With gratitude to my beautiful daughter, Minna Blumenthal, for sharing this song by Idan Raichel with me.
Shabbat Shalom!
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
June 29, 2018
June 26, 2018
Never Forget # Never Again
As much as we have to remember the horrors of the Holocaust and how so-called, human beings can descend into the depth of evilness inflicting hell against their fellow man, it is most critical to ensure it never happens again.
But remembering can be extremely painful, especially for the next generation that perhaps wants to forget all the terrible tragedy and for everything to be seemingly "normal" again.
But in the ageless war of good over evil, we must continuously fight to defend a peaceful and secure future for us and our children.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 22, 2018
Everyone Deserves A Day of Rest and Happiness
They don't want or need to work that much, but their employer insists that's the way it is.
On top of it, they don't even get overtime for all the unbelievable hours they have to put in.
One day, this person actually just broke down in incredible tears, just asking to get a single day off.
Finally, finally, finally--the employer gave in--for just a single day!
The person was so happy--one day of freedom; one day to enjoy; one day to regain their inner beauty and humanity.
I was so happy for them!
Every person deserves at least one day off per week.
Every single one of the major religions in the world that is anchored in the Bible--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--have a holy Sabbath as a day of rest.
There is a divine and ancient wisdom to this.
People need a day to rejuvenate.
Everything is nature does.
Even the fields have to lay fallow every 7th year so the earth can revitalize and replenish itself.
There is a natural cycle to things--peaks and valleys--and we need to have some rest and relaxation--to work for something and not for nothing.
The joy on this person to just have a day off--it was so incredible and touching.
It spoke light years to me about treating people right--just--humanly--with compassion--and doing good over evil in this world.
What does the employer need to wring an extra days work out of their employees for the rotten greed of money and profits?
Better to care for your people, and they will be better off for it and thus to the needs of the business and its customers.
Care for people--they are people.
Love people--they are G-d's beautiful children.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Let everyone have a day of rest and something to look forward to--to enjoy, to have some happiness, to get time with their family and friends, to get back to themselves, to attain a deserved and proper peace of mind, body, and soul. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 18, 2018
It's Time to Stop The Terror Arsonists
"Please Don't Burn Israel Anymore"
From Incendiary kites to flaming balloons, the Palestinian terrorists of Hamas need to give up their hatred of Israel and the Jewish people, and embrace love for the land and peace with their neighbors.
Hope you enjoy the article.
Protect the Holy Land!
(Source Photo: Picsabay)
June 16, 2018
Shabbat Risk
But my daughter and her husband came for Shabbat, and we sat down and had a great game.
We distributed the countries.
Placed our enemies.
And went to battle, army to army.
By the time it was over, my daughter had conquered Europe, Africa, and North and South Americas.
It was so good to see her taking country after country from my son-in-law and me.
My son-in-law joked that he had underestimated her.
We had a good laugh and nice time just sitting down at the kitchen table and playing a board game.
Afterward, we went down to the pool and relaxed in the deck chairs and then my wife and I took off our shoes and walked in the grass in the garden.
I laid down on the beautiful green lawn and looked up watching some planes jet over in the clear blue sky.
It was absolutely beautiful weather and a marvelous day today with my family.
In the morning we went to Synagogue and the sit-down kiddush with our friends.
I am grateful to G-d for all this and for the peace of the wonderful Shabbat!
Also, what more can a man ask for Father's Day. ;-)
June 4, 2018
THE MIGHTY MERKAVA IV
A model of the awesome Merkava IV battle tank from Israel.
They know how much I love this tank which the brave soldiers of the IDF use to protect the Holy Land of Israel.
As a son of Holocaust survivors, this gift left me so emotional and literally brought tears to my eyes.
One of the real tributes of the Merkava is that unlike almost every other tank in the entire world which has its engine in the rear to protect it from enemy fire...
The Merkava IV has the engine in the front to protect the lives of the Israeli soldiers who man it.
To the Jewish people, it's not the tank that is important in and of itself, but it is its ability to protect each and every sacred life behind it.
That is the noble creed of the Israelite people--nothing is more valuable than human life.
70-years after the founding of the State of Israel--established from the very ashes of the 6,000,000 murdered in the Holocaust--I am so proud to say that IDF, despite being under almost constant threat from enemies near and far, protects the people and country with the utmost bravery, human dignity, and as a true light unto the nations.
They are true heroes! May G-d Almighty bless each and every defender who stands watch over the Holy Land, and may He speedily bring a true and lasting peace to us all.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
June 1, 2018
Expect Less <> Appreciate More
"Expect Less, Appreciate More."
Many people in their late 30s and early 40s become disillusioned with life.
They have been on the treadmill chasing love, fame, and fortune for so long.
But reality sets in and they don't get everything they think they have coming to them.
Hence some level of mid-life crisis sets in.
However by the time people reach their 50s, things seem to shift again, and a happiness or peacefulness sets in.
People start to expect less and instead appreciate more from the blessings they do have.
The treadmill becomes a long walk along the beautiful beach or park trail.
We don't need to chase success, but rather just see the great lives in so many ways that G-d has already bestowed on us.
The U-shaped curve of life--where we start all bright-eyes and bushy tailed in our younger years and which descends into disappointment and disillusionment in mid-life, comes up once again to happiness and a fulfillment in our later years.
Over the course of our lives, we learn that life does not ask, but rather it tells us.
And if we just listen, we can find meaning and contentment amidst it all. ;-)
(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 15, 2018
The Embassy Arrives In Jerusalem
Never Homeless Again
The U.S. Embassy has moved to Jerusalem, but unfortunately, our enemies still attack us.
Hope you enjoy the article.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
May 5, 2018
My First Article in the TOI - The Samson Dilemma
"The Samson Dilemma"
I was struggling with what to say.
And then the words came pouring to me when I awoke at 4 am.
It comes from my heart, and I am grateful to G-d for bringing me to this time.
Hope you enjoy the article.
Andy
(Source Photo of 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 17, 2018
Rocky Says
April 8, 2018
Haleli @Mimouna with Magen David Synagogue
Praise be our G-d, the Master of the Universe.
May he bless us with an abundance of good for the New Year after the Passover commemoration of our exodus from slavery to His redemption and the Holy Land of Israel.
Blessings, Peace, Health, Prosperity, and Joy!
What a lovely event with the community of Magen David Synagogue in Maryland.
My heart is uplifted by the song, dance, friendship, and faith in the Almighty. ;-)
(Source Video: Andy Blumenthal)
March 6, 2018
Makes My Heart Sing
The yellow butterflies with the background of the blue from the sky and ocean, and the white of the soft clouds.
Feeling like this makes my heart sing.
Sort of like love.
It's simple, but so clear.
We're free and flying alone, but together.
We're one with the universe and also with each other.
Butterfly, butterfly into the wild blue yonders.
No worries, just soaring, at peace, happy, and oh so free. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 28, 2018
Breaking The Cycle Of Trauma
Thought these are some beautiful sentiments about breaking the cycle of trauma in our lives:
"Hurt people hurt people.
That's how pain patterns get passed on, generation after generation after generation.
Break the chain today.
Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness.
Greet grimaces with smiles.
Forgive and forget about finding fault.
Love is the weapon of the future."- Yehuda Berg, The Kabbalah Center
This is powerful--it should only be that we can have a complete healing, betterment, and a renewal of peace for all.
One other thing that I heard that was so plain and simple, yet so smart was that:
One other thing that I heard that was so plain and simple, yet so smart was that:
Our job in this world is to do the most good that we can do!
Thank you to Minna Blumenthal for sharing all this.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 7, 2018
Cross The Street
"When you see crazy coming, cross the street!"
I remember learning similarly from experts that the first lesson in self defense is always:
"If you can run, run!"
That doesn't mean your not strong or courageous.
It's just common sense to try to avoid trouble if you can.
When people seriously fight, both usually can end up with a black eye or worse.
And there are truly a lot of crazies out there.
Peace is always desired.
But strength (and preparedness) is always required.
This makes sense as well in the larger context of the USA upgrading it's nuke arsenal and other weapons systems and platforms to deter enemy aggression.
Thus, peace through strength and of course, prayer! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 1, 2018
Happiness Is Serving G-d
Times may be tough.
But I have faith in G-d.
I turn to Him in whatever challenge or enemy arises.
My heart is singing to Him.
Hashem Melech.
Hashem Malach.
Hashem Yimloch L'Olam VaEd
In English:
G-d is king.
G-d was king.
G-d will be king forever.
What other reassurance in life could we ever want or need.
My heart is singing.
Hashem is G-d.
Hashem is One.
Yes, it is singing.
I have faith that all will be well.
- Peace, Health, Happiness, Prosperity.
Because it is G-d who rules now and forever and ever! ;-)
January 23, 2018
Until My Last Breath
Hear O' Israel. The L-rd our G-d. The L-rd is one.
The most sacred and fundamental of prayers in Judaism.
Declaring our monotheistic belief and faith in the One Above who has created and sustains us daily.
These are words we call out from the depths of our heart and soul--in joy, in suffering, in life, and ultimately as we leave this world.
No one can take this from us.
Only G-d decrees who shall live and who shall die...who shall be exalted and who shall be made low.
Hear O' Israel.Everything is life is given true perspective by this.
The L-rd our G-d.
The L-rd is one.
People may rise against us and situations may look dire.
But in the realm of G-d, these are all fleeting like the dust that blows in the wind.
So too shall G-d remove our troubles and bring us comfort.
It is a test; it is all a test--remember, Hear O' Israel--and pass it with flying colors. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 8, 2018
Yearning For Redemption
There is such a yearning for people to do good and to merit the coming of Mashiach (Messiah) towards the ultimate redemption for mankind.
It's on every street corner and light post.
Whether it's eyes gazed on the righteousness of Rabbi Nachman or The Rebbe--as we used to sing as kids in NCSY:
"We want Mashiach now!"
Whether Mashiach is an actual person or a spiritual revelation in the world leading to redemption--it represents an unprecedented enlightenment, holiness and a spiritual healing, and love and peace for mankind.
While we strive to earn our daily bread, it's nice to have a part of us that also seeks a greater good and achieving betterment for the world.
Any small or big things we can do in our lives to contribute to Tikkun Olam ("fixing the world"), it's purposeful, hopeful, and uplifting to try. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
January 1, 2018
G-d Protects Us - Happy 2018!
All these beautiful hamsas!
Hamsas are traditional symbols of G-d's protection and to ward off the evil.
These were some very beautiful ones.
Some say that it is symbolic of the hand of Miriam, Moses' sister, raised in a protective stance over the people.
Five fingers are like the five books of the Torah and a reminder to use all five of our senses in worshipping and praising G-d.
Talking to someone yesterday about surviving in the face of some very difficult challenges, she said to me:
"Remember, just because the adversary is powerful, you are the David to the Goliath!"
With G-d's help and blessings, even a little David can slay the giant evil Goliath.
For the New Year of 2018 and forward, G-d should bless us and protect us, shine his face upon us and be gracious unto us, lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace!
The L-rd is the ultimate strength and justice and in front of Him no evil will stand.
Our faith may be tested, but from it, we will come out smarter, stronger, and better souls, as G-d teaches us to look always to the Heavens where all good emanates. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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