Has the 'notion of sin' been lost?

Is sin dead?
By Cathy Lynn Grossman
USA TODAY

Is sin dead? How can Christians celebrate Jesus' atonement for their sins and the promise of eternal life if they don't recognize themselves as sinners?

Take it from Pope Benedict XVI. He says the modern world "is losing the notion of sin." And not just personal sins such as greed, lust or the rest of the infamous Seven Deadlies, but social sins, too, such as polluting the planet or allowing injustice to flourish.

A new survey by Ellison Research in Phoenix finds 87% of U.S. adults believe in the existence of sin, which is defined as "something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective."

Topping the list are adultery (81%) and racism (74%).

But other sins no longer draw majority condemnation. Premarital sex? Only 45% call it sin. Gambling? Just 30% say it's sinful.

"A lot of this is relative. We tend to view sin not as God views it, but how we view it," says Ellison president Ron Sellers.

David Kinnaman, president of Barna Research, a company in Ventura, Calif., that tracks Christian trends, draws a similar conclusion: "People are quick to toe the line on traditional thinking" that there is sin "but interpret that reality in a very personal and self-congratulatory manner" — I have to do what's best for me; I am not as sinful as most.

Indeed, 65% of U.S. adults say they will go to heaven, and only 0.05% believe they'll go to hell, according to a 2003 Barna telephone survey of 1,024 adults.

See: Has the 'notion of sin' been lost? - USATODAY.com

What Americans Call Sin

USA Today






• Adultery: 81%

• Racism: 74%

• Using "hard" drugs, such as cocaine, LSD: 65%

• Not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change: 63%

• Having an abortion: 56%

• Homosexual activity or sex: 52%

• Not reporting some income on your tax returns: 52%

• Reading or watching pornography: 50%

• Gossip: 47%

• Swearing: 46%

• Sex before marriage: 45%

• Homosexual thoughts: 44%

• Sexual thoughts about someone you are not married to: 43%

• Doing things as a consumer that harm the environment: 41%

• Smoking marijuana: 41%

• Getting drunk: 41%

• Gambling: 30%

• Not attending church or religious services regularly: 18%

• Drinking any alcohol: 14%

What are your plans for the future?

Medicare benefits are expected to depleted by 2019, and Social Security by 2041
Chicago Sun Times


Resources in the Medicare trust fund that pays hospital benefits are expected to depleted by 2019, and reserves in the Social Security trust fund are expected to be exhausted by 2041, according to an annual report from trustees.

Both dates are the same as last year.

"The financial difficulties facing Social Security and Medicare pose enormous challenges,'' the trustees said in their report. ''The sooner these challenges are addressed, the more varied and less disruptive their solutions can be.''

We’re spending so much money on Social Security and Medicare that the programs - which are larger than any other line item on our national budget up to and including defense spending and war spending - are actually going to run out of money. And the solution? Make Americans pay more for the programs while getting less out of them.

See: Social Security to run out of money

The Regenerative Health and Nutrition Program in Ghana has reached South Africa

Prince Immanuel spoke to the Land and Agriculture Committees, Culture Committee, and the Moral Regeneration Movement
by
Prince Immanuel Ben-Yehuda
KNN-Africa

The good news of the Regenerative Health and Nutrition Program in Ghana has reached South Africa and resulted in an invitation being extended to the African Hebrew Development Agency to send representation to meet with the National House of Traditional Leaders and attend the opening of the legislative season of the National House in Cape Town at the end of February.

Prince Immanuel Ben-Yehuda, the International Projects Director of AHDA and his Executive Assistant, Ahkote Yielah Eshet Nasik Gavriel attended the annual speech given by the South African President Thabo Mbeki, to African royalty, Kings, Chiefs, Queen Mothers, and delegations from South Africa and other SADAC countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.















After the address by Mbeki, Prince Immanuel was invited to address the National House and explain to them the elements of Regenerative Health and Nutrition and also the Restoration Village Organic Agricultural Program presently being initiated in Ghana.

It is believed that these programs might have great impact in South Africa, especially being directed through the National House of Traditional Leaders as 70% of our people in rural areas remain under the leadership of Traditional Leaders.

Prince Immanuel spoke to the combination of the Land and Agriculture Committees along with the Culture Committee and then later met with representatives from the Moral Regeneration Movement to determine how the African Hebrew Development Agency might form a strategic partnership with NHTL to address the health conditions threatening the people in South Africa as well as initiate viable agricultural projects and education in rural areas to encourage young people to remain there.
















The Chosen First Fruit youth organization (CFF) of the African Hebrew Israelites were featured participants in a conference organized by the Moral Regeneration Movement in the Eastern Cape in 2005. Later the CFF delegations organized another MRM conference in Johannesburg.

"It is important to know that we have not come here as guests and visitors, but as members of the extended family who have come to join hands, and add our experience to the solving of problems which we see as affecting many of our communities across the African Continent and around the world. Meeting with the Traditional Leaders, who are recognized as the custodians of the land and the culture, two essential elements to ensure our future of strength is most essential if there is to be progress among our people,"

Prince Immanuel said. "The Traditional Leaders and their authority must continually be enhanced as so much of the richness of our past which has sustained us to this point, is under their care. Therefore, we should consistently turn our attention to and work through with and through them in conjunction with the governmental legislative bodies to ensure the progress of our people."Prince Immanuel was also the featured speaker at an engagement sponsored by the Hon. Jacqueline Mofokeng, ANC Parliamentary representative from Gauteng.

Cignon Introduces 2008 New World Passover Collection

Get Kingdom Fine with "Ghan Ha Cignon - Garden of Style" Attire
by
A. Eetiyah E. Rhavyah HaCohane
KNN-Dimona


Ghan Ha Cignon is proud to make available to our international family the "Jerusalem Fine" New World Passover 2008 Collection. Tailor made garments designed for you in our international color for this year (standard red) can be ordered now!!

Innovative designs from Jerusalem with embroidery and or print are included on every garment.

Brothers and young male adults garments only: $65.00

Sisters and young female adults garments only: $65.00

Children garments: $40.00

Family/Entity rates are available and negotiable based on family/entity size. Shipping not included.

Garments for those traveling up to Jerusalem can be picked up at Cignon. Lifeline for all orders is March 31, 2008!!!!!

For more info contact: Acote Eetiyah E. Rhavyah HaCohane
International Sales and Marketing Representative
Email: hacignon@gmail.com

Fifth largest investment bank in US collapses

80-Year-Old Bear Stearns' Fall - Ripple Effect Felt
by Adam Davidson
NPR.org



The collapse of Bear Stearns, the country's fifth largest investment bank, is big news on Wall Street, but is it also affecting everyday people - the kind of people who work right in Bear Stearns' neighborhood?

Bear Stearns' collapse has a clear, direct impact on a few thousand people. Investors lost billions. Many of the 14,000 thousand employees might lose their jobs.

Other banks in serious trouble

Yes, and everyone is asking who's most at risk. Some of the names mentioned most frequently are UBS and Lehman Brothers, both of which have a lot of exposure to subprime and mortgage-related securities. Shares of UBS dropped more than 14 percent in Zurich on Monday, after news reports suggested the company is weighing deep cuts in jobs and assets and might sell off its U.S. brokerage business.

Lehman, meanwhile, recently announced it was laying off 5 percent of its workforce. At one point, Lehman shares plummeted 48 percent on Monday. The stock closed down 19 percent, despite assurances from Lehman's CEO that the company was not having cash flow problems. The firm is one of several financial institutions that will report quarterly results on Tuesday, and investors are bracing for news of further losses.

"All of them could cause significant market volatility," Randy Frederick, director of derivatives at Charles Schwab & Co Inc., told Reuters. "Fear is higher now than it has been in a long time."

African Hebrew Israelite healthy lifestyle model for the Caribbean

This historical event will make a tremendous impact the health, environment and economy of Jamaica
Written by Sharon Parris-Chambers
Submitted by Sis. Ahmahlyah E.S. Elyahshuv

Ben Tsedek Ben Yehdua, representing Everlasting Life Health Complex and Soul Vegetarian Restaurant will be exhibiting his conscious and healthy lifestyle model at the Caribbean VeggieFest and Health Tourism & Spa Conference.

Accompanying Ben Tsedek will be Minister of Agriculture for the African Hebrew Israelite nation of Jerusalem who will establish official diplomatic eternal relationship for mutual benefit to Jamaica as well as The Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem. The Minister will be arriving in Jamaica on March 13, 2008 and returning to Israel on April 4, 2008.

Dr. Minister Yadiel and his delegation will be meeting with relevant government officials to present his proposal on sustainability i.e. Organic Agricultural Training, Experimentation and Bio Diesel Production, which will foster economic development and employment in the rural areas of Jamaica. Dr. Yadiel will be giving an overview of his land acquisition in Clarendon (Spring Plain) and discussing his NGO achievement at the VeggieFest and Health Tourism & Spa Conference.

This historical event will make a tremendous impact the health, environment and economy of Jamaica and the Caribbean region, vis a vie Caricom and the CSME. Accompanying Dr. Sar Yadiel, will be other members of his delegation, Minister Malak Ben Israel, Director of Hasarah NGO, who will tour the island, as well as, meet with groups of indigenous Herbalists, Healers and representatives of the Jamaica Organic Agricultural Association and organic farmers and farming communities.

This would enhance their learning of the Jamaican Cultural milieu as well as give them the avenue to imparting his/their knowledge to our people.

Time permitting the delegation will be stage a speaking engagement at the University of Technology and or University of the West Indies.

Programme Sponsored by: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Trade & Invest, Private Sector Development Programme, Jamaica Business Development Centre, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica Wellness Network, Tourism Product Development Co., Resort & Day Spa Association, Sunday Herald Newspaper, Rhodes Hall Plantation, Hot 102 FM, Positive Tourism Network, Day Spa Association, International Medical Spa Association, Reggae Drops Water, JNN TV, HOT 102 FM, News 93 FM, Positive Tourism VIP Club & The Duty Free Association Entry to the venue is free; however, there is a charge for seminars designed for professional spa and wellness practitioners.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. For more details visit: http://www.caribbeanveggiewellness.com/ or call Positive Tourism Limited at 876-381-1591 or 957-9243.

Dead Man's Body Used in Attempt To Cash Check

By SARAH GARLAND
Staff Reporter
The New York Sun

Two men used an office chair to wheel a dead man to a Midtown check-cashing establishment yesterday and attempted to cash his Social Security check, police said. The men were detained by police after onlookers noticed the dead body falling from side to side as the men pushed him along Ninth Avenue near 52nd street — but not before they entered the Pay-O-Matic check-cashing store and attempted to cash his check. The dead man, identified by police as Virgilio Cintron, 66, was the roommate of one of the suspects. He apparently died of natural causes, police said. The suspects lived around the corner from the Pay-O-Matic, and were known to the employees there.

The roommate and a third man, who was a friend of the deceased, reportedly left Cintron outside as they entered the establishment, pointing to him through the window when the cashier told them that Cintron would have to be present to cash the check, according to the police account. When the cashier asked them to bring Cintron inside, they exited the building, where they were confronted by an on-duty Real Time Crime Center detective who had been in the building next door when he noticed the commotion. The two men were taken into police custody, where they were questioned and may face charges related to criminal impersonation or check fraud. Cintron was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Police did not disclose the exact amount of the check, but said it was small.

KNN: This story was written on January 9, 2008.

Tornado Tears Through Atlanta

Another Storm Follows Atlanta Twister
By DORIE TURNER
Associated Press

ATLANTA (March 15) - Crews hauled broken glass and furniture out of downtown streets Saturday and homeowners surveyed damage caused by a tornado that caught residents and basketball fans by surprise.

More thunderstorms headed across northern Alabama toward the city Saturday. "We're bracing for another round of whatever mother nature throws at us," said Lisa Janak of the state emergency management agency.

The National Weather Service posted a tornado watch for a large area of Georgia, including the Atlanta area, plus portions of South Carolina and Alabama, and a warning was issued for parts of northern Alabama and northwestern Georgia.

At least 27 people were hurt Friday night, though no injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

All downtown events scheduled for Saturday were canceled, including the St. Patrick's Day parade."It's a mess," Janak said.

See: Rips Into Arena During Game

Dollar hits all-time low against euro and yen

The dollar fell to its weakest ever
International Herald Tribune

NEW YORK: The dollar fell to the weakest ever against the euro and to an eight-year low vs. the yen after a government report showed the United States unexpectedly lost jobs for a second straight month in February.

The U.S. currency touched an all-time low against the euro for the eighth trading day in nine as the report bolstered speculation that the Federal Reserve will cut the benchmark interest rate as much as a full percentage point to 2 percent at a policy meeting scheduled for March 18.

"There is the view that we're quickly sinking into recession and that the Fed only has a limited ability to offset that," said Michael Woolfolk, senior currency strategist in New York at the Bank of New York Mellon. "We certainly see more dollar weakness from here."

The dollar traded at $1.5426 at 8:44 a.m. in New York from $1.5380 Thursday, and touched $1.5459, the weakest level since the euro's debut in 1999. The U.S. currency traded at ¥101.68 from ¥102.67 Thursday, and fell to the lowest since January 2000.

The economy lost 63,000 jobs in February, after a decline of 22,000 in January, the Labor Department said.

See: Dollar hits all-time low against euro - International Herald Tribune

Chicago's Ahk Zarakyah hits the air waves with special guests Dead Prez

THIS WEEK ON SOUL REPATRIATION RADIO--DEAD PRECEDENTS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DEAD PREZ
KNN-Chicago

LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF THE NEW WORLD--SOUL REPATRIATION RADIO ON WHPK 88.5 FM CHICAGO THE ONLY PLACE ON THE AIRWAVES WHERE TRUTH HAS THE INHERENT POWER TO PRODUCE THE PROMISED EFFECTS...

THIS WEEK (THURSDAY MAR. 13TH @ 12 NOON CST) ON SOUL REPATRIATION RADIO, WE WILL CONTINUE OUR DISCUSSION ON CHANGE VS. REVOLUTION WITH SPECIAL GUESTS DEAD PREZ!!!

IN JUST THE PAST TWO WEEKS, IT'S GOTTEN MUCH THICKER OUT HERE--OIL IS OVER $109 A BARREL, RANDOM SHOOTINGS, SCHOOL CHILDREN DYING, THE ECONOMY IS FALLING APART, AND A BLACK PRESIDENT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE POSSIBLE IS CHANGE REALLY ENOUGH OR IS IT TIME FOR SOMETHING A BIT MORE DRASTIC--UPHEAVAL MAYBE, REVOLUTION CERAINLY...

WE WILL DELVE FURTHER IN DEPTH AS TO WHAT THIS REVOLUTION MUST ENTAIL--WHAT ARE WE REVOLTING FROM, WHERE TO? WE WILL ANALYZE PAST "REVOLUTIONS" AND THE CONCEPTS OF PAST REVOLUTIONARIES IN ORDER TO SHINE LIGHT ON OUR PATH FORWARD!

WE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE DEMISE OF PREVIOUS CIVILIZATIONS IN ORDER TO GAIN INSIGHT AS TO THE DEATH OF THE PRESENT IT AIN'T JUST ENOUGH TO WEAR RED, BLACK, AND GREEN ARMBAND AND MALCOLM X BUTTONS, OR TO VOTE FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT--FREEDOM HAS A CRITERIA

WE WILL ALSO ANALYZE THE CURRENT SOCIAL PLIGHT AS A BACKDROP OF THE INEVITABLE--GET OUT BEFORE YOU GET CAUGHT!

SOUL REPATRIATION RADIO IS HEARD WORLDWIDE ON: WWW.WHPK.ORG

Dr. Sar Yadiel to speak at Caribbean Veggie Fest

Today is the first day program of the Caribbean Veggie Fest
by Sis. Ahmahlyah E. S. Elyahshuv
KNN - Dimona

The Caribbean Veggie Fest is proud to announce the merger of three (3) leading wellness segments (health, spa and culinary) under one roof, comprising VeggieFest, Health Tourism & Spa Conference scheduled for March 15-16, 2007 at the breath taking Rhodes Hall Plantation located between Orange Bay and Green Island, Hanover, Jamaica.

The culinary section will have a focus on every conceivable type of vegetarian food available in the Caribbean including five star gourmet preparations, raw foods, healthy juices, natural pies, natural herbs & spices, natural wines (from plant sources). Exhibitors will include vegetarian restaurants, vegetarian food purveyors, juice makers, natural seasoning producers, herb growers, and a farmers market.

The health section will take a more professional approach by having wellness professionals from around the world sharing their knowledge and expertise in the form of workshops and seminars. This section is usually reserved for individuals who are in the health and wellness industries and are looking to improve their skills, knowledge and marketing strategies.

Opening Programme Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting

9:00 a.m. Welcome by Sharon Chambers, Co-Producer

9:05 a.m. Opening remarks by Theo and Sharon Chambers, Founders & Co-Producers

9:10 a.m. Greetings: Dr. Reinhard Bergel, Day Spa Association, USA

9:15 a.m. Greetings: Karen Ford Warner, Executive Director, Tourism Product Development Co.
9:25 a.m. Greetings: Harold Davis, Executive Director, Jamaica Business Development Centre

9:40 a.m. Greetings: Lisa Bell (Representing Robert Gregory), President, Jamaica Trade & Invest

9:45 a.m. Greetings: (Representative of the Ministry of Tourism)

Opening address:

9:55-10:30 Dr. Sar Yadiel Ben Israel, Minister of Agriculture , for the African Hebrew Israelite Nation of Jerusalem

10:35 a.m. Ribbon Cutting - End of Ceremonial Programme: Drumming, IIon Station

Tour of Exhibitions (Culinary/Health/Spa)

Programme Sponsored by: Jamaica Trade & Invest, (PSDP), Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC), Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Jamaica Wellness Network, Tourism Product Development Co. (TPDCo), Resort & Day Spa Association, Sunday Herald Newspaper, Hot 102 FM, Positive Tourism Network.

Celebrating Yom L’Mokereem with Royal Appreciation

by Zia
Antigua Sun Newspaper

So, my first thought was, “I really need to get some African evening attire.”

There’s something so regal and sophisticated about men and women adorned in the beautiful garments, with their unique and intricate designs that are synonymous with African beauty and pride. So, even though I would’ve been “decked out” by Western standards, I couldn’t help but feel a bit underdressed in the company of men and women who had gathered to celebrate Yom L’Mokereem.

But garments and accessories were the last thing on anyone’s mind as members and friends of the Hebrew Israelite community gathered to celebrate a season of love.

Notably, the day itself was filled with celebration, as millions around the world show their appreciation and love for women in recognition of International Women’s Day; but within the millions, there were also thousands who recognised the day as not only a celebration or appreciation for women, but appreciation for everyone.

The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, abiding by the laws and lifestyle ascribed in the Old Testament, do not recognise nor celebrate Western events such as Christmas or Valentine's.

Yom L’Mokereem is a season of appreciation, where gifts are exchanged and people are celebrated. So without the hoopla of a fuss that accompanies the frenzy of Valentine’s Day or Christmas, gifts are exchanged “just because I appreciate you."

The Divine Day of Appreciation was celebrated in Antigua at the Saffron Restaurant in Jolly Harbour. With a healthy and scrumptious spread of vegan delights, the chatter was lively, the merriment in abundance and the genuine celebration for life, friendships and a close relationship with God was evident.

With prayers offered to God in the Hebrew tongue, the evening followed with the dinner, and then entertainment in the form of poetry, amusing skits and songs.

The members of the Hebrew Israelite community will tell you that their beliefs are not of a religious system, but a lifestyle based on the Old Testament. Theirs is a life filled with peace, an appreciation for life, education and the performing arts. But most importantly, with an offering of “Halleluyah” being heard ever so often, the most important element of their life is their praise of and relationship with Yah. In case you’re wondering, “Yah” is the Hebrew word for God.

One of the skits that I enjoyed was a two-man drama of one of the member's life changing experience when he was introduced to the “Kingdom of Yah”. Once living a life of parties, regular clubbing at Web (remember that night club, pretty close to where the Savoy Nightclub is located). Overwhelmed and completely mesmerised by his fellow Antiguan’s life change, Ammi Ben Israel, the young man returned to the God of his childhood days, accepted the teachings of the Old Testament and traded in his old Western influenced lifestyle, for one of peace, health and an enriching relationship with God.

Even though some may still not be able to understand, appreciate or even respect the Hebrew Israelite community and their lifestyle, there is a valuable lesson that we could all take from them and their celebration of Yom L’Mokereem. The lesson? To appreciate each other more, for no reason other than pure appreciation. The best type of appreciation or gift exchange? The one that’s given for no other sake than the sake of giving and showing the people around you that you love and appreciate them and their presence in their lives.
Happy Yom L’Mokereem to you from me!

Quarter of U.S. teen girls have sex-related disease

Forty-eight percent of black teen-age girls were infectedBy
by Will Dunham
Reuters News Service

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than one in four U.S. teen girls is infected with at least one sexually transmitted disease, and the rate is highest among blacks, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday.

An estimated 3.2 million U.S. girls ages 14 and 19 -- about 26 percent of that age group -- have a sexually transmitted infection such as the human papillomavirus or HPV, chlamydia, genital herpes or trichomoniasis, the CDC said.

Forty-eight percent of black teen-age girls were infected, compared to 20 percent of whites and 20 percent of Mexican American girls. The report did not give data on the broader U.S. Hispanic population.

"What we found is alarming," the CDC's Dr. Sara Forhan, who led the study, told reporters. "This means that far too many young women are at risk for the serious health effects of untreated STDs, including infertility and cervical cancer."

See: Quarter of teen girls have sex-related disease Reuters

Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water

A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water
AOL News
Submittted by A. Zemrah E. Moriel

A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.

But the presence of so many prescription drugs — and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen — in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.

In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas — from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit to Louisville, Ky.

Here are some of the key test results obtained by the AP:

--Officials in Philadelphia said testing there discovered 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts in treated drinking water, including medicines for pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems. Sixty-three pharmaceuticals or byproducts were found in the city's watersheds.

--Anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medications were detected in a portion of the treated drinking water for 18.5 million people in Southern California.

--Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey analyzed a Passaic Valley Water Commission drinking water treatment plant, which serves 850,000 people in Northern New Jersey, and found a metabolized angina medicine and the mood-stabilizing carbamazepine in drinking water.

--A sex hormone was detected in San Francisco's drinking water.

--The drinking water for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas tested positive for six pharmaceuticals.

--Three medications, including an antibiotic, were found in drinking water supplied to Tucson, Ariz.

The situation is undoubtedly worse than suggested by the positive test results in the major population centers documented by the AP.

See: Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water - AOL News

Winter Storm Pounds Cleveland

Up to 2 feet of snow in some areas
KNN-Cleveland

The storm pounding the county is only expected to intensify as the night wears on, and the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch starting at 4 a.m.

A winter storm warning will continue through midnight Saturday.

The service is predicting 6 to 10 inches of snow in midday Saturday in our area — and as much as 10 to 15 inches in areas east of Interstate 71.

Freezing arctic winds of 20 to 30 mph are also expected to rake the area, leading to horrible visibility and drifting snow for drivers.

Blizzard conditions could set in Saturday as winds increase to 30 to 40 mph. Blizzard warnings are only issued when the weather service expects incredibly heavy snow to fall for several hours at a time.

The storm has already grounded dozens of flights at Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland.

Airport Director of Marketing Todd Payne said Continental Airlines has cancelled 60 percent of its affiliated flights for tonight and Southwest has cancelled 50 percent of its flights.

Hopkins remains open and a fleet of 25 plows are working to keep runways clear, Payne said. But those expecting to depart should anticipate delays, he said.

Sugarless Week and Live Week to Commence

Akote Hodahvyah-KNN Chicago

I pray that this message finds you all in excellent health and high spirits in this glorious season. Please be advised that Sugarless and Live Weeks are fast approaching.

In our pursuit of perfect health and Everlasting Life it has been decreed that four (4) times a year there will be a Sugarless Week and a Live Food Consumption Week. During Sugarless Week we will consume no sugar, honey, or other sweeteners that have not been approved by the Ministry of Divine Health. During Live Food Consumption Week we will consume the required live food diet.

Sugarless Week will commence on Yom Shee Shee (Friday) March 7, 2008 (at sundown) and end on Motsai Shabbat (Saturday) March 15, 2008 (at sundown).

Live Food Week will commence on Motsi Shabbat (Saturday) March 15, 2008 (at sundown) and end on Yom Shee Shee (Friday) March 21, 2008 (at sundown).

1 in every 100 adults in America are in jail

Study shows prison numbers high
NBC News

WASHINGTON -- For the first time in history more than one in every 100 adults in America are in jail or prison -- a fact that significantly impacts state budgets without delivering a clear return on public safety.

According to a new report released by the Pew Center on the States' Public Safety Performance Project, at the start of 2008, 2,319,258 adults were held in American prisons or jails, or one in every 99.1 men and women, according to the study. During 2007, the prison population rose by more than 25,000 inmates. In addition to detailing state and regional prison growth rates, Pew's report, One in 100: Behind Bars in America 2008, identifies how corrections spending compares to other state investments, why it has increased, and what some states are doing to limit growth in both prison populations and costs while maintaining public safety.

As prison populations expand, costs to states are on the rise. Last year alone, states spent more than $49 billion on corrections, up from $11 billion 20 years before. However, the national recidivism rate remains virtually unchanged, with about half of released inmates returning to jail or prison within three years. And while violent criminals and other serious offenders account for some of the growth, many inmates are low-level offenders or people who have violated the terms of their probation or parole.

See: One in 100 Adults behind bars

Yom L’mokireem

By Yehuda H. Cohane
KNN Staff













Around the world this week, many are celebrating Yom L’mokireem (a day of appreciation). The festive season / day, being officially inaugurated in Jerusalem sunset 27 February 2008, will find family, loved ones, admirers and well-wishers alike exclaiming “Khag Samayahk” or “Yom L’mokireem Samayahk”, loosely translated from Hebrew to mean have a happy joyous day of appreciation.

All too often we as members of the human family take each other for granted. Never really taking time to convey our gratitude or display in the midst of one another a great attitude towards the creator for blessing us with wonderful family and friends.

That is why contained in the Hebrew root (Yud, Koof, Resh =Yakar) from which the word mokireem derives, the Hebrew thought causes us to glean understanding when we take a cursory glimpse at the subsequent definitions that grow out of that root:

From Yud, Koof, Resh = valuable, expensive, dear, costly, beloved, rare, scarce, precious, dignity, to respect, to honor, to appreciate, to elevate the price of.

We must take a moment this season to introspect and inquire of ourselves if any of these aforementioned definitions truly embellish our thoughts of our brothers and sisters in this great-extended human family of ours. For thoughts such as this are the seedbeds of a heavenly new world.

Yom L’mokireem Samayahk

African Hebrew Israelites

American black community finds spiritual home in the Negev
By John L. Jackson, Jr.
and Ahmadiel Ben Yehuda
MyJewishLearning.com

African Hebrew Israelites, often referred to as Black Hebrews, are the largest organized group of African-American expatriates living anywhere in the world. The African Hebrew Israelites are the followers of Ben Ammi Ben Israel, who they believe received a vision in 1966 in which he was directed to return African-American descendants of the ancient Israelites to the Promised land, and to establish the long-awaited Kingdom of God on earth.

By 1967, Ben Ammi convinced approximately 400 African-Americans (largely from Chicago) to leave, America (known as the "Lands of the Great Captivity"), and travel to Israel. The first group of "returnees" arrived in Israel in 1969, after a brief sojourn in the wilderness of Liberia.

The movement can be understood in the context of the "great awakening" to historical roots and cultural identity that African-Americans underwent in the 1960s. The Hebrew Israelites maintain their return was not just to their ancestral homeland of Israel (which they consider northeastern Africa), but to a way of life that would testify to the power of God.

While only approximately 3,000 saints (as they call themselves) reside in Israel, thousands live across the US, Caribbean, Europe and Africa and identify with the community, living according to their doctrinal tenets.

Members of the community are vegans. Tobacco, drugs, and alcoholic beverages aside from naturally fermented wines are avoided. Regular exercise (three times weekly) is mandatory for all adults, as is a monthly massage. No-salt days, sugarless weeks, and live food weeks dot their calendar. According to the community's belief system, the choice of relationships, clothing, and music all matter where health is concerned, and every effort is made to create an environment conducive to healing. This consciousness is woven into the lifestyle, resulting in an admired comprehensive health literacy. In 2006, Ghana's Ministry of Health summoned a team from Dimona to assist in the development of a health and nutrition program crucial to that West African country.

See Complete Article: African Hebrew Article