Prayer for the Brave Soldiers of the IDF!
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
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.
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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.
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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)
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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)
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(AI generated image from Craiyon)
L'Chaim for Body and Soul
Labels:
Alignment,
Andy Blumenthal,
Body,
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Charity,
G-d,
Healing,
Health,
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Judaism,
L'Chaim,
Love,
Mindfulness,
Physical,
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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.
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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!
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(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)
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(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
May 28, 2023
Lessons in Peace, Inclusion, and Humanity
Please see my new video and article in The Times of Israel called "Lessons in Peace,Inclusion, and Humanity."
In this video, there are three stories from my recent Caribbean vacation, which include a conversation with a waiter about peace between Israelis and Palestinians, feeling unwelcome in a synagogue, and connecting with a stranger from India.
Lessons in Peace, Inclusion, and Humanity
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Caribbean,
Community,
Diversity,
Humanity,
Inclusion,
Israel,
Judaism,
Life Lessons,
Love,
Matchmaker,
Mindfulness,
Peace,
Prayer,
Respect,
Segregation,
Shavuot,
Synagogues,
Times of Israel,
Unity
May 21, 2023
Some Shabbos Chuckles
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Some Shabbos Chuckles."
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People never fail to amaze me in both their potential as well as in their idiosyncrasies. But the last number of weeks have really brought home that while we Jews share many commonalities, there are also quite a few quirky differences, and many of these are worth sharing.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Some Shabbos Chuckles
April 30, 2023
October 2, 2022
Worried About the Nukes?
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Worried About the Nukes?"So, while Ukraine has turned the tides and Russia is losing on the battlefield against highly determined Ukrainian troops fighting for their survival with high-tech Western smart weapons, Putin has drawn a line in the sand saying that Russia will never relinquish this land that they now consider part of Mother Russia itself. Thus, Putin has left zero room for negotiation or compromise. If the Ukrainian counterattacks continue to try to regain their land, and Russia has no viable military options left, then they will turn to weapons of mass destruction. Clearly, if Putin doesn’t use everything at his disposal to win (and win he must), then Russia as a superpower will be the true laughing stock of the world, and Putin himself will be toast!
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(Source Photo: Source Photo: https://nuclearsecrecy.com/nukemap/)
Worried About the Nukes?
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Annexation,
Anxiety,
Covid,
Demagogues,
Economy,
Europe,
Fear,
Iran,
Nukes,
Prayer,
Putin,
Russia,
Terrorism,
Threats,
Times of Israel,
Ukraine,
WMD,
World War 3,
Yom Kippur
August 15, 2022
A Beautiful Song From The Guardians of Zion
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "A Beautiful Song From The Guardians of Zion."
The Jewish people are an incredible tapestry of amazing people from all over the world.
A Beautiful Song From The Guardians of Zion
Labels:
Aliyah,
Andy Blumenthal,
Brotherhood,
Community,
Democracy,
Diversity,
Faith,
Inspirational,
Israel,
Jerusalem,
Judaism,
Love,
Music,
Police,
Prayer,
Redemption,
Song,
Strength,
Times of Israel,
Unity
August 7, 2022
Tisha B'Av - Destruction of The Temple
Wow, this is an incredibly moving depiction of the destruction of the holy Temple in Jerusalem.
May G-d have mercy and renew our times as of old. ;-)
Tisha B'Av - Destruction of The Temple
Labels:
Exile,
G-d,
Holiness,
Israel,
Jerusalem,
Judaism,
Kotel,
Mashiach,
Mercy,
Mourning,
Prayer,
Punishment,
Rebuilding,
Redemption,
Sin,
Temple,
Teshuva,
Tisha B'Av,
Video,
Worship
The Irreligious Religious
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Irreligious Religious."
If some “religious” people do the wrong thing, disrespect their fellow Jews, hate on them, curse them, defile their prayers, that doesn’t mean they are really religious. Rather to the contrary — they are the irreligious religious!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Irreligious Religious
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Bar Mitzvah,
Brotherhood,
Haredi,
Hypocrisy,
Israel,
Jerusalem,
Judaism,
Kiruv,
Kotel,
Love,
Mashiach,
Prayer,
Respect,
Temple,
Teshuvah,
Times of Israel,
Tisha B'Av,
Tolerance,
Western Wall
July 30, 2022
Never Truly Alone
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Never Truly Alone."
Alone, in the quiet.
There is pain, suffering, and loss.
Anxiety and depression.
But wait, there is also faith.
Never Truly Alone
Labels:
Andy Blumenthal,
Anxiety,
Challenges,
Depression,
Do Good,
Faith,
G-d,
Judaism,
Music,
Pain,
Poetry,
Prayer,
religion,
Self-improvement,
Spirituality,
Strength,
Success,
Suffering,
Times of Israel,
Video
July 10, 2022
Sprinkling of Jewish Wit and Wisdom
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Sprinkling of Jewish Wit and Wisdom."
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Sprinkling of Jewish Wit and Wisdom
Labels:
Aging,
Andy Blumenthal,
Blessings,
Community,
Economy,
Faith,
Family,
Friends,
Holocaust,
Judaism,
Levites,
Prayer,
Premonitions,
Public School,
Shabbat,
Synagogue,
Time,
Times of Israel,
Ukraine,
Washing
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