Hashem Calls on Us to Bring Our Best

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Hashem Calls on Us to Bring Our Best."

Drawing from a story about diluted Arak, this reflection emphasizes that our spiritual lives should never be compromised by mediocrity or half-heartedness. Parshat Mishpatim reinforces this through the mandate of the "first fruits," calling us to offer Hashem and our community our absolute best rather than our leftovers. This standard of excellence extends to our interpersonal relationships, requiring pure compassion for the vulnerable and integrity even toward our enemies. Ultimately, by dedicating our unique strengths and "choicest portions" to the collective, we build a resilient nation and a life defined by enduring quality.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Hashem Calls on Us to Bring Our Best

Each of Us Can Defend Israel

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Each of Us Can Defend Israel."

As an American Jew, I see in Israelis a courage and vitality born from living under constant threat yet choosing life with fierce resolve. Their resilience—rooted in faith, sacrifice, and purpose—reminds us that Jewish strength has always been both spiritual and physical. While those of us in the Diaspora fight through advocacy, education, and solidarity, only in Israel do Jews truly command their own fate, defending their land and people with their own hands. Across oceans and generations, we are bound by one calling: to stand together in the timeless struggle for freedom, faith, and the survival of our people.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Each of Us Can Defend Israel

Amazing Video: The War of Good Over Evil

G-d is with Israel! 

Amazing Video: The War of Good Over Evil

From the Binding of Isaac to October 7

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "From The Binding of Isaac to October 7."

The story of Abraham and Isaac reveals how fragile life can be, yet also how faith transforms fear into purpose. For centuries, from Egypt to the Holocaust to October 7, the Jewish people have faced the knife at their throat, believing that G-d would not abandon them. Time and again, His hand has guided us from despair to renewal, from persecution to promise. When we live with righteousness and steadfast faith, the knife meant to destroy us turns instead upon the ram caught in the thicket of evil.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

From the Binding of Isaac to October 7

Bibi Was Right All Along

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Bibi Was Right All Along."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was right all along in his steadfast leadership during the complex and perilous Gaza conflict, maintaining clear strategic objectives despite criticism. His vision to bring hostages home, demilitarize Gaza, and eradicate Hamas ensured that terror would not dictate the region's future. After over two years of war and sacrifice, including the loss of nearly 1,200 IDF soldiers, a ceasefire has been achieved and the release of hostages is set to begin imminently. The successful peace plan, strongly supported by President Donald Trump’s diplomacy, marks a profound moment of joy and unity for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide, confirming the wisdom of Netanyahu’s approach.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Bibi Was Right All Along

Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival."

Israel, guided by G-d’s divine providence, decisively crushed the Iran-backed Houthis in a precision strike in Sanaa, eliminating their leadership for attacking Israel and strangling Red Sea trade routes. In 2024 and 2025, Israel’s strategic doctrine of deterrence and escalation delivered justice, eliminating Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Muhammad Sinwar, Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, and 41 key Iranian military and nuclear figures, while dismantling Syria’s military capabilities. Despite being surrounded by adversaries denying its existence, Israel’s unmatched ingenuity and faith ensure its survival, offering enemies a stark choice: be deterred or be removed.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel's Doctrine of Deterrence and Survival

Israel's Imperative: A Swift and Successful Finish

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Imperative: A Swift and Successful Finish."

Confronting Hamas’s dual threats requires unwavering transparency and resolve. Israel must accomplish the near-impossible task of winning its military objectives and freeing all hostages, while minimizing the duration of the conflict to deprive Hamas of its propaganda weaponry. Only by acting swiftly and decisively can Israel break the destructive cycle of violence, victimhood narratives, and delegitimization, safeguarding its future and securing lasting peace and dignity for its people.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Israel's Imperative: A Swift and Successful Finish

IDF Fights Iran: A Fusion of Force and Faith

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "IDF Fights Iran: A Fusion of Force and Faith."

As Israel and Iran engage in a historic confrontation, we must be aware of the remarkable fusion of faith and military prowess that defines Israel’s response. Central to the nation’s achievements is the recognition of Divine providence—Hashem’s guiding hand—alongside the extraordinary courage and skill of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In just two days, the IDF has confronted existential threats, neutralizing key Iranian leadership and infrastructure while demonstrating operational excellence and moral leadership.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

IDF Fights Iran: A Fusion of Force and Faith

Never a Peace With the Devil

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Never a Peace With the Devil."

Neither coexistence nor peace has any meaning or chance when it comes to Hamas’s unwavering determination to “liberate” Palestine from the river to the sea and to achieve their long-desired genocide of all the Jews. In this they are passionately and completely evil and devoid of any humanity, compromise, or compassion.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Never a Peace With the Devil

The Medusa Strategy to Defeat Iran and the Houthis

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Medusa Strategy to Defeat Iran and the Houthis."

Israel should consider employing a strategy mirroring Iran's use of proxy forces, extending beyond conventional military support to include infiltration and subversion within enemy territories. Iran has effectively leveraged groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and various Iraqi and Syrian militias to exert influence and conduct operations near Israel's borders. Israel could adopt a similar approach, utilizing regional actors who share common adversaries, while also actively working to destabilize these threats from within.

(AI generated image via Cyberpunk Generator)

The Medusa Strategy to Defeat Iran and the Houthis

Those Who Love vs Hate

Those Who Love vs Hate

Israel: Time to Go All In

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel: Time to Go All In."

Israel is currently under attack from multiple terrorist groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and radical Islamic jihadists. Despite being targeted by various weapons, Israel's military superiority and alliances have helped it defend against most threats. Adversaries resort to terrorism, targeting civilians and using human shields. Israel has eliminated terrorists, destroyed missile sites, and countered threats effectively. Moving forward, options include maintaining the status quo, appeasing terrorists, or applying overwhelming force. Israel faces an existential threat and may need to escalate to de-escalate the conflict. Prayers are for protection, unity, and lasting peace in this challenging situation. Israel may escalate militarily to subdue enemies and create conditions for peace.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Israel: Time to Go All In

Good Will Prevail Over Evil

Good Will Prevail Over Evil

Israel's Incredible Ingenuity

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel's Incredible Ingenuity."

What an extraordinary week it has been for the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF. Through meticulous planning and flawless execution, they successfully thwarted an assassination attempt on Israel’s leadership, infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chain, neutralizing thousands of terrorists equipped with newly acquired pagers and tactical radios, and effectively dismantled the entire leadership of Hezbollah’s Radwan Special Forces.

At its core, this is one of the miracles of modern-day Israel: technology, science, and human ingenuity coexist and thrive alongside tremendous faith in the Almighty. With the literal miracles witnessed this week, I believe more and more people are recognizing the hand of G-d behind it all.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Israel's Incredible Ingenuity

Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint."

We've been going on almost 9 months since October 7, and exhaustion is setting in. Many of us are wondering when the war will be won and the hostages will be home so that life can return to normal. However, what many of us aren't seeing is that the terrorists are playing a much longer game. They are willing to endure near-endless suffering and loss of life to achieve the goal of not only a "Palestine" but also a much broader terrorist caliphate. And to that end, they have interwoven a series of intricate false narratives and victimhood.

For us to succeed, we need to dig in our heels and embrace the kind of long-term commitment and unyielding dedication not only to defeating Hamas today but also to the terrorist threat in the long term. Our enemies have a vision of dominion over the West, and we must be committed and united to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to ensure they are completely and utterly defeated and that we are safe and secure forever.

(AI generated image via Designer)

Israel Victory: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Sweet Taste of Success

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Sweet Taste of Success

Know Your Enemy

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
 

Know Your Enemy

Prayer for the IDF

(Photo via Facebook)

Prayer for the IDF

David Slays Goliath

This video clip is totally awesome:

David standing up to and killing Goliath. 

Faith over fear. 

With G-d, anything is possible!  ;-)

David Slays Goliath

Megillah Time @Aish

 

(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)

Megillah Time @Aish