The word "seven" is "sheh-vah":
This is the derivation of the word "sabbath," from "shabbat" in the Ashkenazi pronunciation, the seventh day of creation. This is also the root of the Hebrew word for cessation, or resting.
Posted on 05/17/2004 2:10:56 PM PDT by SJackson
This morning, I paid a shiva call to Sara and Michael Newman's house, the parents who lost their wonderful son Eitan when his tank went over a bomb in the Gaza Strip last week. They buried him last Thursday, after his comrades, under constant fire from terrorists, combed the dangerous streets to bring his holy remains and those of his comrades home.
As I neared the Newman home, I saw army men standing in small circles, talking quietly. Some wore beards and knitted skullcaps. Friends, religious and non-religious, came and went in and out of the Newman home, fulfilling one of Judaism's most honored rituals of comforting mourners for seven days after the funeral.
Sara and her husband sat on low chairs, as is the custom, surrounded by friends. I introduced myself.
"I want to talk to you..." Sara said softly.
I pulled up a chair.
"I understand that you write to many people around the world. And this is what I would like you to please tell them for me. Many people have asked what they can do, how can they help. Please tell them to go out and buy something that was made in Israel. That's all. Just help us, we are going through such hard times. Everybody can do that."
I felt quick tears come to my eyes, wondering at this woman who sat clear-eyed and full of courage and faith, her mind focused on what else she could do to help the country she loved, a woman who had just given her country and her people her handsome, bright, intelligent, wonderful young son.
Who had given her son.
I nodded, wordlessly.
I told her about a conversation I had just had with my own son, who is being drafted in November.
"Maybe you could go into anti-aircraft," I urged him. "Your brother did that, and your father."
There was a slight pause at the other end of the line. "Look Mom," he said patiently, "I might as well tell you the truth. I'm not going into the army to strike a pose. I'm going because I want to do something, protect people from getting killed by terrorists. And the only way to do that is to be a foot soldier." He wanted to go into Givati, he said. The same unit as Eitan Newman.
"This is how we brought them up," I told Sara Newman. "I'm very proud of him. And I'm terrified."
She put her hand over mine. "When my son died, he was surrounded by people he loved and respected and trusted. He was on his way back from a mission he'd successfully completed. He died instantly, with no pain. I would rather he went that way then stabbed in the back by some skinhead far away from home."
Would I please, she urged me, send out her message?
When I left the Newman home, I walked up the winding stone staircase that one finds in Jerusalem's hilly neighborhoods. A cool wind was blowing, and the sky seemed strangely cloudy for spring. As I reached the top, I saw a friend coming down the road. She too was on her way to the Newmans. I hugged her, and both of us wept.
And now I am home at my computer, doing what Sara Newman asked me to do. I'm asking you to please go out a buy something from Israel. If you can't find it in your stores, you can find it on-line, I'm sure.
And if you'd like to send Sara and Michael some words of comfort, please send it to msnewman@netvision.net.il.
Thank you.
So, do tell, are you a re-tread? And if so, let us know who you were and why you were nuked.
For foods from Israel, and especially wines, try Elat Market down on Robertson, or Alef Market.
...My thoughts too. Destroyer and Rebuilder, maybe?
Many Jews in this country are "culturally" liberal - their parents voted Dem, there parents' parents voted Dem, and their parents' parents' parents were card-carrying communists back in the days when intelligent, sane people could still delude themselves about the true nature of communism.
They typically hold various unexamined stereotypes about Republicans, and getting them to reexamine those stereotypes and think rationally about what the Democrat party really stands for has to first overcome generations of cultural affiliation.
My wife falls into this category - she's registered as a Dem, but is really what you could call a "DINO."
She cried when Reagan was elected in 1984, but we've been married 11 years, and she recently cast her first vote for a Republican and against a Democrat in the California recall election. Tom McClintock didn't win, but it was a big step for her. She doesn't like to shoot, but she's pro-gun. She's been known to concur that John Kerry is an idiot.
It's a long road, but she's walking it. It probably started when Columbine and my discovery of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership became my wake-up call for defending Second Amendment rights - I led, she came along.
Also, check out the Republican Jewish Coalition.
No, see some of the other comments. Shiva is '7' in Hebrew. When you 'sit shiva', you are observing the traditional mourning period immediately following burial.
OK, I accept that. So why would you attack Christian friends?
"So, do tell, are you a re-tread? And if so, let us know who you were and why you were nuked."
Not sure what a "retread is". Nor am I sure why you're allowed to post on FR based on FR guidelines that restrict attacks based on religion.
Need your help here, Bella: Is your wisdom based on knowledge, or your longevity on FR? Just curious.
...Thanks, for the explaination. My apologies for any ignorance or disrespect...
The word "seven" is "sheh-vah":
This is the derivation of the word "sabbath," from "shabbat" in the Ashkenazi pronunciation, the seventh day of creation. This is also the root of the Hebrew word for cessation, or resting.
...Thanks, have been informed...
And I was not attacking Christianity. I merely said I'd never want to give up my traditions for the ones practiced by the majority of Americans. You'll need thicker skin than that to last around here.
And feel free to hit abuse. But those that try to lecture about posting rules are usually re-treads. A re-tread is someone who has been banned and decided they were coming back anyway.
Tell you what. Why don't you go over to the Religious Forum and make yourself a list of everyone whom you think is violating guidelines you are very newly acquainted with. Then FReepmail Jim Rob. See if you can get your list banned.
And because you are so quick to point out that someone is 'attacking' another religion, I expect you'll be on the Islam threads wagging your finger, right?
Sorry Bella, I don't accept that. I've seen posters banned for less inflammatory posts than yours.
In your post you singled out Baptists, not Christians.
With regard to giving up your traditions, "as ones practiced by the majority", it's the freedom to practice religion that makes the US a great country, wouldn't you agree?
PS, Please tell me the poster who asked you to give up your traditions, I'll fight them along side you.
Seen others get banned? Lurked for a while?
No disrespect! I ask dumb questions on threads about Christian stuff all the time... I'd rather learn something than continue to be ignorant, though, and you asked in the same spirit.
My most recent dumb question - I asked after attending a wedding at a Catholic church. I asked what the fold-down knee pads in front of the seats were for. :) I had never been inside a Catholic church before.
I will buy something from Israel.
Thanks for the links everyone. I googled:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=purchase+Israeli+products&btnG=Search
Unfortunately I found a recipe site, and went off track. I did find Osem and Telma products at Ralphs, when I went to get some groceries. For this purpose, I think it's better to order direct from companies based in Israel.
You know what? It's easier to boycott the French, than support Israel. I'm on a budget, but I found a site that has spices, hot peppers, and tea at a reasonable price. I'm thinking of throwing together a gift basket for my SIL's birthday, as he loves anything scorching hot. This site also kicks back money from all online purchases.
There's something else I found while searching. People have been organizing boycotts of Israeli made products for some time now. I didn't know that. I didn't know just how bad Israel's economy is, either.
What list?
I just call them as I see them.
Please answer my question. Thanks in advance!
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