March 17, 2024
The Hostage's Cry
The days are, oh, so long.
The years of the past now seem so short.
I am waiting for salvation.
In my heart, I pray over and over:
“Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d,
King of the Universe,
Who sets free those in bonds.”
I know you are coming to rescue me.
I am waiting for you.
(AI generated image via Craiyon)
March 10, 2024
The Topsy Turvy World of Baby Killers and Nazis
For Israel, it's as if being barbarically attacked and victimized with the rape and mutilation of women, beheadings and burnings of babies, and murders and abductions of young and old aren't enough. But then to suffer the grotesque turning of reality on its head by having the perpetrators of these crimes call you out as the aggressor is beyond imagination.
As we approach the Jewish holiday of Purim, we have to maintain our ultimate faith in the Almighty that those corrupt evildoers who seek our destruction "by any means necessary" will ultimately themselves face justice like the evil Haman (perhaps the forefather of Hamas).
(AI generated Image from Designer)
The Topsy Turvy World of Baby Killers and Nazis
February 25, 2024
Imagine Peace
Families grow rather than attend early funerals.
Communities bustle and prosper rather than lie as dying evacuated ghost towns.
We all become part of a community of nations working to solve life's biggest problems, instead of planning how to maim and kill each other with greater pinpoint accuracy and effect.
(AI generated image from MS Designer)
Imagine Peace
February 18, 2024
Israel, You're on the Right Track
Our strength is the combination of our dedication to serving Hashem and our mighty determination for our national and religious freedom in a world all too often of darkness, hate, and despair where rape is portrayed as resistance, where mutilation, murder, and hostage-taking are justified by those who reject peace and coexistence, and where their vile supporters chant their racism and hatred from city centers to cancer hospitals.
(AI generated image by Bing Copilot)
Israel, You're on the Right Track
January 27, 2024
How to Get The Hostages Out Alive
This alternative is far better than releasing 100 Palestinian prisoners (many “with blood on their hands”) for every 1 Israeli hostage like Hamas is demanding (or 10,000+ Palestinian prisoners), thereby creating the terror environment for yet another, and perhaps many, October 7-like attacks in the future that would put many more Israelis at risk. Unfortunately, this is what happened when Israel released Sinwar as part of the 1,000 for 1 deal in 2011 for Gilad Shalit, and look where it got us.
(AI generated image vis Craiyon)
How to Get The Hostages Out Alive
December 3, 2023
It’s All in Your Perspective
(Source Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/wormhole-time-travel-portal-vortex-2514312/)
It’s All in Your Perspective
December 1, 2023
A Dream of Global Crises 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
October 29, 2023
Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas
(Credit Photo: Anastasia Petrova via https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-silver-compass-xu2WYJek5AI)
Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas
October 2, 2023
The Grouchy Neighbor Who Brought Me Closer to G-d
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Grouchy Neighbor Who Brought Me Closer to G-d."
However, I realized that G-d sends me certain encounters so that I can reflect, write about them, and share with you some things that really aren't the Torah way. We all have to deal with difficult people and challenging situations, but fundamentally and always, G-d is all good and wants us to turn to Him despite and even because of these happenstances.
While there is no such thing as hurt, insult, embarrassment, or suffering that is trivial, I hope that G-d will bless us to see past the pain of life and continue to find our way to embrace Him with all our heart, as well as to forgive our neighbors.
(AI Generated Image by Andy Blumenthal)
The Grouchy Neighbor Who Brought Me Closer to G-d
June 18, 2023
Looking Beyond the Superficial
We are all much more than our physical manifestations in this world, and looks can definitely be deceiving. The most important thing in dealing with ourselves and others is to look beyond the superficial and see each person for who they really are, and G-d’s holy spirit has an outsized role in realizing the potential of who we can be.
(Credit Photo: Activedia via https://pixabay.com/photos/spiritualism-awakening-meditation-4552237/)
Looking Beyond the Superficial
June 4, 2023
The Best of People
When we finally got back to the hotel and my wife was feeling better, I told her how amazed I was with the goodness of these complete strangers that we encountered. I saw people who expressed concern and care for someone they didn't know and for whom they wanted nothing in return.I believe that this is ultimately what life is all about: it's not about the money, the honor, or what we get out of a situation; rather, it's about doing good in the world and savoring G-d's blessing over anything that is material or narcissistic.
The Best of People
May 21, 2023
Some Shabbos Chuckles
People never fail to amaze me in both their potential as well as in their idiosyncrasies. But the last number of weeks have really brought home that while we Jews share many commonalities, there are also quite a few quirky differences, and many of these are worth sharing.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Some Shabbos Chuckles
May 14, 2023
Israel's 3 Stages of Attack
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
April 26, 2023
April 23, 2023
Jealous Over Nothing
- The precious time we have with our loved ones
- Selflessly caring for and giving to others
- Living faithful, holy lives in the eyes of the Almighty
Jealous Over Nothing
March 6, 2023
Do The Right Thing
She created this meme based on what I said.
I couldn't be happier.
And my dear dad would be proud! ;-)
Do The Right Thing
February 25, 2023
Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d
If you lived your life for G-d, for good, and for a greater purpose, then your inner spiritual legacy will live on beyond your years and even your name. If you build a sanctuary for G-d, it will have holiness and permanence not only in this world but, more importantly, in the next.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d
January 22, 2023
Ten ‘Points to Ponder’
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Ten 'Points to Ponder'."
My dear father, Fred Blumenthal (ZT”L), like many from his generation, used to read Reader’s Digest. I remember that there was a section called “Points to Ponder,” which I thought was a good title for things that can have a deeper and more profound meaning in our lives. So in this vein, I’d like to share a variety of thoughts that may give you pause to ponder as well.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Ten ‘Points to Ponder’
January 8, 2023
Pop Culture Just Doesn't "Get" Us
I believe we can all agree that Jews behave differently; sometimes they do good, sometimes they don't, but regardless, we're a little bit of a mystery to many non-Jews, which is sometimes shrouded in a large dose of fiction and conspiracy. For many, I put it this way: they still can't understand why the fiddler was ever playing on the roof to begin with.
(Credit Photo: ericbarns via https://pixabay.com/photos/dancing-clubbing-dancers-nightclub-206740/)
Pop Culture Just Doesn't "Get" Us
January 1, 2023
Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here
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