Torah Portion for July 31, 2021

In this week’s Torah reading, Eikev, we are commanded to go in the ways of Hashem and to “cling to Him.” How are we to cling to what we just learned last week in Va’eschanan 4:24 is, figuratively, an “all-consuming fire”? The Sifri tells us we are to do so by clinging to and learning from Talmidei Chachamim, those wise, learned people who have vast Torah knowledge. It is a mitzvah to use our learning from Talmidei Chachamim, those who’ve spent many years refining themselves, the Mesilas Yesharim teaches us, particularly when it comes to our personal growth. [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]

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Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell

Police identify final missing victim from Surfside condo collapse, which killed 98

Published by Miami Herald SURFSIDE, Fla. — Miami-Dade County has identified the final known victim of the Surfside condominium collapse, capping more than a month of recovering bodies and remains of the missing from the rubble of the Champlain Towers South complex. Estelle Hedaya, 54, lived on the sixth floor of the 12-story condominium complex,

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USA

PayPal to research transactions that fund hate groups, extremists

Published by Reuters (Removes “blocking” from headline) By Anna Irrera LONDON (Reuters) -PayPal Holdings Inc is partnering with non-profit organisation the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to investigate how extremist and hate movements in the United States take advantage of financial platforms to fund their criminal activities. The initiative will be led through ADL’s Center on Extremism,

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USA

‘Looks like hate does not pay’: Oklahoma gun range that called itself ‘Muslim-free’ has closed

Published by The Charlotte Observer A shooting range and once self-proclaimed “Muslim-free” zone is up for sale in Oklahoma, following a yearslong legal battle brought by a Muslim resident. “WE THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS. ITS BEEN A PLEASURE!” the owners of Save Yourself Gun Club said in a Facebook post.

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USA

Jewish Trivia Quiz: Jackie Mason

. In the 1970’s, Mason had an affair with Ginger Reiter, leading to the birth of a daughter whom Mason denied was his. Ultimately a paternity lawsuit led to his providing child support, though he had little to do with his daughter, Sheba Mason. Which of the following is true about Jackie Mason’s relationship with Ginger Reiter and Sheba Mason? [Mark D. Zimmerman]

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Mark D. Zimmerman, Trivia, Humor & Satire

Judeo-Christian Unity Praised at ‘We Are Israel’ Rally

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised Judeo-Christian values Sunday at a “We Are Israel” rally that drew at least 1,000 supporters and more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters.  The event also attracted a handful of members of fringe groups who tussled with each other, one described as part of the antifa movement; two others  as  right-wing, self-described “patriot” organizations.  At some point, someone sprayed pepper spray, prompting the pro-Palestinian demonstrators to turn back their march.  [Compiled from news sources]

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Middle East, San Diego County, USA

Jackie Mason, who kept Borscht-Belt comedy alive, dies at age 93

Published by New York Daily News New York funnyman Jackie Mason — a comedy great who rose to fame in the 1960s and kept Borscht Belt-style gags alive for decades — has died at age 93, reports said Saturday. Mason’s friend and sometimes collaborator, divorce lawyer Raoul Felder, confirmed the death to The New York

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Theatre, Film & Broadcast

Good News from Israel (July 25, 2021)

In the July 25, 2001 1 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include: 
–Very Good news for 4 Israeli Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.
I–srael signs major cybersecurity agreement with Morocco.
–An Israeli startup converts food waste into useful bioplastics.
–Netflix buys a new Israeli series and Iranians will be able to watch Fauda.
–Five more gold medals for top Israeli gymnast.
–Israeli parachutists mark centenary of the birth of Hanna Szenes.
[Michael Ordman]

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Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Music, Dance, and Visual Arts, Science, Medicine, & Education, Sports & Competitions, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA

Mike Pompeo to Headline July 25 Rally Against Antisemitism

In response to an all-time high number of violent attacks on Jewish people and synagogues in the U.S., a rally titled “We Are Israel” will be held on Sunday, July 25 at 3 p.m. in Prescott Prominade Park at 201 East Main Street in downtown El Cajon. The rally is organized by Shield of David, an organization founded to stand up against anti-Semitism and promote Jewish education, along with numerous other local groups.  The keynote speaker is Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State and ex-Director of the Central Intelligence Agency during the Trump administration. [Miriam Raftery]

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Travel and Food