Tree of Life

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tree of Life

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

After October 7: Five Biblical Promises Fulfilled

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "After October 7: Five Biblical Promises Fulfilled."

The conflict since October 7, 2023, has transformed Torah prophecy into a measurable military reality, where the "Axis of Resistance" fractured into exactly seven distinct geographical fronts as literalized in Deuteronomy 28:7. This strategic precision is mirrored by a 26:1 casualty ratio that defies standard probability and numerically exceeds the 1:20 victory ratio promised in Leviticus 26:8. The systematic decapitation of enemy leadership, culminating in the 2026 collapse of the Iranian regime's hierarchy, further fulfills the ancient assurance that the "kings" of Israel's adversaries would be delivered into the hands of justice. Ultimately, the fusion of a "Holy Camp" with a regional "Highway of Blessing" has activated a physical and diplomatic shield, proving that the Word of G-d remains a sovereign force over modern geopolitics.'

(AI generated image via Gemini)

After October 7: Five Biblical Promises Fulfilled

Torah, Prayer, and Good Deeds

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Torah, Prayer, and Good Deeds

Holy Torahs

Holy Torahs

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

The Big Ten

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Big Ten

The Soldiers of G-d Carry His Words With Them

The Soldiers of G-d Carry His Words With Them

Twelve Tribes of Israel

(Photo via Facebook)

Twelve Tribes of Israel

Torah Stickers

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Torah Stickers

No More Burning Holy Books

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "No More Burning Holy Books."

At the very least, even if the Swedes were granting permission for the demonstration, they should have had the moral decency to condemn the actions of burning the holy books and then work to change the legal system to prevent this from happening in the future. But the truth is that they just don't seem to care.

(Credit Photo: Phuket@photographer.net via https://flic.kr/p/o4PgjN)

No More Burning Holy Books

Giving the World a Hand

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Giving the World a Helping Hand."

While we ourselves can do positive things to learn and grow as individuals, it’s a bigger and greater mitzvah when it’s shared with others! Just like Joseph, who rose above being a slave and prisoner to save the world, we can all rise above ourselves and our life predicaments to do good that spreads far and wide, perhaps even beyond our wildest imagination.

(Source Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-world-map-global-earth-600497/)

Giving the World a Hand

Hanukkah Is About Fortifying the Family

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hanukkah is about Fortifying the Family."
 
Modern Hellenism is when Judaism becomes less and less Jewish and more and more like another “value system” that is “politically correct” or “in style.”

To be clear, not every Jew is going to be “religious” in the same way, but still, each of us can contribute to the welfare of the whole. The point of Hanukkah is that Torah-true Judaism exists, even if we as individuals struggle to fulfill it. The task at hand is for each family and each of us to model proper behavior (thought, word, and deed) and to educate our children in the same so that the Greeks of our time do not win.

(Credit Photo: The National Guard via https://flic.kr/p/BBXA4R)

Hanukkah Is About Fortifying the Family

Mutual and Eternal Love

Please see my new poem in The Times of Israel called "Mutual and Eternal Love."

Like Abraham, we are tested to do "what is right and just," and history is our witness.

For "we are dust and will return to dust," but our souls will rise to heaven and be reunited with our everlasting, loving Father.

(Also, please remember to listen to the Jewish music video as you read the poetry.)

Mutual and Eternal Love

Announcing My First Book: On Judaism and Life

With gratitude to Hashem, I am announcing my first published book, On Judaism and Life. 

It is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcopy. 

Book description:

This book is about finding and connecting with G-d. As the prophet Jeremiah states (29:13), "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." This is my personal journey back to G-d and Judaism. It provides my life reflections, dreams, prayers, and hopes to strengthen my faith and trust in G-d by exploring a variety of the precious gems of Judaism and the Torah, reflecting on the diversity and strength of our people and culture, and longing for our nation and beautiful State of Israel and the completion of the final Redemption and bringing of the Mashiach. Please G-d, may it serve as inspiration for your journey as well.

I hope you enjoy!

Interview requests may be directed here.

Announcing My First Book: On Judaism and Life

7th For Shabbat

Six of the yellow leaves are for the workweek. 

And the seventh (bent over at the top) is separate for Shabbat. 

Even nature reminds us to keep G-d's commandments. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

7th For Shabbat

What Are You Refusing To See?

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "What Are You Refusing To See?"

Rabbi Yosef Mizrachi’s incredible book, Divine Information, opened my eyes in explaining about “Torah and Science,” how G-d’s word to us in the Torah is fully and absolutely divine from Hashem.

The Torah was given in 1,312 BCE, before most of the discoveries of the world, modern science, and tools like telescopes and microscopes. Yet, the Torah tells us secrets of the world and science long before they were known.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

What Are You Refusing To See?

Testing Our Faith

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Testing Our Faith."

In short, I think it’s healthy for us as human beings to ask questions, even the most difficult questions of why. We need to make sense of our world and the context in which we live. Questions like: Why do good people at times experience horrible loss and suffering? Why do atheists and sinners often seem to excel and succeed (my wife says, perhaps they sold their soul to the devil!)?

While asking why to search for G-d and try to understand His ways is human, at the same time, we as mere mortal human beings can not ever fully know G-d’s ways or His plan for us. In short, Mendel, the Chabad rabbi, said today, don’t get fixated on the why. Instead focus on what you can do to make the world better. Actions speak louder than words.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Testing Our Faith

Awesome Torah Turtle

We went to a beautiful playground dedication at Chabad. 

Aside from the lavish and colorful playground, they had a trampoline, petting zoo, and BBQ for Lag B'Omer. 

This was Torah Turtle (my name for him) at the event. 

What an amazing shell and such a cool animal.

Turtles are a definite favorite!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Awesome Torah Turtle

The Tragic Comedy of the “Anti-Zionist Synagogue”

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Tragic Comedy of the 'Anti-Zionist Synagogue'."

Recently in the Forward, I read about this “synagogue,” Tzedek Chicago, that has the tragic distinction of being the first anti-Zionist synagogue in America. They claim that they are all about justice, as their name “Tzedek” supposedly implies, and as their website values states:

"…the creation of an ethnic Jewish nation state in historic Palestine resulted in an injustice against the Palestinian people, an injustice that continues to this day."

However, the facts do not match the rhetoric. Anti-Zionism, regardless of the source is ultimately about Jew hatred.

(Screenshot from @margoexplainsitall on Instagram reel at https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcBMN1bFfpU/)

The Tragic Comedy of the “Anti-Zionist Synagogue”