יום שני, י״ח אלול תשפ״וMonday, August 31, 2026
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It has been said that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones or, instead, 'Zealots Beware!' Today we reflect, remember and rejoice!
Are some mysteries better left hidden? Listen to Andrea and her good buddy Simon Anstey tussle over the state of affairs in the world. Lots of schmooze, news and laughing with Jews!
Social media has proven to be dangerous on many levels. The struggle to remain both informed and relevant requires iron-clad vigilance. Still, is vigilance enough when insidious forces work tirelessly to destroy all that we hold sacred?
What are YOU doing to ensure the safety - physical, spiritual, moral - of those who are connected to you?
A truly good leader cannot rest on his laurels but must always exercise the same level of dedication and commitment today as he did the day before.
The Torah is eternal and the lessons transcend time, circumstance and location.
Is human existence determined by random events that are pieced together by fate? Today's show discusses the roles that choice, values and Heaven play in our lives.
Mount Sinai is not the Matterhorn but, instead, a slope that is achievable for those who undertake the trek.
Celebrating 74 years of modern nationhood is even more astounding because, despite the best efforts of myriad enemies of the Jews, the nation of Israel survives and THRIVES! Is there a secret to the inexplicable existence of the Chosen People?
We are not exempt from the task He lays before us! Are we created 'equally' holy?
Soul-scrubbing ranks even higher than discarding bagels and pasta! Is there more to Passover cleaning than rooting out leavened breadstuffs?
We are not exempt from the task He lays before us! Are we created 'equally' holy?
In a world gone mad, are we powerless to create change? The entire dynamic of civilization can, indeed, shift over the modest dinner table! The choice is ours.
When world events spiral out of control, must we sit and cower? The Jewish Blueprint, i.e., 'Torah,' clearly spells out the source of human strength, resilience and fortitude. It's called Integrity.
Sometimes the greatest gifts arise from nearly losing that which is most precious!
Are miracles few, far between and undeniable? Or is EVERYTHING miraculous? Serious thoughts for serious times . . . . .
The pandemic shows no sign of abating. What can we do, individually, to increase autonomy and celebrate shared values and an optimistic outlook for the year ahead?
In the blink of an eye, the Children of Israel plummeted from the highest echelons of Egyptian society to the depths of abject despair. What parallels might today's Jews consider?
Yaakov uses his final hours to impart blessings on his offspring while, curiously, challenging the status quo. Also, beware of "friends" who don the clothing of a sheep . . . .
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!
Each one of us possesses a quiet spark that, once ignited, releases joy, wisdom and allows us to experience deeper connectedness to HaShem. That inner-menorah serves as a sparkling GPS for those who grab onto the spiritual steering-wheel!
Is there a Jewish/Torah link to the undisputedly American holiday? Emphatically, Andrea says, "Yes!"
Speaking up, speaking out and choosing our battles. What price, resolution? Is "closure" a recipe for peace or endless conflict? Also, discover a Jerusalem gem called Yad L'Kashish!
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!
Do we own or are we owned by our possessions? Storage is one of the largest businesses, a result of man's inability to live with less. Decluttering expert Rebekah Chaifetz Salzman weighs in on the 'stuff' addition and offers sage advice.
Once again, missionary efforts aimed at Israeli Jews steps up their creative efforts. Deliberately secretive and cloaked, filmmakers - working under direct agency of Christian Broadcast Network - lure wanna-be actors to appear in myriad biblical films with a undeniable messianic messages. Insidious and deliberately non-transparent forces are at work. Again.
How much news is too much news? Anxiety, arthritis and cardiovascular disease are recently linked to a steady diet of typically distressing information. Also, Abraham teaches us that people who need people ARE the luckiest people in the world!
Kudos to Noach? What does political-correctness have to do with the flood and the destruction of the world? Also: Snapping back to routine after a month of holiness!
Starting Over: The creation of the world and resulting conflicts between Designer and staff. Both 'hope' and 'blessings' spring eternal!
Not everything that is good for us feels sweet; not everything that seems sweet is good for us. The proffered blessing of "A Sweet, New Year" is profound in its entreaty that we merit wholeness and abundant blessings from Heaven. The final, piercing blasts of the shofar promise that a world of opportunity lies before us. . . . .
Repentance might come from fear of or love of HaShem. Which form of atonement trumps the other? And is there something our inner-child can teach us about faith and gratitude?
There is a simplicity to repentance because there is no End Goal. "How may I improve myself?" is the first step toward bettering our relationship with God and availing ourselves of the optimism of the season.
Wending our way toward Rosh HaShanah, do we quake with fear or enjoy the confidence of knowing that all will be well?
The season of blessings is about to commence. Are you opting in-or-out? Fence-straddlers not welcome!
Finding the happiness while observing God's law? Eighty-seven tired and brave South Africans arrive to begin adventurous new lives in the Holy Land; Olympic-worthy gestures abound, whether via athletics or acts of kindness; Self-proclaimed food critic Shimshon Leshinsky is Jerusalem's most unexpected anti-hero!
Covid has knocked the world into a malaise. Tisha B'Av dealt us an additional whammy! Andrea maintains that August is a perfect time to begin the mind, heart and soul work necessary to for the upcoming Season of Healing.
On the Ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av), both the book of Eicha and the Torah align and lament, "How?" How are we not saving ourselves as cities burn? How can we ignore the targeting of Jews while our blood-soaked history implores, "How don't you hear? How don't you act?"
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.
"Taking vacation" on the park bench is, for some, deeply rewarding! Also, does the Torah condone committing acts of violence in the sanctification of G-d's name? A difficult subject for difficult times.
Once again, the Torah seamlessly meshes with current events! And blessed Israel rises majestically above the fray.
How we react to strife and disappoint are matters of choice. Emphasizing the things we have helps forge healthier attitudes and better connection to our Creator.
How far will vanity take the common man before he loses all sense of altruism and kindness? Once again, today's events eerily parallel the lessons of the Torah.
Does "silence" equal "complicity"? This week's Torah reading is rife with staggering prophesy as Andrea discusses events of the week: Israel's emerging government, rampant violence against Jews, duplicitous headlines.
With Israel's most recent, unprovoked skirmishes with Hamas quashed
Defending herself again accusations of disproportionate violence, practicing apartheid and other blood libels, Israel remains a moral beacon in a world that is either blind to or complicit with those who seek our destruction.
Israel is the only country in the world that - under siege and the target of unbridled war crimes - continually defends herself to a self-righteous, selectively-moral and obscenely biased international media for the "crime" of fighting back. Also, shabbat, Shavuout and lessons of the desert.
Silence shrouds the hillside where 45 men and boys lost their lives in Meron on Lag B'Omer. Is the correct response to blame and point fingers or might there be a deeper message?
Christian missionary activities in Israel have grown more sophisticated and subversive than ever before. Recent events highlight the smarmy phenomenon and raises serious questions about what "friendship really means - for BOTH sides.
Reflections on a month overseas caring for, laughing with and gleaning wisdom from an aging parent.
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.
With four generations spending Passover under one roof, Andrea broadcasts from America and shares both observations and hopes for Jews on both sides of the Atlantic!
Vignettes, wisdom, anecdotes and smiles to help make this year's seder/Sabbath combo rich with meaning and gratitude!
'Spring-cleaning' or 'soul cleansing'? Removing chametz refers to more than cookie crumbs and pasta. Arrogance, entitlement and other ego-fueled mindsets block the path to humility and holiness.
Tourist season is upon us but airport closures and flight cancellations are de riguer as the country crawls out the year-long Corona lockdown. Travel-guru Mark Feldman deconstructs the good, the bad and the ugly of Israel's shaky aviation industry.
How can a people who experienced exodus from bondage and the splitting of the seas build and worship a golden bovine? Dopiness vs. Destiny as we inch our way toward the Festival of Freedom.
Parallels between the Purim story and today's headlines abound. But who are our current heroes?
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!
The road from slavery to autonomy is rife with struggle. How do the Children of Israel adjust to the challenge of newfound independence? Drama, intrigue and words of love pepper this fascinating chapter in the story of Jewish redemption.
Coincidence, karma, happenstance or miracles? The splitting of the Red Sea serves as a precursor to God's hand in every area of human endeavor. What WE do with the blessings is up to us!
The American season of political discontent has entered a new era. Does a change in administration matter for Israel? Should be be ecstatic, ambivalent or wary?
After almost a year of unprecedented, near cataclysmic world events, have we become kinder or universally numb? What does the Torah say about sensitivity and wisdom? Connections abound!
Some people are born to nobility and some earn it. Together we explore whether we get the leaders we deserve or deserve the leaders we get!
What can we do to ensure that the year ahead is rife with health, wealth, love and miracles? Andrea offers an antidote to 2020!
"How will I emerge from the pandemic year?," one might ask. "Will I be whole or fractured? Joyous or forever cautious?" A wee glimmer of light appears just beyond the figurative horizon. 'Attitude' determines the shape of tomorrow!
As 2020 comes to a close, it will forever be remembered as the Year of Covid. Will we emerge better than before or damaged beyond recognition?
Why commemorate a 2,000 year old battle again an ancient, distinct culture? We won, they lost, let's eat? The eternal Jewish story revealed in the glow of a wee candle . . . . . .
Can any of us alter history or should all outcomes be left to Heaven? Crazy questions for crazy times!
Can moments of despair spur an individual to greatness? In a world beset with near-hysteria and uncertainty, does the story of Yaakov reveal light at the end of the Covid-tunnel?
What happens when terrific parents have challenging children? Does Heaven play a role? Difficult questions for difficult days . . . . . .
The legacy of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (ztl) will endure for generations, despite his untimely death. He found commonality with people from every corner of society.
How many of us can claim to have heard the voice of God? And is God interested in actually conversing with us? Today we explore opportunities for increased holiness at a time when spirituality seems out of reach for many among us.
Is 'honesty' a defiant trait? If so, Avraham embodies truth, humility and unwavering faith. A most fitting father for the Jewish people!
Why is the story of Noah relevant? And what does a rainbow really mean? Stay dry and ponder!!!
Is the story of the Garden of Eden a children's tale or, in fact, a powerful and Heavenly blueprint for us to build-upon?
Closing days of the Jewish new year give offer unprecedented opportunities for (re)creating a world rife with love, acceptance and miraculous adventure. Are we ready for the challenge?
Dwelling in a flimsy booth for eight days instills helps us better appreciate God benevolence, reassess values and forge solidarity with those less fortunate than ourselves. A quintessential celebration of brotherhood!
Forget about 'deprivation': Yom Kippur is all about personal potential, myriad opportunities and God's belief that we are worthy of redemption.
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!
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!
Despite Covid, it's all good or, indeed, as good as we make it! With the High Holy Days in sight, Andrea visits tales of goodness, outreach and where/what/how we can tether our aspirations to tomorrow's blessings.
Despite Covid, Elul has arrived and once again anticipate blessing in the year ahead. What simple steps can we take to better position ourselves meritoriously?
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?
What does it take to oversee the well-being of a nation? 117 years after his death, we remember Menachem Begin (ztl) and compare his legacy to a new and more fickle populace. As hindsight is 20/20, both the Torah portion and the daily headlines draw comparison to heroism vs. obscurity.
With no end in sight to the pandemic, Israelis are torn about summer activity options. Should they defy the Health Authority and attend weddings? March in protest against a beleaguered leadership that appears unable to address the unbearable fiscal burdens that the populace is suffering? Or stay home and channel surf, hoping for numbing distraction on another, tedious day?
Corona wages war and we, the "sitting ducks", can't even identify the weapons in our arsenal! With no end in sight, how many of us are beginning to go mad with fear? And who among us are still gloaming onto moments of light and laughter?
Because no one is. We're all experiencing mild/moderate/acute grief, as liberties and expectations that were once taken for granted evaporate into a Corona abyss. Can grief give birth to hope?
In a Corona world, work, schools. celebrations, camps, restaurants and travel remain paralyzed. The world we've known has changed. And the new normal remains shrouded in mystery. What, pray tell, do we do in the meantime?
How far will some Jews kowtow to be part of the crowd, even when said crowd calls for a Judenrein society as well as the destruction of the Jewish state? Void of the accompanying dignity that comes with observance and continual study, Jewish lemmings race headfirst into a sea of sycophancy.
Today we explore challenge the racially-fueled explosions that currently envelop American and, consequently, the rest of the world. What does the Torah say about following popular opinion in lieu of Heavenly dictates?
Has conferring wide-brush status of "Victim" upon the Have Nots elevated their status and diminished initiative and accountability? And what does the Torah have to say about the connections between 'word' and 'deed'?
On Shavuous we re-commit, re- 'convert' and re-receive the Torah. The ultimate marriage of both custom and commandment and a deeper understanding of the Book of Ruth. Whew!
"The Temple Mount is in our hands!" Saluting the eternal capital of the Jewish people, Andrea reflects upon Jerusalem's reunification.
Are all human beings born equal? What role does circumstance, economy, intelligence play in this sojourn called 'Life'?
Does one have to be rich, religious, nationalistic and/or educated to come home to Israel? Aliyah is for ALL Jews from ALL lands. Rough-hewn and flawed, Israel is only 72 years young and waiting for YOU to come home and be counted.
With loosening restrictions, many non-essential business owners are opening shop. Does the government know something the population doesn't? Or are we playing Russian Roulette for the sake of a teetering economy?
Staying inside has been mandated but attitude is all about choice. How we endure our respective quarantines reveals much about how we'll'reemerge' at the end of the ordeal. Whom among us will hold on to disappointments and expectations and who will dedicate their lives to joy and outreach?
Why will this night be different than all other nights? Celebrating the Exodus while quarantined presents both challenges and great opportunities!
Has Coronavirus rendered us helpless? Must we play victim, hoping to dodge the dreaded "bullet" or do we have controls about how to live? A special exploration of the mind-body-soul connections.
Making quarantine meaningful: COVID-19 is virulent and deadly. So why are people - especially the young - behaving with impunity, risking the lives of others?
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.
August 28, 2026 
