Guarding the Tongue

Here is a link to three shiurim by Rabbi Shimon Kessin, on Shmiras HaLashon.   Recommended listening while sitting at home.

Click here to listen

Jerusalem: Shofar Blasts at Midnight

Last night the sounds of the Shofar were heard in Jerusalem at midnight, apparently asking Hashem to heal the world from coronavirus.

Must Read

Two Geula Statements Heard Recently

When the Lubavitcher Rebbe Self Quarantined for Seder

Art Ann Kremnizer

If you're feeling nervous about spending Seder night alone, you need to read this article about the time the Lubavitcher Rebbe did exactly that.

Click here to read

''Native to the Land''

For those of us outside of Israel, we have often been ordered to return by various commenters, bloggers and rabbis - but here we see from the Vilna Gaon's Gorel that those of us who cannot return are also included, just as the Rebbe told us.

Rav Elyashiv, the Vilna Gaon’s Lottery and Coronavirus

by Josh Wander

There is a ancient Jewish tradition, that in more modern times is attributed to the Vilna Gaon, called the “Goral HaGra”.

It is a lottery which is done at times of extreme need. When divine assistance in required to answer a question of national significance. Great rabbis have passed down this tradition, which allows for a query to be made via a specific protocol and then a Chumash is opened to a random page and a Pasuk is pointed to. This verse is understood to be the answer to the query that was posed.

It was used during the Holocaust to determine in which direction the Mir Yeshiva should escape to (eventually leading them to Shanghai) and again by Rav Aryeh Levin z”l to identify the remains of the mass grave of Jews killed in the Old City of Jerusalem during the War of Independence.

There are very few rabbis alive today who are knowledgeable and qualified to conduct this ceremony. But it was performed this past week in Jerusalem by none other than Rav Aryeh Levin’s grandson and son of the famous Posek, Rav Binyamin Elyashiv Shlit”a.

Rav Binyamin Elyashiv is recognized as one of the poskim, leading Halachic deciders, in the Haredi community in Israel today.

Rav Elyashiv was asked by a American Jewish supporter of Torah institutions how they should be responding to the CoronaVirus in this time of crisis and whether they should relocate to Israel. The response received by the divine lottery was nothing less than miraculous.

The verse that was chosen came from Deuteronomy 1:8, where it states, “See, I have set the land before you; come and possess the land which the Lord swore to your forefathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them and their descendants after them.”

This led the holy rabbi to explain to his grandson that this is a revelation and a clear sign that it is time for world Jewry to make their way back to the Land of Israel. “Israel is the safest place for a Jew to be now,” the rabbi said, “We are very close to the final redemption. It will all be over very soon here.”

He also said that those who are left outside of the Land, but continue to support her, will also be recognized as being native to the land.

Please click here to see original article and video

Fear and Loathing

There is a very good reason why I do not publish comments which are full of their writer's proposed dreadful scenarios and written in a way that is designed to promote fear and terror.  Keep your curses to yourself, we do not want them here.

Instead, I would like to present you with a guide to surviving the current times, WITHOUT fear.

Thank you to Rivka for sending me this link from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

"In the current circumstances, as the Coronavirus pandemic sweeps the globe, we share 10 letters which provide advice and guidance on how to deal with uncertainty and worry. The overriding message is one of trust and faith in G‑d. Yes, take all appropriate measures. However, the most important thing is to recognize that there is a G‑d who actively controls everything in this world. We sincerely hope that soon this episode will be relegated to the chronicles of history and we will merit only revealed blessings!"

Click here to read a selection of letters from the Rebbe on Faith.

Erasing the Old World

How do you explain to a teenager that the old world order is being ERASED and DELETED, and that the final cosmic RESTART has begun? Read Rabbi David Samson's illuminating explanation on Pg 32 of this week's Jewish Press.

Click here for E-Edition of the Jewish Press

Navigate to page 32  ''Is Moshiach Around the Corner'' to read full version, magnify the page on the right below the page.

Video: The Reason Why the Entire World is Attacked with Coronavirus

Rabbi Alon Anava, new shiur

The Reason the Entire World is Attacked by the Coronavirus

New lecture from Rabbi Anava to be uploaded soon, I will post here when it is available.  

With almost 200 countries around the world affected with the coronavirus, don't you wonder why? what is the reason the entire world is under attack? What do we need to learn from that and is there messages from G-d we need to realize?

I hope everyone is well and STAYING INSIDE.  Wherever you are, please stay home, especially if you are older or compromised by another medical problem.

The Great Awakening from Below

Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz: Pesach and Covid-19 "The Great Awakening from Below"



Also see ''Coronavirus and the Coming of Moshiach''

Corona, The Puzzle Coming Together

HT: Sherry

Fascinating and only five minutes.

Geulah, 10th Sefira of Keter/Crown, Yetziat Mitzraim, Quarantine, Baal Haturim and Rashi

Rabbi David Genish

Acts of Goodness and Kindness

Remember the Rebbe's campaign to welcome Moshiach with acts of goodness and kindness......?

It's mind blowing to now see people trying to out-do each other with acts of goodness and kindness.  I have never seen anything like this.  Guess it takes a disaster like this....

One of the kosher bakeries here has just announced this:

More goodness and kindness is coming your way. If the current reality for you and your family involves sudden job loss/genuine financial hardship, the Bakery will be privately and confidentially helping you this Friday, Erev Shabbat. 

Here are the 'deets': 

In a set-up that is entirely discreet, you are invited to place an order with us via email with the Subject Heading 'COVID-19 ORDER'. 

This order will comprise of: ⭐️2 Large Challot of your choice ⭐️2 Mini Challah Rolls ⭐️1 Chocolate or Cinnamon Babke ⭐️1 Loaf of square wholemeal or white bread OR 1 Loaf of Sourdough bread 

When you come to pick up your order, it will simply have your name on the bag with the word 'PAID' - just like all the other orders. 

 In addition, if the person ordering is elderly and is unable to get out, delivery is free!

Synagogues are organising deliveries of food to elderly and other vulnerable people and basically everyone is being so kind and considerate it's like a new world has already started to emerge.

It's very uplifting.  Moshiach is so close.

Learning from the Past

Photo: Gordon McBryde

The coronavirus quarantine has been compared to the quarantine of the person afflicted with tzara'at - which was a disease brought about by speaking lashon hara.  Rabbi Mendel Kessin says that the word ''dever'' [plague] is related to the word ''davar'' [to speak] and we are being quarantined to stop the spread of lashon hara.  

Here is some Torah learning on tzara'at from Rabbi Pinto.



Text by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto Shlita

 “Hashem spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying: If a person will have on the skin of his flesh a s’eit, or a sapachat, or a baheret, and it will become a tzaraat affliction on the skin of his flesh; he shall be brought to Aharon the Kohen, or to one of his sons the Kohanim” [Vayikra 13:1-2]

A person is inflicted with tzaraat for speaking lashon hara [Arachin 15b]. The Torah relates [Bamidbar 12:1-10] how Miriam the Prophetess, the sister of Moshe Rabbeinu, was inflicted with tzaraat for speaking lashon hara about Moshe, discussing his separation from his wife, Tzipporah. Miriam did not intend to disparage her brother; nonetheless, she was punished. How much more so will a person be punished for speaking degradingly about his fellow with premeditated intentions.

The tzaraat does not immediately appear on the body of a person. First the disease afflicts the walls of his home. If the person does not awaken to do teshuvah from this ominous sign, then the disease begins to spread to his household appliances. If he still does not correct his ways, then it spreads to his clothing. Thereafter, the disease appears on his skin and flesh [Rambam, Tumat Tzaraat 16:10]. From this progression, we observe the infinite compassion of Hashem. Hashem does not hurry to punish His children. He first awakens them to teshuvah through external factors. However, if people do not pay attention to the signs that Hashem is sending them from Heaven, the tzaraat gets closer and closer. From this subject we see how Hashem is Slow to Anger, and Abundant in Kindness. He does not strike the sinner immediately, but instead, seeks to grant him the opportunity to reflect on his deeds and do teshuvah to atone for his sins.

The Rav of Ponovezh, zt”l, says that from the disease of tzaraat, one can learn an important lesson. In the beginning, only small signs of the disease appear on the walls of his house. However, if the person does not do teshuvah, he will ultimately be excommunicated and be forced to remain outside of the Camp for a long period of time until he repents completely. From this one can conclude that when a person does not make an accounting of his deeds, he will begin to deteriorate. There are times when a person transgresses in a trivial matter. However, because he does not immediately do teshuvah, he can easily become accustomed to transgressing and thus descend to the depths of corruption.

Therefore, a person should examine his deeds regularly and immediately do teshuvah for the sins he committed each day. In this way, the sins will not become strongly rooted within him, making it very difficult for him to do teshuvah.

Rabbi Kessin:The Reason for the Corona Pandemic and How to Protect from It

New shiur

Gog and Magog is a ''Tremendous Plague''

HT: AK

This was posted by R' Lazer Brody

The Times They Are a Changing

The cost of fresh fruit and vegetables is sky-rocketing.   In some cases, it has doubled and even tripled.  A bunch of celery just cost me $8.00 as opposed to around $4 a few weeks ago.  I saw on the news that inflation is running at 67% when it comes to buying fresh food.  This was prophesied to occur before Moshiach.

In 2008 Dreaming of Moshiach wrote:

Chazal in Masechet Sota wrote prophecies about the days preceding the Geulah:

 חוצפא יסגא, והיוקר יאמיר, הגפן תתן פריה, והיין ביוקר. מלכות תיהפך למינות – ואין תוכחת. בית ועד יהיה לזנות, והגליל ייחרב, והגולן יישום, ואנשי הגבול יסובבו מעיר לעיר, ולא יחוננו, וחכמת סופרים תסרח, ויראי חטא יימאסו, והאמת תהיה נעדרת. נערים פני זקנים ילבינו. זקנים יעמדו בפני קטנים. בן מנוול אב, בת קמה באמה, כלה בחמותה. אויבי איש אנשי ביתו. פני הדור כפני הכלב... הבן אינו מתבייש מאביו... !

Chutzpa will multiply - Costliness will increase - Grapevine will produce its grapes - And the wine will be expensive.... 

Costliness will increase: The rise in food prices is already causing distress among consumers in some parts of the world... Prices are soaring rapidly in many categories and rose by double-digits including eggs, chicken, fruits, vegetables, milk, butter, pasta, crackers, snacks, cookies, cakes, even cattle feed and grain for horses.

So if you are not in self isolation or mandated isolation,  and you can get yourself to the store, and battle the hoards of people queuing round the block with their trolleys, you need to have money in the bank to pay for the food you need. Seems this is the case all over the world. Those who live from paycheck to paycheck have found themselves in a tight corner.  

In Australia, one food supplier has cancelled all deliveries to regular customers and is only delivering to those who are vulnerable, and can prove it.  You need a disability or pensioner card registration and must provide your ID before they will deliver.  This solves the problem for those vulnerable people, provided they have the money to pay for their food.

Bondi Beach has been closed because many people here are ignoring the social distancing orders.  

One billion people around the world are in lockdown.

I hope everyone out there reading this is surviving the madness.  We have more madness coming up with our preparations for Pesach.  And this year we'll all sitting alone in our homes, some with immediate family around them and some just sitting by themselves.

Meanwhile, because so many people are inside, the earth is healing itself and becoming cleaner and fresher.  The air is better, the water is cleaner.  We are on our way to a New World.

Who Am I ?

by Rabbi Aron Moss


I move fast, and news of me spreads even faster.

I grab the attention of the entire world like no one else can.

I affect you, even if you don't believe in me.

I come from one place in the world, but I reach every corner of the world.

I started with one nation, but I take over all nations and all religions.

Because of me, you will change everything you do. All of your habits and routines will be disrupted. You will have to rethink your entire day, and change all of your plans.

Families will become closer because of me. Communities will become tighter because of me.

I will make you less selfish and more sensitive. You will care for the weak and the vulnerable because you know I am coming.

I will make you turn to G-d. I will remind you what's really important.

I am mightier than your wealth, smarter than your technology.

The world has not seen anything like me before.

Because of me, things will never be the same.

But you need to wake up. There's no time to waste. You need to realise I am coming, and I'm coming now.

Who am I?

I am Moshiach.

Corona and Moshiach: Is this the End? or Fake News

Rabbi Yehoshua Zitron

800 Year Old Prophecy

HT: Tomer Devorah

Underneath the prophecy, Rashi has written "Coro Na"

Moshiach Moshiach Moshiach

It says somewhere that when Moshiach is close, even the children will know, it will be obvious.

Some of the headlines right now are screaming ''obvious''.  [HT: My friends Rivka  and Sherry for all these headlines]


Religious leaders: Coronavirus is punishment, sign of the Messiah's coming

Is the Corona Virus preparing us for Moshiach?

Coronavirus Prophecy by Medieval Rabbi as Precursor to Moshiach

Pre Messiah Double Sabbath

Reveal the Power of Emunah

Rabbi Alon Anava

Learn how to trust in Hashem in these difficult times.  Emunah gives you Immunity.  

We all struggle with many things that stop up from serving G-od the right way. The main obstacle is the level of our faith in G-od. In this lecture Rabbi Anava talks about how to reveal this hidden power of real strong and deep faith in G-od that will allow us to connect on a much better level to our creator.

All Those Cans of Tuna

What to do when you're fed up with tuna?

Here's a recipe for an alternative to tuna sandwiches.....

Tuna Oven Baked Patties

600g (approx) canned tuna
2 large potatoes
1 onion
half tablespoon mayonnaise
Cornflake or breadcrumbs
Salt/Pepper

Chop potatoes into small pieces and boil until soft. Drain. Chop onion into very small pieces and add to hot cooked potato, then mash both together. The residual heat of the potatoes will soften the onions. 

Add tuna, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Mix together and shape into small balls, then flatten the balls with your hands. 

Dip into cornflake/bread crumbs. Place in lightly oiled oven trays,  and sprinkle with some oil, bake in oven until golden, approx 35 mins at 180. Serve with lemon slices. 

These are very fragile when they come out of the oven, allow to cool and transfer them with a wide spatula to an airtight container and leave in fridge to firm up. Alternately: use half salmon and half tuna. Freeze raw patties by placing in a ziplock bag.

******************

As most of us are inside and isolated, share some recipes, tell us how you're coping, what it's like in your part of the world, and how you are spending your time.   

Rabbi Kessin will try to give a shiur this motzei Shabbat, from his home.  Will keep you posted.

Various Links

For the Generation with the Face of a Dog

God is Changing our World for Redemption: Dov Bar Leib on the Tamar Yonah Show

Mashiach is Among Us and Knows He is Mashiach

The Marks of Divine Wisdom in Torah

By Erev Pesach Coronavirus will be Nullified from the World

Note to commenters: lashon hara about anyone will be deleted.

The Rebbe of Rebbes

"Today, in our bitter exile, there are people who receive ruach hakodesh more easily than in the time of the prophets." [Noam Elimelech]

Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk was the student of Dov Ber of Mezerich, the brother of Meshulam Zushia of Anipoli. He was born in 1717, and died on 21 Adar in 1786.

During the lifetime of Dov Ber of Mezerich he traveled widely with his brother all over Poland to spread Hassidism. After Dov Ber's death, Rebbe Elimelech settled in Lizhensk and attained great fame, thanks to his lofty life. During his lifetime, Lizhensk was turned into a center of Polish-Galician Hassidism. There, many famous Tzadikim and Hassidic activists of Galicia were educated and obtained their inspiration during the 18th century.

Rebbe Elimelech is the author of “Noam Elimelech” [Lvov 1798], a book of commentaries on the Pentateuch. In that book, the role of a Tzadik is set out and explained, and the doctrine of Hassidism is explained in greater detail. This book was subject to an intense investigation by the opponents of Hassidism. Many of his expositions are published in his work “Darche Tzedek”, and other works.

The Melitzer Rebbe shlit'a, a direct descendant of the "Noam Elimelech", stated that Rebbe Yisroel of Ruzhin said that 500 years before Rebbe Elimelech was born, the world received abundance in his merit. Now, after his death, even more so!

It is said that Rabbi Elimelech promised anyone who would visit his grave that they would not leave this world without teshuva.



Kever of Rabbi Elimelech in Lizensk, Poland [Photo: יהונתן וואקסמאן]

Ohel of Rebbe Elimelech, Lizensk Poland [Photo: יהונתן וואקסמאן]

After Rebbe Elimelech passed away, Rebbe Reb Zisha of Hanipoli was approached by his brother’s students to be their new leader. Rabbi Zisha declined and explained his reason with a parable. “The possuk in Bereshis 2:10 states “And a river went forth from Eden to water the garden and from there it split into four paths.”

The Torah is eternal and alludes to all events above and below for all generations. Eden alludes to our holy master the Baal Shem Tov. The river was his student the holy Mezitcher Maggid. The garden refers to my brother the Rebbe Elimelech.

This then is the meaning: a river flows from Eden to water the garden, the Torah flows as water from the Baal Shem Tov by way of the Mezritcher Maggid to the Rebbe Elimelech. From there it separates into four paths: they are :

1.The Holy Rebbe the Chozeh or Seer of Lublin;

2.The Holy Rebbe Avodas Yisrael the Koznitzer Maggid;

3. The Holy Rebbe Mendel Rimanover; and

4.The Holy Ohev Yisrael the Apta Rav.

Stories of Noam Elimelech

The Light of The Rebbe’s Prayer Sash

related by the Rabbi of Madin, grandson of the Ropshitzer

Rebbe Elimelech had a custom that after the afternoon Mincha service he would converse with his close followers. He would then proceed to a special private room to pray the evening Maariv service alone in seclusion, purity and sanctity.

Rabbi Naftali Ropshitzer, a student of the Rebbe always yearned to also be in that room. He constantly wished to see the deeds of his Rebbe and how he prayed at that time. Once he stole into the room unnoticed and hid beneath the bed. The holy Rebbe entered and closed the door behind him. He took his “gartel,” the traditional sash or belt used by Hassidim for prayer and preceded to fasten it about himself.

The first time he wound the sash about his waist the whole house was filled with an awesome unbelievable light. The second time he tied the gartel winding it around, the light grew in intensity until the Ropshitzer could no longer endure it. He grew weak and found himself fainting. He called out in a loud voice.

Rebbe Elimelech heard the cries of distress coming from his student and recognized their source. “Naftali my son are you here?” the Rebbe asked. “Fortunately, you did not remain here for the third and final time I wound the gartel. If you had remained your soul would have surely left your body from the intensity of the great light. Therefore leave now.”

An unusual guest for Tea

related in the name of The Shinover Rebbe

The author of the Hasidic work Maor va’Shemesh was a student of the Rebbe Elimelech. Once he asked the Rebbe Elimelech to be allowed to serve him, thereby learning directly from his Rebbe. Rebbe Elimelech conceded and asked him for a cup of tea. After preparing the tea, the student entered the room to give it to the Rebbe. Inside he saw the awesome figure of an old man sitting beside Rebbe Elimelech. He was overcome by fear, trembling and shaking so much so that he dropped the cup spilling the tea on the floor and ran out.

Later Rebbe Elimelech saw his student and asked him why he hadn’t given him the tea he requested. He answered that he had brought it but when he saw the figure of the old man he was so frightened he spilled the tea. The Rebbe then said to him in Yiddish “Oy vey iz das kind voos ken nisht kiken dem taten in poonim arayn: Woe is to the child who cannot look his own father in the face.” That old man you saw was none other than our forefather Avraham peace be upon him!

More can be found at Jewish Gen

Midrash: Plague in ''Days of Moshiach''

HT: Yaakov Nathan


“Rebbi Yossi says: Hashem will never again bring a mabul of water, but a mabul of plague is to be brought on the idolatrous nations in the days of Moshiach.” [Yalkut Shimoni, Bereishis 8]

Message from Rav Kanievsky

The following letter was written by Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita regarding protection from the Corona Pandemic. It was translated and annotated by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the 5TJT.com.

Rav Kanievsky’s words are in boldface. 

 Rabbi Yair Hoffman’s additions are in plain type. Rabbi Hoffman’s additions are the background that is necessary to understand Rav Chaim’s words. May we all have yeshuos. YH

BS”D

Adar 5780

Regarding the concern of transmission of the Corona Virus Pandemic

Everyone must be mechazek to refrain from Lashon Harah and rechilus as it states in Arachin 15b: [Why is a leper so different, that the Torah states: “He shall dwell alone; outside of the camp shall be his dwelling” (Vayikrah 13:46)? He (Rabbi Chaninah) answered: By speaking badly] he separated between a husband and wife and between one person and another; therefore he is punished with tzara’as, and the Torah says: “He shall dwell alone; outside of the camp shall be his dwelling.”

They must further strengthen themselves in the midah of humility and to be maavir al midosav (let things slide) as the pirush haRosh on the side of the page says explicitly in the end of Horios [14a],

The Gemorah there cites a debate between Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel and the chachomim as to who is preferable – a Sinai, one who is extremely knowledgeable or an Okair Harim – One who uproots mountains, one who is extremely sharp.

The Gemara explains that this is not just theoretical. Rav Yosef was a Sinai; Rabba was one who uproots mountains. They sent a message from Bavel to Eretz Yisrael: Which takes precedence? They sent in response: Sinai is preferable, as the Master said: Everyone requires the owner of the wheat, i.e., one who is expert in the sources. And even so, Rav Yosef did not accept upon himself the appointment of head of the yeshiva. Rabba did accept it upon himself and he reigned for twenty-two years, and then Rav Yosef reigned. The Gemara relates that in all of those years that Rabba was in charge, Rav Yosef did not even call a bloodletter to his home. Rav Yosef did not assume even the slightest authority, in deference to Rabba.

The Rosh explains in the name of the Ramah that since Rav Yosef lowered himself and did not wish to lord over Rabbah, his humility protected both him and his household members that not any of them became ill all of those years that Rabbah ruled and even an expert bloodletter was not needed to be called to his home.

Whoever strengthens himself in these the merit will protect him and his family members that not one of them will be sick.

[Rav] Chaim Kanievsky

Dealing with Coronavirus: Emunah and Bitachon

Rabbi Yehoshua Zitron

Deja Vu

Coronavirus and all the disasters are happening because the Geula is Close

Please everyone watch this video of Rabbi Menashe Amon , there are English subtitles.





More information click here

Rav Pinto: Coronavirus and all the disasters are happening because the geula is close.

Rabbi Anava: Coronavirus, Purim, World Events

Rabbi Alon Anava
New shiur !
''The argument in Shamayim is not whether Moshiach will come.... because He is already here.... the argument is whether He will come in a peaceful way or not...''

Parshat Bo: 12:8-9 Rashi
אל תאכלו ממנו נא: שאינו צלוי כל צורכו קוראו נא בלשון ערבי:
You shall not eat it rare: Heb. נָא Something not roasted sufficiently is called נָא in Arabic.
[The Hebrew spells Corona] - relating to eating a limb from a live animal. ]

The Twilight Zone

It's Purim, and these headlines may seem like they are a Purim joke, but I assure you they are all real.  Seems like we've entered the Twilight Zone, the zone between the world as we know it and a new world that we've never seen before.


Israel to Quarantine all Incoming Passengers
In a dramatic but expected announcement, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on Monday evening that everyone entering Israel will be required to enter quarantine for two weeks, due to the Coronavirus threat. The obligatory quarantine policy will be in place for the next two weeks (which is approximately until two weeks before Pesach), after which the policy will presumably be reevaluated.
Link: Jewish Press
 
Israeli Airlines Arkia and Israir Cancelling all International Flights

The entire country of Italy is now in lockdown.  
Link: WSJ


The stock markets are a Sea of Red - perhaps that's what ''turning waters to blood'' means these days

Ani Ma'amin

It's a strange phenomenon lately, that people who know absolutely nothing about Moshiach or the End Times, are suddenly experts on the subject.  They want to either deny that there is such a thing as Moshiach, or suggest we are hundreds of years away.  I don't have the energy or the inclination to even argue with them.  These are people who are experts in their own fields, whether it be law or medicine or investment bankers..... and they have never listened to a shiur, or learned any Torah, about Moshiach, and yet they KNOW for a fact that it's all nonsense.

Last night on 60 Minutes Australia a leading public health expert warned that up to 60 per cent of the world’s population could become infected by coronavirus, killing 45 million.   That in itself is quite an End Times event, but if you add that to the other signs in the world, we are definitely almost there.

So why are so many people in denial?  I guess it's because firstly they are ignorant of the facts, and secondly they are so caught up in the lifestyle of materialism and their concept of ''normality'' that they cannot envision a world of spirituality, devoid of all things related to financial gain.  

I'm talking about people from all walks of life: the irreligious and even the religious [so called] who look at me like I'm a lunatic if I even mention the word Moshiach.   Some laugh, and some get angry, and some just don't know what to respond, they are so far away from the truth.  

How on earth can Moshiach come into a world where most people don't even believe in His coming?  Things such as the Coronavirus need to happen just to bring people to a state of despair and a search for something more than materialism.  

Northern Italy is now in lockdown.  People cannot leave their homes and they are not too happy about it.  How long until the rest of the world follows suit and we are all in lockdown?  Maybe that's not too far away.   The world is on the brink of another global financial crisis, soon toilet paper will be more valuable than money it seems.  In Australia it certainly seems to be the case already.

I am very grateful that I have a blog where people who read it understand that we are close to Moshiach, because if I had to rely on friends and family for their support, I'd be in big trouble, because most of them are clue-less.   How about all of you.... are you surrounded by non-believers and people who ridicule you?  Still ?  How long will it take for the world to wake up and see what is really happening/

Significant Deeds

Based on Sichas Shabbos Vayakhel-Pekudei 5748 - Lubavitcher Rebbe


G-d said to Moshe: "Go down, for your people that you have brought up from the land of Egypt have become corrupt."  [Ki Tisa 32:7]

Only "three thousand men" [Ki Tisa 32:28] were actively involved in the sin of the golden calf, which was a comparatively small percentage of the Jewish population of a few million.

Nevertheless, G-d told Moshe to "go down", on which Rashi comments: "Descend from your high position. I gave you this high position only for their sake."

From this we see that a comparatively small number of Jewish people were of great significance, to the extent that they affected Moshe himself, who was not even present.

From the negative, we can also learn the positive: how significant the good deeds of even a small number of people can be for the entire Jewish population.

Solution to Coronavirus

Click here to read the entire post at Jewish Info Graphics

Ikvot Meshicha: The Time Immediately Before Mashiach

The time appointed by G‑d for the Messianic redemption is a closely guarded secret.1 Nonetheless, we are offered many hints to recognize its proximity: when certain conditions come about, await the imminent coming of Mashiach.

Most of these conditions are quite disturbing, clearly displaying a situation of the very “bottom of the pit.”2 One major source describes the world-condition in those days as follows: increase in insolence and impudence; oppressing inflation; unbridled irresponsibility on the part of authorities; centers of learning will turn into bawdy houses; wars; many destitutes begging, with none to pity them; wisdom shall be putrid; the pious shall be despised; truth will be abandoned; the young will insult the old; family-breakup with mutual recriminations; impudent leadership.3

Other sources add: lack of scholars; succession of troubles and evil decrees; famines; mutual denunciations; epidemics of terrible diseases; poverty and scarcity; cursing and blaspheming; international confrontations nations provoking and fighting each other.4 In short, it will be a time of suffering that will make it look as if G‑d were asleep. These are the birthpangs of Mashiach, bearable only in anticipation of the bliss that follows them.

“When you see a generation ever dwindling, hope for him… when you see a generation overwhelmed by many troubles as by a river, await him.”5 “When you see nations fighting each other, look toward the feet of Mashiach.”6

Little wonder that some sages expressed apprehensions about those days in terms of, “Let [Mashiach] come, but let me not see him.”7 The prevailing attitude, however, is to await his coming in spite of all, even if thereafter we shall merit no more than sitting “in the shadow of his donkey’s dung!”8

The troubles and agony of chevlei Mashiach (birthpangs of Mashiach), however, are not unavoidable:

“What is man to do to be spared the pangs of Mashiach? Let him engage in Torah and acts of loving-kindness!”9

Moreover, there are also good and happy signs indicating the imminent coming of Mashiach: a good measure of prosperity;10 a renewal of Torah-study;11 and opening of the “gates of wisdom above and the wellsprings of wisdom below,”12 evidenced also by scientific and technological discoveries and advances; a manifestation and propagation of the mystical teachings of the Torah;13 and also “In the time that Mashiach will awaken, many signs and miracles will occur in the world.”14

Source and Foonotes: Chabad

Don't Worry Be Happy

Last night I had the worst sleep of my life, and when I got up this morning I realized I had forgotten to take a vital dose of my medication, no wonder I couldn't sleep.  I had dreams of Hugh Jackman - I don't even like Hugh Jackman particularly, so I am just confused, and exhausted.

Raced out very early to do some shopping.... for some reason Australians are buying up toilet paper, and among other things I was searching for some for a neighbour of mine who is unwell.  Toilet paper?  I have no answers why Aussies have bought so much, but that's the world we are living in right now, there are no explanations for anything.

It's raining, Cyclone Esther is reaching my part of world, bringing unexpected blessings to Australia.

There's a Super Moon coming for Purim and Pesach and it's a sign

And now I'm going back to bed.

Good night everyone.

Every Day We Create our own Judgment

When Rabbi Kessin said not to speak lashon hara to protect from the virus, this is what he was talking about.


by Rav Ephraim Kenig shlit'a

Reprinted with permission from Tzaddik Magazine  [October 2011]

He [Rabbi Akiva] used to say "Everything is given on pledge and a net is spread out over all the living. The shop is open, the merchant extends credit, the ledger is open and the hand records therein. All who wish to borrow may come and borrow. But the collectors make their regular daily rounds, and take payment from a person with or without their knowledge...." [Pirkei Avot 3:20]

A person usually goes about their daily life thinking that whatever they do is basically okay.  Even if this is not the case, they figure if no one knows, then it's not the end of the world; they'll just fix it afterwards.  They may even realize that G-d knows about their indiscretions, but since the person considers them to be only temporary, everything will somehow straighten out in the end.  These are the type of thoughts that Rabbi Akiva is addressing in his statement in Pirkei Avot.  He reminds us that whatever we take from this world must be left behind when we leave; nothing can be taken with us when we die.

Paying Back What You Eat
One way to understand this is found in the book ''Chesed L'Avraham'' written by the grandfather of the Chida, Rabbi Chaim David Azulai a"h.  He writes that when a person dies, the chevra kadisha comes to attend to the body before the levaya [funeral].  They cover the body in the place where it was when the soul departed, and everyone returns home.  The deceased remains alone with himself. When the body is put into the grave, if the person enjoyed a lot from this world, the first thing that happens is that the worms come to demand their portion.  In other words, they must now return whatever they took from this world, whatever they ate simply to fill their stomach.  Yet if they ate only in holiness and purity, i.e. only kosher food and only in quantities necessary to sustain a healthy and strong body to serve G-d, then there is nothing to take back.  This is one understanding of  "they take payment''.

With or Without His Knowledge
Since there are specific times during the year conducive to repentance and forgiveness, a person may think that everything automatically works out.  For example, there is the month of Elul - the Hebrew month set aside for teshuvah, intensive introspection and repentance - which is followed by Rosh Hashanah and the atonement of Yom Kippur.  But the reality is that G-d is not obligated to wait until these specific times and can send messengers to collect what is due at any point.  Sometimes, one may even be aware of their situation and upon a little soul searching, may even realize they might need to go through something unpleasant.  But usually, this level of self-awareness is rare and one has no realization that anything is amiss or in need of change.  But G-d operates in His ways. It is here the idea "with or without his knowledge" comes into play.

You Are Your Own Judge
Rebbe Nachman transmits the following idea in the name of the holy Baal Shem Tov.  Before any decree is issued in the world, G-d forbid, the entire world is assembled to give their agreement.  In this instance, the 'entire world' encompasses the inanimate, plant, animal, and human levels.  They are all notified and asked if there is any opposition to the decree.  This even includes the person who has the negative decree hanging over them.  When everyone reaches agreement, the judgment is passed.

Who in the world would agree to a negative decree against oneself?  Obviously, if you were to ask the person directly, they would defend themselves and oppose the judgment.  For this reason, a similar situation is presented to them, and their opinion is asked without realizing it has anything to do with their own case.  Someone will ask them: "What do you think about what so-and-so did?"  They respond. "Whoo whoo, they deserve this or that..."   In heaven they say: "Is that right?" You just passed judgment on yourself..."  The case is closed and the person doesn't comprehend what just transpired.  According to Rebbe Nachman, this is an example of "taking payment with or without his knowledge".

The whole concept of how a person is asked each time about their own judgment is profoundly deep.  Each word of every story we hear has lofty and exalted significance.   For example, we may hear a story about two people involved in an argument that has nothing to do with us.  In the rare case it does, we need to be even more careful.  But most of the time, it is simply a seemingly random story where everyone takes the liberty of jumping into the fray, taking a stand on who is right or wrong, and who deserves what.  The very words a person utters are then taken and applied to his own case and he will be compelled to bring his own words to fruition.  This is why Rebbe Nachman advises us to be very careful about what we say.  Don't let an inadvertent word slip out in the wrong way or pass judgment on another's behavior.  If you do, you are agreeing to your own verdict, since no judgment can materialize without your agreement.

Controlling Your Thoughts

King David says Zamoti bal yalavar pi - "My thoughts dare not pass through my mouth." [Psalms 17:3]  There are two important ways to understand this verse.  Firstly, the word zamoti is related to the Hebrew word for "muzzle" - z'mam.  King David alludes to this as if to say "G-d! Since I don't weigh my words seriously enough, put a muzzle on my mouth to prevent me from saying anything irresponsible or improper."

The second explanation of how to understand this verse concerns controlling our thoughts.  Sometimes a person blurts out an empty phrase, without even knowing why they said it.  But the reality is that there are custodial forces appointed over a person from heaven; sometimes they are good and sometimes not. They seize upon these same words and turn them around on the one who uttered them.  These ramifications ought to give each of us serious pause for thought.

It is not necessary to express every thought that comes to mind.  Thus King David refers here to the need for an even deeper level of restraint.  He would like G-d to place a muzzle on his mouth to stop him from verbalizing anything that enters his head.  Since according to Rebbe Nachman, it is through these very words that they "take the payment from a person with or without his knowledge".

We witness how people suffer from a bundle of woes that they carry, whether external problems or personal health issues G-d forbid. Yet the reality is that they agreed and signed off on everything.  Without their agreement, these difficulties could not have materialized.  One may say "I never agreed to such a thing!"  The recording is then played back for them and they are asked "You don't remember what you said in such and such year when someone told you a certain story? Was it any of your business to comment? You gave your commentary anyway and here are the consequences."  G-d should guard us.

This spiritual dynamic accompanies us every single day, hour by hour.  It is written "Whoever sits in the refuge of the Most High.." [Psalms 91].  The Talmud calls this particular chapter of Psalms "a song against evil forces" since it is recited by those who want to be saved from misfortune and accidents.

For instance, when mourners attend a funeral they recite these verses since they possess tremendous protective power against negative spiritual forces seeking to harm a person.  It is further written: "His angels he will charge for you, to protect you on all your paths."  This refers to the fact that there are angels who constantly accompany a person to safeguard him from harm.  According to our sages, these protective angels are more accurately called the yetzer tov and the yetzer hara - the good inclination and the evil inclination.  In contrast to what most people think, they are both responsible for protecting a person from disaster, since the fundamental role of the yetzer hara is to serve a person.  However, if one comes too close and is drawn after him, the yetzer hara is no longer obligated to fulfill his protective duty.  One then becomes enslaved to him, and the yetzer hara does whatever he wants with the person.


Forces Created From Our Own Actions
Along with the yetzer tov and yetzer hara, come all sorts of other forces, G-d forbid, which are created when a person stumbles, for example, in eating non-kosher food or is involved with any kind of negative thoughts, speech, or actions.  In this case, damaging forces are created in the world that are bound to the person who created them.  These forces are called mezekei alma - "destroyers of the world".  Their whole purpose is to cause damage and they don't even realize this is their role.

To illustrate, it is like a child who plays with matches because he thinks it is fun.  An adult comes along and admonishes him, but when he sees that the child doesn't understand, he takes the matches away by force.  This is because the adult understands very well that the child is doing something dangerous.  The child though, doesn't comprehend this fact.  He screams and cries "Why did you take them away from me?"  Likewise, these "destroyers of the world" don't even understand they are destructive. Their actions are not intentional, but since they were created from damage, this is their fundamental essence.

It is these forces that accompany us wherever we go. They catch our every word in an attempt to interpret it according to their crooked way of thinking, because after all, they are a creation based on crookedness and damage.  Since they are an undesirable creation, everything about them is undesirable. They even have the ability to compel a person to undergo judgments from the upper worlds. They facilitate a person's undoing to such an extent that life is endangered, and the individual has no idea what is actually going on.

We don't know.  We don't actually see these forces or perceive them with our senses, but what do we know? We know that there are tzaddikim on the highest of spiritual levels, who know about these matters with such clarity that they simply advise us to have compassion on ourselves and acknowledge we don't know what goes on around us on a spiritual plane.  For this reason, they caution us to guard ourselves from undesirable speech, thoughts, or deeds since they bring detrimental consequences.

One may take note of the many criminals at large in the world, who say and do terrible things, but seem to have it good without any suffering.  So where do these ideas fit in?  The answer is that something much worse is actually going on for them.  The criminal doesn't pay for his actions in this world. It simply waits for him in the next world, where everything comes back to him in a much more penetrating way.  This is what the Talmud refers to when it states "Afflictions atone for a person".  Whatever difficulties one goes through in this world serve as a huge atonement for him.  It is preferable and worthwhile to undergo it here, since in the next world, one contends with not only afflictions, but humiliation along with much more unpleasantness.

The only advice is to say to oneself "Stop".  Just as we need to be careful about what we put into our mouth, i.e. kosher and healthy food, likewise we must be careful about what comes out of it by guarding our speech.  The same caution applies to our actions. We should do nothing that the Torah, or our sages, forbid.  Similarly with thought; we shouldn't think that just because our thoughts are only between us and G-d they can be easily fixed.  It doesn't exactly work like this, since many holy books describe the power of thought as greater than the power of deed.  It is possible to do teshuvah or repair an action, but it is much more difficult to do the same with a thought.  You can nullify or gain control over an action, but once you think it, a thought is out of our control and possession.

Thus Rebbe Nachman's advice to everyone is to weigh our deeds in a way that will be truly positive in this world and the next, and to live good and thoughtful lives, with proper consideration for our every thought, word, and action.  Since there will be no-one to pass a bad judgment, every negative decree will be opposed.

Remember that you are never asked directly about your own situation, rather only about someone else's story.  Thus don't rush to pass judgment either verbally or even in your thoughts as to who is right or wrong.  Unless it concerns you directly and practically, just leave it without comment. You will feel profoundly satisfied, and it will be so very beneficial not only to you but to the entire Jewish people.

May G-d enlighten us with higher levels of self-awareness to improve our lives, as well as the entire world, every day and every moment.

Rabbi Ephraim Kenig shlit'a, is CEO and Rosh Yeshiva of the Nachal Novea Mekor Chochma institutions as well as the head administrator at Talmud Torah Magen Avot, in the Old City of Tsfat.

Rabbi Kessin's Words on the Virus

A brief synopsis of Rabbi Kessin's words towards the end of the shiur Purim Masks and Corona Virus

Antisemitism = isolation of the Jews.

G-d said you want to isolate the Jews, I'll isolate  you, you want to call the Jews a plague, I'll put a plague on you, you want to throw the Jews out of your country/economy, I'll destroy your economy.

It is a purification of the world before Moshiach comes and it is widespread because anti semitism is widespread.

Once judgement happens it will affect everybody who is connected, and the problem is that when there is a plague in the world everyone is judged, even if you are innocent, as you may have sins that have not yet been dealt with, you have been caught up in the world's judgment.  Once the satan has permission to do this, everyone is judged, including the Jews.

The two greatest nations in terms of the instability of the world are China and Iran and  both of those nations are suffering the worst.  Also Italy due to a punishment for xtianity and their persecution of the Jews.   Just like the bubonic plague which also came from China, and destroyed half of Europe, due to the crusades where they killed the Jews.  

The whole planet is being judged, it is a dangerous and frightening time. Whoever is found guilty is destroyed.  We are very close to Moshiach and G-d is no longer going to tolerate the cruelty and immorality that is going on.

If you don't speak lashon hara, you will not arouse the judgement.  If you don't speak lashon hara, you cannot be judged.  This is an unbelievable protection against the plague. 

A Catastrophe Unfolding in Iran

by Melina Delkic at the NY Times

[the NY Times requires a subscription which I do not have, so copying this from an email I received]

An adviser to Iran's supreme leader is among the 66 people in the country who have died from the coronavirus, state media reported on Monday,

It was unclear whether the adviser, Mohammad Mirmohammadi, 71, had come into contact with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 80.  Even so, it heightened an already chaotic outbreak and raised concerns that vulnerable parts of the Middle East would be hit hard.  The government confirmed at least 1,501 infections, but public health officials expressed concern that the official numbers were unreliable.

At least seven other prominent officials have also contracted the virus, including one who recently sat near President Hassan Rouhani at a cabinet meeting.

"There is a real sense of panic and anxiety. People are barricading themselves in their homes'' says Farnaz Fassihi, a Times reporter who has been covering Iran.  ''The feeling of uncertainty is exacerbated by the public's lack of trust in the information provided by the government.  From what we hear, it is a catastrophe unfolding.''

Rabbi Mendel Kessin, The Coming of the Messiah and the Greatness of Torah

I don't know when this shiur was recorded, but I think it is recent.

Rabbi Mendel Kessin: Purim, Masks and the Corona Virus

New shiur

The 50th Gate

The Kabbalah speaks of "50 gates of spiritual understanding", 49 of which can be achieved by a person as a result of his own initiative.  The final 50th gate is then granted by G-d from Above.

When Avraham had circumcised himself, he had reached the greatest degree of spiritual perfection that he could possibly achieve as a human being - the 49th gate - and he became "sick" yearning for the 50th gate.  This is alluded to by the fact that choleh חולה [the Hebrew term for "sick person"] has the numerical value [gematria] of 49.  Then "God appeared to him", revealing to him the 50th gate of spiritual understanding, which cured his spiritual sickness.

And, being that his physical sickness was a reflection of his spiritual dissatisfaction, the Divine revelation healed him physically too.

Based on Sichat Shabbos Parshas Vayeira 5750 - Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rav Fish Info Confirmed by Health Minister

From Rav Fish: Corona and Geula

Corona is against Pegam Hayesod.
The word corona means "crown" and it is very much connected to the middle line of the Sefirot, which starts with Keter and ends with Ateret Hayesod
It doesn't seem to affect those under the age of 9, who are not blemished with Pegam Hayesod 
It seems to affect more men than women. It's occurring during Shovavim.

******************************

From the Victorian Health Minister [Australia]-

The risk to children has been a very low one. We have not had children who have been severely impacted by this.  Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said ''it was very unusual'' that children do not seem to be getting sick.