In Defense of Dr. Laura
lc
http://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/na-jh-defense/index.html
by Avraham M. Goldstein
As these words are being written, the news of Senator Joseph
Lieberman’s selection as Al Gore’s running mate has instantly
relegated Dr. Laura Schlessinger to the rank of second most famous
Orthodox Jew in America. Second, because with up to twenty million
listeners tuning in to her top-rated radio show each week, she used to
be first. And she has used this exposure to open a window onto
Judaism’s true stand on today’s key moral issues.
The trip to Yiddishkeit has been a long and winding road for Laura
Schlessinger, husband/manager Dr. Lewis Bishop, and son Deryk. This
giores tzeddek, true proselyte, was born in Brooklyn to a Jewish
father and an Italian mother. The family moved to Italy and then came
back to the U.S. Dr. Laura recalls a childhood with “no religion” in
her life.
When she was about thirty, already highly credentialed in psychology
and associated fields and a successful California talk show host to
boost, she was asked to speak at a Beverly Hills synagogue. She had
“the oddest feeling” walking in, and told her audience, “I feel a
little breathless being in this building, and I’m not quite sure why.”
Her inner yearning for Judaism had begun to surface.
Her real epiphany, however, came one morning nine years ago. Flipping
through television channels with five-year-old Deryk, she froze at the
site of Holocaust footage. Deryk, now fourteen, remembers asking, “Who
are those people?” His mother replied, “They are Jews.” Deryk
persisted, “What’s a Jew?” Said his mother, “I don’t know, but I’ll
find out.” Little could she have known that she was also about to find
herself.
Recalls Dr. Laura, “I started reading books about Judaism. When I got
to the part about Jews being a nation of priests, I said, ‘Bingo,
that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.’ ”
Dr. Laura’s journey of discovery led her to a Reform temple in Los
Angeles. The family went to Passover services, and here she had
another revelation. Her father had once said about Judaism, “I will
not be a member of a religion where they celebrate the mass murder of
children.” Yet here she saw the Seder participants spilling wine from
their cups to memorialize the Egyptians who had suffered during the
Ten Plagues. “He lied to me!” she remembers thinking.
Yet an attempt to placed Deryk in a Reform religious school failed on
grounds of hypocrisy: the school saw nothing wrong with serving non-
kosher meat. Next they tried a Conservative temple, but again came
away unsatisfied. The reason? Dr. Laura says that while the rabbi
teaching the class she attended was nice, “he never talked about G-d.”
It was form without substance.
Along the way, the family picked up additional Jewish practices,
including keeping kosher. All three also underwent a Conservative
conversion. At the same time, her radio show was gaining in
popularity, and she was quite open on the air about her religious
awakening.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger with husband Dr. Lewis Bishop and Rabbi Moshe
Bryski of Chabad of the Conejo.
Dr. Laura started to correspond with Rabbi Reuven Bulka, a prominent
Orthodox rabbi in Ottawa. She was slowly becoming aware that not all
Jewish groups shared Judaism’s traditional values. Her association
with Rabbi Bulka proved invaluable when she was assailed after a
presentation she made for a secular Jewish group. She had made the
benign observation that the only thing missing from a fund-raising
video about the group was the fact that giving charity is a mitzvah.
In her words, “It doesn’t matter if you feel” like giving; tzeddakah
is mandatory.
“It was a very ugly thing,” Dr. Laura says. “Media all over the
country reported that I had been rude in front of a Jewish
organization. I was stunned. What hurt was that everyone had been
telling me to be careful about talking on the air about becoming a
Jew, that anti-Semitism would snap me. It wasn’t; it was the Jews who
came up and snapped me.”
She credits Rabbi Bulka with pulling her through this trauma. “He was
on the phone every afternoon, trying to talk me through this. He told
me, ‘I don’t want to go down in history as the rabbi who lost Dr.
Laura!’ ”
It was at this time that, as she humorously puts it, she, Lew, and
Deryk elected to “upgrade” their Jewish status. Having become aware
that a Conservative conversion did not pass muster in the eyes of
traditional Judaism, the family flew to Canada, where Rabbi Bulka
converted Laura, Lew, and Deryk k’halachah, in accordance with
traditional Jewish law. Deryk now attends Shalhevet, a yeshivah in Los
Angeles. This summer he went to Israel with Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis.
Today the family makes its spiritual home at the Chabad of the Conejo,
in Agoura, California, and has developed a close relationship with the
synagogue’s leader, Rabbi Moshe Bryski. Dr. Laura recalls their first
visit to the shul. “The first person we saw said, ‘Welcome. Would you
like to come to our house for lunch?’ Everyone was just so nice. We
all liked it a lot, so that’s been home.” She says of Orthodoxy: “I’m
enthralled with the mentality” of people actually living their
beliefs.
As Dr. Laura discovered religion, her show changed focus from
psychology to ethics. Having realized the truth of Biblical morals,
she began challenging callers for not putting their children first,
for divorcing, for aborting pregnancies — for refusing to take
responsibility for their lives.
Dr. Laura makes no bones about Judaism’s true position in favoring
traditional values such as marriage and family, and its disdain for
alternative lifestyles, elective single motherhood, and divorce.
How does she reconcile Jewish law with her largely non-Jewish
audience? “I always say to callers, according to Jewish law, this is
the law; let’s see how we can extrapolate to your situation.” Dr.
Laura admits that she is a novice when it comes to the Jewish view of
things. “Sometimes during a break I call Rabbi Bryski and say, ‘I have
ten seconds; here’s the situation. What’s the law?’ ”
Her approach has earned her the respect of her largely Christian
audience, which sees in her a kindred spirit. “People have a newfound
respect and understanding for Judaism,” she says. And how do Jewish
listeners react? Says Rabbi Bryski: “When Dr. Laura goes on the radio
and talks about Torah, it strengthens the self-image of the ordinary
Jew who is listening.”
The public perception of Judaism has been falsely colored by the
Jewish left, both secular and religious. It has painted Judaism as the
repository for almost every anti-moral cause imaginable. Nothing can
be further from the truth.
Dr. Laura’s take-no-prisoners approach to morality has invited
vitriol, especially her oft-quoted comment that homosexuality is
deviant behavior. She has declared time and again that she harbors no
personal animosity towards gays and lesbians — that she is denouncing
the sin, not the sinner. Rabbi Bryski says, “Gays have taken her words
out of context. When anyone tries to say, ‘No, this is what she really
said,’ they get shouted down. And the media is a willing accomplice to
this.’ ”
She says, “The hate that I have gotten from the secular Jewish
community is flabbergasting.” Rabbi Bryski adds, “When Dr. Laura went
public that she was going to convert to Orthodoxy, it sent shockwaves
through the Reform movement. She is their target number one.”
Groups that support the mainstreaming of deviant lifestyles have
pounded at potential advertisers for Dr. Laura’s upcoming television
program, to the point that Procter & Gamble withdrew as a sponsor. Yet
she refuses to dilute her message in order to silence her critics.
She professes astonishment at her lack of support from Orthodox Jewish
quarters. “I have been disappointed at how silent the Orthodox
community has been. The people to come to my defense, and in defense
of G-d’s laws, have been basically Christian Protestant.”
Dr. Laura continues that this silence encompasses issues beyond her
own. She notes that conservative Republicans ask her why the only Jews
they hear about are the ones tearing down moral institutions. “Why are
the only rabbis we hear from the ones that want to have same-sex
marriages?” they want to know. Again, she has no answer.
Are the Orthodox simply more segregated, so that they are uninvolved
in promoting an agenda? “If you’re going to change the world, if this
is a tikkun olam moment, you have to be out there doing it, not just
insulated in your group. I always thought the Orthodox are the keepers
of the flame, but if there’s a flame in the wilderness and nobody can
see it, it doesn’t matter.”
-------------------------------------
Dr. Laura’s Take On the World
What is the prime reason for the decline in our moral climate?
Cowardice; people not standing up for truth. The left has no fear.
They will get up and say anything. They will name-call, because they
are not judged by the media whatsoever. But if the people on the more
religious side speak up, they are beaten into the ground.
What is the key reason for marital difficulties today?
There has been a lowered expectation of commitment, and so I don’t
think people put as much into their relationships as they used to. And
they don’t tolerate as much — the things that should be tolerated, not
the things that shouldn’t be, like abuse or addiction.
You spend two or three minutes with a caller. Is this enough time to
give them what may be a life-changing answer?
Totally yes. Callers say to me: I so respect what you say; it’s
changed my life. The caller is also hearing the other three hours;
it’s not just the two or three minutes.
Are you concerned that you demean or embarrass callers with your tone?
No, because they’re not in public; they have total privacy. They know
that if they get into a certain area I’m going to be all over them. I
consider myself a very good mother on the air. Slurp them up on one
side if they need it, and smack them on the other side of the head if
they need that.
I’m never asked, tell me about the times you cried when somebody
called. I only hear about the tough talk. But the prophets were pretty
threatening too. Do you hate the prophets and only like the priests?
I’m more like the prophet. I’m going to take a pot, put it over your
head, and bang on it. I’m going to make sure you hear me.
[]
Rabbi Bryski, Conejo Chabad
http://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/na-jh-defense/index_files/drlaura.jpg
Rabbi Moshe Bryski
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2006/0518/Community/027.html
http://www.toacorn.com/news/2006/0518/Community/027p1_lg.jpg
Rabbi Moshe Bryski, executive director of Chabad of the Conejo in
Agoura Hills, said he first entered the local scene as a bus driver
transporting children to a Morrison Ranch summer youth camp, and was
later "drafted for a temporary position" at Chabad of the Conejo in
Agoura Hills.
[][]
Does Judaism Condone Sex With Children?
http://christianparty.net/talmudchildsexok.htm
Modified Thursday, April 17, 2008
New America
http://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/america_2.html
2. Sex with Children by Talmud Rules
Laura Schlessinger is alleged to be a "Jewish Good Guys" at this
time.
[][]
THE CHABAD LUBAVITCHERS
http://www.public-action.com/x/nh-jtr/
[][]
Laura Schlessinger: Encyclopedia II - Laura Schlessinger - Personal
history
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Laura_Schlessinger_-_Personal_history/id/4995832
For Education and Discussion Only
http://www.libertyforum.org/showflat.php?Cat=2&Board=news_crime&Number=296044096&view=collapsed&sb=9&o=21&part=
lc
strong aristocratic British, Aryan German, as well as Jewish financial
and revolutionary elements.
POSTED: American Puritanism vs. Rabbinic Tradition
http://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/america_2.html
Forward reports criticism of Young Israel's award to Dr. Laura.
The problem, according to her liberal critics, is that Ms.
Schlessinger pushes a conservative, pro-life platform that is out of
touch with the mostly liberal American Jewish public. Worse, they say,
is that her "sanctimonious" moralism and harsh style are more a
reflection of American Puritanism than the ancient rabbinic tradition.
"It's sad that with all the outstanding individuals doing great
work, the National Council of Young Israel has chosen someone whose
comments have been so divisive within and outside of the Jewish
community," said Rabbi Douglas Kahn, the executive director of the
Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco.
Rabbi Kahn said he was referring in particular to the controversy
sparked by Ms. Schlessinger's claim that homosexuality is "deviant"
and a "biological error." Last year gay rights organizations and other
liberal groups organized a boycott of Ms. Schlessinger's new
television show, which was eventually canceled due to poor ratings.
More than a dozen Jewish leaders signed a critical letter to Ms.
Schlessinger, including Rabbi Paul Menitoff, the executive vice
president of the Reform movement's Central Conference of American
Rabbis.
— Forward(5)
Indeed, Rabbis Kahn, Menitoff, and other Reform rabbis are right. Dr.
Laura is not representing "the ancient rabbinic tradition," which
allows ample room for homosexuality and pederasty. But why didn't
Rabbis Kahn and Menitoff and their Reform colleagues publicly correct
Dr. Laura and her Orthodox mentors, in particular Rabbi Moshe Bryski,
by using the authority of direct quotes from the Talmud?
Children as Concubines, Babies as Wives
The ancient Hebrews were permitted to use children as concubines.
Moses established the precedent. In the passage below, the Hebrews
have just massacred the Midianite men. They return home with booty,
and the Midianite women and children. Moses directs them to slaughter
the captive women and children with this exception: virgin girl
children are to be kept as concubines for the Hebrews.
* * * * * * *
* * * * * * ** * * * * *
air
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123095005
? ?
> Rabbi Bryski, Conejo Chabadhttp://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/na-jh-defense/index_files/drlaura...
>
> Rabbi Moshe Bryskihttp://www.toacorn.com/news/2006/0518/Community/027.htmlhttp://www.toacorn.com/news/2006/0518/Community/027p1_lg.jpg
> Rabbi Moshe Bryski, executive director of Chabad of the Conejo in
> Agoura Hills, said he first entered the local scene as a bus driver
> transporting children to a Morrison Ranch summer youth camp, and was
> later "drafted for a temporary position" at Chabad of the Conejo in
> Agoura Hills.
> [][]
> Does Judaism Condone Sex With Children?http://christianparty.net/talmudchildsexok.htm
> Modified Thursday, April 17, 2008
>
> New America
> http://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/america_2.html
> 2. Sex with Children by Talmud Rules
> Laura Schlessinger is alleged to be a "Jewish Good Guys" at this
> time.
> [][]
> THE CHABAD LUBAVITCHERS
> http://www.public-action.com/x/nh-jtr/
> [][]
> Laura Schlessinger: Encyclopedia II - Laura Schlessinger - Personal
> history
> http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Laura_Schlessinger_-_Personal_his...
>
> For Education and Discussion Only
> http://www.libertyforum.org/showflat.php?Cat=2&Board=news_crime&Numbe...
>
> Dishttp://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1752425
lc
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/19/us/nationalspecial2/19pope.html?ref=world
On Apr 19, 7:36 pm, lc <lol7...@msn.com> wrote:
> ? Historically the Illuminati is an occult secret society with
> strong aristocratic British, Aryan German, as well as Jewish financial
> and revolutionary elements.
> POSTED: American Puritanism vs. Rabbinic Traditionhttp://www.come-and-hear.com/editor/america_2.html
> airhttp://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123095005
> ...
>
> read more »