October 8, 2024
September 15, 2024
For Israel: An Ode of Hope and Strength
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
July 19, 2024
June 8, 2024
A Poem for Noa Argamani
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 Poem for Noa Argamani
May 19, 2024
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
March 17, 2024
The Hostage's Cry
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
(AI generated image from Craiyon)
L'Chaim for Body and Soul
January 14, 2024
Amazingly Beautiful Prayer for the IDF
Amazingly Beautiful Prayer for the IDF
December 8, 2023
October 29, 2023
Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas
(Credit Photo: Anastasia Petrova via https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-silver-compass-xu2WYJek5AI)
Israel's Precise Strategy Against Hamas
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
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Tisha B'Av: Remembering The Fallen Temple
June 11, 2023
What's in the Cholent?
(Credit photo: Becky via https://www.flickr.com/photos/35694730@N00/2738330081/in/photolist-5aYE8B-5LdtsL-5YkAgM)
What's in the Cholent?
May 28, 2023
Lessons in Peace, Inclusion, and Humanity
Lessons in Peace, Inclusion, and Humanity
May 21, 2023
Some Shabbos Chuckles
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?
Worried About the Nukes?
August 15, 2022
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
August 7, 2022
Tisha B'Av - Destruction of The Temple
Tisha B'Av - Destruction of The Temple
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