Haveil Havalim # 363

Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs — a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It’s hosted by different bloggers each week and jointly coordinated through our Facebook Group. The term ‘Haveil Havalim,’ whichmeans”Vanity of Vanities,” is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other ‘excesses’ and realized that it was nothing but ‘hevel,’ or in English,’vanity.’

Following is a blend of posts – some sent to me, some collected from favorite blogs I visit or those that come to my attention. If you have the time – try to visit each. It’s a great chance to explore what’s happening and what people are thinking in the Jewish and Israeli blogsphere.

What a week this was in the Jewish blogsphere – amazing how many interesting posts I’ve read – I’m so impressed by the scope of topics and ideas I experienced as I put together this latest version of Haveil Havalim – so please join me, click on the links and read these wonderful posts – and if you enjoy them and have a blog of your own, consider submitting your blog to the next one (see the links below for how to do that!).

Israel

In Dave Bender’s blog Israel At Level Ground, includes an interesting post about The Israeli Army Strutting Its Desert-Fighting Prowess. This post meant a lot to me because it was, in part, about Israel’s artillery division – where my oldest son served. I’ve seen some of these weapons, heard some of them being fired. I can hope Israel will never have to use them – even as I know the day will come when we will. 

In Skateboarding in Safra Square, Batya writes about the historic location and why it still remains scarred from the years it was the border between Jordan and Israel. 
In Photos from my Time in Israeli Prison, Real Jerusalem Streets brings us up to date on the current status of the tragic Palmer murders – of a young father travelling with his small son, a baby really, when Arabs stoned the car – hitting Asher in the face, causing the car to crash. Two innocents murdered. The ones who threw the stones – terrorists really because what else do you call people who attack a civilian car hoping to get the very results they got? – were caught and are currently undergoing a trial. RJ Streets went to prison to see the proceedings live. 
In Israeli Politics, Could I have been wrong? – Batya asks and answers a question that many of us are struggling with – plus she added a Dry Bones cartoon…definitely an important read! (and if you haven’t seen it already, see my Peace of Treblinka post – it wasn’t easy to write – for my own take on Israeli politics today).

Religion, Religious, Torah and Tomorrow

In her post, “To know God is with you“, Rivkah writes “Since coming to Israel, I have often felt the power of G-d’s Hand guiding me much, much more strongly than I used to.” Read the rest of her spiritually touching post on Bat Aliyah!
In Parshat Naso 5772/2012 – Second Thoughts, Shira discusses the three “maybes”: The first chumrah, the oldest Jewish prayer in continued use, and a “jobs program.”
Judaism is more than just a list of laws and rules. It is, or should be, a question of ethics – of choosing the right way to live your life. In a great post by To Kiss a Mezuzah, Susan examines the concept of Buying with the intent of getting a free rental – read this one!

Jewish Life and Family

A strange heading, I think – that could easily be separated and yet, what is Jewish life without family? So, here are some great posts about this topic…and these topics.
Miriam tells us about reaching a milestone. Read all about being married 45 years in Mazel Tov to Us – it’s worth going there for the pictures alone! Mazel Tov, Miriam!  In Marriage, Reasons for Heavy Veil, Batya offers her own advice on wedding practices and more importantly the marriage that follows. Put these last two posts together and you’ve got a wealth of advice for new and even long-married couples.
Esser Agaroth (roughly equivalent to 2 cents) is a great blog that brings you up to date on Israel and Jewish life – this was hard to decide where to put this post, but I’ve put it here. See Jews attacked for wearing provocative hats – a post about the recent attack on Jews visiting Jordan because they dared of the way they were dressed (as the religious Jews they are).
On the lighter and happier side – something we need after all of these deep thoughts and politics, are the Short Parsha Riddles for the weekly parsha.
I didn’t homeschool my kids – but this is a great blog even if you don’t. Great ideas for things to do with kids – especially as summer approaches! Check out Cute and Easy Bird Feeder on A Jewish Homeschool Blog.

Deep Thoughts

Leah Aharoni asks (and answers) the philosophical question: How many of us actually believe that effort without results is worth anything? See her post Is Effort Alone Worthless?
It’s election year in the United States – something that touches the world over. In Jewlicious’ latest post, The Jewish Channel asks the question “Will Jewish Republicans Make it to Congress?
I love this blog – Beneath the Wings! Check out Vanity vs. Weight for an honest discussion about how we feel versus how we look and what’s more important.

How can you get your blog into Haveil Havalim?

Glad you asked:

To participate and to host, join our Facebook Group!

To submit a post, use our on-line submission form!

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