By now everyone is aware of the sudden passing of Senator Joseph Lieberman, of blessed memory. For me, and so many others, it was a shock. He was sharp, fit, and active until his untimely death. Just two weeks ago, an article he wrote appeared in the Wall Street Journal chastising Charles Schumer, saying “He has lost his way.” Joe Lieberman was interviewed by Fox News a day later. As always, he was clear and concise, while speaking respectfully about his shock and disappointment in the positions taken by Schumer and our current administration. It was less than a week later that Fox News covered his funeral.

Joe Lieberman was a larger-than-life figure, who accomplished great things, met with presidents and kings yet always remained the humble Yosef Yisroel ben Hanan. In his own words, “I’m just a simple Jew trying my best to honor G-d and my parents.” I was privileged to know Joe Lieberman, and of course, many thousands of people can say the same thing. I would like to share a few personal recollections which may help those who didn’t know him understand who he was.

As Purim quickly approaches, I find myself struggling with many conflicting emotions. Normally I would be concentrating on a Purim shpiel or at least a satirical commentary focusing on current events, but the ongoing war in Israel, coupled with threats to Jews everywhere and the pain and trauma of so many Israeli families weighs heavily on me. At the same time, I’m trying to emotionally reconcile advertisements for all kinds of expensive and over-the-top Purim delicacies and treats as well as exotic Pesach programs, offering every type of food, fun, and entertainment.

I am? fortunate to have met some truly righteous people over the course of my lifetime. Some are observant Jews, others are not, and some aren’t Jewish. Many are hidden tzadikim. These are individuals who are good and do good. The Talmud relates (Avoda Zara 24a) the story of Dama Ben Nesina, a non-Jew from Ashkelon who respected and honored his father and was meticulously honest. The purpose of Rebbe Eliezer relating Dama’s story in the Talmud was to teach a profound lesson about righteousness and respect.

Dear Readers,

I am on a brief hiatus. The following article was published three years ago in my early days as a WWW regular. I believe that the thoughts expressed are still timely and relevant. I look forward to a fresh article in the next edition. May we hear better news from Eretz Yisrael very soon, iy”H. Please keep all of the hostages in your davening – especially Doniel Shimon Ben Sharon and Mayan Ben Anat.

Ivan Lerner

 ?After observing the reprehensible lack of moral clarity on display when the presidents of three prestigious universities – Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and MIT – were  recently called to testify before Congress, it is evident that decades of brainwashing by leftist woke radicals has succeeded. The DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies, beloved by woke liberals, which use race and gender as weapons to enforce intellectual conformity, have succeeded in destroying honesty, justice, and morality – so much so that these presidents were simply unable to condemn the antisemitism rampant in their schools. Kudos to Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for exposing the moral turpitude in the leadership of our Ivy League universities.

“…It shall be that when Hashem your G-d gives you rest from all of your enemies – all around – in the land that Hashem your G-d gives you as an inheritance to possess it, you shall wipe out the memory of Amalek from under the heaven – you shall not forget!” (Devarim 25:19).

“Joshua weakened Amalek and its people with the sword’s blade.” (Shemos 17:13) 

Over a half century ago, The Rav, J.B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, speaking about evil, said, “At times, man must not forgive evil but must fight and try to eradicate it. In particular, organized evil must be wiped off the face of the earth. As an example, consider the commandment of destroying Amalek. Amalek represents not a race but a group that is committed to an immoral life, holding that deeds that increase human misery are moral. The Nazi movement was and still is identical with Amalek. In dealing with people so monstrous, gevurah (divine wrath) overrides chesed (loving kindness).”