A New Torah In Yerushalayim

It's a good day when you can blog on something that has happened that is good for the Jewish people, and will potentially make Marack mad. Defense Minister Ehud Barak brought a Sefer Torah to the Ohel Yitzchak Synagogue located on the edge of Old City's Muslim Quarter. The Torah, which was donated by friends of the Association for the Well-being of Israel's Soldiers in the United States, arrives to the synagogue which was renovated and rededicated in September, thanks to a gift from Erwin Moskowitz, the same man who owns the property (the Shepherd Hotel) that caused such a stir when it was announced that the Jews had the audacity to build homes for Jews in their capital, on land they own.

If that project chafed, just wait until they hear about the synagogue. The building is sponsored by the Kotel Rabbi, Shmuel Rabinovich, but it is located in the Muslim Quarter. Barak's office commented,

"the defense minister does not have to apologize for taking part in a ceremony welcoming a new Scroll of the Torah at a synagogue which has existed since 1867."

No, he certainly does not need to apologize. No Jew should ever apologize for dedicating a synagogue, or rejoicing when a Sefer Torah finds a home in one, especially in Jerusalem. Considering the events depicted in the photos posted on this blog, the simcha is tripled in my opinion.

For his part, Barak said:

"We are now several days after Tisha B'Av and remember very well why the First Temple was ruined and why the Second Temple was ruined, also because of unfounded hatred.

"We should implement the lessons of those days at that time. We bear the responsibility in our country and for the State of Israel's security and for the security of Jews' lives anywhere in the world and we must always remember that despite all the disagreements between us, we are all brothers. We have the land, the security and the knowledge that we are brothers."

And sisters Ehud, don't forget the sisters. Whether the men want to be able to hear the women praying or not, it is they who confer the covenant to the next generation...it's a matrilineal system, remember? But you're right, the land is back in our hands, and the security of our people depends on remembering what that means. Frankly, I'm impressed he even said that. Perhaps he's starting to see reality. I'm not holding my breath, but...

So, do you think the Marack Show will have the chutzpah to condemn this? Will George Mitchell pop a blood vessel? Will Hillary Clinton have a spaz?

Oh, I hope so.