Pull Up a Chair

Self-defense is a moral obligation and doing the right thing can be a lonely endeavor. Also, look at someone's friends and you'll know who he is. A word - and warning - to the wise.

Despite our reputation as a stiff-necked, recalcitrant nation, the Children of Israel typically rise beyond the ordinary to provide comfort and sustenance for one another, especially in times of uncertainty.

What is the secret to Jewish existence? Is there something inherently holy -- or magical -- to our continued presence, despite the efforts of our eternal enemies?

The music of your life frequently depends on whom you surround yourself with. Naysayers breed negativity, anger and hopelessness. But those who see the glass as half full and tomorrow filled with promise can make our lives both richer and rife with meaning.

Looking back and bemoaning what we "had" is a prescription for stagnation. While the unknown can be scary, our partnership with God's demands that we aspire, create, and await the opportunities which tomorrow holds for us.

Besieged by lies and fabricated narratives, Israel's fights cannot rely on the goodwill of those whom, historically, have thwarted our survival.

Jews are in a state of physical and spiritual turbulence. With our security threatened and growing isolation, reaching deep within ourselves to connect to Him provides a sure-fire method for maintaining sanity and hope in an increasingly hostile and immoral world.

Pull Up A Chair 16MAY2024 - PODCAST

Is 'holiness' conferred or merited? The soldiers and citizens of Israel remain determined and hopeful, despite a seemingly endless "trial by fire"!

2May2024

From praying, fighting, giving, volunteering, the people of Israel are paradigms of Godliness in a world rife with evil.

April 24, 2024

Living one's Judaism is very different than knowing/reading about tenets of faith. Dwelling in the land of Israel provides technicolor insights to Torah observance, tethering us to our history, culture and traditions.

Under siege, fighting both physical, political and media battles, little Israel remains clear in her mission. Laughing through tears, Am Yisroel will persevere and, again, defy both naysayers and enemies of the Jewish state.

Pull Up a Chair 07MAR2024

The Torah teaches us that we are capable - no, obligated! - to reach beyond ourselves and not find contentment in mediocrity. Sediment muddies poorly processed olive oil but pure oil burns brightly. Jews, when pressed like olives, bring holiness into the world.

As a result of the barbarism of October 12, Jews around the world were shocked into the realization that despite efforts to assimilate, they've been 'outed.' For many, there is an increased interest in religious observance. But where to start? The dining room table is where holiness begins.

Some have, some don't and that's just the way it is, right? The Torah reveals amazing facts about the delicate subjects of usury, generosity and what is and isn't possible!

We are living through some of the bleakest days in Jewish history. But holding onto fear denotes a lack of faith and is, in fact, a sin.

Without coercion, the Children of Israel accepted the Torah, establishing a forever-covenant with God. Consequently, the "yoke" of mitzvot liberated us from physical, emotional and spiritual slavery.

Is life comprised of days lining up against one another until we breathe our last? Why are we here?

Jews have survived by practicing "simcha shel mitzvah", finding joy in Torah observance. For thousands of years, despite the darkness that we constantly face, Jews light up the world with full faith in God's and determination to bring blessing to His world.

Jews are learners, readers, healers and lawmakers. But when backed into the proverbial corner, we are fighters! Let our enemies beware; waking a sleeping lion comes with consequences!

We do not give into despair! Resilience in the face of darkness defines the Eternal Nation. The people of Israel live, tethered to Heaven's unbreakable promise. And despite myriad travails, we've been chosen to spread light and holiness throughout the world. Chanukah Samayach!

The days weigh heavy as Israel holds back from finishing the job of eradicating Hamas. What is the cost of a Jewish life and will our resolve to remain united in the face of unbridled evil remain steadfast? We grapple the tough stuff on today's show.

From the dawn of our independence, Israel's defensive actions have been scrutinized by most of the world, subjected to duplicitous moral codes and regularly denounced by the United Nations. It appears that standards for other societies do not apply - to Jews!

Silence is no longer an option (was it ever?)

Who determines our belief system? Social media and CNN or the blueprint of our existence, Torah and God's promise for our holy future?

Jew hatred is de rigueur, no longer hiding in the shadows. Has your family, yet, had the conversation regarding what - if anything - you will do when those who wish you harm come knocking?

Trying times bring out the best and worst in man.