Teller From Jerusalem Hanoch Teller

The Young Israel of West Hempstead burgeoned to a community of 750 families under the dynamic leadership of Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer of blessed memory. Referred to as the “Rabbi’s Rabbi,” this title does no justice to the overwhelming impact that he had upon anyone he encountered. It wasn’t charisma, and it certainly wasn’t hip coolness; it was the rarest blend of mastery of every facet of Torah, exquisite sensitivity, and how a God-fearing individual must consistently conduct themselves.
Anyone who required assistance, whether it was requested or not (usually the latter) was blessed by Rabbi Kelemer taking them under his wing, making them feel honorable and important. The Rabbi had a very liberal ‑ nigh incomprehensible ‑ interpretation of assistance. With never a thought for his personal comfort or dignity, no obstacle could prevent his treasured and cherished uplifting intervention. 
Because of his Torah scholarship recognized by the world’s most prominent roshei yeshivah, dynamic leadership, and extraordinary care for everyone, the Young Israel of West Hempstead where he was the Mara D’asra swelled to a membership of 750 families. Young and old, disaffected youth, ardent secularists and yeshivah graduates revered Rabbi Kelemer and lovingly heeded his counsel.
Listen to some of the amazing stories concerning one of this generation’s most noble rabbis.

As we noted in our previous episode, a spirit of volunteerism and unity has swept Israel. Everyone seems to be joining the war effort in their own modest way, and the result is enterprising ingenuity marshalled in a scope that is hard to comprehend and beautiful to behold. The murderous and barbaric Hamas attack exacted a very heavy price, but in its aftermath the people of Israel have united and put aside their long-standing differences. There are those from around the world – even cowboys – who are also showing their solidarity.

Consequential to the Hammas barbaric attack on October 7, 2023, the residents of Israel have locked arms in a sincere display of unity and determination to support each fellow countryman. The amazing acts of generosity, altruism, volunteerism and philanthropy are unprecedented on the world stage. Differences that had ripped the country apart prior to the Hammas attack, are nearly forgotten, as Israelis have soberly realized that they face an existential threat and everyone must join in this battle with unity of purpose, together.
Part of this episode is a ten-minute interview conducted on the Michael Medved Show exploring the unprecedented acts of solidarity and magnanimity that have overtaken Israel.

Teller From Jerusalem has culled the trenchant interviews and clips to provide a perspective and understanding of what has transpired since the outbreak of the Hamas terrorist incursion. The news is appalling, but the reaction of Israel and of Israel’s friends is heartening and emboldening. Listen to the acts of kindness, unity, and generosity that have enveloped a country on the brink of a serious escalation of the war. This episode captures the determination and the love of the people of Israel.

Our second installment on how to avoid shaming others takes note that the desire to humiliate adversaries is particularly common in politics. Just because someone is competing with you for the same seat, gives no right to violate privacy and humiliate. Many other key rules are discussed and the children’s ditty, “Sticks and Stones may Break my Bones, but Words will Never Hurt me” is dismissed as incorrect. Lastly, caution is issued over the damage that can be so readily and devastatingly achieved via social media and online with opportunities to attack anonymously and with an absence of gatekeepers. 

Israel’s Law of Return was designed to solve the problem of persecuted Jews who had nowhere to flee, for no country would allow them entry. They would all be welcomed in Israel. Israel did not just open her doors, but actively took part in dangerous rescue missions to bring entire populations to Israel where they could be resettled in safety. One of the most famous missions was Operation Magic Carpet which, in the span of one year, clandestinely airlifted nearly 50,000 Jews from Yemen, where they were suffering attacks and lived in constant danger.

Transporting Yemen Jewry to one central place where they could be extracted, required the impoverished people to trek at least 300 kilometers by foot through deserts and mountains as they were attacked along the way and suffered from hunger and disease. A motley group of young air force veterans from WWII, piloted transport planes, licensed to carry no more than 60 people, with 600 passengers on board. The entire flight from southern Yemen to Israel was fraught with danger, flying above Arab territory and always with a need to refuel along this hostile route. Conducted in total secrecy, a miracle was achieved without the loss of a single loss of life on these exceptionally perilous flights.