Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
Our Ultimate Victory
Wednesday, December 13th, 2023The story of Hanukah is that the anti-Jewish forces did not want to kill the Jews but that they should not live as Jews. By us living as Jews is our ultimate victory and their ultimate defeat. Share on Facebook
In Unity We Cannot Be Defeated
Tuesday, December 12th, 2023In this week’s portion we have the beginning of the brother reuniting as a family. The striking this is that the Hashmonaim were always united in their mission to save the Jewish people. Share on Facebook
Wisdom Over Knowledge
Monday, December 11th, 2023The story of Hanukah is the story of wisdom over knowledge. The Greeks had a lot of knowledge but very little wisdom. The Jews had wisdom based on the Bible. Share on Facebook
Don’t Rely on Miracles
Sunday, December 10th, 2023While we recognize that God controls the world we are commanded not to rely of miracles in our lives. God wants us to act. Once we act God will act, not before. Share on Facebook
Morality is Not Subjective
Friday, December 8th, 2023Hanukah was not a war between the Jews and the Greeks but a war against the immorality of the day. Share on Facebook
The Torah is a Meritocracy
Thursday, December 7th, 2023While Reuben is the first born he is not the leader of the brothers, Judah is. This is to teach us that according to the Torah leadership does not come by our birth but by our actions. Share on Facebook
God Is In Charge
Wednesday, December 6th, 2023When Joseph is sent to find his brothers he has a seemingly chance encounter with a stranger. The stranger directs him to his brothers. The encounter did not happen by chance. It was directed by God. Share on Facebook
The Real Danger
Monday, December 4th, 2023Just as Jacob thinks he is able to relax from the troubles of facing Esau, Laban and Schem new troubles begin. This time from within the family. Share on Facebook
Don’t Become Esau
Friday, December 1st, 2023Jacob’s reaction to Simeon & Levi’s attack on Schem can only be explained in that he was afraid of becoming like Esau. There is some Esau in all of us and we have to fight to keep Esau at bay. Share on Facebook
We Can Bring Holiness Down
Thursday, November 30th, 2023The Ari once commented that Rachel is not buried where people think she is but that does not matter since so many Jews have prayed there it is as if she is there. We can make a place holy by our actions. Share on Facebook
About the Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal is an Israeli-American, or an American-Israeli (I could never get that right) who is unabashedly pro-Israel, pro-US and a great guy.
He has an open mind to opinions that he agrees with.
Besides blogging on whatever he feels like blogging about on any given day he enjoys learning Talmud, davening, being the candyman in his synagogue, smoking his tobacco pipe, giving tours at the Grand Lodge of New York, being involved in Freemasonry, and partaking in an adult beverage every now and then