Loving Your Fellow as Yourself*

Ultra-Orthodox Jews walk past Muslim street vendors selling fresh vine leaves at the landmark Damascus Gate in east Jerusalem upon their return from overnight prayers and Torah reading at the Western Wall on the occasion of the Jewish harvest holiday (1) of Shavuot, early on 29 May 2009.

The annual religious festival, which began at sunset on 28 May; marks the day Moses gave the Torah to the Jews (from Mount Sinai) after their exodus from Egypt.

A Jewish boy looks at a Muslim man reading the daily Arabic newspaper 'Jerusalem' early on 29 May 2009 as ultra-Orthodox Jews passed through the landmark Damascus Gate in east Jerusalem upon their return from overnight prayers and Torah reading at the Western Wall on the occasion of the Jewish harvest holiday of Shavuot.

This comes at a time that only yesterday, US President Barack Obama in Washington DC; was again trying to destabilize the peaceful unity between Muslims and Jews, due to the US war that has been ongoing for over a hundred and nine years towards Israel and her people.

This also comes under the old US foreign policy ( known originally, as the "The Wind and the Lion" War Campaign; started by then US President Theodore Roosevelt ) towards Israel with Obama's continued enforcement of the unacceptable two-state solution (using in collaboration with the non-citizen Canaanites under PLO global terrorist, Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas and his terrorist organization), which is detrimental to all the inhabitants of the country and the further necessity for desegregated housing towards every one's benefit .

Which Obama himself, is just another old hand of the same tired US oppressive story; which has no future (Judges 5:31).

* Leviticus 19:18

(1) Harvest Holiday, Chag ha-Katzir (Harvest Festival); also Yom ha-Bikurim (Day of First Fruits) usually characterized here as being the end of the barley harvest.

Valentine's day is Historical Paganism

A Young woman buys flowers for Valentine's day at a shop in Gaza City, on 14 February 2009.

The history of Valentine's day is based originally on paganism nor throughout history of Islam or Judaism was it ever acceptable to participate in this holiday; for such as this should never be found among us and this includes anything pertaining or associated to this particular day.

As to giving love for someone, this should be already something everyone does modestly throughout the year and this is by Allah (Hashem, G-d), not by the use of this day that creates Haram (sinful) intentions and as in the concept of dating, this also is not found nor considered acceptable in Islam.

For we shall love one another as Allah (Hashem, G-d) love’s us.

Peres Illuminates Hope for Sderot

Jewish President Shimon Peres lights Hanukkah candles during a visit to a factory in the town of Sderot, on 24 December 2008. Peres today visited the town of Sderot, which has born the brunt of Canaanite militant rocket and mortar attacks from the Gaza Strip.

Social and religious engagements on this visit where a tour of a candy factory where it was assured the sweets couldn't be resisted from being sampled and attended functions for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah; which as the light from Sderot illuminated beyond this city, that had seen it‘s fair share of sorrow from the Canaanite’s with the giving of hope by Peres on this fourth day of Hanukkah.

HRM Deborah of Palestine send’s Warm Festive Greeting’s to Latin Patriarch

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fuad Twal (C) stands outside the Church of the Nativity, as Christian worshippers arrive for Christmas celebrations in the city of Bethlehem, on 24 December 2008.

Braving chilly temperatures and brisk winds which on dampens spirits, thousands of Christian faithful today flocked to Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

As Christian's all over the world stand at the eve of the coming holiday, it should always be remembered to never forget God within one’s heart and the true meaning that was intended for the whole of mankind; of that which was taught by God Himself from the beginning of time.

To always seek truth and always love one's fellowman, so that the Garden's of Paradise are felt by one and all as a fountain that never runs dry.- HRM Deborah

Preparations for Cheerful Bethlehem Christmas as Town Bustles with Tourists

Forty-day-old Christian Palestinian infant Riyan Khader is laid in front of the doll representing the infant Jesus to receive its blessing in St. Catherine's Church next to the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, on 14 December 2008; in the ancient town of Bethlehem.

Christian pilgrims pray in the grotto of the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ, on 14 December 2008.
A Christian pilgrim lays her hand on the 14-pointed Silver Star that marks the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ in the grotto of the Church of the Nativity, on 14 December 2008.

Just 10 days to go before Christmas, the city is bustling with tourists as unified Christian, Jewish and Muslim Palestinian forces are working diligently to make this the most cheerful Christmas since the year 2000.
Palestinian glass painter Raslan al-Natsheh decorates a glass bell, hand blown at his family's glass factory in the city of Hebron, on 14 December 2008. Glass baubles and bells are being created and sold in the town of Bethlehem and across Palestine for a wonderful remembrance of Christmas in Bethlehem.

A Palestinian policeman relaxes in a ray of sunshine which strikes the ancient marble pillars in the Church of the Nativity, on 14 December 2008.

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14

Manger Square Getting Ready for Christmas

A Palestinian municipality worker decorates the Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity in the ancient city of Bethlehem, on 10 December 2008; two weeks before Christmas.
As foreign tourists pray inside the Church of the Nativity, believed in Christendom to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Hundreds of Shia Muslim Worshippers in Prayers for Eid

Hundreds of Shia Muslim worshippers took part in the early morning prayers as they mark the start of the Eid al-Adha according to the Shia denomination in the holy city of Karbala; some 120 km’s south of Baghdad, on 9 December 2008.

Youth's Enjoy Themselves on Second Day of Eid

Palestinian youths enjoy themselves at an entertainment park in the city of Ramallah, on 9 December 2008, the second day of the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Palestinian boys ride a horse-drawn wagon at an entertainment park on the Eastern side of Jerusalem, on 9 December 2008; on the second day of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Palestinian's Throng Stalls in Front of Damascus Gate

Palestinians throng the stalls in front of Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, on 6 December 2008; preparing for the upcoming Eid al-Adha festivities. Muslims throughout the world are gearing up to celebrate Eid al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia.
While Palestinian woman shop for Eid al-Adha in the main market in Gaza City, on 6 December 2008.

Iraqi Shia Muslim Widows and Orphan Children Receive Eid Zakat (Charity)

Shia Muslim children and women gather at a school in the impoverished Sadr City district of eastern Baghdad, on 6 December 2008.

Some 192 women whose husbands were killed and children who lost both parents in the violence that has racked this city since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, gathered to receive a parcel of clothes and some money donated by Islamic charities for the up and coming Muslim Eid al-Adha.

Simhat Torah: Rejoicing of the Torah

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish boy stands on his head as he dances with others during the celebration of Simhat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah) in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim, on 21 October 2008.

Jews carry a Torah Scrolls as they dance with others during the celebration of Simhat Torah in Rabin Square, in Tel Aviv.

As soon as Sukkot is finished for the seven days, what some infer as the eighth day is Simhat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah); which is the completion of the cycle Torah reading for the year.

The main honor on this particular day is reading the final verse of the Torah which is called chatan Torah (the bridegroom of the Torah). Then one has the honor of reading Genesis which is called chatan Bereshit (the bridegroom of Genesis), to signify the continuing cycle of worship and to signify that the Torah has neither beginning nor end or a time when the Jewish people are not engaged in it’s reading.

Further, this particular day is primarily celebrated in the synagogue.

Also at this time, all of the Jewish people usually have the opportunity to celebrate with dancing and the parade of the Torah scrolls, as an act of honor and reverence.

While there are much more detailed events that occur on this specific day, this is the main significance.

Sukkot: Dancing for Joy

The Jewish people dance with national flags and a Torah scroll on the last day of the celebration of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), chanting slogans and waving flags in Acre, on 21 October 2008.

Not just for the Jewish people, but whole of Palestine seems to be dancing with numerous smile’s lately and it is so very wonderful to see. Even seeing, a Muslim Palestinian man dancing on the sidewalk just for the sure joy of life.

Makes me think of an old saying, when one smiles the whole world smile’s with you; Allah (God) willing, one day this will be true for everyone.

I do not know about other children, but when I was a very small child, I use to wonder what my life would be like when I grew-up and what I would accomplish in my life for I always wished to do good things, to just sharing love for people; but I do have to admit, I would never thought of seeing such wonderment, even sitting here day after day in my little prison.- HRM Deborah

Bushonomics Poll: President Bush should cancel White House Christmas parties

17 October 2008
By PAUL BEDARD

In our latest Washington Whispers poll, Americans seem to be voicing their anger with the plight of the economy and the huge Dow drop that's impacting their 401(k)'s.

This week, we asked what one symbolic move President Bush could make to show that he understands the hard financial choices Americans have to face every day.

And the top answer: Cancel the lavish annual Christmas parties.

That, of course, isn't going to happen, but your voice is being heard.

The next choice: Ground Air Force One.

Fortunately, though, our polling sample had a heart when it came to the First Pups. Asked if the president should shift dog foods to a cheaper brand, only 3 percent said that Barney and Miss Beasley should go on Wal-Mart's Ol' Roy.

The Whispers Poll

In these economically challenging times, what one symbolic move could President Bush make in the White House to show that he understands the hard financial choices Americans have to make every day?

Cancel lavish annual Christmas parties 49%

Ground Air Force One 25%

Pump his own gasoline 12%

Open a West Wing soup kitchen 10%

Put his dogs on Wal-Mart's Ol' Roy food 3%

Source: The Synovate eNation Internet poll was conducted October 9-13 among 1,000 nationally representative households by global market research firm Synovate.

Commentary:
When one starts seeing economic type polls such as this one especially geared towards US President George W. Bush and his history of lavish spending, it is a sign of the sad state of affairs for a country.

If one takes a few minutes to look out there door in the US, one can see the economic rabid breakdown; to the step by step suffering of the American people.

Yesterday I went to the market, while people where having to be so careful what they purchased it seemed because of cost, it was heartbreaking seeing people giving back things to a clerk because they could not afford them. Like one American mother with twins, wishing to buy an educational gift for her children and had to say no; because of the cost of the gift or food, to feed her family which included two more children.

The Necessary Yawn

A young Samaritan boy yawns during Sukkot up on Mount Gerizim, in North Eastern Palestine; on 13 October 2008.

Olmert's Hosts Jewish Scientists

Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hosts Jewish scientists at his sukkah, a traditional dwelling built for seven days during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, at his residence, on 15 October 2008; in Jerusalem.
Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his lovely wife Aliza, where the hosts.

Whether it is a holiday or just enjoying the day, it is always nice to share food and good company; one thing about Palestine, is the warm hospitality which is always very nice.

Nevertheless, Sukkot is one of those times the doors are open wide.-HRM Deborah

Samaritan community Observes Sukkot

Boys of the Samaritan community sit outside a synagogue in Mount Gerizim near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on 13 October 2008; during the festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles).

Among the Samaritan’s you see group’s in prayer.

Sukkot: Remembrance of Dwelling 40 Years in the Desert

Ultra Orthodox Jews drag palm tree branches for their Sukkot (booth), to be used during the festival of Sukkot (the feast of the Tabernacles), in the Ultra Orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem, on 12 October 2008. The Sukkot feast will start tomorrow at sundown to commemorate the exodus of Jews from Egypt.

The word Sukkot in Hebrew means “booths” and Sukkot is known as the festival of Booths or the feast of the Tabernacles. In history, Sukkot was considered the most important festival and was simply referred to as ha-chaq (the festival).

Sukkot has to do when the Jewish people wandered in the desert for forty years as punishment for what occurred during the event that led up to Yom Kippur and the fact that within this time period, along with the Arab Palestinians were not to be able to return home to Palestine until this time period was over by Allah (G-d’s) command.

An Ultra Orthodox Jewish man walks past a wooden Sukkot which will be used during the celebration of the Sukkot (Tabernacles) Festival, in the Ultra Orthodox Mea Shearim neighborhood, on 13 October 2008; in Jerusalem.

During this time period, everyone lived in temporary dwellings, which the Jewish people called, “booths,” which the plural word, is Sukkah. The Arab Palestinians just thought of these temporary dwellings, just as what they where, “temporary dwellings.”

Ultra Orthodox Jewish children walking past wooden Sukkah, in Jerusalem.

This particular festival was so the Jewish people would not forget this part of history and this particular festival was to last seven days; which this event can be found in Leviticus 23: 42-43.

Over time, numerous events have been added to this festival which was not the original intention by Allah (G-d).

As to other elements that are thought by some to be related to Sukkot, it has never been relayed or understood; accept other then the original intention. I first learned of this particular event many years ago as a child, by my mother and as many other thing‘s in learning; added unto my knowledge over the years.

Car-Free for Yom Kippur

A Jewish man walks across a car-free street in Jerusalem, during Yom Kippur; on 9 October 2008.

Far as I know during Yom Kippur, there is no working and this includes driving one’s car and as well as Muslim Palestinians always have heartfelt feelings and remembrance with the Jewish people on this particular day.

Nevertheless, this is also why one doesn’t see a Muslim Palestinian on the road, either.

This photograph also brings to mind of the many roads through history, that the Muslim Palestinians and the Jewish people have walked together; as that very large family with two religions.

Even thinking for a time that someone outside this large family would wish to destroy this family for a time and as history has proven even on this day; the connection can not be broken.

What some people may never understand, is this large family of two religions has endured throughout the whole of history and shall continue for as long as Allah (G-d) says so.

Stop!

A Jewish soldier stops a Canaanite man at the Hawara checkpoint south of the West Bank city of Nablus, on October 9, 2008; as part of security procedures put in place for the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur.

Police stepped up security measures and the military began monitoring the West Bank because of Canaanite terrorism, as the Jewish sector came to a standstill today to mark Yom Kippur( The Day of Atonement) the most sacred observance in the Jewish calendar.

Furthermore, at this particular time, global terrorist, Interpol fugitive Mahmoud Abbas and his terrorist organization has stepped -up attacks not just against the Jewish people during Yom Kippur, but also the Muslim Palestinians, it was reported.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews Perform Kaparot

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man performs the kaparot ceremony, on 6 October 2008 in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem.

According to Jewish tradition, the ritual is supposed to transfer the sins of the past year to the chicken, which is then ritually slaughtered and the meat is traditionally given to the poor.

Kaparot is usually performed on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).