The Morning After – Pull Up a Chair
The people of Israel have spoken and the new prime minister is the old prime minister. Despite facing serious opposition, the new Knesset will lean heavily right and appears to be more unified than in previous terms.
The Week That Was – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
The Diaspora's relationship with Israel does not bode well.
Patience: A Lost Art – PULL UP A CHAIR [audio]
Is patience no longer a virtue?
The Chametz Season – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
Roger Waters, Stephan Hawking, the first woman to cross the Marathon line and preparing for Passover with both humor and spiritual awareness.
“Let Me See the Good Land!” – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Negative, jaded observations about people and places is fashionable and easy. However, looking beyond the 'outer' and into the souls of both human beings and the holy land of Israel frequently requires loftier, Heaven-centered vision.
Standing at the Gate – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
The Redemption depends on awareness, clarity and action. No one among us is exempt!
Peace in Our Time: Hope or Hoax? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Israel and the UAE have inked agreements, ushering in - perhaps - a new era of regional cooperation and friendship. Is there a hidden cost to this "dream-come-true"? Where does this leave the forever whimpering, finger-pointing Palestinian Authority?
Pesach Prep: The Salt of the Earth! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Ridding our homes of breadstuff in anticipation of Passover is only half of the "purge project." Confronting feelings of self-importance, morality fudging, and other ego-centric attitudes will better assist us in preparing for the Seder and embracing the humility that reflects the meaning behind Pesach.
Men & Angels – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Can any of us alter history or should all outcomes be left to Heaven? Crazy questions for crazy times!
Shades of Gray – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Does holding fast to opinions or belief systems denote confidence or insecurity? Can I be "right" when an adversary's point of view is accurate? Letting go of disappointments can open pathways to discovery and (gasp) joy!
Spark. Flicker. Flame! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
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!
Revere, Rejoice, Remember – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Instead of letting "bygones be bygones," the Torah commands us to remember our eternal arch-enemy, Amalek, and kill him before we, ourselves, are killed! How relevant is this mitzvah today? A pre-Purim head-scratcher!
Prep for the Prep – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
Summertime, and the living is easy. So easy, in fact, that we are likely to ignore the thread that ties us to Heaven.
Ain’t Misbehavin’, Just Jewish! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
What is it about Jews and the Jewish state that riles up the rest of the world? What does it take to be a 'tzaddik', i.e., a righteous individual? Are some of us simply beyond redemption? Humor, introspection and mayhem dominate this week's show.
‘Tomorrow’ is Today: What’s the Plan? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
The Talmud says, "In the way in which a person wants to go, that is the way in which he will be led." As we inch toward Rosh HaShanah, we're gifted with an opportunity to partner with God and 'build' the world anew. Now's the time to decide on some of goals, assess our potential 'contributions' and partner-up with Heaven!
How Much Does a Word Weigh? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Commitment, honesty, candor and kindness. Do we hold different standards of expectation for ourselves and God? Given choices, holiness can be practiced by all!
Holocaust, Heroes and Heaven – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
In this most poignant and powerful week leading up to Israel's Independence Day, we reflect on the inestimable cost of living as free Jews in our own country.
Love, Lending and Laws – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
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!
A Sliver of Light – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
A tiny flame yields enough power to span the universe. Candle by candle, Canukah allows us to reflect upon the miracles that brought us to today and those lay ahead.
The Most Important Thing – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
It is never too late to make changes - small or large - when it comes to healing rifts between family members. Also, what does the Torah say about Black Friday and the dumbing-down of values? All that and more!
Yearning for Normal – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Concern re insidious Coronavirus is everywhere and no one is, apparently, immune from myriad aspects of the infection.The impact on daily routines previously taken for granted, is immeasurable. And the economic impact on a such small country as Israel, where the gross national product relies heavily on tourism is, in fact, astronomical.
Taking ‘Control’! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Even under siege, we have controls in our lives. Keeping relationships holy/refined; selecting the moral high-ground in business and interpersonal arenas present abundant opportunity to profoundly alter the uncertain events that unfold daily.
Unity & Spirit – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
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.
Look Who’s Talking! – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
What is it about words and sentiments that either build up and encourage those whom we care about or destroy trust and injure those same people?
Jews Under Siege – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
The ultimate pull-no-punches show: Andrea begs the question of how American Jews defend living in a land that no longer offers security, equality or a future. Uncomfortable questions for too-comfortable Jews. Also, who is holy? The answer might surprise you!
Purim: Reeling From Relevance – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
It has been said that 'History repeats itself'. True enough. But if you want to know how events play out for the children of Israel today, check out Megillat Esther - Book of Esther. A holy and prophetic look at the Jewish experience, in our times!
16MAY2024 – Pull Up A Chair [audio]
Pull Up A Chair 16MAY2024 - PODCAST
Rooted or Rootless – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Celebrating the 26th anniversary of her arrival in Israel, Andrea reflects on people, places and experiences that infuse this continuing journey with magic and holiness.
Thanks in Giving – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
Is there a Jewish/Torah link to the undisputedly American holiday? Emphatically, Andrea says, "Yes!"
What Price Leadership? – Pull Up a Chair [audio]
If your enemy says he wants to kill you, believe him! And, yet, many Jews are drawn to causes and leaders who aspire to destroy both Jews and the Jewish state. And why was Moses - modest, speech-impeded, identifiably Egyptian - drawn to fight for the underdog? What does it take to defy authority and, indeed, 'become' a Moses?