Showing posts with label G-d. Show all posts
Showing posts with label G-d. Show all posts

October 28, 2024

Hashem Fights For Israel


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October 8, 2024

IDF Spirit and Strength


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July 19, 2024

Prayer for the Brave Soldiers of the IDF!


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June 8, 2024

A Poem for Noa Argamani

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A Poem for Noa Argamani."

Noa Argamani, a name etched in our hearts,
Two hundred forty-six days, a story that tears us apart.
Held captive by darkness, by terror’s cruel hand,
Yet hope, a flickering flame, held strong in the sand.

October seventh, a memory etched in our soul,
The image of you, a cry, a story yet untold.
Aboard a Hamas bike, a moment of despair,
But courage in your eyes, a strength beyond compare.

We prayed, oh Noa, with fervor and might,
Tehillim whispered, a beacon in the night.
For you and the others, a hundred and twenty more,
Longing for freedom, yearning to reach our shore.

Today, a miracle unfolds, tears of joy we weep,
Rescue’s embrace, a promise you’d keep.
Reunited with your father, on his birthday so grand,
Coca-Cola in hand, a homecoming unplanned.

Your mother, oh Noa, a fragile thread of life,
But you’re back by her side, no more strife.
Comfort and solace in this sacred embrace,
A family reunited, a love no time erases.

Grateful we are, for Hashem’s watchful eye,
His mercy unending, beneath a clear blue sky.
Noa, an inspiration, your spirit so bright,
Resilience your armor, surviving the night.

We never gave up, the world held its breath,
For you and the others, defying the grip of death.
The Jewish people united, in celebration we stand,
A daughter returned, hope restored to the land.

The IDF, the Yamam, heroes bold and strong,
Their courage unwavering, righting a terrible wrong.
Thank you, oh guardians, for your unwavering might
Bringing our loved ones back to the light.

Noa Argamani, your story etched in time,
A testament to courage, a spirit so sublime.
May peace find its footing, may hatred be quelled
And families forever, forever be held.

(A Reimagination of Rescued Hostage Noa Argamani and Her Father Reunited. Photo transformation by Andy Blumenthal)

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Noa Argamani Rescued

Noa was rescued with 3 other hostages from the evil Hamas terrorists.

Thank you Hashem!

(Photo via Twitter)


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June 3, 2024

They Low, We Chai

(Photo via Twitter)


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May 31, 2024

Free Israel

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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May 19, 2024

Faith and Prayer in the Battle of Good Over Evil

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Faith and Prayer in the Battle of Good Over Evil."

As we fight the forces of darkness and evil in the world—from the haters to the terrorists—we need to strengthen our faith in the One Above because only from Him can come the answers to our most difficult questions, our uplifting in trying times, and the ultimate victory of light and good over darkness and evil.

(AI generated image via Designer)


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April 7, 2024

BRING THEM HOME NOW!

May G-d have mercy on his children.

Please give the hostages their freedom.

(Credit Video: Minna Blumenthal)


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January 21, 2024

L'Chaim for Body and Soul

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "L'Chaim for Body and Soul."

Everything that happens in this world has not only a physical dimension but a spiritual one as well. Our very existence is a combination of body and soul, so naturally they work together in tandem. And our physical well-being must be matched by our spiritual alignment with God.

(AI generated image from Craiyon)

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December 1, 2023

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/)

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October 12, 2023

Everyone Stand With Israel!

(Photo via Facebook)


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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."

Thankfully, nothing terrible happened, but it's these everyday slights and provocations that can really hurt our feelings and end up pushing us away from G-d and Judaism.

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)
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September 17, 2023

Rosh Hashanah Reflections

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Rosh Hashanah Reflections."

Rosh Hashanah is the annual wake-up call for us to stop, get out of the car, actually see what we are doing and where we are going, and course correct while we still can in our lives. G-d gives us 60, 70, 80, maybe 90 years of chances to take stock of how we use our precious time in this world, our relationships with our loved ones, and the thoughts, words, and deeds that we evoke for good or, G-d forbid, otherwise. Rosh Hashanah is a blessing for us to back the car out of danger and get us on the road to success if we but take the opportunity, which, G-d willing, we will all do.

(Credit Photo: Ri_Ya via https://pixabay.com/photos/shana-tova-honey-sweet-jewish-4496748/) 

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September 3, 2023

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)

 


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August 13, 2023

Not By Strength Alone

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Not By Strength Alone."

For Israelis and Jews around the world, success includes being powerful enough to defend ourselves from no longer being every demagogue and dictator's scapegoat, but much more than that, it means that we become a true "light unto nations." We want to be a democracy anchored in freedom and human rights. We also want to be a "Jewish State" (it's the only one in the world!) that is a haven for every Jew to come home to and that is culturally and religiously Jewish (but not a Jewish dictatorship). Israel will not survive by strength alone but rather by the spirit of Hashem (Zechariah 4:6). And so our values are to follow in G-d's path and do good in the world, fix what's broken, and make it a better place, and that includes, as the prophet Isaiah said, "beating their swords into plowshares." Moreover, we understand that G-d is not only the creator but also the perpetual master of the universe, and it is He who decides whether Israel behaves righteously and ultimately whether she will merit to stand for the duration this time and, hopefully, the final time.

(Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld, IDF/Creative Commons via https://israelradar.com/israels-3-new-tricks-for-gaza-war-with-hamas/)
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August 2, 2023

In The Quiet Hours

I put this quote away in my files probably more than 30 years ago.

Maybe one of the most important sayings ever.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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July 27, 2023

Tisha B'Av: Remembering The Fallen Temple

Please G-d, the 3rd Temple soon and in our times!  

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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June 18, 2023

Looking Beyond the Superficial

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "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/)


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April 26, 2023

Happy Israel Independence 75 Years!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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