Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Lessons in Life and Meschlichkeit."
(Credit Photo: makamuki0 via https://pixabay.com/photos/hairdressing-barbershop-barber-2142482/)
Showing posts with label Good People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Good People. Show all posts
August 20, 2023
Lessons in Life and Menschlichkeit
(Credit Photo: makamuki0 via https://pixabay.com/photos/hairdressing-barbershop-barber-2142482/)
June 4, 2023
The Best of People
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "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.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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! ;-)
May 29, 2019
Beautiful People
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)
February 13, 2019
Colleagues That Care
When things got a little tough in the office, I came in the next day to 6 smiley faces lined up on my desk.
This is something that I really appreciate from some people:
Their HUMANITY.
Even though my colleague faced the same tough day, she was thoughtful of others and the impact on them (not herself).
There are some amazing people out there, and I thank G-d for putting them in my orbit. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 5, 2019
Not Caring or Worse
There are a lot of good people out there, but there are probably more in your orbit that simply don't care or worse.
You can have this problem or that.
If they even "give you the time of day," people will nod, tell you how sorry they are, and probably relate some of their own misery.
The good people try to see if and how they may be able to help.
The others really don't want to know, certainly don't care, and just see you as baggage in the way.
But everyone has their problems!
If only people could look with compassion on each other.
We all struggle with our demons in this world.
Of course, we can't let troubles get in the way of our doing what we need to do.
But people can make all the difference in just providing a compassionate ear and being willing to open themselves up to understanding others and helping each other or making reasonable accommodations so people can help themselves.
Listen, we all have our day--wouldn't it be nice to be that person who is kind and generous to others and have others treat us that way too.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 27, 2019
@Sandy Spring Museum Music Jam
September 30, 2018
Preparing Simchat Torah Dinner
It was great going to Magen David Synagogue today to help prepare for the big Simchat Torah Dinner tomorrow night.
Then all the prep.
The cleaning, slicing, dicing, mixing, laying it all out, and braising.
Then the cooking--stovetop, and oven.
And before you know, it comes out all done and ready for the scrumptious shul dinner to honor the Torahs.
I want to thank all the women and men that helped out today and many other times to prepare.
But especially, I want to call out Naomi Elimelech who coordinates everything and is the brains behind all the delicious and healthy food.
She and her husband, Itzik, who is also the President of the synagogue, are truly wonderful, caring, and giving people and a role model for all of us--and it's not just the cooking!
B'tayavon everyone and Chag Sameach! ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
June 14, 2018
Missed The Shot But Someone Else Got It
Like many of these, it has a small opening hole at the top to convey that only bottles and cans (like it says on the side) should be put in for recycling--no garbage.
When I was walking by quickly, I took the shot, attempting to throw in my bottle.
But it bounced off the rim and landed on the floor.
Before I could even turn around to pick it up, I saw another gentleman behind me swoop in and pick up the garbage and put it in the can for me.
I tell you that I was really quite amazed.
He could have easily said, I missed the can and so I should just pick up my own trash off the floor and throw it out--that's only right!
Instead, it was in his mind nothing to do this random act of kindness and he picked up my trash.
I know it sounds like a nothing burger, but to me, it represented just a real decency from another human being.
Not standing on ceremony.
Not being too hoity-toity to pick up the garbage.
Rather just saw something that needed to get done and doing it.
I tell you that as much as some people disappoint me with their arrogance and evilness, others are genuinely good people.
This is what it's all about--the good people showing the bad people what kindness, generosity, and humanity is all about.
To the evil f*ckers out there--who are arrogant, materialistic takers, haters, bullies, aggressors, and abusers--to h*ll with you!
To the good people--keep doing good and let the good win over the evil every single time. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 19, 2018
Absolutely The Times Of Mashiach
The Downtown Jewish Center Chabad.
They are so welcoming and genuine.
Rabbi Kaplan and his wife Devorah are absolutely charming, wonderful people.
The davening is traditional and I love singing all the prayers exactly as I remember them as a child.
The speech is always relevant bringing the Torah's message to what's going now.
For example, tonight is Shavuot and the celebration of the getting of the Torah and our obligation to live up to the mission we've been given.
This is similar to the big story this week with Meghan Markle marrying into British Royalty with Prince Harry--thereby she becomes royalty. So too the Israelites entered into a marriage contract with G-d Almighty at Sinai, and they became royalty to G-d entrusted to keep his commandments and as a "light unto the nations" to always do the right thing.
The Rabbi is a true inspiration and today, we talked with him about living in the amazing times of Mashiach.
There is so much polarization and confusion in the world.
From people to countries looking for a guidepost--whether individuals, corrupt organizations, extremist politicians, or fascist and warring countries.
I so agree with the Rabbi that we are living in miraculous times and redemption is right around the corner.
Everything we do is an opportunity to make a kiddush Hashem and turn the tides in the war of good over evil.
Married to G-d, but in humility, we serve him and do good and help bring the world to love, peace, and Tikkun Ola m. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 3, 2018
The Nicest Blossoms Ever
Posting about the same thing twice in a short period.
But this is an exception.
The Cherry Blossoms this year are the nicest I have ever seen them.
Hopefully, this is a sign of blessings from G-d.
The world is blossoming and hopefully so is our fortune.
May G-d have mercy on the good people. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
April 2, 2018
The Heart and Soul Of The Matter
But this person was shinning and smiling ear-to-ear.
What happened, he got offered a job to work in a lovely school as their cook.
He's been doing this as a special treat for the students once a year, and they decided to bring him on to do this full time.
He pulled out his phone and proudly showed me a picture of himself in the classroom surrounded by all the children. He was in an orange sweater and stood out in the middle of all of them and with a smile that lit up the entire room.
He told me how the children thought of him as a celebrity chef and the teacher even organized autographs by him for the children.
His whole life, he questioned his worth, and now he felt recognized, appreciated, and loved.
I told him that I thought he was indeed quite a special person.
He said to me, you may have a talent or be special, but you have to recognize it--and he repeated aloud again at least three times emphasizing more and more on RECOGNIZE it.
Surely, after so many years, only now was he being recognized and more so, recognizing it himself.
Apparently, someone who worked in the school was also a renown food critic, and she had nothing but praises to sing of him.
Talking with him, I felt my eyes being opened.
Everyone can do good with their lives and have worth.
We have to recognize it in ourselves.
We need to just be given an opportunity to show it and share it.
It doesn't matter what you are or earn.
It matters where your heart is.
For many, they earn gazillions, but their heart is a heart of stone.
For others, they may earn minimum wage, but their heart is a heart of gold.
It's not the money, it's not the power, it's not the prestige...it's the heart and soul of the matter. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 29, 2018
Light Drives Out Darkness
"Darkness can't drive out darkness.There is so much darkness in certain people.
Only Light can do that."
So full of hate, violence, and corruption.
They use and abuse others for their selfish aims.
Only faith and giving can drive out selfishness!
The other day at work, I briefly stopped over to help a colleague with something (I thought it was pretty minor, honestly).
The next thing I know, another colleague who observed me, leaves--literally--a gold star on my desk.
I had to laugh to myself--isn't this what we do with kids.
And then I thought to myself--Wow! People at any age can be recognized for just being decent human beings with one another.
Rather than just recognize the latest work accomplishments, isn't it truly something to recognize helping others.
Being good people is the essence of what life is all about.
I'm glad that there are still people in the world that know this. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 27, 2018
The Good Eggs
What is the most important is being around good, decent people.
I've always heard that your relationships are most important.
But it's not just relationships, it's also who you are relating to.
There are good eggs, and there are not such good eggs.
Don't get fooled by what's on the eggshell--that is certainly no yolk.
Most of eggs know who and what they are.
Some eggs like to scramble the others.
Some eggs like to poach on the others.
Some eggs like to crack the others' shells.
But then there are other eggs that like it over easy with the other eggs.
They all want to get the meal cooked and have it tasty and nutritious, but some eggs just don't know how to treat others eggs with decency, respect, and integrity.
It's best to be around those eggcelent eggs, and that is where the best happens and the good eggs gravitate to.
Be careful what eggs you associate with, because there is nothing that smells worse than a rotten egg. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 10, 2018
Among All The Apples
Sort of how I felt after synagogue today and at other times.
I've learned the importance as my father had so often tried to teach me of going to synagogue.
Yes, the prayer and service to Hashem.
But also the community.
We all need people.
None of us is an island.
At synagogue, aside from the opportunity to speak and be close with G-d, I appreciate the hearty calls of "Shabbat Shalom," the embracing handshakes, hugs and occasional kisses, the chance to see and kiss the holy Torah, and being among friends.
Like the apples, we're all sort of the same, yet unique, and we stand together.
As apples, we all have our glowing and shiny outsides, a sweet inner core, and also plenty of juicy meat.
People too put on their best clothes, shoes, and do themselves to look their best going to synagogue, and inside they are there to express their goodness with G-d and the community.
Also though, you hear plenty of the heartbreaking stories about what is happening to them as families and individuals.
Sure, there are the lovely smachot (happy occasions) in their and our lives to celebrate, but there is also plenty of adversity and challenges faced daily.
One member passed away this week, another is getting cancer treatments, and someone got hit by a car crossing the street and is in the hospital with literally 79 screws holding their ribs together!
Then there are those out looking for work, others suffering from bad marriages or getting divorced, someone with a sick child that needs lifelong care, and someone who even got robbed this week.
Yes, shiny on the outside and with the sweetness of souls and hearts, and yet everyone has their baskets of challenges to deal with.
For someone like me, I literally feel it inside for people--it's like I can almost imagine what it must be like to be in their shoes.
Obviously, I can't--no one really can--but I imagine myself and ask myself OMG what in the world would I do--and of course, I have no real idea.
Synagogue is I guess the most perfect place to experience all this--since we are before G-d, asking for his blessings and mercy, and with others, we bond to who are all in the same boat paddling and trying to survive and live a full and meaningful life. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 20, 2018
Fulfilling Dying Children's Wishes
I am just so impressed with this charity...the Make A Wish Foundation.
They grant the wishes of children diagnosed with terminal illness--and in the U.S. alone, they grant a wish every 34 minutes!
What nobler and giving act can there be, especially when it comes to an innocent child who never even had the chance to live their lives and try to make their dreams come true.
Whether it's letting the child meet a famous world wrestler and actor, John Cena (featured in the video above)--who has granted more wishes than any other celebrity in the history of the foundation--to taking a child to a special travel destination or helping them be that incredible superhero for a day.
Seeing the joy on the faces of these children--despite the pain of their illnesses and their dire situations--seems like one of the holiest and most incredible things that we can do.
I really want to acknowledge the famous people, like Cena and others, who take the time and effort to really give back--and with a loving and caring heart to these kids.
Again, there are truly good people out there--who don't just live for themselves--but who think about and give generously to others.
Life is not just about "I" but about all the people we can reach and uplift.
Cena isn't just a champion wrestler, but he has a champion heart.
And the Make A Wish Foundation is an incredible organization composed of thousands of incredible people doing righteous work that I believe makes G-d smile down at us from the Heavens above.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
October 15, 2017
World Of Amazing Times and People
Took this video at the World of Montgomery Festival today.
The dancers, singers, drummers, and costumes were all great.
The weather today an unseasonably warm 76 degrees and being out and about was fun.
Plus it was an extra special treat to meet up with my pal Congressman Jamie Raskin.
Thank you G-d for all the amazing times and good people.
(Source Video and Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
September 22, 2017
613 Everywhere
My wife and I continue to see 613 all the time and everywhere!
Prices, receipts, license plates, accounts balances, stock price changes, lottery winnings, bar codes, time of day, wait times, schedules, number of email, rows in a spreadsheet, road numbers, social media views, etc. etc. etc.
- I have questioned myself over and over whether I am seeing it because I am sensitized to it or simply even looking for it at this point.
The answer is a definite no!
Here's a recent example, of the change in the stock price for Teva Pharmaceuticals (above)--it's exactly -.0613!
But this isn't a one time event or a fluke.
As we all know stock prices fluctuate every moment on the marketplace. Yet, when I check at completely different and random times, it is up or down by a variation of 613!
Other times, I'll check multiple stocks... and they will simultaneously be moving or priced at variations again of 613--at the exact same moment, I repeat, different stocks priced at the exact same moment.
Here's another non-financial example:
I did a post a few weeks ago on the critical importance of emergency preparedness.
Look at how many views it got on LinkedIn...exactly 163!
This happens everywhere and all the time!
Here's a third example:
Here's a fourth example:
Can you see the code on the package...613!
A fifth example:
A sixth example:
A seventh example:
An eighth example:
An ninth example:
A tenth example:
Hey, I am not superstitious and I am not OCD--seriously.
But this happens all the time.
I cannot help but think that G-d is sending us an important message.
From a personal level, my wife and I have both tried to take the messages seriously and to continue to improve our lives--albeit we know, we are far from perfect human beings.
However, we also feel compelled to share this message more broadly.
There is a lot going on in the world, and could this mean something bigger and more consequential to a lot more people?
Please, please, please, G-d have mercy on your children...we are but flesh and blood...and we desire to do good.
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
September 5, 2017
The Meaning Of Pain
I spoke with her this evening and she has grown into such a smart, mature, and good person.
We were talking about some hard times.
And she said to me so smartly (and I am so proud of her):
"The reason that we have pain is to avoid more pain."
Wow...think about that for a moment.
Everyone gets physical, emotional, and even spiritual pain in their lives.
Even little things like stubbing your toe, getting a small burn, or a paper cut--these things give you a instant or more of pain...but it jolts you into attention of what to avoid and to action how to protect yourself to prevent further and worse pain down the road.
A little pain now can fortunately save you a lot of pain later!
(Or in the gym they say, "No pain, no gain.")
My father used to say about difficult life lessons:
"Better to cry now than to cry later!"
He was right--bad situations generally don't get better with age.
Continuing the discussion with my lovely daughter tonight, she said to me:
"A person becomes better when they struggle. I've become better by struggling."
Again, like little pains, even larger struggles in life challenge us to learn, grow, and become better and stronger people.
I remember as a kid--when we went through those growth spurts--it would actually hurt a little--some muscle aches here and some cramps there--whew, a few inches taller already.
Growth hurts, but it's kind of a good hurt that only someone with the emotional intelligence to understand maturity and betterment can really grasp.
No, I'm not advocating for self-flagellation--just that we know when pain and struggle is a defining moment in life--like shaping and sharpening a great sword in fierce fire.
It's hot, but the heat is healing and necessary sometimes to grow as human and spiritual beings. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 15, 2017
Better A Mensch Than Money
Better a mensch than all the money in the world.
Some people think that money is their Golden Calf.
They literally and practically worship it.
They are so greedy for it, hoard it, protect it, and believe in the power of it.
But what I say is you can choke on all the money!
Those who put the emphasis on money are sick and empty with materialism that means nothing in the end.
Better the love of a good, decent human being and best friend than all the money in China.
For money you can buy lots of meaningless things, but with a mensch you can have a potential for a life of real togetherness and even a chance at some soulful bliss.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
