You said: I'm a "real atheist" and an ardent Zionist (and so is my Israeli husband, as a matter of fact), but neither of us would ever say "God help me" except as a figure of speech. Mon: Doctor, help me! Tue (Deteriorating): Doctor, help me! Wed (Worse): Doctor, PLEASE help me! Thu (uh-oh): G-D, help me! (Know the old saying that there ain't no atheists in foxholes?)

30 years ago demonstrations were held for sanctity of Shabbos. I was just minding my own business and got swept up and sprayed by the blue dye truck while I was running away from the horse cops with billy clubs.

That old saying about there being "no atheists in foxholes" just isn't true. My grandfather fought in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. He was an atheist when he went into the army and an atheist when he came out. So, who knows? Maybe it's genetic.

First, I should say that I honestly do appreciate your wish that I should never be tested. Unfortunately, though, I lost my first husband when he was only 28 years-old and, believe me, that experience did nothing to change my feelings about not believing in God. Now, as to the post from Adam Segal, I've heard his argument in the past about God vis-a-vis the Holocaust by people who are decidedly more eloquent than he is. In fact, I hardly think that his referring to the question as "crap" would make me any more receptive to his point of view. But I think you're someone who's very well-meaning and I respect your opinion. In fact, I suspect that you could probably make the case for the existence of God a lot more elegantly than Mr. Segal did.

Since you're an American, you might consider the case of Rosie O'Donnell. But I can also tell you that my Congressman happens to be gay and Jewish. He's been with the same partner for more than 20 years and they've adopted five children. From all accounts by people who know him personally, his children are happy, healthy and well-adjusted, although there's no sign of "repentance" from either him or his partner.

Come back and ask me that question when you've learned something about the subject, and you're not making half-assed comparisons to al Qaeda.

The haredim wouldn't know, as they're quite willing to stone police, but not willing to protect their own home by joining the military. Seems a little cowardly to me.

Finally - some common sense coming from this whole thing. The issue of religious fanatacism is plaguing the world and anyone who doesn't want to be massacred by these various crusades should stand up for what they believe in. If there was a God, I am sure that these religious fanatics would have been smited by now. The fact that they haven't been is proof enough for me.

how can you belive that israel should exist as a jewish state if you dont let them or dont support them from trying to keep it a jewish flavor by inforcyign orthodoxyism .. if you remove teh orthodox element it will cease to exist as a "Jewish" state you are highly illogical

I come from an orthodox family; my mother thinks there are no gay Jews. My brother probably feels the same as the orthodox in Israel. I feel that if Hashem made us all, then He has no objections to homosexuality. It hurts no one to have the Gay community have their parade. It offends you? Don't go; stay home. Get a pint of your favorite ice cream and watch TV until it's over. But be sure you NEVER do anything to offend anybody or you may be next to be discriminated against. Are there not enough people on this planet that are ready to kill and destroy us and Israel that our own need to do the same? Orthodox, Ultra-Orthodox, Reform or Conservative, any reason why we as Jews can't learn to live with each other regardless of our views and lifestyles. We finally have a piece of our homeland back, why can't we, for once, show a united front to the rest of the world instead of destroy ourselves from within. An to those Jews who visited Mahmoud Ahmadinejad because they don't believe we acquired Israel according to 'Hoyle', they should know that Hashem helps those that help themselves. These Jews are traitors and should be dealt with as such. Giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war (and we are at war, make no mistake about it) is a traitorous act.

own jeruslaem ... we are israeli citizens same like them and have the right to demonstrate and express ourself anywhere we want !!!

Look, there are limits to expression. Stay in TA (or better yet amsterdam, sanfransico etc) and parade everyday if you like. But at least aknowlege, for the sake of caring about your fellow countrymen, that some places are truly sacred to millions. Maybe not to you, but to them. So, why cause other people pain? Dont go to J'lem. It wont further your cause.