I recently returned from a Tehillm (psalms) gathering at the local Houston Chabad to pray for the safety and release of the Jews being held hostage in the Mumbai Chabad. It has been reported that among the hostages are Israelis and the Chabad Rabbi and his wife. On a day that I was having a festive meal with family and friends, celebrating the freedom of religion this country affords, I thought it only right to take thirty minutes for my brothers and sisters not being allowed such a freedom. So, I went to the gathering and what I saw troubled me.
When I entered the Chabad house, I quickly noticed that the attendance was lean. I am not familiar with the local Chabad community, but I assume they make up more than 35 men and a handful of women. I could be wrong. However, even more troubling was I only recognized one other person from my community or “non-Chabad.” What is the deal with that?
The truth is, it is a vacation weekend and many might be away. The news of the gathering was disseminated via e-mail and maybe many don’t check it on vacation. Also, it seemed to only be sent out by the Chabad and a local Jewish list-serve, so maybe most Houston Jews are not on it. However, it still seems that more people could have been there. Jews were being held hostage by terrorists. Isn’t that something that usually mobilizes us?
There are some other reasons why I think basically no Jews outside of the Chabad community were there, but it makes me sick to even think about it, let alone post it. I just hope that those who would have wanted to be there, just did not get the notice or were unavailable to make it. Let us all pray in whatever manner we feel comfortable that the Hostages of Mumbai are safe. Last I read commandos stormed the Chabad and I have no idea what is the status of our bothers and sisters.
Just yesterday I posted a question whether there is some common ground between us and Muslims in that we have a shared enemy. While, I do not believe that all Muslims are Islamic terrorists and there is a significant danger in generalizing, I can’t help but feel prejudice and anger towards Islam when, once again, Islamic terror darkens a day of thanksgiving. How can one isolate such negative feelings to the actual terrorist groups and not generalize? That would be a good question for another post on another day.
Click here to get updates about the Deccan Mujahideen attacks and the status of the hostages.
24 season 7 premiered tonight! As a fan who was very disappointed with last season, I am hopeful of Jack’s new adventure that begins in Africa. It is nice to see Jack doing what America should have been doing years ago, saving the many children robbed of their innocence by forced militia enlistments. Of course, Jack is just a fictional character, but as we have seen in the past, he represents many of our fears and hopes for our country. If art imitates life, maybe more people will starts caring about what is happening to the innocent of Africa. If not, at least it looks like we will have a great season of 24.
During a recent trip to Los Angeles, I was using my cell phone while driving as I usually do. However, this time I noticed that I was getting many nasty looks. Then I was reminded that since I last left LA, California instituted a no-cell while driving law (unless a headset is used). This reminded me of a short “cell phone etiquette” piece I wrote for Jewish teen magazine called Blueprints. Enjoy!
Cell Phone Etiquette
Do not use your cell phone at the dinner table.
Don’t use it at home or in a restaurant. People like to eat without knowing why you feel orange is the new black.
Have a pleasant ring tone. Do not have La Cucaracha, Beethoven’s fifth, or yourself singing in the shower.
Turn you cell off in a movie or a public performance. No one is interested in hearing your polyphonic version of Matisyahu during a movie.
Do not dial while driving. KEEP YOUR EYES ONTHE ROAD!
Speak on a cell like you would on your home phone. They hear you, I promise.
Do not wear your Bluetooth when not using the phone. You are not a secret agent or a space man.
Do not spend more money on your cell phone then you would on a kidney transplant. You will need that kidney more than the ability to take pictures with your cell underwater while checking your e-mail.
Do not use your cell at a funeral. You run the risk of looking rude or dropping your cell in the casket. Both have negative ramifications.
Don’t speak or listen to Lashon Hara (improper speech) about other people.
