Archive for the 'Israel' Category
Duties & Obligations
Wednesday, May 17th, 2023The Torah takes a census of men of military age. This, in case the nation has to go to war. Considering that the main job of the Jews at the time was learning shows that we are obligated to do our duty to the nation. Share on Facebook
Israel Independence Day
Wednesday, April 26th, 2023No matter how we count the Omer, Israel Independence Day falls in the middle of the mourning period. This is no accident. Israel Independence Day is the atonement for the sins committed by Rebbe Akiva’s students during the Bar-Kochba Revolt. Share on Facebook
God Wants Action, Not Words
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023When the Jews get to the Red Sea they seem to be trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. Moses prays and God tells him to quit praying and jump into the sea. This shows God wants action, not just prayers. Share on Facebook
Pharaoh’s True Punishment
Sunday, January 15th, 2023The true punishment of Pharaoh was the taking away his free will. Free will is one of the things that separates humans from animals. By removing this Pharaoh was being made into an animal. Share on Facebook
Joseph’s Message to Jacob
Wednesday, December 28th, 2022When Jacob was told that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it until he saw the wagons. Why did they make a difference? Share on Facebook
Remember Why We Fight
Tuesday, December 27th, 2022The fast of the 10th of comes a week after we finish celebrating Hanukah. This is to teach us that the Hasmoneans lost sight of the reason for the war against the Hellenists. Over the generations they became Hellenists. When we lose sight of the goal we lose all. Share on Facebook
United We Stand
Thursday, December 22nd, 2022In the end of this week’s portion the brothers are united in their love of one another just as the five Hasmonaean brothers were united in the story of Hanukah. Share on Facebook
Hanukah and Purim
Wednesday, December 21st, 2022Why do we say Hallel on Hanukah bur not Purim? What is the difference between the two festivals? Share on Facebook
Every Jew Has Value
Wednesday, October 12th, 2022פרשת וזאת הברכה / א’ דחול המואד סוכות / י”ז בתשרי תשפ”ג The lesson of Sukkot is that every person has value, no matter how high or low that person may be. We all equal in God’s eye. Share on Facebook
We’re In A Partnership With God
Thursday, October 6th, 2022פרשת האזינו / י”א בתשרי תשפ”ג This week’s portion deals with the problem of success. Many of us achieve success and forget that God had a hand in it. This is a clear warning not to. 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