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Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
In some editions of the Siddur, several words are added to the text of Baruch She'amar on Shabbat. However, these additions are incorrect. The text of Baruch She'amar – which, according to tradition, was revealed to the Ansheh Kenesset Ha'gedola (Men of the Great Assembly) on a piece of paper that fell from the heavens – contains precisely 87 words, and this is the exact text that we should recite. There are some editions of the Siddur in which additions for Shabbat appear before Baruch She'amar. One may recite these additions, though he should ensure to have in mind that they are not said as part of Baruch She'amar, but rather comprise a separate text. The custom is to stand during the recitation of Baruch She'amar. However, since standing is required only by force of custom, and not as a strict Halachic obligation, one who is ill or otherwise frail may sit. Our custom is to hold the front two Sisit of the Tallit in our hand during the recitation of Baruch She'amar. This is based on a Kabbalistic teaching mentioned in the Sha'ar Ha'kavanot (a work based on the teachings of Rav Haim Vital, 1542-1620), according to which there is a deep connection between Baruch She'amar and Sisit. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) adds that one should kiss the Sisit upon concluding Baruch She'amar, as an expression of love and affection for the Misva of Sisit. In the phrase "Ha'mehulal Be'feh Amo," there are some who say "Be'fi" instead of "Be'feh." However, this is incorrect. The proper text is "Be'feh." Significantly, the word "Be'feh" in Gematria equals 87 – the number of words in Baruch She'amar. The correct pronunciation of the final word of Baruch She'amar is "Ba'tishbahot," and not "Ba'tushbahot." One who arrives in the synagogue late, and skips Pesukeh De'zimra in order to recite the Amida together with the congregation, does not recite Baruch She'amar afterward. This Beracha is to be recited only before the Amida. (This applies also to Yishtabah, the concluding Beracha of Pesukeh De'zimra.) The first four words of Baruch She'amar are "Baruch She'amar Ve'haya Ha'olam," the first letters of which (Bet, Shin, Vav, Heh) spell the word "Be'shaveh" – "equal." This has been understood as alluding that reciting Baruch She'amar properly earns us rewards equal to the rewards granted to the angels for serving G-d. Moreover, these four words express praise to Hashem for bringing the world into existence – and so reciting this blessing properly helps us tap into G-d's creative powers. So often, we need Hashem to bring us a salvation, to "create" a solution for us. People frequently approach me asking how they can earn something that they so desperately need. One thing we can do is to recite Baruch She'amar properly, slowly, from the Siddur, and with concentration, thinking about how Hashem created the world from sheer nothingness, and in this merit we will, please G-d, be worthy of Him "creating" the solutions that we all need in our lives.
Today, Jess, Les, Matt, and Algene discuss Iraq's parliamentary elections, where Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's coalition claimed victory, though history suggests the post-election power struggles are just beginning. With half of Iraq's population under 25, voter turnout strong, and political violence relatively low, this election could mark a step forward for Iraqi democracy.What do the results mean for U.S. strategy in the region as Washington prepares to reduce its troop presence by 2026? Can Iraq resist deepening Iranian influence at a time when Syria's landscape is shifting? And as the U.S. pushes to expand the Abraham Accords and secure energy stability, will Baghdad emerge as a partner for regional progress — or a pressure point for America's Middle East policy?Check out this source that helped shape our fellows' discussion: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-prime-minister-iran-backed-militias-set-for-difficult-negotiations-after-election-4668abb8?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfwA1yCAZTvMYMMp3i22_AkbCNDrQA-Ipis82JTDlJhiWMQ7gXCr_20BU6k91s%3D&gaa_ts=6916447b&gaa_sig=A231zbhaHMgoOWVXiVlE9kmZm1YmZvrIr9lVtai7yGoudpX6Xg-xoN3621z8UoZoEU1mt7i5d4OsmTh2rcb7JA%3D%3D4dd7f26b8e98 @nottvjessjones@lestermunson@AlgeneSajery@WMattHaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/94KRBnShAKY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Abbiamo spesso incontrato il termine "musica arabo-andalusa" e potremmo pensare che indichi una fusion fra musica araba e flamenco. Si tratta di tutt'altra coas, invece.Iniziamo l'analisi con un brano di Paco de Lucía dedicato a Ziryāb. Nel 1990 Paco de Lucía pubblicò un intero CD dedicato a Ziryāb, e in un concerto a Siviglia suonò con due chitarristi, suo nipote, José María Bandera e Juan Manuel Cañizares.Ma chi era Ziryāb?Ziryāb, ossia Abū al-Ḥasan ʿAlī ibn Nāfīʿ, nasce intorno al 789 nell'area dell'attuale Iraq, probabilmente vicino a Baghdad; l'origine etnica è dibattuta (persiano, curdo, africano o arabo). Il nome d'arte significa “usignolo nero” o “merlo”, indicazione della dolcezza della voce e della carnagione scura. Da giovane si formò alla corte abbaside di Hārūn al‑Rashīd a Baghdad, presso il maestro di musica ʿIshāq al‑Mawsilī, e si distinse perle sue qualità artistiche. Lasciò Baghdad, forse in fuga per rivalità con il suo maestro. Dopo un periodo in Nord Africa, intorno al 822 si trasferì alla corte di ʿAbd al‑Raḥmān II a Córdoba, allora centro politico e culturale dell'Islam occidentale.A Córdoba Ziryāb non si limitò alla musica: promosse innovazioni nella musica e divenne un vero influencer dell'epoca, tanto che lo stile estetico e di vita della corte andò modellandosi su di lui. Morì intorno all'857 d.C. a Córdoba, lasciando un'eredità che abbraccia costume, moda, gastronomia e performance.A Córdoba la musica classica araba di Baghdad si fuse con tradizioni visigote-cristiane e berbere nord-africane: questo è il seme della musica che oggi definiamo “musica arabo-andalusa”.Nel contesto di al-Andalus e grazie all'impulso dato da Ziryab, sorsero nuove forme poetico-musicali: il muwashshah (che significa ornato, ricamato) canto accompagnato da musica, in lingua colta e lo zajal in lingua dislettale. Lo zajal è una cantillazione più che un canto. Ascoltiamo un esempio di zajal del più famoso poeta del genere, Ibn Qūzmān (Córdoba ca. 1080-1160). Ti ricordo il Trovo, forma poetica che esiste ancor oggi in Spagna.Per capire come suona un muwashshah ascoltiamo la voce della cantante libanese Fairuz nell'esecuzione di “Jādaka al-Ghaithu”, panegirico dedicato al sultano Muhammad V of Granada verso la fine del 1300.Con il declino del potere arabo in Spagna nel XIII secolo e la caduta dell'ultimo emirato musulmano a Granada nel 1492, la cultura musicale trovò rifugio nel Maghreb (Marocco, Algeria, Tunisia). Da tempo gli arabi avevano perso potere in Al Andalus ed era iniziato un processo di espulsione, conversione forzata e migrazione delle comunità musulmane (e spesso ebraiche) verso il Maghreb. Queste migrazioni portarono con sé tradizioni musicali e culturali dell'Andalusia.La "musica arabo andalusa" o “musica ispano-araba” era musica colta, di corte. Le narrazioni che la collegano direttamente al flamenco appartengono al mito: utili come simboli, non come fatti documentati.L'evoluzione della musica di Al Andalus nel mondo arabo generò le forme della nūba in Nord Africa e della wasla in Medio Oriente.Nūba (plurale nūbāt) significa “turno” o “successione”: è una suite musicale colta della tradizione di al-Andalus trasmessa nel Maghreb, costruita su un maqām (modalità musicale) con sezioni ritmiche (mīzān/wazn) che cambiano e spesso accelerano. Wasla (plurale waslat) significa “connessione” o “sequenza”: indica un concerto o suite della tradizione classica araba orientale, centrata su un maqām, concatenazione di brani strumentali/vocali, introdotta tramite dulab, un fenomeno paragonabile al compas. Il compas è un modo di esprimere la frase ritmica e gli accordi principali della chitarra inun paricolare genere flamenco, il dulab esprime l'atmosfera musicale di un maqam attraverso un motivetto orecchiabile e facile da ricordare, che si ripete più volte nel concerto, a ricordare il tema ai partecipanti.Interessante nella Wasla è l'uso di improvvisazioni vocali: il Layālī (lett. o notti) che gioca sulla improvvisazione su due parole, ya leil ya ain (o notte o occhio) da cui la salida del cante flamenco è stata molto influenzata (soprattutto tiento e tango) e il Mawwāl, un canto poetico con melodia improvvisata, che ricorda un fandango grande, di melodia più libera.E anche del Taqsīm, improvvisazione strumentaleStrumenti tipici del complesso di musica, il Takht, sono: liuto arabo (ūd), flauto nay, la cetra qanūn, il violino kamanja o rababa, tamburelli (deff o riqq) e tamburi a cornice, la voce solista e il coroSpesso si definisce “musica arabo-andalusa” qualche concerto in cui musicisti arabi e flamenchi mescolano repertori, includendo brani famosi di musicisti arabi contemporanei o canzoni modaiole, con pezzi di “fusione”. Alla fusione dedicherò un altro episodio.Sono Sabina Todaro mi occupo di flamenco e danze e musiche del monndo arabo dal 1985. Dal 1990 insegno a Milano baile flamenco e Lyrical Arab Dance, un lavoro ull'espressione delle emozioni attraverso le danze e le musiche del mondo arabo.In conclusione: le storie su Ziryāb e sulla continuità diretta fra l'arte arabo-andalusa e il flamenco appartengono al mito: utili come simboli, non come fatti documentati. La musica arabo-andalusa è un ponte fra culture e tempi, non una linea ininterrotta. E tutto ciò pone le basi per comprendere anche le influenze che, nel tempo, hanno arricchito tradizioni come il flamenco.
If you thought Netflix's hit series The Diplomat was pure fiction, think again... According to creator Deborah Cahn the show was inspired by a real-life diplomat that she has described as "a superhero in a pant suit" - Ambassador Beth Jones. We tracked down Ambassador Jones and her husband Don to ask what it's really like to work in places like Kabul, Cairo, Baghdad and Kazakhstan and it turns out the truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Recommendations:Hamish: “Anchored in the region” – What the new Australia–Indonesia security treaty really means, article by Natalie SambhiGeraldine: Saturday Extra's Diplomacy mini-series from 2021, featuring interview with former diplomats: John McCarthy Sue Boyd Geoff Raby US Consul General Sharon Hudson Dean (Kylie Morris hosted) The late Martin Indyk Get in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.auFind all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dalia Al-Aqidi — Baghdad-born journalist, activist, and current challenger to Rep. Ilhan Omar — joins me to discuss her extraordinary life: growing up under Saddam Hussein, fleeing Iraq, decades reporting from war zones, and why she distinguishes Islam from Islamism. We dive into her fight against anti-Semitism, her views on immigration and U.S. foreign policy, and her perspective on Ilhan Omar, Al Jazeera, and the future of the Middle East.#Chapters0:00 Welcome & who is Dalia Al-Aqidi0:41 Baghdad upbringing; parents in Iraqi theater1:20 Fleeing Iraq (1988) & joining the opposition1:44 Radio Free Iraq and activism1:52 Chris Stevens' influence & immigrating to the U.S.2:33 Life in America; 37 years in journalism3:00 Covering wars from Iraq to Afghanistan4:04 Cultural vs. religious Islam; women under dictatorship7:02 Anti-Jewish indoctrination in the Middle East9:00 Why progressives avoid criticizing radical Islam11:26 Islam vs. Islamism & the “Islamophobia” label14:12 Muslim Brotherhood's influence in the West16:09 Why some immigrants import illiberal politics18:18 Risks for Muslim dissidents; community pressures21:05 Immigration, liberal ideals & “ideological tests”24:12 Borders vs. legal immigration28:07 On nation-states, borders, and sovereignty30:26 Community ties across faiths31:32 Concerns about Ilhan Omar, CAIR, and Turkey34:12 Al Jazeera Arabic vs. English38:05 Minneapolis issues: safety, economy, campus anti-Semitism40:13 Voting by issues; thoughts on Trump & Biden42:25 The Abraham Accords & Middle East peace46:02 Dalia's post-Oct 7 trip to Israel49:01 Misconceptions about Jews & Israel in Arab media52:24 Advice for Israel & American Jews combating hate57:19 Where American Jews fit politically now59:20 Building a centrist “decency coalition”1:00:02 Pro-life vs. pro-choice nuance1:01:23 Can she win a deep-blue district?1:02:10 Closing remarksKey topics: Iraq, Saddam Hussein, Ilhan Omar, Islam vs. Islamism, Muslim Brotherhood, Al Jazeera, anti-Semitism, immigration policy, Chris Stevens, Qatar, Hamas, October 7, Abraham Accords, Israel, centrism.#islam #islamism #iraq #ilhanomar #zohranmamdani #israel #muslim
Send us your feedback — we're listeningRevelation 1 : 5 — National Prayer for Iraq: Peace, Healing & Hope Through Jesus Christ6 P.M. Release — Recorded live here in London, England — from London to Baghdad, from Baghdad to Erbil, from Erbil to Cairo — as the day closes, we lift the nation of Iraq to Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness and Ruler of kings on earth.Scripture (NIV)“…and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” — Revelation 1 : 5 (NIV)Show NotesFor decades Iraq has known conflict and division, yet beneath the headlines the Church still prays. Searches rise for “prayer for Iraq,” “peace in the Middle East,” and “hope for nations.” This verse reminds us that Jesus Christ is not a distant observer of history — He is Lord over it.From London to Baghdad, Erbil to Cairo, believers lift the name of Jesus Christ over a land of ancient promise and present pain. His blood still speaks for mercy, His love still reaches those in ruins, and His authority still rules over every nation. Where fear has rooted deep, Christ's peace will plant hope again.Tonight we pray for peace in Iraq's cities, healing for its people, protection for its believers, and revival that brings the light of Jesus Christ to every region.10 Global Prayer Points (SEO Long-Tail Keywords)Prayer for peace and healing in Iraq Prayer for unity through Jesus Christ Prayer for comfort for families in grief Prayer for restoration of broken communities Prayer for leaders to govern with wisdom Prayer for the Church in Iraq to stand strong Prayer for refugees to find safety and faith Prayer for revival through the Spirit of Christ Prayer for hope to rise amid despair Prayer for the name of Jesus to be honoured in IraqLife ApplicationJesus Christ is not limited by borders. He reigns in war-torn lands and restores nations through His love.DeclarationJesus Christ is Lord over Iraq. His peace heals our wounds, His love unites our people, and His kingdom will never end.Call to ActionShare this national prayer to join believers interceding for Iraq. Partner with DailyPrayer.uk to spread Scripture-anchored devotions to the nations. Subscribe on Support the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.
Send us your feedback — we're listeningPhilippians 2 : 9-11 — Faith Under Fire: Prayer for Courage and Endurance for the Underground Church in Jesus Christ9 A.M. Release — Recorded live here in London, England — from London to Baghdad, from Baghdad to Kabul, from Kabul to Addis Ababa — as daylight spreads, the hidden Church rises again in the power of Jesus Christ.Scripture (NIV)“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2 : 9-11 (NIV)Show NotesAcross closed nations, believers whisper His Name where it is forbidden. They meet in secret rooms, behind locked doors, yet the presence of Jesus Christ fills their gatherings with holy courage. Searches rise for “prayer for persecuted Christians,” “strength for underground believers,” and “courage to stand for faith.”From London to Baghdad, Kabul to Addis Ababa, we lift the Secret Church before God. They cannot livestream their worship, but heaven hears their songs. They may lose everything, yet they hold the one treasure that cannot be taken — the Name above every name. Christ's authority defies oppression, His light pierces hidden rooms, and His grace strengthens weary hearts.This morning we pray for supernatural protection, courage, and unity for all who risk their lives to follow Jesus Christ. Their suffering is not silence — it is testimony.10 Global Prayer Points (SEO Long-Tail Keywords)Prayer for the persecuted and underground Church Prayer for courage for secret believers in Jesus Christ Prayer for faith to endure under pressure Prayer for safety of Christians in hostile regions Prayer for pastors and leaders in hidden churches Prayer for families separated by persecution Prayer for revival through suffering churches Prayer for boldness to share the Gospel Prayer for peace in fearful hearts Prayer for the Name of Jesus to be exalted worldwideLife ApplicationWhen faith is tested by fire, grace doesn't fade — it shines. Every believer in hiding reminds us that the Name of Jesus is worth everything.DeclarationI stand with the Church under fire. Jesus Christ is Lord of all, and no poSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.
From Kidnap Zones to Kiosks: Lessons in Leadership, Risk and Resilience Derek welcomes Richard Goodworth, an experienced Chief Financial Officer (ACCA) whose career has spanned the trading floors of London, the luxury world of Molton Brown, the high-risk security operations of Control Risks, - and now, the cutting-edge world of ImageHolders — creators of innovative self-service kiosks used by the NHS, United Airlines, Nordstrom, Hard Rock Café, and Mercedes-Benz.If you've ever tapped your details into a digital kiosk at McDonald's, checked in at an airport, or dropped a parcel at the Post Office — chances are, you've used one of Richard's creations!
At just 27 years old, fighter pilot Kim Campbell was flying a combat mission over Baghdad when a barrage of anti-aircraft fire struck her A-10 Warthog. Her hydraulics failed instantly. Ground troops shifted from receiving air support to preparing a rescue. But instead of ejecting, Kim did the unthinkable—manually flying the crippled aircraft for 45 harrowing minutes before landing safely in southern Iraq.That flight earned her the nickname “Killer Chick.” But Kim joins me to share the deeper story, including what trauma taught her about resilience, the preciousness of human life, and the power of teams—lessons that apply far beyond the battlefield, from leadership to family life.Submit a question for or raise your hand join the Listeners Episode:https://forms.gle/yf9aRU7BokGUTAFj6 Learn more about Kim's journey and her book, Flying in the Face of Fear:https://kim-kc-campbell.comContact me at silverliningshandbookpod@gmail.comCheck out the Silver Linings Handbook website at:https://silverliningshandbook.com/Check out our Patreon to support the show at:https://www.patreon.com/thesilverliningshandbookJoin our Facebook Group at:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361159947820623Visit the Silver Linings Handbook store to support the podcast at:https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-silver-linings-handbook-podcast-storeVisit The True Crime Times Substack at:https://truecrimemessenger.substack.comThe Silver Linings Handbook podcast is a part of the ART19 network. ART19 is a subsidiary of Wondery and Amazon Music.See the Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and the California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2 - Lieutenant Colonel Scott Rutter joins us on this Veterans' Day to reflect on his service, as he has a new book, “Damn Fine Soldiers: The Epic Story of Task Force 2-7 Infantry and the 21-Day Attack to Baghdad That Changed Modern Warfare”, that details exactly what the title indicates. What was it like receiving that intel and then going out and defeating our enemies in Baghdad? Who is Scott really proud of for his service to this country? How much did terrain affect the war in Afghanistan? How do we pay tribute to those lost in that war? Should there be more veterans in our government positions? Are we yearning for more military men? When will his book be hitting shelves? What's his biggest memory of being a “fixer” at Guantanamo Bay? 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 220 - Does this city really need more red light cameras? How many are in the city now? 235 - Your calls. 250 - The Lightning Round!
12 - President Trump gives his remarks on Veterans' Day to start today's show. 1220 - Side - best war movie character 1230 - Congressman Jeff Van Drew joins us today, and he pays tribute to a veteran who didn't understand why he was getting so much praise for his service. Are we out of the shutdown? What is the outlook on when things will go back to some sense of normalcy? Can we ever come to terms on some key issues? 1250 - Your calls to round out the first hour. 1 - Legendary investigative journalist, Gerald Posner, joins the program today. Why doesn't he have a Pulitzer Prize yet? Why has Gerald focused his energy on the gender dysphoria problem in his journalism career? Why are the Olympics now moving to ban transgender athletes from competing with the opposite sex? What have they realized regarding physiological differences in women and transgender women? What is the funny thing about Twitter/X for Gerald? 120 - Who in our government was in the military? Why is that amount dwindling? Your calls. 130 - Will we elect more military personnel to offices? 140 - Josh Shapiro goes after JD Vance over his background and how he is turning his back on his people. Isn't that hypocritical of Josh to say? 150 - Will Henry be able to fly on Thursday? Your calls. 2 - Lieutenant Colonel Scott Rutter joins us on this Veterans' Day to reflect on his service, as he has a new book “Damn Fine Soldiers: The Epic Story of Task Force 2-7 Infantry and the 21-Day Attack to Baghdad That Changed Modern Warfare”, that details exactly what the title indicates. What was it like receiving that intel and then going out and defeating our enemies in Baghdad? Who is Scott really proud of for his service to this country? How much did terrain affect the war in Afghanistan? How do we pay tribute to those lost in that war? Should there be more veterans in our government positions? Are we yearning for more military men? When will his book be hitting shelves? What's his biggest memory of being a “fixer” at Guantanamo Bay? 215 - Dom's Money Melody! 220 - Does this city really need more red light cameras? How many are in the city now? 235 - Your calls. 250 - The Lightning Round!
Since Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government came to power three years ago following a serious political crisis, Iraq has been experiencing one of the calmest and most stable periods of the last two decades. The capital Baghdad is currently undergoing major renovation work. FRANCE 24's Marie-Charlotte Roupie reports, with Josh Vardey.
1) A Gaza gli attacchi continuano e gli ingressi umanitari restano pochi. Nella striscia, però, si prova a pensare al futuro. (Giulio Cocchini - Cesvi) 2)Baghdad tra Washington e Teheran. Gli Iracheni votano per le elezioni parlamentari che decideranno che direzione prenderà il paese. (Laura Silvia Battaglia) 3) Stati Uniti, il senato approva il provvedimento per mettere fine allo shutdown. Lo stallo economico sembra vicino alla fine, ma il voto ha spaccato i democratici. (Roberto Festa) 4) Il costo climatico dell'intelligenza artificiale. Per la prima volta alla Cop30 di Belem si discuterà dell'impatto ambientale delle tecnologie digitali. (Alice Franchi) 5) Spagna, la pubblicazione delle memorie dell'ex re Juan Carlos riaprono il dibattito sul ruolo della monarchia. (Giulio Maria Piantedosi) 6) Rubrica sportiva. La squadra femminile di calcio under 17 della corea del nord si riconferma campione del mondo. Non una sorpresa, ma una strategia pianificata. (Luca Parena)
"From the Frontlines" is an ADL podcast which brings listeners to the frontline in the battle against antisemitism and extremism through conversations with ADL staff who are living that battle every day. The frontline in this podcast is deeply personal because it's about one of our own. Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University doctoral student, was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 21, 2023, while conducting research for her dissertation. Leading the fight for her release was her sister Emma Tsurkov who is the Director of Quantitative Research in ADL's Center for Antisemitism Research. She never stopped advocating, never stopped demanding action, and never gave up hope. On September 9th of this year, Elizabeth was finally freed and returned home to Israel. To tell that story, Emma joined this podcast to share her incredibly personal and powerful story. To read the New York Times article on Elizabeth's ordeal mentioned in the podcast, visit: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/world/middleeast/tsurkov-kataib-torture-kidnap.html. This conversation was recorded in November 2025.
2. The Islamic World's Scientific Contributions and Mars in Medieval Thought. Matthew Shindell highlights an intellectual renaissance in the Islamic world—specifically Baghdad and Damascus—between the 10th and 16th centuries, which was vital while Europe was experiencing its "Dark Ages." Through translation and original work, Islamic scholars built upon ancient knowledge, fueling a great intellectual transformation. In the medieval period, Mars was widely associated with vices like war, violence, and disaster. However, the renowned poet Dante Alighieri, in The Divine Comedy, transformed this negative association into the virtue of fortitude. Since Dante was charting a path through the heavens, where all planets had to represent virtues, Mars was designated as the sphere housing martyrs and those who died in holy war, becoming a highly important symbol for Christian Europe. 1962
2. The Islamic World's Scientific Contributions and Mars in Medieval Thought. Matthew Shindell highlights an intellectual renaissance in the Islamic world—specifically Baghdad and Damascus—between the 10th and 16th centuries, which was vital while Europe was experiencing its "Dark Ages." Through translation and original work, Islamic scholars built upon ancient knowledge, fueling a great intellectual transformation. In the medieval period, Mars was widely associated with vices like war, violence, and disaster. However, the renowned poet Dante Alighieri, in The Divine Comedy, transformed this negative association into the virtue of fortitude. Since Dante was charting a path through the heavens, where all planets had to represent virtues, Mars was designated as the sphere housing martyrs and those who died in holy war, becoming a highly important symbol for Christian Europe. 1920 JOHN CARTER
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
It is customary to add on every Yom Tob a special chapter of Tehillim associated with that Yom Tob. The chapter is recited immediately after the recitation of "Yosheb Be'seter Elyon," which is one of the chapters of Tehillim added before Baruch She'amar on Shabbat and Yom Tob. This custom is mentioned by the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in Parashat Vayigash, though he notes that the custom among the Kabbalists in Yeshivat Bet-El in Jerusalem was not to add this recitation on Yom Tob. It is reported that many Kabbalists omitted this recitation because the Arizal did not instruct adding a special chapter of Tehillim on Yom Tob. In any event, the accepted custom today is to add this chapter every Yom Tob. There were some communities who recited the chapter in Tehillim (19) "La'menase'ah Mizmor Le'David" before Baruch She'amar on Hol Ha'mo'ed. This was the custom in Yeshivat Bet-El, though the Ben Ish Hai did not follow this practice in Baghdad. The accepted custom is not to add this chapter on Hol Ha'mo'ed. Some Poskim recommend to add this chapter privately on Hol Ha'mo'ed after reciting "La'menase'ah Bi'neginot" before Baruch She'amar, but this is not our community's custom.
Today's guest is Billy Birdzell, founder of Horatius Group, an independent investment bank focused on creating exceptional outcomes for founder-led and family-owned businesses, and Horatius Impact, a non-profit dedicated to training and equipping scouts to defend endangered species like rhino and lion from poachers in Africa. Billy began his career as an infantry and special operations officer in the United States Marine Corps. On September 11, 2001, he was in New York City — an event that would forever shape his path. Soon after, he deployed to Iraq, meeting his platoon in combat and leading Marines through the fight to Baghdad. In this conversation, Billy and Jack discuss what it means to lead in the chaos of war, the relentless push to “just keep moving forward,” and the weapons and gear that defined those early battles.They revisit the Battle of Najaf in August 2004 and the historic January 2005 elections in Iraq, reflecting on the cost and meaning of those moments. Billy shares his journey from conventional infantry operations to Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), his experiences training for special operations, attending French language school, and deploying to Africa.The two also look back on their long friendship and Jack's transition from the Teams to becoming an author, before diving into Billy's post-military mission — building Horatius Group and Horatius Impact, and his ongoing work in Africa protecting wildlife and empowering local defenders on the frontlines of conservation.FOLLOW BILLYLinkedIn: @BillyBirdzellWebsite: https://www.horatiusgroup.com FOLLOW JACKInstagram: @JackCarrUSA X: @JackCarrUSAFacebook: @JackCarr YouTube: @JackCarrUSASPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear
Jerome Loughridge is the inaugural Executive Director of the Aspen-Kern Program on Leadership & Character in Higher Education, a new national initiative of the Aspen Institute. Having previously served as chief of staff at both a major public and a national private research university, Jerome will lead a cohort of US college presidents who are new to their roles as they seek to reclaim the importance of character formation for democratic citizenship and greater human flourishing. Jerome returned to higher education after a fifteen-year career in the energy sector, where he led both private equity-backed and publicly-traded companies across North America. A native of rural Oklahoma, Jerome earned his interdisciplinary BA at Baylor University (Phi Beta Kappa) and attended Harvard University as a Truman Scholar prior to beginning his energy career as an international derivatives trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). In response to 9/11, Jerome competed for a White House Fellowship – a process that resulted in his being appointed as one of twelve young professionals to the Bush Administration and his assignment as special assistant to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In that capacity, he worked on post-war Iraqi reconstruction, splitting time between the West Wing, the Pentagon and Baghdad. Jerome's post-White House professional roles included leadership of portfolio companies with Connecticut-based Wexford Capital and New York-based Ziff Brothers Investments. Among those were the launch of Great White Energy Services, where he was chief operating officer; the creation of Black Mesa Energy Services, where he was president; the formation of Legend Energy Services, where he was executive chairman; and the establishment of Seventy Seven Energy from Chesapeake Oilfield Services, where he served as president of Great Plains Oilfield and remained as an executive through the company's acquisition. Jerome served as CEO of NextStream, a joint venture between GE-Baker Hughes and private partners to bring new technology to the upstream energy sector. Jerome has held board positions with companies in Dongying, China, and Alberta, Canada, in addition to various firms in the U.S. In March 2019, while serving as an energy-sector executive, Jerome was nominated by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, as Secretary of Health and Mental Health in order to bring business principles to the work of government agencies. In his volunteer Cabinet role, he was responsible for driving Medicaid expansion in the State and eventually helped lead the Governor's Covid-19 Task Force responsible for Oklahoma's response to the global coronavirus pandemic. Jerome is currently completing a Master of Studies at the University of Oxford where he is reading practical ethics in the Department of Philosophy and the Uehiro Institute Oxford. He chairs the Honors College board at Baylor University and regularly teaches at the collegiate, community and international levels, primarily in East Africa and Latin America, on faith, public policy and leadership. Jerome and his wife live on an acreage outside Oklahoma City and have two boys.
The fifth trumpet in Revelation 9, interpreted as the first of three woes, symbolizes the rise and expansion of Islam as a false religious system that darkens the truth of Christ through doctrinal distortion and military conquest. Centered on the figure of Muhammad, portrayed as a star fallen from heaven and given authority over the bottomless pit, this judgment reflects a spiritual and historical invasion that, while not destroying the physical earth, inflicts prolonged torment on those without the spiritual seal of God—those who reject Christ's exclusive authority. The imagery of locusts with scorpion-like stings, riding horses, and wearing golden crowns evokes the swift, disciplined, and enduring nature of early Islamic expansion, which preserved infrastructure and imposed servitude rather than wholesale slaughter, aligning with the text's emphasis on torment over death. The 150-year period (612–762), understood through the day-year principle, marks the foundational era of Islamic conquest and theological deviation, culminating in the establishment of Baghdad as a center of power. Ultimately, the passage offers both warning and assurance: while false religion seeks to obscure Christ's glory and ensnare the unsealed, those marked by God's Spirit are preserved by His grace, sustained through trials, and guaranteed perseverance to the end through faith in Christ alone.
Welcome to season 3 of Faux Real! To start this season off, I am joined by actor, writer, producer, and activist Jess Jacobs to chat all about her new film If You See Something co-starring Adam Bakri (Accused) and Krystina Alabado (Hazbin Hotel). In the film, Ali (Bakri), an Iraqi doctor seeking asylum who falls for Katie (Jacobs), an emerging New York gallerist and they begin a new romance together. When disturbing news from Baghdad comes back to haunt Ali in the midst of his asylum process, Ali becomes increasingly torn between the new life he's starting with Katie and the life he left behind. See at at a theater near you when it opens wide November 14th! Meanwhile, enjoy the show! Jess Jacobs on IMDb Jess Jacobs Official Site If You See Something on IMDb Special Thanks to Dakota Rosen @ Origin PR for bringing Jess on the program Listen to Faux Real on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and all your favorite podcast platforms! Watch the entire video conversation on YouTube Instagram @FauxRealPod Twitter @FauxRealPod Facebook @FauxRealPod Logo design by Chris Michaud Faux Real is a production of Wilder Entertainment © 2025
In this powerful interview, The Mulligan Brothers sit down with John “Shrek” McPhee, a former Delta Force Operator and the Sheriff of Baghdad, to talk about life in Special Operations, leadership, and the lessons learned from decades of combat experience. Shrek shares unfiltered truths about military life, personal discipline, mental resilience, and how he found purpose beyond the battlefield. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation with one of the most respected figures in the tactical and veteran community.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The proclamation "Hashem Melech, Hashem Malach, Hashem Yimloch Le'olam Va'ed," which we make each morning before Baruch She'amar, should be made while standing. On weekdays, "Hashem Melech" is recited just before Baruch She'amar, and so one remains standing until after Baruch She'amar. On Shabbat and holidays, however, when other chapters of Tehillim are recited in between "Hashem Melech" and Baruch She'amar, one must remain standing until he completes the verse recited right after "Hashem Melech" – "Ve'haya Hashem La'Melech…U'Shmo Ehad." The next paragraph – "Hoshi'enu" – may be recited sitting. If one has already prayed Shaharit, and, while learning Torah in the synagogue, he hears the congregation recite "Hashem Melech," then he must stand. Preferably, he should also join them in the recitation. If, however, one hears an individual reciting "Hashem Melech," not with a Minyan, he has no obligation to stand. If a person is praying with a Minyan, and he is still reciting Hodu when the congregation reaches "Hashem Melech," then he should stand but not join the congregation in reciting "Hashem Melech." The Arizal taught that the sequence of the prayer service is vitally important, and so following the proper order takes precedence over the value of joining the congregation in reciting "Hashem Melech." Disrupting the sequence of the Tefila could adversely affect its impact, and so one should not recite "Hashem Melech" early, while he has yet to complete Hodu or the earlier parts of the service. This is the ruling of the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). This is in contrast to the view of the Peri Hadash (Rav Hizkiya Da Silva, 1659-1698), who felt that since we do not pray with all the deep intentions of the Arizal, the sequence of the prayers is not as critical, and thus one should interrupt an earlier part of the service for the sake of joining the recitation of "Hashem Melech." The Ben Ish Hai countered that we should follow the Arizal's practices despite not having all his deep Kavanot (intentions), and so the sequence must be maintained. It is worth noting that if Halacha discourages disrupting the Tefila with the recitation of a different part of the service, then certainly, and many times more so, it forbids interruptions such as reading text messages, checking notifications, and doing other things with one's device. Throughout the entire prayer service, we should try to remain as singularly focused on our Tefila as possible, and make a point of avoiding all distractions. "Hashem Melech" is recited also during the Selihot prayers, and the Ben Ish Hai writes that the aforementioned Halachot apply also when one hears the congregation recite "Hashem Melech" during Selihot, and he is required to stand. Standing during "Hashem Melech" is the accepted custom, but not a strict Halachic requirement. Therefore, an elderly or infirm individual, who finds it difficult to stand, may remain seated for the recitation of "Hashem Melech." The Ben Ish Hai writes that standing is not required during the traditional recitation of "Hashem Melech" during the Hakafot on Simhat Torah. This custom is a relatively new development, and may thus be treated more leniently, such that standing is not required. Hacham Ovadia Yosef raises the question of how the Ben Ish Hai could write this, as standing is strictly required during Hakafot for an entirely different reason – because the Torah scrolls are being carried. Irrespective of the recitation of "Hashem Melech," standing is required in the synagogue when the Sefer Torah is being carried, which is of course happening during Hakafot. Some answer this question by suggesting that the Ben Ish Hai accepted the novel ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995) permitting one to sit during Hakafot. Rav Shlomo Zalman asserted that during Hakafot, the Torah scrolls are considered to be in their place, as they are meant to be danced with at this time. Standing for the Sefer Torah is required only when it is removed from its place, and therefore one may sit during Hakafot, when the Torah scrolls are, in a sense, in their place. For this reason, perhaps, the Ben Ish Hai permitted sitting while reciting "Hashem Melech" during the Hakafot. It is unlikely, however, that the Ben Ish Hai followed this novel position, and in fact, it is not accepted as Halacha. The story is told of Hacham Ezra Attieh (1885-1970), Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Porat Yosef, who, as an older man, felt weary during Hakafot on Simhat Torah, and so he left the room to sit down somewhere else. This is the generally accepted Halacha – that even those who feel weak or weary during Hakafot should leave the synagogue to sit. (It should be noted, however, that Hacham Ovadia permitted sitting when the Torah scrolls are stationary in the few moments between Hakafot.) It is more likely, then, that the Ben Ish Hai referred to the practice observed in many congregations to place the Torah scrolls on the Teba after dancing and recite the hymns, including "Hashem Melech," and he therefore wrote that sitting is permissible during that time. Summary: One must stand for the recitation of "Hashem Melech" during Shaharit. If one had already prayed, and, while learning in the synagogue, he hears the congregation recite "Hashem Melech," he should stand and join their recitation. If one is reciting a different part of the prayer service, such as Hodu, then he should rise but not interrupt to recite "Hashem Melech." This applies also to the recitation of "Hashem Melech" during Selihot. Standing is not required, however, for the recitation of "Hashem Melech" during Hakafot if the Torah scrolls are on the Teba and not being carried at that time. The elderly, infirm and others who find it difficult to stand may remain seated for the recitation of "Hashem Melech," even during Shaharit and Selihot.
Send us a text Avram Davidson (himself) warms up for a lecture and pulls you aboard a lateen-rigged dhow to ask the irresistible question: where, exactly, did Sinbad sail—Borneo, Sumatra, Serendib, even Madagascar—or only through our imaginations? Show notes: • Paul Bunyan vs. Sinbad: why tall tales can still point to real shores • Baghdad's golden age, Harun al-Rashid, and merchants' cargo lists like poetry • Dhows, monsoons, “islands” that breathe (whale? turtle?), and apes near Sumatra• The rukh/roc, Aepyornis eggs, and dagobas that look like giant eggs from afar • Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, and the joys of pure serendipity Hashtags: #AvramDavidson #AdventuresInUnhistory #sinbad #arabiannights #mythology #indianocean #baghdad #dhow #rock #borneo #sumatra #srilanka #madagascar #historynerd @FolkloreThursday @ARABliterature @britishlibrary @SmithsonianMagazine @SFWA @CaptainSinbad
The 3-part series “Can the record be trusted?” explores the prospects and challenges of human rights documentation and archives in the digital age, with speakers from an international expert workshop that took place at Queens University Belfast in November 2024.In this opening episode, Dr Julia Viebach speaks with Babacar Ndaye, former Senior Program Officer with the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL in Iraq (UNITAD). The conversation explores the immense challenge of managing millions of digital files retrieved from ISIS-controlled territories—from battlefield evidence on hard drives and drones to administrative documents detailing the organization's operations.UNITAD partnered with Microsoft to deploy AI tools for processing this vast corpus of data, while maintaining forensic standards and chain of custody. Babcar reflects on critical questions about authentication, the role of civil society organizations as first responders, and the uncertain future of UNITAD's archive, now held in New York without a clear mandate for use.About: Babacar Ndaye has worked with the United Nations for over 11 years as an information systems specialist, including serving as Senior Program Officer with UNITAD in Baghdad from 2018-2024. More information: UNITADhttps://lawpod.org/can-the-record-be-trusted/Mentioned in this episode:Series Introduction
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
Each morning before Baruch She'amar, the congregation stands and the Hazan declares, "Hashem Melech, Hashem Malach, Hashem Yimloch Le'olam Va'ed" – "Hashem is King, Hashem was King, Hashem will be King for all eternity." The congregation then repeats this proclamation after the Hazan. Our custom is to make this proclamation twice. There is an opinion that a Minyan is required for pronouncing "Hashem Melech," but the accepted view is that this may be said even without a Minyan, and so if ten men have yet to arrive by this point, "Hashem Melech" may nevertheless be recited. Some communities have the practice that a child leads the congregation in reciting "Hashem Melech." It would seem, however, that it is more proper to choose someone who is at least Bar-Misva age to lead this proclamation. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) brings a custom to lift one's feet when reciting "Hashem Melech," like we do when reciting "Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh." This symbolizes the "elevation" that we experience through this recitation, as we make our way toward the higher realms until we reach the highest level in the heavens so we can recite the Amida directly in Hashem's presence. One who follows this custom must ensure to do so in a discreet, unassuming manner, and not in a way that draws attention to himself. The Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria, Safed, 1534-1572) taught that the pronouncement of "Hashem Melech" is associated with our quest to neutralize the 280 "Kelipot," or negative energies, that threaten us. These 280 forces are alluded to in the names of the five letters of the Hebrew alphabet that are changed when they appear at the end of a word: Mem, Nun, Sadi, Peh, Kaf (represented by the acrostic "Mansapach"). The combined numerical value of these letters is 280. When we succeed in "subjugating" these 280 forces, the Arizal taught, Mashiah will come. In the proclamation of "Hashem Melech," the words "Melech" and "Malach" both have the Gematria of 90, and the word "Yimloch" equals 100 – for a total of 280, thus alluding to the "Kelipot." The Name of "Havaya" is mentioned three times in this proclamation ("Hashem Melech, Hashem Malach, Hashem Yimloch"), and in Gematria it equals 26, for a total of 78 (26 * 3). Adding this to 280, we arrive at a total of 358 – the Gematria of "Mashiah" (40+300+10+8). This daily proclamation, then, is a crucial part of our effort to overcome the harmful spiritual forces in the world so that we will become worthy of the arrival of Mashiah.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Brian Zieroth, Senior Program Manager at the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) at Y-12. Discover the pivotal role UPF plays in supporting the nation's nuclear deterrent and global security missions. Brian shares the challenges and triumphs of modernizing uranium processing capabilities, emphasizing the importance of safety and innovation. With construction set to complete in 2027, UPF is poised to be a cornerstone of national security infrastructure. Don't miss this deep dive into a project that ensures our strategic deterrent remains robust and reliable.Brian is the senior project manager for the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a plant designed to replace older, outdated facilities and meet modern safety and environmental standards. He is responsible for all engineering, procurement, construction, and startup activities. He has nearly 30 years' experience with Bechtel, and is a Bechtel Principal Vice President. Brian brings diverse industry experience to his leadership role for the UPF project. He has held project management roles of increasing responsibility at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) at the Hanford site, the Chemistry and Metallurgy Replacement Project (CMRR) at Los Alamos National Laboratory, UPF, and as Director for Enterprise Line-Item Projects at Consolidated Nuclear Security, where he provided oversight for the Y-12 site in Oak Ridge and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, TX. In 2022, he became area project manager for the main processing building at UPF, before being named to his current role in 2024.He joined Bechtel in 1997 in the Information Systems and Technology group for Bechtel Enterprises. In 2003, he became deputy IS&T manager on the Iraq reconstruction project in Baghdad. In 2006, he moved to the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Project in Idaho. He was then named plant automation manager at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in 2010 and chief information officer at WTP in 2012.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org
#187 - A childhood marked by chaos. A career built on service. And a second act shaped by faith, language, and a blank page. Jake sits down with Ken Webb to trace a life that refuses to settle for mere existence—from praying his way through a turbulent home to leading across Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.Ken opens up about how his grandparents' steady love and a lived-in faith helped him endure abuse and instability, and how those early lessons informed three decades in the Army Reserve. We walk through his pivot from military police to intelligence, the realities of early Iraq deployments, the nuance of embassy duty in Baghdad, and the complexity of retiring when your identity is wrapped in a uniform. Ken shares why he turned down comfortable contracts, chose Miraflores in Lima, and made Spanish class and the gym his new daily discipline.We also dig into his debut novel, Trapped in Deception, a work of fiction threaded with real messages and real emotions. The story explores gaslighting, misplaced trust, and moral courage through a protagonist who—like Ken—keeps moving forward even when life tilts sideways. Along the way, Ken reframes adventure: not cliffs and bravado, but consistent growth, honest discomfort, and choices that expand your life. If you're wrestling with what comes after a big chapter ends, or wondering how to trade drift for direction, this conversation offers practical hope and hard-won insight.Listen, share with a friend who needs courage today, and if the story speaks to you, leave a quick rating or review. It helps more curious, purpose-driven listeners find the show.To learn more about Ken and his first novel check out kenwebb69.com.Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Visit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out. Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.
Daily Halacha Podcast - Daily Halacha By Rabbi Eli J. Mansour
The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that the section of Hodu should be recited in the morning immediately following the Korbanot section, which discusses the sacrifices offered each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash. King David established the reading of Hodu during the offering of the daily Tamid sacrifice, and so, in commemoration, we should recite Hodu immediately after we speak of this sacrifice. Furthermore, the Ben Ish Hai writes, the declaration of "Hashem Melech, Hashem Malach, Hashem Yimloch Le'olam Va'ed" should be made soon after the recitation of Hodu. Therefore, if somebody recited the sections of Korbanot and Hodu at home, and then comes to the synagogue, he should repeat Hodu so he can juxtapose this recitation to the pronouncement of "Hashem Melech…" Our custom is to recite Hodu before Baruch She'amar, but the custom among many Ashkenazim is to recite Baruch She'amar first, before Hodu. This sequence is indeed found in a number of ancient Ashkenazic texts of the Siddur. The Maharam Shick (Hungary, 1807-1879) went so far as to say that one who recites Hodu before Baruch She'amar does not fulfill the obligation of Pesukeh De'zimra. He explained that the verses of Hodu express praise for Hashem, which is the function of Pesukeh De'zimra, and so they must be included within the framework of Pesukeh De'zimra, which begins with Baruch She'amar. Later Rabbis disputed this strict position, noting that the Arizal taught that Hodu should be recited before Baruch She'amar. Moreover, even the Ashkenazim recite the chapter of "Aromimcha Hashem Ki Dilitani" before Baruch She'amar, even though that chapter, like Hodu, expresses praise to Hashem. And, several Rishonim wrote explicitly that one should proceed directly from Baruch She'amar to the series of "Haleluya" chapters of Tehillim, such that Hodu must be recited beforehand. Of course, every community should follow the custom that they've received from their forebears. The Arizal taught that every community has its own "gate" through which its prayers ascend to the heavens, and so each community should strictly adhere to its customs. Significantly, however, Hacham Ovadia Yosef cites the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) as stating that prayers that follow the Sephardic custom ascend through all the "gates," and thus an Ashkenazi who wishes to adopt the Sephardic prayer customs may do so. This is evidenced by none other than the Arizal himself, who was an Ashkenazi but decided to adopt the customs of prayer followed by the Sepharadim. Similarly, Rav Natan Adler (Germany, 1741-1800) brought a Rabbi from Turkey to teach him the Sephardic tradition of prayer because he wanted to adopt those customs. Therefore, Hacham Ovadia writes, an Ashkenazi may switch to the Sephardic prayer customs, but a Sephardi may not adopt the Ashkenazic prayer customs. Accordingly, Hacham Ovadia ruled that if a Sephardi prays in an Ashkenazic Minyan, he should not serve as Hazan, as this would require him to recite Baruch She'amar before Hodu. Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998) maintained that a Sephardi may lead the services according to Ashkenazic custom, but Hacham Ovadia disagreed, and stated that a Sephardi must adhere to the Sephardic custom of reciting Baruch She'amar only after Hodu. If a Sepharadi mistakenly recited Baruch She'amar without first reciting Hodu, and he realized his mistake after completing Baruch She'amar, then he should recite Hodu at that point. This was the ruling of Hacham Ben Sion, and Hacham Ovadia would presumably agree that after the fact, if a person already recited Baruch She'amar, then he can and should still recite Hodu. Summary: Sephardic practice is to recite Hodu before Baruch She'amar, whereas many Ashkenazim have the custom to recite Hodu only after Baruch She'amar. A Sepharadi praying in an Ashkenazic Minyan must adhere to Sephardic practice, and so he should not serve as Hazan, as this would compel him to reverse the order in accordance with Ashkenazic practice. However, if a Sepharadi mistakenly recited Baruch She'amar first, he recites Hodu afterward.
By the latter part of the twentieth century, the world had become unipolar. The Soviet Empire collapsed even more rapidly than the British one had after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. China was not yet the force it is today. The US was at the pinnacle of its global power.That made it all the more unbearable that it came under assault within its own borders by the terrorists of the 9/11 attack in 2001. A reaction was inevitable. We saw last time how it invaded Afghanistan, but that seemed barely justified since there's no evidence of Afghan involvement in the attacks. By 2003, the US as ready to turn its military aggression against another nation in what it called its ‘war on terror', a strange notion of waging war against an abstract noun. Concretely, its new target was Iraq. Sadly, however, Iraqi contact with the 9/11 attacks had proved as difficult to substantiate as Afghanistan's. But the US put together an international coalition for war there, as it had once before in 1990-91, to throw Iraqi invaders out of Kuwait.This though would be much smaller coalition, with fewer nations prepared to support President George ‘Dubya' Bush's new campaign. It didn't help that it looked suspiciously at least partly aimed at completing the work of his own father, George HW Bush, who'd been president during the previous war on Iraq, by bringing down the dictator Saddam Hussein.One of the nations right alongside the US was Britain. That would leave a lasting mark on Tony Blair's legacy. Which might as a result not have been quite as glowing as he might have liked.Our subject for next week.Illustration: Government buildings burning in Baghdad following a US airstrike in March 2003. Photo Ramzi Haidar / AFP / Getty from ‘The Atlantic'Music: Bach Partita #2c by J Bu licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License
Send us a textIn this episode, we cover two major events in Nicaea's history. Specifically, the death of Theodore Laskaris II, who tragically died similarly to his father, far too early. Theodore was only in his 30s, and his reign had not quite been secured. His final days were filled with epileptic fits and paranoia. But at the same time as the downward spiral of Theodore, the Mongol Empire launched an invasion of the Abbasid caliphate. By the end of this episode, we will see the fall of the Laskarids, the Abbasids, and the Nizari Assassins.The History of Modern Greece Podcast covers the events from Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, and the fall of Constantinople in 1453, to the years under the Ottoman Empire, and 1821 when the Greeks fought for independence... all the way to the modern-day.Website: www.moderngreecepodcast.comSOCIAL MEDIA: Go here to chat with us. https://www.instagram.com/historyofmodern%20greece/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578023316172Music by Mark Jungerman: www.marcjungermann.comCheck out our 2nd Podcast: www.antecedors.com
1. The American Invasion and Start of Chaos The April 2003 American arrival in Baghdad saw Saddam's statue toppled before foreign journalists rather than Iraqi crowds, with contradiction between heavily armed US presence and citywide looting while the Iraqi Museum was ransacked but Ministry of Oil secured. Iraqis initially believed Americans would bring prosperity, leading to disappointment over "criminal negligence," with Abdullahad becoming an accidental journalist after bribing his way out of detention.
5. Maliki's Corruption and Road to ISIS During 2011-2013, Baghdad was unrecognizable, divided by concrete walls into sectarian neighborhoods, with Maliki pursuing sectarian policies targeting Sunni figures while building government on corruption and patronage. Military became money-making machine with "ghost soldiers," weakening army before ISIS emerged. Al-Qaeda resurrected amid Syrian chaos while Sunni leaders aligning with jihadis during 2012 "Friday of Anger" demonstrations proved disastrous as Maliki's forces collapsed, allowing ISIS to present as "liberator."
6. Ramadi's Infighting and ISIS Infiltration Ramadi saw tragic infighting among Sunni tribal elders utilizing outside powers to increase influence, unable to form coherent political project while US treated them monolithically. Market scenes devolved into chaos with 14 factions fighting simultaneously. After Al-Qaeda's defeat, no one expected jihadis' return, but Maliki's sectarianism and security forces' corruption created societal crack that disciplined ISIS forces infiltrated, while Iran's influence existed since Americans entered Baghdad.
1. The American Invasion and Start of Chaos The April 2003 American arrival in Baghdad saw Saddam's statue toppled before foreign journalists rather than Iraqi crowds, with contradiction between heavily armed US presence and citywide looting while the Iraqi Museum was ransacked but Ministry of Oil secured. Iraqis initially believed Americans would bring prosperity, leading to disappointment over "criminal negligence," with Abdullahad becoming an accidental journalist after bribing his way out of detention. 1600
After two incredibly long years, we are finally able to celebrate the return of all living Israeli hostages from the hell of Hamas. Absent specifics and relying on a long history of failed “new beginnings” in the Middle East, Trump's 20-point Peace Plan begs the question, what comes next? With a successful Phase One and a fragile Phase Two, it is with cautious optimism that we ask: how will disarmament and demilitarization be successfully carried out in Gaza? What does this mean for Israeli politics and the looming election? And how will Western leftist groups react to the end of the fake “genocide”? Dan Senor currently serves as the Chief Public Affairs Officer at Elliott Investment Management in addition to hosting his own podcast, Call Me Back. Mr. Senor served as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator Mitt Romney and former U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan in their campaigns for national office. During the presidential administration of George W. Bush, Mr. Senor was based in Baghdad, where he served as chief spokesperson for the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. Before that, he was a senior Defense Department official based in US Central Command in Qatar. Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.
As Iraq heads toward pivotal parliamentary elections this November, the outcome could reshape power dynamics in Baghdad. The Iraqi Voices team unpack why these elections are so consequential and what's at stake for Iraq's stability and democratic consolidation.
After the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the death of Saddam Hussein, scientists who worked for the regime were killed or left the country. When one of them –microbiologist Thamer Abdul Rahman Imran – learned the new regime wanted to arrest him and the insurgents wanted to kill him, he went into hiding. Racing against time, ex–Secret Service agent Steve Monteiro and his team from the Department of Homeland Security set out to find the missing scientist and learn what he knew about the anthrax crisis that was baffling investigators in the United States. The journey took them from the White House to the Middle East as they fight bureaucrats in Washington who seemed to want them to fail. The Gray Bird of Baghdad tells the true story of one's man's quest to protect his country and another man's fight to save his family from the ravages of a country at war.Heroes Behind HeadlinesExecutive Producer Ralph PezzulloProduced & Engineered by Mike DawsonMusic provided by ExtremeMusic.com
Episode: 1456 In which paper goes from China to Europe by way of Samarkand. Today, paper makes a long journey.
From Greek to Arabic and then to Latin, translators in 8th-century Baghdad eventually brought to Europe the works of Plato, Aristotle, Galen, and others who became central pillars of Western thought. IDEAS explores what is known as the Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement. *This episode originally aired on June 19, 2025.Fill out our listener survey here. We appreciate your input!
Send us a textWhat if the title you're most proud of is the very thing holding you back from who you're meant to become? That's the heart of this powerful conversation with Marine infantry officer turned pastor and Mighty Oaks Foundation CEO, Jeremy Stalnecker. From leading Marines in the 2003 push to Baghdad with 1/5 to leading a church in Oceanside, Jeremy opens up about anger, dislocation, and a misplaced identity that nearly cost him his marriage and his calling—until trusted mentors stepped in with hard truth and hope.We unpack what it means to be a leader instead of just doing leadership, and how faith reframed Jeremy's view of the Marine Corps as a noble chapter—not a permanent identity. If you've ever felt stuck between who you were and who you're becoming, this episode offers clarity, courage, and perspective. The uniform comes off, but the mission continues.Connect with Jeremy Stallnecker
PREVIEW HEADLINE: The Earliest Printing Press: Stamped Bricks of Mesopotamia GUEST NAME: Muriel al-Rashid SUMMARY: John Bachelor interviewed author Muriel al-Rashid about her book Between Two Rivers: The Story of Mesopotamian Civilizations. The conversation covered stamped bricks used in ziggurats, like the one built by Ur-Nammu at Ur around 2000 BCE. These stamps served as the earliest printing press, detailing the builder, the building, and the dedication to a god, eliminating the need for scribes. 1923 BAGHDAD
In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First—The White House alerted Congress on Thursday that the U.S. is now essentially at war with Latin America's drug cartels, issuing a memo that declares cartel members to be enemy combatants subject to the full force of the U.S. military. Later in the show—the U.S. military has begun drawing down its mission in Iraq under an agreement inked with Baghdad last year, signaling the end of America's two-decade-long military presence in the country. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Stash Financial: Don't Let your money sit around. Go to https://get.stash.com/PDB to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. TriTails Premium Beef: Reclaim dinner from the jaws of school-year chaos Visit https://trybeef.com/PDB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
HEADLINE: Defining Vikings and Early Expansion BOOK TITLE: American Vikings: How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America AUTHOR: Martyn Whittock 100 WORD SUMMARY: The book discusses the Norse expansion ("Viking" being an activity, not a societal label) that began sweeping across Europe and the British Isles in the late 8th century. Key drivers of this extraordinary diaspora included population growth, pushback against the Christian Frankish Empire, and, most notably, the disruption of the Islamic silver trade from Baghdad, which funded Scandinavia's gift-giving economy. This silver shortage forced the Norse to raid monasteries and coastal settlements for precious metals. The westward movement extended to the British Isles, Iceland (settled 870s), and eventually Greenland (10th century) as the Norse continued their exploration.
In this episode of Explaining History, we delve into the intricate web of diplomacy, ambition, and betrayal that led the Ottoman Empire into the Great War. Drawing from Eugene Rogan's "The Fall of the Ottomans," we explore the Empire's precarious position in the years before 1914, caught between the competing interests of Europe's great powers.Discover Germany's strategic "Weltpolitik," which saw the Ottomans as a key partner to challenge British and Russian dominance, leading to ambitious projects like the Berlin-to-Baghdad railway and the controversial appointment of a German military mission to modernize the Ottoman army. We'll unpack the diplomatic crisis that this provoked with Russia, which viewed Istanbul and the Straits as its own sphere of influence.As the clouds of war gathered over Europe in the summer of 1914, the Ottoman leadership desperately sought a powerful ally to protect its vulnerable territory. We'll follow the fascinating, and ultimately failed, attempts to forge an alliance with Britain and France. Learn about the final act of betrayal—Britain's seizure of two newly built Ottoman dreadnoughts—that served as a national humiliation and pushed the wavering Empire into a secret alliance with Germany, a decision that would seal its fate and reshape the Middle East forever.Go Deeper: Visit our website at www.explaininghistory.org for articles and detailed explorations of the topics discussed.▸ Join the Conversation: Our community of history enthusiasts discusses episodes, shares ideas, and continues the conversation. Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcast/Substack: https://theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com/▸ Support the Podcast: Explaining History is a listener-supported production. Your contribution helps us cover the costs of research and keep these conversations going. You can support the show and get access to exclusive content by becoming a patron.Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/explaininghistoryExplaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Daniel P. Driscoll is the 26th Secretary of the Army, sworn in on February 25th, 2025, following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump and confirmation by the United States Senate. As Secretary of the Army, he oversees operations, modernization, and resource allocation for nearly one million Active, Guard, and Reserve Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians. A former Army officer and business leader, Secretary Driscoll brings experience spanning military service, law, and the private sector. Secretary Driscoll was commissioned in 2007 as an Armor Officer through the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School. While on active duty, he led a cavalry platoon in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, and deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009. His military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Ranger Tab, and Combat Action Badge. After departing active duty, Secretary Driscoll attended Yale Law School and worked in Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. He has held leadership roles in investment banking, private equity, and business operations, including as Chief Operating Officer of a $200 million venture capital fund. Secretary Driscoll holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School. He is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the Rotary Club, VFW Post 1134, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. A native of Boone, North Carolina, Secretary Driscoll comes from a family with a legacy of military service. His grandfather served in the Army during World War II as a decoder, and his father served during Vietnam as an infantryman. He is married to his high-school sweetheart, and they have two children. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://betterhelp.com/srs This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. https://bruntworkwear.com – USE CODE SRS https://calderalab.com/srs Use code SRS for 20% off your first order. https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://shawnlikesgold.com https://helixsleep.com/srs https://www.hulu.com/welcome https://ketone.com/srs Visit https://ketone.com/srs for 30% OFF your subscription order. https://moinkbox.com/srs https://patriotmobile.com/srs https://rocketmoney.com/srs https://ROKA.com – USE CODE SRS https://ziprecruiter.com/srs Dan Driscoll Links: X - https://x.com/SecArmy U.S. Army Bio - https://www.army.mil/leaders/sa/bio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
PREVIEW: GUEST: Moudhy al-Rashid SUMMARY: Moudhy al-Rashid discusses her book, Between Two Rivers, focusing on stamped bricks found in Mesopotamian ziggurats (like Ur). These 4,000-5,000-year-old stamps, deemed the earliest printing press, recorded the king's name (like Ur-Nammu, c. 2000 BCE) and the god to whom the building was dedicated. Stamping bypassed the need for scribes. 1923 BAGHDAD
Episode 673: Neal and Toby discuss another late-night shake up after Jimmy Kimmel is suspended ‘indefinitely' after comments about the Charlie Kirk shooting. Then, the Fed makes its first rate cut since last December. Also, Meta unveils its next-gen smart glasses that impresses despite some awkward live-demo moments. Meanwhile, Neal shares his favorite numbers on huge parking lots, a Baghdad resurgence, and the Great Lakes graveyard. Finally, Ben & Jerry's…is now just Ben. Get a $500 match on your first $500 spent with code BREW500 at advertising.roku.com/brew Terms apply. Get your MBD live show tickets here! Presale code: LETSRIDE Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note Watch Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not all hauntings are the same. Some whisper, some torment, and some leave scars that never fade. In one family's story from Baghdad in the late 1950s, the haunting was relentless—until the horrifying truth was uncovered. It began with a boy hearing a toy train moving on its own. When he looked up, he saw a little girl in old-fashioned clothes inviting him to play. She spoke in Arabic, her name was Aline, and she appeared and vanished as if she'd never existed. Soon after, the family began experiencing terrifying activity: blankets ripped away, dishes flying from shelves, and unseen hands striking them. The haunting grew darker. His brother Sam became a sleepwalker, lured by a voice telling him to climb the stairs and jump to his death. His mother was shoved down the stairs, breaking her elbow. Prayers were the only thing that seemed to calm the house, if only briefly. This isn't just a ghost story. It's a chilling reminder that some hauntings don't come from restless spirits alone—but from the dead buried beneath our feet. #TrueGhostStory #RealHaunting #BaghdadHaunting #ParanormalActivity #GhostEncounters #SupernaturalEncounter #HauntedHouse #SkeletonsInTheWell #PoltergeistActivity #TheGraveTalks #CreepyTrueStory Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story: