New The Kominas Tour Poster

I’m trying really hard not be political, but darn it, it seems that we as Americans are most threatened whenever the current administration opens its mouth. Iraq has yellow-cake, WMD (oddly enough, it’s meant as non-conventional weapons, not necessarily nuclear which is why it can different from the yellow-cake claim), Al-Qaeda is in bed with every Muslim in the world, etc., etc., etc.. I was feel better when they are quiet, not because ignorance is bliss – in their case quite the opposite – but because then the truth starts to come out into the open. That’s when I feel…

Regardless of your view on the Iraq war, you cannot deny the bravery and sacrifice of our troops over there. Below are some links to allow you to help them out in their needs. Please be generous. May God reward all your acts of generosity, give the troops and their families support and comfort, and bring peace to the world. Any Soldier – send a care package Operation Hero Miles – donate your frequent flyer miles to help re-join families Michael Moore – he keeps a list of various organizations that help our troops, their families, and children in Iraq…

Richard, at Tikun Olam, has a piece up entitled Hanukah: Holiday of Spiritual Renewal or Jewish Nationalism? This summation is, I think, a good review of what Hanukah is becoming. Growing up I only knew the miracle story from my friends. The nationalist aspect is new to me, even now.  Muslim holidays have been politicized, albeit in a different way, for quite some time. The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday is a touchstone of Wahabbi ideology. To recognize the uniqueness of the Prophet in any way is to commit a sin in their worldview. The Hajj has always been a good time…