When a Jew is Torn Between Freedom and Family

 
Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "When a Jew is Torn Between Freedom and Family."

Shulem Deen’s All Who Go Do Not Return is a powerful memoir chronicling his escape from the insular Skverer Hasidic community. Deen’s world was shaped by strict prohibition of secular influences, arranged marriage, and demand for total conformity, enforced by harsh punishments and social control. After being cast out for his growing doubts, Deen lost his family, faith, and community, and struggled through loneliness and depression. His story is both a lament for what was lost and a testament to the steep, lasting price of freedom, raising profound questions about the cost of authenticity and the challenge of losing everything. 

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When a Jew is Torn Between Freedom and Family

5 Little Cats

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

5 Little Cats

Hanging Fish

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Hanging Fish

Diver and Aquarium Treasure

 

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

Diver and Aquarium Treasure

Tongue Twister

(Credit Video: Andy Blumenthal)

Tongue Twister

Profits, Prophets, and the AI Craze

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Profits, Prophets, and the AI Craze."

This article explores the extraordinary rise of AI and quantum technology stocks since the 2022 downturn, questioning whether this boom is driven by innovation or speculation. It notes that while some companies show real promise, many valuations far exceed fundamentals and future earnings potential. The article draws on Jewish wisdom to emphasize prudence, humility, and moral purpose amid market euphoria. Ultimately, it suggests that technology’s true value lies not just in profit but in its potential to advance humanity toward a more ethical and enlightened world.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Profits, Prophets, and the AI Craze

Gumball Treasure

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Gumball Treasure

Man Under Balcony

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Man Under Balcony

Comfy Chair

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Comfy Chair

Bagels and Lox

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Bagels and Lox

Chain Table

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chain Table

Bibi Was Right All Along

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Bibi Was Right All Along."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was right all along in his steadfast leadership during the complex and perilous Gaza conflict, maintaining clear strategic objectives despite criticism. His vision to bring hostages home, demilitarize Gaza, and eradicate Hamas ensured that terror would not dictate the region's future. After over two years of war and sacrifice, including the loss of nearly 1,200 IDF soldiers, a ceasefire has been achieved and the release of hostages is set to begin imminently. The successful peace plan, strongly supported by President Donald Trump’s diplomacy, marks a profound moment of joy and unity for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide, confirming the wisdom of Netanyahu’s approach.

(AI generated image via Meta)

Bibi Was Right All Along

Serve Robotics Miami

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Serve Robotics Miami

Japanese Daruma Good Luck Dolls

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Japanese Daruma Good Luck Dolls

Futuristic Shoe Display

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Futuristic Shoe Display

Ham-ass Terrorists Lost the War

 

Ham-ass Terrorists Lost the War

Meatballs or Fishballs? A Kiddush Mystery!

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Meatballs or Fishballs? A Kiddush Mystery!"

At a lively Sephardic kiddush, I grabbed what I thought were delicious meatballs, only to be told by a spirited older lady that they were actually fish balls. Our debate got unexpectedly heated, with her insisting she knew best—after all, she’d been to every synagogue dinner. Lesson learned: never argue with a seasoned congregant about kiddush food, and maybe steer clear of the fish balls!

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Meatballs or Fishballs? A Kiddush Mystery!

Floating Down the River

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Floating Down the River

There is Hope

(Credit Photo Andy Blumenthal)

There is Hope

Beautiful Leadership USA and Israel! 🇺🇸 🇮🇱

Beautiful Leadership USA and Israel! 🇺🇸 🇮🇱

Fish Store Aquarium

 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Fish Store Aquarium

The Future of the UN: Hope or Continued Hypocrisy?

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Future of the UN: Hope or Continued Hypocrisy."

This week, the UN disgracefully walked out on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, exposing its deep hypocrisy and antisemitism. Its lopsided condemnations of Israel contrast sharply with praise for tyrants and regimes that commit atrocities worldwide. Many nations exploit hatred of Israel to conceal their own corruption, reviving the age-old tactic of scapegoating Jews. Despite global bias, Israel endures, upheld by justice, resilience, and divine providence, while history will judge those who ignore true moral threats of Nazism, Communism, and Radical Islam. 

 (AI generated image via Meta)

The Future of the UN: Hope or Continued Hypocrisy?

From The River to the Sea, That's the Beautiful Holy Flag You Will See

From The River to the Sea, That's the Beautiful Holy Flag You Will See

Plants Around Giant

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Plants Around Giant

Stop Worrying; Trust G-d

Stop Worrying; Trust G-d

Polaris ATV Rzr

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Polaris ATV Rzr

Get ready for Israel's coming annexation in Judea and Samaria! 🇮🇱

"Useful idiots" can recognize a terrorist Palestinian state all they want, but G-d is with Israel!

It's Biblical and G-d keeps His promises. 

Get ready for Israel's coming annexation in Judea and Samaria! 🇮🇱

Preventing a Rosh Hashanah Massacre

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "Preventing a Rosh Hashanah Massacre."

Israel and the Jewish people face heightened danger as the High Holy Days approach, with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s IRGC still plotting attacks even as Israel fights to eliminate Hamas in Gaza. History shows that terrorists deliberately strike Jews during symbolic and vulnerable moments—from the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1973 Yom Kippur War to the October 7 Simchat Torah massacre and countless synagogue, school, and embassy attacks across the globe. Recent atrocities, including the 2019 Jersey City kosher supermarket shooting and the 2022 Colleyville synagogue hostage crisis, remind us that Jewish life in both Israel and the diaspora remains a prime target. The response must be fourfold: secure gates to limit access, guards to deter threats, guns for trained defense, and government coordination to share intelligence and mobilize law enforcement. Above all, communities must pair vigilance with prayer, recognizing security as both a practical necessity and a sacred duty to safeguard Jewish life.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

Preventing a Rosh Hashanah Massacre

Lazying Around The House

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Lazying Around The House

Cereal King

 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Cereal King

iPhone Surfing

 

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

iPhone Surfing

Chagall's King David

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Chagall's King David

Ancient Masks

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Ancient Masks

The Rising Threat of Political Hate Speech

Please see my new article in The Times of Israel called "The Rising Threat of Political Hate Speech."

This week’s assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative leader connected with younger generations, exposed a disturbing rise in political polarization and violent rhetoric. Social media’s celebration of his murder reflects a troubling shift, especially among younger people, toward viewing political opponents as existential threats rather than fellow citizens. This dehumanizing language has dangerous historical precedents and creates a toxic atmosphere where violence becomes justifiable. To protect the future of American democracy, urgent reforms are needed in education, media, and politics to promote balanced dialogue, fair reporting, and bipartisan cooperation. Without decisive action, the nation risks deepening division and unraveling the very fabric of its democracy.

(AI generated image via Gemini)

The Rising Threat of Political Hate Speech

Wallpaper Art

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

Wallpaper Art

Ocean Wave

Ocean Wave

DJ Colorful

(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)

DJ Colorful