Lazer Beams

The Lesson of Orla

Ancient Shivta

Since the vastness of the desert teaches us our insignificance, it is consequently conducive to humility. But, even something so simple and humble as a Bedouin flute - a reed with six holes - can play sweet music when used properly.

Here's wishing you a wonderful Shabbat and weekend.

A Tour of the Negev

Our Land of Israel series takes you on a tour of the Negev desert in the south of Israel, accompanied by the beautiful strains of my dear friend and holy brother, Shlomo Katz:

The background music comes from Shlomo's newest album "Malei Olam," which you can obtain online here.

Habakuk the Prophet

As part of our "Land of Israel" series, we go north to the Galilee to visit the holy gravesite of Habakuk the Prophet, who said: "The tzaddik shall live by his emuna."

Rabbenu Bachiya: Duties of the Heart

Now that it's Elul and only 4 weeks from Rosh Hashana, we take you on a trip to the Upper Galilee to see what we can learn from the holy gravesite of Rabbenu Bachiya, author of the classic "Chovot HaLevavot" (Duties of the Heart):

Here's wishing you a wonderful Shabbat Shoftim!

The Holy Rebbe Mattia ben Charash

Our "Land of Israel" series takes us to the Lower Galilee, outside the Arab village of Ilaboun, to the holy gravesite of Rebbe Mattia ben Charash. Who ever visits Rebbe Mattia's gravesite is given the gift of holy eyes, so come join us:

Children of Hevron

Several years ago, during a visit to the Washington, DC area, I personally witnessed how a pair of series killers traumatized nearly two million people in the DC metropolitan area. People were literally paralyzed, and many refused to step out of their houses.

In sharp contrast, the Jews of Hevron are surrounded by scores of frenzied, terrorist series killers. Yet, they seem to fear nothing other than The Almighty. During a recent visit to Hevron, I visited a local cheder (religious boys' elementary school), curious to find out how the little guys - Israel's unsung heroes - are holding up under the pressure of their environment.

I was amazed to find calm, happy, well-adjusted, and highly-motivated children. They all knew their studies by heart, and were more than willing to tell me about this week's Torah portion, recite their mishnayos, or elaborate on Hevron's history.

What makes these little kids so stable, living in the eye of a hurricane? The answer is simple: uncompromising Torah education, simple and steadfast faith, and parents who are living examples of dedication to G-d, the Jewish people, and the Land of Israel.

Hashem is sending a stiff warning, Mister Obama (Psalm 105:16): "Don't touch My anointed, and don't harm My prophets!" If you do, a lot more than your teleprompter will smash all around you. 

מי כעמך ישראל

Palestinians of Jewish Origin

We've been discovering lost brothers everywhere from the Cherokee nation in southern USA to the Pathans in Afghanistan. But now, as a real surprise, our lost brothers are right here under our nose. We hope you enjoy Palestinians of Jewish Origin as much as we did.

The Lesson of Gideon

Let's visit the beautiful hill country of Ephraim today, to see and hear what we can learn there, while visiting the holy gravesite of Gideon.

A Tour of Ancient Ashdod

Come see a gem of history and archeology that many Israelis aren't even aware of - ancient Ashdod.

This week's Torah portion is Bo. Have a wonderful Shabbat!