    Participant

    Love comes from seeing the positive or yourself in another. Sometimes I find it very useful to imagine aanother jew I have trouble loving as if he is my brother or father. This immediately changes the way I think about him allowing me to judge much more favorably and if the imagery is sustained, even love like a brother. Giving is usually a result of that perspective not a cause. In fact ahavah, love and achvah, brotherlinness probably have more etymological connection than the Aramaic hav, to give, as Rabbi Dessler suggests. However there may be an indirect connection through ta’ava desire and avah, longing, passion, or avah with a Beth meaning will. This may become a willingness to give or give in. Abba, father may also be connected to love. (Some of these ideas come from ‘the origin of speeches’ by Isaac Mozeson.)

    in reply to: response to nadlers vote for iran deal #1098375
    rational jew
    Participant

    I want to make a point that will not be made on the official level. The US and Israel seem to currently have a policy of divide and conquer Western enemies. This is why they are rumored to be supporting Syrian rebels and even Isis in various ways. This weakens Assad, Hezbollah , Iran and indirectly Hamas. Possibly they feel that the Sunni alliance is getting too strong and is beginning to threaten Israel and American interests. This deal is restoring balance. Is this policy working? Currently, it is estimated that the war in Syria will continue for at least 10 years. It is dangerous and risky but at present we can only celebrate the number of our enemies being killed daily with little risk to Israeli or US soldiers. As they say, we wish success to both sides!

    in reply to: Hey… It's Hot Here. #1099089
    rational jew
    Participant

    What do your yummy friends and neighbors taste like? Otherwise a rather cheerful and nostalgic if slightly morbid poem!

    in reply to: response to nadlers vote for iran deal #1098373
    rational jew
    Participant

    Ive read a few articles and still have not been convinced that this deal is not good enough. This is definitely not the best deal to put it mildly and Nadler and many democrats agree. Obama is a weak president letting Putin do what he wants and gave in many times unnecessarily. This may be why Agudath Yisroel is so against it they are protesting Obama taking advantage of the fact that he can make a bad deal that is still good enough. However the problems may not be worth rejecting this deal altogether if the rest of the world especially Russia and China upholds it. And as long as every republican rejects it the next president has a chance to modify the US position. Nadler is a dem.

    As for your second point you misunderstood me. I never said Israel should wait till after they are nuclear. I said if this deal was so bad with ridiculous inspections etc and we cant be certain that Iran wont develop a bomb within a year Israel should bomb them NOW or as soon as Obama’s veto is upheld. If they do not this means Nadler was correct in assuming this deal will not lead to a holocaust, and will delay a bomb for at least 5 years when a war may be inevitable. That is why the mossad supports it. Could someone explain the mossad otherwise? They may be corrupt but a nuclear Iran is risking a holocaust!

    in reply to: Sunglasses assur? #1098312
    rational jew
    Participant

    Charlie Hall, R’ Sherira gaon permitted sunglasses? Please explain.

    in reply to: How to tell if a song is Jewish #1098049
    rational jew
    Participant

    I wonder how important which music you listen to is. Is it as important as cutting out sugar or coffee or like quitting smoking? Is it like keeping orderly or avoiding anger? Like getting drunk occasionally? In the ideal world it should be avoided, but none of us are there. How do you decide when to work on it? Or maybe it comes automatically when you are in the mood to only listen to healthy music. Although taste in music usually comes from what you’re used to. Any music experts out there on the effects of music?

    in reply to: How to tell if a song is Jewish #1098048
    rational jew
    Participant

    Acceptable music styles probably fall into the category of derech eretz similar to behavior how to walk and dress etc. Maybe according to rambam vhalachta bdrachav, adapting our mindset mood and behaviour to the way we see Him act in this world, the famous middle path. If music encourages a mood of silliness its probably not ideal – unless you’re too serious and need to relax ( although classicAl music usually does that much more effectively if you can develop a taste for it. Sometimes music with a heavy beat makes you more angry or sad and cynical.) These are qualities all of humanity should aim for, to be a mensch. This is not Jewish behavior just acting like a true gentleman. If you can imagine the queen of England listening to it its probably OK. Although it would be very comical to imagine her listening and dancing to some of the music we listen to! But if someone is wearing a misshapen, stained sloppy black hat because its Jewish and listens to ‘jewish’ music is missing the point, better wear no hat and listen to Mozart.

    in reply to: response to nadlers vote for iran deal #1098368
    rational jew
    Participant

    SDD:1.maybe, unlikely.

    2. My point is if this deal is letting them off the hook and they could get a bomb within a year Israel should bomb them. Why take a risk they will become nuclear behind our back? This will not lead to a holocaust rather a bombing raid. This could also be a litmus test if this was a good enough deal – if Iran are bombed within a year. (Or we see a mushroom cloud over an Iranian testing site – highly unlikely.) Remember bombing them only sets them back 5 years so a 5 year delay is worth it if thats all we can expect.

    3. Does anyone really know? For that matter does anyone really know the consequences of this deal? Besides security experts many who support it including from the mossad. Israeli politicians only reflect the opinions of their voters. I’m not for or against just don’t have enough information.

    4. Sanctions brought them to the table but not to negotiate totally abandoning nukes, just a delay. Billions of dollars to Iran might be worth that delay. This is better for both sides like a ceasefire. If US would’ve insisted on stricter terms they may have done what North Korea did.

    Still, I don’t know. If someone has convincing arguments against I want to hear. I lean very much to the right so that is my natural position.

    in reply to: How and why should I respect a parent that doesn't deserve respect? #1061102
    rational jew
    Participant

    R Avigdor Miller was asked (in Q + A book) why psychologists say kavod does not include love. He answers it does proving it from the Chazall that we love our mother more than our father so I would think we should honor her more thats why father is mentioned first. Besides if its put right next to respect of hashem it obviously means in the heart just like our relationship with hashem is not just outward. And anyway there is usually a mitzvah of v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha which is certainly in the heart. Of course you don’t need to feel guilty because this is one of the hardest mitzvos. LG I’m sorry if I was insensitive I should have been more careful.

    in reply to: Is ISIS the war of Gog U'Magog? #1101459
    rational jew
    Participant

    I think there is no zohar but hes probably refering to the gra somewhere that splits the last thousand years into the 24 hours of friday and connects each “hour” to a medrash somewhere about what adam harishon did each hour. The end of the “hour” the gra says will bring the geula is 1947 after the UN vote but before 5 iyar. Probably a later hour corresponds with techiyas hameisim. I dont remember the details maybe someone can help me. R Avigdor Miller explains the danger of dreaming about mashiach is because we may not deal properly with the present and see the good in what hashem does now and instead say when this happens it will be good, which is not true ahavas hashem as the rambam quoted above.

    in reply to: How and why should I respect a parent that doesn't deserve respect? #1061099
    rational jew
    Participant

    ” giving birth to me wasn’t too hard or unpleasant for him.”

    It wasnt too hard or unpleasant for hashem either yet thats the primary reason to thank Him and love him. Besides He loves us and gave us His “personality” tzelem elokim and sustains us and so did our parents. The way you relate to your parents is the way you relate to yourself. A ptur from kibud is like cutting off your arm. Perhaps necessary in extreme cases but should be taken with caution. Wheres the mkor that kovod does not include love?

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