Aryeh Ben David, at The Blogs

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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...

May 28, 2019, 9:13 PM

Personal Well-Being is not Enough

Well-being has become the god of today. Everything we do is evaluated in terms of whether it promotes or diminishes our personal well-being. Does our daily routine offer us more health, happiness, and prosperity? Will it maximize our sense...

May 20, 2019, 2:27 PM

A Judaism bereft of its center

All the thoughtful, creative ideas in the world can't replace deep, personal, engagement with the beating heart of Judaism

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About Me

Aryeh Ben David founded Ayeka: Center for Soulful Education in 2008. Ayeka educates rabbis, teachers, and professionals in bringing Jewish wisdom from our minds to our hearts to our souls and to our lives. He lives in Efrat with his wife Sandra and their 6 children.