Aryeh Ben David

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Dec 4, 2023, 2:30 PM

My soul during wartime

It is now the 59th day of the war. Sandra, my wife, and I have had five kids in uniform. One son and four sons-in-law. Two in and out of Gaza. We’ve moved to Tel Aviv to help out with the...

Nov 7, 2023, 8:30 PM

A Response to the World’s Reaction to October 7

Recently an Ayeka participant expressed outrage over the world’s reaction and media coverage to the horrors of October 7th. He lamented: “How can the world so easily ignore, forgive or condone what Hamas did to us on October 7?? It...

Jul 21, 2021, 2:17 AM

Reflections on a not-sad Tisha B’Av

This year, I just couldn’t be sad on Tisha B’Av. I tried. But no. I’ve been observing Tisha B’Av for over 40 years as an adult. I’ve heard Aicha sitting on the floor. For decades, I’ve gone to the Kotel late...

May 16, 2021, 12:01 PM

Reflections on the Jewish critics of Israel inspired by the writings of Rav Kook

Disclaimer #1: I have shown this piece to several people whose opinions I greatly value. No one really liked or agreed with the ideas presented below. I admit that I myself am conflicted over what I wrote. Nevertheless, I...

Dec 6, 2020, 1:28 PM

Busted out of gloom

The Hanukkah candle is unlike any other candle. It is not like a regular candle, which gives light. It is not like a birthday candle, which brings happiness. It is not like a Shabbat candle, which ushers in peace. The Hanukkah candle makes...

Jul 12, 2020, 2:59 PM

The blessing of ‘I love – you’

In my old age, I am discovering love. Not romantic love. I found the love of my life 40 years ago. I am finally discovering what it means for me to say, “I love you”. Is saying “I love you” more about...

Feb 18, 2020, 2:47 PM

Ahava Yomit (Love Daily)

Loving people should become a primary community goal, reflected and taught in our schools and synagogues

Sep 24, 2019, 2:27 PM

Dancing with God

God, will you dance with me? That might be the most ridiculous, inane, and absurd thought that has ever crossed my mind. I’m embarrassed to look at it now. Can I take it back? Can I unthink it? Why did I say it? I’m...

Aug 7, 2019, 7:34 AM

Rethinking Tisha B’Av

Tisha B'Av prayers at the Western Wall tunnels in the Old City of Jerusalem, August 13, 2016. (Yaakov Lederman/ Flash90)

The 9th of Av is a good time to throw off our insecurities and find our personal and collective 'excessive chutzpah'

Jun 5, 2019, 8:45 AM

Bringing Kabbalah into Our Educational Syllabus

An educational consultant recently told me that teachers often teach what they feel most comfortable teaching, and not necessarily what their students need to learn. I know I was guilty of this for many years, though I always rationalized...

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About Me

Aryeh Ben David founded Ayeka: Center for Soulful Education in 2008. Ayeka educates rabbis, teachers, and professionals to bring Jewish wisdom from our minds to our hearts to our souls and into our lives. He recently published: The Secret of Love - A Glimpse into the Mystical Wisdom of Rav Kook. He lives in Efrat with his wife, Sandra.