Don’t Wait Until Death to Learn How to Live

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Don't Wait Until Death to Learn How to Live."

Every choice we make ripples out and touches other people, even strangers we'll never meet—that's what it means to be responsible for one another. Giving something up for someone else isn't a loss, but one of the most meaningful things a person can do. Holding onto anger only traps us, while forgiveness and the path of return set us free. And love doesn't end with death—it lives on through memory and duty, just as every life, however ordinary, carries real and lasting purpose.

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Don’t Wait Until Death to Learn How to Live

The Abyss Taught Me That Connection Is Everything

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Abyss Taught Me That Connection Is Everything." 

A terrifying dream of being cut off from everyone and everything I love became a powerful meditation on what it means to belong. Through the ideas of karet, exile, and Zion, I came to see that the deepest human fear is not pain but disconnection from G-d, from people, and from purpose. The dream also reminded me that life is meant for relationship: to cleave, to build, to return, and to create continuity rather than isolation. In the end, it left me with a renewed gratitude for belonging and a deeper conviction that connection is what makes life meaningful.

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The Abyss Taught Me That Connection Is Everything

Why I Came Back to Shul

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Why I Came Back to Shul."

After drifting away from synagogue due to youthful disillusionment with the social hypocrisies and flaws of its members, I was drawn back by a series of persistent spiritual nudges, including the recurring appearance of the number 613. Returning to communal worship brought a shift in perspective, realizing that faith is about personal responsibility rather than the perfection of others. Through shared humor, imperfect traditions, and rallying together during a local family's medical crisis, I rediscovered the profound strength of a real, human community. Ultimately, the synagogue is not a showcase for saints but a vital sanctuary where fragile generations gather to look past their egos and connect with G-d.

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Why I Came Back to Shul

Holy Math: Why the Number 8 Changes Everything

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Holy Math: Why the Number 8 Changes Everything."

The "Eighth Day" is our sacred mandate to stop escaping the physical world and start sanctifying it, merging the raw materials of our lives with the fire of the Divine. From the act of circumcision and the inauguration of ancient Tabernacle to the miraculous oil of Chanukah, we see that the number eight is the heartbeat of Jewish resilience and the ultimate key to rededication. Even in our darkest modern moments, like the transition from the agony of October 7 to the unified defiance of October 8, we prove that pain can be transmuted into a powerful, holy purpose. This is the secret of our existence: taking every cry, every coin, and every breath to build a home for G-d right here in the thick of human experience.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Holy Math: Why the Number 8 Changes Everything

Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World." 

This piece explores the Jewish understanding of suffering as a transformative and sacred process rather than meaningless torment. It describes pain—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—as a forge that refines the soul, strengthens faith, and deepens compassion. Through trust in G‑d, humility, and acts of kindness, suffering becomes a path toward self-awareness, connection, and redemption. Ultimately, Judaism teaches that even in darkness, pain holds the potential to illuminate the world and draw us closer to the Divine.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Why We Suffer: Meaning in a Broken World

The Powerful Legacy of Jewish Women

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Powerful Legacy of Jewish Women."

The Israeli women who suffered during the October 7 terrorist attacks faced unimaginable horrors—they were degraded, raped, murdered, mutilated, and forced to witness the brutal slaughter of their husbands and children, then tragically disbelieved by many. In sharp contrast, Sarah, our biblical foremother, whose son Isaac was spared during the binding, exemplifies unwavering faith and resilience amid hardship—qualities these women embody as they endure. The Torah portion Chayei Sarah teaches that true legacy arises from virtues like faith, kindness, service, rather than worldly achievements. Together, Sarah's enduring strength and the courage of the October 7 victims inspire us to cultivate lasting virtues that define a meaningful, resilient life beyond tragedy.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

The Powerful Legacy of Jewish Women

From the Binding of Isaac to October 7

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "From The Binding of Isaac to October 7."

The story of Abraham and Isaac reveals how fragile life can be, yet also how faith transforms fear into purpose. For centuries, from Egypt to the Holocaust to October 7, the Jewish people have faced the knife at their throat, believing that G-d would not abandon them. Time and again, His hand has guided us from despair to renewal, from persecution to promise. When we live with righteousness and steadfast faith, the knife meant to destroy us turns instead upon the ram caught in the thicket of evil.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

From the Binding of Isaac to October 7

I'm Seeking You Seeking Me

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

I'm Seeking You Seeking Me

Echoes Across Realities: The Soul’s Journey

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Echoes Across Realities: The Soul's Journey."

The concept of multiple realities, embraced by both scientific theory and imaginative storytelling, proposes that countless alternate histories unfold from pivotal moments, each yielding distinct outcomes. Personal experiences, such as vivid and inexplicable dreams, invite us to consider the existence of parallel worlds and deeper spiritual dimensions where our souls may journey. These experiences underscore how our free will—our choices to act for good or evil—intertwines with billions of others in a complex tapestry of cause and effect that only G‑d can fully comprehend and graciously guide. Ultimately, our actions carry profound significance, influencing not only this reality but countless others, revealing that the truths shaping our lives and the universe are far more expansive than we may realize.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Echoes Across Realities: The Soul’s Journey

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

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

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

Breaking Free From the Illusion of the Peaceniks

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Breaking Free From the Illusion of the Peaceniks."

The overall lesson is to stay focused on the things in life that are right and true—connecting the dots, connecting with others, correcting past mistakes, and learning and growing to be the best person you can be every day. From the perspective of achieving peace and security for Israel, understand that this means directly confronting the terrorist aggressors and their false propaganda. What we're after is a real solution and not yet another photo opportunity.

(Source Photo: IDF via https://www.flickr.com/photos/idfonline/51572163819/in/album-72157719986826193)

Breaking Free From the Illusion of the Peaceniks

Who Can Fill the Wise Man's Shoes?

 

Please see my new articles in The Times of Israel called "Who Can Fill the Wise Man's Shoes?"

Today, as we praise Hashem for the wonderful news on the end of the notorious Sinwar and his evil ways, we can yet marvel at the untold number of good, humble people in the world, like the man with the fancy shoes, who radiate its true meaning of life, faith, and love.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Who Can Fill the Wise Man's Shoes?

Life is Full of Oohs and Ahs

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Life is Full of Oohs and Ahs."

These are collectively the ah-ha moments in life when we realize that oohs are often really ahs, and the ahs are frequently really oohs. As we head towards Rosh Hashanah, this is a good lesson that if we can take a step back to see the consequences of our actions, we need not be surprised by the iced bucket of water in the sauna anymore. We can work to make every moment ultimately meaningful and spiritual ahs in our precious pursuit of life and good.

(AI generated image vai Designer)

Life is Full of Oohs and Ahs

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)

Faith and Prayer in the Battle of Good Over Evil

Reincarnation: Try, Try Again

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Reincarnation: Try, Try Again."

One of the great issues in dealing with life is what happens when we die. Is it "game over" and we are gone for good, or as Jews we believe that while our bodies die, our souls live on in eternity with Hashem. However, another scenario to deal with is if we still have imperfections that we need to work on, does G-d bring us back again through the reincarnation of our souls ("Gilgul Neshamot") to continue the process of learning, growth, and perfecting ourselves?

(AI generated image via Designer)

Reincarnation: Try, Try Again

Finding Strength in Difficult Times

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Finding Strength in Difficult Times."

There are countless shakeups and wake-up calls of life that span from small to large crises that test our faith and ability to cope. Yet, whatever the challenges, and however daunting, we need to confront and transform negative thinking:

• Life is not meaningless, but it is an opportunity for us to make it meaningful by trusting G-d and knowing that He has a plan for us and everything He does is for our action and benefit.
• What we think, say, and do isn't irrelevant but is, in fact, very important since we have the G-d-given power to sanctify our lives and positively impact ourselves, others, and the world through ever-present opportunities for giving and righteousness.

In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, it's not about escaping from the difficulties, but finding G-d even when he seems absent or hidden from us. G-d is there, and so is a path toward overcoming the challenges, sanctifying our lives, and finding our meaning and significance.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Finding Strength in Difficult Times

Checklist for Yom Kippur

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A More Important Checklist for Yom Kippur."

If we measure a person's life not by how long they live but by what they do with their precious moments in life, then maybe we can see our lives more in terms of outcomes in meeting our potential rather than purely as time present. Of course, we want to have more time, but whatever time we are granted, we should make the most of it.

(Credit Photo: Pixabay via https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-marking-check-on-opened-book-416322/)

Checklist for Yom Kippur

Lessons in Life and Menschlichkeit

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Lessons in Life and Meschlichkeit."

From all the various people I've had a chance to meet, I have found that it's not how much of a big shot someone is, how smart they think they are, or how much money they have in the bank, but the humility and humanity of good, decent, hardworking people out there that often have the most important lessons of life to share.

(Credit Photo: makamuki0 via https://pixabay.com/photos/hairdressing-barbershop-barber-2142482/)

Lessons in Life and Menschlichkeit