I always find New Year's messages a little difficult, partly because I'm usually so busy around this time of year that it's tough to stop and take stock of things -- to do a "spiritual accounting," as the Jewish phase goes ("cheshbon nefesh" ).
But let me say this: first, I am grateful for all the wonderful blessings our family has enjoyed. My daughter's bat mitzvah; my sister's new baby (my nephew), and now my own new baby boy, Rafael Micah. So many happy events in one year.
Then there is the war, which began a year ago and has haunted our lives, even here in the United States. I am grateful to have been able to travel to Israel often to write about things firsthand. Today, I feel confident of Israel's victory.
The U.S. election is looming, and while I usually feel nervous during election season, this time I am fairly confident that Trump will win. That will bring a kind of vindication, and open new possibilities, but there will be new challenges.
My own personal goals are to get my expanding waistline under control -- I have to figure out a new system, since I eat well and exercise. I also need to manage my finances more carefully in this inflationary environment.
I wish victory for all the forces of good in the world, comfort for the bereaved, and health and good fortune and love for all of the people in my life, especially those searching for the right partner, which is the greatest blessing in life.
Back in DC, and while summer is slowing down, we are picking up the pace!
We'll start by speaking to Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow about his new book, "Breaking the Law," documenting the Democrats' lawfare system.
Next, we'll talk about the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, and the forthcoming meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska -- what might its prospects be?
We'll talk about the gerrymandering fight; the NFL/ESPN deal; and the return to campus, plus the ongoing effort to demonize Israel for having the chutzpah to fight terrorists who continue to hold Israeli hostages and plan attacks.
With:
Alex Marlow -- Breitbart News editor-in-chief, author of "Breaking the Law"
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign policy editor, on Azerbaijan-Armenia
John Hayward -- Breitbart News foreign correspondent, on Russia talks
Dylan Gwinn -- Breitbart News sports editor, on NFL/ESPN deal
Hans von Spakovsky -- election expert, on ...
This week's portion coincides with Tu B'Av, the 15th of Av, the Jewish version of "Valentine's Day." Traditionally, any unmarried men and women who wanted to find a partner would go outside the city and dance in separate circles until they had caught the eye of someone with whom they wanted to connect.
Fittingly, the Torah portion contains the central prayer of the Jewish faith -- the Shema, which is followed by the commandment to love the Lord (6: 4-5)
The additional reading, from Isaiah 40, begins: "Be comforted, be comforted, my people." It inaugurates seven weeks of such readings of comfort, leading up to the Jewish New Year. The message: this week is all about reconnecting.
I should have noted in my message about the weekly Torah portion that this week is Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of Vision. We are about to mourn -- but see through that pain to something better that lies beyond, on the other side.
Wishing you the best vision -- and an incredible reality to follow. It happens!
