If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem, Let My Right Hand Forget Her Skill

I found that the meaning of this prayer is to remember the calamities that Jerusalem has experienced.  The article specifically states "The meaning here is, that to sing in such circumstances would seem to imply that they had forgotten Jerusalem; that they were unmindful of its sorrows, and cared not that it was desolate. The remembrance of its calamities pressed hard upon them, and they could not do anything which would seem to imply that they had become unmindful of the sufferings that had come upon their nation".  

I underlined sing because this prayer is the chorus of one of Matisyahu's songs "Jerusalem".  I find it very ironic. 

Obama Stresses Bond with Israel

President Obama offered Jewish New Year wishes this past tuesday.  Obama states that this is the time "reaffirm friendships, renew commitments, and reflect on shared values".  Read more and watch his YouTube video here.

Kosher BBQ Competition

The World competition for Kosher BBQ is help each year in Memphis, TN.  Last weekend the 23rd annual competition was help and over 3,000 competitors entered their BBQ creations.  This Kosher competition has become so popular that some Muslim competitors entered into the contest this year... read more here.

New Jewish Teen Outdoor Leadership Program

Here is an article from the Boulder Jewish News highlighting "Ramah Outdoor Adventure", the only kosher outdoor adventure camp in North America.  ROA is based right here in CO and their new leadership program is geared towards  allowing students to achieve a beneficial environmental education while learning in an inspiring Jewish community.  Look here for more info...
http://boulderjewishnews.org/2011/new-jewish-teen-outdoor-leadership-program/

The Face of Jewish Music

Matthew Paul Miller (Matisyahu) has a unique style, mixing vocals, beatboxing, reggae, and his strong hasidic beliefs into his music.  His first album took off when he performed live at "Stubbys" in Austin, Texas.  Personally, I'm a huge fan and the following songs may very well be his best...

Jerusalem - Matisyahu

I WIll Be Light - Matisyahu

One Day - Matisyahu

Jew Fest!

CU's Jew Fest is today, September 14, 2011!  It starts at 7 p.m.  The event consists of food, designing key chains, and the Moshav Band scheduled to play at 8 p.m.  All are welcome to attend... read more here http://boulderjewishnews.org/2011/chabad-jewish-student-association-bring-moshav-band-to-jew-fest/

Vandals Deface Jewish Memorial in Poland

On September 1, vandals defaced a memorial to Jews that suffered during  World War II by rearranging bushes from the shape of the Star of David into a Swastika.  The American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors, a well-known Jewish group, condemned this act at a public ceremony and urged Polish officials to do more in protecting these sites, read more here...http://www.jpost.com/JewishWorld/JewishNews/Article.aspx?id=237689