A father noticed his child slowly moving away from yiddishkeit.
When he asked what’s going on, the child responded that he’s no longer religious.
But then the father noticed that his son was davening, learning, making Brachos—better than ever!
He was confused.
“I thought you were no longer religious?!”
Son responded, “when I was religious you would always count every time I messed up, but not that I announced I’m not religious you started to notice and count every time I did something positive!”
GRANDFATHER OF HOSTAGE RECITES BLESSING
Eliya Cohen was held hostage in Gaza for 505 days.
He told his family he was held in cages.
After Shabbat, his grandfather rushed to the hospital to see him.
WATCH as his grandfather sees Eliya and recites the “Shechayanu” blessing - thanking God for keeping him alive and bringing him to this day.
A non-targeted baby that dies in an airstrike is a tragedy.
A baby that dies at the hands of his captors by being beaten to death is a violation of human decency.
Both babies died. Both are innocent. Both deaths are tragic. But there is zero moral equivalence between the two realities.
Those who understand this are members of the human family. Those who don't, not so much.
I deeply regret my decades of support for a Palestinian state under ‘land for peace’ and the ‘two-state solution.’ I was wrong—badly wrong. I misjudged a society that prioritizes murdering Jewish children over building a better future for its own. I apologize.
Hamas abducted, tortured and murdered children.
Used their remains to free prisoners.
This spectacle advances the frontier of utter depravity and reaffirms standing firmly on the side of Israel.
Story/reflection from my Uber ride:
On my uber home from the airport, my driver, Jasmine, was telling me about her life.
She’s a single mom. Three kids. With three different fathers.
Incredible woman. Mother. Put two of her kids through college. Kindest driver I’ve ever had. Making sure her kids have a better life.
I felt bad even asking, but wanted to know how she understands why men in her life don’t stick around to raise their kids?
She said sadly there’s just a culture of fear of commitment, being tied down. A lot of people aren’t raised in a culture that prioritizes family and raising children.
Made me appreciate my Jewish community. Everything comes at a cost. The emphasis on family in our community can alienate singles, those who can’t have children and really anyone who doesn’t have a traditional family life. But at the end of the day, I’m still so grateful that I was raised in a community that always emphasized family is the greatest vehicle for happiness.
Made me proud to be a part of the Jewish family.
I had some extra cash on me that I gave to her when she dropped me off. She teared up and said thank you.
People like Jasmine really inspire me. Being a parent is the holiest most fulfilling job in the world. Single moms are heroes.
Prioritizing our children—the next generation—is how we bring the redemption.
❤️🩹