Once In a Blue Moon

A blue moon. 

It actually happened! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Once In a Blue Moon

Good Looking Fire Hydrant

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Good Looking Fire Hydrant

This Smells a Little Fishy

When you have a fish in your front yard. 

And something smells a little fishy about it.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

This Smells a Little Fishy

Pop Culture Just Doesn't "Get" Us

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Pop Culture Just Doesn't 'Get' Us."

Of course, when Jews are hypocrites, act holier than thou, or do bad things, they give the rest of us a bad name, and this can breed not only confusion about Jews but also, in the extreme, hate and anti-Semitism. One Chabad Rabbi said today that the Rebbe hardly ever used the word anti-Semitism or spoke of it; instead, he focused on the idea that Jews should do good and perform acts of G-dliness and righteousness in the world.

I believe we can all agree that Jews behave differently; sometimes they do good, sometimes they don't, but regardless, we're a little bit of a mystery to many non-Jews, which is sometimes shrouded in a large dose of fiction and conspiracy. For many, I put it this way: they still can't understand why the fiddler was ever playing on the roof to begin with.

(Credit Photo: ericbarns via https://pixabay.com/photos/dancing-clubbing-dancers-nightclub-206740/)

Pop Culture Just Doesn't "Get" Us

Big Swimming Smile

Eyes are from the swimming dumbbells.

Nose is the swim board.

Mouth is the swim noodle. 

That's a really great big swim smile!

(Credit Photo: Rebecca)

Big Swimming Smile

Fish Boxes

What's the catch of the day?

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Fish Boxes

Nice Falafel Plate

You got your Israeli Salad.

You got your Hummus and Tehina. 

You got your Fries. 

And you got your Falafel. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Nice Falafel Plate

Butterfly Shirt

Fly, fly, butterfly. 

Natural, colorful, down-to-earth fashion.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Butterfly Shirt

@Museum of Natural History

That's the famous elephant in the rotunda.

And it 63 degrees in Washington, D.C. today.

That's global warming. 

Happy New Year 2023! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

@Museum of Natural History

Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here."

The terrorist Iranian regime is a mutual threat to both Israel and the United States. They should not be afraid to defend humanity from Iran’s irrational hatred and hostility.

When I watched the video of the IDF in this blog, I felt great pride in the courage and incredible progress that Israel, the Jewish State, has continued to make in building up its security capabilities. Israel’s miraculous success is based on faith, along with creativity, determination, and audacity.

Have No Fear, Hashem Is Here

When Unhealthy Sexuality Becomes an Addiction

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "When Unhealthy Sexuality Becomes an Addiction."

Let’s face it, even for those in society who are proponents of pornography, not everyone would admit it if they had an addiction like that. A porn addiction invokes all sorts of social fears and anxieties about “perverts, rapists, and sexual offenders.” In fact, in a Youtube video, The Blessing of Porn Addiction, featuring Beny Schonfeld, as he walks into a recovery meeting, he describes fearing the other people he will meet there and asks, “Is that who I am?”

People in our communities are going through all sorts of problems and addictions. Beny’s message is not to suffer in silence: “If you feel ashamed about what you’re doing, speak up and ask for help.”

(Credit Photo by Charcoal Soul via Flickr Creative Commons: https://flic.kr/p/7ZxCPG)

When Unhealthy Sexuality Becomes an Addiction

Beautiful Fruit Salad

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beautiful Fruit Salad

Kissing Pliers

That's handy this tool. 

When you squeeze the pliers closed, the man and woman embrace. 

Pucker up!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Kissing Pliers

Dossy @Porsche

Dossy enjoying this 50th Anniversary Special Edition Porsche. 

This car was beautiful. 

Cream color. 

Smooth and curvy like a work of art! 

They also had really amazing electric vehicles that put Tesla to shame.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Dossy @Porsche

Peace Tea

Wow, cool packaging for Peace Tea.

The hands in the peace sign are holding the fruit flavor (peace, razzleberry, etc.).

Wonder if it tastes as good as it looks? ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Peace Tea

Kosher Attire on Christmas

Hanging out by Holy Chow. 

The line for kosher Chinese food was a 6 hour wait on Christmas!

I didn't get any Chinese food, but did snap this photo of this guy in the hat.  ;-)

Happy Holidays everyone!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Kosher Attire on Christmas

How One “Peacenik” Became Practical

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "How One 'Peacenik' Became Practical.'"

Simplistically, you can say that the Right is right! After almost 2,000 years of Jewish diaspora, pogroms, persecution, and the Holocaust, Jews can no longer, in good conscience, tolerate any existential threats. While Jews initially accepted the UN partition for a two-state solution, Arabs vehemently rejected it and went to war against the then-fledgling State of Israel. Moreover, despite the Arab loss, they continued to mount martial campaigns, intifadas, terrorism, and war against Israel, only to be repeatedly defeated. Each and every chance that Israel gave the Palestinians for mediation, negotiation, compromise, and peace was rejected and met with more cries of Jihad!

In short, the Left is right when it comes to caring about others and the ultimate goal that we all seek, which is genuine and lasting peace and the ability to live side by side as brothers and sisters in peace and prosperity. However, the Left got it all wrong when it comes to the reality on the ground in terms of the radical Islamic groups who want no peace, no negotiation, and no recognition of Israel, period. This is where the hope of the Left met the reality of the Right, and the Left lost all credibility, at least for the time being. Perhaps, just perhaps, reality will change and radical hearts will soften and give peace a fighting chance, allowing the Left to be right as well.

(Source Photo: IDF Editorial Team; https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/palestinian-terrorism/a-soldier-s-letter-to-the-mothers-of-the-kidnapped-teens/)

How One “Peacenik” Became Practical

Hanukkah Custard Donuts

Wow, these were some huge Hanukkah donuts.

They were packed with custard filling.

Frosting and sprinkles on top! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

 

Hanukkah Custard Donuts

It's Always Frozen Mojito Time

Nothing like a frozen Cuban Mojito with rum, coconut, lime, and mint.

This sign shows that it's practically the answer to everything. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

It's Always Frozen Mojito Time

Splashy Jacket

Never Give Up

All I need is cash.

Go for it.

This splashy jacket says a lot!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Splashy Jacket

Tie Dye Buddha

 

Tie Dye Buddha on Lincoln Road in Miami,

Always some cool and artsy design going on there. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tie Dye Buddha

Pelican on Pier

So nice at the Dania Beach Marina.

Long fishing pier into the ocean.

This pelican was enjoying the sun! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Pelican on Pier

Waffle On Over This Hanukkah

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Waffle On Over This Hanukkah."

If you love fresh waffles and you love chicken and beef, you’ll love Mordy Menkes and his new South Florida kosher food truck business called Wild Flour Waffles.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Waffle On Over This Hanukkah

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

Vibrant Merrell Hydro Mocs

Mocs better than Crocs!

IMHO.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Vibrant Merrell Hydro Mocs

Tent on Beach

 

Cool tent on the beach.

Will look even better once the sparkling lights are up around it. 

Sort of like a big jellyfish, but a party will be happening here.

And buffet will be served shortly.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Tent on Beach

Holiday Cheer @Trader Joes

Getting serious about the holidays. 

Gotta love that hat! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Holiday Cheer @Trader Joes

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

Facing Hardship, Finding Humility

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Facing Hardship, Finding Humility."

Like Celine Dion, no matter how much fame, fortune, or power any of us amass in our lifetimes, none of these things make an iota of difference in the time of G-d's eternal judgment of us. The only thing that matters and carries on are our good deeds!

When we are young and vibrant and the world seems so small in a way, we can tend to think we are invincible, but as we get older and more mature, we learn that everything we do in life that strays from the Almighty's path for us has a price to be paid and a humbling before our Maker.

(Credit Photo: Anirudh Koul via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine_Dion#/media/File:Celine_Dion_Concert_Singing_Taking_Chances_2008.jpg)

Facing Hardship, Finding Humility

Correct Name?

What type of question is that:

Do you have the correct name?

No, I was given the incorrect name at birth and want to change it to the correct one!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Correct Name?

Just Hang on!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Just Hang on!

Bandolier of Fragrant Oils

 

Not exactly the wild west of fragrant oils. 

But it's effective anyway.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bandolier of Fragrant Oils

A Little Joker

 

Oh no!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

A Little Joker

A Hanukkah Gnome

Judeo-Christian blending of some sort here. 

Nice in terms of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and all that. 

But something about this doesn't look exactly kosher.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

A Hanukkah Gnome

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

Playing Some Beautiful Music Together

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Playing Some Beautiful Music Together

Light Pole @Capitol

@Capitol

Nice lights in Washington, D.C.

That's some serious intricate handiwork. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Light Pole @Capitol

Cool Muscle Car

Check out the cool design with the head and snakes over the rear wheel.  

Just that touch of flair! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

Cool Muscle Car

Brain Overload

Coffee mug says:

My brain has too many tabs open

How do you shut it off to get some rest? 

Then again, maybe you need a better microprocessor! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Brain Overload

It's All The Angle

Check out this guys head. 

It's all in the angle. ;-)

(Source Photo: Itzchak's friend)

It's All The Angle

Chutzpah Dating

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Chutzpah Dating."

It used to be that young men and women went on dates and generally treated each other respectfully and civilly as they explored whether there was a spark between them and potentially a match to be made. But somewhere along the lines, too many Prince Charmings have turned into real ugly toads.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chutzpah Dating

Hippo Head Water Fountain

I guess it's better than taking a sip from an alligator head! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hippo Head Water Fountain

Happy Turkey Day

Actually, unhappy turkey day.

But Happy Thanksgiving.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Happy Turkey Day

Stained Glass Mr. Sun

Beautiful stained glass. 

Oh, Mr. Sun, please shine down on me!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Stained Glass Mr. Sun

Happy, Charming Doll

A little Sesame Street at Barnes and Noble.

Let's read together.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal) 

Happy, Charming Doll

Buffalo Six Feet

This sort of reminds me of the record six feet of snow in Upstate New York this last week.

Snow, ice...it's cold, same thing!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Buffalo Six Feet

Say Hi to Bentley

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Say Hi to Bentley

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

Shabbat Shalom Everyone!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Shabbat Shalom Everyone!

No Bathroom Breaks

This is an interesting sign to put on the bathroom door.

Please do not use when meeting is in progress

Hmmm, no bathroom breaks allowed. 

Sure hope that meeting is over soon. 

In the meantime, got to hold on tight!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Dannielle Blumenthal)

No Bathroom Breaks

Thanksgiving Ice Cream Cake

Wait three (or six) hours after the turkey.

And then you can eat the ice cream cake. 

Now it's all kosher!

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Thanksgiving Ice Cream Cake

From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism."

What is striking to me is that when it comes to hate against the Jews as opposed to hate against other groups, we continually see that “their” rights are immediately supported, while we have to prove that it’s really hate.

Hopefully, our community leaders, police, FBI, and Homeland Security are paying close attention and will take appropriate preventive action so that we can avoid another incident like the shooting just four years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We need more intelligence, surveillance, officers, patrols, data-driven policing, self-defense and emergency medical training, synagogue protection, community outreach, beefed-up reporting systems, and tougher penalties to start with. We can’t expect the people who hate to stop, but we do need to keep raising the bar on how to keep our communities safe and stop hate crimes.

(Credit Photo: Laura Rosenberg Hosid)

From Outrage to Action on Anti-Semitism