Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called “Make Your Life a Sanctuary for G-d.”In short, everything we do in life should be great, but not for our greatness. Everything that we do should be done with passion and determination, but not for our sakes. We are only here by the loving grace of G-d and for as long as He wills it. In our time here, we need to act in a way that means something beyond our finite, selfish mortal selves and instead be selfless for the purpose of our Creator.

If you lived your life for G-d, for good, and for a greater purpose, then your inner spiritual legacy will live on beyond your years and even your name. If you build a sanctuary for G-d, it will have holiness and permanence not only in this world but, more importantly, in the next.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

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)

Announcing My First Book: On Judaism and Life

With gratitude to Hashem, I am announcing my first published book, On Judaism and Life. 

It is available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcopy.  

Book description:

This book is about finding and connecting with G-d. As the prophet Jeremiah states (29:13), “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” This is my personal journey back to G-d and Judaism. It provides my life reflections, dreams, prayers, and hopes to strengthen my faith and trust in G-d by exploring a variety of the precious gems of Judaism and the Torah, reflecting on the diversity and strength of our people and culture, and longing for our nation and beautiful State of Israel and the completion of the final Redemption and bringing of the Mashiach. Please G-d, may it serve as inspiration for your journey as well.

I hope you enjoy!

Interview requests may be directed here.

From Judaism with love

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called “From Judaism with Love.”

Civilizations’ notion of a perfect world comes not from classical Greek and Roman society — where art, architecture, beauty, government, philosophy, and empirical science emanated — but rather directly through Judaism (i.e., from Hashem).

One one hand, you have Greece and Rome with polytheism and paganism, where gods are in the image of man, beauty is holy, and morality is subjective and malleable. On the other hand, we have Judaism’s clear declaration of monotheism (with one omnipotent, benevolent, eternal, and invisible G-d), where man was created in the image of G-d, the holy is beautiful, and morality is objective and unchangeable. At the end of the day, there is no contest: G-d’s Torah, as transmitted through the Jewish people, is the absolute and enduring “light unto the nations” towards the perfect world.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Sprinkling of Jewish Wit and Wisdom

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called “Sprinkling of Jewish Wit and Wisdom.”Jews are well known for their sharp wit, humor, and wisdom, which, of course, is thanks to the blessings bestowed on His people by Hashem. In the article I share some recent Jewish tidbits.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Kayaking @Lake Needwood

Happy 4th of July!

Spring Flowers for Shabbat

Good to be coming up on Shabbat.

So much to be grateful for to G-d Almighty

• Health
• Peace
• Prosperity
• Family to enjoy it with

Thank you for another week!   😉

Awesome Torah Turtle

We went to a beautiful playground dedication at Chabad. 

Aside from the lavish and colorful playground, they had a trampoline, petting zoo, and BBQ for Lag B’Omer. 

This was Torah Turtle (my name for him) at the event. 

What an amazing shell and such a cool animal.

Turtles are a definite favorite!  😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

For My Beautiful Wife and Daughters

They are truly wonder women!  

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Delicious Purim Seudah

Purim Seudah last evening. 

Because I don’t eat gluten, my son-in-law made me eggs as the bun for the burgers!

Healthy, good-looking, and delicious eating. 

Also, had some tasty spicy mayo to top it off. 

Thank you for the beautiful, festive holiday meal.  😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)