Haveil Havalim #285 — Back to the Beginning

Without further ado…

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Torah

The Rebbetzin’s Husband takes a hard look at the concept of one’s personal relationship with God. I am wondering (aloud) if Buber‘s I-Thou approach might help shed some light on this.

The Edible Torah starts us off on the right foot with a look at the beginning. The Rabbi from the Pacific Jewish Center also has words on B’reisheet as does ThreadzOfBlue.

Rabbi Larry Bach shares a way of understanding the mitzvot of Sukkot and how they work in concert with one another.

Over at the Tablet, Marjorie explores the impact of coming to the end of a story. Our story.

Israel

Reflections on settlers, the Tea Party, family, and compassion from the Velveteen Rabbi.

In addition to the rites and rituals of this season, Risa pays homage to two young men whose lives were stolen at this season in years past.

Batya shares her on-the-ground experience over at Shiloh (literally and figuratively). She also shows how much her grandkids enjoyed the day. (Incidentally, if you are a “local,” Batya cordially invites you to join her at the Tel for Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Women’s Prayers in one week.)

Stay on top of the religious happenings in Israel (and believe me, there are MANY this time of year), thanks to Joel Katz.

Will the next war be fought using technological warfare? Tzedek-Tzedek wonders if the war with Iran has already began…via computer virus.

Esser Agaroth has some definite opinions about the current dilemmas facing Israel. See here and here.

Newsflash via Lady-Light: Israelis are a resilient people. Not news to us, but Martin Fletcher has now reported it so it must be so. Lady-Light also shares some opinions on Daniel Freedman’s recent piece as well as a recent offering from Latma TV.

Speaking of the media, Simply Jews shows us what the Aussies are saying. And some thoughts over at Israel News about the reports of rape in Palestinian villages.

Want to know if you are raising an Israeli? Treppenwitz tells you how you can tell.

Judaism…with a LOT of Sukkot

I LOVE this post by A Simple Jew and the way he puts Sukkot into context.

And a new perspective (that’s chiddush to most of ya’ll) from NY’s Funniest Rabbi on the happiness of The Chag.

Take a look here and here at the joy in Torah as captured by Jacob Richman. There are Jews who look like me. Jews who look like my Lithuanian and Galician forebearers. Jews who don’t look ANYTHING like me. All rejoicing in God’s Revelation through Torah.

Amy, over at Homeshuling, takes us through her search for local scach in New England.

Speaking of Sukkot, Leora takes us on a virtual Sukkah hop, Chavi gives us her take on Sukkah City, the Minnesota Mamaleh takes us inside her sukkah (and subsequent sukkah conversations with her adorable kids), Truth, Praise and Help takes us along to Yosemite, and the Ima helps us define “to dwell.” Seraphic Secret also weighs in with thoughts on Sukkah City.

Hadassah asks if Simchat Torah is only for the men and I take a critical stance on the public unrolling of the Torah — which invited some serious flaming over at the RJ blog.

Inspired by an old “Ask Shifra” post, Kosher on a Budget shares thoughts on her own experience of dealing with debt here, here, and here.

If we expect our children to be practicing Jews, ought we encourage their talents in activities that will lead them to break mitzvot? I know that this is something with which I struggle. The Rebbetzin’s Husband offers his thoughts here.

Along the lines of being practicing Jews, BOTH of the Rebbetzins (Melissa and Jessica) share their experiences of being Jewish in the workplace. Important explorations.

Two new finds in the realm of modest, yet fashionable, dressing: Nina over at AllTumbleDown and Ally at Modestly Fashioned.

Over at Sects and the City, a look at independent minyanim and their effect on organizational structure.

Humour

Ever wonder how What War Zone observes the Yamim Noraim?

Personal

Sometimes, as Batya has discovered, more choices can solve the problem.

Learning from her own frustrating experience, Sara Layah shares some advice when making gravestone arrangements.

Want to know how to spark your kids’ interest in veggies? Creative Jewish Mom teaches us how to foster an interest.

With the end of the chagim, our prayers turn from acknowledging the Maker of dew to the Maker of rain. How fitting, then, is this post by Elianah-Sharon and the feelings of security and warmth she feels in the rain.

A hearty mazal tov to The Fly Fishing Rabbi on the safe delivery of his twins. May they help build up the House of Israel.

And a very happy double-chai to Benji Lovitt!!!

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And that concludes this week’s edition of Haveil Havalim. I hope that you enjoy reading these posts as much as I did!

Unless someone is willing to step forward and share hosting responsibilities, Haveil Havalim will not appear until Sunday, October 24, 2010, when it will be hosted by Isramom. Please, PLEASE do not submit your blog article prior October 17. You may do so by using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.