(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
March 9, 2020
Camel In Thought
March 8, 2020
Peace Or War
Either peace and pay the price or war and take the risk.
It's very smart.
Peace isn't free...there is a price (maybe a large one) to pay for it.
War is also not free...there is a risk of what you will win or lose.
These are very serious life calculations with consequences that are far reaching.
Peace or war and if you are wrong what will it cost and how will you achieve security? ;-)
(Credit photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Why The Happiness of Purim?
In a world that is constructed of the story of Purim, everything looks like it's based on mere happenstance and there seems to be no G-d involved—this is a world of randomness and meaninglessness. Whatever happens, just happens by nature or luck, and what can be more meaningless and depressing than that! Thus, the Rabbis had to decree all the laws for the happiness of Purim, because happiness is not innate to a story that is seemingly happenstance and devoid of G-d. That is the big difference between Purim, where Hashem is hidden, and Passover or Hanukah, where Hashem revealed Himself and made incredible miracles—the 10 plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea or the one day of oil that lasted for eight days.
On Purim, we celebrate our deliverance from the evil Haman and the king's decree to kill all the Jews, but also we are overflowing with Joy remembering that G-d is always with us—in good times and G-d forbid in the bad times--we are not afraid of anything (another indecisive election, the stock market downturn, our enemies, Coronavirus, etc.) knowing that He loves us and cares for us, and will deliver us in the old days and in the new. May the final deliverance soon be completed with the arrival of the Mashiach—and the hidden will become revealed like on Purim and the joy will be forever increased. Amen.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 6, 2020
The Tavor
It's the latest Assault Rifle by Israel Weapon Industries.
The short stock makes this very versatile yet it packs a hell lot of fire power.
Good reminder for me of "Never again!" ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal, and thank you to my son-in-law for the thoughtful gift)
March 5, 2020
Dysfunctional Breeds Dysfunction
I told them:
Never let the organization define you! You are who you are.
Honestly, I could see how this situation wore on them.
Then we met up again, and it was like they were a new person.
I asked them what happened and they said how they made a change in their life and sure enough in a healthy setting and culture, they felt great again!
It's incredible the negative impact that a bad organizational culture can have on its people.
But it's up to you to find the right place for you, so you can be who you are! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
March 4, 2020
Majestic Architecture of Department of Commerce
March 3, 2020
Magic Cream
Magic Skin Cream
My dad of blessed memory, when he was alive created a cream called, "Magic Cream."
And it really was magic--he would put it on regularly to heal virtually any routine skin ailment.
It used all natural ingredients and he carefully protected the secret formula.
To now see the magic cream in a major retail store left me really surprised.
I wish that he had been able to bring his magic cream to market and that it would have been a huge success.
IMHO, my dad deserved this achievement--he was brilliant and hardworking and most importantly, a super good person with tremendous faith in G-d and real integrity.
I miss him dearly. ;-)
(Credit Photo: My daughter Rebecca)
March 1, 2020
Toys Non-Digital
A couple of dogs, some Play-Doh, a crayon, and a fighter plane.
Off to the side (not pictured) are the Legos.
Interesting with what competes with video games and phone apps these days.
(Note: 85% of the world's toys are now made in China!)
Frankly, there is still a lot to be said for the creative play of yesteryear. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 29, 2020
A Jewish Scorecard: Trump vs. Sanders
In nine months, we will go to the polls again to elect the next President of the United States. Right now, it's looking like it will be Donald J. Trump versus Bernie Sanders. What is the scorecard of these two men when it comes to the State of Israel—the Jewish homeland that we have returned to after 2,000 years of exile, persecution, and deep yearning, and where the majority of the world's Jewish people currently reside?
In the end, no candidate is perfect, and each has their own critical flaws. However, you, as the voters will need to tally the score for yourselves and decide who will be President in 2020 and what that means for this country as well as for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
(Photo: Adapted from Flickr post by The White House (Public Domain) and Linda Sarsour's Twitter account profile picture)
February 28, 2020
Baby Shower Centerpiece
All those rolled up and tiered diapers and baby toys.
Creative and fun-looking and the couple having the baby gets to keep all the goodies and put them to good use hopefully.
Nice to celebrate even with smelly diapers to be. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 27, 2020
Party Balloons!
February 26, 2020
Assange, A Rat
Here they are protesting against the extradition of Julian Assange of Wikileaks.
Assange allegedly published loads of classified documents stolen from this country.
That is NOT journalism or freedom of speech.
It is spreading stolen materials, endangering the nation, and maybe even espionage!
Freedom of speech is calling out a possible rat when we see one and having him brought to face justice. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 25, 2020
Corruptocrats
Corruptocrats
Refers to corrupt politicians.
Couldn't believe it's actually in the dictionary.
Not all of them are, obviously.
Could it be a whole "political party" too? lol
If only everyone was pure of heart and intention. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal, and note that no disrespect intended to anyone)
February 24, 2020
Getting Tefillin Checked
I learned that if there are questions about the legibility of the holy scrolls, they are given to a child to read to see in their innocence whether the tefillin are kosher or not.
Something felt very good and important about performing this mitzvah.
In the meantime, while mine are being checked, I have a loaner pair of teffilin to use and daven with.
Yet to be seen whether it is time for a new pair or not--like a bar mitzvah all over again. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 23, 2020
Innovation: Finding The 3rd Alternative
The first by David Ben-Gurion:
If an expert says it can't be done, get another expert.
The second by Shimon Peres:
When you have two alternatives, the first thing you have to do is to look for the third that you didn't think about, that doesn't exist.
Both of these smart thinkers understood that solutions and innovation means breaking previous paradigms and thinking outside the box.
They got it absolutely right! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 22, 2020
The Commandments are for All of Us
While some Jews certainly thrive in Yeshiva delving into the Talmudic understanding of the laws for long hours every day, and they serve an important role in understanding and transmitting the laws from generation to generation, others may be more interested in the fundamental philosophy of Judaism and in "doing what's right" by applying the core teachings of the Torah at their own levels every day. Maybe this is one reason that the Ten Commandments are presented separately from the "mishpatim" that follow. Not that they aren't both important and necessary, but that the Torah is for all of us in the ways that each of us can appreciate, learn, and apply them within the overall framework of the Torah.
Of course, all the commandments are important between G-d and man and between man and man, as well as the conceptual framework of the Ten Commandments and the details embedded in the rest of the 613 commandments. Yet certainly, all of us in one way or another struggle with some commandments more than others or with losing sight of either the high-level essence of the Torah or important details of implementation. Nevertheless, we must strive to not only appreciate that all the Torah comes from Hashem, but also that we each must work as best as we can, in our own capacities, to learn and fulfill G-d's laws and to be a good example and "light unto the nations," which is what being "the chosen people" is really all about.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal of Chagall Tapestry in Knesset, Israel)
February 21, 2020
Boom Boom Coffee Table
February 20, 2020
Wash Hands, Don't Touch Face
Today, one of the people that clean the office told me to be careful and said:
Wash hands. Don't touch face!
Someone also questioned where fundamentally did this new killer virus come from:
Is this new virus really from eating exotic animals like they say or is it really something that escaped from a Chinese biological laboratory?Since we are dealing with an origin of the virus that is from a Communist county that represses freedom of information, the Wall Street Journal raised doubts about the information we are getting:
As the outbreak was already under way, the local government did what Communist governments always do: cover up...[and even] China's president cannot trust the information he is getting. The lack of trust mean he must make decisions in the dark. No institution can function effectively this way.
With coronavirus more contagious than even SARS or MERS, perhaps the most important immediate questions is how far and deep will it spread?
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 19, 2020
Creative Clock With Cars
Instead of just giving you the time (here it is 20:52 or 8:52 pm), the numbers are made up of 3-7 little cars.
When a number changes, cars either drive on or off to form the new ones.
(The "whole" clock is greater than the sum of its cars, which are the "parts".)
And then some of the drivers actually get out of the car to schmooze or maybe clean their car.
Very creative and it makes you think.
That's a good thing. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 18, 2020
Growing Fears Of Coronavirus
Today, Apple announced that the outbreak will imagine their sales.
And I read yesterday that airlines, even Israeli El Al, is warning of the impact.
But how you know that the people, as individuals, are getting seriously worried are by the level of precautions they are starting to take.
These include: canceling travel arrangements, wearing (antiviral) face masks and latex gloves, and ever more frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizers.
The picture here shows a couple of ladies waiting on line for some gelato at the airport, and they have masks over their faces and this is in the Holy Land, and not even where the outbreak is in China!
I hear official figures of 70,000+ infected and 1,800 dead, but on the street people are saying these are grossly understated.
Let us pray that this virus is brought speedily under control, that a cure is found, and that no more people are sickened or killed by it.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 17, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 8
Took the train to Haifa and then a taxi ride up this big hill.
Got out at the top and not sure what to expect.
We go through security...
And then we see this completely BREATHTAKING view of the Bahai Gardens along with an amazing view of Haifa, the port, and up and down the Mediterranean Sea.
The view Extended all the way up to the Crusader Castle in Akko.
The terraced Bahai Gardens were spectacular.
I've never seen anything like this.
We walked down the terraces some 700 stairs.
And along the way were fountains, gardens, and more beautiful landscapes and views.
This is definitely something to see (thank you Hashem for this opportunity). ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 16, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 7
Today, we went to the Kotel (Holy Western Wall) in Jerusalem.
We went on a special tour of the Kotel Tunnels.
Got to see the foundation stones under the Temple Mount where legend has it that G-d created the world from and where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac.
This is also the place where the first and second Jewish temples stood.
We literally got to see so much of the ancient underground building stones, pillars, arches, bridges, waterways, and even learned how they think that these mega limestones (weighing over 520 metric tonnes) were moved into place so many thousands of years ago with pulleys, gears, and levers.
It was a fascinating and fun tour.
Thank you to my son-in-law and daughter for getting us tickets to this.
Lovely time by all. ;-)
(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal, and sorry about turning it sideways once it gets to the underground waterway)
February 15, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 6
It was sunny and warm out.
Lots of people exercising, running, and enjoying the outdoors.
The blue Mediterranean Sea, the white sand, and breeze in the air was lovely.
Even a funny statue of former Prime Minister Ben-Gurion doing a headstand as he used to do in his fitness routine.
Shabbat is a good time to stop and take that much needed walk on the beach. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 14, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 5
They had exhibit called States of Extreme.
I found some really cool exhibits and ideas there.
Sort of felt my mind being expanded by it, which is I suppose one of the purposes of going to this.
Two of my favorite from today:
1) The chair with people legs and
2) The Fanuc robotic arm feeding the baby in the crib.
And Shabbat Shalom to everyone from the Holy Land!
(Credit Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
February 13, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 4
We went to the Israel Museum (the best museum that I have ever been at), the Shrine of the Book with the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the best part was a tour of the Israeli Knesset.
One of the interesting facts that I learned was that the 120 seats in the Knesset is in the shape of the menorah, and I loved seeing Herzl's picture facing the speaker (front left).
Also, got to see the Israel Declaration of Independence with all the amazing signatories as well as the most beautiful Chagall paintings!
Inside the Knesset, all I could say to my wife is what a tremendous zechus (merit) it is to be able to be here today in this great hall where the modern laws of the State of Israel are made just as they were thousands of years ago by the Great Assembly of the Israelites.
We are living in the most amazing of historical and religious times. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 12, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 3
Saw the beautiful 15th century Abuhav Synagogue, the Candle Factory, the artist colony, and the of course, the holy graves of the Tzadikim to pray.
It was a marvelously spiritually uplifting experience (as well as being up high in the mountains) and is an overall beautiful and unique city of ancient winding alleys and treasures at every turn.
So grateful to have had this opportunity to visit there, thank you Hashem! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 11, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 2
Nice shopping strip and gorgeous beach.
Had a nice cappuccino at Cofix.
Got a new modern Kiddish cup for Shabbat and a washing cup for Netilat Yadayim.
Enjoyed the train ride up and back on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea shore.
Had dinner at Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv and marvelled at all the shopping and crowds on a Tuesday.
Real contrast between more sleepy resort town, Nahariya and high-tech, bustling city Tel Aviv. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 10, 2020
Israel 2020: Day 1
Every time we come, we can literally see how the country has matured and built up even more since just the short time before.
Of course, we arrived with a little jet lag but still managed to take a nice walk around the bustling streets of Tel Aviv.
The restaurants, cafes, shops, theaters, and culture here is awesome.
I guess the toughest thing is deciding what we want to do each day, but that is all part of the adventure.
See you tomorrow! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 9, 2020
How Fish Come Up To Breathe
Dolphins needs to come up to the surface to get air to breathe.
But how do they do this when they sleep?
The answer is that only part of their brain sleeps at a time, so that they can continue to rise to the surface for air 24/7.
Part of their brain sleeps while the other part stays awake.
I think that this truly happens with people too.
If you have ever been overtired, your brain still needs to sleep.
At some point, you can literally feel part of your brain go to sleep even as the rest is awake to do what it needs to do (even at suboptimal functioning).
This is beyond fascinating how G-d created us to adapt and survive. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
From Victims To Victors
The critical image of transformation of the Israelites going from the very depths of slavery to the lofty heights of redemption, the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, and going to the Promised Land is relived again in our very own times. This happened immediately after the Holocaust, when the Jews left the death camps of Europe (in fact, many coming by boat over the Mediterranean Sea instead of on foot over the Red Sea as in biblical times) to come to Israel. Here too, the Jews went on to fight as free men in the War of Independence for the founding of the State of Israel just like the Israelites fought the Amalekites in the desert and the Seven Nations to receive the Promised Land of Israel. Furthermore, just like we received the Torah after the redemption from Egypt, we are seeing an incredible resurgence of Torah learning in Israel today.
In both cases of redemption, we had to transform from being victims of slavery and persecution to instead taking the reins in our hands, and with Hashem's help, determining our own destiny and becoming the victors! Incredibly, just as the Israelites were redeemed by Hashem from Egypt and brought to conquer the Promised land 3300 years ago, so too were we, Jews, brought from the ashes of Auschwitz to the shores of the Israel to fight and become "a free nation in our Land, the Land of Zion, Jerusalem" (Hatikvah). And just like the redemption from Egypt resulted in the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to worship Hashem in the desert, so too will we soon relive the redemption in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Again, in the right time, we will need to have faith and courage to rebuild it with our very hands, and this will happen speedily and truly in our days. May Hashem let it be!
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
February 7, 2020
A Cool Shabbat Shalom!
Congratulations on another week of hard work and accomplishment.
Now it's time for a day of spirituality, mindfulness, thanksgiving, and much needed rest and relaxation.
Heal and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
A time for Hashem, self, family, and community.
Shabbat is a true gift from G-d. ;-)
(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)
February 6, 2020
Build Others Up
It says:
"Don't Cut Down Others"
It's far better to build people up then to tear them down.
Jut like with trees, it's better to plant a trillion trees than deforest the Amazon Rainforest.
Trees are life and people are life.
Be constructive and not destructive.
Offer a nice word or compliment; provide an attentive and empathetic ear; give direction with some advice or guidance; lend a hand to someone in need; and in general, be a good influence.
Unfortunately, too many people default to cutting down the old cherry tree! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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