(AI generated image via Gemini)
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
March 16, 2025
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.
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
AntiSemitism,
Divine Providence,
Faith,
G-d,
Good Deeds,
Good Over Evil,
Growth,
Judaism,
Learning,
Meaning,
Prayer,
Purim,
Purpose,
Queen Esther,
Redemption,
Soul,
Spirituality,
Tests,
Times of Israel
March 9, 2025
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.

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
Labels:
Amalek,
Andy Blumenthal,
Do Good,
Exodus,
Faith,
G-d,
Good Over Evil,
Haman,
Holiness,
Judaism,
Justice,
Kindness,
Narcissism,
Prayer,
Purim,
Righteousness,
Struggle,
Temptation,
Times of Israel,
War
March 2, 2025
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)
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
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Charity,
Chosen,
Closeness,
Earth,
Faith,
G-d,
Giving,
Heaven,
Hope,
Jerusalem,
Judaism,
Light Unto Nations,
Mashiach,
Prayer,
Redemption,
Spirituality,
Temple,
Times of Israel,
Torah
February 2, 2025
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.

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.
(AI generated image via Gemini)
Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity
Labels:
Aliyah,
Faith,
Hope,
IDF,
Israel,
Judaism,
Mashiach,
Military,
Miracles,
National Security,
October 7,
Peace,
Prayer,
Preparedness,
Redemption,
Self-improvement,
Strength,
Terrorism,
Tikkun Olam
January 9, 2025
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)

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
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Blessings,
Faith,
Future,
G-d,
Good Over Evil,
Harmony,
Healing,
Holiness,
Hope,
Judaism,
Mashiach,
Meaning,
Peace,
Prayer,
Revelation,
Spirituality,
Times of Israel,
Truth,
Unity
December 15, 2024
Counting the Minutes: Turning To G-d
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Counting the Minutes: Turning To G-d."

The clock is ticking, but are we aware enough to know when it is running out? The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists maintains the Doomsday Clock, and after 25 adjustments over the last 78 years, it currently sits at just 90 seconds to global catastrophe.
(AI generated image via Cyberpunk Generator)
Counting the Minutes: Turning To G-d
Labels:
AI,
Andy Blumenthal,
Armageddon,
Biowarfare,
Cybersecurity,
Doomsday,
Elon Musk,
EMP,
Faith,
Hope,
Mashiach,
Nukes,
Prayer,
Security,
Space,
Survival,
Technology,
Times of Israel,
War,
WMD
December 1, 2024
No Jew Left Behind
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "No Jew Left Behind."Rabbi Kaplan spoke of how Rabbi Zvi Kogan, now in heaven, surely continues his good work and intercedes on behalf of all of us, especially the hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas. He compared Kogan to the Sassover Rebbe, known for redeeming thousands of Jewish captives in the 1700s. Upon the Sassover Rebbe’s death, it is said he continued redeeming souls in the afterlife, even negotiating the release of souls from hell.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
No Jew Left Behind
Labels:
Chabad,
Chesed,
Do Good,
Dubai,
Faith,
Hamas,
Hostages,
Inspiration,
Jihad,
Judaism,
Kosher,
Mashiach,
Mitzvah Tank,
Prayer,
Rabbi Tvi Kogan,
Redemption,
Shabbat,
Spirituality,
Tefillin,
Terrorism
October 8, 2024
September 15, 2024
For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength."From north to south, from east to west,
Israel stands, facing the test.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's terror might,
Yet in the darkness, shines our light.
With rockets, drones, and missiles’ flight,
We stand strong, we stand to fight.
G-d’s strength within, our hearts ignite,
In this battle of wrong and right.
Falsehoods spread, to cloud the truth,
Hostages taken, tears of youth.
But G-d’s hand guides, through every night,
In this divine, eternal fight.
Global Jihad, Intifada’s call,
Yet we rise, we will not fall.
From tanks to planes, from ships to words,
Our voices soar, our prayers heard.
Few against many, David’s might,
Miracles in the darkest night.
The Mashiach near, redemption’s song,
In Zion’s heart, we all belong.
The war is harsh, the pain is real,
Yet future’s light, we soon will feel.
Blessings, peace, prosperity,
In G-d’s embrace, humanity.
Sacrifice and truth, honor’s way,
Peace will come, a brighter day.
Israel’s light, for all to see,
G-d’s will done, eternally.

Israel stands, facing the test.
Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's terror might,
Yet in the darkness, shines our light.
With rockets, drones, and missiles’ flight,
We stand strong, we stand to fight.
G-d’s strength within, our hearts ignite,
In this battle of wrong and right.
Falsehoods spread, to cloud the truth,
Hostages taken, tears of youth.
But G-d’s hand guides, through every night,
In this divine, eternal fight.
Global Jihad, Intifada’s call,
Yet we rise, we will not fall.
From tanks to planes, from ships to words,
Our voices soar, our prayers heard.
Few against many, David’s might,
Miracles in the darkest night.
The Mashiach near, redemption’s song,
In Zion’s heart, we all belong.
The war is harsh, the pain is real,
Yet future’s light, we soon will feel.
Blessings, peace, prosperity,
In G-d’s embrace, humanity.
Sacrifice and truth, honor’s way,
Peace will come, a brighter day.
Israel’s light, for all to see,
G-d’s will done, eternally.
(AI generated image via Designer)
For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Anti-semitism,
Good Over Evil,
Hamas,
Hezbollah,
Hope,
IDF,
Intifada,
Iran,
Israel,
Jihad,
Mashiach,
Peace,
Poetry,
Prayer,
Security,
Strength,
Terrorism,
Times of Israel,
Zionism
July 19, 2024
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.

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)
A Poem for Noa Argamani
Labels:
Faith,
G-d,
Gaza,
Good Over Evil,
Hamas,
Heroes,
Hope,
Hostages,
IDF,
Israel,
Noa Argamani,
Nova Festival,
October 7,
Prayer,
Rescue,
Resilience,
Survival,
Terrorism
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.

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
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
AntiSemitism,
Faith,
G-d,
Good Over Evil,
Healing,
Holiness,
Hope,
Israel,
Justice,
Light,
Love,
Meaning,
Persecution,
Prayer,
Redemption,
Security,
Spirituality,
Times of Israel,
Truth
March 17, 2024
The Hostage's Cry
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Hostage's Cry."Tick-tock.
The days are, oh, so long.
The years of the past now seem so short.
I am waiting for salvation.
In my heart, I pray over and over:
“Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d,
King of the Universe,
Who sets free those in bonds.”
I know you are coming to rescue me.
I am waiting for you.
(AI generated image via Craiyon)

The days are, oh, so long.
The years of the past now seem so short.
I am waiting for salvation.
In my heart, I pray over and over:
“Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d,
King of the Universe,
Who sets free those in bonds.”
I know you are coming to rescue me.
I am waiting for you.
(AI generated image via Craiyon)
The Hostage's Cry
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)

(AI generated image from Craiyon)
L'Chaim for Body and Soul
Labels:
Alignment,
Andy Blumenthal,
Body,
Caring,
Charity,
G-d,
Healing,
Health,
Illness,
Judaism,
L'Chaim,
Love,
Mindfulness,
Physical,
Prayer,
religion,
Soul,
Spirituality,
Times of Israel,
Well-being
January 14, 2024
Amazingly Beautiful Prayer for the IDF
Thank You to the IDF and to Hashem our Ultimate Protector!
Am Yisrael Chai!!!
Amazingly Beautiful Prayer for the IDF
Labels:
Am Yisrael Chai,
Divine Providence,
Good Over Evil,
Guardian,
Hashem,
Holy,
IDF,
Israel,
Judaism,
Military,
Music,
National Security,
Operation Entebbe,
Prayer,
Protector,
Shema Yisrael,
Song,
Strength
December 8, 2023
October 29, 2023
Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas."As always, Israel is facing long odds, attacked not only by Hamas in the south, Hezbollah in the north, and terrorists in the West Bank but also potentially by the combined arms of hostile Arab nations such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and, of course, the arch-terrorist Iran, which is seeking nuclear weapons and threatening to destroy Israel. Despite all of this, and while we are still only at the beginning of this latest battle with evil, it is clear that once Israel overcame the initial shock and horror of the Hamas attack, the response from Israel has been nothing short of brilliantly planned and flawlessly executed.

Without a doubt, this will be a long and difficult war, and it is far from won. There are so many families grieving for those who have been lost, and hopefully, there will be no more. Moreover, the hostages are suffering and must be brought quickly home. No matter how precise our planning and how good our execution are, ultimately, we must pray to Hashem to help us overcome our enemies and suffering, grant us a complete victory, and speedily bring us peace.
(Credit Photo: Anastasia Petrova via https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-silver-compass-xu2WYJek5AI)
(Credit Photo: Anastasia Petrova via https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-silver-compass-xu2WYJek5AI)
Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Anti-semitism,
Determination,
Faith,
Good Over Evil,
Hamas,
IDF,
Iran,
Israel,
Middle East,
Military,
National Security,
Never Again,
Planning,
Prayer,
Strategy,
Terrorism,
Times of Israel,
War,
Zionism
September 24, 2023
Checklist for Yom Kippur
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A More Important Checklist for Yom Kippur."
(Credit Photo: Pixabay via https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-marking-check-on-opened-book-416322/)
Checklist for Yom Kippur
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)
Tisha B'Av: Remembering The Fallen Temple
Labels:
Beit Hamikdash,
Destruction,
G-d,
Holy,
Israel,
Jerusalem,
Judaism,
Kotel,
Model,
Photo,
Prayer,
Rebuilding,
Remembrance,
Temple,
Temple Mount,
Tisha B'Av,
Western Wall,
Worship
June 11, 2023
What's in the Cholent?
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "What's in the Cholent?"Anyway, for all of you who have had the experience, I am sure that you will agree that it's truly not a Shabbat meal without a big pot of cholent (or, should I say, dafina, as my Sephardic friends say). And it's not a bowl of cholent that you want to eat unless you've hand-picked every single scoop of it yourself, even if you don't quite know what it is you're looking for to begin with.
(Credit photo: Becky via https://www.flickr.com/photos/35694730@N00/2738330081/in/photolist-5aYE8B-5LdtsL-5YkAgM)

(Credit photo: Becky via https://www.flickr.com/photos/35694730@N00/2738330081/in/photolist-5aYE8B-5LdtsL-5YkAgM)
What's in the Cholent?
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Cholent,
Culture,
Eating,
Food,
Humor,
Ingredients,
Judaism,
Kiddush,
Meal,
Meat,
Neurosis,
Prayer,
Recipe,
Searching,
Selfishness,
Shabbat,
Stew,
Synagogues,
Times of Israel
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