November 30, 2021

Threaded Blue Chair

This threaded blue chair was not only really good looking, but comfortable. 

Although getting in was easier than getting out of it!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 29, 2021

Now That's Relaxation

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 


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November 28, 2021

Happy Hanukkah 2021


 (Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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The Plan Amidst The Pain

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Plan Amidst The Pain."
In life, not only do we have to be determined and work hard, but G-d throws us curveballs and challenges all along the way that can often make us drop to our knees or throw our arms up in despair. However, we need to be faithful like Jacob and Joseph, knowing that it’s all a part of G-d’s plan and mission for us, and through these we learn and grow and become better versions of ourselves.
Moreover, if we but open our eyes to the miracle of our creation and our sustainment every moment of every day by Hashem, and remember that He put us all here for a purpose, then we can pay the daily price for what G-d puts in front of us and how we choose to handle it.We can do this knowing that it’s all really just a small price to pay in the end for so much that we gain in this world and that we will carry forward to the hereafter. In the end, nothing is free, but the price and the reason is always just what G-d wants it to be.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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November 26, 2021

Beautiful Flowers

Approaching the end of Friday.

Beautiful flowers to end, to start. 

Peace, rest, Shabbat!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving Beach

 

Everybody is getting ready for the beach.

Don your bathing suits.

Set up the chairs.

Get the inflatables ready.

Jump into the ocean waves.

Who needs turkey on Thanksgiving.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 24, 2021

Loads of Skittles

50 cents (used to be 25, 10, 5).

20 calories per piece! 

At least it's colorful.

And fruity.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 23, 2021

Strong and Knowledgeable

If you know your own strength and what you can do...

Then you also know what you can't do.

While our dreams and imagination can be "the sky's the limit,"

The reality is we are human and we have to learn, grow, and make progress incrementally.

Still it's a fight every day to get stronger as people and as souls. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 22, 2021

Losing Your Head At Golf

Some people get overly invested at play.

They lose their head over a simple game. 

Golf anyone?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 21, 2021

Sad Sad Umbrella

Not an umbrella that you'd want in the sun or rain. 

It's the saddest umbrella in the world.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 20, 2021

When Hypocrisy Leads To Abuse

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "When Hypocrisy Leads to Abuse."

As many of you, I have been following the news about sexual abuse allegations against Rabbi Chaim Walder and have been horrified and disgusted that this renowned ultra-orthodox Children’s book author and therapist is now accused of abusing the same. Like community Rabbis (e.g. Rabbi Barry Freundel) or Jewish educators (e.g. Stanley Rosenfeld), this phenomenon of using a privileged position to take advantage of women and children is certainly, by this time, not new and remains a stain on the Jewish community, no different than that of the Catholic Church or the Boy Scouts for the abuse by its priest and leaders on those that trusted them and the religious values and ideals they represent.

Truly, these horrible acts of hurting, abusing, and scarring for life women and children (including boys) are regrettably all around us, whether with domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. But fortunately now they are at least “out of the closet” where rather than have the community deny the possibility that such evil exists or even circle the wagons to wholly protect the perpetrators (before fully investigating the facts), we now have greater recognition and are working towards accountability of these wrongs, and hopefully, far greater protection for people in the future.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 19, 2021

Ready To Drag Race

I'm not sure a Nissan is generally "all that." 

But this guy definitely souped it up so that it looks pretty nice! 

Why don't call cars look exciting like that?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 18, 2021

Way To Go Girl Power

Powerpuff Girls.

That's messaging girl power! 

And women empowerment, as it should be. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 17, 2021

Gorgeous Fall Leaves


Wow, gorgeous fall change of colors for the leaves. 

It almost looks like the tree is golden, heavenly and floating. 

We're so lucky to get to experience the wonders of nature. 

Thank you G-d!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)


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November 16, 2021

Dog Likes Starbucks

Dog(s) like Starbucks coffee.

And people like (dog) biscuits.

What's the world coming to?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)


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November 14, 2021

Purple Polka Dot Balloon

Purple polka dot (PPD) balloon.

Just hanging around on the window sill.

Caught up in the draw strings from the shades and electrical wires. 

It's an odd sighting of a PPD balloon.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 13, 2021

“Rock and Roll” With Chabad

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Rock and Roll With Chabad."

People are often blocked from moving forward by uncertainty, indecision, insecurity, self-doubt, hesitancy, worry, and fear, yet one man, such as Jacob, can stand up and move that big rock off the well if he just sets his mind to it and tries!
The bottom line is that when people say it can’t be done or to wait because it will take an entire village of shepherds to simply move the rock from the well, instead we can see that even one determined person can “rock and roll,” make a difference, and start to make something special and meaningful happen.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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November 12, 2021

Service With A Smile

Best bell to ring for service. 

The smile is contagious. 

One ring, and the customer service representative comes running. 

Excellence starts with the first ring! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 11, 2021

Been There Done That

Funny bumper sticker:

Been There Wrecked That!

And all I got was this lousy t-shirt.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 10, 2021

The Amazing Turtle

Love Turtles. 

Peaceful and protected. 

They live in water and land. 

Not the fastest, but the most determined.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 9, 2021

Colorful Drinking

That's an "absolut"ely friendly-looking bottle of vodka. 

You drink it one ribbon at a time? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 8, 2021

Joke of a Pumpkin

 

Wow, someone made a real joke(r) out of this pumpkin!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 6, 2021

Jewish Unity Is Strength

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Jewish Unity Is Strength."

It didn’t matter what race or nationality the person who had been hit by the car was, she was a human being in pain and who needed the help of others. We Jews need to remember that this is life in a nutshell. Life can change in split instance for better or G-d forbid, for worse. We need one another. No man is an island. We can’t afford to play holier than thou with anyone else. Only G-d can judge who is really “religious” and who is wanting.

It brought to my mind the irony that with the Jewish people, we are a small minority in the world, and yet we often disagree, fight, and can be intolerant and neglectful of one another despite facing anti-Semitism and other crises. This is far from the ideal of demonstrating love and acceptance, unifying ourselves together, and becoming as strong and effective as a “light unto nations” that we could and should be.

We can have our personal and communal ideals and standards, but at the same time have empathy for the journey that people are on. Therefore, we should strive to treat each other with kindness and tolerance and put aside the lofty and phony airs of personal judgement and exclusivity. Because in the end, no one knows who is laying next on the street waiting for that ambulance to come.

(Credit Painting: Dannielle Blumenthal)
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November 4, 2021

Hatchet Halloweenie

That hatchet says it all. 

You know what they'll do to you if they catch you.

Mohel on steroids. 

Maybe that's what the big scare is on Halloweenie.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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November 3, 2021

Bath Time Ducks

I'm not sure what's the novelty of all the ducks. 

Yes, they float in the bath tub! 

That's nice, so what.

They make a squeaky noise. 

Again, so what. 

They are not soft and cuddly.

They look sort of goofy.

Why in the world are we proliferating ducks???  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)


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November 2, 2021

Delicious Knafeh

Soft pastry, hot cheese, smooth cream, sweet syrup, crunchy almonds and pistachio.

What a scrumptious treat!

Straight from Jerusalem market. 

It literally melts in your mouth.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Itzchak) 


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November 1, 2021

Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Disorders

The pharmacy now has all these options on display for respiratory disorders (Sleep Apnea, COPD, etc.)

You can get full face, nasal mask (2 versions), or nasal "pillows".

How does one choose? I guess your doctor knows.

Looks challenging to try and sleep with these, but I guess you may have to do what you have to do. 

At least, there are therapeutic options these days, and hopefully many more in the future for all the illnesses out there!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

(Note: Not intended as medical advice in any way!)


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