Our Father On High,

Through the dynamic strength of our President, countries will be prevented from tumbling into self-destruction before they are mature. Our commander in chief will stop their stumbling into oblivion just as they approach the edge of understanding. For they are at a critical age- having attained the freedom that comes with self-knowledge- but having not escaped the danger of half-knowledge- of reckless use of power- of selfish unchecked proliferation of conflict. Education, relief and discipline can still win the race against catastrophe.

Rabbi Balkany often addresses issues of concern and importance with his inspiring words to those who are listening.

Our Father in Heaven,

We are assembled in your presence, as we welcome the President and Vice President of these blessed United States. We pray that on the wings of so valiant an election victory, may the President and Vice President soar even higher into most valued vistas of respect, compassion and peace.

As we are on a threshold of a new era, we feel certain that they shall be leaders who make an indelible imprint on lives and history. For they execute their duties with a dedication that may be compared to burning lenses that intensely concentrate all elements of being into one fiery purpose. Marching toward a goal and assuming a purpose may not free from struggle, but it kindles a dynamic tempo which motivates the march to self-fulfillment.

Our Father in Heaven!

The hands of time cradle the hours of man. The pendulum of our nation’s destiny has swung and directed us to the call of the hour. Now is the time to awaken and arise. Now is the time to take an honest look of where we are as a nation, a nation a war for peace, a country in the battle for life, a people in the fray of fate, faith and freedom. Now is the time to greet the challenges of our day with resolute courage. We pray that those who believe in the promise of our land will be victorious as they lead us forward. We pray for them Oh Lord, for they will need your guidance; grant them the courage to John Spencer. John heard his countrymen’s cry and embraced duty-despite the danger, regardless of risk. We pray that the bronze star John earned, a gleaming tribute from his grateful fellow citizens shall shine as a beacon, and guide us along the path of righteousness, with dignity, honor and compassion.

John Spencer earned his bronze star medal while on combat duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He served as the Mayor of Yonkers, New York from 1996 until 2003. In 2005 he declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat which was held by Democrat Hillary Clinton at the time.

It is Rabbi Milton Balkany’s practice to honor great men in the public domain with inspiring speeches praising their achievements.

It is a common custom to plant trees on this day, especially in Israel. Many people also partake in a Tu B’Shvat Seder, which has some similarities to a Passover Seder, especially the drinking of four cups of wine. This was a mystical custom begun by the kabbalists in the city of Safed in the 17th century, but it has become quite widespread throughout many Jewish communities.

In many of Rabbi Milton Balkany’s speeches that he has delivered through the years he has often used imagery from nature to inspire his words and enhance his message. It is clear the themes of Tu B’Shvat have come to inspire him as they have inspired the rest of the world.

Almond tree in Bloom

Soon the holiday of Tu B’Shvat, or the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, will be upon us. But what is this festival that some call “Jewish Arbor Day?”

According to Jewish Law Tu B’Shvat is considered the cut-off date for calculating the age of a fruit tree. The age of a tree needs to be taken into consideration for the prohibition on eating “orlah” which is the fruit a tree bears its first three seasons. When a tree is bearing fruit in its third year, the fruit that is ripening on the tree before Tu B’Shvat is considered orlah and cannot be eaten. However, it is permissible to eat the fruit ripening either on or after Tu B’Shvat.

Aside from Jewish Law, Tu B’Shvat has come to be a day to celebrate the beauty of nature and the importance of appreciating, protecting and preserving the world of nature. Trees are a wonderful symbol of the natural world, and it behooves everyone to go out and plant a tree on this day of renewal and rebirth.

Rabbi Balkany wishes everyone a happy Tu B’Shvat.

Our Father in Heaven!

It was in the deep darkness of night when the beacon on the hill flickered, its beam of guidance wavering. Yet we were not left to stumble on the path of progress. For it was at that moment that we noticed the brilliant radiance cast by the lamps that glowed closer to home. Through Your providence and blessing, men and women of honor have been placed at the helm of each state. From the majestic forests of Oregon, through Louisiana’s mysterious Bayou, and up to the snowy peaks of Vermont, our governors are rudders against the tide of confusion ever guiding us to brighter shores. Oh G-d we pray to you for an out pouring of blessing. Fill the vessel of need created by the stature of their noble tasks. Be their beacon through the night. Help them guide the ship of the people to harbors of safety, prosperity and hope.

Rabbi Milton Balkany, quoted here addressing and blessing the great assembly of governors of the United States of America.

What are some areas in everybody’s lives that can be worked on to make them more rewarding, inspiring, and helpful?
One thing that comes to mind immediately is improving our relationships: with our spouses, parents, children, brothers, sisters, friends, and just about everyone we come in contact with.

With our spouses and children, who we see frequently, we should resolve to not take our relationship for granted. We must remember to set aside time dedicated especially to enjoying each other and getting to know each other better. Just relaxing together, going for a walk, eating together, talking more on the phone, are all small things to do to make our lives more rewarding and our loved ones more beloved.

As Rabbi Milton Balkany might quote from the Song of Songs:

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm.

Congressman Mike Pence of Indiana

Our father in heaven!

Oh to gaze across the hilly terrain of Indiana and see the tulip tree in bloom. Indiana’s state tree smiles with a yearly thatch of sunny flowers and is notable for its characteristic stance: it neither bends nor dips; the tulip tree stands plumb straight. At the crossroads of America, the values of America are regarded seriously with the strength of purpose of its state tree. They take definite shape. There is night; there is day. There is the path to follow and the one to avoid. To choose the right path requires vision. To stay the course requires resiliency. To call others to follow in your footsteps is courage. And to look behind you on the path of the just and to see a growing crowd following in step is the mark of a true leader. Vision, resiliency, courage, leadership; long ago these were the qualities of Abraham, who chose one G-d when others bowed to many. In scriptures we learn that three angels visited Abraham. Among them was the angel Michael who shared with Abraham the miraculous news that a son would be born unto him, assuring Abraham that his legacy would continue. Today, Oh Lord, we pray that you bless our Michael, Representative Mike Pence, along with his wife, Karen, their three children and all the children of these United States. We ask of you this: grant us the strength to know the righteous path when we see it and the courage to follow it wherever it may lead. Amen.”

“Our father in heaven!

Indiana State Poet Arthur Mapes

The Indiana State Poet Arthur Franklin Mapes wrote of Indiana:

‘G-d crowned her hills with beauty, gave her lakes and winding streams, then he edged them all with woodlands as the settings for our dreams.’

This morning, Oh L-rd, we dream American dreams. We dream of peace so the brave men and women trained at Camp Atterbury and all across these great United States are granted the strength and courage to complete their mission with pride and with the honor they are due. We dream of America’s promise so they may follow the path of a young Hoosier from Columbus to Hanover College to Indiana University to the halls of Congress. We dream that the convictions of good character emanating from the crossroads of America, where peonies blossom and the cardinal flies, will flow, as the Wabash flows, nourishing the hearts and minds to fortify our tomorrows. Oh G-d, shine your gracious countenance upon us, Representative Mike Pence, his wife Karen and their three beautiful children. Grant us all the blessings of health, happiness and continued success, amen.”

Rabbi Milton Balkany

Born in 1946, Rabbi Milton Balkany is the founder of Bais Yaakov of Midwood, Brooklyn. He is a leader in the Jewish community and a great supporter of Jewish causes as well as politcal causes and politicians.  Rabbi Balkany was invited to open the 2003 session of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. where he blessed the honored Representatives with the following prayer.

“I stand here today among the jewels of our nation, men and women who are precious, who radiate dedication, and they have been selected as the leaders of our land.”