From Passivity To Power

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called “From Passivity To Power.”

Over the course of our history, the Jewish people have grown from a passive and helpless people during 2,000 years of exile to become, once again, an assertive and strong nation in the Land of Israel as we once were in the days of Joshua, King David and the Maccabees.

In the end, we need to be as faithful as “Jacob” and as strong as “Israel.” As we learn in the Torah and from the rest of Jewish history: inside every Jacob, who just wants to serve G-d in peace as the “People of the Book,” there is also a determined, strong, and brave Israelite fighter and innovator who can stand up for his people and his faith.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Washington Monument Tall and Proud

Thought this was a pretty picture of the Washington Monument. 

Marble Obelisk that stands tall and proud against the clear blue sky in the nation’s capital

Inspiring and hopeful for the future, if people don’t blow the opportunities for collaboration and progress.  😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Mr. Golden Sun

There’s nothing like the hot sun.

Too bright to look at it. 

It enlightens our whole world.

The warm glowing sun is life.

Cold empty darkness is death. 

Light drives out the dark. 

We need more light in this world. 😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Fiery Star of David

Sharing this beautiful Magen David (Star of David). 

Saw it on Facebook and thought it’s really dazzling!

Man, we’re on fire  and in a good way–rebirth after the horrors of the Holocaust, redemption to and flourishing of the Promised Land of Israel, and what looks like many more incredible things to come.

Hence, my reading of the three stars: our past, present, and future. 

G-d’s plan for the world is happening, and it’s hopefully very bright indeed.  😉

Vibrant Fashion Colors

Wow, what a vibrant fashion display of color at Macy’s!

This is bold. 

This is fun.

This is exciting. 

This is alive. 

We’re coming from the Covid dead back to the pre-pandemic life!  

Take out your stimulus checks and get ready to spend. 

There is still hope for humankind.  😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Beautiful Flowers 4 A Beautiful Day!

Beautiful flowers for a beautiful day!

In this painting, art does a wonderful job imitating life. 

I love the flower pot as well as the flowers. 

Nature, in real and artistic ways, fills us with renewed life.  😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

What’s With This Crazy World?

I don’t recognize this world. 

This world has gone to sleep. 

It’s not the world of life I used to know. 

Now fear and isolation pervade about. 

Things aren’t even what they seem or they seem to be what they aren’t. 

Everything is glossed over and black and white are easily substituted. 

There used to be a moral ground and a forward path. 

Now you have to have a stronger faith and inner conviction than ever before. 

To see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope it’s the light we all yearn for.  😉

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Covid May Be Over When Pigs Can Fly

Don’t be fooled by the Covid vaccines. 

Aside from the very disappointing and dysfunctional rollout so far (less than 3 millions first doses in the time that they promised 20 million), the virus is mutating!

Hence the new yet more contagious Covid virus now going around. 

I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high on the results of the vaccine quite yet. 

Hype is the opioid of the masses. 

Like the flu, Covid may be over when pigs can fly.  😉

(Credit Photo:  Andy Blumenthal) 

The End of Times

I am looking for a good book on the Jewish view of the End of Times.

• Who fights who?
• What happens and how does the fighting finally end?
• Who will live and who will die?
• Who from the dead will be resurrected?
• What occurs in practical terms when the Mashiach arrives?
• What does G-d’s revelation to the whole world look and feel like?
• Where is Israel at each step in unfolding of the redemption?
• How does the 3rd Temple actually get built?
• Is world peace not only possible, but also enduring? 

Wow, would love to read a layman’s book like this.  
Can anyone recommend anything really good?  😉
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Humming The Hatikvah

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called, “Humming The Hatikvah.”

But as I walk in the water, feeling both the softness and purity of the beautiful water as well as the buoyancy and resistance of it, I think to myself that no Jews should not be familiar and know The Israel national anthem. After 2,000 painful years in exile culminating in the concentration camps like Theresienstadt and The Six Million murdered Jews, we all must know that now G-d has kept his promise to our forefathers and returned us to The Holy Land.

Assuredly, we are living in the time of miracles, the redemption, and soon to be the coming of the Mashiach. Now is the time not just to hum The Hatikvah, but to bring every Jew back, including me and my family. It’s almost time to go home, where we will sing and dance, with hearts brimming over with Joy, before our L-rd, and once again go to worship at our holy Temple in Jerusalem. May it be His will! Amen.

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)