(27) linda llewellyn , May 21, 2009

Pigs

There is nothing wrong with pigs they are cute, its the pigsty of live I think you are referring to.

(26) shayna poupko , May 21, 2009

What's right with it

On the mark. My teacher, Rebbitzen David, She'tichye, used to say, "Don't say, there's nothing wrong with...", but ask yourself, "what's right with it". Is this action going to enhance my relationship with Hashem, will it make me a better Jew. I very much enjoyed this article. Tizke l'mitzvot.

(25) Jon , May 20, 2009

Don't be so mean to pigs

I have never seen a pig that claimed to be kosher. They quite brazenly eat anything they can find often leaving the cud until last. The swine itself is not unclean, rather it is those who keep the animals, without providing ample clean natural food and adequate space, that contribute to the production unclean creatures. Demonising pigs as unclean beasts abhorent to all that is sacred, only serves to strengthen the divisions between the Jewish world and the rest of the world where pigs are a valued part of agricultural society.

(24) rivkah , May 20, 2009

Fabulous message!

Since I know that the pig is most dislikes becasue it appears kosher by its split hooves but doesn't chew it cud, I almost didn't view your video. I ultimately did becasue it is short adn I love your messages. This one was outstanding. I wish everyone who sees this will take it to heart and start reading and learning Torah true Judaism. It is the only way to live. As always thank you for your short and to the point messages.

(23) Vicki , May 20, 2009

Swine Flu?

Very good comparison of what the world would use to keep us from God.

(22) Keren Hannah , May 20, 2009

Voice of Truth and Reason

Lori, your words of truth on this subject - and in general!- shine a beam of light into the 'darkness' surrounding this outbreak of Swine Flu. The basic facts you present can, as you know, be applied to any epidemic or distressing situation, personally or worldwide.It's all a matter of seeing HaShem's Hand in it and following His guidance and teaching (Torah) to find the way through and to walk in His darchei noam (paths of real pleasantness & peace). With deep gratitude for your constant sharing of truth & reason.

(21) barbara , May 20, 2009

Wow!

Lori this was the best video I have seen that you have made, also the one about friends you did about 2 months ago. Keep up the great work, you are truly making a difference in this world. Barbara Grossman from the Holy Land.

(20) Alex Talkar , May 19, 2009

Good insights

Lori Palatnik, you are amazing!!! How cutely you have explained the current topic in simple words and related it to real world around us. Thank you for such an enlightening video. Alex Talkar Mumbai India

(19) JERRY , May 19, 2009

HOG PIG SWINE

1. WHEN PEOPLE ARE GREEDY THEY ARE PIGS,SOME YOU COULD CALL HOGS. 2. CANABLES SAY WE TASTE LIKE PIG. 3.PIGS ARE BEING RAISED FOR THEIR ORIGANS FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES. 4.PIGS ARE ABOUT THE SMARTEST ANAMAL UNDER MAN. 5.PUTING THE ABOVE TOGETHER MAKE ONE WONDER IF WE ARE KIN TO THE SWINE.

(18) CARMEN ISABEL FLORES , May 19, 2009

I AM A MEXICAN JEW

I AGREE FULLY WITH LORI PALATNIK'S COMENTARIES ABOUT OUR SWINE SOCIETY, AND ABOUT HOW FALSE LIFE-STYLES SEND US AWAY FROM HASHEM. BUT I THINK THAT HER COMENTARY ABOUT THE MEXICAN FLU INSTEAD OF SWINE FLU IS NO CORRECT AT ALL. BECAUSE NOT ALL THE MEXICANS EAT PORK. IT IS TRUE THAT A MAJOR PART OF THEM DO IT, BUT THEY ARE CHRISTIANS, BUT THE MEXICAN JEWS, SPECIALLY THE OBSERVANT WE DON'T AND IT IS AN OFFENSE TO A COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE or AT LEAST A LOT OF THEM HAVE GOOD HEARTS AND NO PROBLEMS AGAINST US THE JEWS. BE VERY CAREFUL

(17) Aryeh Goetz , May 19, 2009

The Pig Hides its Non Kosher Quality with its Split Hooves

I heard a medrash discusses that when the pig sits in the mud, it covers it mouth with its split hooves. So the pig 'covers up' the fact that it does not chew its cud and is not a kosher species. This metaphor fits in nicely with your message.

(16) Anne Rolfe , May 19, 2009

'Swine' flu reflects that the world's values lead no-where

Lori gives meaning to why 'swine flu' was named. I am not Jewish but I respect and appreciate you. In Australia where I live, the same values are portrayed as 'the way to go' that Lori contrasts with God's Way. Thank you, Lori, for your wise words that show God,s Way is best.

(15) ruth housman , May 19, 2009

bringing home the bacon

Certainly the word pig itself as used in English has so many totally negative connotations for all who use it. Certainly and most deeply, the word swine, and I think the German equivalent is even more derogatory. I read the most wonderful book The Book Thief recently and this word is used at first in a shocking way, but then becomes a strange word of endearment and it haunts the book. I believe, deeply, that people need to follow what their tradition dictates to their heart, but I don't believe that God commands this as a mitzvot. I believe, deeply, that it is who we are with others that determines the beauty of being human, for all of us. I don't know much about "pig" itself, but the word pigsty is certainly one we all use, frequently, also to refer to an environment that is dirty, polluted, that truly "stinks". If I were to draw lessons from my knowledge of language and the pig, I would say, work for the environment, work for the animals, meaning all animals, to make their lot in life more humane, and that the mandate is less about what we eat but who we are and what we digest of the lessons we are taught that are about a morality of choice. I do know from reading that the pig is a very intelligent animal. I wouldn't personally know, but certainly one of our ancestors was named, Ham. I do believe there is a cosmic sense of humor and that sometimes, God may be laughing at us all, for taking everything too seriously.

(14) mijal , May 19, 2009

There is another incredible thing.. Here in my country everyone keeps kosher and shabbos but women and man touch each other etc. These swine flu has obligated people not to touch each other, os give kisses, etc. It made people shomer neguia for a couple of days.. Hashem knos how to do everything when he wants. Yashar coiaj!

(13) Annette , May 19, 2009

right on

Once again your insights are always true examples of your Bina Yserah -- additional insight. Keep it up Lori and please, when are you coming to Toronto!!!

(12) Tova Saul , May 19, 2009

People are in no position to be criticizing pigs

Considering that we humans inflict massive suffering on millions of pigs each year in factories that keep them indoors in their own filth in cages so small that they can't turn around, perhaps we should be talking about humans holding out their little hands and examining them, rather than scrutinizing the meaning of pigs' hooves. Never use animals, who have no free will and do purely what Hashem designed them to do, as a negative metaphor. Humans are already so cruel and exploitive to them that we need to steer clear of every possible negative attribution. Not eating pigs and other non-kosher animals is a "hok"---the category of Jewish laws for which there is no explanation---only tenuous speculation. There is even a gemara that instructs us not to see the eating of pigs as disgusting----only forbidden, and nothing more.

(11) Cindy , May 19, 2009

unclean animals

What an excellent comparison Lori. One would think or hope that the world's eyes would be open. It's a sad day when man doesn't believe that The Creator knows best! And as one person said, pig isn't the only unclean animal, even ingredients in bread are not Kosher!

(10) Rachel Garber , May 19, 2009

But don't single out Mexico

I understand the Isreali rabbis not wanting to use the word pig or swine, but to insist on using the word Mexican instead, is to open ourselves up to the same criticism that has been bandied about regarding immigration. The Jews in Latin and Central America are already under attack, most notably in Venazuala. I think this is just asking for more trouble. Do we really want to put the Jews in those countries at risk for more attacks. And remember, regardless of the fact that the pig is trefe, it is also one of G-d's creatures. He in His infinite wisdom created the pig or swine, just as he created the the lion, the hawk, the lobster. I think it is very bad policy to single out one country, and to make them the object of condemnation. When mad cow disease was around we didn't name the disease after the country from which it originated. It is true that the cow is not trefe, but it still started in a foreign country. There has been a serious uptick in anti-Semitic attacks in recent yrs, much coming from the South America, do we need to give them another excuse to hate us?

(9) Annette , May 19, 2009

and add to #5's

...the Church kept their power and therefore capitalized on keeping their flock illiterate and forbidden to read so they wouldn't read the Bible and 'find out' about many many writings (I learned this when I was at the nun's school) The Egyptians as well as the Romans had over 30,000 dieties... Christians now have over 3,000 splits... I think we have an epidemic like never before ...and some Jews think it's hard to be a Jew!?? I thank Him everyday for 'calling' me - this it it for me! the frumier the better

(8) Anonymous , May 19, 2009

giraffe?

Lori, I recently read that the giraffe, has split hoofs and chews it cud. Giraffe milk is deemed kosher but the meat is not because no one knows where to schect the giraffe. I don't think anyone is going to look to drink giraffe milk.

(7) Iris Moskovitz , May 19, 2009

Your insights hit the nail on the head.

It is always a pleasure to listen to your thoughts on the latest media. The "swine flu" has never been discussed in such a way,I''m sure.The secular world should listen to your views and really take them to heart. In reality, people don''t want to believe that all the crazy ways of the famous people are actually self destructive.The famous people have their 15 minutes of glory,then fade away into oblivion. The observant Jew sees all the craziness and hopefully learns to live a life of doing mitzvot and kindness toward fellow man, and not become influenced by the madness of the society around them.

(6) Leila , May 19, 2009

Swine

Thats a very insightful comment on Swine...and the world..Thank you.

(5) Dvirah , May 18, 2009

Historical Reason

In Europe during the Middle Ages, which was a highly Church-dominated era, most people could not afford beef (cow) or mutton (sheep). Keeping such an animal required enough land for feeding, since both animals require a certain type of vegatation. However, the pig is omnivorous and can be fed any scraps that come to hand, or be taken into the forest to eat acorns and suchlike. So the standard, common source of meat for the average (relatively poor) individual was the pig. It was because of its prevalence that the Jews' "refusal" to partake of pig meat became so widely known. (Most non-Jews don't realize that many other food, such as sea foods for example, are also not Kosher.) Explaining to your average, ignorant and illiterate Christian neighbor why you didn't eat pig meat was not easy, especially as this is one of the Mitzvot without an obvious reason or in fact, any reason given. And the Church capitalized on this difference to further demonize the Jews.

(4) Julia , May 17, 2009

1

The spiritual application is very good!

(3) Kim , May 17, 2009

Thank you Lori - as always very enlightening

Just one comment about the use of the term "tareif" - this term is often misused. Actually, a pig and a rabbit are simply not kosher. Tareif refers to a kosher animal that has become unkosher to eat, for example, it was not slaughtered halachically, or the meat was cooked in a non-kosher pot, or something was found to be wrong with the animal.

(2) Rada , May 17, 2009

you are right

Lori, you are so right, i hear this from a lot of my patients who go after "the wrong pleasure", like infidelity..., or fame or lots of money, and lose there saul as a result of this...they end up in my office with severe physical and emotional pain, trying to figure out what "went wrong", my job as an acupuncturist is to point out to them about the choices that influence there lifes and there body...Thank G..D there is a U Turn to G..D, by redescovering there true values, they heal...

(1) NM Rosen , May 17, 2009

detecting G-dliness

Depending on one's self-esteem, he/she ought to separate the unG-dliness from the real G-dliness. Usually in childrens' and teens' school days, they tend to be told, "you don't count in the world, therefore you should kill yourself" - therefore where is G-d's love in that other than a significant test when being bullied by others? Sadly many children and teens commit suicide usually due to all the peer pressure they are given in school, and that is certainly very swineful! It's too bad that happens because there are children who get teased and eventually move on to do great things, while their bullies may live more in the slums. Certainly, many revered "nerds" have done great things with the Internet such as Google and Facebook. Detecting G-dliness depends on resilience where we don't have to listen to everything we are told, especially when it is discouraging. It's a matter of thinking things through, especially if one has suicidal thoughts, whereas suicide, like murder, is forbidden in the Torah. Thus, we shouldn't take ourselves for granted and don't have to take advantage of everything that comes our way, because we don't always know whether it is a correct path or something out of swinefulness as in a waste of time and energy. We all are obligated to do what we know is right.