November 7, 2023
June 10, 2022
Walk The Walk
Now you've got to talk the talk. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Walk The Walk
July 30, 2021
Social Media and Life Guidance
Today is the Yesterday you will be embarrassed about Tomorrow.
It's good to always consider tomorrow (or the future) when you do or say something.
What may seem like a good idea today may put you in very bad stead another day and under closer, clearer inspection.
Think about the consequences for tomorrow and stop the stupid stuff today, online and in real life.
That is if you care about your long term image and reputation. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Social Media and Life Guidance
November 16, 2020
Geometric Shapes Inspire
They're interesting in that they speak to a person, but it's left up to your imagination what they are actually saying.
Feels a little futuristic and from alien space.
Words may mean nothing, but shapes can be a universal language.
Go figure! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Geometric Shapes Inspire
October 3, 2020
The Power of Life and Death
It’s so important to develop mastery over the whole life sequence: think nice thoughts, speak kind words, do good deeds, and develop positive habits. This is one of the secrets to life itself.
Life is often in the hands of our tongue–one stupid word and it can mean your head, and one smart thing and it can be, with G-d’s help, your ride to the stars!
Indeed, controlling your words, like controlling your desires, temper, and so on is a constant challenge we all face throughout life. Yes, it’s easy to just let oneself go, but the consequences can be severe for shooting off your mouth, acting stupid, or getting angry. We can get better with patience, time, and practice. We can become better, stronger people. We can learn to guard not only our tongue, but our temperament and deeds, and live a better, and perhaps even a longer life for it. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Dossy Blumenthal)
The Power of Life and Death
October 13, 2019
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
When we see wrong and evil in this world, we have a duty to stand up and speak out with truth and integrity, to be a good influence and guide things for the better, and even to repair the world ("Tikkun Olam")...Words are perhaps a good start, but also, "words are cheap." The way to really judge someone is less by their words, and far more so by their actual deeds. Moreover, sometimes words aren't enough and we need to not just say something, but do something! As Edmund Burke stated, "The only thing necessary for triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." It's great to speak out when we see wrong, but more than that we have to be willing, when necessary, to act out--to do something.
As Jews, we need to be ready, willing, and able to stand up for what is right in the never ending war of good over evil in this world--regardless of silver or lead, G-d forbid--with our words and with our deeds.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
August 7, 2019
Ocean of Words
An ocean of words and a desert of ideas.
Too often, we hear people who like to hear themselves talk, think very highly of themselves, show off, or just spout away.
And while they say a lot...
There may not be a lot there.
New ideas, thoughts, ways of looking at things, innovation, creativity, outside the box thinking--that's like a desert!
In Yiddish (and it's always funnier in Yiddish), we say:
A big, big mouth, and a tiny, tiny head.
Similarly, in Hebrew, there is phrase that translates to:
Say a little, and do a lot.
Sometimes, the smartest people are the ones who use their words wisely, strategically, with depth and meaning, and when they really have something to say.
It's at that time that you better be listening. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Ocean of Words
January 26, 2019
The Beauty Of Words
Before Amos Oz could read the words themselves (by sounding our the letters), he learned to read by shapes! Amazingly, he saw the words in a whole new way. The "S" in "Snake" looks like a snake. Similarly the "F" in "Flag" looks like a flag on a pole. Again, an "eye" looks like a pair of eyes with the bridge of a nose between them.
"Language arts" really is an art that is poetic in sound, meaningful in thought, and even beautiful to look at--no different than a work of art by Picasso or Mozart. ;-)
(Source Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
The Beauty Of Words
October 17, 2018
Trump's Uncanny Ability To Call A Horse A Horse
After Stormy Daniels lost a recent lawsuit against Trump, he called her "Horseface."
Not a nice term about people and things he doesn't like.
But you know what when I looked at her, I could see what he saw.
And you know what, she will go down in the history books as Horseface.
Similarly, with many other brands Trump has bestowed on others:
"Crooked Hillary (Clinton)"
"Failing New York Times"
"Crazy Joe (Biden)"
"Criminal Enterprise (Clinton Foundation)"
"Save Your Energy Rex (Tillerson)"
"Countries That Rip Us Off (NATO)"
"Worst Deal Ever (Iran Nuclear Deal)"
"Losers, Thugs (Islamic State)"
"Fake News (CNN)"
"Pocahontas (Elizabeth Warren)"
"Cryin Chuck (Schumer)"
"Will Make America Weak Again (Nancy Pelosi)"
"Crazy Rants (Maxine Waters)"
"Rocket Man (Kim Jong-Un)"
"Doing Many Bad Things Behind Our Back (Iran)"
Again, I'm not condoning name-calling of any kind.
And words certainly do hurt.
However, Trump does seem to see things that are like, "Oh yeah!"
And once, he coins a term, it sticks!
Not that it's right, but he has a genius to brand people and things.
What he sees and what he calls it, just like a branding iron, will stick with them forever.
Why? Because a horse is a horse, especially once it gets called out. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Trump's Uncanny Ability To Call A Horse A Horse
July 17, 2018
From Mouth To Friendship
They get angry about something having nothing even to do with you.
They say things they probably don't even mean, and in turn you may say things you don't even mean.
Often you say things just to bring the other person to their senses.
But sometimes they don't come to their senses.
They need to let out on someone and you're the convenient scapegoat.
Before you know it, they throw your friendship under a bus.
Personally, I'm not one to make friends that easily or quickly--there needs to be some real chemistry and the building of trust--but then I am one who is an eternally loyal friend.
Yet, I see others, they kiss and hug and say you're like family, but then when they get angry, oh boy, you are gone like the wind.
Maybe that's not what real friendship is.
To me, friendship surpasses dumb deeds and words and stupid fights, it's about being there through thick and thin.
Take the false teeth out and put some permanent ones in--they last much longer. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
From Mouth To Friendship
March 12, 2018
Tongue-Tied Silence
Too shocked, shamed, confused, or abused to speak or perhaps to even know what to say anymore.
Maybe in the face of some horrible things that happen in life, there really are no words.
Instead, the vacant or crazed look in the eyes says it all.
People go through a lot--some of it is inhumane.
Sometimes, only tears can even begin to express what they are feeling.
I think one thing that is important to do, even when we're not sure what to say, is to acknowledge that it is okay.
Silence is often golden.
Listen more, watch more, feel more, learn more, reflect more.
Ask more questions.
Usually, I'm told to ask at least 5 times (i'd say at least 3) to decompose to what is really going on underneath the superficial covers.
"Tell me more."
"What else?"
"Can you elaborate?"
Sometimes, people have difficulty getting in touch with their true feelings or accurately diagnosing what's bothering them.
It's more than okay to be thoughtful, be deliberative.
Words are often cheap, but they shouldn't be.
Our words should be truthful, meaningful, insightful, even righteous.
Take all the time you need, your words are worth it. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Tongue-Tied Silence
January 7, 2018
Power of Speech
"If you have nothing good to say...I remember we used to talk about this saying in my house growing up too.
Say nothing."
It is a famous teaching from the holy Chofetz Chaim.
I remember as a bar-mitzvah boy, someone in our community in Riverdale, NY gave me a set of the Chofetz Chaim's books.
And I enjoyed reading from them daily about always being careful with how you use your words:
- Not to hurt anyone.
- Not to speak bad about anyone (i.e. Lashon Hara)
- But rather to use words pointedly and always for the good.
Kind words.
Gentle words.
Complimentary words.
Words of love and caring.
Holy words.
The Chofetz Chaim seemed to have an endless number of wonderful stories to demonstrate the power of speech and the importance of using it for the good.
The old saying of "The pen is mightier than the sword," can be used replacing the pen with the tongue and power of speech in general.
Words can cut someone like a knife and even kill or words can create a tremendous healing when it's full of love and caring for others.
Actions speak louder than words, but words can speak and perform volumes in the eternal fight of good over evil. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Power of Speech
November 19, 2017
White Lie, Black Truth
Rather, this is about how we use our words to help and not hurt others.
"White Lie,
Black Truth"
Yes, we all know that it's wrong to lie (it's even in the 10 Commandments).
Except, of course, when we need to tell a "white lie" in order to keep someone's feelings from getting hurt.
For example, I may not like your new haircut, but when you ask me glowingly what I think, instead of telling you how it's too short or whatever, I tell you, "Yeah, it looks great!"
Then, there is the "black truth."
That's when we swallow hard and tell the truth to someone, even though it may hurt their feelings, it's ultimately for their good.
For example, your child may be going of course with their lives, and while you don't want to hurt their feelings, you know you need to tell them the truth in order to help them course-correct.
Telling lies or truth can be hurtful to people, but a white lie isn't really bad, because it's used to protect someone's feeling, the black truth, is also not so dark and foreboding, because there are times when you need to get past the superficial, be real with someone, and tell them the hard truth in order to help them in a very practical sense.
That's one of life's most difficult lessons, that not everything is black or white. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
White Lie, Black Truth
June 27, 2017
The Meaning of Silence
On the plus or neutral side:
Silence can mean modesty and humility--you withhold speaking out of turn or having a big mouth; you recognize that you don't know everything and what you do know is not intended to put down or shame others.
Silence can means secrets and privacy--you don't say everything; you treat information properly based on need to know and propriety of sharing.
Silence can mean good situational judgement--that you know prudently when to let others have their say, or when your opinion isn't really welcome, or when it's best to just stay below the radar.
Silence can mean you simply don't know--and it's something you need to listen and learn more about rather than speak; it's why we're told that we have two ears and one mouth.
Silence can mean that maybe you don't care about something--why get fired up or "waste your breath" on it when it's just not your thing.
When can it be a negative:
There was a sign in the local school window that silence means (wrongful) acceptance; that is also something I learned in in the Talmud in yeshiva; if you see something wrong and don't say or do something, you are (partially) responsible.
Silence can mean fear--perhaps you don't accept something, but you're afraid to speak truth or morality to power; you sit silently cowering, when you should stand up tall and speak out.
Silence may also mean shame--you've done something wrong or don't want others to know something that could make you look bad or put you in jeopardy.
Silence can mean you are hiding something--it can be that you don't trust or aren't trustful; silence at a time when you need to answer or respond can result in suspicion about why you are "holding back," instead of being forthcoming and truthful.
When to talk and when to remain silent?
Certainly, "you have the right to remain silent."
We need to use words with care and intent--to always seek to help and not to hurt.
Words are so potent--the mouth is perhaps the strongest part of the human body, just like the pen is mightier than the sword.
That's why I pray that G-d put the "right words" in my mouth--to be constructive, positive, effective and impactful--to do good as much as possible with words and with silence. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The Meaning of Silence
April 18, 2017
The Nature of Good and Evil
Like in the Bible...
When our forefather Itzchak was about to bless his son Jacob and he said the words (are good) like Jacob, but the hands (deeds) feel like Esau.
Words are cheap, and actions speak volumes louder!
Good deeds mean something, but words are easily manipulated.
We can all spot good deeds, and that is what must guide our judgement of people and situations--that is where the truth rests.
Like my father and grandfather always taught me--some people are good and some are not so good. ;-)
(Source Video: Dannielle Blumenthal)
The Nature of Good and Evil
March 26, 2017
Taking It Back
Enjoyed the Bollywood action and pageantry and am looking forward to the sequel coming out this week.
There was one line in the movie, spoken between swordsmen that stood out to me:
"Spoken words and spilled blood can never be taken back."
Mean and harsh word can cut like a knife and hurting someone with words or deeds, can never really be taken back.
Sure, we can ask for forgiveness and try to make amends.
But it's like once you let the genie out the bottle, you can never really put her and keep her back in.
A veteran recently fought to have a VA hospital in Florida put the picture of the President up instead of the blank frame on the wall they had (some nonsensical notion of resistance indicating "not my president")--the veteran said about trying to right this wrong:
"It's like trying to put 5 pounds of baloney back in a bag that only holds 2 pounds."
People are doing bad things and saying bad these things these days that can't be just taken back.
Family, friends, and colleagues--are fighting it out and splitting up.
Each side tells themselves and the other that their cause is right and noble.
But how much of it is really just brainwashing, hyperbole, and politicking?
While our values as individuals and as a nation should never be put at stake, maybe we could get more done and better by working together than spilling blood--friend and friend, neighbor and neighbor. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Taking It Back
May 13, 2016
How-To Book Craze
Sort of ironic, funny, no?
You can read about it or do it.
I'm one of those people who learn more by actually doing.
Ok, I'm not the greatest photographer in the world (by a really long shot).
But for me it's more about the idea I'm trying to convey than the pure artistic value per se.
Anyway, in the vein of words being cheap, "Reading is fundamental," but doing is absolutely fundamental. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
How-To Book Craze
April 6, 2016
Is There Anyone Out There To Lead
Is There Anyone Out There To Lead
May 1, 2015
There You Are
It's about how our lives are really a bunch of building blocks, and each thing we do contributes to the next step.
So we have to be careful all along the way to do the right thing--so we can achieve the results we want and can be proud of.
It goes like this:
"Watch you thoughts; they become words.
Watch you words; they become actions.
Watch you actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."
Sometimes, we ask ourselves how we got to where we are today--almost as if we are surprised--but the reality is that most of the time, we are going through our lives inch by inch and step by step in an incremental and causal fashion.
Yes sh*t happens--bad things (and good things), and they test and challenge us and take us to the next playing level.
But for the most part, we didn't just arrive at this moment out of the blue, but rather given what G-d has given us, we mold ourselves brick by brick....until there we are. ;-)
(Thank you to Chana Rivkah Herbsman and Minna Blumenthal)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
There You Are
April 28, 2015
Big Kiss Followed By Hard Slap
It was when I was very sick last year from surgical complications...
And someone did one of the nicest things for me...and also one of the most hurtful.
This was at the point of hospitalization #3, I think (there was more after), and the doctors were shaking their heads--uh, not a good sign.
Frankly, I didn't know anymore whether I was going to make it.
At that time, someone close reached out to me and my wife and said they were going to hold a prayer vigil for me in their home one evening to try and help.
They did and even sent me photographs of the wonderful people taking the time to ask G-d to save me...I was deeply moved and grateful.
But subsequently on a phone call with the person who set this up, they said to me seemingly with resentment at having to have done it and undoing all the good they had done...
"You know you really need to get some zechusim of your own!"
Zuchusim means qualities or deeds that merit some reward or good.
In other words, I was getting judged and scolded and was being told that I was in pain, suffering, and sick because basically I MUST be an aweful person who deserves it.
And if not for her organizing the prayer group and those others with zuchusim that attended, I on my own probably did not even deserve to live.
Gee, thanks for the slap, slap, and slap.
While I am sure her words were intended to help me by exhorting ultimate life betterment, at the time and even now, the roughness and shrill of them hurt--it's nothing less than a matter of soul!
While I am no saint--and I think few of us can claim that title no matter how hard we may put ourselves on that lofty pedestal--I know that in my own way--maybe not the most traditional way that other religious people can fully relate to--I try my best to serve G-d, be a decent human being, and a good influence...while not perfect by any sense of the word.
Laying sick and vulnerable, I needed to be told that I was okay and everything would be okay with G-d's blessing--that whatever the suffering and whatever the reason, my life has good in it and meaning to it--even while we can all better ourselves.
But while I felt the kiss from this person when they organized the beautiful prayer group for me, I soon felt the sting of the slap from the strict harsh "religious" judgement from someone that didn't even really know my days in and outs.
While I know I can do better--and I am committed to continue to try to learn and grow as a person--and serve G-d and help others--but for crying out loud have some compassion, go easy on the severity of the judgement and exhortations, and maybe give some benefit of the doubt.
Words have meaning even though deeds surpass words, and we should be careful with both. ;-)
(Source Photo: here with attribution to Rev. Xanatos Satanicos Bombasticos posting of Batmancomic.infogenerator)
Big Kiss Followed By Hard Slap