Meatballs or Fishballs? A Kiddush Mystery!

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Meatballs or Fishballs? A Kiddush Mystery!"

At a lively Sephardic kiddush, I grabbed what I thought were delicious meatballs, only to be told by a spirited older lady that they were actually fish balls. Our debate got unexpectedly heated, with her insisting she knew best—after all, she’d been to every synagogue dinner. Lesson learned: never argue with a seasoned congregant about kiddush food, and maybe steer clear of the fish balls!

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Meatballs or Fishballs? A Kiddush Mystery!

From The River to the Sea, That's the Beautiful Holy Flag You Will See

From The River to the Sea, That's the Beautiful Holy Flag You Will See

Stop Worrying; Trust G-d

Stop Worrying; Trust G-d

Chagall's King David

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chagall's King David

One Democracy Amidst 22 Dictatorships

One Democracy Amidst 22 Dictatorships

Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda."

We must stand resolutely and with clarity against the moral confusion created by Hamas propaganda, which distorts reality by portraying jihadi terrorists as victims while democratic Israel endures relentless attacks—over 26,000 rockets, missiles, and drones since October 7, 2023, along with bombings, raids, and kidnappings. Against this backdrop, the Torah portion Re’eh reminds us of G-d’s timeless call to “see” clearly and choose between blessing and curse. Though justice is not always visible and the wicked may appear to prosper, the Torah urges us to look deeper, trust that true blessing follows righteousness, and recognize the dignity of free will. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we are called to strengthen our faith, rise above doubt, and return to G-d with humility, courage, and hope.
(AI generated image via Gemini)

Seeing Morality Beyond the Hamas Propaganda

Tisha B’Av: Will the Darkness Ever End?

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Tisha B'Av: Will the Darkness Ever End."

Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is the most solemn day of Jewish mourning, commemorating a series of tragic historical events—including the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other calamities—that symbolize both profound physical loss and spiritual rupture. Despite this darkness, tradition holds hope through the promise of the Mashiach’s birth on this day and the eventual rebuilding of the Temple. Recent tragedies like the October 7, 2023 attack and rising global antisemitism remind us of ongoing challenges, but faith, kindness, and prayer sustain the Jewish people, empowering them to be active participants in redemption. Miracles continue to unfold with the return to sovereignty in Israel, and the day will one day transform from mourning into celebration.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Tisha B’Av: Will the Darkness Ever End?

Missing The Rebbe

Missing The Rebbe

Miracle of Jerusalem ❤️

Miracle of Jerusalem ❤️

Kabbalah Meets the Dalai Lama

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Kabbalah Meets the Dalai Lama."

In 1990, a groundbreaking interfaith journey occurred when a group of rabbis traveled to Dharamsala, India, to engage in a historic dialogue with the Dalai Lama. This unprecedented meeting, later chronicled in Rodger Kamenetz’s acclaimed book The Jew in the Lotus, became a milestone in Jewish-Buddhist relations. The gathering explored profound questions of spiritual continuity, resilience, and the search for meaning across traditions.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Kabbalah Meets the Dalai Lama

From Destruction to Rebirth

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "From Destruction to Rebirth."

As the Jewish people, we have routinely known destruction and rebirth. It is hardcoded into our Jewish DNA that when we sin, we incur (G-d forbid) His punishment, and when we find our way back to Hashem and do teshuvah then we are blessed with His merciful redemption.

This Passover, let us recommit to doing good in this world and in helping to move all our people from the Diaspora to "Next Year in Jerusalem" and the speedy rebuilding of the Holy Temple. Oh G-d, please complete our final redemption and let it be!

(AI generated image via Gemini)

 

From Destruction to Rebirth

Passover with Chabad

Passover with Chabad

One Leg Can Support the Truth

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "One Leg Can Support the Truth." 

Israeli Ambassador Leiter emphasized that this war with Hamas transcends the physical battlefield; it is a fierce battle of words, waged for the hearts and minds on university campuses, city streets, in the media, and across the digital realm. Like the insidious blood libels that have plagued the Jewish people for millennia, this latest incarnation masquerades under the fallacious guise of genocide. Yet, as with all lies, this too shall crumble, for it lacks the foundation of truth upon which to stand.

(AI generated image via Grok)

One Leg Can Support the Truth

Queen Esther's Legacy of Faith

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Queen Esther's Legacy of Faith."

At its core, the story of Esther unveils a timeless truth: no matter the trials we endure, our ultimate refuge lies in our faith in G-d, the transcendent force above nature itself, who wields the power to weave miracles into the fabric of our lives. 

In The Garden of Emunah, Rabbi Shalom Arush illuminates three ascending tiers of this sacred faith: first, the recognition that every event flows from Hashem’s divine providence; second, the belief that all He ordains is for our ultimate good; and third, the understanding that each divine act carries a purpose, urging us to seek the messages He imparts. Our very existence is a quest—a passionate pursuit to uncover Hashem in the rhythm of our daily lives and forge an intimate, enduring bond with Him. This we achieve through an unwavering awareness that G-d is ever-present, guiding every step, and even in life’s darkest trials, He sends us a tikkun—a soul correction—to elevate us to loftier spiritual heights.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Queen Esther's Legacy of Faith

Kaparot Chicken

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Kaparot Chicken

The Eternal War With Amalek

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Eternal War With Amalek."

This is the enduring test of humanity: to resist the allure of ego, narcissism, and the fleeting gains offered by evil, and instead, choose righteousness. Let us stand firm in our commitment to good, recognizing that every act of kindness and every prayer uttered strengthens our side in this eternal battle.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

The Eternal War With Amalek

Our Father in Heaven and On Earth

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Our Father in Heaven and on Earth."

In this week's Torah portion, Terumah, G-d commands Israel to build a sanctuary for Him to dwell among them.

To begin with, if you think about it, what an amazing concept that G-d of the universe wants to be close to His people. As King David proclaimed (Psalms 144:3-4):

"L-rd what is man that You are mindful of him or the son of man that You should make account of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow."

And despite our mortality and lowliness compared to the Almighty, G-d loves his people and wants to be close to them.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Our Father in Heaven and On Earth

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity."

The return of the hostages from their horrific ordeal in Gaza offers a moment for reflection on the tumultuous events of the past 15 months. The conflicts involving Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups, along with the dark menacing shadow of Iran, have presented immense challenges. Yet, we have persevered, and for this, we offer our gratitude.

Many perceive these times as a prelude to a period of profound change, a transition towards the fulfillment of the messianic era. This perspective highlights the overt miracles we have witnessed and the persistent threats that remain to be overcome.

Even as the very existence of world Jewry is still being threatened, everyone can do something to help. This is not a time for complacency. Now is the time to prepare for the impending redemption.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

A Day Is Coming: One G-d, One World

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A Day Is Coming: One G-d, One World."

A day is coming, a day of profound revelation, when the L-rd, blessed be He, will reveal His divine presence to all of creation. Every nation on Earth will recognize the L-rd as the one true God, His holiness and unity absolute and undeniable.

In joyful service, we will stand before the holiness, the timelessness, and the infinite magnificence of the Almighty, blessed be He. In that radiant presence, all things will find their ultimate meaning and perfect harmony. We will stand as the blessed children of the Most High God, forever in His divine embrace.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

A Day Is Coming: One G-d, One World

The Big Ten

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Big Ten