The Laps We Keep Walking

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Laps We Keep Walking."

This Rosh Hashanah, a difficult year of health challenges alongside the blessing of early retirement led me to confront a central truth: life rarely offers uninterrupted good fortune or a straight path from strength to success. Walking laps despite a limp became my personal reminder that accepting a limitation is not the same as accepting defeat—and that resilience can mean simply taking one more step forward. Remembering my grandmother’s final expression of gratitude to my grandfather, who had patiently cared for her through years of memory loss, reminded me not to wait to thank the people who stand beside us. Amid private sorrow and a deeply divided public culture, we need gratitude, humility, compassion for burdens we cannot see, and the courage to begin again.

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The Laps We Keep Walking

Israel Must Act. G-d Determines the Outcome.

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel Must Act. G-d Determines the Outcome."

Israel’s recent military achievements show the extraordinary courage, skill, and resolve required to defend a people surrounded by enemies committed to its destruction—but they cannot guarantee that danger will disappear. The horror of October 7 showed, at terrible cost, that even a strong and technologically advanced country must never allow confidence or complacency to replace vigilance. Through Moses standing at the Jordan, the article reminds readers that we may not control the future or see the final results of our efforts, but we are never excused from doing what is right and necessary today. This Rosh Hashanah, it calls on Jews everywhere to stand with Israel, protect Jewish life, care for those carrying the wounds of terror and war, confront antisemitism without fear, strengthen Jewish unity, and join prayer to courageous action.

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Israel Must Act. G-d Determines the Outcome.

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

Know Before Who You Stand

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Know Before Who You Stand

Even Rocky Knows Where It All Comes From

Even Rocky Knows Where It All Comes From

Two Passover Experiences: Precision vs. Passion

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Two Passover Experiences: Precision vs. Passion."

This Passover, I experienced two contrasting experiences: a strictly Orthodox seder marked by meticulous ritual precision—down to timed matzah portions and hand signals for completion—but lacking communal joy, and a vibrant Conservative synagogue service filled with song, welcoming families, and a delightful matzah pizza kiddush despite halachic deviations. The Orthodox seder honored every mitzvah with sincerity, yet felt at times burdensome and subdued, exemplified by silent, clock-watched eating. In contrast, the synagogue emphasized community warmth, inspiring sermons with handouts, and active participation from children and adults alike. Both approaches hold value—perfect halacha and b’simcha must coexist—but ritual should never overshadow the heart’s delight in serving Hashem.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Two Passover Experiences: Precision vs. Passion

Pray Like Moses, Fight Like King David

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Pray Like Moses, Fight Like King David."

The Bar Mitzvah boy’s defiant spark—proclaiming his identity to a world that would dilute it—ignites a timeless truth: Jewish survival is a masterpiece painted in both prayer and steel. Moses stands as our supreme intercessor, the man who stormed the heavens to split the sea, struck the rock to quench a nation’s thirst, and raised his arms to crush Amalek, proving that a plea to the Almighty is an act of supreme strategic power. Yet, we must also channel the thunder of King David, the warrior-poet who felled Goliath with a single stone, carved Jerusalem from the wilderness, and shattered the armies of Moab and Edom to ensure our physical sanctuary. Today, as Iran’s proxies rain fire upon Israel and antisemitism poisons the Diaspora, we cannot choose between the pulpit and the perimeter; we must pray with the soul of Moses and fight with the iron resolve of David. United in this sacred duality of faith and force, we do not merely endure—we become an unbreakable wall against the shadows.

(AI generated image via ChatGPT)

Pray Like Moses, Fight Like King David

Torah, Prayer, and Good Deeds

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Torah, Prayer, and Good Deeds

The Jewish Cure for Anxiety

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Jewish Cure for Anxiety."

Anxiety has become a constant backdrop in a world shaken by rapid technological change, economic strain, geopolitical threats, and deep social polarization, leaving many people echoing the fearful question, “What’s gonna be?”. Jacob in the Torah portion Vayishlach models a healthy response to fear through his “Triad of Response”: he prays, uses diplomacy, and prepares defensively, showing that true trust fuses faith with decisive action. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, despite immense personal suffering, teaches that worry is a spiritual poison and calls us instead to serenity grounded in prayer, gratitude, and confidence that nothing happens outside Divine will. Coelho’s The Alchemist echoes this wisdom through the seer’s insight that seeking to know the future only makes us suffer twice, urging us to embrace a “sacred alliance” of doing our part, trusting God, and focusing on appreciating today rather than surrendering our present joy to imagined tomorrows.

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The Jewish Cure for Anxiety

Preventing a Rosh Hashanah Massacre

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Preventing a Rosh Hashanah Massacre."

Israel and the Jewish people face heightened danger as the High Holy Days approach, with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s IRGC still plotting attacks even as Israel fights to eliminate Hamas in Gaza. History shows that terrorists deliberately strike Jews during symbolic and vulnerable moments—from the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1973 Yom Kippur War to the October 7 Simchat Torah massacre and countless synagogue, school, and embassy attacks across the globe. Recent atrocities, including the 2019 Jersey City kosher supermarket shooting and the 2022 Colleyville synagogue hostage crisis, remind us that Jewish life in both Israel and the diaspora remains a prime target. The response must be fourfold: secure gates to limit access, guards to deter threats, guns for trained defense, and government coordination to share intelligence and mobilize law enforcement. Above all, communities must pair vigilance with prayer, recognizing security as both a practical necessity and a sacred duty to safeguard Jewish life.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Preventing a Rosh Hashanah Massacre

Dancing Chassidim

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dancing Chassidim

Creation Day 6

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Creation Day 6

Holy Warriors

Holy Warriors

Bring Them Home

Bring Them Home

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

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.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

The Eternal War With Amalek

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)

Our Father in Heaven and On Earth

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.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Redemption: A Time of Peril and Opportunity

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

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