Nothing as Broken as a Whole Heart Parshas Yisro

by | Feb 16, 2025 | Sermons

Matti Friedman, in his book, Who by Fire, describes a few week period in the life of Lenord Cohen’s life. Leonord Cohen was born to an Orthodox family in Montreal in 1936. He attended a Jewish school and was a member of Shareo Shomayim, and Orthodox shul. However, Leonord did not follow in his parents’ footsteps. He was not observant, nor did he have an especially close relationship to the Jewish People.

Matti’s story focuses on a short period of Leonord Cohen’s life in 1973. Leonord was 39, which at the time, was kind of old for a folk singer. He was an icon, having produced numerous hits that made him wildly popular. He was wealthy; his songs were used for the soundtracks of blockbuster films. Most normal people would be thrilled. He was miserable.

He was vacationing on a Greek island, surrounded by opulence, by women, drugs, everything that normally made him happy, but he felt empty. He wanted to write more poetry, but he felt like he had nothing left to say. He wanted to compose more music, but he felt like he exhausted his capabilities.

Instead of kicking back and enjoying his life, he jumped on a plane and flew to Israel. He arrived in Israel in the middle of the Yom Kippur war. He had intended to do what so many of us have done this past year; he had hoped to volunteer on a Kibbutz. But he was spotted by some Israeli musicians who begged him to come along with them to visits soldiers on the front line. He acquiesced. Leonord Cohen and this improvised band of Israelis traveled from army base to army base with no fanfare. They’d show up at a base, sometimes a small outpost, and just start playing music. The soldiers would grab some flashlights and shine them on Leonord Cohen and his band, they’d play for a few hours, often without an amp, and then they’d leave.

He was there for only a few weeks, but it literally changed his life. In Israel, he found his missing inspiration. Shortly after his trip, he put out a new album, which included the classic “Who by Fire” a nod to the Yom Kippur davening. The album was titled, New Skin for the Old Ceremony, an allusion to a circumcision, a reference to his own spiritual rebirth. Instead of retiring at 39, he continued composing music until his 80’s.

Leonord Cohen was a complicated man, and I would not describe him as a role model. But that experience of being on top of the world, yet feeling broken, and then reinventing himself into something even greater, speaks to an important ideal – the importance of imperfection and brokenness in the process of personal growth.

Yosef, your parents describe you as a renaissance man. You are an exceptional runner on the Beth Tfiloh track team, you play trumpet – not an easy instrument, you just came in first place in BT’s Chidon Hatanach, you learn the daf!!, you are a leader, you cook, you are polite and kind and thoughtful. You have it all. And that’s amazing. But there is also a danger in having so many talents.

Rav Menachem Mendel of Kotzk used to say, “There is nothing as whole as a broken heart.” I think an even more accurate statement would be, “There is nothing as broken as a whole heart.” Meaning, the individual who thinks they are perfect, who thinks they have it made, who thinks they have no room for improvement, that is not perfection, that is brokenness. The individual who realizes that there is so much more to do, that there is so much room for growth, that there is so much that is incomplete, that is whole.

When G-d gave us the Torah, it was the greatest moment in human history; G-d communicated with 2 million Jews! G-d came down to earth! The Talmud describes the zuhama, the spiritual filth that entered the world through the snake in the garden of Eden, as being banished from the world in that moment. We were at the top.

But being at the top creates an illusion of perfection, thinking that we have it made is the worst possible mindset. And so, those original holy tablets had to be broken. And only then, with those shattered tablets in hand, could the Jewish People start again, and this time succeed.

The recognition that something is incomplete, that we are lacking, that we are in need, is the essence of our relationship with Hashem. There is a famous question that many ask – how can it be that the peak of Jewish prayer is so self-serving, it’s filled with personal requests? The Shemoneh Esrei is a laundry list of the things we need. Yes, we say thank you, we say, G-d, You’re great, but the climax of the Amidah, is, “Please, G-d, I need something from You.” Health, wealth, whatever. That’s prayer?! That’s the meeting point between man and his Creator? When we ask for things?!

Rav Yitzchak Hutner, one of the great Jewish philosophers of the 20th century, responds, yes, that is precisely how we meet G-d. He writes as follows: “Af al gav d’b’chol ha’inyanim yecholto shel adam nimneit al tzad shleimuto, even though with all other matters, a person’s ability is defined by their perfection… Mikol makom, b’inyan hat’filah, when it comes to prayer, y’cholet ha’amidah lifnei hamelech nizonet davka mei’chesrono, our ability to stand before the King is nourished specifically from our deficiencies. V’lu yetzuyar adam she’eino chaser lo klum, and if, in theory, there were a person who was not lacking whatsoever, harei shleimut zu shel amidah lifeni hamelech neu’lah l’fanav, the ability and the perfection of standing before the King would be locked before him.”

Meaning, Shemoneh Esrei is not about asking for our needs. It is an exercise in acknowledging that we have needs. And that takes an incredible amount of emotional and spiritual maturity. Spiritual greatness, Rav Hutner is explaining, is defined not by what we have, but by the recognition of how much more we need.

That’s what Leonord Cohen realized on that Greek island. There is no such thing as being whole, there is no such thing as being complete, there is no such thing as having made it. There is nothing more broken than a whole heart. It was only when he saw his brothers in distress, fighting for their lives, fighting for the Jewish future, it was only when he realized that he was so small, so insignificant, so incomplete, it was only then that he was able to continue to build and to grow. Because there is nothing as whole as a broken heart.

Had Leonord Cohen not traveled to Israel he would never have composed the song that I imagine we all know, Hallelujah. In that song, which he wrote after his trip to Israel, he echoes the sentiment of the Kotzker Rebbe and he sings, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

The other week, the lights above my head were not working. Some people were embarrassed, why are things never running smoothly around here?

But that’s my favorite part of our shul – we don’t sugarcoat the fact that things are not always perfect. And that’s what allows this shul to be one of the most authentic places on earth. That’s what allows us to be a growth-oriented community. Because growth can only take place by acknowledging the cracks, by acknowledging the brokenness. Those moments of darkness can propel us to blinding heights.

It is normal to feel lacking from time to time, to feel hungry for more. Most often we try to silence that hunger. With food, with movies, with a bunch of other stuff I won’t mention – whatever it takes to silence that uncomfortable gnawing feeling. What a tragic mistake.

Because that feeling is the greatest gift of all. When we feel unsettled, when our soul is rumbling, when we feel lost and yearning for something else, that is the crack we need to let the light in, those moments of existential crisis, if we acknowledge them, can propel us to the greatest of spiritual heights.

And that is my hope and blessing for you, Yosef. Because Yosef, you have it all; brains, skills, heart. You can coast to an amazing life. But I hope and pray that you do not coast. I hope and pray that you do not forget the lesson of your parsha, how the Torah given on a mountain is not half as potent as the Torah rebuilt out of shards, how we need to climb and climb and climb. And then, when we reach the top, we need to start all over again. How we need to constantly ask ourselves, in what way am I broken, in what way am I missing, in what way am I dependent on others. And then in those cracks, I am confident, you will let in the most brilliant light.

Die Online-Glücksspielbranche erlebt eine stetige Evolution, angetrieben durch technologische Innova

by | Feb 15, 2025 | Uncategorized

Einleitung: Der Wandel der Spielautomaten-Industrie

Die Online-Glücksspielbranche erlebt eine stetige Evolution, angetrieben durch technologische Innovationen und verändertes Nutzerverhalten. Früher dominierten einfache Drei-Walzen-Slots, doch heute setzen Entwickler auf komplexe Bonus-Features, um die Engagement- und Umsatzraten zu steigern. Diese Boni sind nicht nur Spielzeuge, sondern strategische Werkzeuge, um Spieler länger zu binden und den durchschnittlichen Einsatz zu erhöhen.

Insbesondere innovative Bonus-Scatter-Systeme haben in den letzten Jahren erheblich an Bedeutung gewonnen, sowohl für das Spielerlebnis als auch für die Monetarisierung. Ein herausragendes Beispiel stellt der berühmte Sweet Bonanza-Slot von „Pragmatic Play“ dar, der mit seinem besonderen „Super Scatter“ eine neue Dimension der Bonus-Mechanik eröffnet hat.

Das Konzept des “Super Scatter”: Innovation im Bonus-Design

Der Begriff “Super Scatter” beschreibt eine erweiterte Scatter-Mechanik, die das traditionelle Konzept von Freispielen und Multiplikatoren neu definiert. In klassischen Slots lösen Scatter-Symbole oft Freispiele aus, sobald eine bestimmte Anzahl erscheint. Das innovative bei “Sweet Bonanza” ist jedoch die Tatsache, dass das Super-Scatter-System es ermöglicht, zusätzliche Gewinnchancen durch spezielle Symbole zu erschaffen, die außerhalb der üblichen Regeln agieren.

Laut “Sweet Bonanza Super Scatter – Infos” handelt es sich hierbei um eine Mechanik, die nicht nur das Spielerlebnis dynamischer macht, sondern auch die durchschnittliche Gewinnquote erhöht, indem sie das Risiko-Nutzen-Profil des Spiels verändert.

Wissenschaftliche Studien & Industry Insights

  • Studien von iGaming Business zeigen, dass Spiele mit erweiterten Bonus-Features wie Super Scatter eine um 25% höhere Spielerbindung aufweisen.
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Die Möglichkeit, mehrfach getriggerte Bonusspiele innerhalb eines Spiels zu initiieren, führt zu längeren Spielzeiten – ein klarer Vorteil für Betreiber und Entwickler.

Strategische Bedeutung für Glücksspielanbieter

In einem kompetitiven Markt sind Differenzierungsmerkmale von zentraler Bedeutung. Bonus-Features wie der Super Scatter von “Sweet Bonanza” bieten Entwicklern die Möglichkeit, sich durch innovative Mechaniken zu positionieren. Sie optimieren nicht nur die Nutzererfahrung, sondern beeinflussen auch die ökonomischen Kennzahlen signifikant.

Aspekt Auswirkung
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Höhere durchschnittliche Einsätze Umsatzsteigerung durch mehr Spielguthaben
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Technologische Entwicklung und Zukunftsperspektiven

Mit der Integration von Künstlicher Intelligenz und maschinellem Lernen entwickeln sich Bonus-Systeme weiter. Zukünftig könnten personalisierte Bonus-Features, die sich an das Spielverhalten des einzelnen Nutzers anpassen, die Branche revolutionieren.

Der Fall des “Sweet Bonanza Super Scatter” kann als Blaupause für dieses kommende Zeitalter gesehen werden: eine Kombination aus bewährtem Design und innovativen Mechaniken, die im Zuge der technologischen Fortschritte noch weiter verfeinert werden.

An Overview of Network Jackpots at HadesBet Casino

by | Feb 11, 2025 | Uncategorized

Network jackpots are a thrilling feature at HadesBet Casino, offering players the chance to win substantial prizes that are pooled across multiple platforms. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to engage with these exciting jackpots, focusing on the essential actions needed to maximise your experience.

Step 1: Registration

Before you can start playing for network jackpots, you must create an account at HadesBet Casino. Follow these steps:

  1. Visit the HadesBet Casino website.
  2. Click on the “Sign Up” button located at the top right corner of the homepage.
  3. Fill in the registration form with your personal details such as name, email, and date of birth (ensure you meet the UKGC minimum age requirement of 18).
  4. Create a secure password and agree to the terms and conditions.
  5. Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your inbox.
  6. Log in to your new account.

Step 2: Claiming the Bonus

Once registered, it is advisable to take advantage of any welcome bonuses available. Here’s how:

  1. Log into your HadesBet account.
  2. Navigate to the promotions section, where you can find the welcome bonus offer.
  3. Read the terms and conditions, including the wagering requirement (usually 35x for bonuses).
  4. Click on “Claim Bonus” to activate it.
  5. Make your first deposit (minimum £10) to receive the bonus funds.

Step 3: Finding Network Jackpot Games

To start playing for network jackpots, you need to locate the relevant games. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to the casino’s game library.
  2. Use the search function or the filters to find games labelled “Jackpot” or “Network Jackpot”.
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Step 4: Understanding Volatility and RTP

Network jackpots come with varying levels of volatility and return to player (RTP) percentages. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Volatility: This indicates the risk level of the game. Low volatility games provide frequent wins but smaller amounts, whereas high volatility games offer larger payouts but less frequently.
  • RTP: This is the percentage of wagered money that a game is expected to return to players over time. Look for games with an RTP of 95% or higher for better chances of winning.

Step 5: Placing Bets and Playing

Now that you have selected a game, it’s time to play:

  1. Set your bet amount, ensuring it fits within your budget.
  2. Press the spin button to start the game.
  3. Keep an eye on the jackpot meter to see if you are close to winning a network jackpot.

Step 6: How to Withdraw Your Winnings

If you are fortunate enough to win, it’s essential to know how to withdraw your funds:

  1. Log into your account and go to the “Cashier” section.
  2. Select “Withdraw” and choose your preferred withdrawal method (e.g., bank transfer, e-wallet).
  3. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw, keeping in mind any minimum or maximum limits.
  4. Confirm the transaction and wait for processing (this can take between 1-5 business days depending on the method).

Pros and Cons of Network Jackpots at HadesBet

Pros Cons
Potential for significant payouts Higher volatility can mean longer losing streaks
Wide variety of games available Wagering requirements may be high
Exciting gameplay with progressive jackpots Can lead to overspending if not careful

Network jackpots at HadesBet Casino offer a thrilling opportunity for players to win big. By following these steps and understanding the mechanics of the games, you can enhance your gaming experience while ensuring responsible play in line with UK gambling regulations.

Analyzing Tombet Casino’s Game Selection: Diversity and Quality

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

Tombet Casino is rapidly gaining a reputation for its extensive game selection, catering to a wide range of players with diverse preferences. The casino offers a variety of games that can be classified into several categories: slots, table games, and live dealer experiences. This article will explore the diversity and quality of games available at Tombet, focusing on key aspects that are essential for players, including the number of titles, the range of themes, and the overall user experience.

1. Game Variety

Tombet Casino prides itself on its diverse game offerings. With hundreds of games available, players can choose from:

  • Slots: Over 600 titles, featuring classic, video, and progressive jackpot slots.
  • Table Games: A comprehensive selection of over 50 games, including various versions of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
  • Live Dealer Games: An immersive experience with real dealers and real-time gameplay, including popular options like live blackjack and live roulette.

Such a variety ensures that players of all tastes can find something to enjoy, whether they prefer the thrill of spinning reels or the strategy involved in table games. You can explore the complete selection at tombet casino.

2. Quality of Games

When evaluating the quality of the games, several factors come into play:

  • Return to Player (RTP): Many of Tombet’s slot games boast an RTP of over 95%, meaning players can expect decent returns over time.
  • Software Providers: The casino collaborates with top-tier software developers such as NetEnt, Microgaming, and Evolution Gaming, ensuring high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Most games are optimised for mobile play, providing a seamless experience whether on a smartphone or tablet.

The combination of high RTPs and reputable software providers enhances the overall gaming experience, making it both enjoyable and rewarding for players.

3. User Experience

A crucial aspect of any online casino is the user experience it provides. Tombet Casino excels in the following areas:

  • Registration Ease: The sign-up process is straightforward, requiring minimal information and allowing players to start gaming quickly.
  • Support Quality: Tombet offers a dedicated support team available via live chat and email, ensuring that players can receive assistance promptly when needed.
  • Payment Methods: A variety of payment options are available, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and bank transfers, making it convenient for players to deposit and withdraw funds.
Payment Method Processing Time Fees
Credit/Debit Card 1-3 working days None
PayPal Instant None
Bank Transfer 3-5 working days Varies

This combination of user-friendly features ensures that players have a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience from registration to withdrawal.

Overall, Tombet Casino’s game selection offers a commendable balance of diversity and quality. With an impressive variety of games, high-quality experiences, and a strong focus on user experience, it is a solid choice for both new and seasoned players alike.

How Weather Shapes Human Innovation

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Uncategorized

The Interplay Between Climate and Human Ingenuity

a. Weather has long stood as a relentless environmental challenge, compelling societies to adapt or perish. From ancient agricultural calendars tracking monsoons to modern flood defenses shaped by rising sea levels, climatic forces have driven innovation through necessity. The unpredictability of storms, droughts, and temperature extremes does more than disrupt—it demands creativity. Just as early civilizations developed irrigation systems in response to erratic rainfall, today’s societies rely on advanced forecasting and resilient infrastructure to survive and thrive.

From Observation to Innovation: The Evolution of Weather Understanding

a. Long before satellites and supercomputers, humans observed weather patterns with keen attention. Neolithic farmers planted crops aligned with seasonal shifts, while Polynesian navigators read cloud formations and ocean currents to cross vast Pacific expanses. These empirical practices formed the foundation of meteorological knowledge.

b. Over centuries, reliance on folklore gave way to systematic recording—logging barometric pressure, rainfall, and wind speed. The 19th-century establishment of national weather services marked a turning point, transforming weather from mystery into measurable data.

c. Climatic shifts—like prolonged droughts and intensified storms—exposed knowledge gaps. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s in the U.S., for example, revealed flaws in land management and soil conservation, triggering innovations in sustainable agriculture and erosion control. Such events underscore how weather extremes act as catalysts for scientific inquiry and technological breakthroughs.

«Climatic Shifts Drive Breakthroughs in Forecasting and Resilience Tech» – Core Mechanisms

a. Accurate forecasting is not merely predictive—it is preventive. Early warnings for hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves allow timely evacuations, infrastructure reinforcement, and resource allocation, dramatically reducing loss of life and economic damage.

b. Breakthroughs in forecasting rely on an evolving toolkit: satellite networks monitor atmospheric changes globally, AI models refine predictions using vast datasets, and dense sensor networks provide hyper-local weather insights. These systems turn raw data into actionable intelligence.

c. A compelling case study is Japan’s advanced earthquake and tsunami early warning system, integrated with real-time weather and seismic sensors. This network enables seconds of warning, crucial for coastal communities to initiate emergency protocols and save thousands of lives.

Innovation in Action: Technological Responses to Weather Extremes

a. Modern infrastructure increasingly incorporates weather resilience. Buildings in hurricane-prone zones use reinforced materials and aerodynamic shapes to withstand high winds. Roads and bridges are designed with temperature fluctuations in mind, preventing cracking and buckling.

b. Agricultural innovation responds directly to arid conditions: drought-tolerant crop varieties—developed through genetic research—now sustain food production in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, while water-harvesting technologies capture rainwater efficiently during short downpours.

c. Urban planning integrates real-time weather data to optimize energy use and public safety. Smart grids adjust electricity distribution during heatwaves, while adaptive traffic systems reroute during storms, minimizing congestion and risk.

Beyond Technology: Societal and Behavioral Shifts Influenced by Weather Trends

a. As climate threats grow localized—flooding neighborhoods, prolonged heatwaves—communities develop grassroots early response networks. Volunteer groups monitor local conditions, share alerts, and support vulnerable residents, fostering collective resilience.

b. Governments and international bodies revise policies to reflect climate realities: climate adaptation funding supports infrastructure upgrades, disaster-risk reduction strategies prioritize high-risk zones, and urban zoning laws enforce stricter building codes.

c. Public awareness campaigns leverage real-time weather data and historical context to promote sustainable habits—from reducing water use during droughts to choosing energy-efficient cooling systems. Such efforts bridge knowledge and action, turning data into daily decisions.

Lessons from the Past, Guardrails for the Future

a. Historical climate crises—The Little Ice Age, the Dust Bowl—remind us that adaptation is not optional. Societies that invested in resilient systems and adaptive knowledge survived and evolved.

b. Continuous learning from weather patterns enables proactive risk management. Satellite records and climate models help anticipate shifts before they escalate, turning reactive responses into strategic foresight.

c. Sustained investment in climate-resilient technology prevents catastrophic failure. From early storm warnings to AI-powered forecasting, each innovation builds on prior breakthroughs. Without ongoing commitment, progress stalls, and vulnerability grows.

Conclusion: Weather as a Catalyst for Human Progress

Weather is not merely a force of nature—it is a relentless catalyst for human ingenuity. Climatic shifts drive forecasting advancements and resilience innovation, transforming challenges into opportunities. The paradigm encapsulated in «Climatic shifts drive breakthroughs in forecasting and resilience tech.» reveals how understanding weather enables societies to anticipate, adapt, and thrive. As modern challenges intensify, embracing weather-informed innovation becomes essential. From ancient calendars to AI models, the story remains the same: climate shapes progress, and progress shapes survival.

Explore ethical innovation in emerging tech systems

  1. Weather as a persistent challenge compels adaptation—from ancient civilizations to modern cities.
  2. Climatic unpredictability accelerates scientific and technological development, turning uncertainty into innovation.
  3. Weather data enables proactive systems, transforming forecasting from folklore into life-saving science.
  4. Satellites, AI, and sensor networks—products of climate-driven necessity—now underpin global resilience.
  5. Drought-resistant crops and smart infrastructure exemplify how weather pressures birth transformative solutions.
  6. Community networks, policy evolution, and public campaigns build societal resilience beyond tech alone.
  7. Historical crises like the Dust Bowl and Little Ice Age reveal lasting lessons: continuous learning prevents future failure.
  8. Future readiness depends on sustained investment in weather-informed innovation.

Table: Technologies Shaped by Climatic Pressures

Technology Innovation Driver Impact
Satellite Systems Global climate monitoring Real-time tracking of storms, droughts, and temperature shifts
AI Forecasting Models Big data analysis of weather patterns Improved accuracy in predicting hurricanes and heatwaves
Smart Infrastructure Extreme weather events Buildings and grids resilient to storms and heat
Drought-Resistant Crops Arid climate pressures Sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions
Early Warning Systems Historical disasters Minimized casualties in cyclones and floods

“Weather does not stop for humanity—but human innovation does.” — Adaptation in Climate Resilience, 2023

Key Takeaway: Weather is not merely a backdrop but a dynamic partner in human progress. The paradigm «Climatic shifts drive breakthroughs in forecasting and resilience tech.» reminds us that every storm, drought, and heatwave holds the potential to inspire solutions that build a safer, smarter, and more resilient world.

Embracing weather-informed innovation is no longer optional—it is essential. From ancient calendars to AI-powered models, humanity’s response to climate remains a powerful story of adaptation. As climate challenges intensify, integrating robust data, ethical foresight, and community collaboration will define our ability to thrive.

Explore ethical innovation in emerging tech systems