Lazer Beams

Rebbe Elimelech of Lizensk

Today, the 21st of Adar, is the yahrtzeit of the holy tzaddik Rebbe Elimelech of Lizensk of blessed and saintly memory, author of the famed Noam Elimelech and disciple of the great Maggid of Mezeritch.

Rebbe Elimelech's site of eternal rest in Lizensk, Poland

The Melitzer Rebbe shlit'a, a direct descendant of the "Noam Elimelech", told me that Rebbe Yisroel of Ruzhin said that 500 years before Rebbe Elimelech was born, the world received abundance in his merit. Now, after his death, even more so!

Rebbe Elimelech's headstone.

May Rebbe Elimelech's beloved holy memory be a defending angel for all of us, amen.

Best Eretz Yisrael photos of the year

This fabulous photo, taken by Joshua Guedalia and courtesy of trekearth.com, has my vote for one of the best Eretz Yisrael photos of the year. Pictured is a "yael", a sure-footed Israeli gazelle, in the desert south of Beersheva. "Yaelim" can be found all over the Southern Israel wilderness. Thank you, Joshua.

The Land of Israel: Awakening

Right before Purim, the plants and animals awaken from their slumber and Eretz Yisroel comes alive. For those who spend time talking to Hashem and praying in the fields, the flora and fauna of Eretz Yisroel literally stimulate them to teshuva; one can't partake of such exquisite beauty without yearning to get closer to Hashem.

Today, I invite you to join me in the fields east of Ashdod, for an "hisbodedus" that you won't forget. Too bad I can't post the fragrances - they're heavenly.

It's now my profound privilege to share with you a glimpse of my beloved homeland; tell me if you can feel her pulse, for she's awakening and alive. I too hope to awaken in true faith to Hashem, and search for the means to express my gratitude for this lovely sacred patch of heaven on earth that He's given us. Thank you, beloved Father and King, forever and ever.

All photos © 2010 by Lazer Brody.

Bee on a grapefruit blossom

Bedouin shepherd boy

Dandelions

Grapefruit flower in full blossom - its aroma is entoxicatingly exquisite

Meadow violets - each flower is only a quarter inch in diameter

Flock of sheep grazing along the banks of the Lachish River

Wild poppy

Tangerine grove with wild mustard field in the background

Chamomile flowers - they make a delightful herb tea that helps you relax

If you're looking at these pictures with a pang in your heart, then your place is probably here in Eretz Yisrael.