Sad Sad Umbrella

Not an umbrella that you'd want in the sun or rain. 

It's the saddest umbrella in the world.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Sad Sad Umbrella

When Hypocrisy Leads To Abuse

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "When Hypocrisy Leads to Abuse."

As many of you, I have been following the news about sexual abuse allegations against Rabbi Chaim Walder and have been horrified and disgusted that this renowned ultra-orthodox Children’s book author and therapist is now accused of abusing the same. Like community Rabbis (e.g. Rabbi Barry Freundel) or Jewish educators (e.g. Stanley Rosenfeld), this phenomenon of using a privileged position to take advantage of women and children is certainly, by this time, not new and remains a stain on the Jewish community, no different than that of the Catholic Church or the Boy Scouts for the abuse by its priest and leaders on those that trusted them and the religious values and ideals they represent.

Truly, these horrible acts of hurting, abusing, and scarring for life women and children (including boys) are regrettably all around us, whether with domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. But fortunately now they are at least “out of the closet” where rather than have the community deny the possibility that such evil exists or even circle the wagons to wholly protect the perpetrators (before fully investigating the facts), we now have greater recognition and are working towards accountability of these wrongs, and hopefully, far greater protection for people in the future.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

When Hypocrisy Leads To Abuse

Ready To Drag Race

I'm not sure a Nissan is generally "all that." 

But this guy definitely souped it up so that it looks pretty nice! 

Why don't call cars look exciting like that?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Ready To Drag Race

Way To Go Girl Power

Powerpuff Girls.

That's messaging girl power! 

And women empowerment, as it should be. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Way To Go Girl Power

Gorgeous Fall Leaves

Wow, gorgeous fall change of colors for the leaves. 

It almost looks like the tree is golden, heavenly and floating. 

We're so lucky to get to experience the wonders of nature. 

Thank you G-d!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Minna Blumenthal)

Gorgeous Fall Leaves

Dog Likes Starbucks

Dog(s) like Starbucks coffee.

And people like (dog) biscuits.

What's the world coming to?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

Dog Likes Starbucks

Purple Polka Dot Balloon

Purple polka dot (PPD) balloon.

Just hanging around on the window sill.

Caught up in the draw strings from the shades and electrical wires. 

It's an odd sighting of a PPD balloon.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Purple Polka Dot Balloon

“Rock and Roll” With Chabad

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Rock and Roll With Chabad."

People are often blocked from moving forward by uncertainty, indecision, insecurity, self-doubt, hesitancy, worry, and fear, yet one man, such as Jacob, can stand up and move that big rock off the well if he just sets his mind to it and tries!

The bottom line is that when people say it can’t be done or to wait because it will take an entire village of shepherds to simply move the rock from the well, instead we can see that even one determined person can “rock and roll,” make a difference, and start to make something special and meaningful happen.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

“Rock and Roll” With Chabad

Service With A Smile

Best bell to ring for service. 

The smile is contagious. 

One ring, and the customer service representative comes running. 

Excellence starts with the first ring! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Service With A Smile

Been There Done That

Funny bumper sticker:

Been There Wrecked That!

And all I got was this lousy t-shirt.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Been There Done That

The Amazing Turtle

Love Turtles. 

Peaceful and protected. 

They live in water and land. 

Not the fastest, but the most determined.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

The Amazing Turtle

Colorful Drinking

That's an "absolut"ely friendly-looking bottle of vodka. 

You drink it one ribbon at a time? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Colorful Drinking

Joke of a Pumpkin

 

Wow, someone made a real joke(r) out of this pumpkin!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Joke of a Pumpkin

Jewish Unity Is Strength

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Jewish Unity Is Strength."

It didn’t matter what race or nationality the person who had been hit by the car was, she was a human being in pain and who needed the help of others. We Jews need to remember that this is life in a nutshell. Life can change in split instance for better or G-d forbid, for worse. We need one another. No man is an island. We can’t afford to play holier than thou with anyone else. Only G-d can judge who is really “religious” and who is wanting.

It brought to my mind the irony that with the Jewish people, we are a small minority in the world, and yet we often disagree, fight, and can be intolerant and neglectful of one another despite facing anti-Semitism and other crises. This is far from the ideal of demonstrating love and acceptance, unifying ourselves together, and becoming as strong and effective as a “light unto nations” that we could and should be.

We can have our personal and communal ideals and standards, but at the same time have empathy for the journey that people are on. Therefore, we should strive to treat each other with kindness and tolerance and put aside the lofty and phony airs of personal judgement and exclusivity. Because in the end, no one knows who is laying next on the street waiting for that ambulance to come.

(Credit Painting: Dannielle Blumenthal)

Jewish Unity Is Strength

Hatchet Halloweenie

That hatchet says it all. 

You know what they'll do to you if they catch you.

Mohel on steroids. 

Maybe that's what the big scare is on Halloweenie.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hatchet Halloweenie

Bath Time Ducks

I'm not sure what's the novelty of all the ducks. 

Yes, they float in the bath tub! 

That's nice, so what.

They make a squeaky noise. 

Again, so what. 

They are not soft and cuddly.

They look sort of goofy.

Why in the world are we proliferating ducks???  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)

Bath Time Ducks

Delicious Knafeh

Soft pastry, hot cheese, smooth cream, sweet syrup, crunchy almonds and pistachio.

What a scrumptious treat!

Straight from Jerusalem market. 

It literally melts in your mouth.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Itzchak) 

Delicious Knafeh

Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Disorders

The pharmacy now has all these options on display for respiratory disorders (Sleep Apnea, COPD, etc.)

You can get full face, nasal mask (2 versions), or nasal "pillows".

How does one choose? I guess your doctor knows.

Looks challenging to try and sleep with these, but I guess you may have to do what you have to do. 

At least, there are therapeutic options these days, and hopefully many more in the future for all the illnesses out there!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

(Note: Not intended as medical advice in any way!)

Sleep Apnea and Respiratory Disorders

What’s Your Kindness

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "What's Your Kindness."

When we are happy, we are able to graciously and generously give to others, and when we give to others, we are able to be happy! All the other pursuits in life such as wealth, ego, good looks, and so on are nothing but vanities (like King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes), and in the end lead to nothing but loss and suffering. However, giving and the happiness and positive spiritual energy it creates endures.

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

What’s Your Kindness

Japanese Umbrella

Waiting on line with a Japanese Umbrella. 

Anime boy and girl with big eyes

Rain on one side, and sunny on the other. 

Big sunshine in the middle and flowers all around.

Definitely another standout!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Japanese Umbrella