That time again ... Koach Tammuz

Chof Ches Tammuaz

The 28th day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz begins now. Michoel came out of bed to wish me Happy Birthday, as I was busy preparing for my kids / grand-kids visit tomorrow.  Wow, how did the evening slip by and it suddenly became this holy, awesome day? For a few weeks now, I've been dreading it, but not for the usual reasons.  I always joke around that having a birthday sure does beat the alternative. but it is also a very solemn day of introspection.
Birthdays are a time of celebration, yes. As it is well known, a birthday is proof that I really do matter in the world. I am here because Hashem wants me here, and I matter to Him. He created me with a purpose and a reason, which is what is leading me to feel a little despondent.  Am I living up to my goals and potential? Am I headed in the right direction? Am I nearing the "end of the line" so to say???
For 2 1/2 years, I worked tirelessly on the Sefer Torah project. I can't begin to think how many hours went into it. Sometimes it feels like a dream, the kind where you wake up and wonder if it was real or not. It's sorta like a fantasy feeling, but then I watch the videos or look at the pictures and I am reminded how real it was.  Where in the world did I get the strength to pull that off??? How did I do that?
A birthday is a time to look back at the previous year to see what I did right (to continue on that path) and what I did wrong (so I can make corrections).  In some ways, it's like a mini Rosh Hoshana, cuz of the reflections and contemplation. That is what is bothering me. Hashem has blessed me with so much. Did I use all the brachos He gave me for the good? Was I worthy of what He gave me? I'm not so sure. If I was able to pull off this super feat of donating a Sefer Torah, what else am I capable of, but didn't do because of my laziness.  Ya, I know ... I'm not supposed to talk lashon hora about myself .... but I do enjoy vegetating on the couch a lot more than I should. I've been trying for weeks to come up with a new birthday hachlata (resolution) for me to take upon myself.  As of right now, I still don't have one. So on one hand, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to celebrate another birthday, but on the other hand, it comes with a huge responsibility.


Time is not linear, it is more circular. When a holiday or event happens, we relive the strength of that day. Like on Pesach, Hashem gives us the strength to break through our personal boundaries. The same idea happens on our birthday. The same koach that Hashem endowed us with at our birth is shining brightly tonight for me. It's our tradition to give a "birthday bracha", a gift to all my friends and loved ones. So here is my bracha to YOU --

Hashem should bless every single one of us to have the ultimate joy of seeing the coming of Moshiach mamash RIGHT NOW!  We should dance and bring karbanos to the Third Bais Hamikdash and be reunited with our loved ones immediately.
Hashem should give everyone good health; curing those who have ailments whether they be physical or emotional. He should give everyone loads of parnasa, so much so that it is overflowing and it should come so easily. He should give everyone what it is the feel they need, a shidduch, a child, parnasa, menuchas hanefesh, brachos in what ever area they feel a lacking. May you all experience an outpouring of His Love in a revealed way, with nachas from your kids and grandkids. But again, most of all ... may we all join together hand in hand and dance with the geulah!

Happy Birthday America!

What can I say, I love this country so much. I've been playing this song daily for over two weeks now. I'm eternally grateful that G-d made me an American citizen.

The more I learn about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and especially about our Founding Fathers, the more amazing I think they are. They had so much vision and insights. They studied government, and figured out a plan that is spectacular!

Steven Crowder has put up several interesting videos on the 1st and 2nd Amendments and one on the Civil War. The guy he interviewed is so knowledgeable, and also very enjoyable to watch. I'll put a link up if you can't find them.

Freedom is not something to take lightly. As a frum Jew, I know our history. We've been persecuted in every country, as well as thrown out of every country. Except America. Our Founding Fathers made sure that I can daven every day, eat kosher, keep shabbos, give my boys a bris, etc. Jews are being prevented from buying kosher meat in some places, bris is under attack, and one of my friends is being threatened because she wants to teach Judaism to her children via home schooling. Not here, they all live on the other side of the world.

I just wanted to take a minute to Thank G-d for this country, and wish America a very Happy Birthday.

Happy 4th of July! (Got lots of compliments on my shirt today too! Plenty of patriots out there!) #KAG