POPEL'S PONDERING

Opening day in cincinnati

2009-04-07T09:34:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone

I cannot describe in words though I will try what an awesome day yesterday was

Zevy and I and a buddy and his 2 boys left chicago at 545 am yesterday to drive to cincinnati, oh to see the mets open the season against the reds at the great american ballpark.

It was a good drive the kids were great. The weather was gross we knew that going in and dressed in kind layers and layers of clothes boots hats gloves scarves, and blankets etc. Its good we prepared as the temp was in the low 30s but with the wind felt like 25. And it rained snowed sleeted most of the game with a few innings of clear skies what a reprieve.

Next the stadium was nice with the ohio river as a backdrop to the outfield. I am sure on a nice day it would be really beautiful.
Brand spanking New 4scoreboard in hd was really nice.

We sat in the upper deck behind home plate. Great view great seats.

The crowd. Oy vey. The amount of beer that was consumed was insane. Its like purim everyday. On the sign into the ball park it said no flasks. I made nothing of it till the people one row behind me were complaining they "only had to have beer" and not whisky. I think part of the issue was the proximity to the state of kentucky and the country folk that live there who come on over to drink and get wasted. Some of the things I heard at the game

"Curses every word"
" Get em (in really country slang)
"I reckon....."
"Are we sitting in foul territory (no you idiot you are sitting right in right field"
"I could spot a cop 5 miles a way that's what happens when there is a warrant for my arrest for 5 years"

The game was great despite the weather and suuroundings. Johan santana pitched a great game carlos beltran saved runs with a defensive outfield double play, daniel murphy scored a few runs besides leaving 15 others on base but the new mets bullpen green, putz, and krod held anchored and held a 1 run lead johan got the win.

We stopped at graeters ice cream shop under the vaad in cinci for awesome home made ice cream and back on the road we arrived home at 1045 pm

Lastly I want to thank my wife (though not wanting, allowing me to go) didn't fight it and in essence let me go from pesach prep

What a game what a day
Keep pondering

Efrem
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry

Opening Day

2009-03-17T14:31:00.002-05:00

I start with some inspirational quotes

You always get a special kick on opening day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you're a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.
JOE DIMAGGIO

"A home opener is always exciting, no matter whether it's at home or on the road." - Yogi Berra

After living 32 years on this great Earth I now hope to expierence in person what these players I have quoted speak about

OPENING DAY !!

As most of you know though I live in Chicago (Mipnei Chatainu Galinu Meartzanu) I am a big NY METS FAN!! This year a buddy of mine and I with our boys are gonna drive to cincinatti, OH

Not only am I excited for opening Day but seeing the mets on opening day :)

Shout out to Shuli for letting me go 48 hrs before Pesach

Keep Pondering

Efrem

to The GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK

Israel ponderings

2009-02-18T09:49:00.001-06:00

I read an article this morning that made me ponder

Years ago ariek sharon was known as the defender of yehuda vshomron and gush katif. Ultimately prior to his coma setup the disengagement plan which took israel out of gaza. Who many of the residents still do not have a place to live

One of the chief supporters of this plan was shimon peres. Now israels current president.

This morning in the jerusalem post peres was quoted speaking in the us at the conference of presidents of major jewish organizations (that's always a mouthful) that he was wrong.

Woah first of all I never liked peres as his country didn't either as he was prime minister a # of times without ever being elected. But he apologized for the error of his ways. That's an amazing thing that he apologized.

Now at the same time the israeli government will not open the gaza border till shalit is released. I think the time for this was DURING THE OPERATION INTO GAZA but better late then never.
Maybe the next step instead of aplogizing for terrible foreign policy don't make such costly mistakes

Iyh vshavu banim lgvulam

Have a great Day!!!

Efrem

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Project cast lead

2008-12-28T08:49:00.001-06:00

Before I start to share my ponderings my heart, tefilos (prayers) are with you, israel as this is serious stuff

It has been a long time since israel has done a suprise operation. But not just that what blew me away when I checked my blackberry motzai shabbos was how it was done and who was involved

Israel has apparently been preparing for this attack on all levels starting with giving the air force over 170 targets to hit and 60 of them were direct hits.

The secrecy of the operation and the dis info that was given to the media was amazing to be able to pull off in 2008 in our media crazy world.

The suprise factor was suprising. To attack on shabbos no one so this coming.

Another few tidbits that I read that suprised me

* this was pulled off by ehud olmert the prime minister and his small team (a political shocker for me)

* hizballah is warning they will get involved and attack israel's northern front. Olmert said don't even try it

* baruch dayan emes to Beber Vaknin , 58, from Netivot, was killed in a rocket strike.

* also a refuah shleima to the at least 9 israelis injured

* there are very specific directives to all residents of israel known as the homefront
In terms of safety precautions this was a criticism against israel during the 2nd lebanon war

* this is not just an operation but a war with hamas pledging a bloody revenge, hezbolah pledging to attack northern israel.....schools, and buisnesses will be closed many of our brothers have to be within 15 seconds of a bomb shelter

As you could imagine there is or will be "international pressure" to stop this war. I want to share with you a clip from israel's prime minister when asked about a cease fire

In an interview with Fox News, Barak rhetorically questioned the American people, explaining that calling on Israel to enter into a ceasefire with Hamas now would be tantamount to calling on the Americans to enter a ceasefire with al-Qaeda.

These words are the feelings that many jews around the world feel (including this blogger)
That how can we make peace with a nation led by those who want to kill us

Our tefillos need to be focused on those living in terror of a rocket landing in their living room, kids not being to play outside, constantly being ready to get to a bomb shelter.

Also this is a war and our tefilos need to be with tzahal and its officers and commanders

I am at ncsys conclave shabbaton and the theme of the shabbaton this weekend is israel. Is it ironic that one of the multimedia presentations showed that israel is the only country in the world that when it Is at war people come to help

(On that note I am working off my blackberry and doing my best to send out this post with the resources I have...thank you yeshiva world and jpost)

Hinay lo yanum v'lo yishan shomer yisrael. We all know this verse from tehillim hashem does not rest or sleep when at the controls

May hashem continue to watchover and guard klal yisrael and eretz yisrael

Efrem
Have a great Day!!!

Efrem

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

You smell like a skunk

2008-11-06T12:00:00.002-06:00

It all started back during the spring. An evil black and white furry animal took residence under our crawl space. We thought we dealt with the problem as last june we had the city put out traps on 2 occasions. The first caught a skunk the 2nd an opposum. I often joke woth shuli that we live on a forest preserve! But alas we live in chicago.

When we returned from camp we had lots of skunk smells. We realized it was at home and comfy when on yom kipppur we noticed the doors to our crawl space were wide open and that next shabbos I got a knock on my door. And my neighbor got a positive I.d. As did I that el skunko was back

So its motzai shabbos our last sighting was an hour earlier in the crawl space and what are we gonna do our sukkah materials are all in that areaI sent shuli to see If it was there with a flashlight and nervously tiptoed behind her. It was gone we boarded the foors with concrete blocks

We then hired domeone to fix our insulation which our rude tenants ripped out andthey didn't even pay rent ! We then added a proper locking mechanism.

I reminisce when I was a counselor at hasc in the mid 90's I had a cute chassidishe camper from williamsburg and he used to enjoy calling his counselors names one favorite was fashtukina litvak, one other was hed say in his accent and stutter "you sssssmmmmellll like a skunk" who knew 13 yrs later it would be a self fullfilling prophecy Baruch hashem no more skunks and I am a lot less of a litvak then when I was back the\n

Keep pondering

Efrem

We are are a non for profit institution

2008-10-27T17:16:00.001-05:00

The story goes that there was a rabbi who went collecting his yeshiva. The rabbi met with a particular gvir in the city. This gvir had a stipulation before writing a check. He was very big into the study of navi and wanted it learned in the institutions he supported.

This gvir gives the rabbi a test, a test that one would know only if they learned navi in depth. The rabbi answered the questions with flying colors and received a nice check for the yeshiva. As the rabbi was walking away the gvir wanted to know what the seder in navi was all about. The rabbi turns and says navi seder what navi seder we learn gemara we are from a non for profit organization!

I by no means mean to belittle the story of navi but myself included most guys don't lern tanach except when quoted in the gemara.

I tell you this story because a went to a siyum made by geoff winner who just completed neveim and was misayem at a beautiful siyum amongst friends and family.

Mazal tov to geoff and whatever you learn keep learning torah !

Keep pondering!

Efrem
Have a great Day!!!

Efrem

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

A new way to post

2008-10-24T13:06:00.001-05:00

I know figured out a new way to post blog entries (via blackberry email:) So perhaps you'll be hearing from me more then that once a week
Have a great Day!!!

Efrem

Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone

Wow has it been a long time!!!

2008-10-24T12:37:00.002-05:00

Hello all

I hope you have all had a meaningful Yom Tov season....

My last blogpost came from Parksville, NY in JULY ahhhhhh so sorry

A new kabala (not the google seach definition of mystical learning) but more of a Jewish Nrew Year's Resolution to be better about blogging at least once a week. I think that with all middos a person needs to start small and work their way up as I hope to do as well.

So much to catch you up on so ill do a quick catchup and hopefully start popel ponderings a new next week.

A visit with our friends the Liebermans and their new home in NJ on the way back to Chi town in August

Surgery to repair a painful and annoying labrul tear in my left shoulder (arm in a sling for 4 weeks)

PT begins till at least January

school has begun

Mikor (our shul) is close to moving our beis Hamedrash to our OWN place after renting for 9 years

Have a great shabbos
Keep Pondering

Efrem

Camp HASC

2008-07-09T21:13:00.002-05:00

The beginning of summer #14 for me here at camp. More bunk houses, a dining room that is at capacity....(though it was jusrt built a few summers ago) new parks, a baseball field/track

It is just an amazing place despite the large size. So many miracles happen here...it is really special

We have had some amazing guests so far this summer

Rabbi Pysach Krohn last shabbos
Rav Bina yesterday

Concerts

Eli Gerstner
Emek Hadavar

This summer I am also learning how to ride a bike. I never have as a kid. I have ridden 4-5 times so far and I am getting the hang of it. I am enjoying it and its great excersise

I love camp HASC

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Lets Go Mets

2008-07-09T21:11:00.003-05:00

Finally after a 1/2 a season of playing games (besides baseball ones ) the Mets are 2 games over .500.

New manager, and pitching coach, the hitters are hitting & pitchers pitching

I cant wait for the second half of the season

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Another Mets Fan in Chicago

2008-07-09T21:05:00.002-05:00

In Junetime prior to the end of the school year, my wife Shuli got a call at the hospital that she works at. She was available to speak and the secretary from Arie Crown tells her that she has a nachas call from Rabbi Samber

Rabbi Samber calls to compliment Zevy on his hard work in school. He tells shuli that there is a rule that no baseball caps are allowed during school. Shuli replied I know I told him to wear his Mets hat only on the afternoon trip.

Rabbi Samber laughed, and said I already had a soft spot for Zevy as he is so cute and warm and a great kid, but my brothers annd I grew up NY mets fans. And now I have an extra love for him b/c he is a Mets fan and its ok that he is wearing the hat

Lets Go Mets

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

24 news

2008-07-09T21:04:00.002-05:00

I am sad

I know it is a fact of life but so is Chloe.

She is having a baby in real life (best of luck to her) but must leave 24 as a result

aarrrgggg

In the words of Jack Bauer....have the baby and do it now!!!

Who we met on the Subway

2008-07-09T20:53:00.002-05:00

On our way to Camp we always stop in Cleveland, Ohio. It is almost 1/2 way there is minyan and kosher food.

The food is Subway an ordinarily non-kosher establishment has recently popped up with a chain of new kosher restaurants across the country. One of which is located in Beachwood, OH

Ya know how they say its a small world. Well it is actually quite big, but life deals you times in life where divinely inspired coincidences occur in our lives.

So we walk in and here's who we meet. 2 other Chicago families/couples

Chaim & Naomi Kalman
Yosef & Bassie Cohen

The guy who made our sandwiches wsa a talmid of the rebbe, (Rabbi Schecter) who attended skokie Yeshiva.

Sara & Akiva (Sarah was my Yachad assistant in Chicago 2 years ago)

Then at shul, I met

Rafi Israeli who was a counselor at HASC when I was a counselor
Herzl Ginsberg (who was a counselor at HASC 14 years ago when I was a counselor)
Rabbi Binny Blau now the Rosh Kollel at the Young Israel of Beachwood and was the camp Rabbi at HASC when I was a counselor.

Its all about the subway as we continue to journey through life

May it be a smooth trip

Keep Pondering

Efrem

It has been a really long time

2008-07-09T20:51:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone

I see that the last time I have posted was late in May. I have meant to have posted many times since then.

In between the end of the schoolyear, and our travels to camp hasc life has been busy.

I have taken notes and have been pondering and will try tp "catch everyone up" in our lives

Here come a few Popel's Ponderings coming at you fast and furious

Efrem

Birkas Asher Yatzar

2008-05-28T12:49:00.003-05:00

The brocha that we make many times each day is the Bracha of Asher Yatzar. Its text and meaning is explained here http://www.torahzone.com/AsherYatzar.htm

The basic gist is that we thank Hashem for allowing our openings to open to allow us to use the bathroom when we need too. Anyone who has ever been constipated or Lo Aleinu (not on us) had kidney issues and needed dialysis and needed to be cleaned out knows and appreciates the "miracle" of using the bathroom.

The reason I write this is I read an article this morning in the Chicago tribune about 3 astronauts who are living on a space station with 1 toilet that is now broken. They are now using some sort of a bag system.. In addition to being in outer space they don't even have a working toilet.

Hakaras Hatov---the recognition of good is something we must all strengthen ourselves in!

Keep Pondering

Efrem

I am NOT old

2008-05-21T12:12:00.002-05:00

I was at the JCC in Chicago excersising a few days ago on the elliptical. After I was done I noticed that the gym was empty so I decided to shoot some hoops. It has been a long time since I shot a basketball.

So I was minding my own buissness and 2 7th grade boys walked in and asked me if I would play them 1 on 2. I said sure. I was so exhausted from my intense workout earlier but agreed. We decided to play till 11 pts. In a matter of minutes they spread the floor taking advantage of 2 on 1. Each time I guarded the ball carriier he passed each time I guardded the ball he shot and scored from the outside.

I was down 6-0. Huffing and puffing. I was down a knee and the kids asked how old I was. I as a proud Jew answered their question with a question. How old do you think I am. 22 they responded. I told them I was 32 (my real age) therer response was maan are you old!

ThereI am knee down on the court puffing, but old I would not be called. I had a Hulk Hogan memory of old. I got my adrenaline pumping or whatever biological process happens at my advanced age and I was motivated to win.

I went on an 11-1 run and won the game 11-7.

I left the gym and said not bad for an old guy huh?

The next morning I woke up my thighs felt like large boulders...each step with pain...May be I am old but I will not allow a 7th grader to tell me that!

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-05-16T10:03:00.002-05:00

It is Erev Shabbos Kodesh and we are preparing for our daughters kiddush on Shabbos (BH it will be nice weather and we will have it outside)

But there are other preperations we must make like that of Thanksgiving preperations. 24 is coming!! Fox has announced that in just 6 months they will show a 2 hr prequel (which takes place between seasons 6 & 7) This prequel will take place mostly in Africa mostly in real time. We will learn about new charachters a new plot a nerw president etc, Jack is on trial, NO CTU,

I found 2 really good articles that explain the preview at great legnths....One of the drawbacks of email is that it doesnt allow emotion to be expressed. I am jumpin' That is how I feel and thanks to my new addiction (prison break) Mondays will have a new excitement that only a friday provides!!!

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/24/24-season-7-prequel-movie-air-19464.aspx?pollid=1091&answer=4040#poll1091

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2008/05/24-returns-in-n.html

How about a little Jack Bauer with your turkey?

Keep Pondering and good shabbos
Efrem

Why I love Eretz Yisroel

2008-05-08T08:48:00.002-05:00

Happy Yom Hatzmaut to all! Today is the day that Israel became a sovereign nation 60 years ago. I wanted to use this blog post to expalin why Eretz Yisrael is so important to me.

When I was becoming a baal teshuva almost 18 years ago one of the pieces on my mission to becoming a frum Jew was a visit to the holy land with my high school class in 12th grade.

The memories of seeing the kotel and davening for the first time, a trip to the holy city of Hebron to visit the mamas and papas just day before the Boruch Goldstein shooting in Maaras Hamachpela, a shabbos walk in the old city, a shalosh seudoes in the Old City at ateres kohanim singing Vleyerushalayim Ircha (by dveykus) over and over again

so i decided to concretize that experience I bought a kippa sruga (knitted kippa) so that every time I touch my head i would think of those experiences and my love for eretz yisrael on a daily basis

Im Eshkacheh Yeruhalayim Tishkach Yimini

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

What is sefiras Haomer about anyways?

2008-05-05T08:51:00.003-05:00

Sefiras Haomer has many purposes. Firstly we long to offer the korban haomer that we now cannot because our beis hamikdash is NOT standing.

We also mourn the loss of Rebbi Akiva's students and try to fix the chait that caused the death of Rebbi Akiva's students. (shelo Nahagu Kavod Zeh Lazeh) That they didnt extend proper respect for each other

We also read pirkei avos the ethics of our fathers for this purpose to help rectify our middos especially bein adam l'chaveiro.

Asd we all know Israel is celebrating the 60th anniversary since its inception as a state. As a special commemorative wrapper Osem made bamba snacks (Israel runs on 2 foods bamba and chumus....My brother in law once told me a story that he was tremping a ride home with an Israeli to Efrat on Thanksgiving. His wife was preparing a feast Turkey, cranberry, sweet potatoes and all thfixings. The israeli asked if there would be chumus. My brother in law said, no. The driver eesponded if theee is no chumus there is no thanksgiving or something to that effect.)

Anyways Osem put a zecher to the forming of the state on its wrapper (a nice touch) well some groups are calling for the boycott of all and any recognition of yom hazmaut....

State what state...beis hamikdash what basi hamikdash???? Oh right the one that was destroyed b/c of sinas chinam which as great as Bamba is, its not worth sinas chinam

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Gehinom in Wrigley on Pesach

2008-04-25T17:34:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the Cubs of Chicago this past Tuesday was a day I should have never taken off of work for. My NY Mets came to town, an excellent opportunity to go to a game and a great Chol Hamoed Trip!

Firstly my opinion on the stadium. It is an ugly building that needs to be demolished. Perhaps it was state of the art 100 years ago when the cubs won their last championship.

Then the trough system in the bathroom need I say more. It was like the animals going out to pasture and fertalize. Uch Uch Uch

It was a Tuesday afternoon...what are 40, 000 ppl doing at a daytime baseball game. It wsa not spring break or a mjor secular day off, does no one in the city work??? I dont think I have ever seen more people drink so much beer, so much cussing, it was a sight to not behold. It gave the meaning of the bracha shelo assani goy a new meaning!

And then the Met lost 8-1...perhaps a message from HKBH that I shouldnt have been at a ball game on that holy Chol Hamoed Day...a day that I am so happy is over for good!

Keep Pondering
A guttin Moed (till sukkos)
A gittin Erev Shabbos and Yom Tov Koidesh

Efrem

Chametz in Jerusalem update

2008-04-15T09:45:00.003-05:00

After doing further research I found that the attourney general in Israel believes that the Chametz law outlaws advertsing the selling of all chametz while the actual selling is fine. So sell chametz, get hannah (benefit from) from chametz and sell it to those who might eat it but DONT ADVERTISE IT!

NYC is so frum......

2008-04-14T14:04:00.002-05:00

New York City may have outdone Yerushalayim for the worlds "frummest"city. On Friday Erev Erev Pesach in 3 different areas of Flatbush in addition to the erev shabbos special garbage pickup there will be 3 large dumpsters available for Jews to bring their extra chametz before shabbos.

Is it just me that NYC is spoiling their inhabitants? What is next an easter egg wrapper garbage dump? Or a place where we can throw out our extra shalach manos?

NYC is truly nice to its inhabitants, maybe they will pass a no chometz rule.... see my previous post. http://efremp.blogspot.com/2008/04/chametz-for-sale.html

Chag Kasher Vsameach

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Chametz for Sale!

2008-04-14T09:55:00.002-05:00

One of the disadvantages of living in Chutz Laaretz is the fact that on Pesach you can easily smell the aromas of Dunkin Donuts being baked here in Chicago or any other city and probably any such food for that matter.

However in Eretz Yisroel (The Jewish State) one would expect it to be different. I have never had the zchus of being in Israel on Pesach but imagine the smells of matzah wafting through the air and a smell of the removal of chametz from the holy city of Jerusalem.

But was a story that I read that chametz now could be sold in Yerushalayim as was banned for many years before. It is kinda sad to me...As one would expect more, but religion seems not to be on the govermnent's agenda nowadays...where could there ever be a chametz free city no where but in Israel...well I guess not this year

Wishing everyone a cHag Kasher V'Sameach

Keep Pondering

Baseball Season is here

2008-04-04T14:17:00.002-05:00

Baseball season is here, and I love my XM satellite radio package every day this week i listened to a great baseball game on the radio

NY METS

Despite the Mets losing Pedro on his 1st start this season ( I think we will be fine) we took 2 out of 3 from the Marlins in impresive fashion wins to Johan and Oliver great games.

CHI SOX

1 out of 3 looked bad against Cleveland. Good game yesterday Danks, Jenks and Crede the stars

CUBS

always happy to see them lose....and they did that well losing 2 out of 3

Have a great shabbos

Keep Pondering

Lets Go Mets & SOX

Efrem

Lets Go Mets

Beds Boxsprings and Moving

2008-04-04T14:05:00.002-05:00

I have once read before that moving is perhaps up there with divorce and death as one of life's most stressful activities.

Over the past couple of weeks we have had an internal "move project" me, going into exile from my office to the basement. My son the new heir to Efrem's former office....I have had to clean, throw outr junk and move lots of stuff out.

If that wasnt stressful enough we decided (for good) that we were gonna buy new queen size beds (highly reccomended if you have the space) So we did and gave our twins to our kids (shira will be moving out of her crib I think tonight) so that they will have a proper bed and boxspring.

We spent most of Sunday shopping for Linens unsuiccessfuly till we finally found a pattern we liked but yes it was in the wrong size aarrrggg (i drove 45 min each way to a store in the chain that had them in stock)

So the fine matress deliverers and movers arrived on Tuesday afternoon (had to fly down Lake Shore drive to make it on time. The delivery window was from 3-6 PM you guess when they arrived yup 3 PM arrrggggg) They successfuly moved our beds out moved our new mattresses and frames in and then realized they couldnt get the box spring up the stairs so we had to purchase split box springs....but now 2 days had to pass till we got our new beds, as shuli and I slept in different rooms. But yesterday on Thursday the mattresses box springs arrived and boy are the beds comfortable

Also, throughout this ordeal it was unclear where the computer was going so it sat disconnected in my room, and we decided yesterday (thursday that it will go to the basement so there it sits waiting to be assembled. Oy Oy Oy

Thanks goodness for shabbos

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Baseball and Sushi

2008-03-26T12:37:00.002-05:00

As a baesball purist, someone who never liked the DH, wild card, or inter leauge play there is something just wrong to have the start of the baseball seasonb in Tokyo, Japa.

So Boston and Oakland have started the season with a split and now come home to return to spring training??? Isn't that strange?

Yes it is. Baseball need to be played in the good ol US of A if it counts. Exhibition I agree is important. Spring training or the world baseball classic. That is also OK. But not 1/2 a week early. I kinda enjoyed drinking my coffee and listening to baseball on the way to work the past two mornings but it is not our past time.

Maybe if the Mets were involved I would've felt differently :)

Keep Pondering

Efrem

I am feeling old

2008-03-26T09:39:00.002-05:00

It has been a few weeks since my last blog entry. Things have been a bit nutty for me. I had spring break last week from teaching. For most a break...for me it was spring marathon! I think going back to work this week has been a vacation. Also the Jewish holiday of purim, and all its preperations.

In addition I feel I am getting old. Why you ask? Well I tore my labrum in my shoulder http://orthopedics.about.com/od/shoulderelbow/a/labrum.htm that kinda stinks, walking around in pain. I am trying PT but not sure if that will help.

Also on Sunday I went to a wedding on Sunday wih Shuli. One of her NCSYer's Nikki Kane got married to Michael Friedman
http://onlysimchas.com/v4/index.cfm/fuseaction:simcha.view/simchaid:73872 who are both Yeshivat Darche Noam alumns.

So why do i feel old? Well a bunch of our friends from shul where there and we were sat not with them but with "older established" folk...

I guess I must face the reality and embrace it but as the song went in the 1980's FOREVER YOUNG !!

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Baseball, the mets, and the cubs

2008-03-11T09:20:00.002-05:00

So spring is in the air theoretically speaking (it felt like 18 degrees this am). A few more weeks at spring training and baseball starts for real.

My brother in law shlomo when asked where he was from would say mipnai shegilinu martzanu Chicago (he now lives in Efrat)

I am a NY mets Fan mipneish I left NY living in Chicago. Last year I had the occasion to go to wrigley field for a cubs vs braves game. I cannot stand the cubs. I dont like wrigley either. But I went because i hated the braves miore so i rooted for the cubs but it was a weird experience..I left thinking I never really want to go back to Wrigley field. But this year the mets are coming to town, and I am taking Zevy to see the Mets play the Cubs so it will be alright!

Lets go mets

Efrem

Mishenichnas Adar Part 2

2008-03-10T12:20:00.002-05:00

After writing my blog post following the tragic and heinous terror shooting at Rav Kook's Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Israel I have done lots of thinking, and I learned a shtikel torah with my Rebbe Rabbi Moshe Schecter last night, in Rabbi Wolfson's sefer.

Rav Wolfson quotes the Satmar Rebbe (Rabbi Teitelbaum Z'TL) who asks why Purim will be the only remaining Jewish holiday after moshiach comes?

He gives an amazing answer which I would like to add on to.

In order for Amalek to be totally eradicated...it is not possible for man to do it alone. Sure man has to do his hishtadlus but the wiping out of Amalek will be done through mashiach (ben yosef). So Purim is a Yom Tov that is an olam habah kinda yom tov. That is why Purim will be the only continuing Jewish holiday after Moshiach comes because Purim is really a Yom Tov from post-mashiach days.

I was thinking...I remember that adar always has been a difficult month. If you look back historically lots of bad stuff has befallen our people during adar. Maybe that is why we still have to be bsimcha in adar. We have to do our hishtadlus when animals run from forests as David Wilder, spokesman for the Jewish Community in Hebron described last weeks's shooting. But as the Satmar rebbe explained...we need Mashiach ben Yosef to ultimately cleanse us from Amalek and what month during the Jewish calendar year more prominent then adar for amalek and his descendants to rear his ugly head?

Keep Pondering Bsimcha, have great Bitachon

Efrem

Mets Fan and Sox Fan??

2008-03-10T12:16:00.003-05:00

A few months ago pre-Popel Ponderings (could you imagine such a time?) I sent the folloeing email to my friends and family:

So it is early January and though the NYG football team still has what to play for, the thought of pitchers and catchers reporting rings in my ears and puts a smile on my face. It is only a few weeks away. Baseball season has almost started.

I made a firm decision over winter break, and this stemmed from a visit that i had with my friend Yaakov who lives in Silver Spring, MD. He is a "rabid" Yankees fan. When we visited with Yaakov and family this summer to my utter disbelief he had lots of Washington Nationals stuff all over. I couldn't understand. He explained. I always wanted to root for a home team. For years I couldn't because the Baltimore Orioles was the only option. (Being an AL fan you can root for 2 rivals in the same division or league) But when the Nationals became an MLB team in the NL he could root for them. Really there was no contradiction.)

I thought about this concept rooting for a "home team". As many of you know I am a mets fan. And the few times visiting Wrigley I thought I don't like the cubs at all why am i even here??? (except when the mets are in town of course)

Also I have a 5yr old son. It would be unfair to make him a Mets fan (only) as he lives in Chicago. Mot or all kids will be either Sox or cubs fans. So I decided that the only logical decison is to root for the Chicago White Sox and become a sox fan. (sorry shlomo)

There shouldn't be much conflict...so lets go sox...

The team I will root for from now on will be the SOX, but will always be 2ND to the Mets!

An enjoyable 2008 Baseball season to all

I have now taken the 2nd step...yesterday I purchased my son and daughter NY mets caps ad I bought a sox hat! So it is early January and though the NYG football team still has what to play for, the thought of pitchers and catchers reporting rings in my ears and puts a smile on my face. It is only a few weeks away. Baseball season has almost started.

I made a firm decision over winter break, and this stemmed from a visit that i had with my friend Yaakov who lives in Silver Spring, MD. He is a "rabid" Yankees fan. When we visited with Yaakov and family this summer to my utter disbelief he had lots of Washington Nationals stuff all over. I couldn't understand. He explained. I always wanted to root for a home team. For years I couldn't because the Baltimore Orioles was the only option. (Being an AL fan you can root for 2 rivals in the same division or league) But when the Nationals became an MLB team in the NL he could root for them. Really there was no contradiction.)

I thought about this concept rooting for a "home team". As many of you know I am a mets fan. And the few times visiting Wrigley I thought I don't like the cubs at all why am i even here??? (except when the mets are in town of course)

Also I have a 5yr old son. It would be unfair to make him a Mets fan (only) as he lives in Chicago. Mot or all kids will be either Sox or cubs fans. So I decided that the only logical decison is to root for the Chicago White Sox and become a sox fan. (sorry shlomo)

There shouldn't be much conflict...so lets go sox...

The team I will root for from now on will be the SOX, but will always be 2ND to the Mets!

An enjoyable 2008 Baseball season to all

Cant wait for the season to start...My mother in law is fuming!!!

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

Mishenichnas Adar...arent you supposed to be Bsimcha?

2008-03-07T09:32:00.003-06:00

By the time many of you receive this on email it will be after shabbos...some who read via rss feed will get it on Friday

I am deeply sadened..but I should be happy it is Rosh Chodesh Adar Beis and we are told to increase happiness in adar. Rabbi Nachman MiBreslov explains that a jew alway has to be bsimcha but increases their simcha in adar.

Yeterday an Israeli-Arab (Israeli Arabs sit in the Knesset) which is the legislative body in Israel went into a Yeshiva (about a 5 minute walk away from where I learned Torah in Israel) and statrted shooting bullets killing 8 and injuring countless more many seriously.

Please be Mispallel for Naftali ben Gila; Yonasan ben Avital; Shimon ben Tirza; Nadav ben Hadas; Reuven ben Naomi; Elchanan by Zehava who are in the hospital.

Then Friday AM (Chicago time) I got an email that a Jewish taxi driver driving an Jewish American couple and child got into a head on crash (mother and child died father in critrical condition doesnt even know that his family is dead please be mispallel for Moshe Halevi ben Sima unconsious with head and chest wounds)

It is Adar...but how cana jew be happy when his brethren are being buried or are in tzaar? I dont know. I remember Rabbi Taragin who was the Rav at Camp Hasc for a couple of summers gave a good piece of advice to us living in Chutz Laaretz or to any jew in fact.....cancel your planned social activities

How could you be partying when klal yisrol are burying its dead...it seems careless and inppropriate.

So should we cancel Purim? Cancel all Adar activities...Mishenichnas Adar Marbin Bsimcha...i just dont know

Ill keep pondering you do the same....

Efrem

Funny but so sad

2008-03-04T23:08:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone

I have been BH so busy with new baby Shoshana....I have wanted to post so many times about so many things but....time always seems to run away

Ok So if everyone is not aware the city of sderot in Israel is under seige and is being pelted with rockets so many rockets every single day. Kids are stuck at home all economic activity is dead people are afraid to walk the streets. Can you blame them?

But I will tell you who you could blame...(stay tuned)

If by chance you are unaware of the matzav (situation in Israel and sderot) here is a link

http://www.sderotmedia.com/ (My beracha is that link should be dead soon and we shouldnt have a need to use it)

The blame is placed on the UN anti semite group who is passing a resolution against israel (of course) for re-entering Gaza to stop the rocket launches. In addition if we hadnt withdrew from Gaza in the first place we might not have been in this mess to begin with. But that would require Israel to admit that she did wrong. Oy it is so sad typing this

I will end with a joke but it is so sad (I saw this on facebook it was posted by Hillel Fuld)

Hi, Here is a joke that is half sad half funny and very true:Dan Rather (former CBS news anchor, for those reading this who are outside North America), Katie Couric (current CBS news anchor), and an Israeli sergeant were all captured by terrorists in Iraq. The leader of the terrorists told them that he would grant them each one last request beforethey were beheaded.Dan Rather said, "Well, I'm a Texan, so I'd like one last bowlful of hot spicy chili."The leader nodded to an underling who left and returned with the chili.Rather ate it all and said, "Now I can die content."Katie Couric said, "I'm a reporter to the end. I want to take out my tape recorder and describe the scene here and what's about to happen. Maybe someday someone will hear it and know that I was on the job till the end."The leader directed an aide to hand over the tape recorder and Couric dictated some comments. She then said, "Now I can die happy."The leader turned and said, "And now , Mr. Israeli tough guy, what is your final wish?" "Kick me in the butt," said the soldier.""What?" asked the leader? "Will you mock us in your last hour?" "No, I'm not kidding. I want you to kick me in the butt," insisted the Israeli.So the leader shoved him into the open and kicked him in the ass. The soldier went sprawling, but rolled to his knees, pulled a 9 mm pistol fromunder his flack jacket, and shot the leader dead. In the resulting confusion, he jumped to his knapsack, pulled out his carbine and sprayed the terrorists with gunfire. In a flash, all terrorists were either dead or fleeing for their lives.As the soldier was untying Rather and Couric, they asked him, "Why didn't you just shoot them in the beginning? Why did you ask them to kick you in the butt first?""What?" replied the Israeli, "And have you two shmucks report that I was the aggressor?" --

Keep Pondering nad praying for the residents and victims of Sderot

Efrem

Another Reminder we live in Chutz Laretz

2008-02-27T13:23:00.002-06:00

As a sports fan in general (though my passion for basketball has waned since the Patrick Ewing days) I read a story about a high school basketball team that is from a Jewish school in Denver, Colorado. They are supposed to be really good.

They are two games away from the state finals. But if they win again that will be their last. Because the last game is scheduled to be played on shabbos kodesh.

This is sad on one hand but a huge kiddush hashem on the other. Though it is only Colorado what a huge dissapointmet for those kids and the tourney.

But Shabbos is Saturday in the USA...

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Shomer Shabbos US Soldier dies in Iraq

2008-02-25T22:18:00.001-06:00

We all mourns the death of US Soldier Albert Bitton HYD - who was R"L killed in Iraq today. YWN spoke with Rabbi Matanky - who was Albert's rabbi at Congregation K.I.N.S. of West Rogers Park, Chicago - and tells us that Albert was a Medic in the US armed forces, was Shomer Shabbos, and graduated the Ida Crown Jewish Academy (Chicago, IL) in 2005. Due to the circumstances, it will take some time until his body is flown back to the US, and the Levaya info has not yet been arranged.Various Askonim are working feverishly to prevent any autopsy from taking place, and to expedite his Kevura.Rabbi Matanky - who is also the Dean at the academy - says that Albert, who was studying in Public School as a youngster, had approached him for a pair of Tefillin for his Bar Mitzvah. The rabbi gave him a pair with one T'nai (condition). Albert must put on his Tefillin each day. Rabbi Matanky said, that in fact, Albert kept his promise, and put on his Tefillin each day.Albert eventually enrolled in the Ida Crown Jewish Academy - where he remained until his graduation. "He was a true Baal Chesed, and kept a Shaychis (connection) with his teachers," Rabbi Matanky said. "Even from Iraq, he would send emails."Sadly, this is the second graduate of the Ida Crown Jewish Academy who was a member of the US Armed Forces which was R"L killed in Iraq.

Yehi Zichro Boruch.....

Sadly Pondering

Efrem

Jewish Music Concerts Over as we know it

2008-02-25T14:29:00.001-06:00

Please read from theyeshivaworld.com

Lipa Schmeltzer Backs Out Of Big Event Concert!There has been much talk regarding the Kol Koreh issued by Gedoley Yisroel banning the "Big Event Concert". Rumors were being spread as to the status of the massive show - which was scheduled for March 9 in Madison Square Garden.Many people were questioning us why we did not post anything. YWN had consulted with leading Gedolim, and we were instructed not to post anything regarding this issue until now.Yeshiva World has just spoken to Lipa Schmeltzer (Motzei Shabbos 5:45AM EST) and he has informed us that he will not be singing at the "Big Event Concert". This decision was reached after he consulted with Daas Torah, and talking to leading Gedoley Yisroel.Lipa Schmeltzer must be publicly commended for listening to the words and wisdom of true Gedoley Yisroel.Lipa tells YWN that many people have had issues with the type of material that he has been singing during his career. He always chose to ignore the requests of some of his fans to change his style of singing. Although he did have certain standards that he always kept (never singing for mixed crowds), he many time decided to follow the customers requests - and sing questionable tunes.Lipa now has decided to make a big change. He has decided to turn over a leaf, and will be changing his entire style of music. He has decided that he does not think that the current style of Jewish music is apropos for Frum people to be listening to.The past week has been very tough for Lipa and his family. Tough decisions have been made. Major decisions. Decisions about money. Decisions about his future. But Lipa has made the correct decision. Lipa has met with many Gedoley Yisroel in the past two days, and spent countless hours talking to them. He has decided to forfeit a large sum of money by not singing this concert - and instead chose Daas Torah.We are sure that Hashem will pay him back double for making the correct decision, and being Mikadesh Shem Shomayim!Lipa also tells us that he is very concerned that there will be a backlash at the Rabbonim. He is publicly asking everyone to please refrain from making any accusations against any Rabbonim. "There is no reason for anyone to mix into this business, and everyone should rest assured that this was all done Bishalom", Lipa said. "I don't want anyone to talk Lashon Hara and Motzei Shem Ra against anyone - especially the Gedolim whom I have tremendous respect for"."I have recently started learning Bichavrusa with a leading Rosh Yeshiva, and I promised him that I will never sing any songs which were composed by non-Jews. Being true to my word, I have sang at more then a dozen Chasuna's since I made that decision - and I have not sang "Yidden", "Abi-Mileibt", or "Numa" (Rabbi Nachman M'uman) or any other song that is questionable as to its origin", Lipa told YWN."People should know that this Kol Koreh and ban against The Big Event was not directed at me personally, but at all concerts in general. The Rabbonim felt the need to put their foot down and attempt to stop all future concerts in NY."

Presidential Candidate

2008-02-25T14:15:00.002-06:00

I saw this on face book What do you think?

Here's a candidate I would vote for... too bad he doesn't exist..WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH? "My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed. Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete. This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning. Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short . The United Kingdom, Spain , Bulgaria , Australia, andPoland are some of the countries listed there. The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening. Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THERE AFTER IT'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS. The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hellholes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption. Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France . In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia . Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bonne chance, mes amies. I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I loveNew York A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change. Mexico is also on List 2 its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra thousand tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security. Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now. We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin." Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America It is time to eliminate homelessness in America To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget. To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic. God bless America Thank you and good night.

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

Baby Naming

2008-02-24T19:18:00.001-06:00

On shabbos My wife and I named our new daughter Shoshana Rachel. We will call her Shana.

I have lots more to blog about. That will resume on Monday for those who check the blog and Tuesday AM for those who are subscribers

Keep Pondering & Mazal Tov

Efrem

Mazal Tov To Us on the Birth of a Cute Baby Girl

2008-02-22T00:23:00.003-06:00

Mazal Tov I just returned from the hospital an hour ago. It is 1233AM. My wife did a great job delivering the newest addition to our family at 8:13 PM at Lurtheran General Hospital.

The baby is cute! (I usually say babies are ugly, but she is cute.)

She weighed 7lbs 14 oz and is 19" long.

One of the highlights of this baby was my wife Shuli. Though she was the patient she is also an employee of the hospital on the Labor & Delivery floor. It is funny how the nurse in her doesnt go away and how shhe was so helpful even while in pain.

I created a gallery on onlysimchas.com for your viewing pleasure. Thees photos were taken moments after the babies birth.

http://onlysimchas.com/v4/index.cfm/fuseaction:gallery.view/simchaid:73030/galleryid:43384

Keep Pondering!

Efrem

"OBAMA MANIA"

2008-02-20T12:02:00.002-06:00

In the USA it is primary season. Now that John McCain has mathematically eliminated the entire republican field we must pay close attention to the Democratic primaries.

So Barack Obama has won 10 states in a row in the Democratic Race for the whitehouse. What does that mean for the Jews not sure but Obama mania is sweeping through the USA.

Perhaps what excites so many about Obama is excitement. The Chicago Tribune, from Sen Obama's own state of Illinois, has even endorsed a presidential run. A recent editorial declared that "when a leader evokes the enthusiasm that Obama does, he should recognise that he has something special to offer, not in 2012 or 2016, but right now".

As this campaign moves forward the Jewish community will need to know how Obama stands on issues such as Israel. I think as a general rule we must be careful and give him a chance to clarify. There have been lots of nasty rumor filled emails about Obama,. Are they true? Maybe? I dont know.

But hold on to your seat as Obama-mania swings your way.

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

Tinok Ben Aviva

2008-02-20T08:24:00.003-06:00

Thank you to fellow Jewish blogger Neil Harris for bringing this up on his website. It is an important thing Klal Yisrael should know about.

There is a couple in Eretz Yisroel...The Feiners who had their first child after12 years of marriage. This baby has been sick from birth. What is wrong is unclear to even the doctors. The baby's name for tefillos is tinok ben Aviva

Here is the lastest update

"Boruch Hashem there has been continued progress in the infant’s condition.... Rabbi Eytan Feiner expresses his Hakaras Hatov to all those who continue to have his child in their Tefillos.. so please maintain your incredible dedication and outpouring of precious tefillos. They are all so very much appreciated, and have truly accomplished a great deal thus far." For additional chizuk and background information I, again, suggest this web address: http://tinok-ben-aviva.blogspot.com/

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

El Al being "jewish" what a concept!

2008-02-20T08:20:00.003-06:00

El Al Reaching Out to Chareidim

Mostly Music is proud to announce the mehadrin audio & video channels on El Al Israel Airlines. Many Jewish music fans are already enjoying the Mostly Music – Jewish Music channel on all El Al flights, and as of March 1, 2008 they will also provide a mehadrin Video channel on all El Al flights, which will include a very interesting program, to make your flight more enjoyable.Additionally, El Al is considering a proposal to offer a Torah/Shiurim channel to it's passengers. "The company is certainly thinking of operating a special channel for the [Chareidi] sector on the VOD services on our planes," a company official told the Maariv newspaper.According to Maariv, the channel will most likely include Daf Yomi Shiurim.

I think that this is a nice move from an airline that is associated as being a "Jewish airline" Charedi is such a "strong word" but as an orthodox jew whi is trying to shteig I would appreciate Jewish music/and or daf yomi

Yasher Koach to El Al

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Happy Presidents Day

2008-02-19T19:35:00.001-06:00

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Snow Capital of the world

2008-02-18T19:24:00.004-06:00

Hi Chevra

I got an email today that is suprising. Different parts of the holy land are due to receive there second bout of snow this winter. Most notable Yerushalayim expecting 4-10 inches of snow.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203343699258&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Above please find pictures from Harnof at the end of January...it looks like it will be like that again.

However despite the holiness of Yerushalayim, and my utter suprise that HKBH mist the memo on global warming, I live in the City of Chicago, IL USA. We are having a gross winter, lots of snow, and freezing cold weather.

I'd like to share with you a poem that my dad shared with me ...I thought was apprapo

To the horror of Dracula's fangs

To the evil of Shakespeare's Iago, (a villanous character in Shakespeare's Othello)

Let the nightmares scare,

They can't compare to the snow and the cold of Chicago.

So it maybe Yerushalayim that takes the cake for suprise but 50 plus inches of snow...and more to come (dont get me wrong therer are other parts of the uSA that get it worse but I dont live there" ) Chicago has had a rough winter

Only a few more weeks till Pesach, and baseball

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

refuah shleima revised

2008-02-18T19:23:00.001-06:00

Thanks Shoshana for the correction

Rabbi Weinbers name is yisroel noach ben hinda

also as of this am the Tosher Rebbe is quite ill his name is meshulem Fayish ben Tzirel

Kepp Pondering Efrem

Babysitting

2008-02-18T07:53:00.002-06:00

Today is President's Day. Shuli is at work, I am am with the kids or as I like to say I am babysitting.

My wife and I and I think the dynamic between most males and females are the guy says I am babysitting. The wife says no, you are watching your kids.

A few weeks ago a friend of mine in shul added to this debate and said Efrem you cant call yourself a babysitter, "Even a babysitter gets PAID"

Ha ...I liked that one Shuli did not

Regardless of that fact my kids are cute and fun to be with. But things that have to get done get more interesting.

As I write this blog my daughter is attempting to jump on my son's head as I keep on typing

Keep Pondering

Efrem

Refuah Shelaima

2008-02-17T08:28:00.003-06:00

Another thing that I ponder about is the Jewish World, and Klal Yisrael

I recieved the following messgae regarding Harav Elya Svei

The public is asked to be Mispallel for Hagon Rav Elya Svei Shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Philadelphia who was hospitalized last night. Although the Rosh Yeshivas condition was serious last night, YWN has confirmed, that as of this posting Sunday Morning (9:00AM EST) his condition has B"H stabilized. His name for Tehillim is Eliyahu ben Malka.

On the topic of refueh shleima here are a few that I am davening for:

Another Rav needing our prayers Reb Noach Weinberg from Aish Hatorah was recently diagnosed with cancer Rav Noach ben hinda

There are 2 babies that are sick

*tinok ben aviva
*tinok ben michal tzipporah

A young boy who has cancer his name reuvan ben tova chaya

A 28 yr old woman who has been hospitalized numerous times throughout her pregnancy and has a difficult time eating or talking Nechama bas Yehudis

May Hashem heal all those sick in Klal Yisrael soon

Keep Pondering,

Efrem

My kids Shira and Zevy

2008-02-16T19:40:00.004-06:00

Hey

I hope everyone had a good shabbos. Ya know kids are another thing that i like to ponder. Besides being a teacher for a number of years, my kids just say and do the funniest things

My eldest Zevy who will be turning 6 next month. Everytime we pass the ice cream shop (open in the spring-fall) Called Dairy Star. There is roadworkork in that area. My zevy says those machines are doing "destruction" well technically he is right but hopefully it will lead to construction

My Shira is 3 years old and is sooo funny. My wife Shuli and kids were in the basement on Friday and Zevy was bringing down some packages and banged his knee on the steps. A few minutes later Shira is crying "I want Zevy to check my knee !" Get outta here your knee is just fine.

Hope everyone had a nice shabbos. My wife (unwillingly) and I sponsored kiddush this shabbos at Mikor in honor of the NY Giants winning the superbowl, and the mets signing the best pitcher in baseball Johan Santana.

Keep Pondering

Efrem

2008-02-15T11:56:00.000-06:00

Another thing I ponder about is about Eretz Yisroel

Im Eshkacheh Yerushalyim...(If I forget thee Jerusalem)

But was is Jeruslaem if I listed various Jerusalem neighborhoods I think we would agree that hey are parts of Yeruhsalyim...not so according to chief Palestinian negotiater or terorrist Saeb Erekat As far as we're concerned, Har Homa, Givat Ze'ev and Ma'ale Adumim are not part of Jerusalem and also Jewish neighborhoods like Ramot and Gilo are settlements for all intents and purposes."

Wow...who are we dealing with here

And onto matters of security after of the assasination of the Chezbollah chief of course Israel is the target of retaliation attacks

Two days after the assassination of Hizbullah terror chief Iman Mughniyeh, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen Gabi Ashkenazi on Thursday issued a statement ordering the Navy, IAF and ground forces to be prepared along the northern border as well as to protect other Israeli interests.

The IDF is following developments and taking the necessary precautions," read the statement.
On Wednesday, despite the fact that it denied any involvement in Mughniyeh's killing, Israel raised the level of alert at its embassies abroad and along the northern border.
Defense officials said it was possible Hizbullah would attack Israeli targets in retaliation for the assassination, although it was unlikely that the group would do so across Israel's northern border. Instead it might use its extensive infrastructure overseas, they said.

Thanks to JPost.com for the some of the info and quotes

Be Mispallel for Eretz Yisroel these 2 short stories are just small examples of the need for our tefillos

Keep Pondering and Have a Great Shabbos

Efrem

Welcome to the new subscribers & 24

2008-02-14T08:46:00.000-06:00

Hi to everyone who joined yesterday...I believe that now the mail subscription is working I believe more people will signup soon

I want to take the first few weeks to share with you what I do indeed ponder and what some of my toughts will be in the future

Another thing that I love is 24. Well in case you haven't heard the writer's strike is over. But dont expect to see 24 anytime soon. Mr. Bawer will probably not be seen until January 2009.

http://www.24headquarters.com/2008/02/12/writers-strike-officially-over/

Keep Pondering!

Efrem

test

2008-02-13T21:59:00.001-06:00

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A sad day for baseball

2008-02-13T16:26:00.000-06:00

As a NY Mets Fan, but a fan of baseball in general it is a sad day for baseball. Arguable one of if not the best picher of all times wa basically incriminated on capital hill of using HGH.
Here is a link to the article for more info

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080213&content_id=2371946&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Efrem

My first New Post hopefully of many!

2008-02-13T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone

This is my first post IYH of many! I decided to try the blogging thing again...this time using technology that my brother in law found from feedburner.com (You can now enter your email on my blog site to receive my posts via email. Shout out to Shlomo hubscubs.blogspot.com for my web based inspirations

Please come and join and hear some of Popel's ponderings

I look forward to your comments

That you have to do on the site itself efremp.blogspot.com

See ya on the blog

Efrem