THE Notorious R.A.V., Jewish Connectivity

The Notorious R.A.V.’s Cholent Recipe I first discovered the Ashkenazi Jewish soul food called cholent in my teen years. I was 16 years old, and had just gotten into the practice of attending shul/synagogue regularly. A number of peopl…

Just in time for Shabbat, The Notorious R.A.V.'s cholent recipe is now online arnolddsamlan.wordpress.com/2025/11/13/t...

We must stop hatred as we see it at every possible moment and not allow it to grow.

This is the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the pogrom carried out by Germans only 87 years ago, an event that was another step towards the Holocaust. The murder of over 6,000,000 Jews and others that the Nazis deemed undesirable began gradually.

YouTube video by ShulemVEVO Shulem - Jerusalem Of Gold (Audio)

Looking forward to hearing this gentleman in synagogue this Shabbat. Shabbat shalom! youtu.be/niTWPbC8gXo?...

A letter to my elected officials This is the letter that I sent to my senators, congressperson, president and vice president. Feel free to borrow text and to write your own. Dear XXXXX:I am a proud citizen and constituent, and a l…

Wrote letters to my senators, congressperson, president and vice president, imploring them to move beyond partisan politics to come to an agreement, reopen government, feed those in need, and reform healthcare. Here's my text. Feel free to borrow. arnolddsamlan.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/a...

Sound of Silence (Live)

Looking forward to Shulem leading services in our synagogue this Shabbat, along with the Shulamim backing singers. If you don't know him, start here: open.spotify.com/track/26GEwe...

Hmmmm, my state (and most) already require some form of valid ID. And nobody has to present ID for gas or groceries

a model of a person 's teeth with their tongue sticking out ALT: a model of a person 's teeth with their tongue sticking out

The surgery follow-up call from my pediodontist's office. Included the advice: Don't bow too far during prayer, because it causes the blood to rush to your head. I actually felt so seen.

a poster that says good sabbath with a heart shaped cloud ALT: a poster that says good sabbath with a heart shaped cloud

There's just too much drama in the world around us. If I want drama, I'll go to a show. What we need now is Intermission. Shabbat is my intermission from so much around us. I hope you bless yourself with holy rest, regardless of your religious tradition or lack thereof. Shabbat Shalom

Sending caring and support to my colleague & friend, Rabbi Cantor Jeffrey Myers & Tree of Life Congregation, on the anniversary of antisemitic mass murders 7 years ago today. May the memories of those who perished be a blessing & inspire us to fight antisemitism and hatred daily.

YouTube video by Temple Emanu-El NYC Mi Sheberach - the Prayer for Healing

With Shabbat approaching please let me know of people in need of healing energy and I'll include them in the healing prayer recited during Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom youtu.be/QhwWkOshPOA?...

Leavitt: Donald Trump not rebuilding Jerusalem's Third Temple | The Jerusalem Post Mishpacha's Jake Turx asked Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about the possibility of Trump rebuilding the Holy Temple in Jerusalem during a discussion on the new White House ballroom.

@thejerusalempost.bsky.social wins the Jewish internet today with this piece of Jewish performance art at a White House press conference by Jake Turx www.jpost.com/israel-news/...

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Hey, y'all: it is Friday
What have we learned this week?

a cartoon of snoopy holding a red umbrella with the words pray for rain below ALT: a cartoon of snoopy holding a red umbrella with the words pray for rain below

The Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret includes a prayer for rain, asking that there be rain "for blessing and not curse, for life and not death". May it inspire us towards the actions that will help our climate and environment so that this becomes a reality. Chag Sameach, happy holiday

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יהוה, אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם,מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים! Praised is God, ruler of the universe, who causes the freeing of hostages

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Going into Shabbat with hope for the release of the Israeli hostages and for a break from the war that has lasted so long and taken so many lives in Israel and Gaza. This holds the possibility of a larger more lasting peace. May it be so

Sukkot begins tonight. While the Sukkah (hut) is meant to be a reminder of the biblical Exodus, living in a hut should also remind us of those who are food and housing insecure. May we live understanding of our history as well as our obligations towards those in need. Chag Sameach, a Happy Sukkot!

In tough times in our country and in our world, Ashkenazi Jewish comfort food and good bourbon just hits the spot. Shabbat Shalom

YouTube video by shinepigeon PHISH : Avenu Malkenu : {4K Ultra HD} : Alpine Valley : East Troy, WI : 7/14/2019

Time for the annual posting of Avinu Malkeinu by Phish. Enjoy, even if your synagogue doesn't use beach balls. #yomkippur

youtu.be/az1dEW2LTIw?...

Are you on threads?

IS IT A JEWISH HOLIDAY TODAY? Find out if it's a Jewish holiday today. The answer may shock you!

If you're Jewish or Jewish adjacent, this will help you over the next few weeks (and beyond) isitajewishholidaytoday.com

The Blogs: Yizkor for Those Who Suffered Trauma From the blog of Arnold D. Samlan at The Times of Israel

I composed this Yizkor memorial prayer,for those of us memorializing those who passed, but also those who endured trauma. Please feel free to share with those who would benefit, or with your own communities and congregations shorturl.at/HYXTf @timesofisrael.com

YouTube video by Zusha - Topic Shuva

This Shabbat's theme is return: return to our most authentic place. Enjoy the song and give yourself some rest from the chaotic world around us.

Shabbat Shalom
youtu.be/UkIhzklMr-k?...

The Blogs: Be Smart in 5786 From the blog of Arnold D. Samlan at The Times of Israel

My latest article, Be Smart in 5786, was published in the blog section of @timesofisrael.com . With best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful New Year blogs.timesofisrael.com/be-smart-in-...

a picture of a pomegranate with the words have a sweet new year ALT: a picture of a pomegranate with the words have a sweet new year

Wishing you and your loved ones a shana tova u’metukah, a Happy and Sweet New Year; a year of peace for the Jewish people, Israel, and our world.

The future requires us to act in a God-like manner: to again transform our world to one in which lightand purpose are again recognized. In the year and years ahead, may we use our wisdom and actions to do what the Aleinu prayer say– to repair the world to become a Godly kingdom

In our world today, we see forces that would try to destroy the order of the world and return it to the tohu va’vohu, primordial chaos. Terror and warfare effect us directly or indirectly; emet – truth, a name of God, is under attack; scientific & medical knowledge is threatened.

Jewish tradition connects Rosh Hashana to the creation story in the Torah. At the dawn of creation, the Torah tells us the world was tohu va’vohu — chaotic, unformed, dark. God didn’t destroy the chaos; God transformed it. God brought light, boundaries, and purpose to the world.

YouTube video by עומר אדם - הערוץ הרשמי עומר אדם - יום השישי

On this final Friday evening of the Hebrew calendar year, wishing you Shabbat Shalom

youtube.com/watch?v=3RDm...

YouTube video by TheIsleyBrothersVEVO The Isley Brothers - Fight the Power, Pts. 1 & 2 (Official Audio)

Fight the Power youtu.be/8QZvoOqUkqw?...