G-d is the source of everything, and the greatest opportunity for human beings is to connect to the source and fulfill G-d's commandments to make the mundane into the holy and the worldly into the heavenly. Just as G-d is the creator, He created humans so that we have the ability to reach out to the source and perfect ourselves in His image. This is the ultimate good that G-d gives to humanity: the capacity to connect with and be close to the creator through our own choices and actions.
June 1, 2024
Don't Be So Humble; You're Not That Great
G-d is the source of everything, and the greatest opportunity for human beings is to connect to the source and fulfill G-d's commandments to make the mundane into the holy and the worldly into the heavenly. Just as G-d is the creator, He created humans so that we have the ability to reach out to the source and perfect ourselves in His image. This is the ultimate good that G-d gives to humanity: the capacity to connect with and be close to the creator through our own choices and actions.
June 25, 2022
Not by Chariots or Horses
As I watched through the window of the synagogue, the people practicing their boxing, I remembered when I was young and learning to fight. It took an enormous amount of training, hard work, and practice, and still at the end of the day, the realization always that we are but the foot soldiers for G-d. We must be the best prepared in every way that we can (“Never again!”); however, it is G-d who not only leads us, but also fights for us. In the Prophets (Joshua 6), we learn that Hashem literally brought down the walls of the great city of Jericho simply by having Joshua and the Israelites march around it, blow the Shofar, and yell a great shout. So too may G-d continue to fight for us against the enemies in our time and speedily complete the final redemption.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Not by Chariots or Horses
June 4, 2022
Testing Our Faith
In short, I think it’s healthy for us as human beings to ask questions, even the most difficult questions of why. We need to make sense of our world and the context in which we live. Questions like: Why do good people at times experience horrible loss and suffering? Why do atheists and sinners often seem to excel and succeed (my wife says, perhaps they sold their soul to the devil!)?While asking why to search for G-d and try to understand His ways is human, at the same time, we as mere mortal human beings can not ever fully know G-d’s ways or His plan for us. In short, Mendel, the Chabad rabbi, said today, don’t get fixated on the why. Instead focus on what you can do to make the world better. Actions speak louder than words.
Testing Our Faith
May 29, 2022
Zionism of Strength and Humility
I sometimes get very scared when we don’t give Hashem the proper credit for our incredible accomplishments and military successes, but rather we talk about our own “self-reliance.” To a certain extent, the calls for self-reliance is understandable amidst broad-based anti-Semitism in the world, calls for Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, and near constant United Nations resolutions again us. Of course, in these circumstances and with our history of suffering persecution, pogroms, and Holocaust, we may look to insulate and protect ourselves from the world’s incessant and irrational hatred of Jews.Most importantly though, we have to recognize that G-d is in charge. As a small people in a tiny (albeit marvelous) land, surrounded by enemies, we can never forget that remaining sovereign over Israel and defeating our enemies that rise up against us time and again is nothing but completely miraculous. Our enemies are 1,000 to 1 against us, and yet G-d makes them run from before us.
(Source Photo: IDF; https://www.flickr.com/photos/idfonline/51131344223/in/album-72157719004030432/)
Zionism of Strength and Humility
February 3, 2022
"Whoopee" Goldberg Is Full Of It
Goldberg had the stupidity and audacity to bellow that the Holocaust was "not about race," after Hitler systematically murdered six million Jewish men, woman, and children just because they were Jews, which he believed was an inferior race to the Aryan nation.
"Hitler promoted a racial ideology that identified Whites (he called 'Aryans') as superior and everyone else as inferior. Since Jews in Europe were considered White he classified them as a different race – a race of people that he said was not only inferior but 'dangerous' and needed to be destroyed." - Museum of Tolerance
Instead of Goldberg being completely ashamed of herself for her racist, anti-Semitic remarks desecrating the memories of millions of innocent people genocidally murdered, the narcissistic Goldberg is angry that she got suspended for a measly two weeks.
Whoopi Goldberg is a disgrace and has-been, and should not only be wholly condemned, but fired and put into the trash-bin of Hollywood history! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Adapted by Andy Blumenthal from Sandra Fauconnier via Flickr)
"Whoopee" Goldberg Is Full Of It
April 20, 2021
Demeaning Candlestick Holders
It figures that an extremely rich person would have candlestick holders like this.
They think it's ok to have your "personal servants" bring you and hold your lights.
Even as they are in spiritual darkness enslaving their fellow human beings.
No, their not helping people by giving them a (shitty) job even as they routinely mistreat them.
Where are people's (screwed up) brains?
The wealthy often actually believe they are entitled to their grossly extravagant lifestyles.
Wait they they come back in the next life and they'll see what they are entitled to! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Demeaning Candlestick Holders
March 27, 2021
In The Hands of Heaven
From Passover, we learn the Egyptians didn’t earn the riches, but built their wealth on the backs of the starving people of the world and of course that includes their Israelite slaves. As the Egyptians gloated on their arrogance, power and wealth, eventually the Master of the World showed them who is really boss. All the money, materialism, fancy titles, and honors are all just fleeting. In Hashem resides the glory and He has the say over who gets what and when.G-d can redeem 600,000 men, women and children, and a large mixed multitude of people with them and very many flocks and cattle in the Exodus and to Him, it’s just another day on the throne of Heaven. In our own times, we have experienced a miraculous redemption from the death camps of Europe, and have returned like the Israelites to the Promised Land of Israel. G-d decides then and now what the plan is and how it unfolds, and everything we have is by G-d’s grace, and these are Seder lessons worthy of celebrating.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
In The Hands of Heaven
August 31, 2020
Just Call It By My Name
It a matter of Quid Pro Quo!
Just a few examples of naming after people:
Carnegie Hall
Rockefeller Center
Whitney Museum
If you call it by their names, then they feel like they are somebody!
Even the rich and mighty people know they are going to die, but they want to be remembered long after.
Everyone should say their names!
But honestly, it's not only completely egotistical, but also idolatrous.
The wealth that G-d grants us is for us to live and do good in the world--not to glorify ourselves.
Having your name on a building, museum, hospital, university or stadium doesn't demonstrate you're charitableness as much as your narcissism and desire for some sort of immortality.
However, there is only one G-d and it's by Him that we should give honor, credit, and thanks!
Giving charity is what you do because you can and it's the right thing to help others, especially when you have an overabundance.
Donating to put your name in lights and on people's tongues is nothing but self worship.
All building should be stripped of the names of these people.
Recognize and raise up G-d. Man is just his servant. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Just Call It By My Name
August 2, 2020
Overpriced Desk Chairs
They had this nothing of a chair called the Harborside for almost $500. I was looking for 2 chairs, so that would've been a whooping $1,000 almost.
After a while on their web page, a chat box came up asking if I needed any help.
It was funny because the guys name was Jake, as in the commercial, "Hi, this is Jake from State Farm!"
Anyway, I must've been annoyed at their ridiculous prices and I had this farce of a dialogue with Jake.
Jake: Hello, We see you are checking out. Can we help in any way?
Me: trying to download a 25% off coupon...can you assist?
Jake: We don't have any coupons or discount codes.
Me: Just overpriced then. {smiley}
Me: Why do you charge so much for such cheap merchandise?
Jake: It's grade A teak which is the highest quality grade you buy but go on.
Me: It's a tree! Why should I pay $1000 for 2 small desk chairs. There is plenty of tweak in the forest for free!
Me: Can you explain?
Jake: *Teak. You're more than welcome to grow your own forest and make these but you'll have to move to a warmer climate. You can educate yourself better with our guide here [and he attached a link].
Me: Hmmm. Would you pay $1000 for thee little wooden chairs.
Me: Also, I'm pretty educated. TY
Jake: Yes, I have 4 on [my grandmother's porch]
Me: You didn't pay $2000 for 4 chairs for your grandmother's porch. NO WAY! I bet you got a big employee discount.
At which point, the chat box quickly bleeped off the screen!
Jake from State Farm...you didn't really buy 4 chairs for your grandmother for $2000 did you??? ;-)
(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
Overpriced Desk Chairs
July 11, 2020
Super Cufflinks
These will definitely make you feel special.
Maybe like a quasi Superhero.
Some may think you're a little arrogant and all that.
But maybe you just are hoping to be super at whatever you do.
It's good to have an imagination and aspiration, and maybe a little sense of humor and fun.
As long as you don't let it go to your head or to your pompous a**. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumetnhal)
Super Cufflinks
April 18, 2020
Not That Great!
Don't be so humble; you're not that great!
Nice way to pop someone's oversized bubble of an ego and tell them to put a cork in it.
Or as my dad used to say:
He's not a big shot; he's a big sh*t!
Anyway, she had a sharp mind (like my dad) and was an amazing leader that Golda. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Not That Great!
August 7, 2019
Ocean of Words
An ocean of words and a desert of ideas.
Too often, we hear people who like to hear themselves talk, think very highly of themselves, show off, or just spout away.
And while they say a lot...
There may not be a lot there.
New ideas, thoughts, ways of looking at things, innovation, creativity, outside the box thinking--that's like a desert!
In Yiddish (and it's always funnier in Yiddish), we say:
A big, big mouth, and a tiny, tiny head.
Similarly, in Hebrew, there is phrase that translates to:
Say a little, and do a lot.
Sometimes, the smartest people are the ones who use their words wisely, strategically, with depth and meaning, and when they really have something to say.
It's at that time that you better be listening. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Ocean of Words
July 6, 2019
Arrogance And A Messy Head
Often an attempt to showcase what they've learned or to build their self-confidence. Sometimes, it's also to bully others.
More unusual though is to find an adult that thinks and actually says they know it all.
But sure enough, I ran into someone who told me (about technology):
"I know everything!"
And they said it with a straight face.
Literally, they told me how they came up through the ranks and knew EVERYTHING with emphasis!
Moreover, they told me that if I didn't know something, I should go ahead and ask them because they would most definitely know it.
So I respect all people and certainly admire those who are knowledgable and talented in their fields.
But something felt very wrong about an adult who feels that they have to go around bragging about the depth of their knowledge--and that their knowledge is apparently infinite (at least that's what they espoused).
I wondered to myself--is the person arrogant and a big mouth or the opposite--lacking in self confidence and therefore needing to boast and show off to compensate for their inadequacies?
When they were talking, it seemed like their head was getting so big and full of themself that it would just explode!
Most adults with emotional intelligence realize how little they know, and the older they get the more they realize that they don't know in life.
Especially, people of faith recognize that G-d is all-knowing and all-powerful, and we are but mere "flesh and blood" and truly just a speck of dust in the universe.
So truly smart people are humble and they look to learn from others, rather than preach and teach in a monologue of hubris.
Like many people that get too big for the britches, G-d usually brings them back down to Earth and their head to size. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Arrogance And A Messy Head
March 13, 2019
Not A Level Playing Field
To get their kids into choice colleges, prominent lawyers, business people, and Hollywood stars paid millions of dollars for bribes, bogus exam scores, and fake athletic achievements.
Uh, let's give Bobby just a little extra advantage and he'll do just fine...
But while some people pretend to be so shocked that this is going on, the truth is that we all know that it's definitely not a level playing field.
All I have to do is drive by the local Mansions in Potomac, Bethesda or Chevy Chase, Maryland or in Northern Virginia and see the extravagant homes, schools, shopping, and neighborhoods, and you know there are the forever haves and the have nots.
As the old adage goes, "Money makes money!"
If you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth in the U.S., the chances are you will stay that way.
Having the assets, information, connections, and opportunities seems to bode quite well for those who leverage it.
The worst part is that those who have these things often really believe that they are better or more deserving than others.
Can you see the nose elevated and those snooty eyes staring down on you?
Wealthy parents cheating the system and paying off others to get their kids into the best schools--a surprise?
Not a chance.
What the real surprise here is...that this time, they got caught. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Not A Level Playing Field
July 1, 2018
An Arrogant Model Who Defiles The Holy Temple
"In such a G-dly place [as the Kotel], where we are all spiritually naked for our actions before our Maker, [Belgian model,] Ms. Papen displayed not soul, but her haughty flesh."
And like the Sotah in the bible, who drinks of "the bitter waters" for defiling the sanctity of her marriage, Ms. Papen will most certainly come to see the consequences for her defilement of the most sacred place of Judaism.
I wouldn't want to be her, seriously! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
An Arrogant Model Who Defiles The Holy Temple
June 14, 2018
Missed The Shot But Someone Else Got It
Like many of these, it has a small opening hole at the top to convey that only bottles and cans (like it says on the side) should be put in for recycling--no garbage.
When I was walking by quickly, I took the shot, attempting to throw in my bottle.
But it bounced off the rim and landed on the floor.
Before I could even turn around to pick it up, I saw another gentleman behind me swoop in and pick up the garbage and put it in the can for me.
I tell you that I was really quite amazed.
He could have easily said, I missed the can and so I should just pick up my own trash off the floor and throw it out--that's only right!
Instead, it was in his mind nothing to do this random act of kindness and he picked up my trash.
I know it sounds like a nothing burger, but to me, it represented just a real decency from another human being.
Not standing on ceremony.
Not being too hoity-toity to pick up the garbage.
Rather just saw something that needed to get done and doing it.
I tell you that as much as some people disappoint me with their arrogance and evilness, others are genuinely good people.
This is what it's all about--the good people showing the bad people what kindness, generosity, and humanity is all about.
To the evil f*ckers out there--who are arrogant, materialistic takers, haters, bullies, aggressors, and abusers--to h*ll with you!
To the good people--keep doing good and let the good win over the evil every single time. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Missed The Shot But Someone Else Got It
May 23, 2018
The Wealth Effect
Yet, others think that they "have it all coming" to them, and they flaunt their money and look at others who don't have what they do as pure trash--unworthy to occupy or breath the same universal space or air that they do.
Visiting Palm Beach yesterday, I must say that I saw too much more of the latter than the former.
Some people were nice, but others were incredibly arrogant.
With my Jewish head-covering (yarmulke) and our mundane vacation wardrobe, we got more than our share of looks--with one older lady who was wearing fancy clothes and talking to another literally sneering at us with her nose raised in contempt as we passed.
People whispered as we browsed the fancy stores where a shirt, skirt, or bag averaged around $10,000!
Even a large (over-sized) coffee table book was almost $1,000.
Yes, we did not belong there to buy anything, and were just respectfully browsing--and frankly, we are human beings too.
In the end, we were subject to some good old-fashioned racial profiling by the Palm Beach Police, who pulled us out as we were entering an Uber by the gorgeous beach and fancy schmancy Worth Avenue.
At least 3 police cars surrounded us and took us toward one of them for questioning.
They said to my wife that Chanel called saying a woman in a "hot pink" top and black skirt had stolen a pair of sunglasses.
My wife doesn't wear sunglasses!
We told them matter-of-factly that we weren't even in that store--although we did pass by there--and my wife wasn't wearing a skirt, but rather pants.
They looked in my wife's knapsack that she opened and it was almost empty except for some travel items for the day.
Then they said that the suspect that been called in had high heels, which also my wife didn't have--so basically the description didn't match and it didn't make any sense why they even pulled us over.
Hey, did they bother to check the store's surveillance tapes to see what the thief actually looked like???
So after they proceeded anyway to run my wife drivers license for any outstanding warrants--hey, at this point might as well try for something--we finally, we got the:
Oh, so sorry for the inconvenience and have a nice day folks.
Another officer winked at me.
This whole thing went right along with the scene of the high-end looking Palm Beach patrol car that they have off to the side of the road immediately when you get over the bridge to their luxury island--clearly conveying the message:
Non-wealthy people not wanted here!
We are watching you!
So this is part of the land of the free and the home of the brave, but where the sickness of money pours from their narcissistic veins.
But interestingly enough, right over the bridge going in the other direction--after you leave this island paradise--is the hospital.
I'd bet that they probably all have nice, private rooms for these monetarily rich people, but for those that are spiritually bankrupted, I'm sure that their money doesn't buy them what is truly important in life like health, meaning, happiness, or love.
For the ones that are driven by corruption, greed, and arrogance--what they get is a dirty evil little soul.
And like Sodom and Gomorrah--these things usually don't end well for them.
If they manage to live out their stink-in rich years, I think G-d will probably send them back one day, but instead, theirs will be a story of riches to rags--so they learn their lesson and learn it well. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Wealth Effect
November 3, 2017
Tooting Your Own Horn
But sometimes it is hard when they are so intent on tooting their own horns.
Bragging, boasting, patting themselves on the back about how smart they are or a job so incredibly well done.
Oh, you've got to ask yourself...
Is it all really true?
OR
Do we have perhaps some slight exaggeration going on with a dose of self-aggrandizement, a spoonful of self-promotion, and more than a pinch of big ego?
Perhaps, also the person is in denial as to what their own capabilities--and limitations--really are.
For example, many artists are enthralled with their work and themselves.
"Isn't this so good?"
"Can you believe I made this?
"Wow, this is impressive, right?"
Sure, there are plenty of talented people out there doing good and even amazing work.
But even then tempering your achievements with a little modesty and balance, like "I do this well, but I need to grow more in that area"--goes a long way to making the admirable talents and achievements more honest, humble, and believable.
Always, people are good at some things, and worse at others.
We all have things to work on and improve, and nobody is so perfect in this world!
We can try to come close--that's our job to strive for it--but true perfection belongs to G-d alone. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Tooting Your Own Horn
July 28, 2017
The All-Knowing (Not)
"Those who think they know EVERYthing
annoy those of us who do."
What would make this grown man put this handwritten sign on his shirt like this?
It's funny some people really do think they know everything.
And they are the hardest and most annoying people to listen to, because their pompous arrogance blinds them to what others think, feel, and have to say.
The only way to really know many different things is to learn from others and then incorporate that into your brain matter.
Progress (societal and self), including thinking, is incremental--that's why education is so important!
No one (except G-d, of course) knows everything, but everyone knows something.
So we can learn from everyone!
Don't fear other's people knowledge, skills, and abilities--we are a community and we really only work well when we function together.
It's like on most of the survival shows I've seen--one or two people (even those highly trained) fail miserably at long- (or short-) term surviving, because "it takes a village!"
Overall, I like my father's humble version on life much better:
"I know nothing and I can prove it." ;-)(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The All-Knowing (Not)
June 3, 2017
Satisfied and Bless G-d
It was about how we can learn to be happy with what we have in life.
The biggest marketing gimmick is to say to the guy, "Look at what your neighbor has next door!"
Jealousy, desire, greed, having more and better than the next guy/girl...
That's what many people live for and how they think.
Some can have as much as the founders of Apple, Google, and Facebook combined and still it's not enough.
If just one person has something more...it can drive that person crazy.
Like Haman on Purim, who had wealth, power, large family and everyone bowed down to him...
Except one person named Mordecai who wouldn't bow.
And despite having everything, but missing that one thing drove Haman so crazy--it was his downfall!
When we eat, we can be satisfied with one slice of pizza and say grace or we can have four slices and still not be satisfied.
How do we look at things?
We can be grateful for whatever we have and say that G-d gave us just what we needed at this time and place.
Or we can look at what we don't have, and forever be bitter and unsatisfied.
What joy we can experience in life when we realize the graciousness for what G-d has bestowed on us and we are thankful for what we have. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Satisfied and Bless G-d