Because What Where When is a monthly publication, it is often difficult to write about current events when so many astonishing things are unfolding hour by hour. As I write these words, Israel is bracing for another Iranian attack. No other country, having already been repeatedly attacked, would stand back and await the enemy’s choice of time and place for a follow-up strike. In the Talmud Sanhedrin 72A, we learn, “If someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill him first!” Unfortunately, the rules for Jews and Israel, which are being strictly enforced by the current administration in Washington, require Israel not to respond in an appropriate manner (a massive preemptive strike) since the U.S. woke appeasement policy requires that Israel, and America, must not upset their sworn enemies. Consider that the U.S. possesses the firepower to neutralize Iran. Nevertheless, the Iranian regime openly threatens America, Israel, and the free world. That’s because the Biden administration has demonstrated by its inaction that Iran need not to be concerned that the U.S. will respond decisively. Sadly, America is sorely lacking in leadership and resolve. It is for that reason that Iran has been emboldened.

Have you ever lost something important and, in a state of panic, search everywhere, retrace your steps, and, after looking and looking in every logical and illogical place, struggle to resign yourself to the reality that the item has simply vanished?

Last week, as my wife Arleeta and I were preparing to leave for Israel for our granddaughter Rivka’s wedding, we were dealing with all of the last-minute preparations – especially all of the items for the kids and grandkids and figuring out the suitcase-packing jigsaw puzzle while checking the exact weight of each luggage piece – when Arleeta said, “I have to run out; what did you do with my car keys?”

I replied, “Nothing; you were the last one to use your car. Don’t worry, they’ll turn up. In the meantime, here’s the spare key.”

After returning from her errand, Arleeta said, “This is ridiculous. My keys must be somewhere around here.”

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of writing regularly for What Where When. I appreciate the fact that I have had a lot of latitude in expressing my opinions – which, sometimes, some readers find objectionable. In this month’s letters to the editor, Ken Saks wrote a very reasonable rebuttal to some things I said in last month’s article, contrasting the Reagan administration with the Obama/Biden years.

Ken’s letter [see Letters to the Editor] was carefully crafted and well written. Therefore, I felt that I needed to respond in a similar manner, appreciating the fact that he and I may not agree, but we can engage each other respectfully.

As chaos, confusion, and darkness descend upon the world, I occasionally reminisce about the America of my youth. Sometimes I find comfort in recalling the privilege of growing up in an optimistic time, post-World War II. Sadly, that America is gone – replaced by an Orwellian, dystopian mess.

When I was young, we went to school to learn to read, write, and become good citizens. Everyday we prayed to G-d, recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag with our hand over our heart, and sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” We loved our country, looked up to our heroes in sports, in the movies, and on TV. (In those days, movies and TV weren’t toxic because of strictly enforced “morality” standards.) We respected the police and were in awe of the FBI. In those days, “heroes” meant good guys who did good things, fought for worthy causes, and were role models for good citizenship.

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.