For Jerusalem: Open Letter from Elie Wiesel to President Obama (published in WSJ and Wash. Post)

It was inevitable: Jerusalem once again is at the center of political debates and international storms. New and old tensions surface at a disturbing pace. Seventeen times destroyed and seventeen times rebuilt, it is still in the middle of diplomatic confrontations that could lead to armed conflict. Neither Athens nor Rome has aroused that many passions.

For me, the Jew that I am, Jerusalem is above politics. It is mentioned more than six hundred times in Scripture-and not a single time in the Koran. Its presence in Jewish history is overwhelming. There is no more moving prayer in Jewish history than the one expressing our yearning to return to Jerusalem. To many theologians, it IS Jewish history, to many poets, a source of inspiration. It belongs to the Jewish people and is much more than a city, it is what binds one Jew to another in a way that remains hard to explain. When a Jew visits Jerusalem for the first time, it is not the first time; it is a homecoming. The first song I heard was my mother's lullaby about and for Jerusalem. Its sadness and its joy are part of our collective memory.

Since King David took Jerusalem as his capital, Jews have dwelled inside its walls with only two interruptions; when Roman invaders forbade them access to the city and again, when under Jordanian occupation. Jews, regardless of nationality, were refused entry into the old Jewish quarter to meditate and pray at the Wall, the last vestige of Solomon's temple. It is important to remember: had Jordan not joined Egypt and Syria in the 1967 war against Israel, the old city of Jerusalem would still be Arab. Clearly, while Jews were ready to die for Jerusalem they would not kill for Jerusalem.

Today, for the first time in history, Jews, Christians and Muslims all may freely worship at their shrines. And, contrary to certain media reports, Jews, Christians and Muslims ARE allowed to build their homes anywhere in the city. The anguish over Jerusalem is not about real estate but about memory.

What is the solution? Pressure will not produce a solution. Is there a solution? There must be, there will be. Why tackle the most complex and sensitive problem prematurely? Why not first take steps which will allow the Israeli and Palestinian communities to find ways to live together in an atmosphere of security. Why not leave the most difficult, the most sensitive issue, for such a time?

Jerusalem must remain the world's Jewish spiritual capital, not a symbol of anguish and bitterness, but a symbol of trust and hope. As the Hasidic master Rebbe Nahman of Bratslav said, "Everything in this world has a heart; the heart itself has its own heart."

Jerusalem is the heart of our heart, the soul of our soul.

— Elie Wiesel

Artist of the Month of Iyar: Jerry Rosenbloom

Jerry Rosenbloom with Studio BenShifra designs the most beautiful and unique Yarzeit candleholders.
The design uses the clarity, depth and reflectivity of crystal glass, combined at times with Jerusalem stone, the enduring symbol of our strength & heritage. In his studio, Jerry not only designs Yarzeit lamps which is his focus, but he also has a delicate and mininalistic gallery of lights which includes Shabbat candlesticks and Chanukah menorahs.

Honor Thy Parents:

Chanukiah:

Shabbat Prayer:

All his work may be custom engraved upon request.

To purchase one of Studio BenShifra's modern pieces, please click on the link below:

http://www.modernjewishhome.com/cart.php?m=search_results&search=jerry+rosenbloom

Type promocode $10OFF to receive a $10 discount during checkout!!

Offer valid through May 13 / Iyar 29

April's Book of the Month: Doesn't Anyone Blush Anymore? By Rabbi Manis Friedman

With gentle wit and wisdom, Rabbi Manis Friedman, an internationally renowned lecturer and educator, divulges Judaism`s age-old secret to building strong relationships and lasting intimacy: modesty.
Blush is not a dry recitation of laws and statutes.
Real-life stories illustrate fundamental concepts - much like a chat with a wise uncle.
A must-read for anyone who wants to build a lasting, loving relationship.

On a personal note, I won this book through a raffle on the first of many lectures I attended from Manis Friedman. It was right when I was engaged and the book had very hands-on lessons for me. I loved the book so much, I later went on a retreat with Chabad at University of Miami where I had the luck to spend anentire weekend just learning some of the great insights Manis Friedman has to share...

To purchase this book please visit:
http://www.modernjewishhome.com/Doesn-t-Anyone-Blush-Anymore-p541.html