Israel’s ‘Kosher’ Swine Flu

By Eleanor Goldberg

Published April 29, 2009, issue of May 08, 2009.
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Just in case you were worried that a terrible virus linked to pigs would whet people’s appetite for pork, Israel’s deputy health minister has renamed the swine flu. He’s calling it the Mexico flu.

Yakov Litzman announced the name change at a news conference April 27, after an Israeli was diagnosed with the disease at a hospital in Netanya.

Litzman implemented the kosher-friendly name to avoid offending Jews and Muslims who observe religious dietary laws, even though the respiratory disease is not contracted through digestion, but spreads from person to person — probably through coughing and sneezing.

Despite Litzman’s intent not to offend, he may have misplaced the blame.

According to an article published in The New York Times: “The debate is likely to continue as scientists and health authorities try to trace the disease. While all signs now point to Mexico as the epicenter, the genetic material in the virus there was a swine influenza virus of Eurasian origin. And influenza viruses tend to emerge from Asia.”

For now, Israelis can rest easy. Even if they are infected with the disease, they’ll be in accordance with the laws of kashrut.


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Comments
mariana Wed. Apr 29, 2009

people of israel!!!!!!!! do not be ignorants about the “swine flu” that is the real name of the illness not “mexican flu” please get out of your country more often so you can learn more about other counties and their cultures, it is a shame that the health minister is talking about that way, that only shows how illiterate and racist he and the people of israel are. i can tell you that his comment is not kosher!!!

William Dwek Mon. Dec 21, 2009

When “dayanim” and “rabbis” use the Torah for their own power and commercial profit, this is the behaviour of a swine i.e. a Pig.

No other “rabbi” will ever act against another “rabbi” - even when he knows his colleague is clearly desecrating the Torah. Each rabbi is only worried about losing his own position.

Therefore, the “rabbi” and “dayan” will never effect justice. And he will never truly stand for the Torah or the Honour of Hashem. His pocket will always prevail.

The Torah must never be used for commercial gain and profit. Am Yisrael can only be lead by those who have the necessary love and respect of Hashem and the Torah.

William Dwek Mon. Dec 21, 2009

1. The “dayan” and “rabbi” may use lies. They turn the innocent into the guilty, and the guilty, become the innocent. They will not hesitate to tell lies in the Synagogue.

2. The “dayan” and “rabbi” may steal. They steal and siphon off money for themselves, from the community and individuals.

3. The “dayan” and “rabbi” may commit murder. They may shame a Jew in public, even repeatedly. This is one of the most vile acts of murder in Jewish law – and they know this.

4. The “dayan” and “rabbi” will not hesitate to use Lashon Hara - the “Evil Tongue” - to suit his own ends. Slander and gossip. This too, is one of the worst acts of murder in Jewish Law. Their slander is never challenged by the community, because they hold positions of power. And the slander may begin with the Rebbetzin herself.

5. The “dayanim” and “rabbis” worship idols and other gods. Their only god is Money. Especially the “Dayanim” – the “Judges” who sit on a Beit Din. They only care about their high incomes and retirement packages. They have little or no love for the Torah or Hashem.

In the case of Lubavitch/Chabad, all their rabbis are carrying out a form of Avodah Zarah – strange worship. They are using mediation and intercession. This is completely forbidden, and against the Torah. We are only allowed to pray to Hashem, directly ourselves.

6. When the NAME of Hashem has been taken in Vain – repeatedly - by reshaim, the “rabbi” will turn a deaf ear and blind eye to the

CHILLUL HASHEM.

This is the abhorrent behaviour of a Pig.

This is an extremely severe and dangerous situation. There is NO forgiveness for this evil sin and aveirah.

7. The “dayan” and “rabbi” may also offer large bribes, tell lies and bring False Witnesses – when he in fact has committed the crime. These are heinous acts of the most despicable kind. This is especially vile when the “dayan” is sitting on a “Beit Din.”

8. The “rabbi” may commit adultery. And when he gets divorced, he may spread slander about his own ex-wife, blackening her name – when in fact he was at fault.

9. The “dayan” and “rabbi” may also desecrate Shabbat – if it suits him. He will use physical violence to assault another Jew or Jewess at any time. This evil and venomous behaviour is 100% against the Torah.






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