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Thursday, April 2, 2026
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
THE STORK WHO FLEW TO THE SHIVA MINYAN RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL
THE STORK WHO FLEW TO THE SHIVA MINYAN: A MUSSAR LESSON FROM OUR TALMUD, MIDRASH, AND RABBINIC TEXTS
THE STORK WHO FLEW TO THE SHIVA MINYAN: A MUSSAR LESSON FROM OUR TALMUD, MIDRASH, AND RABBINIC TEXTS
BY DR RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL, HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC ; JANUARY 7, 2026
WHY DO WE NEED A MINYAN FOR SHIVA? WHY WON'T PEOPLE FROM ONE CONGREGATION ATTEND A SHIVA FOR A JEWISH FAMILY OF ANOTHER CONGREGATION OR ONE WHO DOES NOT BELONG TO ANY CONGREGATION?
The answer to the second part of the question is answered in detail by our Chazel, our sages of blessed memory, in Midrash, Talmud and Rabbinic writings.
They teach a very spiritual concept of "All Jews are Responsible for one another'' by teaching about the stork and it's behaviors. "Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh" (
זה בזה ערבים ישראל כל) {Talmud Bavli Tractate Shevuot daf 39a]. The rabbis wanted to include inclusivity and community as one of the means of survival in Galut (the diaspora}. The concept is used to encourage inclusivity across different denominations and levels of observance, emphasizing that the community must be united to fulfill the Torah.
So the rabbis discuss why the Stork (Chasidah) Is Not Kosher, Despite Its Name Meaning "Kindness."
1. Midrashim Source
Vayikra Rabbah 13:5 explains that the stork is called chasidah ("the kindly one") because it performs acts of kindness, but ONLY toward its own species. This selective kindness is considered ethically deficient.
2. Talmudic Reference
Talmud Bavli Tractate Chullin daf 63a identifies the chasidah and notes its distinctive behavior of sharing food with others of its OWN TYPE. Rabbinic tradition places it in the non-kosher list despite this trait.
3. Rishonim and Acharonim
Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Shemini) teaches that true chesed must be universal and outward-facing, not limited to one's inner circle. The stork represents a distorted form of kindness, serving only its own kind.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (commentary on Vayikra 11) argues that favoritism is ethically flawed and symbolizes corruption of justice. Thus, the bird, despite its name, is morally unsuitable as a kosher species.
4. Chassidic Interpretations
Sefat Emet and other Chassidic works emphasize that the stork's kindness is instinctual, not a product of ethical choice. Kosher creatures represent refined moral potential, not reflexive behavior.
Summary
The stork is called chasidah because it shows kindness, but only within its own group. Rabbinic sources consider such PARTIAL KINDNESS ETHICALLY INADEQUATE, and therefore the bird remains non-kosher despite its name. Our rabbis insist that when a congregation has an Ahavath Chesed [loving kindness committee] forming a minyan and companionship for a mourner who's family were dues paying members, but will not show the same Ahavath Chesed to a Jewish Family who is not a member, then that congregation is ethically flawed.
So let us see how the Rabbis discussed the first part of the above question: '' WHY DO WE NEED A MINYAN FOR SHIVA?''
This leads us to a discussion on minyan formation, rabbi Judah HaNasi and pastoral dimension of communal prayer.
I. Introduction
The part of this essay gathers classical, medieval, and modern sources on difficulties assembling a minyan, the spiritual and pastoral importance of communal presence, and halakhic creativity used in emergency situations. Included are sources from the Talmud Bavli, Talmud Yerushalmi, Midrashim, Rishonim, and modern scholars.
II. Rabbi Judah haNasi and Minyan-Related Narratives
1. Shabbat daf 152b – Rabbi Judah haNasi assembles a minyan for a man who died without mourners.
The deceased later appears to him in a dream, expressing comfort that ten accompanied him.
This story is often cited as a PASTORAL MODEL DEMONSTRATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL COMFORT A MINYAN PROVIDES.
2. Difficulty assembling a minyan:
While not always explicit in Bavli, many responsa and community records emphasize that even prominent figures such as Rabbi Judah haNasi sometimes struggled to gather ten. The Yerushalmi and later halakhic literature preserve several examples of communal difficulty forming a minyan for prayer, burial, and Torah reading.
III. Why Ten? "Edah" from the Ten Spies
• Bavli Megillah daf 23b and Berachot daf 21b derive the requirement of ten from "edah"—the congregation of the ten spies (Numbers 14:27). Berachot daf 21b – "דבר שבקדושה לא יהא פחות מעשרה." It defines the requirement of ten for sanctifications such as Kaddish and Kedushah. Megillah 23b and related passages help the rabbis to derive a minyan from the term 'עדה' and discusses matters requiring ten.
• Although the spies were wicked ("edah ra'ah"), their number defines the halakhic quorum.
• Rashi and Tosafot emphasize that the numerical definition stands independent of the spies' moral quality.
IV. Creative Counting in Cases of Need
Classical halakhic authorities mention exceptional leniencies when a minyan could not be formed:
1. Counting the mourner.
Fully acceptable; the mourner is a regular participant.
2. Symbolically counting the met (body/casket).
This is mentioned in medieval minhag literature (Sefer HaManhig). It is used as a symbolic gesture reflecting communal obligation not to leave a mourner alone.
3. Counting minors:
a. Boys over 13 count fully.
b. Boys under 13 holding a Torah scroll – cited among Geonim, Rabbeinu Tam, and Rosh. Are generally rejected but mentioned in emergencies.
4. Counting someone who must leave for work:
Some medieval sources (e.g., Maharil) accept "continuing a minyan" if the original ten were present for the beginning of prayer or Kaddish.
5. FREEING A SLAVE TO COMPLETE A MINYAN:
In Talmud Bavli Tractate Gittin daf 38b, we read of Rabbi Eliezer freeing his slave so that the slave becomes a full Jew and may count toward ten.
This demonstrates the extraordinary halakhic weight placed on assembling a minyan.
Hebrew (paraphrased): "נכנס לבית הכנסת ולא מצא עשרה ושחרר את עבדו והשלימו לעשרה."
V. Yerushalmi Sources
1. Talmud Yerushalmi Tractate Berachot 7:3 ,praises those who help complete a minyan. Communal prayer has unique spiritual merit.
2. Talmud Yerushalmi Megillah 4:4 reads that public Torah reading requires ten. The community must assemble ten men even with difficulty.
VI. Midrashic Sources
1. Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav : God never rejects the prayer of a congregation.
2. Midrash Tehillim 22 : When ten gather, the Shekhinah rests upon them.
3. Midrash Rabbah, Numbers 15 : It emphasizes communal sanctification through joint participation.
VII. Rishonim
1. Rambam, Hilkhot Tephila 8:1 read that ten are needed for sacred communal acts. The Shekhinah dwells among them.
2. Rosh, Berachot 7 reads that the minyan is fundamental for devarim shebe-kedushah, "matters of sanctity" or "holy words.''
3. Tosafot, Megillah 23b discusses the limits of leniencies in counting minors or borderline cases.
VIII. Modern Scholars
1. Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik – Minyan reflects covenantal community; no one stands isolated.
2. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel – Community prayer prevents spiritual loneliness.
3. Rabbi Maurice Lamm and Rabbi Marc Angel – In mourning, minyan ensures the mourner is never alone; this is both halakhic and pastoral. On the Phrase "So the Mourner Not Be Alone" the Talmud does not contain this as a direct formula. Later pastoral and homiletic writings often explain that communal recitation of Kaddish supports the mourner and prevents isolation, but this is not presented as a Talmudic quotation.
IX. Conclusion
Sources across eras emphasize that assembling a minyan—even with difficulty—is a primary Jewish communal obligation. Creative halakhic solutions reflect the profound value placed on ensuring communal presence, especially for mourners. THE PRINCIPLE THAT "THE MOURNER SHOULD NOT BE ALONE" EMERGES AS BOTH A LEGAL REQUIREMENT AND AN ESSENTIAL PASTORAL TRUTH.
MUSSAR LESSON: Don't be a stork. Be a Homo Spiritus. Be a good Jew. Comfort the mourner, attend the shiva and funeral, whether the family be friends of your or fellow congregants. Ahavath Chesed [loving kindness] and Ahavath Israel [love for a fellow Jew] does not begin or end with a membership list.
Rabbi Dr Arthur Segal, Hilton Head Island, SC, 12/12/25
===========================================================
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:
RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retired
WWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/books
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segal
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:
RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retired
WWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/books
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segal
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
A Talmudic Purim tale that leaves Rabbi Ziera 'killed' by Rabba. RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL
Shalom dear friends:
Below is a cute Talmudic Purim story:
One of my favorite Talmudic stories tells of Rabba and Rabbi Zeira, two of our greatest sages, who were celebrating Purim with a feast. Commanded to drink copiously on the joyous day, the two, the Talmud tells us, knocked back a few, until, in his drunken stupor, Rabba somehow got around to killing Zeira. Waking up the next morning with a massive hangover, a repentant Rabba prayed for Zeira's soul, reviving his friend. The following year, as Purim rolled around, Rabba once again invited Zeira out to dinner, but Zeira declined. "No thanks," he said. "After all, miracles don't happen every day."Talmud Megillah 7b
Rava said: A person is obligated to become intoxicated with wine on Purim until he is so intoxicated that he does not know how to distinguish between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordecai.
רַבָּה וְרַבִּי זֵירָא עֲבַדוּ סְעוּדַת פּוּרִים בַּהֲדֵי הֲדָדֵי. אִיבַּסּוּם. קָם רַבָּה שַׁחְטֵיהּ לְרַבִּי זֵירָא. לְמָחָר, בָּעֵי רַחֲמֵי וְאַחֲיֵיהּ. לְשָׁנָה, אֲמַר לֵיהּ: נֵיתֵי מָר וְנַעֲבֵיד סְעוּדַת פּוּרִים בַּהֲדֵי הֲדָדֵי. אֲמַר לֵיהּ: לָא בְּכֹל שַׁעְתָּא וְשַׁעְתָּא מִתְרְחִישׁ נִיסָּא.
The Gemara relates that Rabba and Rabbi Zeira prepared a Purim feast with each other, and they became intoxicated to the point that Rabba arose and slaughtered Rabbi Zeira. The next day, when he became sober and realized what he had done, Rabba asked God for mercy, and revived him. The next year, Rabba said to Rabbi Zeira: Let the Master come and let us prepare the Purim feast with each other. He said to him: Miracles do not happen each and every hour, and I do not want to undergo that experience again.
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:
RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retired
WWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/books
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segal
Monday, January 26, 2026
Fw: jews and shul even in antarctica , rabbi dr arthur segal
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:
RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retired
WWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/books
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segal
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL <rabbiasegal@aol.com>
To: Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com>; Ruth Milesky <rmilesky@verizon.net>; Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com>
Cc: Rochelle Lepor <rolepor@gmail.com>; Stephen Shapiro <steveshapiro@att.net>; Judith Rottenberg <judyrottenberg25@gmail.com>; Ellen Zimmerman <ellenmzimm@gmail.com>; debbie sacks <debbies09@gmail.com>; sanfordshapiro@gmail.com <sanfordshapiro@gmail.com>; Lee Shapiro <doclee1@gmail.com>; rabbiasegal@aol.com <rabbiasegal@aol.com>; Ellen Freedman <ellensegalhhi1@aol.com>; Risa Sreden Prince <risasredenprince@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 12:49:15 PM EST
Subject: jews and shul even in antarctica , rabbi dr arthur segal
GLAD THEY acknowledge sara now. when i first was on the amazon years, 30+ years, i did research on her while in the states but nothing was mentioned of her when i as first there. hence my blog post. and my lecture. the manaus rabbi saint was well known. we jews tend to move...a.lot. even antarctica .
Jewish presence in Antarctica dates back to Benjamin "Bennie" Roth, the first known Jew to set foot on the continent in 1928 as an airplane mechanic for explorer Richard E. Byrd. Today, Jewish scientists and staff occasionally work on the continent, with sporadic, informal holiday services (Passover, Hanukkah) held at bases like McMurdo and Scott.
- Early Explorers: While Jews were involved in Arctic expeditions in the 19th century, they were not part of the "Heroic Age" of Antarctic exploration.
- Military & Scientific Presence: Following Operation High Jump in 1946, more Jewish personnel arrived. Today, Jewish researchers and staff work at various research stations.
- Religious Life & Observance: Observance is challenging due to 24-hour sunlight, making traditional Shabbat timing difficult (e.g., in 1995, a Seder was held at Scott Base). Lighting candles is usually prohibited at McMurdo.
- Tourism & Special Events: Specialized kosher tours have visited Antarctica. In 2004, a team of Israelis and Palestinians named a peak "The Mountain of Israeli-Palestinian Friendship".
- The "Coldest" Jews: Jewish staff have organized Hanukkah and Shabbat, sometimes with fire marshal supervision for candles, as noted by the Substack author at Substack.
- Cultural Moments: The Jewish Magazinereports on Rosh Hashanah celebrations and the playing of dreidel at research stations.
There is no permanent synagogue, but the community is active during periods of high scientific activity.
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:
RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retired
WWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/books
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segal
On Monday, January 26, 2026 at 12:26:23 PM EST, Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:
We heard all about her, saw her mansion and cemetery. She truly made a positive impact on the town. No jews there now, though. Thanks for your info
On Monday, January 26, 2026, 1:21 PM, RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL <rabbiasegal@aol.com> wrote:
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retiredWWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/bookshttps://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segalOn Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:20:01 AM EST, RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL <rabbiasegal@aol.com> wrote:hi. punta arenas, at the tip of chile, has an interesting jewish history as well as a significant croatian history.Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile, has a small but historically significant Jewish presence, most notably linked to 19th-century Eastern European immigrants like philanthropist Sara Braun, who helped shape the region. While the main Jewish community resides in Santiago, Punta Arenas features a historic cemetery and a legacy of early Jewish pioneers. SARA'S MANSIONSARA BRAUN'S GRAVE AT THE PUBLIC CEMETERY IN PUNTA ARENAS. SAFE TRAVELS!
- Key Historical Figure: Sara Braun (1862–1955), a Latvian-born Jew, became one of Patagonia's most influential businesspeople after fleeing anti-Semitism in the Russian Empire. She donated the portico and walls of the Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery, a major landmark.
- Jewish Heritage: The Punta Arenas Cemetery contains graves of early settlers, including some with both Jewish and Christian symbols, indicating the presence of Conversos or families that assimilated over generations.
- Modern Context: While the largest concentration of Jews is in Santiago (18,000–20,000 in Chile), Punta Arenas remains a site with, at times, a small Jewish presence or connection, including, historically, a brief, infamous post-WWII appearance by Nazi war criminal Walter Rauff.
- Cultural Legacy: The city's history includes stories of early 20th-century immigrants who, like the Brauns, contributed to the development of the region during the sheep farming boom.
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retiredWWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/bookshttps://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segalOn Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 04:32:58 PM EST, Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:
For all you snow shovelers remember to bend your knees and be careful. Don't want any hurt backs.We are now in Chile and tomorrow and the next day we will be sailing around the Chilean fjords.We've seen lots of nature. It has been beautiful.Everybody be safeOn Sunday, January 25, 2026, 5:24 PM, Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com> wrote:
That's a lot of snow. Hope you don't need to go anywhere and are hunkered down. I saw Boston on TV. Even there they can't keep the roads cleared.Lynn, are you still out cruising? Good timing to be out of this weather.Please share with us your snow pictures. I would love to see them.On Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 2:36 PM Ruth Milesky <rmilesky@verizon.net> wrote:Snow coming down in Greater Boston. Expecting 18-24" and snowing through tomorrow.On Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2:04 PM, Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:
Beautiful and peaceful !!!!!watch your backs shoveling!!! In New York, my daughter said it's snowing sidewaysOn Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2:51 PM, Rochelle Lepor <rolepor@gmail.com> wrote:
What a beautiful and peaceful photoRoOn Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 12:50 PM Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com> wrote:I snapped a picture from my door before the snow gets shoveled. I think we got about 6 inches before it started to sleet.On Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 12:41 PM Stephen Shapiro <steveshapiro@att.net> wrote:Nice memory Joan. I remember when we went the Jr Club went to Glen Echo.On Jan 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com> wrote:I remember the cousins club. I remember being in a room in the basement and trying to elect officers. Luckily I was the youngest so exempt from the talent show. I do remember the accordion and Lee playing Exodus on the piano.Lee, glad you have found your voice again.On Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 9:47 AM Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:Lucky you. Do you remember it or what anybody did.So funny how when i think of some cousins, I think of the talent they shared. I had no talent. It was horrible.On Sunday, January 25, 2026, 11:40 AM, RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL <rabbiasegal@aol.com> wrote:
LEE ,YOU SING WONDERFULLY,' CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR SANDY!!!!!!!!!!!SHALOM and BLESSINGS:RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retiredOn Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 02:53:04 AM EST, Lee Shapiro <doclee1@gmail.com> wrote:Please, please, use earbuds or headphones unless you have good speakers. As bad as my singing might be under ideal conditions, it's even worse with tinny speakers!!!I could not find a karaoke track for "How Can I Leave You Again" and it is difficult to stay on tune without a music track.As some background, when I was a teen, a group of us got together and sang folk songs. Someone told me that my voice was terrible and I should be a "listener". For the next 50 years or so, I would not sing in front of anyone--not even the Happy Birthday song. In the last ten years, however, I have been brave enough to record songs and share them.So enjoy, or grimace as you listen! And remember--earbuds or headphones!PS: Sandy is still in the hospital. Still no answer as to why her oxygen level drops. It's not terrible while she's lying in bed, but when they had her take a few steps, it dropped to dangerously low levels.--Lee Shapiro
new mexico albuquerque first mayor was jewish
you mom,z'l. would have a field day. jews were everywhere in the south, and central america,,south america., including what are no the southern border states. the came as anusim conquistadors. just take new mexico as an example: the first mayor of Albuquerque was jewish. ![https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/lookaside/crawler/media/?media_id=10221139541576451]()
Yes, Henry N. Jaffa was the first mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he was Jewish. A German immigrant, Jaffa was elected on July 4, 1885, when the city was first incorporated, and he was heavily involved in both local business and the early development of the Jewish community in New Mexico.
- Henry N. Jaffa (1846–1901): As a prominent merchant, Jaffa moved to Albuquerque after the railroad arrived, establishing a business and becoming a key civic leader.
- Jewish Community Impact: Beyond his mayoral duties, Jaffa was instrumental in organizing New Mexico's first synagogue.
- Historical Context: Jaffa was part of a wave of Jewish immigrants who contributed to the, business, and civic, development of the New Mexico Territory in the late 19th century.
While other Jewish individuals have likely served in local government throughout Albuquerque's history, Henry N. Jaffa is recognized as the first Jewish mayor.
New Mexico's Jewish history reaches back almost 500 hundred years when some of the early Spanish arrivals by way of Mexico traced their family histories to Spanish and Portuguese Sephardic Jews who became conversos, or "converted" in order to escape the clutches of the Spanish Inquisition. Today, a number of Hispanic descendants are exploring their families' crypto-Jewish roots.
The mid-19th century marked the arrival of European Ashkenazi Jews via the Santa Fe Trail, and they became the leading merchants in the Territory. When the railroad arrived in the 1880s, more Jewish merchants arrived and expanded their business presence throughout New Mexico. The history of New Mexico Jews tells the stories of individuals and organizations who made their mark on all walks of life from business/commerce; ranchers and miners; social organizations; traders with the Navajo and Pueblo reservations; to becoming the first mayor of Albuquerque and first governor of the State. All of them made significant contributions to the Territory and later State, and it is our goal and responsibility to ensure the recognition as well as through educational programming this rich history reaches the public. New Mexico Jewish history, therefore, reflects a blend of both Ashkenazi and Sephardic cultural traditions, a unique feature in U.S. Jewish history.
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:
RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retired
WWW.JEWISHSPIRITUALRENEWAL.COM/books
https://www.facebook.com/arthur.l.segal
On Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:58:28 AM EST, Ellen Zimmerman <ellenmzimm@gmail.com> wrote:
have not. my mother, aleha hashalom, traveled to jewish places all over the world - but not to south america.
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On Mon, Jan 26, 2026 at 11:54 AM RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL <rabbiasegal@aol.com> wrote:
have you ever mean to manaus on the amazon rive in brazil? the jewish x there will knock you out. RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Rabbi who became a Catholic Saint in Manaus, Brazil
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Rabbi who became a Catholic Saint in Manaus, Brazil
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL, JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL Rabbi who became a Catholic Saint in Manaus, Brazil ...
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL: Rabbi who became a Catholic Saint in Manaus, Brazil
RABBI ARTHUR SEGAL, JEWISH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL Rabbi who became a Catholic Saint in Manaus, Brazil ...
Rabbi Arthur Segal
Rabbi Arthur Segal's love of people, humanity, and Judaism has him sharing with others "The Wisdom of the Ages" ...
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retiredOn Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:36:03 AM EST, Ellen Zimmerman <ellenmzimm@gmail.com> wrote:I had no idea - thanks for sharing!
Ellen Zimmerman
Vessels of Light, inspirations from a spiritual landscapeSubscribe https://bit.ly/ellenzphoto
SARA BRAUN'S GRAVE AT THE PUBLIC CEMETERY IN PUNTA ARENAS. SAFE TRAVELS!
- Key Historical Figure: Sara Braun (1862–1955), a Latvian-born Jew, became one of Patagonia's most influential businesspeople after fleeing anti-Semitism in the Russian Empire. She donated the portico and walls of the Punta Arenas Municipal Cemetery, a major landmark.
- Jewish Heritage: The Punta Arenas Cemetery contains graves of early settlers, including some with both Jewish and Christian symbols, indicating the presence of Conversos or families that assimilated over generations.
- Modern Context: While the largest concentration of Jews is in Santiago (18,000–20,000 in Chile), Punta Arenas remains a site with, at times, a small Jewish presence or connection, including, historically, a brief, infamous post-WWII appearance by Nazi war criminal Walter Rauff.
- Cultural Legacy: The city's history includes stories of early 20th-century immigrants who, like the Brauns, contributed to the development of the region during the sheep farming boom.
SHALOM and BLESSINGS:RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retiredOn Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 04:32:58 PM EST, Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:
For all you snow shovelers remember to bend your knees and be careful. Don't want any hurt backs.We are now in Chile and tomorrow and the next day we will be sailing around the Chilean fjords.We've seen lots of nature. It has been beautiful.Everybody be safeOn Sunday, January 25, 2026, 5:24 PM, Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com> wrote:
That's a lot of snow. Hope you don't need to go anywhere and are hunkered down. I saw Boston on TV. Even there they can't keep the roads cleared.Lynn, are you still out cruising? Good timing to be out of this weather.Please share with us your snow pictures. I would love to see them.On Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 2:36 PM Ruth Milesky <rmilesky@verizon.net> wrote:Snow coming down in Greater Boston. Expecting 18-24" and snowing through tomorrow.On Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2:04 PM, Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:
Beautiful and peaceful !!!!!watch your backs shoveling!!! In New York, my daughter said it's snowing sidewaysOn Sunday, January 25, 2026, 2:51 PM, Rochelle Lepor <rolepor@gmail.com> wrote:
What a beautiful and peaceful photoRoOn Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 12:50 PM Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com> wrote:I snapped a picture from my door before the snow gets shoveled. I think we got about 6 inches before it started to sleet.On Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 12:41 PM Stephen Shapiro <steveshapiro@att.net> wrote:Nice memory Joan. I remember when we went the Jr Club went to Glen Echo.On Jan 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM, Joan Levey <jlevey10@gmail.com> wrote:I remember the cousins club. I remember being in a room in the basement and trying to elect officers. Luckily I was the youngest so exempt from the talent show. I do remember the accordion and Lee playing Exodus on the piano.Lee, glad you have found your voice again.On Sun, Jan 25, 2026 at 9:47 AM Lenette Goodman <lynngoodman13@yahoo.com> wrote:Lucky you. Do you remember it or what anybody did.So funny how when i think of some cousins, I think of the talent they shared. I had no talent. It was horrible.On Sunday, January 25, 2026, 11:40 AM, RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL <rabbiasegal@aol.com> wrote:
LEE ,YOU SING WONDERFULLY,' CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR SANDY!!!!!!!!!!!SHALOM and BLESSINGS:RABBI DR ARTHUR SEGAL,retiredOn Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 02:53:04 AM EST, Lee Shapiro <doclee1@gmail.com> wrote:Please, please, use earbuds or headphones unless you have good speakers. As bad as my singing might be under ideal conditions, it's even worse with tinny speakers!!!I could not find a karaoke track for "How Can I Leave You Again" and it is difficult to stay on tune without a music track.As some background, when I was a teen, a group of us got together and sang folk songs. Someone told me that my voice was terrible and I should be a "listener". For the next 50 years or so, I would not sing in front of anyone--not even the Happy Birthday song. In the last ten years, however, I have been brave enough to record songs and share them.So enjoy, or grimace as you listen! And remember--earbuds or headphones!PS: Sandy is still in the hospital. Still no answer as to why her oxygen level drops. It's not terrible while she's lying in bed, but when they had her take a few steps, it dropped to dangerously low levels.--Lee Shapiro
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