Australian researchers show solar power can be generated at night / By Nick Baker and Andy Park for RN Drive and Towns of the Czech Republic and four of ten videos from Prague and LAG B’OMER & GRATITUDEBy Rabbi Efrem Goldberg and Tikkun Olam: Brooklyn Jewish Family Finds and Returns Cash-Filled Wallet and Tibi Demands Apology from Kahana Over Fantasy Wish to Send Arabs Away on ‘Train to Switzerland’By Hana Levi Julian -
Yehuda Lave is an author, journalist, psychologist, rabbi, spiritual teacher, and coach, with degrees in business, psychology and Jewish Law. He works with people from all walks of life and helps them in their search for greater happiness, meaning, business advice on saving money, and spiritual engagement.
Then-Minister of Religious Affairs Matan Kahana, June 21, 2021.
Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Matan Kahana is once again in hot water, this time over a remark made during a presentation to a class in Efrat that was heard in a video clip tweeted by Israel's KAN News public broadcaster.
The remark that has raised such a ruckus was one in which Kahana positioned a fantasy in juxtaposition to acknowledging reality; however, the intent was lost in the translation.
"If I could push a button and send the Arabs on an express train to Switzerland, where they would have a wonderful, fantastic life, I would press that button," Kahana said.
However, he added: "But what can be done about it? There is no such button; therefore, I believe that we were born here to [coexist] on this Land."
Kahana made the remark as part of an effort to make his listeners understand the narrative of Palestinian Authority Arabs who believe they are the ones who have lived in the region since ancient times – and the Jews are the interlopers who came to invade and displace them.
It is believed by many that a two-state solution with a PA state including Israel's post-1967 territory will solve this problem and lead to peace, he noted.
But Kahana warned such a belief is unrealistic, since the Palestinian Authority would prefer to eliminate the Jewish population from the entire country, all of which the Arabs still believe belongs to them.
"Because of this, I believe this story of peace doesn't exist, certainly not for the present," he said.
The resulting firestorm took very little time to erupt, particularly with political posturing from Arab MKs.
"There is a button that will remove Kahana from the government and the Knesset," said Arab Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi. "I will press it soon." Tibi also said, "There is a conflict, but I would never say that the Jews should be transported by train. That is horrible."
Kahana called Tibi to apologize for his statement, but Tibi retorted, "Apologize publicly, not in a conversation with me."
Ra'am (United Arab List) MK Walid Taha hit back, "We are here because this is our homeland. You and those who think like you can continue to shlep your frustration, because simply, we won't disappear."
To set the record straight and mollify his offended Arab colleagues, Kahana tweeted: "In a conversation I had last night with students, I reiterated the obvious understanding that neither we nor the Arabs are going anywhere, so we need to find a way to live here together. The current government is an important step in that direction."
The Religious Zionism party issued a statement as well, noting, "The political future of Matan Kahana depends entirely on Ahmad Tibi, Arafat's adviser. Look how quickly he was pressured by him and ran to apologize.
"Nor can he make the future of the Jewish state dependent upon Tibi and his friends who support terrorism.
"With the help of God, we will replace this government with a good Jewish, Zionist and national government for Israel."
Incidentally, there is no express train from Israel to Switzerland. That requires a transfer.
The Three Musketeers at the Kotel
The Three are Rabbi Yehuda Glick, famous temple mount activist, and former Israel Mk, and then Robert Weinger, the world's greatest shofar blower and seller of Shofars, and myself after we had gone to the 12 gates of the Temple Mount in 2020 to blow the shofar to ask G-d to heal the world from the Pandemic. It was a highlight to my experience in living in Israel and I put it on my blog each day to remember.
The articles that I include each day are those that I find interesting, so I feel you will find them interesting as well. I don't always agree with all the points of each article but found them interesting or important to share with you, my readers, and friends. It is cathartic for me to share my thoughts and frustrations with you about life in general and in Israel. As a Rabbi, I try to teach and share the Torah of the G-d of Israel as a modern Orthodox Rabbi. I never intend to offend anyone but sometimes people are offended and I apologize in advance for any mistakes. The most important psychological principle I have learned is that once someone's mind is made up, they don't want to be bothered with the facts, so, like Rabbi Akiva, I drip water (Torah is compared to water) on their made-up minds and hope that some of what I have share sinks in. Love Rabbi Yehuda Lave.
LAG B'OMER & GRATITUDE By Rabbi Efrem Goldberg
Years ago, someone gave me a Tony Robbins cd to listen to. I was excited to hear what one of the most inspirational people of modern times would have to say and how it could change my life for the better. He started his talk by saying that he has the secret to both happiness and success. If you follow his advice and begin each and every day of your life exactly as he prescribes, he can all but guarantee you will find yourself both happier, and achieving your goals and dreams.
I was very eager to hear what his secret is.
What Tony Robbins said is correct, but for me, and for you, and for Jewish 3-year-olds around the world, it was nothing new. The secret to happiness and to achieving success, he said, is to start every day of your life by expressing gratitude. As soon as you wake up, before doing anything else, say thank you. Be grateful and appreciative for being alive, having a roof over your head, having your health if you are lucky, your family, etc.
He continued that it isn't enough to think appreciatively, but you need to start your day by verbalizing and actually saying thank you out loud. If you wake up with an attitude of gratitude, the rest of your day is guaranteed to be successful and happy.
What Tony Robbins is teaching in the 21st century, Judaism has taught since its inception thousands of years ago. From an early age, we teach our children to wake up saying Modeh ani lefanecha, I am grateful to you God for the fact that I woke up, that I am alive to see another day, for the wonderful blessings in my life and for my relationship with You. It has been inculcated within us from our youth that we don't wake up feeling entitled, deserving and demanding. Rather, we wake up with a deep and profound sense of gratitude, appreciation and thanks.
In my experience, Tony Robbins is right. How we start our day has an incredible impact on how the rest of it will go. This week we will celebrate Lag B'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer. Each day of the Omer is characterized by another kabbalistic attribute. Lag B'Omer is Hod sh'b'hod, the glory of glory, reflecting our appreciation of God's greatness and glory. The Hebrew word hod can be understood as coming from the same word as hodu, or modeh, meaning thanks. Lag B'Omer is a day characterized as "thankfulness within thankfulness," or a day to celebrate gratitude.
Lag B'Omer is a day characterized as "thankfulness within thankfulness," or a day to celebrate gratitude.
The Chassam Sofer, Rav Moshe Sofer says that the miraculous manna that fell from Heaven began to descend on Lag B'Omer. On the first day, the manna was undoubtedly greeted with great enthusiasm and appreciation, but as time went on and there was an increasing expectation the heavenly bread would descend, it became much easier to take it for granted and to forget to be appreciative for it at all. Therefore Lag B'Omer is a time that we identify and say thank you for all of the blessings that regularly descend into our lives, but unfortunately, like the manna, that we take for granted.
It is so easy to fall into a sense of entitlement and to forget to be grateful. Why should I thank my children's teachers? They're just doing their job. Why should I be so appreciative to the waiter, or the custodian, or the stewardess? Isn't that what they are supposed to do? When was the last time we said thank you to whomever cleans our dirty laundry? Do we express gratitude regularly to our spouse who shops, cooks dinner, or who worked all day to pay for dinner, or in some cases did both?
As we celebrate Lag B'Omer, let's not just say modeh ani in the morning and then quickly transition to feelings of entitlement. Let's remember to say thank you to the people who do extraordinary things in our lives. But even more importantly, let's especially express gratitude to the people who do the ordinary things that make our lives so filled with blessing.
{Reposted from the Rabbi's site}
four of ten videos from Prague
Tikkun Olam: Brooklyn Jewish Family Finds and Returns Cash-Filled Wallet
Some days are filled with blood and carnage, and some are filled with golden deeds that repair the world – Tikkun Olam.
This past weekend, a man who lives in the Bronx lost his wallet in Brooklyn – but got it back, still filled with his cash, thanks to a family of Hasidic Jews.
An unnamed Hasidic family found the wallet last Thursday during a visit to Governors Island with the children. They wanted to return the wallet, which contained $1,400 but had no idea who the owner was.
Staffers in the office New York State Assembly Member Simcha Eisenstein, who represents parts of Midwood and Boro Park in Brooklyn received the call from the family, asking for help in tracking down the owner.
"We New Yorkers look out for each other," Eichenstein said in a brief statement. "No matter our background, race, or religion, we are all united!" he said.
"I'm very appreciative … and thankful for the people who found my wallet," said Christopher Collins, owner of the wallet.
"I am thankful to find out that there are people out here who care enough, who are human beings and gave me back my wallet with all my things in it," said the owner. "I appreciate the gesture so much."
Eichenstein, who is also Hasidic, said he felt it important to raise awareness of the story because Hasidic Jews are sometimes viewed as "different, because of the way we dress."
He noted that although two parties in the matter had never met before, and probably will never meet again, "When we get past all that, we start to realize that this is how we're supposed to treat each other."
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto.
Towns of the Czech Republic Edited By: Jake R.
To see the pictures of the towns in the story, please click on the link at the end
Anyone who wishes to tour the Czech Republic outside of Prague will discover that it's teeming with charming, picturesque towns that have changed very little in the last few hundred years. From the town squares, and medieval steeples, to the cobblestone streets and surrounding forests, these sights send you back centuries and will make you reach for your camera.
The ancient walls that surround the town, along with the maze of small streets that were built in the 15th Century are a metaphorical time machine that will carry you back to Tábor's medieval days with ease. Every September, the town holds a medieval fair, which, combined with the Gothic architecture, the nearby nature reserve, and the intriguing little streets, makes the town feel a breathing history book. Like Like
2. Slavonice – A Renaissance Town Close to the Austrian border, Slavonice feels like it hasn't changed since the 16th Century. The buildings are decorated with delicate carvings, etched into smooth stone, religious icons and royal portraits, as well as magnificent balconies. All are remnants of the town's golden period during the Renaissance. Like Like
3. Telč – a Town of Gables Selected by UNESCO as an international heritage site for conservation, Telč's town square is indeed a sight to behold. Surrounded by impressively decorated gables, arched passageways, small cafes, and a Renaissance-era keep, Telč is truly one of the prettiest places you can find in the Czech Republic. Like Like
4. Litomyšl – Beauty Wherever You Turn It is hard to decide what part of Litomyšl appeals to the eye more: whether the zgrafitto-adorned castle, the old, colorful town square, the peaceful monastery gardens (complete with a legendary fish statue that is said to grant wishes), the classic alleys or the home of an eccentric painter, who covered his house with spectacular murals. Litomyšl is a place that will vie for your camera's focus at every corner. Like Like
5. Prachatice – 800 Year-Old Magic Prachatice was founded in the second half of the 13th Century along a trade route that is still partially visible to this very day. That's why this town has a unique atmosphere, which takes you back in time as you stare at the ancient churches, squares, city gates and meandering streets. The town's colorful and decorated buildings add to its quiet, yet warm charm. Like Like
6. Cheb – Centuries-Old Beauty Cheb is a wonderfully-preserved town, sporting real medieval merchant homes, painted in various bright colors and adorned with Germanic-style wood decorations. The town is littered with historical remnants, some of which are nearly a thousand years old. If you get to Cheb, walk the streets for a while and take in the magic. Like Like
7. Třeboň – a Romantic Spa Getaway Třeboň practically begs its visitors to stroll through its streets and alleys. The wealth of Renaissance decorations, picturesque fish ponds, and many spectacular restaurants, are merely the backdrop for the town's main attraction: the geothermal spas. Even so, those who don't wish to indulge in spa treatments will still find much pleasure in Třeboň's romantic atmosphere. Like Like
8. Písek – the Golden Town & Ancient Bridge Since the 12th Century, Písek has enjoyed great wealth, thanks to the gold deposits in the area. It was also the first town in the Czech Republic to have street lights. The town features many cultural events, and is filled with colorful and elaborate architecture. Písek's true pride lies in its 900-year-old bridge, which is the oldest bridge in the Czech Republic. Like Like
9. Jihlava – Home of Gustav Mahler Mahler, the famous composer, grew up in Jihlava, and you can be sure that very little has changed in this town since. These days, you can view statues, water fountains, old churches, and snaking alleyways alongside unique attractions, such as medieval underground passages. This town is filled with beauty, no matter where you look. Like Like
10. Olomouc – Baroque Pride If you stand in the town square and look up at the Trinity Pillar that overlooks it, you'll know why UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site. Olomouc is a traditional town, with baroque-era buildings, cathedrals, castles, and even a special traditional cheese made in the town. Like Like
It may sound like a contradiction in terms, but Australian researchers have made a major breakthrough in "night-time solar" technology.
In what they claim is a world first, a team of researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has demonstrated that solar power can be generated at night.
"In a sense, we've only been dealing with half of the opportunity, when we use photovoltaic solar cells to collect sunlight [during the day]," project leader Associate Professor Ned Ekins-Daukes tells ABC RN's Drive.
Associate Professor Ned Ekins-Daukes says the technology is in its early days, but could have a big impact in the years ahead. (Supplied)
So, what's behind this unlikely breakthrough?
The technology
After the sun sets and the day darkens, Professor Ekins-Daukes says the potential for solar energy well and truly remains.
"We get energy from the sun — it arrives, it warms up the Earth but then the Earth actually radiates the exact same amount of energy back out into space," he says.
"As the energy flows from the Earth's surface … [there is a] thermal emission out into the universe that we can tap."
Professor Ekins-Daukes and his team contend that if the flow of this radiant heat could be tapped by a power cell device and converted into electricity, there's "a large and unused spectrum of potential power to be exploited."
So, in a new study published in ACS Photonics, the team used a thermoradiative diode (a semiconductor sensor found in existing technologies like night-vision goggles) to capture photons leaving Earth along the infrared spectrum and converted them into electricity.
What you're doing is interrupting that flow of radiant heat, which is released every night out into the universe anyway, and tapping off a little bit of electricity from that," Professor Ekins-Daukes says.
He says what's "really exciting" is the technology "allows us to generate electricity at night, just from the cold night sky."
What does it mean?
Australia is one of the world's biggest adopters of rooftop solar. Since 2001, the number of customers with solar panels has ballooned to more than 3 million. And in 2021, there was a record uptake of more than 3,000MW of rooftop solar installed by Australian householders.
Professor Ekins-Daukes stresses this new "night-time solar" technology is still very much in its early days.
"We've just demonstrated that this is possible … Right now, the device we've made is relatively low power. [But] this is to be expected when you're at the very early stages," he says.
The amount of energy produced was only extremely small — roughly equivalent to 1/100,000th of a solar powered cell.
A very small diode with very big potential. (Supplied: The University of New South Wales)
But the team argues that it is the "proof of concept that is big."
Professor Ekins-Daukes stresses this new "night-time solar" technology is still very much in its early days.
"We've just demonstrated that this is possible … Right now, the device we've made is relatively low power. [But] this is to be expected when you're at the very early stages," he says.
The amount of energy produced was only extremely small — roughly equivalent to 1/100,000th of a solar powered cell.
A very small diode with very big potential. (Supplied: The University of New South Wales)
But the team argues that it is the "proof of concept that is big."
Professor Ekins-Daukes stresses this new "night-time solar" technology is still very much in its early days.
"We've just demonstrated that this is possible … Right now, the device we've made is relatively low power. [But] this is to be expected when you're at the very early stages," he says.
The amount of energy produced was only extremely small — roughly equivalent to 1/100,000th of a solar powered cell.
A very small diode with very big potential. (Supplied: The University of New South Wales)
But the team argues that it is the "proof of concept that is big."
