YehudahTzvi

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Viewing 50 posts - 1 through 50 (of 322 total)
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  • in reply to: Pashtun #1548579
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    They do not seem to possess any DNA Haplogroups commonly found among Jews or other Semites. They do, however, have similar DNA to groups from the Indus Valley and areas near where they live.

    in reply to: Yedid Nefesh questions #1104805
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    So the question arises… should I change my pronunciation to what is printed in the benchers/siddurs?

    in reply to: Yedid Nefesh questions #1104799
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    DaMoshe, would you have a copy? I would love to see the original wording.

    in reply to: My Zeidy is so Jewish… #1102041
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    “cholov kohain.” Genius.

    in reply to: My Zeidy is so Jewish… #1102039
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    I think it’s “My Zaide’s So Frum,” not “So Jewish.” Where ever did you find this?

    in reply to: Update on cholim #954442
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Thanks for asking. Yehudah Tzvi (me) is still in pain with a broken femoral head and hip. Painful recovery. Thanks for your tefilos!

    in reply to: Gemara question #954125
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    rebbi1: Thank you. Do you know where I can get an English translation (or at least the Hebrew)? It would be great for my learning group.

    in reply to: What if you weren't Jewish? #974477
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    I’d stop duchaning and have a very sad conversation with my boys.

    in reply to: Gemara question #954123
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    But it says: “R. Yochanan said: Three keys are in the hands of the Holy One, blessed be He, which are not intrusted to any messenger, and they are: The key of rain… The key of rain, as it is written [Deut. xxviii. 12]: “The Lord will open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven, to give the rain of thy land in its season”

    This seems pretty straight forward. If Hashem indeed uses a malach to send rain why would the Gemara bother to state this? Obviously, everything in the world is controlled by Hashem and angels are shluchim for His will, so why the need to state that he does NOT use them for rain and the other exceptions?

    As for Eliyahu, it says: “Said R Hanina: Because dew and wind are never withheld. Whence do I know this? Because it is written : “Then said Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, unto Achab, ‘As the Lord the God of Israel liveth, before whom I have stood, there shall not be in these years dew or rain, except according to my word'”; and further, it is written [ibid. xviii. 1]: “Go, show thyself unto Achab; and I will give rain upon the face of the earth,” but in the latter passage dew is not mentioned, because it was never withheld. It might be asked, however, why Elijah swore that it would not fall? He meant to say merely that no dew which would benefit the soil Would fall, for all the dew which should fall would not be productive of any good.”

    So Eliyahu did NOT in fact hold the key to rain.

    in reply to: Favorite Yiddish songs #969547
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    ?????? ?????

    in reply to: Rome and Eisav #939144
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Herod was a Nabatean Arab.

    Ency. Brit. has an odd definition: “Herod was born in southern Palestine; his father, Antipater, was an Edomite (an Arab from the region between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba). Antipater was a man of great influence and wealth, who increased both by marrying the daughter of a noble from Petra (in southwestern Jordan), at that time the capital of the rising Nabataean kingdom. Thus Herod was, although a practicing Jew, of Arab origin on both sides.”

    Don’t know how this could be. Edomites and Arabs are not the same.

    in reply to: Kohanim taking out the garbage… #926288
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Nope. But my wife is 🙂

    in reply to: Kohanim taking out the garbage… #926286
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Oh, and it turns out my family is Sephardic originally, though it does not make a difference.

    in reply to: Kohanim taking out the garbage… #926285
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    I found this site years ago and was told by a prominent Rabbi that it sounds like the ramblings of a disgruntled challal.

    I have a family tree, mesorah, grave stone of my last frum ancestor and a positive DNA test. Not much more I can do and that’s how I’m holding until Moshiach comes. If it turns out I am not a true Kohain, so be it. Until then I will continue giving other Kohanim kavod, duchaning and going up for the first aliya when called.

    And I guess since there is no actual semicha today, we have no true Rabbis either – so I’m not worried. Oh, any Yidden here (save gerim) have a shtar yichus proving their status as B’nei Yisrael? No? Perhaps you’ve all been oveir on an issur d’oraysa by keeping Shabbos. Just sayin’.

    in reply to: A Complaint About The Terms 'Frei' & 'Shiksa' #1049035
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Frei means “free” in German. Never understood why someone off the derech would be considered “free.” As opposed to us frum Yidden who are shackled?

    All my extended family members are intermarried. Gottfried is one of my family names. I always considered it (tongue in cheek) as meaning “free of G-d.”

    in reply to: Racism and Chinuch: What do we teach our children about diversity? #929160
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    A point that I feel is being missed is that racism in the frum communities is not only against gentiles. The racism that I have witnessed has largely been directed against fellow Jews who look different than the “norm.” There are Jews of all colors and shades. I would love to see a frum world where parents and teachers tell their children not to stare, mouth agape, at others who look different than them and that “Jewish-looking” does not necessarily mean white.

    in reply to: Wearing a טלית once married #1184533
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    RebDoniel:- Actually scroll back 1 decade earlier, as Jekkes usually commence wearing a Tallis Godol from about age 3.

    Yes, this is correct. Why does everyone assume Bar Mitzvah?

    in reply to: I am very sick. Please daven for me. #920150
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    You are all so very kind! It has been a long, hard road and I am still hoping and praying that I will walk again and heal fully! I must say, all of your tefilos and brachos made my day and I greatly appreciate all of your help and support. Mi KiAmcha Yisroel!

    If you would, please also daven for Devorah Miriam bas Sarah who is a mamesh tzadekis. She is suffering from cancer that is now in her brain. She is in a lot of pain and fatigue due to the daily full brain radiation she must receive as well as the chemo. She is the wife of one of my closest friends. Ana Keil Na Refah Nah Lah.

    in reply to: I am very sick. Please daven for me. #920143
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    B”H getting stronger every day. Bone is finally healing somewhat though I am still in a wheelchair. Thanks so much for asking!

    in reply to: YWN iPhone App Stinks #906996
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    The app is counter-intuitive and I have repeatedly asked (begged) for a re-do. The coffee room section is not user friendly at all. In fact, I would say it is confusing at best.

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901805
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    147: Your response was rather rude and insensitive. King Bob XV never claimed or implied that he had “the workings about Olom haBo? & the 6 questions & judgement upstairs.” He is clearly speaking of the FEAR of losing his chelek in Olam Haba was his personal experience which kept him from killing himself. He never claimed to be an expert on anything.

    “If you have such personal experience of the workings up there, you are the most sought after speaker & mentor in this world, and my Synagogue would certainly like to invite you to preach us, possibly even on R’H &/or Y’K”

    Seriously, 147? Come on.

    in reply to: Why do you think the Hurricane Sandy came? #906839
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    And don’t forget… Los Angeles and San Francisco were spared and treated to 82 degrees of clear skies and sunshine because of our holiness and purity!

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901803
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    King Bob XV: Baruch Hashem that you did not end your life even if it was driven by fear! Thank G-d we have that fear and the deep knowledge that Hashem exists and that we all have a purpose!

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901802
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    It is a very sad situation. This man seemingly had everything: Family, wealth, success, friends, etc. Apparently, he shut himself off from the world a few weeks ago and his medications did not work or kick in yet. He (R”L) left a wife, kids and two parents.

    As I said before, he was not at all a religious man. That is why I feel it important to learn on his behalf. My best friend growing up also committed suicide when he was in his teens. No one in his family is religious so I make a point of saying Yizkor for him as well.

    Depression is clearly a very serious illness. The mere fact that someone would commit suicide or attempt to end their life is testament enough that they are ill. I am especially saddened for their families. My friend’s mom never recovered from her son’s death twenty-five years ago and has been living in a daily hell since then.

    Thanks for listening and the kind words. I pray Hashem has Rachmanus on us all and that there is no one else who would be in such despair. There is always help. And hope.

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901800
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Thanks again for the kind words. It is very little effort with hopefully huge benefits for his Neshomah.

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901795
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    He is not buried yet. He will be buried on the East coast pending Sandy. I have not asked my Rav as he did not know this person or how he lived. Apparently he was so consumed by depression that he just couldn’t bear life anymore. Again, i was not close to the man. In fact, he fired me years ago. Bu I know for a fact that he has no religious relatives and no one to learn in his merit.

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901793
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Just learned the first chapter of Yoma. May his Neshama have an Aliyah,

    in reply to: Suicide (R"L) #901792
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Thank you for your kind responses. This was not a family member, rather an old boss (who didn’t particularly care for me). I was very saddened because he was very young and suffered greatly from depression this past year.

    in reply to: Would You Marry A Divorcee? (If you were never previously married.) #900514
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Yekke2: “Yehuda zvi cannot be a kohein if he is from aminodov! (See subtitle)

    And don’t you think that this thread should be closed because it has potential to insult people here?”

    As opposed to your insulting comment about me? I did not make the subtitle. It was erroneously given to me by one of the mods. My wife’s family is Ben Dovid – not mine. That is to whom the mod was referring when he gave me the subtitle.

    But thanks for the rude questioning of my yichus!

    in reply to: Would You Marry A Divorcee? (If you were never previously married.) #900494
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    No.

    Kohain. 🙂

    in reply to: How should one protest against shmoozers during davening? #901851
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    dhl144: Could not disagree with you more. From the Halacha a Day website:

    One who talks during Chazaras HaShatz is a sinner, and this sin is too great for any individual to bear.

    If one will talk in Shul, it is better for him/her to not come in the first place. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 151:8 and Chida in Sefer Pesach Einayim)

    Pretty clear that others talking does affect EVERYONE in the shul.

    in reply to: How should one protest against shmoozers during davening? #901832
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    My father Z”L would call those old men who used to shush everyone the “Heysedandah” As in “Hey, sit down there!”

    in reply to: How should one protest against shmoozers during davening? #901823
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    My pride in our shul came when a bunch of new baaleibatim were shmoozing during Shemona Esrei on Rosh Hashanah eve. It was important, though. They were discussing the best way to get to Woodland Hills.

    in reply to: How should one protest against shmoozers during davening? #901821
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    I have the following printed up on a piece of a paper that I carry in my talis bag:

    “If one will talk in Shul, it is better for him/her to not come in the first place. (Kaf HaChaim Siman 151:8 and Chida in Sefer Pesach Einayim) IF YOU NEED TO TALK, PLEASE STEP OUTSIDE THE SHUL.”

    in reply to: Any book on how to enjoy/love learning gemora? #899286
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    A very helpful book is: “Who’s Who in the Talmud”

    “This exceptional work, with entries from Rav Abba to Rav Zutra, is an unprecedented study of every rabbi in the Talmud. The reader will find concise entries on every rabbinic personality mentioned in the Talmud, major and minor alike, and will discover such facts as their dates of birth, education, and occupation. Most entries are accompanied by a brief story about the rabbinic personality, with sources cited for easy reference.”

    in reply to: Daf Yomi Shabbos Help #899225
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    “or buy an Artscroll.”

    I am working from an Artscroll Gemara. Still very tough for me. I am a BT going on 25 years of frumkeit, yet I avoided learning Shas as long as I could. I jokingly called it “Daf Shani (I know that’s not correct).”

    Now, it’s no joke. I was on a spiritual high, sticking with Brachos and never missing a day. Now I feel like I am in the rapids with no inner-tube and the days are ticking away. I dread going to the daf because it is so intricate.

    in reply to: Poll: Tefillin on Chol Hamo'ed #899069
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Yes. WITH a Bracha.

    in reply to: The Danger of Iran and Islam #898304
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    WIY: Well said.

    in reply to: The Danger of Iran and Islam #898300
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Folks, please don’t confuse Arabs (ethnicity) with Islam (religion). There might be some overlapping, but they are not the same. Iranians, Pakistanis, Afghans, Turks and most North Africans are not Arab, though they are Muslim. Most Lebanese, Copts, Assyrians, Mandaens are not Muslim but they are Arabs.

    in reply to: Beni Yishma'el #898071
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    YehudahTzvi:

    You are aware that the daughter of a giyores is perfectly kosher for a kohen to marry????

    Actually, Kohanim are machmir and do not marry the daughters of converts.

    http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=40524&st=&pgnum=44

    http://hebrewbooks.org/shas.aspx?mesechta=20&daf=78b&format=pdf

    (Halacha links… pretty please let it through, MODS?)

    (Regardless, the haplotype is only through the father. Thus, even a goy (born of a Jewish father) could have pure Kohain DNA but not even be Jewish.)

    “That’s why the search for a “kohen” genetic pattern focuses on part of the the male chromosone unaffected by the female genetic materials.”

    Again, the haplotype is ONLY passed through the father. Mitochondrial DNA can be traced through the mother.

    in reply to: The Danger of Iran and Islam #898295
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    “Christianity is no less dangerous than Islam.” What??? We aren’t living during the Middle Ages anymore. There are no more Inquisitions or Crusades. Christians do not seek our death as a matter of faith anymore. Islam is our clear and present danger.

    in reply to: Beni Yishma'el #898044
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    yytz: Is there a status halacha concerning Leviim of which I am not aware? I have a friend who’s wife is a convert. She converted conservative and they had children including one son. She was made to reconvert (obviously) al pi halacha (as well as the kids) but the Rav poskened that their son was still a kosher Levite. I never quite understood this.

    in reply to: Beni Yishma'el #898042
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    yytz: Please do post the source when you find it.

    I specifically did not include the Levite DNA as it is a distinct anomaly – and I have yet to find a source that explains it clearly. Truly weird that most Jews and Kohanim share DNA traits but half of Ashkenazi Levites do not. I have also wondered why in most shuls there are many more Kohanim than Leviim (at least in my experience). My shul in Monsey had a congregation of about 1/3 Kohanim (including the Rav) and not many Leviim at all.

    in reply to: Beni Yishma'el #898039
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    “Based on DNA, most of your ancestry is probably from converts (at least on the female side).”

    Not true. I had my DNA checked and I match the DNA of most Middle Easterners – Specifically the strain that originated between Iran and Iraq (Ur Kasdim), even though my family has been in Europe for over a thousand years. Being a Kohein, I am pretty sure that none of my forefathers married converts.

    Most Jews share this same DNA – specifically “J2.” I am J1 like most Kohanim, Sephardi and Ashkenazi.

    We are called Jews because we follow our fathers’ tribe. Even if every generation married kosher converts they would still be Yehudim, so I don’t see your point. Those from Binyamin and other stragglers would still have lived under the rule of Judah. As for me, I tell most people that I am not a Jew… I am a Kohain (just to get a reaction 😉 )

    in reply to: Places in LA to purchase a Rosh Hashana gift #896585
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Valley or city? Pico, Hancock Park?

    in reply to: Shpitz #896672
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Again, probably because it’s on top (high point) of the head.

    in reply to: Shpitz #896670
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    Shpitz in German means a high point like the top of a mountain. I know this because it is my family name.

    in reply to: Chabad Telethon Tonight #896111
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    32 years if you can believe it. Perhaps to life dot com will eventually air the recording.

    in reply to: Where were YOU on 9/11 2001 ? #1010014
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    In bed (we live in LA) having just moved into our house the previous night. We awoke to the news on the radio and couldn’t process what was going on.

    in reply to: Whistle blowing? #894947
    YehudahTzvi
    Participant

    daniela: He had asked specifically to help “watch” the little ones in the shul. This took place during kiddush in a “kids room” that was supposed to be cleared by the shul and locked. The family did not just let their kids run wild without supervision. The molester, according to the PA, was predatory and planned this well in advance.

Viewing 50 posts - 1 through 50 (of 322 total)