Jews on First


Shomer Negiah: Shomer - one who keeps (observes), Negiah - [the laws of] touching.

Supposedly the Torah forbids even the most casual endearing contact, such as shaking hands, between unmarried members of the opposite sex because one thing can lead to another, and before you know it, all kinds of things are shaking.

I think shomer negiah confirms the existence of G-d, because no man would have made this a law.

Chicken Feed


The deadly avian flu virus has spread to Israel. As a precautionary measure, it is necessary to kill all the livestock that could be infected. And destroying half a million birds is not a poultry sum. The birds will be killed by drinking poisoned water, not chicken soup.

I am reminded of an old joke:
Moments before a famous Shakespearean actor was to perform Hamlet to a packed house in New York, he dropped dead. The house manager solemnly went onstage and announced, "We are sorry to bring you this news, but our performance tonight has been canceled due to the untimely demise of our featured performer."  
From the back of the theater a voice cried out, "Give him some chicken soup!"  
Startled, the stage manager cleared his throat and replied, "I apologize if in my grief I have not made my solemn message clear. The man is deceased."  
Once again, but more emphatically the voice rang out, "Give him some chicken soup!"  
Having had about enough, the manager bellowed back, "Sir, the man is dead. Giving him chicken soup couldn''t possibly help." 
To which the voice replied, "It couldn't hurt!"