If you're not relaxing by, enjoying a cocktail and swimming in a pool with warm sunny weather...

I'm sorry.

With Rabbi Simmons

Question

What do Jews believe about the afterlife? Do we have spirits? How will we be resurrected when the messiah comes? Is there a heaven and hell? What is hell like?

Answer

The creation of man testifies to the eternal life of the soul. The Torah says, "And the Almighty formed the man of dust from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils the SOUL of life" (Genesis 2:7). On this verse, the Zohar states that "one who blows, blows from within himself," indicating that the soul is actually part of God's essence. Since God's essence is completely spiritual and non-physical, it is impossible that the soul should die. (The commentator Chizkuni says this why the verse calls it "soul of LIFE.")

That's what King Solomon meant when he wrote, "The dust will return to the ground as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:17)

For anyone who believes in a just and caring God, the existence of an afterlife makes logical sense. Could it be this world is just a playground without consequences? Did Hitler get away with killing 6,000,000 Jews? No. There is obviously a place where good people receive reward and bad people get punished. (see Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith)

The question of "why do bad things happen to good people" has a lot to do with how we look at existence. The way we usually perceive things is like this: A "good life" means that I make a comfortable living, I enjoy good health, and then I die peacefully at age 80. That's a good life. Anything else is "bad."

In a limited sense, that's true. But if we have a soul and there is such a thing as eternity, then that changes the picture entirely. Eighty years in the face of eternity is not such a big deal.

From Judaism's perspective, our eternal soul is as real as our thumb. This is the world of doing, and the "world to come" is where we experience the eternal reality of whatever we've become. Do you think after being responsible for the torture and deaths of millions of people, that Hitler could really "end it all" by just swallowing some poison? No. Ultimate justice is found in another dimension.

But the concept goes much deeper. From an eternal view, if the ultimate pleasure we're going after is transcendence - the eternal relationship with the Almighty Himself, then who would be luckier: Someone who lives an easy life with little connection to God, or someone who is born handicapped, and despite the challenges, develops a connection with God. Who would be "luckier" in terms of eternal existence? All I'm trying to point out is that the rules of life start to look different from the point of view of eternity, as opposed to just the 70 or 80 years we have on earth.

So what is the afterlife exactly?

When a person dies and goes to heaven, the judgment is not arbitrary and externally imposed. Rather, the soul is shown two videotapes. The first video is called "This is Your Life!" Every decision and every thought, all the good deeds, and the embarrassing things a person did in private is all replayed without any embellishments. It's fully bared for all to see. That's why the next world is called Olam HaEmet - "the World of Truth," because there we clearly recognize our personal strengths and shortcomings, and the true purpose of life. In short, Hell is not the Devil with a pitchfork stoking the fires.

The second video depicts how a person's life "could have been..." if the right choices had been made, if the opportunities were seized, if the potential was actualized. This video - the pain of squandered potential - is much more difficult to bear. But at the same time it purifies the soul as well. The pain creates regret which removes the barriers and enables the soul to completely connect to God.

Not all souls merit Gehenom. It is for people who have done good but need to be purified. A handful of people are too evil for Gehenom, and they are punished eternally. Pharaoh is one example.

So what about "heaven?"

Heaven is where the soul experiences the greatest possible pleasure - the feeling of closeness to God. Of course not all souls experience that to the same degree. It's like going to a symphony concert. Some tickets are front-row center; others are back in the bleachers. Where your seat is located is based on the merit of your good deeds - e.g. giving charity, caring for others, prayer.

A second factor in heaven is your understanding of the environment. Just like at the concert, a person can have great seats but no appreciation of what's going on. If a person spends their lifetime elevating the soul and becoming sensitive to spiritual realities (through Torah study), then that will translate into unimaginable pleasure in heaven. On the other hand, if life was all about pizza and football, well, that can get pretty boring for eternity.

The existence of the afterlife is not stated explicitly in the Torah itself, because as human beings we have to focus on our task in this world. Though awareness of an eternal reward can also be an effective motivator.

For further study, see Maimonides' Foundations of the Torah, "The Way of God" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzatto, and the commentary of Nachmanides to Leviticus 18:29.

May the Almighty grant you blessings, success - and eternal life!

Sources:
* Zohar, Mishpatim, Exodus 1:1
* AriZal - Sha'ar Hagilgulim

With blessings from Jerusalem,

Rabbi Shraga Simmons

Have you heard about the largest church in the world?

Yes, the brainwashing that is the crusading religious right (Christians are famous for that. They even murdered billions to get as popular as they are now)

Heaven is not a location but refers to the inner realm of consciousness

Ummm have you ever tasted the twisted cheetos? They put me in a state of heaven!

My mind is part of God's. I am very Holy

God is in one, God is in all.

Christians are confused

Or maybe they have true battles to fight... like poverty

The "new age" teacher giving lessons on her website.... has started The Peace Alliance... to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. What can we do?

Establish peace?

It's interesting that Oprah is spending a lot of her time providing for the poor and feeding the hungry, while this ministry is spending energy into a witch hunt. Sexist I say, sexist!

Now for some more rediculous Kool-Aid. *gulp gulp*

Oh, I’ve jumped on the Twitter bandwagon not too long ago. So if anyone is on it and wants to add me my screen name is the same as LJ- twitter.com/lost_logic

Also if any of you use Facebook, feel free to add me http://www.facebook.com/people/Tyler-Matthew-Chadwick/547140034

Reading through a latest issue of Foreign Policy magazine intrigued me to find out what possibly is ”The Most Dangerous Place in the World”. It isn’t Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere in the Middle East.

I was also glimpsing through Dead Aid, which brings up some pretty interesting points and theories why aid to Africa is too simple of an idea for such a complicated continent.

Ivri Lider has an interesting music video out. I’ve always found UFC kind of fighting to be so slightly erotic, kind of like what wrestling is to a lot of gay men. Just check out the video, especially to see what happens near the end at 4:00!



Does anyone have an English translation? I hope Ivri finishes up his English debut album soon!

I was sitting next to a woman today at Starbucks whom I came close to bitch slapping. She was venting to someone on her cell phone about how fired up she is over Obama. It’s not whether she agrees with him or not that was pissing me off. It was all the negative insults that was coming out of her mouth. Things like, “I am SO fired up. He is going to go down in history as the WORST and most idiotic President ever!” Continuing to criticize him for his on the spot photo opt with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and saying how she hopes the United States gets attacked during his administration so he’ll learn his lesson. There were many things she was saying that I could’ve argued about, but what I don’t get about far right Republicans is their hope to see Obama fail. What-the-fuck. What the fuck you ignorant piece of shit cunt?! Even if McCain won I would NEVER hope to see him fail. I don’t want ANY President to fail (George W. Bush failed in so many ways) and bring the rest of us down with him/her. The ignorant piece of shit cunt rambled on how she Republicans need to take back Washington. It’s not a god damn game with teams competing against each other you pathetic excuse of a human being. I hope some rich ass Republican takes all your fucking money and teabags you in your sleep.

Alright, enough of that. I told myself I wouldn’t let people like that irritate me. I’m a better person than that….

So! On a much more uplifting note- today was a gorgeous day. I jogged over the causeway and saw five dolphins swimming in the river. They were so beautiful and playful. Even though I’ve seen them in the wild before, it’s still a pretty amazing sight.

It’s the 6th Anniversary of Madonna’s American Life. I remember buying the album before class, my first year in college, and it kind of depresses me that it has been six years since. But that was a great album for Madonna and totally got washed by the political headlines attached to it. While in fact there was little politics in the album, but was more about social awareness. It remains to be one of my favorite Madonna albums.

There has been this really eerie anti-gay rights commercial by the National Organization for Marriage circulating on the web (most of the viewers are probably those who just had to watch this obscurity). But Steve Colbert made his own version which was freaking hilarious.

It's funny when guys have their female friends asking you to dance with him. I don't think I've ever asked one of my girlfriends to do such a thing, but I did the favor any way to a couple songs just to be polite. He looked like a younger, twinkier version of Jim Carry. But he was sweet.

Michelle and I discovered some nearby protected natural Florida wetlands. If it wasn't for Michelle I would rarely seek out such places on my own. Keep in mind Michelle is a born and raised Manhattan lesbian who is fascinated by Florida's natural habitat, which is obviously nothing like she had up there. It was a pretty exciting experience though, but also a bit scary since we saw about ten alligators in the wild. They live so close yet I've only seen wild gators a couple times in my life. Michelle, having been a super fan of Steve Irwin, was a little braver than me. We stepped onto an observation deck and spotted a big gator lying only a few feet from where we were walking. Is this even safe??

So at last, here are several pictures from our little adventure!


( Swamps and gators... oh my! )

Thanks to turi for linking these clips.

Anderson Cooper: It's hard to talk when you're teabagging



Somebody needs some teabagging in their life





Everybody is talking about teabagging

We had some crazy weather yesterday. Winds randomly reaching Hurricane speed, tornadoes sightings throughout the area. At work last night, the windows were rattling and our door kept swinging open. There was a moment last night where the winds were blowing violently; twigs and debris were circulating in one spot. It got kind of scary. But in a sick way I love storms. They're so fascinating. When I was younger I was interested in meteorology and wanted to be a storm chaser. Even though watching Twister made me afraid of storms for a while, I thought it would be one of the coolest jobs in the world. Yes... there was a time when I thought about living in a state like Kansas or Oklahoma.

Despite the insane conditions outside, earlier yesterday I tried a tanning bed (a stand up one) for the first time at my gym. I really didn't know what to expect after pushing the on button. The fan above sounded viscously and it startled me. But I put the logic together- big fan to keep me from sweating to death. Yeah I sound dumb.

I wish Tallahassee would give a go to Sunrail. Central Florida needs it bad and it's no question that it would be nothing but good for the community. It would increase jobs and halt problems on the deadly highways and interstates. They've already begun some construction but it wouldn't be finish for a few years and I'm hoping by then I'll be out of here.

Off to make a homemade Chipotle chicken bowl before work. Yum.

Oh, I miss Angel so much. I wish I could've given her more hugs and kisses prior to her passing. This time has reaffirmed any belief I had in a heaven. She couldn't be anywhere but.

LONDON (AP) — Roman Catholic leaders are out of step with ordinary believers in their attitude toward homosexuals, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said in an interview published Wednesday.

Blair, who formally converted to Catholicism in 2007, said he believes there is a big generational difference on the issue, and that ordinary Catholics are more liberal-minded than their leaders.

"Actually, we need an attitude of mind where rethinking and the concept of evolving attitudes becomes part of the discipline with which you approach your religious faith," Blair said in an interview published in Attitude, a magazine aimed at gays.

Pope Benedict XVI, when he was still a cardinal in 1986, described homosexuality as "an objective disorder."

Asked about that comment, Blair said "there is a huge generation difference here."

"And there's probably that same fear amongst religious leaders that if you concede ground on an issue like this, because attitudes and thinking evolve over time, where does that end?" Blair said.

"You'd start having to rethink many, many things. Now, my view is that rethinking is good, so let's carry on rethinking."

Blair suggested that ordinary Catholics would disagree with the official position.

"Look, there are many good and great things the Catholic Church does, and there are many fantastic things this pope stands for," Blair said.

"But I think what is interesting is that if you went into any Catholic church, particularly a well-attended one, on any Sunday here and did a poll of the congregation, you'd be surprised at how liberal-minded people were."

Blair attended Catholic services with his family throughout his time as prime minister from 1997 to 2007, but formally remained a member of the Church of England. He joined the Catholic Church after leaving office.

Last year he launched the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which aims to fight extremism, organize faith groups against poverty and illness, and educate people worldwide about religions other than their own.

My beloved kitty, Angel, had to be put to sleep this afternoon. She had just turned 11 on April 1. Unfortunately the cancer and the tumor on her lower back was unstopable. My parents took her to the vet and my mom said it was very peaceful. But she was so devastated when I saw her. Even my dad, originally was not a cat person and who I've rarely seen cry, couldn't hold back his tears. We all loved her very much and still do. She was my first cat when I always wanted one. She was the last of her litter at the shelter and certainly would've been euthanized.

Miss Angel wasn't a lap cat and prefered her space, but she was nevertheless loveable and enjoyed attention. So scrawny as a kitten but she grew up to be a fat cat. She didn't care much for cat toys but loved her stuffed weasel (her baby who she would often talk too) and playing in paper bags. She always wanted you to follow her into the bathroom, as she would jump on the sink and want you to turn on the fountain so she could sip on the water. Something about water pouring down put her into a zen like state of fascination, almost as if she meditated on it..

I've never felt this kind of grief before and my tears are falling more as I write this. So I'll stop, but I will always love you Angel. Rest in peace baby.

"Ask of the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth."
St. Francis of Assisi





She never did like the vet.



In addition to paper bags, she also thought she could fit in boxes smaller than her. Christmas time was her favorite time of year.

( More under cut )

The Farmers Market next to Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village beats Orlando’s Lake Eola Farmers Market hardcore. I bought the only Madonna CD I didn’t have, Bedtime Stories, for $5 and some D&G shades (fake or not, they still look good). Then walking up to West 11th St to finally try a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery did not disappoint. I’ve been there once before with a friend but I didn’t try anything. So after friends who are fans gave me the “What the fuck! How can you go and not have a cupcake or their banana pudding? It’s the best in the world!” lecture, I thought I might as well.

Made a stop at the Starbucks in Astor Place where they shot a couple scenes for the Sex and the City movie. One of the baristas told me Sarah Jessica and “Mr. Big” were both regulars and both order the same drink: double tall skinny vanilla latte. Such a pussy drink for “Mr. Big” who allegedly comes off serious yet attention bound. Meanwhile, the barista explained Sarah is super super perky just like she comes off in her interviews. Aww. Near Astor Place you’ll find the best Halloween Store ever. Yes it was open and wait… it’s only March!

I almost died in a cab on the way to Central Park West (not really, but...). Granted I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt, but it was a bigger cab where the driver’s seat is almost two feet away from the backseats. A car pulled right affront of our cab, the driver slammed the breaks and the effect practically threw me forward out of my seat but I was able to catch and maintain my balance. The driver apologized profusely, but it was an interesting experience.

When first arriving I saw Kathy Lee Gifford a few feet away with her Today show co-host (or is it other way around?) Hoda Kotb. They were pretty perky and slightly goofy themselves, also not to mention how caked in makeup they were.

There were a couple of friends I tried to meet up with but with my short stay made it inconvenient. Next time I’ll go for a week. But my hotel was pretty nice. It was a newly built three or four stars right across the street from the World Trade Center sight. My view was of Ground Zero. It was interesting to always be looking down at this spot that changed the world less than 10 years ago, but it was a great location.

Also:
- Had dinner at Ollie’s uptown (a pretty good and not overpriced Chinese restaurant)
- Located CNN’s New York HQ but didn’t have time to go in to try to sell my body to Anderson Cooper himself. Next time damn it!
- I navigated the subway transit very well so no ending up in Brooklyn this time
- Visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral again. My spiritual experience wasn’t as strong this time, maybe being with my sister was a distraction, but the beauty of the cathedral still puts you in awe. I especially enjoyed the recognition with having alters dedicated to several versions of Mary including Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Funniest prank. The girl's reaction is priceless.

I had a great night on birthday. I was just happy to be surrounded by a whole bunch of good friends. Robbie performed at Pulse and he was great. There was also an insanely long lineup of drag wannabes in the talent show that I didn't bother to record, but some of them were pretty fierce. Friends and cutie bartender Bobby kept buying me shots and drinks. I think I had about eight drinks altogether but believe it or not I didn't get drunk. My tolerance level is pretty high!

So, below is a video of Robbie performing and doing a shot with me on stage. Then ofcourse there are pictures! Though I hardly got pictures of Joanna and none of Tara which is really sad, but they left before the show too because they both had to be up early the next day. Booo




( Pictures! )

Oh lesbians



Not to start with a downer but recently while feeling insecure and desiring attributes found in other cuter guys... I came across a quote on a friend's Facebook that was pretty awesome: "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." - Judy Garland. Her daughter did tell me I had a nice smile and should never stop being a pleasant guy... it's like a gay sign.

Last night I got with Joanna and met her new boyfriend for drinks at a St. Patrick’s Day street party. No Irish Car Bombs for me, the bartender accidentally made me a regular car bomb and I just settled for that. Not much drinking like an Irishman at all. Afterwards we met up with a bunch more people at Cold Keg which wasn't a bad night considering I wasn't stuck in a group of lesbians and there were plenty of new acquaintances to mingle with. I still hate that place though.

Tomorrow is my 25th birthday and where are my 25 kisses? I had originally planned on going to Disney for a bit with Disney's free admission on your birthday offer, but I have such a big night planned that I don't want to be worn out from the theme park. First it's dinner at Hamburger Mary's followed by a party at Pulse. My friend drags there so he's... ahem, I mean she will be hosting it. How celebrity of me! I'm excited to see what kind of performance they'll have for me.... supposed to be a mash up of Madonna, Britney, Kylie and Lady Gaga.

Until then, here are the last of my Vegas photos collection. That trip was really necessary for me after emotional rollercoaster I had been on. The desert and craziness of Vegas gambled it away. Atlas- ( Amazing landscapes )

I heard Miley Cyrus talking about her love life and the wooes of her "last relatsionship." She's what? 16? Shoot me.

Dancing With The Stars has returned, which is good but I think I can come up with a better cast (though it upgraded a bit after Nancy and Jewel had to resign). Am I the only one in my group of friends that enjoy and dream of being on that show?

I love a good ass on a guy. Accentuating it is the future!

"The Anti-Bono" might be on to something here.

Beauty and the Geek = one beautiful gay Jewish wedding. Awww

A friend forwarded me the following YouTube clip. It's an interview on D.L. Hughley's CNN show, which was a show just asking to be cancelled. The title, "Best Description of Republicans EVER," made me think it was going to be some Republicans suck parade rant but it turned out to be an interesting interview from a former right-wing evangelist.



Now totally off subject- I had my camera handy after getting out of the shower

It's been a while since I've returned from Vegas, but I still haven't uploaded all of my pics. Until further emphasis and photos I took of my scandalous (not really) trip in Vegas, here are some of my shots under cut. Though it's quite a bit for an LJ post I guess... ( Gamble away )

Thank you to everyone who shared concern and advice, I very much appreciate it. I spoke with my insurer this morning and everything looks alright.

On the lighter side, a streak of watching good movies have replenished my optimism that good acting and meaningful themes will continue to live on in films. Prayers for Bobby was simply a Lifetime movie but left me bawling my eyes towards the end. Another film that left me in tears was the blockbuster Changeling. Though I was appalled by the true events I was also moved by the tragedies and the courage. It’s been a while since a movie made me cry. I also saw the emotionally intense Slumdog Millionaire and that turned out really good too.

I've also rented and watch a couple gay films by here! and both seemed just to appeal the straight acting (military, surfer) gay boy fantasy into play. Eh

It has been a few years since I’ve really paid attention to the Oscars. I thought Hugh Jackman made the awards show worthwhile watching, although Beyonce’s appearance and lip-syncing totally downgraded the moment. Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black’s acceptant speeches were touching. Kate Winslet had my support although 1.) while I haven’t seen The Reader, I didn’t much care for Revolutionary Road though thought she did a superb acting job and 2.) there were probably a couple other actresses like Angelina Jolie for Changeling, who would’ve deserved it as well. Speaking of Jolie, the camera cut from Jennifer Aniston to her was pretty classless but interesting no less. Aniston should’ve dressed up more, you know a more elegant dress and hair put up. She looked like she just came from the beach with that braded hair piece and threw on some dress. Pardon my gay French but “shit bitch your ex was there with his hot wife. Dress yourself up!”

Ah, well I’m about to have another gay female celebrity ranting (ranting seems all I do on LJ anyway):

I’ve been watching clips from Kylie’s X Tour DVD and comparing them to Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet (that I did not see live), I think I have to give it to Kylie with her vocals and performance combination. You can judge yourself (before Geoff burns Kylie to a crisp):

Madonna:


Kylie: