The Laps We Keep Walking

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Laps We Keep Walking."

This Rosh Hashanah, a difficult year of health challenges alongside the blessing of early retirement led me to confront a central truth: life rarely offers uninterrupted good fortune or a straight path from strength to success. Walking laps despite a limp became my personal reminder that accepting a limitation is not the same as accepting defeat—and that resilience can mean simply taking one more step forward. Remembering my grandmother’s final expression of gratitude to my grandfather, who had patiently cared for her through years of memory loss, reminded me not to wait to thank the people who stand beside us. Amid private sorrow and a deeply divided public culture, we need gratitude, humility, compassion for burdens we cannot see, and the courage to begin again.

(AI generated image)

The Laps We Keep Walking

There Is No “Other Jew”

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "There Is No 'Other Jew.'"

Antisemitism isn't someone else's problem anymore — it's outside our museums, our vigils, our synagogue preschools, and it doesn't check your politics, your zip code, or how observant you are before it strikes. Every time we tell ourselves "that's not really about me," we hand hatred exactly the cover it needs to keep spreading. There is no Orthodox Jew's problem and no secular Jew's problem, no Zionist's problem and no anti-Zionist's problem — there is only us, together, or we are all exposed. The answer isn't fear and it isn't silence; it's showing up louder, standing closer, and refusing to let anyone convince us that someone else's fight isn't our own.

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There Is No “Other Jew”

Be Bold and Settle Our Entire Land of Israel

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Be Bold and Settle Our Entire Land of Israel."

As Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government boldly allocates $350 million to establish 61 new Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, he acts as a modern Caleb and Joshua—faithful and courageous in claiming our biblically mandated and historical land despite international condemnation. We must be clear: we cannot and will not let Hamas and its terrorist affiliates steal our Jewish ancestral land or erase our indigenous connection to it. The Bible reinforces this imperative, teaching that fear blinds us to God’s promise while faith empowers us to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, just as the spies once trembled before the giants of Canaan. Just as the rabbi today courageously corrected a congregation drifting into herd mentality during Shabbat Mussaf, so too must we—especially today’s B’nai Mitzvah, celebrating on the symbolic date of 6/13 (613 mitzvot)—reject secular conformity and stand firm in Jewish responsibility. We are commanded not to blend into the global herd but to break from it, sanctify our actions, and move forward with unyielding faith to build and secure the Land of Israel.

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Be Bold and Settle Our Entire Land of Israel

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

A Dream of Global Crises and G-d’s Sovereignty

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A Dream of Global Crisis and G-d's Sovereignty."

The article discusses the challenges facing the world today, including terrorism, war, health issues, financial crises, environmental problems, and social inequality. Technology can help us to address these challenges, but we also need to rely on G-d for help. The article concludes with the message that we should not be afraid of the challenges facing the world but instead focus on doing what is right and being faithful to G-d.

(Source Photo via https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-white-and-yellow-tiger-sitting-on-a-beige-sand-during-daytime-47312/)

A Dream of Global Crises and G-d’s Sovereignty

Israel's 3 Stages of Attack

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's 3 Stages of Attack."

Iran has long sought nuclear weapons to destroy Israel. Of course, if the Ayatollah doesn’t change course towards peace, it only makes sense as a strategy for Israel to not only preemptively attack but also incrementally dismantle Iran and its terrorist weapons buildup in three distinct stages.

As we are maneuvering closer to the finish line with Iran, we must maintain our ultimate faith in the “Rock of Israel,” as well as continue to be dedicated to defending our people, land, and religion.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Israel's 3 Stages of Attack

Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here."

The terrorist Iranian regime is a mutual threat to both Israel and the United States. They should not be afraid to defend humanity from Iran’s irrational hatred and hostility.

When I watched the video of the IDF in this blog, I felt great pride in the courage and incredible progress that Israel, the Jewish State, has continued to make in building up its security capabilities. Israel’s miraculous success is based on faith, along with creativity, determination, and audacity.

Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here

Follow Your Inner Voice

As Steve Jobs said:

Follow your heart and intuition.

Do good!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Follow Your Inner Voice

The Real Unthinkable Option

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Real Unthinkable Option."

Listen, we are forever in a battle of good and evil in this world. We have to rise to the occasion to stand by our faith in G-d and ensure that good prevails. Easier said than done, because of course, fighting to defeat wrongdoing and evil is not only a battle that takes places within our own souls, but with those that have already sold their souls to the devil for money, power, honor, and every worldly gratification. So, the battles and wars ahead are scary indeed, but we have to choose the right side, silence our own inner conflict and turmoil, and put our fears aide.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Real Unthinkable Option

Fiery Star of David

Sharing this beautiful Magen David (Star of David). 

Saw it on Facebook and thought it's really dazzling!

Man, we're on fire  and in a good way--rebirth after the horrors of the Holocaust, redemption to and flourishing of the Promised Land of Israel, and what looks like many more incredible things to come.

Hence, my reading of the three stars: our past, present, and future. 

G-d's plan for the world is happening, and it's hopefully very bright indeed.  ;-)

Fiery Star of David

That's Called Living

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "That's Called Living."

I was overjoyed this week when the IDF captured the sick murderer of Esther Horgan. Esther, a wife and mother of six children, was jogging in the forest near her settlement of Tal Menashe in Shomron, when the bloodthirsty Palestinian attacker in waiting came upon her and smashed her head in with a rock.

Thank G-d, now there are over 400,000 settlers in the West Bank and another 200,000 around East Jerusalem. Esther Horgan and her family represent the best of the Jewish people giving of themselves, and putting themselves at the front line, in order to fulfill G-d's commandment to us to settle the land and safeguard the country for the rest of the Jewish people.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

That's Called Living

You Can Overcome It!

I like this runner's shirt a lot. 

It says:

Courage is endurance for one moment more.

Just when you feel that you cannot go on for another moment.

Just when you are at your very limit.

Just when you've reached your total breaking point. 

Then...

You take that deep breath and focus your mind intently. 

You disassociate yourself from the pain and struggle. 

You see the challenge in front of you for what it really is and you raise yourself above and beyond it.

Your inner spirit is so much greater than its power over you. 

You have the inner faith and can endure whatever it is. 

You can overcome it! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

You Can Overcome It!

Israel Must Leave No Stone Unturned

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Israel Must Leave No Stone Unturned."

Over the last decades since 1973, Israel has taken strong actions again to beef up their defenses and leave no stone unturned including taking the bold steps in destroying the menacing nuclear reactors of Iraq in 1981 and the Syrian reactor in 2007. Now Israel is facing a similar decision on action with Iran and their weapons of mass destruction. Israel and the United States need to leave no stone unturned in trying to find a path towards a peaceful resolution with Iran, but if that stone threatens potential annihilation of Israel and other western allies, then there should be no doubt whatever that Israel and other civilized nations must act once more to remove the threat and turn that stone into harmless dust again.

Whether towards peace or G-d forbid to war, Israel must be courageous to act and leave no stone unturned to secure its peace and security, or the ultimate defeat of its unrelenting enemies. Israel must be like Joseph, and be able to interpret the dreams and events unfolding before them, and like Pharaoh to make the decision to act and restore the meticulous butler, hang the negligent and dangerous baker, and save the nation from otherwise assured destruction. May G-d give us the wisdom, courage, and strength to do what we must eventually do and let it be for the good.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Israel Must Leave No Stone Unturned

Faith Chases Out The Fear

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Faith Chases Out The Fear."

It’s interesting that faith and fear are incompatible and they cannot coexist. Where one is, the other is not. Just like the light chases away the darkness, so too does faith expel fear from our lives. When we believe that G-d is in charge of everything that happens, and that he loves us and ultimately wants what is good of us then what is there for us to fear?

No matter in what danger we find ourselves and no matter how scared we feel, we are not alone. The Master of the Universe is watching over us, waiting for us to raise our eyes to the heavens in faith, and to take a stand and do what’s right. If we do, then G-d will manifest himself to us and indeed “will carry, and will deliver” us.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Faith Chases Out The Fear

Rambo Is Back

I got my tickets for this today. 

Can't wait to see it!

Rambo says:

"You started this; I'll end it!"

Justice, justice shalt thou pursue.  ;-)

Rambo Is Back

Aging Gracefully

So as we age, we've got to cope with a different reality.

Our bodies and minds may start to deteriorate. 

We can't do all the same things we used to do (even as we can maybe do others). 

There can be a deep sense of loss as abilities, things, places, and people that were critical to us for many, many years may no longer be present with us. 

When I used to speak with my aging father about he and my mom getting older, he would joke and say:

Yes, we're getting older--what's the alternative?

Then the other day, I ran into a nurse from the Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA). 

We chatted briefly about the good work they do in helping so many elderly and handicapped people.

And then she says to me about how she herself is starting to feel what it's like to get older, and that she often tells her mom that everything hurts to which her mother responds:

You're not supposed to leave this world alive!

Putting these together: 

I suppose we all need to do the best we can to age graciously ourselves as well as help others in the process--because there is no alternative to aging and no one leaves this world alive. ;-)

Aging Gracefully

Go Years of Retirement

Thought this was an interesting perspective on retirement.

There are three phases:

1) Go-Go:  You retire and are eager to enjoy your newfound freedom, and you spend the time and money to really do the pursuits and travel that you always wanted. 

2) Slow-Go: After the initial adventurism and spending, you settle in some more and spend your time on quiet activities, socializing, and relaxing. 

3) No-Go: This is the wind down phase, where you spend most of your time at home and at a certain point, may need some assistance to do everyday activities. 

Obviously, the last phase is sort of depressing, but it too is a part of life.  

Like a bell-shaped curve, we are born, grow, mature, and then decline.

This is the cycle of life for every living thing. 

It takes maturity and courage to face it and to make the most out of every single moment that we are blessed with.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Go Years of Retirement

In Sderot: Bombs and Birthday Cake

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "In Sderot: Bombs and Birthday Cake."

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 and gave it to the Palestinians in a unilateral effort towards peace, but soon after terrorist group, Hamas, took control and has since been raining down missiles on the Israeli civilian population centers around it...Last night, as the missiles came towards Sderot and the Israeli sirens wailed for the people to seek shelter–they have only 15 seconds–the beautiful youth in Noaa’s birthday party ran towards the safe room. What was incredible with these youth, was that rather than stop the celebration and hide in fear and suffering from the missile attacks, instead they courageously continued the party and sang with great strength in Hebrew, Happy Birthday to Noaa!

Let us all learn from these amazing young people of Sderot to have birthday cake in the face of bombs and to celebrate life in the face of death, and let Mashiach soon come and bring us peace in the Promised Land.

(Credit Photo: Miriam Sasy)

In Sderot: Bombs and Birthday Cake

OMG, What A Beautiful Song

And Even In Hiding
By Yaakov Shwekey & Kobi Peretz

Even though I am walking through the valley of the shadow of death
I fear no evil
Because you are with me
Even behind the difficult things you are going through
I stand...I stand...I stand
Even in the place which is hidden, within that which is hidden
Surely, the blessed Hashem is found there too 

My heart and soul are uplifted by this beautiful song. ;-)

OMG, What A Beautiful Song

Beautiful People

I ran into this lovely lady in Rockville. 

Obviously, she has a disability, but I was so impressed with her. 

She had this cute dog sitting on her lap while in her wheelchair. 

And the wheelchair had this awesome colorful mosaic in the wheels. 

She seemed to be with family that loved her.

They stopped to stay hello and permitted me to take a photo. 

I was so inspired by them.

There are truly beautiful people in the world and they make the world a wonderful place for all of us. ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beautiful People