Goodbye Khamenei (It’s Hard to Die)

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Goodbye Khamenei (It's Hard to Die)."

This rhythmic condemnation chronicles Ayatollah Khamenei's reign of terror—from 1979's revolution to repression of the Iranian people, proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis fueling global jihad, October 7's massacre, and atrocities like Buenos Aires. It weaves nuclear ambitions and Sharia dreams against U.S.-Israeli strikes crushing Iran's arsenal and sparking uprisings.The repeating chorus contrasts decades of chaos with triumphant justice in the war of good over evil. Celebrating Trump, Netanyahu, and redemption's dawn—perfect for sharing defiance against tyranny.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Goodbye Khamenei (It’s Hard to Die)

Big Smile

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Big Smile

Parasailing

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Parasailing

Sun Face

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Sun Face

David vs. Goliath

David vs. Goliath

Squishy Bananas

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Squishy Bananas

Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World." 

This piece explores the Jewish understanding of suffering as a transformative and sacred process rather than meaningless torment. It describes pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—as a forge that refines the soul, strengthens faith, and deepens compassion. Through trust in G‑d, humility, and acts of kindness, suffering becomes a path toward self-awareness, connection, and redemption. Ultimately, Judaism teaches that even in darkness, pain holds the potential to illuminate the world and draw us closer to the Divine.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World

Chocolate Bunnies

 (Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chocolate Bunnies

Last Day Chemo

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)

Last Day Chemo

Chinese New Year

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chinese New Year

Dragon Perfume

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dragon Perfume

Keys Keys Keys

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Keys Keys Keys

Hashem Calls on Us to Bring Our Best

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hashem Calls on Us to Bring Our Best."

Drawing from a story about diluted Arak, this reflection emphasizes that our spiritual lives should never be compromised by mediocrity or half-heartedness. Parshat Mishpatim reinforces this through the mandate of the "first fruits," calling us to offer Hashem and our community our absolute best rather than our leftovers. This standard of excellence extends to our interpersonal relationships, requiring pure compassion for the vulnerable and integrity even toward our enemies. Ultimately, by dedicating our unique strengths and "choicest portions" to the collective, we build a resilient nation and a life defined by enduring quality.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Hashem Calls on Us to Bring Our Best

Spinal Cord

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Spinal Cord

Civil War Wagon

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Civil War Wagon

Tied to Tree

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tied to Tree

Dragons

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dragons

Each of Us Can Defend Israel

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Each of Us Can Defend Israel."

As an American Jew, I see in Israelis a courage and vitality born from living under constant threat yet choosing life with fierce resolve. Their resilience—rooted in faith, sacrifice, and purpose—reminds us that Jewish strength has always been both spiritual and physical. While those of us in the Diaspora fight through advocacy, education, and solidarity, only in Israel do Jews truly command their own fate, defending their land and people with their own hands. Across oceans and generations, we are bound by one calling: to stand together in the timeless struggle for freedom, faith, and the survival of our people.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Each of Us Can Defend Israel

Heart: Blood In, Blood Out

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

 

Heart: Blood In, Blood Out

Fear G-d

(Credit Photo: Dossy Blumenthal)

Fear G-d

Rainbow Lollypops

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Rainbow Lollypops

A Pair of Clowns

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

A Pair of Clowns

Love Letters

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Love Letters