December 5, 2021
November 28, 2021
Happy Hanukkah 2021
December 10, 2020
My Wonderful Opa
He was the President of Congregation Ramath Orah on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in NYC.
I used to be so proud of him standing up at the bimah (podium) and giving the Shabbat announcements every week and everything he did to care for the synagogue and community.
Also, I loved to go up and sit next to him by Ark where the holy Torahs are kept.
He was an exceptional human being, as was his son, my father (and my father's siblings, my Uncle Sid and Aunt Ruth).
Good to the core people! People of faith and family!
I miss my Opa and Oma (grandmother) as well as my dear parents very much.
Like the Chanukah Menorah, they were the light of my upbringing and set me on a path to go forward with my own family.
Chanukah is a time of miracles and I feel that I have seen them not only in our history, but in our lives today! ;-)
My Wonderful Opa
December 24, 2019
Celebrating The Holidays
The matching suit and tie with all the decorative holiday ornaments.
The bright red shirt.
The tree hat with the star on top.
And the dark glasses.
Wow, standout city!
Where do you get clothing like this?
I wonder if I could do this with a menorah too. LOL
Happy Holidays to all. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Celebrating The Holidays
April 15, 2019
The Passover Menorah
So what's with the menorah?
Well my friend, John Akkus (of Akkus Silver Touch), made this beautiful piece for me.
I love the fine handiwork of copper, brass, crystals, Jewish symbols (Stars of David) and bold colors of this amazing menorah.
John sells his art at the annual Suglarloaf Festivals in the Spring.
I am so glad I found this wonderful menorah--it is beautiful all year long (through Chanukah and Passover).
Thank you John and nice job! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Passover Menorah
December 4, 2018
Celebrating Chanukah At Ulpan
Morah Degani had a special night planned for us tonight to celebrate Chanukah.
She called me up to light the candles for the 3rd night and recite the blessing.
Then she played Chanukah songs and we sang along to the Hebrew words on the screen.
We later read and talked about the story of Chanukah and all the meaning and significance of it for having freedom of religion/worship and to maintain our religion and not assimilate.
It was a beautiful way to learn and practice our Hebrew.
Happy 3rd night of Chanukah! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Celebrating Chanukah At Ulpan
December 2, 2018
On The First Night Of Chanukah
It was a beautiful ushering in the first night of Chanukah by Chabad of Bethesda, Maryland. The "candy" menorah that they were going to use was somehow destroyed, but Chabad came with a spare--they are terrific...even when things go wrong, miracles can happen, but we have to be prepared like Chabad was tonight.
On The First Night Of Chanukah
December 26, 2016
From Darkness Will Come Light
"Here on the first night of Hanukah, I stand next to the Maccabees of our times, IDF soldiers and wounded IDF heroes.
I salute you and say to you clearly: The light will dispel the darkness.
The spirit of the Maccabees will overcome.Israel is a tiny democratic nation, the size of New Jersey, surrounded by hostile nations and terror organizations, but by continuing to shine a light on the desire for true peace and security for a people that were decimated by the Holocaust, we can dispel the darkness of thousands of years of hate and discrimination.
Happy Hanukah!"
I believe in my deepest heart of hearts that most people in the world, and especially in the shining light of nations of America and Israel, are good and decent.
And together, we can overcome the darkness of bigotry, intolerance, and hatred with the light of good and righteousness in this world.
Faith, caring, and love can overcome. ;-)
(Source Graphic Andy Blumethal)
From Darkness Will Come Light
December 24, 2016
Let's Ask The Messiah
It is both Chanukah and Christmas.
Rabbi Michael Gottlieb mentions a really interesting point in the Wall Street Journal about the connection between Jews and Christians as brothers and sisters.
Reflecting on the thoughts of philosopher, Martin Buber:
The key difference between Jews and Christians is whether Jesus was the messiah.
"Christians believe he was here and they are awaiting his return.
Jews believe that the messiah hasn't yet come.
His suggestion: let's all pray for the messiah--Christians and Jews alike.
When he arrives, we'll ask if he's been here before."With the messiah's arrival, we can all hope to achieve "personal and universal redemption"--to be kinder, humbler, and more human[e]"
We all have an underlying need to believe in a "superhero"--with G-dly powers that can save us from ourselves and from each other, as well as from disease, disaster, and destruction.
If G-d can speedily send us the messiah to help us with all of this, together Jews and Christians and Muslims and Buddhists and Hindus and everyone can band together to celebrate and welcome G-d's love and redemption of all his children. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Let's Ask The Messiah
December 6, 2015
Amazing Chanukah Photo
In it, the Chanukah candles in the window defy the evil Nazi banner in front of their headquarters in Germany and foretelling of the impending Jewish genocide and world war.
On the back on the photo is written:
"Chanukah 5692 [1931]. Judea dies says the banner. Judea will live forever responds the lights."
As we are once again living in a time of brutal terrorist violence and a moral black hole in civilization, we must again turn to Hashem and the Menorah to light up the darkness of our times.
May G-d have mercy on His people and bless them in peace. ;-)
Amazing Chanukah Photo
December 5, 2015
Happy 25th Anniversary!
That is when 25-years ago, I first met and went out with my lovely wife, Dossy.
I picked her up at work in mid-town, and wined and dined her at Ratner's on the Lower East Side in NYC.
We talked, laughed, and I couldn't take my eyes off her!
We ended the evening with her writing her phone number in lipstick on a little piece of paper, and she told me to call her again.
I came home in 7th heaven, and my dad asked me how it went, and smiling ear-to-ear, I said "This is the one!"
My dad said, "It's the first night of Chanukah, the holiday of miracles, so please G-d!"
I think Dossy and I went out 2 more times just that week, and the rest is beautiful history.
Thank you Hashem for mercifully granting my lovely wife and two beautiful daughters, Minna and Rebecca.
I appreciate every moment of every day with Dossy and my girls--for the precious time on Earth we have together, for caring when the chips are down, for celebrating the good times, and for putting up with me. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Happy 25th Anniversary!
July 19, 2015
Hippie Bus Menorah
Inside, the bus still had the seats, and outside it had these cute Hippie flower pedals.
It was unique, fun, colorful, nostalgic and it rolls.
Plus you can fulfill the commandment (mitzvah) of lighting candles at Chanukah time.
What a novel piece of Judaica--love it! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Hippie Bus Menorah
December 10, 2012
Nicest Chanukah Socks
So wanted to share this nice pair of menorah Chanukah socks.
Unfortunately, my daughter took a picture of them, but didn't bring them home for me.
Maybe next year. ;-)
Nicest Chanukah Socks
December 7, 2012
To My Dear Wife
Yeah, I know it's a miracle! ;-)
(Source Comic At Bitstrips: Andy Blumenthal)
To My Dear Wife