12/31/2005 09:36:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|Entire concert of Rabbi Yonah and Shankbone in LA this month. We opened the show with a bang! |W|P|113609379550607887|W|P|Whole LA Show Unedited and Unadulterated|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/30/2005 12:22:00 AM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|If you are not familiar with Rabbi Yonah' style of teaching, being serious and humorous simultaneously, you are forwarned: This is serious, and humourous. One of the most important commentaries on Jewish life in America is sadly flying under the radar. Even when recognized, it is usually misunderstood. I am speaking of course about the LeeVee’s Hanukah Rocks Album. The LeeVee’s not only have recorded an album with great melodies, rythmes, and lyrics, but they have authored a profound statement on the nature of being Jewish, Jewish values, nationhood, and Jewish philosophy. Looking at Hanukkah Rocks from a rabbinical perspective, the issues, the topics, the mitzvahs literally leap off the page, it all screams darsheni “interpret me!” What follows is humbly called the Midrash of Hanukah Rocks. The album begins with Latke Clan, a ballad on Jewish nationhood. Not so long ago, we could describe the Jewish people as a community of believers, as Rabbi Hirsch wrote in the 19th century. Jews were held together by a belief system, rooted in the Torah, and our historical precariousness. Today, the entire notion of what constitutes Jewish people-hood is up for grabs. Are we just a loosely affiliated ethnic group with fondness for special foods during winter holidays, or is there a deeper bond, deeper meaning? Latke Clan establishes that while we may be rooted in ethnic food rituals, we are still bound together by familial affiliation and remain a home centered people. And far from being exclusive, it emphasizes the Abraham and Sarah open-tent approach: “So come and join our Latke Clan, We’ll save you a plate.” In other words, the door is open at all times to Jews and their admirers to partake in our historic mission of being a light unto the nations. You have a role to play, no matter your place now, join us at the “big table.” The third song, Goyim Friends, keeps with the theme of Jewish people-hood. Linguists and cultural anthropologists should take note of the use of a once taboo word in the title of this song (and see below How Do You Spell…). The word “goy” is now out of the closet. Goyim Friends is one of the most eloquent testaments to the Jewish longing for a final redemption, and the end of our spiritual and physical exile. Goyim Friends establishes that Chanukah is NOT a Jewish Christmas. Chanukah must retain its place in the entire spectrum of Jewish holydays, part of the spiritual lifeblood of our communal identity. Chanukah is a special time of year for family, food and fun. An important moment in the Jewish year, but by no means the pinnacle. But Goyim Friends goes further, to look at the nature of the holiday itself in the modern era. For what does Chanukah stand for today, when the Jewish Temple lies in ruins, when Jews remain spiritualy exiled, when assimilation today is at its highest levels since the Hellenist era, when ironically Jews have become hip? While gentile friends eat their “ham, honey glazed, baked to perfection,” what is our response—Jews march on with “General Tsao and Egg Foo Yung” which symbolizes our long march towards Moshiach and Tchias HaMatim, the resurrection of the dead. In other words, our focus has not changed, even though our historical circumstances have. This poignant issue, the struggle between Jacob and Esav, between Chanukah and Christmas, two different world views reverberates throughout Hanukah Rocks. The Goyim are jealous, “How lucky we are to get off each holiday like Tu B’Shvat, Purim, and Rosh Hashanah…” This jealousy, as recorded in the Talmud, is a root cause of Anti-Semitism (Are you listening ADL?) And what is the Jewish response LeeVees? “Its oh so wrong, but we will march on…” Is this not a plea to G-d to end our exile, and to restore the Jewish people to a place of spiritual leadership in the world? The second song of Hanukah Rocks is on the nature of Free Will vs. determinism. Apple Sauce vs. Sour Cream emphasizes the philosophical underpinnings of our theology. “Life has many decisions, it moves in all directions, this is just one huge enormous decision.” Everything is foreseen, and yet we still retain free choice. Why? We have free choice because otherwise humanity would be nothing more than robots, performing Gods will and not our own. Free choice is part of our theological understanding of the nature of the world, and just as the seemingly tiny decision of what we want to put on our latkes requires a decision, so do the most important decisions in life. Do I want to be part of the Jewish people? What kind of life do I want to live? What is my obligation, if any to my history and culture? It cannot be summed up any better—every decision in life has consequences and significance. One of the most fundamental commandments in the Torah, in fact it made the top ten, is honoring your mother and father. At The Time Share eloquently illustrates that while we must bear at times insults, and backhanded compliments, our fundamental obligation is to honor our parents. It doesn’t say love, or even like, just honor. “My mother says that it won’t be long before she lives there all year round.” The lyrics present a challenge that many of us will face. As our parents grow old, they may choose to live in places far from us, and their grandchildren. Do we support their choice to move to Florida, Arizona or Leisure World, or do we tell them to stay close by? Ultimately, we must support our parents choices, even if they want move to “Tallahasse…as long as its in Florida.” Just living a Jewish life, and celebrating Hanukah is of course not enough. One must also dedicate themselves to Jewish education, to becoming a knowledgeable Jew. How Do You Spell Channukkahh? argues just this point, that we have achieved great things in secular education, but are crippled Jewishly. We are left trying to figure out how to spell our own holidays in transliteration. There was never a question of how to spell Hanukah in Ancient Israel, in Medieval Spain, in Poland, Morocco, or Persia. It was spelled in Hebrew letters, and means “they rested on the 25th” of Kislev, or “they dedicated it” on the 25th. There was never an issue of transliteration until the mass assimilation of Jews in Europe starting in mid 19th century. As Jews lost Hebrew literacy, spelling our dear traditions and Holydays became a subject of Spelling Bees. (Vol. Two on the way.)|W|P|113593121047685091|W|P|Hanukkah Rocks Midrash Vol. One|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/28/2005 03:03:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|I recently read a facinating article in the New Yorker about Rick Warren and the Saddleback Mega-Church. It was a great article, really delving into the success of this modern day Jesuit. But one thing hit me. You know it is an instinct as a Rabbi to check references, especially when a reference is used to substantiate something that is not usual. So I did nome back checking on Psalm 72 that forms the backdrop of his new mission. Then I saw another article in Newsweek today:

I was reading the Bible one day and I came to Psalm 72, Solomon’s prayer for more influence. He asked God to make him famous; he said, bless me and give me power. It sounds like the most egotistical prayer until you read his reasons. It was so that as king he could defend the defenseless, speak up for the poor, the disabled, the marginalized. I realized the purpose of influence is to speak up for those who have no influence. That was a turning point. That’s when we came up with the PEACE plan.

After the first article I wrote to him:

Dear Paster Rick, I work with college students in Orange County and Long Beach. It is something like a “Jewish Campus Ministry.” I was inspired by your profile in the New Yorker, and wanted very much to meet you. I also wanted to discuss with you the Psalm that you quoted in the interview, as I think you would be like the Jewish understanding of that Psalm, which was written by King David for his son Shlomo. Wishing you peace and health, G0d Bless Rabbi Yonah Bookstein

The reply was very courteous and warm:

Dear Rabbi, Pastor Rick thanks you for your invitation to meet with him; he’s honored by your request. It’s an exciting time for Saddleback Church and at the same time quite demanding. Here at Saddleback Church we have just launched The Global P.E.A.C.E. Plan after two years of preparation and pilot programs. Along with all the excitement there are a lot of demands on Pastor Rick’s time. As such, we are charged with the difficult task of limiting his commitments and carefully scheduling his time. I know Pastor Rick’s heart and he would love to meet with you personally however, he’s even saying “no” to many of his longtime friends right now in order to focus his efforts on this next season of ministry. Pastor Rick values your prayers during this unbelievably busy time and appreciates your grace in understanding his time limitations. Thanks again for writing and for thinking of Pastor Rick. God Bless, David Chrzan Chief of Staff

So I think I will write again to Pastor Rick that Psalm 72 was written BY David and FOR Shlomo. It is sort of an important point. Maybe not as consequential today as salving hunger and poverty and corruption that keeps food aid from getting to those who need it. But still its important.

Dec. 28, 2005 Dear David, I hope you are enjoying a wonderful, healthy and joyous Holiday season. I understand how busy the Pastor is, with his travels to Africa and around the world, and the importance of his Global PEACE plan. I appreciate and pray that he will have an effect on the situation of hundreds of thousands or maybe millions of people. I also know that as a Man of God, Pastor Rick may appreciate meeting with a Rabbi, especially regarding the teaching of the Hebrew Bible and Psalms. As they are originally written in Hebrew, much meaning is lost through poor translations and interpretations. The Hebrew scriptures are Holy of course, and their interpretation and use is a deeply religious matter. Today, I came across an article in Newsweek with Pastor Rick referring to Psalm 72 as written by Solomon, I was reading the Bible one day and I came to Psalm 72, Solomon’s prayer for more influence. It would be an honor to show him that it was written by King David for his son Solomon. I am sure that Pastor Rick would want to be as accurate as possible. Although I, too, have a busy schedule, I am happy to make time for Pastor Rick on his return to Orange County. This is such an important matter, I am sure you can understand why I am troubling to write to you again. Best wishes for blessings and peace, Rabbi Yonah Bookstein

|W|P|113581195805325185|W|P|My Conversation with Rick Warren (Sort of)|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/26/2005 03:11:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|It's dark and cold in Russia. That doesn't stop the Jews from spreading a little light! Siberian Jews Spread Light of Chanukah with Ice Menorah Monday, December 26 2005

KRASNOYARSK, Russia – In the Jewish community of Krasnoyarsk, the first candle of Chanuka was lit during a festive ceremony. This is the sixth year in a row that the local Jewish community, a member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, has held candle-lighting ceremonies during the Holiday of Light.

|W|P|113563877413125680|W|P|Ice Menorah|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/25/2005 03:04:00 AM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|

Just in time for the Chanukah spirit, Jews for J sues Google over a blog:

The disputed blog, http://jewsforjesus.blogspot.com, was started in January 2005 by someone taking the name "Whistle Blower" and airing critical views of the San Francisco-based organization, which seeks to convert Jews to Christianity....."Our reputation is at stake," Perlman told Reuters.

Uhm. Reputation?

Anyway, here is a great opportunity for Google to bankrupt these meshugas once and for all. A long protracted legal battle, that Google will win. This is the chance to see this nefarious and dishonest cult put out of business. Let's hand the Out Of Business sign on JFJ soon.|W|P|113550878025652815|W|P|Jews For Jezus Sue Google|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/26/2005 07:09:00 PM|W|P|

Post-Denom Jew|W|P|Why are they a nefarious and dishonest cult? Just curious.12/26/2005 11:24:00 PM|W|P|

Rabbi Yonah|W|P|Nefarious? Because they brainwash innocent Jews, mostly vulnerable people. Then they lie and say that you can be Jewish hand believe in Jesus. This is absolutely not true. So they are dishonest, and nefarious, and many other things that I cannot say here in public. And cultish? they use many techniques from cults.1/12/2006 09:45:00 AM|W|P|

Post-Denom Jew|W|P|Rabbi

I agree, if you get a chance check out a post I wrote on Jews For Jesus

http://www.sushikiddush.blogspot.com/2005/12/jews-for-jesus-and-hanging-sneakers.html

shalom, Akira12/23/2005 12:49:00 AM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|According to Beer Expert Marty Nachel, "The word cider is believed to be a derivation of the Hebrew shekar, which means "strong drink". The recorded history of cider dates back to the first century B.C. Roman soldiers under Julius Caesar marching across the Kentish countryside in southern Britain discovered this drink and brought it back with them to Rome, introducing it to the rest of western Europe along the way."|W|P|113532788512067242|W|P|Bottoms up with Spiced Shecher|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/23/2005 08:41:00 AM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|I'm not aware of any kosher hard ciders on the market, alas.12/19/2005 12:16:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|What a fantastic evening at Mogen David for the annual Happy Minyan Memorial Concert for Reb Shlomo. Joining me on this jam are Bass Shaul of 8th Day, Rafiki, and Avi Sills of Naked Drum Project. Thanks for all the support and I'll post the other tunes asap!
|W|P|113502336832475335|W|P|Live at Mogen David Happy Minyan Concert|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/23/2005 05:28:00 PM|W|P|

_|W|P|R Yonah,

I stand corrected. your bands kicks a lot of tuchus. its like carlebach but more shtetl. is that you singing? we gotta play together?

and whats the deal with jewlicious conference? im stayin with you right? yo got hook ups.12/25/2005 03:07:00 AM|W|P|

Rabbi Yonah|W|P|Hey aaron, thats me on vocals and thank you for the compliment! How are things in Encino?12/15/2005 04:47:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|We read in the Torah this week how Jacob returns to Israel and encounters his brother Esav. Esav is very upset with Jacob. The whole selling the birthright, then gotted tricked out of another blessing thing that transpired when they were younger. Esav always had it out for Jacob and Jacob now seeks to return to the land of his parents. Jacob camps by a river and is attacked by an assasin angel sent by Esav. Really the stuff of a very good James Bond film. They fight till daybreak. Jacob's opponent cannot defeat him, and gives Jacaob a blessing of a new name. The name is Israel. Jacob walks away with an injured hip, the sciatic nerve to be precise. Jacob limps away into the morning light, whole, but injured. He survived the attempt on his life, received a new name, and now still must face Esav. The Jewish people do eat the sciatic nerve still today. Why? Why would it matter what happened then to Jacob, and why would that affect what we eat or don't eat from a cow? Rabbi Hirsch points out that staying away form the sciatic nerve is about remembering our place in the big scheme of history. Esav morphes into Rome. Rome conqured Israel. Israel seemed defeated, afterall the Temple was destroyed, and our people scattered across the world. Israel limped through history, never having a firm footing. Always at the whim of others and other powers. But Rome is now gone... and Israel survived. Esav/Rome did not cause our total destruction. He can't. The Jewish people have a blessing that will take us till the end of days. And Esav tries and tries again, but he is unsuccessful. But I notice a phenomenon. This is the Esav Condition. I think that Esav CAN defeat us. It doesn't matter that history has proven the opposite. Maybe I still function in the day to day with this fatalistic condition. Its time to rid ourselves of the Esav condition and take on the Jacob/Israel condition. The deep belief and knowledge that I have a place in history and a message to tell the world. I need to wrestle with evil. I need to overcome evil. And the greatest challenge is to overcome that which lurks in our hearts. First we must conquer our own demons, our own misgivings our own baggage. Some commentaries say that Jacob wrestled with his own demons, with himself. Maybe we can pray this week to emulate our father Jacob!|W|P|113469499364318351|W|P|The Esav Condition|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/16/2005 06:16:00 AM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|That should be "The Jewish people doN'T eat the sciatic nerve still today." :-)12/13/2005 02:05:00 AM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|

My letter over the weekend to Arnold that went unheeded, along with the letters of over 100 other Rabbis: Dear Honorable Governor, Jewish tradition holds life sacred. While Tookie Williams certainly deserves punishment for his crimes, he also deserves to live to continue to influence young people to stop gang violence. Life always outweighs death. Let us begin the culture of life that our cities need by granting a stay of execution now for Tookie Williams. Show the world your compassion and zeal for living, by granting a stay of execution today. Allow Tookie to continue to plead the case for non-violence, Lord knows we need this in our cities today. Thank you Rabbi Yonah Bookstein The reply came today:

Thank you for your email to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Governor appreciates hearing from concerned and involved Californians, as well as from individuals all over the world who have an interest in California. Governor Schwarzenegger is committed to restoring your confidence in state government. As the Governor has said, with hard work and your help, California will once again be the "Golden Dream by the Sea". Due to the unprecedented number of emails sent to the Governor, there may be a delay in immediately responding to your email. Please know that the Governor's office is making every effort to respond to your inquiry and will ensure that your voice is heard by the Governor. To help us respond to you, please include your email address when you communicate with the Governor's Office. Please note that we are unable to accept e-mail attachments because of the risk of Internet viruses. We ask that you please send your attachments via traditional mail to: Office of the Governor State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 For more information about Governor Schwarzenegger and the State of California, please visit the California website at www.ca.gov. Again, thank you for your email. Governor Schwarzenegger is proud to serve you and all Californians.

So this is the way the good old Gov replies to Rabbi's letters today. Making sure the "Golden Dream by the Sea" stays alive... One almost wants to laugh it this were not such a serious case. I hope that Tookie finds peace with G-d.|W|P|113446878976931738|W|P|I Really Thought The Terminator Would Do The Right Thing, I Was Wrong|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/19/2005 01:10:00 PM|W|P|

adamhman|W|P|This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.12/12/2005 02:02:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|Meet Esther K. in our trial podcast...
|W|P|113442492574635896|W|P||W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/19/2005 01:17:00 PM|W|P|

adamhman|W|P|Great interview! I can't wait for JLTB2!12/12/2005 10:56:00 AM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|

The latest and greatest foray into alternative President's weekend events has now been launched. Much anticipated since last years' resounding and hillariously Jewish weekend, we return with Jewlicious @ The Beach.2. This is part sequel and part new frontier.

Weekend highlights include folk-jazz café, master challah baking, Friday Night Feast, Kiddush wine tasting, iMac Saloon, iPod listening lounge, WIFI, concerts, films, poker tournament, parties, dramatic Torah reading, fashion show and bazaar. Speakers and presenters on Jews who rock, Jews in fashion, Jewish blogging, Jewish dating, Israel, social justice, Jewish diversity, pop-culture and spirituality. Workshops include bronze casting, henna, dancing, fashion, organizing, food, and blogging.

|W|P|113441415577132987|W|P|What Jew Gonna do President's Weekend?|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/08/2005 10:11:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|

UN Israel Free Day

The UN Observed Solidarity with the Palestinian people by having a map that didn't show Israel. How nice. Thanks Annan, you know how to make us Jews feel really safe!|W|P|113410895503119449|W|P|Throw The Jews Into The Sea|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/06/2005 11:30:00 PM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|Apparently, Mel is doing a Holocaust mini-series.

Mr. Gibson's television production company will base the four-hour miniseries for ABC on the self-published memoir of Flory A. Van Beek, a Dutch Jew whose gentile neighbors hid her from the Nazis but who lost several relatives in concentration camps.

Hard to find anything positive to say, yet. Can't help but be critical and say: Why are you making a movie about a good Christian who saves Jews, when the vast majority of Jews in Europe were killed, with the tacit approval of their neighbors?

There are thousands and thousands of such righteous people that helped Jews, but that is not the story of the Holocaust. That is the story of amazing self-sacrifice, especially in Poland where more Jews were saved by Gentiles than in any other country. That is the story of altruism. Amazing. But...

The story of the Holocaust is sad, and there are very few movies made about it. No one likes films where everyone dies in the end.
|W|P|113394070929298533|W|P|Mad Max Meets Ann Frank|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/02/2005 10:34:00 AM|W|P|Rabbi Yonah|W|P|

A recent article in Jewsweek highlights the recent Madonna Kabbalah Crises.

"I seem to be getting a lot of criticism from people who haven't even heard the album yet." Madonna only sighs. "You do appreciate the absurdity of a group of rabbis in If this infraction sent the entire town into an angry buzz.

"People get very upset about the fact that I decided to study a spiritual belief system," she observes, "It's very strange. I may as well have announced that I've joined the Nazi party!"

"I seem to be getting a lot of criticism from people who haven't even heard the album yet." Madonna only sighs. "You do appreciate the absurdity of a group of rabbis in Israel claiming that I'm being blasphemous about someone when they haven't even heard the record, right?" she wonders aloud. "It's interesting how their minds work, those naughty rabbis," she adds, with a twinkle in her eyes.

Madonna continues to be the lightening rod of our anger at and dismay over the Kabbalah Centre, the Berg cult of personality, their phenomenal marketing savy.

The truth is that Madonna, while a pathetic Kabbalist who has never converted to Judaism, is really taking the heat for the KC. The KC and its leaders should be lambasted and ridiculed over their mockery of religion, Judaism, and everything sacred. They created this Golemadonna. They should take the blame.

Golemadonna is just a pop-star with little knowledge and apparently some deep disprect for Rabbis.

As Ali G might say "Hey Tat Ayint no ways to be Talkin Bout a Rabi, now is it? Respect!"
|W|P|113354868281873318|W|P|Golemadonna Takes the Heat off the Kabob Centre|W|P|rabbiyonah@gmail.com12/03/2005 10:51:00 AM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|Can I get an AMEN?

Dang, the KC drives me up the ()&!()( wall.12/13/2005 01:06:00 PM|W|P|

Anonymous|W|P|So... has Rabbi Yonah heard the album?