Dear Ariel and Kfir

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Dear Ariel and Kfir."

Ariel and Kfir, ages four and nine months, our hearts are shattered. We, your people, have failed you. We swore "Never Again," yet again, it has happened. On that horrific day, October 7, 2023, terror descended upon your beautiful family. You, along with your beloved mother, Shiri, were ripped from the arms of your brave father, Yarden, all of you dragged into the abyss of Gaza.

Ariel and Kfir, your loss is immeasurable, but it will not be in vain. Hamas will not escape justice. We owe you that, and so much more.

(Photo Courtesy of Family)

Dear Ariel and Kfir

Never Too Late

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)

Never Too Late

Choose Life

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Choose Life

Ice Cream Truck

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Ice Cream Truck

Sukkot, I Will Miss You

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Sukkot, I Will Miss You."

A few things happened so far this Sukkot that brought to my mind and heart the human element of the holiday period. The focus is often on the sukkah, but we also need to remember the community and connection of the people who are in the sukkah together.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Sukkot, I Will Miss You

Dolls

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dolls

Torah Stickers

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Torah Stickers

Cotton Candy Blue and Pink

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Cotton Candy Blue and Pink

Toy Esrogs

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Toy Esrogs

Toy Steak

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Toy Steak

Kid's Play Sukkah

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Kid's Play Sukkah

This is So Not a Way to Become a Jewish Woman

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "This is So Not a Way to Become a Jewish Woman."

I'm sure many of us have seen the new hit Adam Sandler movie, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, and probably most people will tell you it's a great movie.

To be fair, I believe that Adam Sandler did not mean badly with this movie in that it did show him trying to get the often out-of-control teenagers back on track. It was also nice to see that Stacy was ultimately a good person and friend. However, this Hollywood-ized version of a bat mitzvah and Jewish culture is clearly made for profit and not with a Jewish moral compass in mind and soul.

(Credit Photo: Dossy Blumenthal)

 

This is So Not a Way to Become a Jewish Woman

Two Ways to Make Someone Feel Worthless

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Two Ways to Make Someone Feel Worthless."

Actions may be bad, but most people aren't inherently bad, and no one deserves to be verbally, emotionally, or physically abused or treated by society with abject indifference. This is especially the case when it comes to helpless children, no one—whether parents, teachers, bullies, etc.—should be abusive to them. Children need safe, nurturing, and loving people and the environment around them that enable them to learn and grow to be the best people that they can be without being put down for mistakes they make, limitations they may have, or just being flawed human beings as we all are. Similarly, adults and workers should not be mistreated just because they are on your dime and can be. They have an inherent right to equality and to be treated with respect and dignity. There are no dumb questions or stupid mistakes when a person is trying their best.

 
(Credit Photo: RDNE Stock project via https://www.pexels.com/photo/scared-man-on-the-wooden-floor-6003316/)

Two Ways to Make Someone Feel Worthless

Awesome Kids Ice Cream Truck

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Awesome Kids Ice Cream Truck

Hmm, Kid's Doll With Scary Razor Sharp Teeth

 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hmm, Kid's Doll With Scary Razor Sharp Teeth

Whirly Pop

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Whirly Pop

Sit Here Next to Geoffrey

(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

Sit Here Next to Geoffrey

Awesome Father's Day Card and Early too!

Thank you to my wonderful children and to Hashem for all his mercy. 

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Awesome Father's Day Card and Early too!

Dog in Red Wagon

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dog in Red Wagon

Swimming By Nordstrom

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Swimming By Nordstrom