Pesach, Iran, Social Norms and Atrocities

After the original cut the curls are growing back nice, and it is
growing on me, not so easy to let go of my baby growing up

Tonight we start our last days of Passover, more wonderful time with community at the synagogue and meals.  Feeling grateful for our past to learn from, and going form more consciously and with purpose. In my personal life my babies are growing up, many milestones and next stages happening, and all I can do is breathe, be open, and trust what feels best.  Today I went to an amazing speech program for my little one, at first he was hesitant, but then he fell in love, and so did I.  At first I was also weighing options, but as the program went on, my son was really engaged, and I loved their methods of teaching. Even though it was a group setting, there were not too many kids, and I really felt that each one was individually recognized and focused on for their specific needs.

In the world there is just craziness, from Iran to abuse of children by Isis and Boko Haram that nobody pays attention to all over the world, and even in our own neck of the woods.  I am sorry if what I am about to talk about is disturbing, you may want to stop reading, but I feel it is important how the reaction to this story makes me feel that in America we still have our heads screwed on right.

Massacres that are ignored by the world:

http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/when-muslims-murder-palestinians/

Crazy judge in America makes a shocking ruling supporting a perpetrator of rape instead of the three year old victim.  I am now seeing on social media, and even on the news the reaction is severe, and they are calling for his resignation.  Thank God in America we can stand for women and children, unlike in other countries where their murders go unnoticed.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/07/man-who-sexually-abused-3-year-old-girl-didnt-intend-to-harm-his-victim-california-judge-rules/

One more scary thing in our world is Iran, here are some thoughts that I feel should be shared,

I'm deeply worried about Iran. I'm worried its current government will acquire nuclear armaments. I'm worried the P5+1 will enact a deal with Iran similar to the one negotiated by the United States, South Korea and Japan back in 1994 intending to halt North Korea from acquiring nuclear arms. A lot of good it did.

I don't trust Iran; I have little reason to. Iran is led by an evil regime, hell-bent on destroying Israel, let alone causing death and destruction throughout the West, and the Middle East. The very thought Iran is several months away from developing a nuclear weapon is unthinkable.

Authored by Sens. Bob Corker (R-TN) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 (S.615) establishes a procedure for congressional review of any nuclear agreement with Iran. Under its guidelines, congress could pass a joint resolution objecting to an agreement. The bipartisan bill can also bar any sanctions relief. In a nutshell, the measure will allow Congress the power to object to an agreement even remotely allowing for a nuclear-capable Iran.

Below are the key provisions of the bill cited by AIPAC:

• Provides a 60-day period for Congress to review any agreement during which time no additional sanctions relief could be granted to Iran.
• Prohibits the president from providing statutory sanctions relief if Congress adopts a joint resolution disapproving of the agreement. The joint resolution would be subject to a presidential veto.
• Requires the president to notify Congress of any credible and accurate information related to a potentially significant breach of the agreement.
• If Iran is found to have materially breached the agreement, the legislation provides for expedited consideration of legislation reinstating any sanctions waived or suspended.
• Requires a presidential determination that any Iranian nuclear activities permitted under the agreement "will not be used to further any nuclear-related military or nuclear explosive purpose, including for any research on or development..."
• Requires the secretary of state to conclude a verification assessment report to determine the extent to which Iran's compliance with the agreement can be verified.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to consider the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act on Tuesday, April 14.  Here's what I'm asking you to do: Call our two senators; Boxer and Feinstein urge them to vote for this bipartisan bill. They can be reached as follows:

Senator Barbara Boxer

112 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 224-3553

Senator Diane Feinstein

331 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 224-3841

We Jews are apt to say "Never Again." Let us not just utter these words; let us act so as to insure never again, never again happens. The time is now.  

Thank you,

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb


I will leave you with some Passover thoughts,

Rabbi Wolpe

Tonight begins the last two days is Pesach. Remember the sea split because of the bravery of Nachshon, the people fled because of the leadership of Moses and Israel sang because of the music of Miriam. Be daring, be joyous, be free; have a wonderful journey to Sinai. Chag Sameach

I will be signing off until Saturday night,
Have a great weekend,
Chag Sameach,
Coach Yulia