Rabbi Chaim Druckman to be laid to rest Monday and Rabbi Goldscheider writes The Best Version of Yourself Is In the Land and Be the Best You By Aharon Loschak and Can drinking beer actually be good for your health? and Rabbi Schwartz Jokes and Visit the Old City monastery that holds Jerusalem’s 1,700-year-old Armenian history and Cypress Day Three

View in browser 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. Love Yehuda Lave Join my blog by sending me an email to YehudaLave@gmail.com Rabbi Chaim Druckman to be laid to rest Monday Tens of thousands expected to take part in funeral of top Religious Zionist rabbi, who will be laid to rest in moshav outside of Ashkelon. https://www.israelnationalnews... 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. Visit the Old City monastery that holds Jerusalem's 1,700-year-old Armenian history A new museum at the Armenian Monastery offers displays of stunning mosaics and artworks, artifacts and architecture, going back to Armenia's 4th-century roots in the Holy Land By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am https://www.timesofisrael.com/... The Best Version of Yourself Is In the Land ארץ ישראל יש לה הסגולות החיות העליונות של יסוד הקדושה היותר עליונה המתגלה בעולם, שיש בכחה להפך את התוכן היותר רע והיותר מקלקל - לטובה ולברכה )ארץ חפץ א:י( The Land of Israel contains within it singular elevated strengths, [which are] rooted in the most exalted sanctity which is revealed in this world, that has within [it's essence]the potency to transform that which is fully evil and rotten - [and restore it] to good and blessing. (Eretz Chefetz 1:10) When Rav Kook visited America, a man told him that he had finally made the decision to make aliyah to Eretz Yisrael. Herequested a blessing from Rav Kook: "Yourequire my blessing?" the Rav asked.  "You are going to the source of all blessing, as itis written in Psalms (132:3), "For there the Lord has commanded the blessing.'" Rav Kook in the aforementioned passage touches on the notion that the Landof Israel with its people dwelling upon it have the unique capability to transform even wrongdoing and impurity to goodness and blessing. In a novel interpretation, Rav Kook once suggested that the Torah description of Israel as "A Land flowing with milk and honey" hints at the transformative quality which characterizes Eretz Yisrael. Bothfood items have their resources in detestable, 'impure' sources. Honey is produced by bees, while milk is formed from blood. Because these foods involve the transformation of impure to pure, they symbolize repairing the world and have a special status. (Peninei HaRa'ya, Zuriel, p. 139, see also Peninei Halakha, Book Laws of the Festivals, Chapter 13, Shavu'ot).1In a similar vein, the famed mashgiach ruchani of the Ponevezh Yeshiva, RabbiEliyahu Dessler, makes the same claim. He sites a dramatic passage in the Talmud in which the sage Ulla witnessed a murder first hand as he entered the Land of  Israel. When he arrived at the home of Rabbi Yochanan in Israel, he immediately told him of the harrowing event. Rabbi Yochanan's response is memorable. Hewas puzzled as to how a Jew could murder another Jew on the soil of Eretz Yisrael. Ulla responded that at the time the murder occurred they had not yet passed into theborder of Israel (Nedarim 22a). 1 This same interpretation is quoted in the name of the eminent, Rabbi Meir Shapiro (Eretz Yisrael in the Parsha, Lichtman p. 211-212) Rabbi Dessler cited this passage and stated that even a person filled with anger, even a murderer, when entering the Land, will be transformed. In its holy environs anger is minimized. One's rage is instantly mollified when treading on the Land's soil. (Michtav Me'Eliyahu Vol. 3, p. 195). Not only does the Land transform negative into positive but the Land has the power to amplify the good. Rabbi Dessler writes: "In our generation we see, in our own experience, how our young people studying Torah are achieving more in their learning, they are succeeding…they are able to attain much more than those who are learning Torah in other parts of the world" (Ibid, p. 196). The final pages of Masechet Ketubot elaborate on the topic of the Land of Israel's holiness and its spiritual character. The following is the very last statement recorded in the tractate's last line concerning the Land's uniqueness: "All barren trees in Eretz Yisrael are destined to bear fruit." In what way is this the ultimate praise? The Ben Yehoyada, a classic commentary on the Talumd's Aggadic passages, suggests that the Talmud is not referring to trees literally, but rather to people. A Torah scholar is often referred to as a tree bearing fruit. The unlearned among our nation are compared to the barren tree. However, in the end of days, those living in the Land who were once barren of Torah and mitzvot will be abundant in their Torah knowledge and their devotion to mitzvot (Ben Yehodaya, Vol. 3, final comment on Ketubot). The Land itself serves as a dynamic catalyst in bringing out the best in every Jew. Cypress Day Three Cyprus, our friendly yet little-known neighbor, is rich in heritage: Roman, Crusader, Venetian, Ottoman, British, and even Jewish. Thickly forested mountains, quaint villages, vineyards, and pristine beaches offer a cool relief from the Mediterranean summer heat. Since 1974, the island is divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the North, occupied by Turkey. Diverse Greek, Turkish, British, and other communities add color to the visit. In 1946, the British set up internment camps in Cyprus for illegal Jewish immigrants to Mandatory Palestine. Until February 1949 more than 52,000 ma'apilim passed through these camps. Many young couples soon stood under the chuppah and 2,200 babies were born on the island - a baby boom that continued after the aliyah. Since 2016, the Cyprus Heritage Trips have been expertly organized by Yaron Amitai, author of popular guidebooks to Cyprus and Greece. This tour is led by Yochai Copenhagen, whose father came to Israel on board the Yagur, the first Hagana ship to be diverted to Cyprus. Be the Best You By Aharon Loschak Rebbe, I want to see Elijah the Prophet," a chassid once told the Baal Shem Tov. "I'll tell you what to do," said the Baal Shem Tov. "Get two boxes and fill one with food and the other with children's clothes. Then, before Rosh Hashanah, travel to such-and-such a town. On the outskirts of town, right where the forest begins, is a dilapidated house. Find that house, but don't knock on the door immediately; stand there for a while and listen. Then, shortly before candle-lighting time at sunset, knock on the door and ask for hospitality." Off he went. He arrived at the home, and stood in front of the door, listening. Inside, he heard children crying, "Mommy, we're hungry. And it's Yom Tov and we don't even have decent clothes to wear!" He heard the mother answer, "Children, trust in G‑d. He'll send Elijah the Prophet to bring you everything you need!" The chassid stayed for the holiday, sharing his food and clothes with the destitute family. But Elijah the prophet he did not see. When he returned to the Baal Shem Tov with complaints that he didn't see Elijah, the Rebbe told him to go back for Yom Kippur and do the exact same thing. Again, he stood in front of the door, listening. Inside he heard children crying, "Mommy, we're hungry! We haven't eaten the whole day! How can we fast for Yom Kippur?" "Children!" said the mother, "Do you remember before Rosh Hashanah I told you, 'Trust in G‑d! He'll send Elijah the Prophet, who'll bring you food and clothing and everything else you need!' Wasn't I right? Didn't Elijah come and bring you food and clothing? He stayed with us for two days! Now you're crying again that you're hungry. I promise you that Elijah will come now, too, and bring you food!" Then the chassid understood what his master, the Baal Shem Tov, had meant. And he knocked on the door. Eliezer's Choice Parshat Chayei Sarah tells the story of Isaac's marriage. His father, Abraham, designated his servant Eliezer as a matchmaker, sending him off to his native land to find a suitable wife for Isaac. The Torah devotes a significant amount of space to this story, repeating it over in its entirety, giving us a window into Eliezer's thoughts. All things considered, Eliezer was the prime example of a good servant, faithful to his master and his ways. Indeed, the Midrash links Eliezer to the words in Proverbs1 that speak of an "intelligent servant," commenting: An intelligent servant: This is a reference to Eliezer. What was his intelligence? He figured: I am destined to indentured service . . . it's best to be a servant in Abraham's house and not any other.2 This is a puzzling Midrash. Is this supposed to be some sort of praise for Eliezer? It doesn't sound so praiseworthy. All it says is that Eliezer made an economic and entirely self-serving choice to be a servant in the best-possible home, rather than be unfairly treated elsewhere. What's so special about this choice that makes Eliezer a model for "wise choices?" Eliezer's Brilliance Sometimes discovering the answer requires searching for more information, deeper insight, or a little debunking. Other times the answer is right there, in the question itself. This is one such instance. Eliezer's brilliance was exactly that: his choice to stick with Abraham. Why is that so brilliant? Think about it. For whatever reason, Eliezer's "station" was one of servitude. Considering the hand he was dealt, Eliezer made the following calculation: I'm not going to look elsewhere. I'm not going to try to be something I'm not. Rather, I'm going to make the best of my current situation and choose the here and now. I'm going to be the best servant in the best home and be really good at it. And with that, I'm going to be happy. This, my friends, is indeed quite wise and brilliant. How many people do you know who are looking elsewhere to find their inner happiness and their role in life? How many people wake up each morning and find joy and meaning in their current situation? How many people truly appreciate what they're already doing? I would venture not many. But Eliezer was an extraordinarily wise man. He loved what he did and found his purpose right there. And sure enough, his story lives on in the verses of our parshah, earning him a prominent place in our collective imagination. Be Wise Eliezer's wise choice is one we can and should all make. So many of us are frustrated with our lives, nursing some sort of image of what life "should be," throwing up our hands in despair at how it's turning out. Did your parents tell you that you could be anything you wanted? Did your teachers convince you that you would be the next president of the United States or the greatest inventor since Nikolas Tesla? Were your friends always telling you that you were the life of the party and would be super popular and successful as an adult? Or perhaps you read something when you were younger and created a fantasy image of what your life would look like. And then you wake up one fine morning, look around, and realize that very little, if any, of that is your current reality. You're not the president, you're not particularly wealthy, and the picture of a tidy family with smiling faces is, well … not exactly the case. What do you do? Many people make the decision to bolt. To run away to something or somewhere else. To chase that fantasy and try to create the picture of yesteryear. They itch to be something different, to find a new reality, a new job, a new family, a new place to live, a new circle of friends—whatever it takes to climb out of their monotonous, mediocre life. It is here that Eliezer's wise choice starts to look positively genius. Find the meaning in your current life. Forget about the fantasy. G‑d has engineered matters for you to be right where you are, and if you're smart about it, you can find tremendous joy and meaning in it. Who knows? You may just be Elijah the prophet himself.3 Footnotes 1. Proverbs 17:2. 2. Midrash Bereishit Rabah 60:2. 3. This essay is based on Sefat Emet, Chayei Sarah, 5649. By Aharon Loschak Rabbi Aharon Loschak is a writer, editor, and rabbi, who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with his family. Editor of JLI's popular Torah Studies program, he is passionate about teaching transformational Jewish ideas. Art by Sefira Lightstone. Our in-house artist, she is an editorial illustrator who creates art to empower the Jewish collective online. Past clients have included the Forward, Mosaic Mag, and the Jewish Press. You can follow more of her work on her personal instagram account where she focuses on activism @sefiracreative. Can drinking beer actually be good for your health? Middle-aged women who consume up to two servings of beer a day have stronger bones, compared to women who abstain from drinking beer. By WALLA!  Beer is the favorite alcoholic drink of Israelis, and it usually tends to be favored by men - but now, studies show that it may actually benefit women's health. Middle-aged women who consume up to two servings of beer a day have stronger bones, compared to women who abstain from drinking beer, a new study has shown. Menopausal women have a tendency to lose bone mass and in beer you will find a significant amount of silica, which is a very essential mineral for bones. But don't worry men, beer in the right amount will only do you good, as people who drink beer have about 80 percent less risk of getting various heart diseases. זה לא קסם, זו טכנולוגיה (והיא גומלת אנשים מעישון מהיום למחר).Sponsored by המערבולתדרושים IL גאים להציג: הסוכן החכם שימצא לכם עבודהSponsored by דרושים ILביטוח משכנתא: כמה עולה והאם באמת כדאי?Sponsored by ביטוח ישירמתקדמים ל PARTNER FUTURE FIBER-עם הסיב פרטי ונהנים מאקסטרה מהירות העלאה וגם אקסטרה WIFI בכל החדריםSponsored by Partner Fiber Drinking beer increases the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) which protects blood vessels and the heart from atherosclerosis and reduces blood clotting which can cause heart attacks. Where does beer come from? The first beer was produced 6,000 years ago in the Middle East. It is speculated that the first beers were produced by mistake when grain left in storage turned into a mushy batter. In Israel, a bottle of beer costs on average about NIS 26 in a pub, a rather exorbitant price if we take Ukraine as an example, where beer is sold for only 50 cents. Globally, beers are divided into two families: lager and ale, as determined by the type of yeast that is used. Among the popular beer brands you will find Heineken, Carlsberg, Toburg, Guinness, Bass, Corona and Weihenstaffen. If you happen to visit South America, don't forget to buy Homer Simpson's favorite beer - DUFF beer. מכונת קפה לעסק בהטבה ייחודית לחודש נובמברSponsored by Nespresso In the Netherlands, by the way, there is a beer brewery without alcohol - intended for dogs. If you want to make beer at home it is possible in principle, but not that simple. Its main ingredients are water, malt (made from barley), hops and yeast. RABBI SCHWARTZ'S REALLY (NOT JEWISH) RESURRECTION JOKES OF THE WEEK Three Christians die together and end up in front of the gates of Heaven. The angel states to the three men "It is not widely known but in order to get into Heaven, you need to answer a simple question about religion." so, he turns to the first man and asks, "what is Easter?" The man pauses and says, "Is that the holiday where we gather around the table with our families, and eat turkey and pie, and celebrate the pilgrims arriving in America?" The angel scowls "No. That is Thanksgiving. It is not even a religious holiday." So, he turns to the second man and asks the same question. The second man replies "I know this. That is the holiday we cut down a tree and decorate it. We give gifts to loved ones. And we go to church that day." The angel shakes his head, "That is Christmas. It's your religious holiday, but you missed the whole point of that day." Dejected, the angel turns to the last man and asks the same question. The last man pauses and says "Let's see if I remember this right. Easter is the holiday we celebrate the resurrection of Yoshka after his crucifixion by the Romans." The angel looks impressed. The man continues, "After his death, they took him down from the cross, wrapped him in a shroud, and put him in a cave, then rolled a rock in front of the entrance." The angel turns to the other men and says, "You should have been more like this this man while you were alive." And then the man chimes in, "And if he comes out in 3 days and sees his shadow there's going to be six more weeks of winter." What's the difference between Yoshka and a picture of Yoshka? It only takes one nail to hang up the picture of Yoshka. The day after Stalin's death, the Soviet nation decided to get rid of him once and for all and bury him as far away as possible. They set up a special commission. The commission turned to the British government with the request that they make available a plot in a British cemetery. "Well," replies the British government, "we do already have Karl Marx in England … Two such great masters in the one cemetery . . . That would be overdoing it a bit…" So they tried the Germans. "Well, we would bury him here,' reply the Germans, 'but Hitler is already buried here. Two such great tyrants in the one country …" Suddenly there arrived a telegram from Tel Aviv: "In view of the fact that Stalin did not block the creation of the state of Israel, we agree to bury him here." "No way," said the members of the commission in sudden panic. "No way. After all they had a resurrection there …'" Why did Yoshka move to China after his resurrection? Because it was easter. Yoshka and Moshe are sitting in a boat, in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. Moshe turns to Yoshka and says, "Check out what I can do!" He proceeds to stand up in the boat, strike his staff, and boom! The water parts and the boat is resting on the bottom! After holding the water back for a few seconds, he releases his hold on the water. "I bet you can't do anything that beats that!" Moshe states triumphantly. So Yoshka stands up and says "Well, I think I might have something." He climbs on to the edge of the boat, takes a step, and falls straight into the water. Moshe, laughing until tears were coming from his eyes, helps Yoshka back into the boat. "What the heck!" Yoshka says while sputtering and coughing up water. "The last time I did that, it worked fine and I walked straight across!" Moshe, still laughing at the sight of Yoshka being soaked, says "Well last time you didn't have those holes in your hands and feet!" A little boy, as in church on Easter Sunday with his mother, when after all this talk of crucifixion and resurrection he started feeling sick. "Mom," he inquired, "can we leave now?" "No," his mother replied, "the service isn't over yet." "Well, I think I'm about to throw up." the boy announced. "Then go out of the front door and around to the back of the church and throw up behind a bush," said his mother. After about 60 seconds, the boy returned to his pew, alongside his mother. "Did you throw up?" she asked quietly. "Yes," the boy answered, embarrassed. "How could you have gone all the way to the back of the church and returned so quickly?" Doris demanded. "I didn't have to go out of the church. They have a box next to the front door that says, donations  See you tomorrow bli neder We need Mashiach now! Love Yehuda Lave Yehuda Lave, Spirtual Advisor and Counselor Jerusalem, Jerusalem  Israel 972-585043210 YehudaLave@gmail.com You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us. Unsubscribe