tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48827842246436817042023-06-20T06:00:35.994-07:00R. Shlomo's reading listBrief book summaries of an eclectic nature [including Jewish, General, American and Sports History and Literature]Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-50868256610551376672022-06-09T12:49:00.000-07:002022-06-09T12:49:22.485-07:00X TROOP - the secret Jewish commandos of World War II by Leah Garrett<p> During WWII there were highly motivated soldiers that wanted to fight Nazism. One such type of soldier fought for the British Expeditionary Forces: German refugees to England who signed up to fight Hitler. Most of these refugees were Jewish children who made their way to England on the Kindertransport or by other means making their escape before the Nazi noose tightened around them and when they came of age they volunteered or were solicited for top secret commando units to penetrate enemy German lines and gather information, fight as commandos or interrogate German prisoners. These commandos played an integral role in the preparations for the invasion of Normandy in 1944 and the eventual Allied victory.</p><p>The unique aspect of the these commandos was the requirement to sublimate their Jewish identities completely by taking on an original British name and identity. For Example Manfred Gans became Fred Gray; Peter Arany became Peter Masters, Claus Ascher became Colin Anson.</p><p>Some of the extraordinary exploits of these brave men are highlighted in this very readable history. Gans, for example was so fearless that when he heard that parents were still alive at Theresienstadt, he requested a jeep and driver and rode 0ver 300 miles in hostile territory to find his parents. Gans was one of the few who were Orthodox growing up and had to suppress such an identity, however to his credit after the war he uncovered his Jewish identity and even became his Synagogue president. Others on the other hand remained completely British forever burying there childhood identities out of complete gratitude to England for their salvation from Nazi Germany.</p><p>The men were secretly trained in Wales and only recently is a monument visible at the site of their training. Curiously, there is no mention of being Jewish refugees despite the fact that over 90 percent of the X troop were completely Jewish. Being Jewish made these commandos highly motivated in the fight against Hitler. Additionally curious is the delayed naturalization of these soldiers to becoming British subjects whose naturalization was swift. England was quick to exploit their motivations and language skills but not quick to admit them to post war Britain - perhaps a hint at lingering Anti Semitism.</p><p>The Nazis were shocked at how perfect was their interrogators' spoken German and in asking 'how do you know German so well?' The response was "I will ask the questions, you will just answer them!"</p><p>Read this book and be ready to be inspired!</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-89351927309899147472022-02-02T13:59:00.000-08:002022-02-02T13:59:54.239-08:00A Plague Upon Our House: My Fight at the Trump White House to Stop COVID from Destroying America By Dr. Scott Atlas<p> This book recalls the experiences of an Health policy expert who became Advisor to the President during the Covid-19 pandemic and how he was introduced to the raw negative power lodged against anyone who does not spout the expected narratives. Dr. Atlas is truly appalled at how no real Public Health expert contributed to the discussions of policies that included societal lockdowns, masks and vaccines.</p><p>Dr. Atlas believed in targeting the vulnerable who needed to be safeguarded and mitigate the spread of the disease through social distancing, vaccinations etc. What shocked him was there was no discussion about policies and their possible effects. Specifically, there was no scientific evidence that supported lockdowns and moreover, there was the complete neglect of the negative effects of social lockdowns. </p><p>He believes that the lockdowns cause more harm than effectively mitigating the spread of Covid-19. Once the country locked down there were increases in domestic abuse, attempted suicides, neglect of schooling, neglect for other medical procedures like cancer treatments. There were no net gains from the lockdowns, there were adverse affects to public health! He points out that the working class suffers the most. Affluent elites can work from home but not the working classes!</p><p>He expresses frustration from the changing message and narrative. For example, masks at the beginning were not necessary, then they were necessary and now there is a claim that they don't work! Dr. Atlas quite convincingly argues from the evidence that masks did nothing to curb the spread of the virus. He displays the dates that mask mandates were put in place and then compares the increase of Covid cases! In not one place did Covid cases come down from the time that masks were mandated! He points to Sweden, a country that did not lock down or mandate masks and shows how that country outperformed at least 9 other countries that implemented mask mandates.</p><p>He singled out the outrageous mandate to mask young children. They have a need to see faces in order to properly develop language skills and societal ques and norms. He believes that there might be a long term deficit in this regard. </p><p>He singles out the tyranny of anyone who disagrees with the narrative, and the absolute vilification resulting from such dissent. He himself is dismissed as not "being an epidemiologist" and that his qualification as a Health policy scholar and expert at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University ignored.</p><p>He admits his naivete when confronted with the deliberate lies lodged against him by mainstream press. He figures a Journalists seeks the truth! That is not true, however, for example, he was completely and wrongfully accused of believing in "herd immunity" without mitigations. In other words, the press slammed the author for advocating for allowance of people to get the disease and built up herd immunity despite any subsequent piling up of deaths counts! Atlas never opined against the various recommended mitigations to stop the disease!</p><p>The author praises the Governor of Florida who took a more targeted approach and as a result Florida outperformed most of the States that imposed draconian lockdowns.</p><p>The vaccine fetish to the exclusion of other public health concerns is very disconcerting. In a free country where the common slogan was "our body ourselves" one sees that the country has turned into a totalitarian state that dictates social behavior and curtails one's basic freedom to congregate. The fear mongering was based on faulty modeling and although too many people have died, the actual statistic of those who have lost their lives were much lower and are basically from a specific demographic. Deaths were not as indiscriminate as first anticipated.</p><p>Closing schools does not make sense to author because the evidence shows that young people not only tolerate the disease but also do not spread it to adults! Anyone saying otherwise ignores the scientific evidence.</p><p>Atlas proves himself to be the scientist and dispassionate researcher that is truly needed in such situations like pandemics.</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-58532051645738927792022-01-16T11:11:00.001-08:002022-01-16T11:11:38.123-08:00The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health (Children’s Health Defense) By Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<p> If one had doubts about the efficacy of lockdowns, masks and vaccines, this expose will reinforce those doubts because RFK Jr. brings to light the history of Dr. Anthony Fauci's public health record starting with the Aids epidemic and shows a well documented series of failures to Public Health yet tremendous personal financial success outcomes for for the doctor and his allies.</p><p>With one man controlling the millions of $s for grants, Tony Fauci is the go to person for any academic or academy looking for needed funding. Along with Bill Gates who as it turns out is the largest contributor to vaccine research become true kingpins in how public health progresses. Instead of public health, the result is tremendous power to an elite few.</p><p>The book shows very clearly (it is extensively well annotated) that there seems to be a vaccine fetish over general health strategies. The book shows how therapeutics have not only been ignored but mysteriously removed from markets - Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin come to mind, inexpensive drugs that are now difficult to procure. Nowhere can one find recommendations to improvement to the immune system like adding Vitamin D or Zinc to help reduce symptoms. The book shows that the only important strategy is to get vaccinated however, the statistics of complications of the vaccine seems to be squelched. This means that the decision to get vaccinated is never a discussion or debate but rather a mandate!</p><p>Many have dismissed RFK Jr. as an "Anti Vaccer", however what is clear from this book is that his claim in not against an effective vaccine but how this whole situation has negated personal freedoms and completely ignored constitutional rights. He is concerned that there has been planned scenarios and that the Intelligence, Military, and Pharmaceutical industries are all complicit in taking down the American way life.</p><p>The author shows that Fauci failed miserably in coming up with an AIDS vaccine and killed along the way many people from the African Continent. He shows that the expensive drug of choice AZT is acknowledged as very toxic in its own right. When some scientists showed that HIV + could not be the only cause of AIDS, Fauci not only dismissed them but ruined them by making sure that their funding dried up. Dr. Fauci, according to the book, has a history of silencing dissent from his opinions and/or decisions instead of maintaining healthy debate based on science. Dr. Fauci has been shown to be arrogant enough to claim he is the voice of science without any evidence to support his claim.</p><p>RFK Jr.'s conclusion is dark, that what is happening before or eyes is the erosion of freedom and the emergence of tyranny and totalitarianism that the government demands compliance with its diktats. The authors calls for awareness of what is happening and to be sensitive to stand up for person freedom.</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-47008918456378336502021-11-21T13:38:00.000-08:002021-11-21T13:38:15.009-08:00The Orchard by Yochi Brandes<p>The Orchard is a novel that takes place in the second century common era and concludes at the gruesome execution of Rabbi Akiva and the birth of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, the eventual leader and redactor of the Mishna. The book is a heavy and extensive political history of the Jewish people through the eyes of the wife of the famous rabbi, Rabbi Akiva. The author has a deep knowledge the contemporary rabbis of the period and she weaves in and out of their lives and moreover their disputes.</p><p>The story highlights some famous Talmudic stories like the insight of Kalba Savua's daughter in seeing a future Torah Great in one of her fathers employed shepherds, Akiva ben Joseph.</p><p>We are introduced to Rabbi Eliezer, through his wife Imma Shalom who has a deep relationship and understanding of Rachel, Rabbi Akiva's wife. Rabbi Eliezer is depicted as a vestige of the followers of school of Shamai (tracing the famous disputes between Hillel and Shamai) and as a result of Rabbi Akiva's emerging eminence of Biblical exegesis the School of Hillel becomes dominant and solidifies Rabbi Eliezer's isolation - halachically and socially.</p><p>We are introduced to the promoter of Christianity, Paul as related to Imma Shalom. Ms. Brandes assumes the opinion of some scholars that Paul was actually attempting a positive clear division between Jewish believers and those who believe in the Nazarene, that they should remain separate. We are introduced to the great debate of the rabbis on whether to ignore or fight the Nazarenes. We learn about the new petition that is added to the silent prayer that was known for its 18 petitions but now a 19th is added which is a reference to the elimination of this sectarian threat.</p><p>We learn of the harsh treatment of Rabbi Eliezer by Rabban Gamliel who excommunicated him but he, Rabban Gamliel too, was temporarily removed from office and replaced by Ben Zoma.</p><p>The books weaves in the story of the Bar Kochba revolt and how there was great infighting and dissension among the ranks of the rabbis. The book is very heavy on the disputes and dissension and quite light about Roman occupation. Although there is criticism of Rome, not until the ten rabbis are executed brutally does the reader see how outrageous Rome truly is.</p><p>The climax of the story is however is quite bitter. The Talmudic legend is highlighted: the mystical story of 4 rabbis entering the ORCHARD: Ben Zoma dies, Ben Azzai goes insane, Rabbi Elisha becomes an apostate/Roman citizen and Rabbi Akiva comes out whole. The character of the Rabbi Akiva's wife demands to know what happened in the ORCHARD and before Rabbi Akiva is executed Rachel is granted a private visit to her husband and gets the explosive answer that the future of Jewish history is surveyed as the most lachrymose manifestation nobody could foresee - a history of constant bullying and persecutions basically culminating in a Holocaust. As a result, one rabbi dies instantly one goes insane and one gets "angry at God" becoming an apostate and Akiva comes out whole. However, Akiva, for the author is not really whole, he concludes to his wife (by what he saw in the ORCHARD) that God will not help but rather we as the nation must act alone and not expect God to help. Rachel gives Akiva words of encouragement and reminds him of his courage to believe in Hashem and indeed, he shows magnificent courage as he is tortured to death, expiring with the recitation of the SHEMA just as the Talmudic story records. Jewish history is conceptualized to profound rupture and renewal by the fact the novel ends with the birth of the great sage Rabbi Yehuda who will go on to be part of a generation that shows profound religious literary output.</p><p>I could not help but notice that this best seller on its back cover noted some very well known and famous people praising the book. All of them seemed to me secular personages. The idea that the nation must act alone and not expect Divine help must resonate with those who do not believe in God. The notion that God will not help is not a belief in God but merely a belief in His help. I reject the last visit and conversation between Rabbi Akiva and his wife implying that Akiva's faith waivered and needed encouragement from his wife. The same Akiva that observed the stone being carved out and penetrated by the running water of the stream and connecting such power to Hashem to penetrate his own heart is the same powerful believer to see one last opportunity to do a mitzvah, reciting the Shema as opposed to saying "why have you forsaken me". </p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-45590919861227089352021-11-07T16:00:00.000-08:002021-11-07T16:00:19.601-08:00The Genius: how Bill Walsh reinvented Football and created an NFL dynasty by David Harris<p> Growing up in the SF bay Area, I followed the San Francisco 49ers. It wasn't until Bill Walsh became the head coach that the team started to win with some consistency. I remember before those years the great wide receiver was Gene Washington who came to my High School and I was lucky enough as a child to procure his autograph. However, when the 49ers picked up Joe Montana and Dwight Clark and then Jerry Rice, the team became what a sports fan would call 'magical'.</p><p>The book studies the life of a complex personality. Walsh was well read and even poetic but he was not afraid when challenged 'to go the distance' as Mr. Harris describes a scene when Bill was cut off on the road and followed his opponent off the highway. Despite the size difference, Walsh challenged his opponent and quickly settled the score by a quick combination of punches that he had learned from boxing in College. From that scene, what was clear was that Walsh could be provoked and his anger could be explosive but decisive.</p><p>He was never afraid of making decisions. And those decisions are what made the 49ers successful. As a consummate coach knowing not to scream at his players but rather scream at his coaches resulted in the correct effect of getting players to own up to their mistakes and not blame their coaches! He understood people and enjoyed relationships. He was not afraid to say "I love you!"<br /></p><p>Walsh had to deal with an immature owner who lost his temper whenever the team lost. Walsh needed complete control over football operations to insure that his system of play would be unimpeded.</p><p>Early in his coaching career, Walsh was the assistant coach and offensive coordinator to the famous Paul Brown of the Cincinnati Bengels. With Walsh the Bengels seemed unstoppable. Much of the Brown's success was due to Walsh. And when is was clear that Paul Brown was to retire, Bill assumed that he was the natural choice to become Head Coach. Paul Brown had reservations about Walsh's emotional make-up and did not appoint Walsh as his successor! There was no conversation, no explanation and as a result Walsh seemed to be out of football until he was asked to coach College ball. </p><p>Walsh was somewhat steeled by the Brown episode and continued to show that his teams could score points. When the 49ers were bought by the Debartolo family the job was offered to Walsh even with the 'Brown cloud' hovering over him. But the 'West Coast offense' consisting of unstoppable short passes and surprise sweeps or disguised off tackle runs, was given a vehicle in the NFL...</p><p>Walsh never liked his team being called a 'finesse' team! Football is physical and even violent so he made sure that his defensive coordinators understood that he expected that his team would not be out hit.</p><p>Players like Montana were in awe of Walsh's demand for precision. As a matter of fact Walsh first noticed Joe Montana's footwork and chose him for his nimbleness with his legs and not necessarily because he had a good arm. Walsh emphasized the precise number of quarterback drop back steps to insure that the wide receivers would be in the proper places to receive the pass!</p><p>Because he was so sensitive the pressure of losses weighed very heavy on him, he was really an absentee father and husband resulting for a time living with another women. When his son became terminally ill, Walsh was shaken so much that he understood his true responsibilities and reconciled with his wife. Then he himself became sick with a type of rare leukemia and started to get his affairs in order and chose the Stanford U. church to be his final pause before being passing on. Although raised a Baptist, he converted to his wife's Catholicism.</p><p>Any one who witnessed the 49er super bowl wins can appreciate why the book was titled Genius.</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-16767744868687447372021-09-17T12:36:00.000-07:002021-09-17T12:36:30.217-07:00Herzl's Vision: Theodor Herzl and the foundation of the Jewish State by Shlomo Avineri<p>This biography of Theodor Herzl is a fascinating study of an assimilated European Jew who is moved to utopian dreams to solve the problem of Anti-Semitism by devising a practical plan that was not utopian. His <u>The Jewish State</u> was a practical guide. He is unaware of his predecessor Moses Hess who concludes the same ideas that the Jewish people will ultimately not be accepted by the outside world and need their own State to be independent on the one hand and to be accepted as a nation on the other.</p><p>Mr. Avineri conceptualizes Herzl's whole career by detailing his failed attempt at getting a sympathetic commitment from the German Kaiser in his meeting at Cairo in 1898. Herzl's determination in seeking approval of the international community was essential in his mind in solving the Jewish problem. If the world would give its approval to a separate Jewish state there would be legitimacy to such a state and no argument to its existence. Herzl believes this so wholeheartedly that in his program of establishing a nation state, the Jewish state would not have an army since international acceptance would mean nobody would pose of threat to it!! Clearly, Herzl underestimated the Arab world and did not perceive the hesitancy of the Ottomans of Turkey correctly. In many ways, Herzl thought that the issue would be money - if he would be able to find out exactly how much aid would produce acceptance....</p><p>About his program for a Jewish state there is a curious fact. For example, Herzl does not believe that Hebrew would be the official language of the Jewish country. He believes that a better model would be a country like Switzerland where there are many official languages. He reasons that the Jewish people are a dispersed nation all over the globe speaking many different languages, Hebrew is just not practical since it is only a liturgical, dead language. Herzl is completely unaware of what was going on in Israel with a rejuvenation and revival of the language with the Yishuv from the Hovevei Zion settlers.</p><p>Herzl gains enormous popularity with Eastern European Jewry. Those communities are educated Jewish communities that suffer from deep hatred of the gentile world. The yearnings for Zion are a natural outgrowth. Herzl's own central European communities were slow to accept the Jewish people as a separate nation, calling into question their loyalty to their host country. His popularity gains such strength in Russia that he is heralded as King! something that he rejects outright.</p><p>Mr Avineri points out that a common understanding about Herzl and the Dreyfus trial lacks evidence. The conventional understanding of Herzl's awakening about Anti-Semitism comes from his coverage of the Dreyfus trial. Professor Avineri adroitly points out that Herzl's coverage is rather dry and factual, not even questioning Dreyfus guilt at the first trial. There is no comment or thought about the Anti-Semitism that is drummed up during the affair recorded in Herzl's personal diaries, an extensive source of Herzl's mindset. Clearly Herzl understood the horrible problem of Anti-Semitism, however, there is no tangible evidence that the Dreyfus Affair was the impetus!!</p><p>The greatest blunder of Herzl's career was the offering of Uganda as an option for the Jewish state. Herzl was intent on NOT dismissing the offer from the British so as the keep the international lines of communication open. He knew that Palestine was the real option and that he could sense that Uganda if an option could only be a stop gap measure for the immediate needs for those seeking refuge from the violent pogroms in Russia. When he put Uganda on the agenda of the 7th Zionist congress he was traumatized and shocked by tremendous upheaval it caused and damaged his image with the Eastern European Jews. The ferocious negative response dealt Herzl such a blow he never really recovered and was dead 6 months later. The arguments against the option were simple: one would be naïve to think that one could get Palestine if there was a Jewish state in Uganda! One would argue "what do you need Palestine if you already have a refuge in Uganda? And although the Uganda option passed at the congress, nevertheless real fissures formed against Herzl. He and Menachem Ussishkin, head of the Russian Zionist group had to make amends. The Uganda option went nowhere.</p><p>Herzl is the one person responsible in creating the concept that a Jewish State was a real possibility. He is responsible in creating the Zionist congress and Jewish agency. He also created an international awareness that eventually created the modern State of Israel. Although it took two world wars and the Holocaust, Herzl's dream came to fruition with the world agency of the UN giving acceptance.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-53719649727145376792021-05-21T16:49:00.000-07:002021-05-21T16:49:56.037-07:00The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson<p> I have always thought that Winston Churchill was the greatest statesman of the 20 century. The Splendid and the Vile is just more evidence that Churchill deserves such a title. Mr. Larson takes the reader through the first year of WWII when Germany attacked England and threatened invasion. He brings to the fore the different viewpoints and approaches that were coursing through English and German circles during that first tumultuous year of the German Blitz against England virtually standing alone against Hitler's Germany.</p><p>This is an epic saga of persuasion, encouragement and courage as each quality is manifested in the personage of Churchill. </p><p>Mr. Churchill knew that England could not win the war without the help of the USA, so he deftly cultivated close relationships with the leadership of America. First with Harry Hopkins, then with Averill Harriman but ultimately with the one who really counted: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the president. Churchill's talent for persuasion and delicate argument is easily seen in his conversations that showed wit and in his correspondences to FDR that exhibited frankness.</p><p>Standing alone against Germany meant that Mr. Churchill would have to lead and set an example encouraging his nation that they could overcome the odds and defeat Hitler's Germany. In his speeches, one is introduced to his great oratory. He would often visit tragic areas hit hard by Germany bombings, showing the people that he feels the pain and suffering but is resolute in standing up against German aggression.</p><p>On the German side one is introduced to the feelings of frustration on the part of Herman Goering and Josef Goebbels. Goering is frustrated that his air force can not subdue the British into submission. Goebbels is frustrated that Germany can not knock the wind out of British morale. </p><p>Churchill would often defy security recommendations and go to the roof and look out at the blitzing of London. He truly was a fearless foe against Hitler.</p><p>Mr. Larson takes the reader beyond the battles and describes the emotional ups and downs of Churchill's inner circle, his family and the upper echelons of the British government. With Larson's characteristic strong narrative, the book is a fine introduction to WWII and the leadership of Winston Churchill.</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-16230617688419791602021-02-12T14:44:00.000-08:002021-02-12T14:44:09.650-08:00The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer<div style="text-align: justify;">This 1500 page monumental narrative of one of the darkest periods in the history of world events reads like a Thriller. From the rise of Adolph Hitler through World War II and the Holocaust, Mr. Shirer thoroughly tells us about a twisted conqueror who persuaded his nation to follow him blindly promising a grand Reich that would last a thousand years. I am only going to touch on some themes that struct me worth pointing out, because I recommend this book as essential reading for anyone interested in understanding World War I and World War II. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a narrative about the humiliation of a nation and its one leader with a savior mentality who develops a successful political campaign to eventually take over Germany without a majority but because of his emerging political skill is able to successfully take full control of the country legally and democratically. He swiftly crushes, however, any vestige of democracy so that one understands that this proud nation would become a personality cult, a personality that suffers from such a violent temper that he is called the 'carpet eater' behind his back as a result of the fury of his tantrums. He falls violently to the floor and ferociously bites down on the corner of the carpet to gain the physical control that he lost during his tantrum!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hitler calculated successfully that the Allies lost their desire to go to war. World War I was supposed to be the war to end all wars, however for Hitler, the war was a complete humiliation that had to be extirpated. In his wilderness years in Vienna he discovered Jew Hatred and became an rabid Anti Semite and successfully developed a theme of scapegoating the Jews and blaming them for every economic ill that plagued Germany as a result of losing first World War. He developed a following initially of misfits and discovered a talent for community organizing and political management. He practiced his oratory and became a charismatic speaker and was able to spellbind audiences, with women even swooning during his speeches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hitler equated his Jewish boogey man with the Soviet Union - he believed the Soviets were part of an international Jewish conspiracy that needed to be destroyed and ironically he made a pact, a peace treaty with such an arch enemy, the Soviets so that he could maintain a one front war. His plan was brilliant: offer the Soviets half of Poland so he could unify German speakers in Austria and parts of Poland and the Balkans and then crush the Western Allies of France and England (his nemeses from the first WW) and then turn on the Soviets...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His beginning of the WWII was riddled with success on the battlefield. His treaty with the Soviets held as he destroyed Poland and maintained a successful irredentism "Living Space" swallowing up Austria and the Sudetenland. He then turned on France which capitulated surprisingly quickly. The only one who understood early on what Hitler was doing was Winston Churchill. (Ironically Churchill early in his career equated the Bolsheviks with the Jews like Hitler, however, Churchill learned and was educated being able to differentiate Jews from the Bolsheviks. He had a healthy distain for Communism but became a Zionist sympathizer and good friend to the Jews.) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hitler, blundered badly, however and did not accept his Generals' advice. He turned on the Soviet Union, underestimating its strength and was ultimately pushed back and had a two front war which even he knew could not be won when the USA joined the Allies (as Churchill maintained a close relationship with Franklin Roosevelt.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shirer touches on the brutal abuses of the Nazi Concentration and Death camps and highlights some very horrible "medical" experiments. The sadism of the Nazi medical personnel at these torture chambers defy human behavior. One experiment records how long one freezes to death and to see if one could be revived. The so called "Freeze dried' experiment means that a person is splashed with very cold water and the timer records how long it takes for a person to lose consciousness and expire. Ironically, the doctors also become surprised when they attempt at reviving a victim through the warmth of the embrace of the opposite sex. Occasionally an unusually strong man would warm and be revived.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This long narrative reads quickly. It is well structured and keeps the reader's attention. Mr. Shirer even admits in his afterword his surprise at the success of the of such a long book. And although professional historians don't appreciate a journalist taking on the role of an Historian, the book is not journalism but rather based on original research based on captured documents. The author appreciates the warm reception all over the world to his narrative. He notes that Germany did not appreciate the book. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This book is highly recommended.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-57256263705733406342020-12-20T10:38:00.001-08:002020-12-20T10:38:49.520-08:00THE HAUNTED SMILE by Lawrence J. Epstein (the story of Jewish comedians in America)<p>This scholarly work interweaves the issues of Jewish Identity and the immigrant experience. The author targets Jewish Comedians from Vaudeville to the present. Jewish comedians basically follow the grand Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe (1892-1924) to the 21st century. All major Jewish comedians are noticed and analyzed sometimes even psychoanalyzed. The author puts forth a theme of acceptance and shows the varying values and morays during each decade of comedic development as the comedians develop their own response to their surroundings. </p><p>I would like to point out some highlights: I never realized how successful Jack Benny was until reading this book. I had always known Benny's character as being 'cheap' but never really understood how wildly successful he was in the business. Experiencing the depression and 'being cheap' in way that was identifiable with the common man of the era coupled with impeccable comedic timing made Jack Benny a household name first on radio and then on Television. His brilliance is marked by the fact that even though "cheap" is Jewish stereotype, Benny never gives away being Jewish in his character! The non Jewish successful comedian, Tom Smothers was surprised to find out that Benny was Jewish! Moreover, being cheap was only a stage persona; Jack Benny was an amazingly kindhearted generous human being.</p><p>The Marx Brothers, according to the author, represents the classic outsider trying to fit in. Groucho with his classic critiques and put downs is the classic outsider not interested in fitting in. Chico with his exaggerated Italian accent always hustling something is clearly the immigrant trying to eek out a living and be accepted. Then there is Harpo who does not speak and communicates completely in pantomime with a bicycle horn representing the immigrant that does not speak the language expressing frustration as an outsider.</p><p>Mr. Epstein contrasts the humor between Mel Brooks and Woody Allen as being positive vs. negative. Mel Brooks being very positive about being Jewish and puts his humor in a zany environment whereas Woody Allen highlights his Jewish identity in a very dark negative manner and yet both draw huge laughs.</p><p>The classic show called "Your Show of Shows" with Sid Caesar is highlighted as a zenith in Comedy writing. Caesar was a brilliant mimic and was able to imitate the rhythms of any language. As a waiter growing up, Caesar would entertain foreigners in their native 'gibberish'! </p><p>Milton Berle was a proud Jew not afraid to punch out the anti Semite. He was hugely popular in the early days of television but his popularity waned as more and more households procured tv sets. The theory behind his decline in popularity was the first TV sets were in the urban centers like New York - many immigrants (ie. Jewish) the expanded audiences did not relate to the Yiddishisms.</p><p>The cerebral comic, Mort Sahl became popular in 1950's and 60's as a political commentator. Lenny Bruce fed off of Sahl and pushed the envelope in the use of profanity and drug use of the 60's. The author claims that Bruce was more angry than funny.</p><p>By the time Jerry Seinfeld comes on the scene, the Jewish community no longer is the immigrant community needing to be accepted. Seinfeld represents complete acceptance where the comedian feels no need to hide his Jewish name on the one hand nor publicize one's Jewish identity. Only once during his long running TV show does Seinfeld come out an mention that he is Jewish which ends up being secondary and incidental to the punchline and theme of the episode about one who converts to Judaism just to tell Jewish jokes.</p><p>As history of comedy, this volume shows quite clearly that American humor was dominated by Jewish comics in such an obvious way during the 20th century. The author discusses many more comedians and comediennes. This is also a proof that the Jewish people have been intertwined with American History from way back.</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-83153606299664054792020-09-08T10:39:00.001-07:002021-10-19T11:59:51.584-07:00alone (the second volume of Churchill's memoir of WWII)<p> Reading Churchill's account of 1939 and 1940 when England was alone in fighting Germany, and trying to discourage them from invading the Island, one realizes that Churchill was not writing a History of WWII. He was actually enabling historians to appreciate what was going on in the mindset of British leadership. His statesmanship, courage, defiance and overall role modeling was extraordinary. He included practically all his memos and correspondences to the various cabinet members and generals and other world leaders. One understands the close bond that he forged with President Roosevelt who represented a pivotal and indispensable ally in eventually defeating Hitler.</p><p>Churchill was fearless in going out and surveying the damage during the constant BLITZ and bombing of London. People really saw that he cared about his people and country. In reading his memos and speeches one comes away with a character of substance and sensitivity. Churchill was unique in that he was easy to allow tears to flow, a quality that was not common among the British upper-crust.</p><p>With the postponing of the invasion, Churchill knew that he could last until other countries would join the fight eg. the USA. He understood also that it was a matter of time that Hitler would turn against Stalin and violate his pact with Russia. Hitler's hatred of Marxism precluded any long term agreements. Stalin also seemed to understand this but clearly needed more time to develop his armored divisions. Churchill suspected Stalin's integrity and never seemed to trust him even as an ally. Hitler was bothered by Churchill's lack of fidelity in the "Anglo - Saxon" bond. He seemed to be hoping to exploit that bond as he did with Chamberlain. Churchill seemed to understand Hitler's hunger for territory all too well. Perhaps, Churchill's defense of the Empire gave insight into his understanding of Hitler's desires. Churchill always gave positive spin of his Empire as one with the rule of law, however, he saw the absolutism, despotism and arbitrariness of Hitler as evil.</p><p><br /></p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-517724751918917552020-08-10T07:21:00.000-07:002020-08-10T07:21:48.893-07:00Unreported Truths about COVID‑19 and Lockdowns: Part 1 and Part 2 by Alex Berenson<p>Written by a former reporter of the New York Times, these investigative reports shed light on the current situation due to Covid-19. Mr. Berenson shows that before the pandemic there were actual protocols, policies and recommendations that were reasonable and not as harsh as the present lock-downs have been imposed. He shows that those original recommendations were similar to the way some other countries have reacted to the pandemic like Sweden (no lock downs). He shows that <b>fear</b>, <b>panic </b>and <b>mostly </b><i><b>politics </b></i>have scrapped the original plan and moved the country to draconian lock downs.</p><p>Written with a critical investigative tone, one is reminded of the investigative reporters of old that are rarely seen today. He questions whether the measures of today are really necessary since statistically the lethal nature of Covid-19 is mostly in the aged populations or people who have comprised health conditions. He argues that had the country prepared models based on those targeted audiences the country would have fared better. </p><p>Since contagion is due to inside close quartering, safeguarding the elderly in Nursing Homes should have been a priority. Many interesting observations are made in these reports worth considering...</p>Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-73872792285020165972020-07-22T06:48:00.000-07:002020-07-22T06:48:59.562-07:00The Gathering Storm by Winston S. ChurchillThis account of the years between the First and Second World Wars is riveting told by the one who championed the world against the Nazi threat. Although today, he often is dismissed as an odious "imperialist" by the progressive Left, Winston Churchill is arguably the greatest statesmen of the 20th Century by the fact that he literally stood alone vigorously sounding the alarm against Hitler. Furthermore, he led England during a time when Hitler boldly stomped over the European continent and stood against him when England had very few allies.<br />
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There is a reason that Churchill received the Nobel Prize for Literature. As he once put it "I absorbed the English Language..." His writing is breathtaking and his vocabulary is profound. Just to read his style is worth the minutes spent. <br />
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The book is multifaceted: it is a narrative of the politics of 1930's, it is a collection of facts and figures about the different skirmishes between Germany and Italy and Britain etc, it is a robust portrait of the various political leaders of the world at the time. Although Churchill did not meet Hitler ever, nevertheless he tells of a near meeting that is insightful about the leader of Germany: during a vacation in Germany, Churchill was offered a chance meeting since he was staying at a common house that was frequented by Hitler. In striking up conversation with the go between, Churchill asked his host a question that squelched any possible future meeting: 'I am curious why the fury against the Jews? - I can understand a criminal but why hold an accident of birth against him?' His host immediately comes back and claims that a meeting with Hitler would be impossible...<br />
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Churchill paints a sympathetic picture of Neville Chamberlain as one who sincerely believed in the 'Anglo - Saxon bond' that could possibly be the foundation for a serious negotiation with Hitler. His policies of Appeasement were based on this foundation but Churchill always sees Hitler as one who had an insatiable appetite for Europe. Appeasement for Churchill means weakness, feeding the Nazi appetite, offering more territory in return for nothing.<br />
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This first volume of six covering the Second World War ends with a powerful Churchillian realization that his whole life was nothing more than a preparation for leading his country and the world in the most trying time "...walking with Destiny"Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-20443891875489965882020-06-15T08:05:00.000-07:002020-06-17T08:29:15.250-07:00Rav Breuer: his life and his Legacy by Dr. David Kranzler and Rabbi Dovid LandesmanI read this volume again!! Here is a fresh new look and not much different from my review of 2014!!<br />
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This is a biography of one of the Torah giants of the 20th century. The book is a well documented, annotated history of the growth of the German Jewish community of Washington Heights in Manhattan. It serves well also as a contribution to the history of American Jewry and how the philosophy of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, Torah Im Derech Eretz successfully warded off assimilation in Rav Breuer's community against all odds of the prevailing trends in American Jewry.<br />
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Rav Breuer was a successful Rosh Hayeshiva in Germany and well into his late 50s he wrestled the Nazi beast successfully enough to leave Germany and make his way to New York City. He overcame difficult trials and tribulations such that one could see outward miracles occur on his behalf.<br />
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Rav Breuer's strength of personality and absolute integrity is highlighted in this well, smoothly written prose. 'Glatt kosher implies Glatt Yosher' represents his demand for ethical integrity that one must be vigilant in fulfilling the commandments not only between one's maker but also among one's fellow human beings. One sees his success in his maturity that he was able to make ethical demands on people since he too applied those same standards upon himself.<br />
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When the young American born students came home from Yeshivah questioning the standard of the Mechitza, partition in the synagogue, wanting to add a curtain to make the partition opaque, Rav Breuer denied their request. He argued one can not come in and cast aspersions on complete kosher communities. When one of the community rabbis who did not help in the construction of the Mikva, ritualarium demand to see how water was collected, Rav Breuer was pained by the notion that one could entertain the possibility of nullifying the Kashruth of the mikvah which would put in doubt a whole community's family purity!<br />
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I was interested in the interactions between Rabbi Dr. Samuel Belkin president of Yeshiva College and Rav Breuer since I am a product of RIETS. It was Rabbi Dr. Belkin who was able to secure passage for Rav Breuer in offering a position at Yeshiva College. Rav Breuer was non committal about the offer with the authors claiming that his hesitation was due to the fact that the other Roshei HaYeshiva would have a problem with Rav Breuer joining the staff. With the untimely death of Rabbi Dr. Belkin the offer was never brought up again!<br />
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What makes this a lively read is learning how Rav Breuer was not interested in making a typical American synagogue but rather a traditional 'community' or Kehilah with the corporate structure of the old European communities that maintained a school, a free loan society, a court system, a Kashruth agency and Mikva society. As Rabbi Breuer aged and became more and more physically frail he asked that the synagogue add another Rav (not assistant) to split the rabbinical duties. His frailty was only physical, his spiritual strength was nevertheless impressive.<br />
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His vision and success is born out of the fact that the success of American Orthodox Judaism now can be traced back to a Torah Im Derech Eretz outlook in almost every American Orthodox community except maybe the Chasidic world.<br />
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As a rabbinical student of RIETS, newly married with child I lived in the same building as Cantor Robert Frankel of Blessed Memory and experienced the Kehillah first hand and was able to meet and interact with Rav Shimon Schwab ZTz"L on a regular basis. The Rav never made me feel uncomfortable knowing that my stay at the congregation would be temporary. His sharing of his experience, meeting the Chofetz Chaim had a profound impact on me. Selling my Chometz with Rav Schwab made an indelible mark on me as his radiant smile I can still see!Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-31416914308711265022020-06-14T12:43:00.000-07:002020-06-14T12:43:06.617-07:00Dismantling of America by Thomas SowellThis book differentiates between political will and factual evidence. This means that the reality of a situation has very little to do with effects of political will. For example, Mr. Sowell explains that there is very little evidence to support systemic racism in America, but that has never impeded the call to arms against racism. The theme of book maintains that slowly over time since the Wilson administration and more speedily since the Obama administration the power of Government has increased to the point that personal freedoms of yesteryear have been curtailed. The country continues to grow a cadre of leftist elites that believe they have the power to impose their will over the masses. Mr. Sowell cites facts to contradict the perceptions of the politicians, however, the political will wins out to smash former personal freedoms. Often the political will creates social problems never intended.<br />
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One of the these policies, for example, was the demand for more affordable housing. The government forced banks to lower their standards and allow a borrower to gain a mortgage. The obvious noble largess on the service was noteworthy, however, the chances of banks losing great amounts of money increased was also noteworthy. When indeed borrowers could not pay their mortgages housing went bust! No one remembers anyone taking responsibility for the fiasco. Congressman Barney Frank decided not to seek re-election. The real reason? He would lose - he actually was a prime mover in the affordable housing 'bust'.<br />
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Mr. Sowell also points out that when government call out 'gifts' or 'free stuff' or 'affordable' healthcare, he shows that there is never anything free! Usually taxes are raised and the public suffers in another way. Another theme of the book: "there are no free lunches!" The Affordable Healthcare bill is a case in point that although the public was told that one's healthcare premiums would be lower, the actual premiums consistently rose until the bill was put into place. <br />
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Another issue that the author brings up is the minimum wage. The demand of a reasonable wage is very desirable. No one believes in the exploitation of the worker. Nevertheless, the evidence shows that minimum wage laws actually reduce the number of jobs and create more unemployment. The argument is quite simple. If an employer must raise his minimum wage creating a situation that a non skilled job is worth half of what the employer must pay he will automatically reduce his labor force to get his money's worth. On the other hand, without a minimum wage more people will be employed and the chances rise that the minimum worker will be able to train and learn more skills on the job and advance. Mr. Sowell points out that historically the minimum wage laws were actually originally put in place to stifle employment of ethnic workers. (The progressive president Woodrow Wilson was a bigot and suggested the minimum wage to eliminate workers of African American descent)<br />
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The author has some observations about slavery. He points out that the USA was not the only place in the world to enslave others. he points out that slavery was actually a world problem. But it is Western Civilization that abolished slavery. What makes slavery in the USA unique is that the issue was problematic from the moment the country was founded! The issue was constantly debated from the beginning and finally was eliminated.<br />
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The book makes observations about the 'greed of Wall Street'. The executives on Wall Street make too much money! They somehow are terrible people. But somehow the entertainment industry is exempt from the accusation of 'greed' even though entertainers make sometimes more than the Wall Street executives. The desire to be compensated according the market seems only one sided. Making money from the Movies does not make greed but making money on Wall Street does make greed?!<br />
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Thomas Sowell is a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, his books are cogent arguments for limited government, a less intrusive government, making worthwhile reading.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-63787822358629827502020-06-07T10:13:00.001-07:002020-12-21T10:47:27.611-08:00Rav Avigdor Miller: his life and his revolution by Yaakov Y. HamburgerThis very readable biography of one of the giants of Slabodka Mussar of the past generation inspires and teaches that anyone can grow to great lengths with organization and a plan.<br />
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Rabbi Miller was an American born Torah scholar from Baltimore and after taking advantage of the truly only advanced yeshiva at the time RIETS and realizing that that institution was going in a direction he disagreed, he decided on a course of European study that took him to Eastern Europe to study at the famed Yeshiva of Slabodka. Although by the time he arrived at the yeshiva, the Alter of Slabodka had since passed away, Rabbi Miller nevertheless absorbed everything that the Alter represented and grew into a well developed Torah scholar. With the second world war looming and the American consulate recommending all American citizens leave Lithuania, Rabbi Miller and his new wife returned to America where he began an amazing innovative rabbanus that changed many lives. His rabbanus started out as a Mashgiach, the spiritual guide in Yeshiva Chaim Berlin under the direction of Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner, a student of the Alter of Slabodka and then as a community rav in East Flatbush, Brooklyn and then in Flatbush of Brooklyn.<br />
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Rabbi Miller was an extremely orderly and organized individual. He was consistent in his behavior and stressed 'simchas Hachaim' the joy of living. He stressed the importance of counting one's blessings and thanking the Lord for all His kindnesses. He was innovative in calling his synagogue a<br />
'Torah Center' to stress that the purpose of a synagogue is not gathering together (church) but rather a place to study Torah! So his synagogue had constant learning going on. This also reflected the vision of Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, the founder of the Mussar Movement - the Torah movement to stress personal growth and ethical behavior, Beis Mussar for the layman. Rabbi Miller utilized the tape recorder to disseminate his Torah teachings. He understood the power of technology could revolutionize the size of a class.<br />
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He stressed the 'Torah only' world outlook. He despised American culture but actually understood it well to be able to address the emerging, new penitent. He despised the medium of Television arguing that nobody would want to be told what is important and what is not - that the influence of the TV was like an uninvited guest to one's home. The rabbi saw the total immodesty of the American world and actually banned the reading of any books written after 1920 in his family due to the rising bawdiness in literature. He also saw the philosophy of the theory of Evolution as heresy and a negation of the belief in the Creator. Many of his books include counter arguments to Evolution and he wished that religious scientists would reject such an idea instead of trying to reconcile science with Evolution. He also saw the study of history as antithetical to the Jewish world outlook because he understood that historicism creates independent values that clash with traditional Jewish values. He enjoyed citing Josephus as proof that the study of History is problematic because Josephus was actually sponsored by the Roman Caesar. He could not be trusted - although Josephus acknowledges that the Jewish people value the words of the Pharisees. Calling them a 'sect', however, is a complete distortion of the role that they played in the nation.<br />
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Rabbi Miller was almost deliberately dogmatic in his views to teach that Judaism has absolute truths. He reflected and personified the ultimate Baal Mussar of the Mussar movement. One should not forget, however, there are other legitimate approaches eg. Chasidic approach, or Sephardic approach etc. even a less Mussar approach. One cannot, however, dismiss this approach. One must remember that the great Yeshivahs of America: Beis Midrash Gevoha, Lakewood, Ner Yisroel, Baltimore, Yeshivas Chaim Berlin, NY were products of the Yeshiva of Slabodka! <br />
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Rabbi Avigdor Miller marveled at Hashem's genius and at his creation. His famous lesson of the apple seed - that the tiny seed had all of the ingredients to reproduce more trees and fruit was an eye opener. He taught one to appreciate Hashem's kindness and to thank Him always and as a result one would lead a happy life.<br />
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This book is a very worthwhile read, inspiring to let one 'set time for Torah study'!Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-54052669487474360402020-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:002020-06-14T07:25:41.960-07:00Faithless Execution: building the political case for Obama's Impeachment by Andrew C. McCarthyAndrew C. McCarthy was the lead prosecutor who was successful in getting a conviction in the case of 'blind Sheik' in the unsuccessful bombing of the World Trade Center in the 1990's. Mr. McCarthy wrote a book chronicling the Obama administration's consistent lack of effort to follow existing laws in order to transform the country toward a more progressive entity.<br />
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The role of the president is to administer the laws of the country according to the Constitution. The book is breathtaking on so many issues. Not in politics but in not applying existing laws puts the president in the position of not fulfilling his Constitutional duty. The book argues cogently the case for impeachment. Issues such as open borders, weaponizing of the IRS against Conservative organizations, being dishonest about Healthcare in America, refusal to mark the Fort Hood massacre an act of Terror and more puts this book in a decidedly conservative camp, however, Mr. McCarthy argues well about the laws that are clear yet either ignored out of prosecutory discretion or bold neglect.<br />
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<br />Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-68077182168903983302020-05-31T10:13:00.000-07:002020-05-31T10:13:32.237-07:00Churchill walking with destiny by Andrew RobertsThis biography of Winston Churchill covers the war years of World War II. It is a Tour DE Force and an eloquent testimony of the greatest statesman of the 20th century. There are some depressing statistics at the end of the book telling of the ignorance of the present generation thinking that Churchill was a mythical character - that most young people believe that he did not exist because his many accomplishments were far too many to fathom in one person! In an age that tends to stress identity politics Churchill is often dismissed as a white imperialist fascist. (During the Obama Administration his bust, a gift from England was removed from display and cast to the basement unceremoniously.) The truth is so far beyond such drivel. Churchill was demonstrative in an age and society of the stiff upper lip, a Philo-Semite and Zionist in a culture of gentile Antisemitism and pro Arab-ism. He was loyal to his friends, did not hold grudges against his political adversaries and was magnanimous in victory. He overcame parental neglect and surpassed all expectations of them. He had a very successful marriage. And although he was indeed a proud imperialist and believed in the mission of the British Empire to bring the rule of law to the outstretches of the world, he nevertheless stood tall for the value of freedom and fought against Nazi tyranny single-handedly until he was able to convince the world of its absolute menace.<br />
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Although this volume is over 900 pages, it is well worth the effort. Churchill was multifaceted: an artist, bricklayer, writer, journalist, historian, politician, raconteur. He absorbed the English language such that it is no wonder that he earned the Nobel Prize for literature for he captured the beautiful rhythm of the language. The author, Mr. Roberts writes similarly, almost taking Churchill as his writer's guide, constructing clear sentences making reading this magnum opus a pleasure.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-41991698308496193422020-04-16T20:52:00.001-07:002020-12-21T10:58:01.757-08:00Chief Rabbi Hertz: the Wars of the Lord by Derek TaylorJoseph Herman Hertz served as Chief Rabbi of the British Empire from 1913-1946. His Pentateuch and Siddur influenced traditional Jewish communities around the world through the 20th century. He was not so much a controversial figure as he was a fearless blunt spokesman for Orthodox Judaism in the first half of the 20th century. His causes and clashes with his lay leadership are documented is this very readable biography by Derek Taylor, one who has intimate knowledge and understanding of the organization of the United Synagogue of England. <br />
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Taylor describes the clashes with the rabbi's primary antagonist Sir Robert Waley Cohen, lay leader of the United Synagogue. There are some interesting issues raised in the book: the status of the Jewish theological seminary, Hertz position as orthodox, his clashes with the 'right wing' and his desire to improve Jewish education and stem the tide of assimilation, and his unpopular Zionist position.<br />
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Hertz was the first graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, now considered the flagship rabbinical school for Conservative Judaism. As a matter of fact, Conservative Jews claim Hertz as one of their own by adopting his Chumash for many years and often giving a Bar Mitzvah boy his siddur as a gift (I have one). However, the book makes clear that he never identified with any reforms. Hertz was trained as a rabbi when Sabato Morais and Bernard Drachman were running the Seminary before Solomon Schechter became chancellor in 1902. Hertz was ordained in 1894 and also awarded a PhD. in Philosophy from Columbia University. Morais and Drachman were never associated with any reforms and considered themselves Orthodox. Their vision was to prepare Orthodox rabbis conversant in contemporary life in America. Throughout his career as a rabbi, Hertz accentuated his Orthodoxy and Mitzvah observance, demanding Kashruth, Sabbath and Mikvah during his tenure as rabbi.<br />
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Hertz being on the one hand blunt to those obviously trying to usurp his authority but quite diplomatic and flexible with his non Jewish colleagues was seen by some as controversial, however, he was a very effective orator and communicator and gained a large following in England among the Jewish and non Jewish worlds. The Jewish world in England was divided between the native born and the Eastern European immigrants. The native born were concerned about appearances and socially conscious wanting to fit in to British culture. Those from Eastern European extraction tended to be more aloof to the outside and more traditional in observance. From this community the chief rabbi felt pressure that he was not observant enough and had to prove his Orthodox bona fides. This community did not concern itself with the United Synagogue despite Hertz's efforts to improve the Jews' College and make upgrades to the Beth Din with the appointment of Dayan Yechezkel Abramsky.<br />
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Hertz was a Zionist but his community that he served was not! The lay leadership was embarrassed to push a Zionist program because of the implication that a Zionist could not be a loyal subject. Hertz nevertheless forged positive relationships with Chaim Weizmann and others and was instrumental in the drafting of the Balfour declaration. He visited the Holy Land and was present at the opening of the Hebrew University. Hertz was skeptical from the beginning whether England would keep its promise about help making Israel the national home for the Jewish People. Nevertheless, his lay leadership tried to keep the chief rabbi out of politics, however, the chief rabbi would not be intimidated.<br />
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The tenure of the chief rabbi was constantly distracted by one who believed he knew better for what was good for the Jewish community. At almost every turn, Rabbi Hertz had to contend with a powerful executive from the Shell Oil Corporation, Sir Robert Waley Cohen. Cohen was a hot tempered reformist that wanted the rabbi and United Synagogue to "modernize." Hertz was smart enough, blunt enough and strong enough to withstand Waley Cohen's interruptions, objections and tantrums. <br />
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The book is informative and a good read.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-40183506115835222922019-08-16T08:53:00.002-07:002019-08-16T08:53:40.635-07:00ORDINARY MEN reserve police battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland by Christopher R. BrowningThis study of a killing unit comprised of older reservists not particularly Nazified, tells the story of certain actions and hunts against Jews during WWII. A few years later, another study about the same unit came out with a much harsher conclusion: "Hitler's willing Executioners".<br />
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Mr. Browning's study is a careful study that concludes that ordinary people can commit terrible atrocities. He coins a term 'multi-causal' to mean that there were many factors that contributed to making Police Battalion 101 murderous people. He does not share Daniel Jonah Goldhagen's conclusion that Germany's deep seated Antisemitism morphed into a unique 'eliminationist' Antisemitism that created an accompanying alacrity to the killing of the Jews.<br />
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There are testimonies to the effect that many of the men were revulsed by killing innocent unarmed men women and children on the one hand and others that enthusiastically not only carried out the murder but rather trained others to point the bayonet to the back of the neck and fire as to be the most efficient method of killing. Many deliberately misfired or aimed high because they just couldn't bring themselves to brutally murder. What is clear, however, are those that protested killing only did so out weakness or squeamishness and not out of moral concerns. Those that carried out the orders were considered 'tough' and those that did not were considered 'weak'. Only one person, seems to have stepped away from the killings out of morality and surprisingly suffered no consequences for his protest.<br />
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Mr. Browning concludes that many factors contributed to create the monster: Antisemitism, conformity, obedience to authority, autocratic rule, fear of punishment. He cites Stanley Milgram's famous experiments in the 1960's that seem to prove average people will easily inflict pain on other never taking responsibility, but rather, deferring to authority pressed for 'why did you do it?' He has since rejected Mr. Goldhagen's conclusion that something distinct to Germans and German culture made them enthusiastic Jew Killers. Mr. Browning has some compelling arguments against Mr. Goldhagen. For example, there were culturally non Germans in the group. He also cites Poles and Lithuanians as enthusiastic killers. He demonstrates that Germans did not have a monopoly on deep seated Jew Hatred. The dispute, I believe can be summed up about 'alacrity'. Goldhagen concludes the Germans killed with unique alacrity and Browning concludes that 'alacrity' was not clearly present in the majority of cases as much as conformity and obedience to do one's duty.<br />
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This is an excellent study that employs the tools of the prudent historian.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-49701163733811841432019-08-07T13:14:00.000-07:002020-04-17T08:04:57.549-07:00Coolidge by Amity ShlaesThe President of the famed 1920's is the focus of this biography. Calvin Coolidge lived by principles of economy: of speech, of spending, of government. That he was put through a pressure cooker of politics in the office of the presidency makes him all the more impressive. Diminutive in size, with red hair, he was constantly challenged by the likes of very powerful people like Henry Cabot Lodge. The pressure of politics probably caused his death before he was able to enjoy any real retirement.<br />
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He was educated at Amherst, became known to speak briefly but efficiently and knew how to turn a phrase. His speeches reflected carefully crafted sentences. His nickname was 'silent Cal' because he only spoke when he felt it necessary, thus, preferring listening to pontificating.<br />
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Coolidge preferred saving to spending and he believed in lowering taxes. By lowering taxes, he felt he was putting money in people's pockets that would stimulate the economy. He believed higher taxes stifled business since there was less discretionary money to move. He was one of the few presidents that not only balanced the federal budget but showed a surplus! He believed in the private sector - private organization should take care of the social ills and problems (the Red Cross, the Salvation Army are just a couple of examples non government agencies that care for the welfare of the public instead of the Federal Government)<br />
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The government did not grow as fast under his watch because he believed in the constitutional idea of 'Limited Government'.<br />
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Progressives assailed him. For example, Samuel Gompers, the famous union leader was a constant rival and yet it was Coolidge that would not cave to the pressures demonstrations and strikes. Coolidge developed the reputation of a strike breaker and actually gained the respect from Gompers. He valued personal freedom over equality for all. When the Boston Police department went on strike, Coolidge won and proved that public servants that restore the public peace cannot go on strike because that would only create and encourage anarchy.<br />
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For anyone who is interested in conservative values and wants to see how such principles can be implemented and succeed, and created one of greatest peacetime economic boons, this is a great study.<br />
<br />Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-19070481976356725392019-07-05T10:10:00.002-07:002019-07-05T10:10:24.870-07:00Denial of Justice by Mark ShawThis book is an investigation into the death of Journalist, Dorothy Kilgallen. She was a well known New York gossip columnist and investigative reporter who increased her fame by being a panelist on the Television game show "What's My Line" of the 1950's. After the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the trial of Jack Ruby, Lee Harvey Oswald's killer, Kilgallen turns up dead in her East Side NY apartment of what is ruled a accidental death due to a combination of alcohol and sleeping pills.<br />
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Author, Mark Shaw brings to light some interesting facts about the timeline of Kilgallen's death that seem obviously connected to her muckraking around the JFK assassination along with her interview of Jack Ruby in prison. Kilgallen opined against the "lone gunman" theory that was immediately promulgated by FBI head J. Edgar Hoover. This book can be categorized along with other "conspiracy literature" surrounding the murder the President Kennedy.<br />
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Shaw suggests many angles that point to the elimination of Kennedy and Kilgallen. The Mob, The FBI, Castro and the Cubans/Russians and the CIA, and LBJ. The Mafia boss in New Orleans, Carlos Marcello was being tried by Bobby Kennedy's Justice department. Frank Sinatra was infuriated by Kilgallen's columns linking him the to Mob. Kilgallen stood up the J. Edgar Hoover insinuating bad blood between him and the Kennedys and perhaps the Mafia had compromising information about his private life. The author claims that the real reason for the president being in Dallas was to placate LBJ and assure him that he would remain on the ticket in the upcoming election.<br />
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The most curious facts about her death is that nobody close to her believed she was suicidal nor did she drink to the extent to make such a mistake in mixing sleeping pills with a drink. Her file of facts that she created and developed about the assassination was stolen. The book clearly implies that the famed columnist was silenced for his snooping around the death of the president and going against the "lone gunman theory".<br />
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The author seemed to weave a yarn that Kilgallen was the target of a Mafia hit. Shaw argues that the common threat is everyone seems to have Mafia links: Ruby was Mafioso wanna be, Sinatra was linked to Giancana and Marcello, RFK as Attorney General at the time, was going after the Mafia at the time. When the author just recently gained the sympathy of a NY detective to reopen the case, he received notice that the case was abruptly closed! The author is convinced of a cover-up and that not knowing the truth behind Kilgallen's death is truly a denial of justice. <br />
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The book serves as a curious and 'conspiracy interested' introduction to the JFK assassination.<br />
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<br />Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-82794963546554666522019-06-28T11:06:00.000-07:002019-06-28T11:10:25.267-07:00Drive : the story of my life by Larry BirdI remember when Dennis Rodman publicly claimed that "if Larry Bird were Black he would be average" It caused such a stir and discussion especially when Isiah Thomas seemed to concur. At the time what really impressed me was the reaction of Mr. Bird - "it don't matter to me" He seemed to dismiss the whole affair. Then I started to follow Mr. Bird's career as someone who lived in Northern California. He seemed to be able to get a shot off against anybody! But his passing skills stood out for their "no look" quality. Red Auerbach had stated that knew that Bird could shoot but that he did not know what a good passer he was or that he was a good defender or that he could steal the ball so well. Larry Bird is one of greatest all around Basketball players ever. One only needs to go on YouTube and find countless films that followed his career and countless Black players comment about him.<br />
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This featured memoir gives a glimpse of Larry Bird's natural modesty since the whole book makes positive observations about everyone that he came in contact with during his Basketball encounter. There is no criticism of others, only expressions of feelings of hurt, anger and frustration over losses, missed calls, altercations and injuries. The concept of 'appreciation of others' is ever present in this brief easy read. He complements almost everyone from his teammates, coaches, front office people, unknown support people (trainers etc) and opposing players. He has very positive comments about Dennis Rodman and Isiah Thomas despite their negative outbursts. He has special praise for Magic Johnson with whom he regards as the greatest all around rival. </div>
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What is clearly missing from the book is Larry Bird's reputation as a "trash talker", "provocateur" and "prankster". Every documentary about Larry Bird or any interview of a player asked about Larry Bird always features some unique bravado expressed by Bird. For example, he was known to call his shot or play to the opposing player or team before he received the ball and proceed to fulfill his predicted agenda! The ability to back up his taunts made him a very respected player in the league. </div>
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Kareem Abdul Jabbar called him "the greatest opposing player that he has faced" He would go on to describe that fact that Bird was smart and used his head in every game situation to win. His shrewdness made him in the top tier of the NBA.</div>
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What also is clear from the book and consistent with other sources of information about Bird is the fact that he was incredibly self motivated. For example, the way he would think would be: If I would dribble the ball 100 times (to improve), I assumed that there was someone else out there dribbling 101 times! (This is consistent with the Talmudic dictum 'reviewing a lesson 100 times does not compare to reviewing the lesson 101 times!) </div>
Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-43793680270837794652019-05-01T13:17:00.000-07:002019-05-01T13:17:11.735-07:00Gun Control in the Third Reich by Stephen HalbrookThis is a study of how the Nazi regime disarmed the Jewish community in Germany during the 1930's. The Jewish people were targeted as enemies of the state and therefore posed as a threat to Hitler's power.<br />
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The book discusses the gun laws that were in place during the Wiemar Republic including lists from registries. There were not really any obstacles in acquiring guns and other weapons as long as there were sufficient reasons for owning a weapon. For example, a store owner who experienced robberies and break-ins could relatively easily gain access to a gun. As long as one registered the gun with the local police department a citizen could own a gun. If one was member of a hunting club, one could retain a hunting rifle etc.<br />
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Germany had sporting hunting clubs that were registered; there were people who retained their service rifles and revolvers from their WWI military service. Many reasons could be conjured up to own a gun in Germany.<br />
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With the fall of Wiemar, however, and the rise of the National Socialists (Nazis) the fate of gun ownership changed radically. Under Nazi leadership, there were certain people and peoples that became targeted for gun confiscation. Hitler's political enemies in addition to the Jewish people became the object of search and seizures. Before Hitler attacked and eliminated his political enemies during the "Night of Long Knives" his Gestapo was already confiscating weapons. Such confiscation made retaliation and self defense much more difficult.<br />
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The book highlights eye witness accounts and diaries that recount the personal searches and harsh treatment. Many were cast into Concentration camps as punishment in the 1930s (the final solution was not in place yet) Starvation was not an uncommon death to those committed to the camps waiting out their sentence.<br />
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The book argues that had Germany not had gun and weapon registries then confiscation would have been much more difficult and such difficulty might have changed the outcome of the extent of armed resistance against the Reich. By the time of the final solution against the Jewish people was put in place, the Jews of Germany were basically stripped of there legal gun ownership and thus were at a disadvantage to properly defend themselves and possibly fight back.<br />
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There is an obvious argument that this book puts forth forcefully: the only true purpose of registering a gun or weapon is so that the authorities or government can ultimately take them away. The Jewish people of Germany were not threats and were law abiding citizens. There was no good reason to confiscate their guns. Taking away their guns was part of a grand conspiracy to destroy them. In a country that has a constitutional amendment to "bear arms", this book contributes to the contemporary conversation about unimpaired free gun ownership.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-79515535555210010472019-03-25T14:31:00.002-07:002019-03-25T17:41:39.777-07:00The Forgotten Man: a new history of the great depression by Amity Shlaes<u>The Forgotten Man</u> is a new look at the Great Depression and the effects of the New Deal from the Roosevelt administration. Many of the themes addressed here are similar to current debates and controversies concerning 'big government'- government spending to stimulate the economy vs. 'small government'- allowing business to prosper freely so that the economy flourishes. The arguments between government controls vs. private enterprise are highlighted in this very readable history.<br />
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One is introduced to some important people on both sides of the debate. Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Morgenthau, Felix Frankfurter, David Lilienthal and others who promote the New Deal and are charged with selling the project to the people. Coolidge, Hoover, Wilkie,, Mellon and the other Republicans unsuccessfully fight Roosevelt and his administration.<br />
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The book highlights the clash between government regulations and small business owners. A kosher poultry company is relentlessly pursued and prosecuted for violating New Deal ethical ordinances, a charge the brother categorically deny. The brothers believe the government regulations interfere with the relationships with their customers The Jewish immigrant Schechter brothers who barely speak an intelligible English, fight the government all the way to the Supreme Court and win 9-0. A unanimous decision is reached: the Roosevelt administration oversteps its reach and interferes in the small business. It is a great victory for small business and give pause to Roosevelt to consider his next strategy to circumvent the court.<br />
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The book reveals the change in the Black vote despite Roosevelt's apathy in legislating against lynching, knowing that the Southern Democrat would filibuster such a law. The big personalities like Father Coughlin, the most famous anti semite radio personality and Father Divine the Harlem Black preacher with a sizable following are uncovered as initial followers of Roosevelt but sour on his inability to dig out of the Great Depression.<br />
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The books main argument is that there are really three 'men' involved in solving that great economic down turn: the public servant (government)- the author of the new programs, the abject poor- the one that suffers the most who is out of work etc, and 'the forgotten man' the one who ends up paying for the government programs that redress the problems of the abject poor. The middle class is not consulted nor listened to but rather ignored and forgotten. He does not have the freedom to refuse the paying of taxes. The forgotten man's freedom is encroached.<br />
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Themes of self reliance and personal responsibility come out of this era. Bill Wilson and Bob Smith start a self help group for Alcoholics resulting in AA groups across the country. <u>How to win friends and influence people</u> by Dale Carnegie is a runaway best seller. These attitudes contrast the attitude that the government should bail one out of one's troubles.<br />
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This book is an excellent discussion of the tensions between capitalism and socialism, the Left and the Right, equality vs. freedom. The author sides with freedom over equality and believes given freedom, the economic downturns would take care of themselves much like what happened during the Coolidge administration.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4882784224643681704.post-38606401762916303742019-03-18T08:44:00.000-07:002019-03-18T08:44:00.496-07:00Jabotinsky: a life by Hillel HalkinAlthough this biography is brief, the information and insights contained are well worthwhile. One is introduced to a very complex character, a man of contradictions, yet Ze'ev Jabotinsky proves to be a visionary of the Jewish future and shows great power of observation. He sees the future before Ben Gurion or Weizmann.<br />
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He was a controversial figure, called a fascist but believed in democracy. He saw the need for a Jewish fighting force early on before anyone else because he understood the Arab/Zionist conflict as irreconcilable. He was not religious in any way but saw the natural alliance with Religious Zionists who needed autonomy, freedom from socialism. He understood the failure of socialism, never understanding the appeal of a way of life that lacks freedom and autonomy.<br />
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His controversy and mercurial nature prevented him for staying in the land of Israel which actually benefited him. His political adversaries and the British effectively banned his entry to the land and thus operated from Europe, mostly from Paris and London. He was a very cultured personality and saw life in Israel as very crude and did not fit into the agricultural milieu. He was eloquent in so many languages and seemed to be partial to Italian! His power came from his writings and oratory.<br />
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He was utterly unimpressed with American Jewry. He thought that the Jewish community there was afraid of its shadow! That American Jewry would not sacrifice for European Jewry was all too evident to Jabotinsky. (O<i>nly </i><i>about 400</i><i> powerless rabbis from the orthodox rabbinate in America were courageous enough to march on Washington and confront the Roosevelt administration. The mainstream Jewish community,nevertheless, effectively blocked any real dialogue with them</i>)<br />
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According to Mr. Halkin, Jabotinsky was not an effective politician, but rather a literary giant. Ben Gurion and Weizmann were much more effective politicians. He was, nevertheless, the lightning rod for the Right that directly inspired Menachem Begin and the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.Rav Shlomohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05367063475192817354noreply@blogger.com0