September 30, 2021

A Soul-Stirring Holocaust Memorial

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called A Soul-Stirring Holocaust Memorial.

As we recently completed the Jewish high holidays between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time of Judgment, and we ask G-d to forgive us, so we are told that we are asked to forgive others. However, can we ever really forgive the magnitude and cruelty of this genocidal crime to the Jewish people? I don’t think that is really humanly possible to forgive the premeditated and scientifically executed, brutal murder of a third of all Jews in the entire world. However, I do thank the artist, Wolfgang Stiller for his sentiments with the Magen David to remember and never forget the Holocaust, and most importantly, to never let it happen again! Finally, my hope is that this artwork memorializing the Holocaust finds a suitable home in perhaps Yad Vashem or other major Holocaust museum or exhibition where people can broadly experience and benefit from the important sentiments conveyed.

(Photo provided by Chic Evolution in Art | Las Olas Blvd)
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September 29, 2021

True Self Is Helping Others

 

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "True Self is Helping Others."

The Rebbe’s message was that self-improvement was really about helping others! All the changes we commit to around the Jewish New Year and make in ourselves is not really about us, but rather about us being able to develop ourselves in order to “give it all away” to help others. Too often, people think in terms of self-help, self-improvement, where everything is sort of in terms, well, ourselves–my looks, my degrees, my career, my bank account, my family, and so on. However, people should not lose sight that everything that Hashem gives us is really for a higher spiritual purpose, for giving to others or “paying it forward.”

In this vein, we learn Torah not just for the sake of learning, but rather in order to actually do Mitzvot! Rabbi Kaplan explained that the Rebbe would make each and every person feel special and important. Why? Because by building up the individual, each could then go out and build up the world. And this is one of the reasons that I love and respect Chabad so much—from my experience, people like Rabbi Kaplan and Chabad in general, are all about living this life lesson from the Rebbe and giving, giving, and then giving some more in order to really improve the Jewish community globally and by extension the world.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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September 28, 2021

Ocean Relaxation By Andy Blumenthal


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September 27, 2021

Taste Like Nothing

It's hot in the Florida sun, especially at the beach.

So, I was interested in ordering a cup of Thai bubble tea with Boba.

I ask the lady:
What does it taste like?
Lady answers:
The boba [taste] is like nothing!
I ask:
Can you put in a lot of boba?
She says:
Tea sweet, but no more boba.
I ask:
Why?
She tells me:
Because it's nothing.
I try again:
But if it's nothing, why can't you put in some more?
She says:
It's tapioca, but it taste like nothing and I can only put in a handful.
My final try:
Ok, give me some Thai tea with the boba in it.  
Lady:
Are you sure? It tastes like nothing.
Me: 
Yes, yes, yes.  I love boba with nothing taste, just make sure the tea is plenty sweet!   
Like my dear dad used to say: 

The food here is terrible, and on top of it the portions are too small!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 26, 2021

Chabad Downtown Fort Lauderdale Sukkot Carnival

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

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September 25, 2021

Turning Nakba to Babka

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called Turning Nabka to Babka

The term Nakba, in relation to Israel, was actually was first used in August 1948 by Syrian Professor Constantin Zureiq not to condemn anything Israel did to the Palestinians, but rather is a call for the Arabs themselves whereby:
We must admit our mistakes…and recognize the extent of our responsibility for the disaster that is our lot.
The displacement of the Palestinians and their refugee problem is attributed not primarily to Israel, but rather to the mistakes that the Palestinians and Arabs made themselves! So, while, the Arabs and Palestinians have tried to make Israel into the aggressor and blame them for their troubles, the truth of the matter is that the Palestinians Nakba is to a great extent caused by their own religious intolerance, gross hatred of the Jews, including the desire for their genocide, and that this has led them down a true disastrous path of Middle East recklessness and extremely bad decision making, over and over again.

The goods news is that in more recent times, the Arab nations are thank G-d changing their hostile approach to Israel and instead moving to make peace. Not only Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1993), but in the last year with the Abraham Accords with both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, as well as with Sudan and Morocco normalizing relations with Israel. Even this morning, I was amazed once again to read an editorial in the Wall Street Journal calling for Iraq to join the Abraham Accords too! Of course, the hope is that more and more Arab countries as well as the Palestinians will choose the path of peace and collaboration with Israel, as Ben-Gurion had originally held out to them in 1948 (it’s never too late). The prophetic vision of swords turning to ploughshares is perhaps today’s turning of the shedding of tears and assigning blame over a perceived Nakba into sitting down together on Sukkot for a nice piece (peace) of chocolate babka!

(Credit Photo: Andrea via Flikr )
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September 23, 2021

Gourds Everywhere

Gourds gourds everywhere. 

Colorful, plentiful, decorative, and some edible.

Pumpkin pie is an example! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 22, 2021

Two Flutes Are Better Than One

Beautiful architecture on the side of this building. 

Now, I know there are people that can play two flutes at once. 

The real trick would be to be able to play three! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 21, 2021

What She Smoking?

Is looks like a cigarette but it has red and blue wires hanging out the front of it. 

So is it a smoke or a ticking time bomb? 

Or maybe she's just trying to look cool.

Nope~Kaboom! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 20, 2021

In Case Of Emergency

In case of emergency...

Break glass and eat chocolate. 

Always keep a large Hershey's Chocolate around just in case! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 19, 2021

Happy Days

Wheaton Arts Festival 2021

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

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Unstoppable Fear Meets Immovable Humiliation

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Unstoppable Fear Meets Immovable Humiliation."
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is really about fear vs. humiliation. The Jews are fearful of the Palestinians and the Palestinians feel humiliated by the Jews. The Jewish people collectively suffer post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders after millennia of persecution culminating in the Holocaust and multiple Wars in Israel against far greater Arab forces. Further, this has been perpetuated by decades of terrorism and Intifadas that have left the Jews feeling vulnerable in their own land of Israel. The net effect of this Jewish history and of being surrounded by hundreds of millions of Arabs, many resentful and angry, is that Jews are naturally afraid. At the same time, the Palestinians, as part of the greater Arabs, feel humiliated after the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the carving up of their lands by the West and the colonialism and occupation that followed by Britain and France. More recently, the Palestinians feel humiliated by the founding of the State of Israel amidst the multitude of Arab lands of the Middle of East, as well as by the barrier wall and regular checkpoints that protects Israel from terrorist intruders, by the West Bank settlements (and actually by Jews anywhere in Israel), and by general Israeli military control over the territories.
There is hope that in time and with G-d's help, the opposing forces of fear and humiliation will weaken and thereby become less oppositional. At that miraculous time, please G-d in the near future, the factors that prior resulted in a cosmic explosion of war, terror, Jihad, and Intifada will dissipate. Then instead of suicide bombers and terror tunnels and walls and checkpoints, we can have hope for the arrival of a beautiful white dove with an olive branch of peace that knows no bitter boundaries of Jew or Palestinian anymore.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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September 17, 2021

Watch Your Feet

Anyone trying to jump this fence had better watch their feet. 

Spikes, ouch! 

Luckily, I don't think they're sharp. 

But they could be.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 15, 2021

Virtual Car Driving Into Garage

On the ramp into the garage is a cute wall mural of a car. 

With the wires, it's look like a plug-in electric vehicle. 

Go ahead, drive it on down.  

Good luck finding a spot. 

Take a ticket and stop to pay at the machine before you head out. 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 14, 2021

That's Such Bull

A bull with large horns, a nose ring, and a pearl necklace. 

How gorgeous honey, simply gorgeous! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 13, 2021

All The Presidents Men

Is the lady in the center going to be the first female president or who will it be?

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 12, 2021

Introducing Nhi


(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

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More Daring than a Prison Break

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "More Daring Than A Prison Break."

Unlike the Jews that came as refugees from the horrors of the concentration camps and expelled from a multitude of the Arab nations, the Palestinians have been supported all this time by the Arab League, the United Nations, and the West capitulating to Arab oil dependence and ongoing fight against an encroaching Russia in the Middle East. There is no question that the Palestinians have squandered billions of dollars in aid, spent decades engrossed in terror, maintained unrealistic goals to “have it all,” and passed over many chances for achieving their people’s autonomy. If only their efforts at building tunnels to escape from prison as well as to get into Israel and attack, murder, and kidnap innocents would be channeled instead toward building solid institutions to advance the governing of their people, educating and growing prosperity, and living in freedom and peace, side-by-side with their neighbor, Israel.

While I am sure that there are many good Palestinians who are deserving of autonomy and opportunity, unfortunately, their corrupt leaders and terrorists have been brainwashed by radical Islam and have used the Palestinian people as political pawns leaving many still languishing in refugee camps today. In stark contrast, the Jewish freedom fighters, who also endured incredible hardships, focused their efforts towards their independence, and even those taken prisoner managed to escape again and again until they made their way back to Israel to celebrate the achievement of the independence of their people. Like many things in life, setting the right goal is half the battle, and a goal of life and freedom is a much more compelling vision and driving force than ever hate and terror will be.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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September 10, 2021

Georgetown View

Nice view in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. 

Like the stone and red brick, the neat little bridges, and the cool retaining wall. 

Have Pinstripes bowling on side, "Church" beer garden on the other, and across the street is an AMC movie theater and a promenade along the Potomac River. 

On M Street, of course, is all the shopping. Go crazy!  

Lot's of people. Tough to park.  Nice to visit.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 9, 2021

Upside Down Car

Wow what an accident. 

Car ended up flipping over!

What was really weird was that the advertisement on the side of the car was for a personal injury lawyer. 

Hopefully, the person(s) in the car came out okay and didn't need to call the "hurtline" listed.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy and Dannielle Blumenthal)


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September 7, 2021

Deep In Meditation


Love this image of meditation and 7 chakras (energy centers of the body).

Mindfulness, centered, focused, clarity, connected. 

Also, some nice relaxing meditation music here

 (Credit Photo: Youtube)


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September 6, 2021

On a Wink and a Prayer

Thought this mug was perfect for Rosh Hashanah. 

Made me think of:

On a wink and prayer!  
Wink instead of wing. 

A time for divine forgiveness and help.  

G-d should have mercy. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 5, 2021

The Last Kiss Goodnight

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Last Kiss Goodnight."
Certainly, every human being has the desire to live and goes about fighting for life. It’s part of our genetic makeup and our very survival instinct. Yet, we all know that the cycle of life brings us from the beginnings of infancy to growth, the maturity of adulthood, then decline, old age and ultimately death itself. Truly, we all know the end from the very beginning, and with that we can achieve a greater awareness that what’s good in living isn’t the materialism and chasing the next “high,” but rather the ability to choose to do good and to be on a higher spiritual plane.
Life is choice and having control over how we respond to life’s circumstances. Death is simply observing and being. Therefore, even if we merit being in the Divine presence in the afterlife, we still can’t actively help anyone, like those we love, any longer. This is why we want to merit life where we can continue to work on ourselves and help others. Thus, despite all the pain and suffering associated with life, it is more than offset by the opportunity to learn, grow, and transform our very essence in a purification process of our souls.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 3, 2021

Shabbat Shalom + Shana Tova

A peaceful, healthy, prosperous, sweet, and happy Shabbat Shalom and Jewish New Year! 

Please G-d let it all be great!  ;-)

(Credit Graphic: Andy Blumenthal)


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September 2, 2021

Join U.S. Space Force

War is coming to space. 

Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica here we come.  

We've got to protect our space!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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September 1, 2021

Vase With Tongue Out

Never saw a flower vase with a face and the guys tongue hanging out. 

Very creative, but also a little gross. 

I remember some crazy elders who used to say to put that tongue away or you'll get it cut right off. 

At least the flowers will still remain and grow in the sunlight! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 31, 2021

Fox Tails Rainbow

Wow, check out these colorful real fox tails. 

Ok, they're colored but still from fox. 

I asked the lady where the rest of the foxes where.

She pointed to the face masks in the tray (again real skinned faces from the foxes). 

Then she pointed me to the inside of the store, and said the rest of the foxes are in there.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 30, 2021

Cane Giraffe

Great Cane I saw with the head of a giraffe.

Cane is perfect as the long neck. 

This was awesome if you need the assistance and a smile. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 29, 2021

@Renaissance Festival 2021


(Credit Videos: Andy Blumenthal)

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Israeli Determination and the Afghanistan Debacle

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Israeli Determination and the Afghanistan Debacle."
It’s not always the largest, strongest, fastest, and best financed that wins. Like with the story of David and Goliath or even one of my modern-day heroes, Rocky, the determination of the little guy can overcome the biggest and the best of them. The Taliban were patient and over twenty years continued to wage their struggle against us, but more than that they knew that our patience was limited and that eventually we would leave, and they took the long view and planned for the overthrow of the government and the return of their rule after we were gone. They waited us out and that can be an incredibly successful strategy!
Israel is the Jewish homeland and the Biblical Promised Land from G-d. What the Palestinians haven’t understood in all these years, since the State’s founding in 1948, is that no matter how long they try to wait us out, we have more determination than they have patience! The Jewish people will never give up our historical and legitimate rights to be a sovereign nation in our land, Israel. In the end, the Palestinians may be very patient, but we are the ones who are utterly determined: whether Ashkenazi or Mizrachi, Labor or Likud, Tel Avivian or Jerusalemite, one thing that we all fundamentally agree on is our sheer and utter determination as the Jewish people to survive and be a free nation in our land.

(Source Photo: Pixabay)


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August 27, 2021

Cycle of Life - From Birth to Death

This wins photo of the week in my mind.

Amazing representation of the cycle of life. 

How we start and how we finish.

Everything in the universe (G-d) is one!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: via Facebook)


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August 26, 2021

Anti-Dentite, Like Pulling Teeth



This is a hilarious statue of dentist using a pliers to pull out someone's teeth. 

Notice the dentist has his foot up to get some leverage to pull out the teeth, yikes!

I guess this is how things were in the "olden days."

No Anesthesia either! 

I'm sure in a hundred years from now, they'll look at our state of healthcare and laugh too. 

Progress is a great thing! ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 25, 2021

Israel and Our Forefathers

 

Wow, a friend sent this to me from FaceBook.

It shows that the Hebrew word for Israel is actually made up of the first letters of all the names of our forefathers and mothers:

Isaac - יצחק

Jacob - יעקב

Sarah - שרה

Rebecca - רבקה

Rachel - רחל

Abraham - אברהם

Leah - לאה

Like the Bible says, we are truly the "children of Israel" (ישראל)!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: RavDror via Facebook)


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August 24, 2021

Awesome Designer Jeans


Love these jeans by Philipp Plein.

I eagle, lion, and pseudo military patches. 

The paint: red, white, blue, and yellow. 

Standout Pants, probably great with a leather bomber jacket.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 23, 2021

Giraffe Lady

This lady is just closing her eyes and taking it easy.

She's got the makeup, nice hat and jewelry and is relaxing with her back to the mirror. 

Life is good! 

On second thought, why the heck is a neck as long as a giraffe?

What is this another version of Pinocchio or something!  

Wake up lady, you've got problems to deal with here. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 22, 2021

G-d Doesn't Ask Us

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "G-d Doesn't Ask Us."

Truly, in whatever situations we find ourselves in life, and the pain and suffering that we may have to endure, we really don’t have a choice of our circumstance, but only in how we choose to respond to it. In life, G-d puts us right where he wants us and in situations that are personalized and best for us, whether it feels that way at the moment or not. G-d tries us, and we have to respond with the “right” thoughts, words, and deeds—always remaining a mensch and choosing holiness and righteousness, no matter how difficult it may be. That’s our ultimate challenge, to find holiness even in the depths of despair.
Everyone is confronted with levels of pain and suffering, as I heard said that: “there aren’t enough people for all the pain in the world!” The challenge is to resist hopelessness and the loss of one’s integrity, and nevertheless to choose to do good. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we have the opportunity to do teshuva and to try to influence G-d’s decree for us for the new year, but in the end, G-d is the ultimate Judge. He doesn’t ask us; He tells us what will be for us. Of course, we have the opportunity to answer G-d’s call to us and the responsibility to choose righteousness even in a distressed world and in trying times. In essence, the underlying test of it all is not only to survive the challenges we must face, but also to emerge from them as better people with purified souls.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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August 20, 2021

Invasion USA

There's an invasion going on here. 

This dragon is swooping over the side of this building. 

It's not Hollywood, but downtown Santa Fe. 

Shoot it with your laser blaster!

Or else he'll gobble you up and spit out your broken bones. ;-) 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 19, 2021

Beautiful Building Architecture


Such beautiful pillars on this building in Miami.

Colorful, vibrant, energetic!

Wow, I think I'd like to see a whole building like just like this. ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 18, 2021

Y'All Crazy

This guy's shirt says it all. 

Y'All Crazy!

The longer I'm around and see the world "in action," the more convinced I am that it's true enough!

Sorry world, I wish it wasn't so.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 17, 2021

Disastrous Politics

This Afghan withdrawal and the Taliban overrunning the country is a complete fiasco. 

- 20 years of blood and treasure: $2,000,000,000,000, and 2,500 lost US military personal and G-d knows how many casualties (oh, about another 20,000)!

Now complete and utter chaos, and a turnover to terrorism.

Reminiscent of Iran's overthrow of the Shah and the U.S. hostage crisis for 444 days and when we lost Vietnam and the helicopters frantically evacuating US embassy personnel from the rooftop. 

BTW, what happened to our "Red Lines" on chemical weapons in Syria?

Where are our inherent values and the dependability of who we are and what we stand for?

Now we are once again emboldening Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia. 

Moreover, US Admiral says China is within 6 years of potentially taking Taiwan (guess where most of the computer chips are made and we already have a shortage)!!!

On top of this we have the Delta variant of Covid (and fears of worse coming) for this 1.5 year long pandemic with the CDC mask on again/off again non-sensical guidance. 

Then we have a $1,200,000,000,000 infrastructure bill and a $3,500,000,000,000 social welfare bill in the works to put on top of the US already almost $29,000,000,0000,000 national debt

Any ideas what that will do to the value of the US currency in the world and inflation rearing its ugly head.

I am starting to see a run on food and home stables in the stores again with items sold out.

Consumer confidence is shaking and the stock market is teetering off at a very high precipice. 

Oh, don't forget the border crisis which is getting out of control again. 

What the F*** is going on here?  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 16, 2021

Claw Tub on Pedestal

Nice claw-footed tub on pink and black/white mosaic pedestal. 

Why is it filled with pillows?

Maybe it makes it more luxurious to bath in. 

Only problem is there's no room for the person.

Reminds me of a funny poster from when I was a kid:

Save water.  Bath with a friend!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 15, 2021

Paradoxically Jewish

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Paradoxically Jewish."

While Israel and the Jews are filled with paradoxes from our forefather Abraham to the modern State of Israel, we are a people who try to wear these paradoxes well. We relish our commonalties even as we are proud of our differences and uniqueness. We argue and fight with each to try to get to “the truth of the matter,” and we negotiate, compromise, threaten and cajole to that sometimes elusive end. Paradox is just another word for our survival against all odds and our determination to overcome the blind hate, anti-Semitism, and scapegoating of Jews throughout history. We Jews are individually broken, but together, we are a beautiful, paradoxical mosaic—a little meshuggah (crazy) and with an unfortunate dose of PTSD, but fundamentally good in intent and deed—working to fulfill our optimism, hope, and mission to usher in the universality of G-d in the world and of betterment for humankind.
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
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August 13, 2021

Shabbat Shalom Flower Painting

Wow, what a week! 

So glad for Shabbat tonight. 

Rest, relax, refresh, rejuvenate - soul, mind, and body. 

It's what we work all week long for!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 11, 2021

50 Kilos of Weed

 

So marijuana is big business!

Not just street corner, back alley, and black market, but also:

- Medicinal

- Recreational

If you just take the crime out of it, perhaps more people can get a little relaxed. 

I've never tried it (seriously!), but I would imagine that perhaps there would be less anxiety, less discontent, less bickering, and less aggression.

What's the argument against legalization?

Sure, there's got to be some responsibility and self-control or else you end up hurting yourself by being a glutton and overdoing it. 

But otherwise, here's 50 kilos just hanging around for the taking.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 10, 2021

Who Let the Dogs Out


No idea what made me think of the song for this:

Who Let The Dogs Out, Who Who

Even the dogs party hearty!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 9, 2021

Nice Log Sitting Area

Thought this was a nice log sitting area. 

So simple with the wooden block stands

And the split log benches. 

Lined up perfectly for a presentation or outdoor movie showing.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 8, 2021

@Great Falls 2021



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No Talking To A Terrorist

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "No Talking To A Terrorist."

The fact of the matter is that when a terrorist who hates you and wants to kill you talks, they are telling you that homicidal action is soon forthcoming. It starts with words of disdain, loathing, threats, and hostility, but make no mistake, that those words end in terror and death. Terrorists, like the radical Iranian mullahs are not someone you can sit down with for tea, have a nice conversation, and work out a meaningful or binding diplomatic agreement. Unfortunately, the only thing that a murderous, racist terrorist understands is a punch in the nose! Accordingly, no amount of talking with Iran is going to lead to them ceasing their pursuit of weapons of mass destruction to use against the Jewish State and the United States. In their own very distorted “religious” minds, the irrational Iranian mullahs hate us and want us dead, period. To them, we are the scorned infidels, and they are the holy jihadists on a mission of murder. As much as we want peace with all our neighbors, in this case, a military response is not only necessary, but required.
The Jewish people have learned very well the hard and painful lessons from tyrannical madmen who have sought to destroy us over the centuries. The Holocaust is seared into our present-day consciousness like the tattooed numbers were into their victim’s flesh. We have learned to never let our guard down, to expect the unexpected, and to fight like hell when we have to. I am confident that with G-d’s help, Israel and the United States will not wait until it’s too late or stand by for a genocide to happen again! What Iran “says,” it means, but what Israel “does,” it expertly succeeds at.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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August 6, 2021

Sign Of The Times

Everything is starting to close back up and require masks again due to the spreading Covid "Delta Variant."

So much for having the masks off for a couple of weeks, which was at least a taste of fresh air and freedom. 

But backwards we go...

A sign of the times in Covid is to park your bicycle in front of the couch, so no one can actually sit down on it and spreads any germs. 

Any bets on what happens from here with all the variants and how this is gonna impact our daily lives for time to come? 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 5, 2021

Being A Gentleman

 

Wow, what a cool book by Brooks Brothers:

How To Be A Gentleman

Now sure how many people even think in those nostalgic terms of ladies and gentlemen anymore, but it seems like it would have some good tips.

Dress (speak and act) for success!

I'm not sure about all the prim and proper stuff, but being a mensch is certainly key to it all.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 4, 2021

Manifest Peacock

For those following the show Manifest, the peacock is a symbol frequently seen the callings by the resurrected passengers from flight 828.

Certainly, the peacock is a most amazing and beautiful of birds. 

But does anyone know what the peacock actually represents in the show?

Maybe we'll find out in Season 4, along with what does Noah's ark have to do with any of it.  

A strange show with constantly more questions than answers.  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 3, 2021

You Got To Make It!

I liked this sticky note over this nice ladies desk:

You do not find the happy life.

You make it!

Too many people seem to wait for miracles, like manna from Heaven to give them what they need or want. 

They don't realize that G-d has gifts us what we need (including strength and determination) to work towards these things ourselves. 

We are not the Israelites stuck in the barren desert for 40 years that we need it to rain manna. 

Of course, it's nice every once in a while when a miracle shows up and we are given an extra hand (or maybe even a full arm). 

But day-to-day, we have to at least try to be self-reliant--as well as work with others--to work towards our goals and fulfill our missions in life. 

You got to make it happen if you want it bad enough.  ;-)

(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 2, 2021

Tie Dye Crocs

Thought these Tie Dye Crocs (center) were standout!

The swirl pattern and rainbow colors is pretty awesome. 

Footwear design that lights up your life!  ;-)

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)


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August 1, 2021

Peace In The Home, Always

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, "Peace In The Home, Always."

If the husband and wife—with Hashem’s help as the third partner—create a peaceful, loving, caring, and harmonious home then they can have the likes of Shabbat all week long.
I realized why we say the blessing for the food before we eat and bless G-d for the land after we eat: before we eat, we don’t know how it will taste or whether it will sit well with us in our stomachs, but we imagine when we are hungry that all the good-looking food and drink will be great and so we bless G-d based on the perception of the coming food. However, after we eat, we make the blessing for the source of the food (the land, the food chain, and over wives for preparing it) for the sake of Shalom Bayit, because whether the meal was so good or not so good, we say thanks to Hashem and to our wives, because that contributes to Shabbat and peace in the home, always!

(Source Photo: Pixabay)
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July 30, 2021

Social Media and Life Guidance

Thought this sign could really apply to lot's of people's bad behavior, but also to their posts on social media:

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)


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