Pray Like Moses, Fight Like King David

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Pray Like Moses, Fight Like King David."

The Bar Mitzvah boy’s defiant spark—proclaiming his identity to a world that would dilute it—ignites a timeless truth: Jewish survival is a masterpiece painted in both prayer and steel. Moses stands as our supreme intercessor, the man who stormed the heavens to split the sea, struck the rock to quench a nation’s thirst, and raised his arms to crush Amalek, proving that a plea to the Almighty is an act of supreme strategic power. Yet, we must also channel the thunder of King David, the warrior-poet who felled Goliath with a single stone, carved Jerusalem from the wilderness, and shattered the armies of Moab and Edom to ensure our physical sanctuary. Today, as Iran’s proxies rain fire upon Israel and antisemitism poisons the Diaspora, we cannot choose between the pulpit and the perimeter; we must pray with the soul of Moses and fight with the iron resolve of David. United in this sacred duality of faith and force, we do not merely endure—we become an unbreakable wall against the shadows.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Pray Like Moses, Fight Like King David

@Bagels and Business with CEO Hair Cuttery, Dennis Ratner

Hair Cuttery has 1,000 company-owned Salons in 18 states in the USA.  

Dennis Ratner, the founder and CEO is a huge success story.

- Puts people first. 

- Gives back to the community. 

- Believes in vision, planning, and execution. 

- Dennis said: "Effort = Reward" and to be "Relentless" in pursuing your passion.

- Great roles model. 

(Source Video: Andy Blumenthal)

@Bagels and Business with CEO Hair Cuttery, Dennis Ratner

Preparing Simchat Torah Dinner

It was great going to Magen David Synagogue today to help prepare for the big Simchat Torah Dinner tomorrow night. 

First, we started with great ingredients.

Then all the prep.

The cleaning, slicing, dicing, mixing, laying it all out, and braising.

Then the cooking--stovetop, and oven.

And before you know, it comes out all done and ready for the scrumptious shul dinner to honor the Torahs.

I want to thank all the women and men that helped out today and many other times to prepare.

But especially, I want to call out Naomi Elimelech who coordinates everything and is the brains behind all the delicious and healthy food. 

She and her husband, Itzik, who is also the President of the synagogue, are truly wonderful, caring, and giving people and a role model for all of us--and it's not just the cooking!

B'tayavon everyone and Chag Sameach!  ;-)

(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

Preparing Simchat Torah Dinner