The Middle East Conflict - Part 3: Protecting Yourself from Calamity through Shmiras Halashon

Rabbi Mendel Kessin

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Part 3

Just in case you need confirmation that this is indeed Part 3 of the Holocaust [Gog u Magog] -

Israel's United Nations ambassador displayed a yellow star on his chest Monday as he addressed the Security Council, provocatively pledging to wear the badge until members of the body condemn Hamas "atrocities." 

"Some of you have learned nothing in the past 80 years. Some of you have forgotten why this body was established," envoy Gilad Erdan said, as he denounced the Security Council for "staying silent" over the unprecedented deadly attacks by Hamas Palestinian militants against Israel on October 7. 

The deeply divided 15-member council has not adopted a single resolution on the three-week-long war between Israel and Hamas. 

"So, I will remind you. From this day on, each time you look at me you will remember what staying silent in the face of evil means," the ambassador said.

"Just like my grandparents, and the grandparents of millions of Jews, from now on my team and I will wear yellow stars," he said, standing up to affix one on the breast of his suit inscribed with the words "Never Again," in reference to the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear by the Nazis.

Now What?

 Rabbi Alon Anava - conclusion to previous video which can be found here

Moshiach #17 - 1948-1967-2024

 Ari Goldwag 

What is the common thread that runs through the years 1948, 1967 and 2024, as well as the years 2005 (Gush Katif) and 1492 (Expulsion from Spain)? 

What is the concept of the Sod Ha'ibur - the Secret of the Leap Year, or, more literally, the Secret of the Pregnancy? 

What can we observe about the 19 year cycle of the Jewish calendar, which contains 7 leap year? 

What is special about the 8th year of that cycle? 

What is the 9 month 'birthing' process that begins every leap year - in Av of the year before? 

What starts to be revealed in the end of Tishrei of a leap year? 

What is behind the concept of the 70 day period from 25th of Adar until the 6th of Sivan? 

How does this explain the 70 days from 28th of Iyar (Yom Yerushalayim) and the 9th of Av? 

What did the Chofetz Chaim predict about where in the world would remain safe during World War II? 

What is the unique power of Moshiach ben Yosef in destroying the Persians (Iran) and facing off with the nations of the world? 

Find out all this and more in this 17th edition of the Moshiach Podcast.

Golda Meir "I'm a Palestinian!"

 

Thoughts and Notes on Rabbi Anava's Lecture

Note: I have added a few of my own bit and pieces here, but basically all of this information was part of Rabbi Anava's lecture.  

Rabbi Anava is polarising, people either love him or hate him. [Judging by the number of views and reading the comments under the video at You Tube, he is adored by thousands]  He can say scary things, and that is why I stopped putting his videos on the blog quite a while ago.  However, in hindsight, I can see he was right, even if I didn't want to hear it then. 

Rabbi Anava's words are always from his heart.  He is obviously angry about the situation and all the lies we're being fed from various sources.  I did listen to the entire lecture, bit by bit, and I found it extremely helpful in many ways.   

One of the more interesting points he made was when he quoted the words of Esther haMalka from Megillat Esther... and showed how she was talking about the End of Days, in coded language, and the gematriot of the words Haman haRa haZeh... this evil Haman.... and the ultimate plan for the State of Israel at the end of time.  It's very scary... but it rings true.  I have not heard it spoken of so clearly before, and I think he's right.  I'm not giving you any more information, you'll have to listen to find out what I'm talking about. However it involves the Pope and the English monarchy. Rest assured, Rabbi Anava brings it all back to G-d.  

None of the conspiracies he talks about have any relevance when Hashem strikes back, and that is going to happen, no doubt about that.  Just as the evil ones have a "plan" for the State of Israel, so Hashem has a "plan" for them.   

In the last hour of the shiur he talks a lot about sinat chinam and ahavat chinam, and the baseless hatred that exists amongst us all.  Jealousy, bitterness... whatever form it takes, we all have it at times and it is directed at someone we may not even know.  Rabbi Anava had some very helpful advice for how to handle this, and remove any baseless hatred from your life.  Rabbi Kessin also spoke about this topic in his latest shiur..   Now Rabbi Kessin and Rabbi Anava are totally different personalities in so many ways... and yet they were both talking about the very same thing in relation to current events. 

After listening to Rabbi Anava,  I came to the conclusion that it is midda kneged midda.... Jews have baseless hatred towards each other, and Hashem has sent baseless hatred towards the Jews [worldwide anti-semitism] because Hashem has HAD ENOUGH of our behaviour and we are being chastened by the stick.  We are the generation with the face of a dog.... we are blaming the stick for our pain.... but the real force behind the stick is not Hamas, or Iran, or the jihadists in every country..... it is Hashem Himself.   

The Baal Shem Tov famously said "not a leaf falls from a tree without  Hashem's Will".  

Rabbi Anava explains how Hashem is angry with people who worship a man.... and whether that man is from 2000 years ago or 50 years ago, it doesn't matter.... Hashem is angry because we should not be worshipping a man! and calling that man "Moshiach" when he is already gone from this world.  Stop calling people, whether they are dead or alive, by the term "Moshiach" and worshipping that person as if it was already a certainty.  Hashem is angry about that. Moshiach will be revealed at the right time, and not a second before.  Right now we need to be putting our faith in G-d alone, not a man, not the IDF, or anything else.   

In the end, we are all one body of people.  Just because I don't do or think exactly as you do, it doesn't make me the enemy.  Accept everyone's differences and respect them, don't hate them because they do things in a different way to you. 

Now that we have had the scorpion attack us in the month of Heshvan which is the mazal of the akrav - the scorpion - we are instantly realizing who the enemy really is, and we are being nicer to each other, because we're all in this together: all the types of Jews that exist are one.   Just take off the face of the dog and stop blaming the stick.... it is from Hashem.... and when we all turn to Hashem, and Hashem alone, He will fight our battles and bring Moshiach.  

How long will it take?  That depends on us.  

I would like to sincerely thank Rabbi Anava for making it all so clear to me. 

He mentions the fact that many people are saying masses of Tehillim, giving tzedaka, etc etc but the bottom line is, what Hashem REALLY WANTS from us is not just to say Tehillim and continue living as before. We have to change inside ourselves. We have to actually DO something about the way we behave towards others. You can't spend hours saying Tehillim and then write, speak or believe lashon hara about another  and expect Hashem to accept your prayers. 

It is our fault that Hashem is angry, and we have to fix that with concrete action on the ground. If the Israeli government followed Torah, they would understand that.  Hashem would fight this war for them. All we have to do is turn to Hashem.   

Rabbi Abba son of Kahana said, “David’s generation were all righteous, but because there were informers among them, they fell in battle...Ahab’s generation were idolaters, but because there were no informers, they went to battle and were victorious.” [Jerusalem Talmud, Peah 1:1]

Jerusalem is the city that joins all the tribes together as one. When the Jewish people come together as one, nothing can destroy Jerusalem. And only when there is love and caring between them is the destruction and our exile healed.  When a father sees his children working together with love, he is prepared to give them anything.  Yes, love for one another means also to care enough to encourage the other to do mitzvahs and learn Torah.  But first comes the love.  See Likutei Sichot, vol. 30, pg. 221.

Are You Ready to Meet G-d? What Really Happened on Oct 7? What is G-d's Message To Us

Rabbi Alon Anava [contains mild violence and is age restricted] - click on the video to watch on You Tube.

As it's over 3 hours long, I obviously haven't listened to it yet.  Will try and listen today on and off.

11 Cheshvan: Yarzheit Rachel Imeinu

Jewish Mother's Day The 11th of Cheshvan 

by Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh

One of the most important days in the month of Cheshvan is the 11th, which commemorates the day of passing of our matriarch Rachel. Rachel was Jacob's most beloved wife and was the principal of his household and thus the principal of the entire house of Israel. From the first day of the year, the 1st day of Tishrei, the 11th day of Cheshvan is the 41st day. 41 is the numerical value of the Hebrew word "eim," which means "mother," thus the 11th of Cheshvan is truly the Jewish Mother's Day.

"Rachel cries for her children, she will not be comforted…"

Rachel constantly mourns over the exile of her children, the Jewish people, and the Almighty comforts her with the words: "Withhold your voice from crying and your eyes from tearing, for there is a reward for your actions… and the children will return to their border." Literally, "return to their border" refers to the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel. But, more deeply, it refers to the return of our people to our natural spiritual environs: Judaism and our ancestral Jewish nature. These are the borders that truly circumscribe the uniqueness of our people. Amazingly, numerically, the value of the Hebrew word for "border" (g'vul / גבול) is exactly the same as the value of the word for "mother" (eim / אם); both equal 41.

In Hebrew, Cheshvan is written with the four letters: חשון. The borders (the first and last letters) of Cheshvan are chet - ח and nun - ן, which together spell the word chein - חן, meaning "beauty." The word chein - חן, "beauty" equals 58. The 58th day of the year is the 28th day of Cheshvan.

Rachel is described as the most beautiful woman in the Torah. The numerical value of the two middle letters, shin and vov, שו, is equal to isha -אשה , meaning "woman." Thus, the name of the month itself hints at the special and unique grace endowed to women.

King Solomon says that external beauty by itself is deceitful. If external beauty is all that a woman seeks then the name of the month becomes Marcheshvan, which means Bitter-Cheshvan. It is of such a woman King Solomon says: "And I find the woman to be more bitter than death." But, of true beauty, the beauty of a Jewish woman that emanates from within, he says: "The woman of beauty shall support honor." This true beauty is given to us, the Jewish people, by G‑d through the Torah, for "there is no truth but Torah" and "there is no honor but Torah."

It was Rachel, who was first endowed with this real beauty. Rachel is described as the most beautiful woman in the Torah, "She had a beautiful face and a beautiful figure." Thus, Rachel was the embodiment of the verse: "A woman who fears G‑d, she shall be praised," praised both for her grace and true beauty.

The beauty of the Jewish woman is not just a passive agent of spirituality. The sages teach that the offspring of Esau and his grandson Amalek can be defeated only by the children of Rachel.

Who embodies the spirit of Amalek in our day and age? In Hebrew, the words "Amalek" (עמלק) and "doubt" (safek / ספק) have the same numerical value. Thus, the spirit of Amalek that continues to plague each and every Jew is doubt; doubt in our faith, doubt in our Torah, and doubt in ourselves and the moral justification of our path.

But, sometimes the spirit of Amalek becomes bolder and captures a Jew (whether he be a private individual or a political figure) to the point of driving him or her to unconscious or even conscious self-hatred. This can result in a Jew's cooperation with the enemies of our people.

Finally there are the direct spiritual offspring of Amalek: those enemies who threaten the lives of Jews and our return to the Land of Israel.

The sages say that beauty is a woman's weapon. With everything that we have said about Rachel, her role as our matriarch, as the progenitor of Jewish nature, and of her beauty, it should now be clear that our weapon for defeating Amalek is the special beauty and grace of the Jewish mother. Joseph the tzaddik (righteous one) inherited his mother Rachel's beauty and he too is described as having a beautiful face and a beautiful figure. That is why the prophet says about him that "the house of Jacob will be fire and the house of Joseph its flame and the house of Esau straw, and together they will ignite him and consume him; and there will be no remnant for the house of Esau."

True Jewish beauty and grace destroy the enemy indirectly but, beauty is no regular weapon. True grace and beauty work by attracting the sparks of holiness that are bound within the enemy. These sparks are G‑d's will that the enemy still exist. Yet, when they are redeemed by their attraction to true beauty, they escape the enemy's grasp, leaving him void of any Divine source and causing his demise. True Jewish beauty and grace destroy the enemy indirectly by leaving him void of any beauty or grace himself, making him irrelevant and powerless.

The battle against Amalek in our generation must be conducted primarily with our ability to communicate to all around us the true nature of Jewish beauty and grace. It is to this beauty of Jewish nature and character that we return during the month of Cheshvan by reconnecting with our matriarch Rachel, with our own Jewish nature, and with ourselves.

Also visit: Rachel's Tomb

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Yiddishe Mama

Rachel lost her own spiritual luxury - the privilege of being buried in the Cave of Machpeilah - in order to help her children. This represents the unparalleled quality of the "Jewish mother" who is always willing to sacifice her own needs, spiritual or physical, for the sake of helping her children.

And this is the inner reason why Jewish identity follows the maternal and not the paternal route. For even though the father possesses a greater degree of spirituality - since he has the privilege of observing more mitzvos than a woman - the quality of a Jewish mother is nevertheless greater, that she is willing to forego much of that spirituality in order to enable her to raise a family with tender loving care. And since this quality is even more quintessentially Jewish than the spirituality of the man, it is the mother that actually makes her children Jewish.

Based on Likutei Sichos of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Parshas Vayechi

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Mama Rochel understood that tending to a broken heart comes above even Kavod Hashem....

When Rochel, out of frustration, complained to Yaakov about not having children, Yaakov got angry with her. The mefarshim say, based on a medrash, that Yaakov was punished for getting angry at Rochel and telling her that she needs to daven to Hashem and not complain to him.

Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro points out that Yaakov was defending Kavod Shamayim (the honor of Heaven) and was correct that Rochel's complaints were unjustified. His mistake was that he addressed the words that she spoke and not the pain in her heart. Had he pierced the veil of her soul, he would have known that because of her anguish, the words escaped her mouth and she was not accountable for them. He should have been slower to defend Kavod Shamayim and faster to understand human suffering.

This he explains was the greatness of Rochel. After the destruction of the first Temple, when Bnei Yisroel went into Galus, all the Avos and Imahos came before Hashem with all their great zechusim but were turned away empty handed. All the heroism of the Akeida, Yaakov's Torah, and lives of pure mesiras nefesh to build Klal Yisroel, did not impress Hashem in that dark moment of history.

The only one who merited Hashem's attention was Rochel Imeinu. What was her great act that warranted this special treatment? That she gave the simanim to her sister and helped fool Yaakov. With this bravery, in her mind, she was sabotaging the history of the Jewish nation since she understood that it was her and Yaakov that were destined to build the nation. Nevertheless she chose to cast aside her own destiny and Hashem's grand plan in order to save her sister from a single embarrassing moment.

Only Rochel, who had such a deep understanding of another person's pain and how it carries more weight than the entire Jewish experience, can be Hashem's emissary to bring his children's pain before Him. Only tears from Mama Rochel can bring the Geula.

Fighting Evil With Good

It may seem strange, but by doing extra mitzvot wherever you live outside of Israel, you are actually helping Israel in so many ways.  "A small amount of light dispels a great deal of darkness" [Tanya Ch 12]  

Imagine a dark room, no light at all, and then someone lights a candle... one tiny flame can illuminate a very large area.

Following article by Rabbi Simon Jacobson

We Can Dispel Darkness with Our Light 

The greatest and most powerful response to the terror around us is by doubling and tripling our effort in helping those around us. As much as you have done until now, go out of your way and lend your hand to another – financially, emotionally, spiritually – in whatever way possible. 

Do something to save a life, and you save not just that life but the life of the entire universe. 

Do not stand by as an observer on the sidelines. Act. 

Do your thing today to help another person. 

Add an additional mitzvah. 

Keep Shabbat and Kashrut. 

Light a Shabbat candle Friday before sundown. 

Study Torah. 

Pray. 

All people – commit to the universal Divine laws that transform this world into a holier place. 

We are not victims or mere observers. Our actions matter now and forever. 

Our blood boils when we hear about those that were silent during the Holocaust. When we will be asked one day: “What did you do about the tragic events happening around you?” what will your answer be?

Let us not be left with no answer, or worse yet, an answer that we did nothing. We want to know that we did everything in our power. I know we all feel the same. Let us create a true revolution. 

Let us reconnect to our Divine mission. Let us move heaven and earth with our actions. We have been promised that when we do, we will save the universe – literally.

What can we do on a practical level?   Click here to continue reading.

Shmiras Halashon: How to Protect Yourself Against the Rise of Antisemitism

 

HAKADOSH BARUCH HU SAYS

"I can save you from all harm provided you don't speak loshon hora."  [Iyov 5:21]

To subscribe to the daily mailing Shmiras HaLashon group click here

The Middle East Conflict at the End of Time: Part 2

Part 1 can be found here.

Rabbi Mendel Kessin.

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Emunah: Above and Beyond

''He trusted in Hashem, and He considered this for him as an act of righteousness'' [Lech Lecha 15:6]

Why, asked the Chofetz Chaim, was Avraham's trust in Hashem considered 'righteousness' - as though it was something above and beyond what was demanded of him? After, all, Avraham fulfilled every commandment in the Torah; what was so unique about his trust in Hashem?

We see from here, answered the Chofetz Chaim, that trust in Hashem is more than just another mitzvah, rather it is the foundation of the entire Torah.

To what can this be compared? To a man drowning in the sea who suddenly sees a tree extending from the shore. Which part of the tree will he attempt to grab? Not the branches, for they can easily be broken off; rather, he grabs hold of the roots.

So too, concluded the Chofetz Chaim, is trust in Hashem. Trust in Hashem is comparable to the sturdy roots of a tree, which serve as a foundation and a base for the entire tree.

Source: Rabbi Yisrael Bronstein

When You Carry Valuable Merchandise

 

The yetzer hara [evil inclination] corresponds in size to the G-dly soul.  The bigger the G-dly soul, the bigger the yetzer hara.

The Ohr HaMeir says that in life there are certain people who have it easy. Everything goes smooth for them and no obstacles stand in their way.      They think that they have reached perfection, they are on top of the world. 

On the other hand some people cannot catch a break. Every time they make a move something goes wrong. Are they traveling on the wrong road?

The Ohr HaMeir explains with a Mashal. If someone is traveling on the road carrying a sack of wheat husks, his trip is easy. He can travel wherever he wants, for as long as he wants, feeling secure and knowing no one will rob him of his goods. 

However, if he is carrying a satchel of precious stones he sweats every step, knowing that he is a hunted man.

Dovid HaMelech says in L'Dovid Hashem Ori [Tehilim 27:3] "Im Takum Alai Milchama B'Zos Ani Botei'ach" - if the enemy is constantly attacking me, in this I find confidence. Why? 

If my path in life was devoid of any value I would not encounter constant resistance from the Yetzer Hara. The fact that there is an obstacle in my path at every turn is a sign that I, my actions, goals, and ambitions are very valuable. So valuable that the Yetzer Hara is throwing all his resources at me to stop from accomplishing my dreams.

Original article appeared at Revach L'Nshama, a website which sadly no longer exists.

Unity is Strength

Source: Rabbi Gee NChaya Vogel
Translation: Milchama - war; Am Echad - one people

"Behold! the people, the Children of Israel, are more numerous and stronger than we" [Shemot 1:9]

The verse teaches us, said R'Yisrael of Rizhin, that when the Jews act as one people, free of discord and strife, then the nations of the world see them as ''more numerous and stronger'' than themselves and realize that they cannot dominate the Jews.

This can be compared to a father who invited all his children to his home.

When they arrived, they gathered around him.

The father held several thin twigs in his hand. He gave one to each of his children and then asked them to break them.

His children snapped the dry twigs with ease.

The father then passed around a bundle of several twigs.  "Now" said the father "please try breaking this bundle."  Each one tried to break the bundle but none succeeded.

"You see" said the father "as long as you remain united in the same way that these branches are united, nobody will ever be able to harm you! But if you act divisively and there is disharmony among you, then be aware that a lone individual is as feeble and easily broken as a thin twig."

Source: Rabbi Yisrael Bronstein

Interpreting Recent Events: The Prophetic Connection

HT: Yaak

This article just appeared in the Jerusalem Post.

by Mark Fish

The Torah passages and Israel's holidays are full of important messages that are relevant and empower our day-to-day lives. Rabbi Shai Tahan, head of the Sha'arei Ezra community and head of the Arzi HaLebanon teaching house, opens the gates for us to understand these messages, from their source, in a clear way. This week - Interpreting Recent Events: The Prophetic Connection 

There are a few passages in the Torah and other sources that deal with prophecies regarding the time of Mashiach's arrival. Never before in history have these prophecies appeared so relevant to current events. These sources are truly fascinating, and when you read them, it feels as if you are perusing today's news. 

I would like to explore some of these prophecies to illustrate this point. The first prophecy of the Geulah (redemption) is mentioned in the words of the prophet Bilaam. Bilaam speaks in Hashem's name three times, and in his final prophecy, he describes what will happen before Mashiach arrives

Bilaam Prophecy: 

To understand Bilaam's divine words, we must identify the key players he mentions. Here are the nations mentioned in his prophecy: Kayin represents Ishmael- the Muslims (Rabenu Bechayey, Bamidbar 24, 23), Kitim refers to the descendants of the Roman Empire (Ramban 24,22), who represent the Christians, and Ever signifies the Jewish people. Now, let's delve into the meanings of these verses: Bilaam starts, "אראנו ולא עתה" which means "I see him, but not now", The Ramban and Rabenu Bechayey explain that this is a prophecy regarding the arrival of the Mashiach which will take place in the distance future. 

The passage continues with the line "דרך כוכב מיעקב" signifying the Mashiach, who will unify all Jewish people in the Land of Israel (according to Ramban). Additionally, "וקרקר כל בני שת" alludes to the Mashiach's dominion over the entire world, as interpreted by Unkelus. 

Recognizing that this is a prophecy about the end of days, let's now delve into the events that are anticipated to unfold.

The following verse addresses Kayin, who represents Ishmael, with the phrase "איתן מושבך" signifying "strong is your dwelling." Rashi, Ramban, and Sforno elucidate that, during this period, Ishmael will coexist in the Land of Israel alongside the Jewish people. 

It is in this context that Bilaam exclaims, "אוי מי יחיה משמו אל" - Bilaam wept when he foresaw how Ishmael would cause great destruction while burning things, possibly meaning burning people alive. He questioned who would be able to survive such harsh and cruel events. (Rabenu Bechayey) 

Consistent with this interpretation, Chazal (סנהדרין צח,ב) expressed their longing for the arrival of the Mashiach while also acknowledging their hesitancy to live in that generation due to the extraordinary suffering it would bring. 

The passage continues וצים מיד כיתים, and Rashi explains that the word "צים" means a massive ship ספינה גדולה-כדכתיב וציר אדיר which come to the battle on the shore of the land of Israel. This ship most probably is the Aircraft carrier which is the largest warship in the world, with a length of 333 meters, a width of 78 meters, and a height of 76 meters, of which 40 are submerged in the water. The USS Gerald R. Ford Aircraft Carrier, is accompanied by a missile cruiser and four missile destroyers. This fleet, along with the aircraft carrier, represents the United States' immense naval power. 

The carrier's impressive size enables it to accommodate a versatile aircraft fleet of up to 90 units, encompassing fifth-generation F-35s, F/A-18 Super Hornets, E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, MH-60R/S helicopters, and a variety of UAVs. To effectively execute all operations on board the carrier, it requires a dedicated crew of over 4,500 personnel. Additionally, this carrier is powered by two nuclear reactors and features four shafts for propulsion.Aircraft carriers continue to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for operating forward. In times of crisis, the first question leaders ask is: "Where are the carriers?" 

Thus often the presence of an aircraft carrier has deterred potential adversaries from striking against U.S. interests.

The verse states that the ship will come, "מיד כיתים" As we've mentioned before, "Kitim" is associated with the Christian force, resembling the contemporary empire, which is reminiscent of America in our era. Targum Yonatan Ben Uziel proposes that this formidable ship will embark from Italy. But the question arises: why would an American ship set sail from Italy? 

It's remarkably intriguing that the carrier made a scheduled port visit to Trieste, Italy just a month ago. It almost seems divinely orchestrated to fulfill Bilaam's prophecy.

Unveiling Gemara's Prophetic Insights: 

The Future of Rome, Edom, and Ishmael: It is noteworthy that among all the nations in the world, the Gemara highlights two rival forces that will emerge as dominant empires in the end of days: America (which are Rome, as previously explained), and its allies, and Persia (Iran) and its allies. 

Let's explore how the Gemara understands the events of the end of days. Within the Gemara (יומא י,א), two differing opinions emerge regarding the ultimate fate of the Romans. Some suggest that in the end of days, the Romans will fall under the control of the Iranians (Persians), while others argue the opposite. The Gemara ultimately concludes that it will be the Iranians who will succumb to the Romans, leading to Roman dominion over the world for a period of 9 months. 

Tosafot (עבודה זרה ג,א) provide further insight, explaining that the Persians will maintain their own empire until just before the appearance of the Mashiach. At that point, Rome will conquer them.

The Zohar Prophecy: 

The following holy words from the Zohar (סוף פרשת וארא דף לב,א) vividly depict the events unfolding in our time: "And in the future, the descendants of Ishmael will incite great wars in the world. The descendants of Edom will gather against them, and they will wage three battles: one at sea, one on land, and one near Jerusalem. They will rule over each other, but the Holy Land will not be handed over to the descendants of Edom. 

At that time, a great nation will arise from the ends of the world against Rome. They will engage in battle for three months, and many nations will gather with them. They will defeat them until all the descendants of Edom from all corners of the world are assembled against them. Then Hashem will rise against them, as it is written, 'For He has a sacrifice in Bozrah.' Afterward, He will seize the wings of the earth and eliminate the descendants of Ishmael from the land."

Gog U’Magog. The final war: 

Finally, let's explore how Yechezkl's (פרק לח) famous prophecy of Gog and Magog unfolds. 

The Malbim explains that Gog and Magog represent two global coalitions that will emerge in the end of days. One coalition comprises the descendants of Ishmael, while the other is the Rome coalition. Both will eventually find themselves in conflict on the shores of the Land of Israel. 

According to the Malbim's interpretation, the verse (פסוק ה) suggests that the leader of one coalition would be Iran, guiding the Ishmael's coalition, with other nations joining them. The Malbim refers to them as the "מהול" circumcised like the Muslims, while the other coalition comprises those who are not "מהולים" uncircumcised, akin to the Christians. 

The verses continue (פסוק ז’ במלבים) to suggest that when the Muslims instigate a major terrorist attack, Edom (referring to America) will intervene to aid and subdue the Arabs. However, the situation will escalate as the Arabs turn against Edom in retaliation. Ultimately, Hashem's intervention will be provoked. This will result in a cataclysmic event, described as reaching far and affecting even the birds and the fish, possibly signifying an unconventional and highly destructive form of warfare.

A Beacon of Hope, Israel's Unshaken Destiny: 

The Yalkut Shimoni (ישעיהו רמז תצט) reveals the fate of the nation of Israel during a time when all other empires are embroiled in a global conflict: 

Rabbi Yitzhak said, "In the year when the King Messiah reveals himself, all the kings of the world are in conflict with one another. The king of Persia (Iran) provokes the king of Arabia, and the king of Arabia goes to Edom (Rome) for advice. The king of Persia returns and destroys the entire world. All the nations of the world are in turmoil and distress. Israel is in turmoil and distress and asks, 'Where shall we go? Where shall we go?' And He says to them, 'My children, do not fear. All that I have done, I have done only for your sake. Why are you afraid? The time for your redemption has come. And there is no need to fear. In that time, Hashem will reveal the light of the Messiah and the light of Israel, as it is said, 'Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of God has shone upon you' (Isaiah 60:1).

 "And the rest of the world will be in darkness, and they will go to the light of the Messiah and Israel, as it is said, 'And nations will go by your light' (Isaiah 60:3). And they will fall on their faces before the Messiah and Israel, and they will say to them, 'We will be slaves to you. Each one of you will have two thousand eight hundred slaves,' as it is said, 'And it shall come to pass that when the Lord shall have mercy on you, He will say, "Set up road markers for yourself" (Zechariah 8:23). 

This article was written in cooperation with Shuva Israel

Heshvan "Reserved" for Moshiach

 

The Angel and the Book of Enoch

If you listen to this lecture, please have in mind that you are learning Torah in the merit of the hostages mentioned whose names are written in the post below this one, that they should be kept safe and miraculously returned to Israel.

Rabbi Efraim Palvanov

 

What really happened to Enoch when God "took him"? Who is the mysterious angel Metatron? And why did Rabbi Elisha ben Avuya become a heretic after seeing him in Heaven? 

Find out in this class, where we also compare the three Books of Enoch, discuss Azazel and the Watchers, and uncover the true identity of the Biblical "Son of Man". Also: who was the teacher of Moses and how did Joseph know 70 languages?

More information on this video can be found at the You Tube link here.

Please Add These Names to Your Prayers

HT: Reuven

Here are the Hebrew names of the Israeli hostages.  Please say all their names and pray for their safety and their return.  

Destroying Hamas from the Earth

HT: Ari

The word Hamas in Hebrew is חָמָֽס 

It means "violence" or as translated on the Chabad site "robbery".  It appears in the Torah several times, notably this week's Parsha.  Noach 6:11-13

Q&A: End of Days Holy War, Zionism VS Messiah, Israel vs Hamas, Good vs Evil, Leaving Israel, Hostages

 Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz

Magen David Seen in Eclipse

 

When Sheker met Pachsa

by Rabbi Daniel Travis

Two by two the animals came into the Ark to Noach. [Bereishis Noah 7:9]

The concepts in this verse are illustrated by the following allegory:

Sheker (lies/deceit) approached Noach and requested entry into the Ark. Noach refused sheker on the grounds that it did not have a “mate.” When sheker left Noach, it met pachsa (financial loss and destruction) and proposed that they form a partnership, so that together they could gain entry into the Ark. Pachsa agreed, stipulating that any profit which would be earned through sheker would be handed over to pachsa to be destroyed.

There are many questions to be asked about this allegory. Why did our Sages see fit to single out sheker from all the possible negative character traits? Furthermore, why was it necessary for sheker to find a mate? Surely it would have been better to deny sheker entrance to the ark altogether. On the other hand, if sheker belonged in the world, should it not have been allowed to enter the ark without having to fulfill any conditions?

The decree of the flood was sealed on account of the dishonesty of that generation. Sheker was rampant, and there was no way to stop it short of wiping out the entire world. In the process of reconstructing the world, God wanted to make sure that the sins which had caused it's demise would not be repeated. Therefore sheker could not be allowed to perpetuate in its present form. However, it was important that sheker continue to exist in order for the iniquities of the previous generation to be rectified. This could only come about through recognition of the utter futility of any involvement with sheker.

When pachsa joined forces with sheker, causing the loss of all profits earned through sheker, it made it glaringly evident that any association with sheker is totally counterproductive. The lesson that would be learned from the alliance between sheker and pachsa allowed sheker to continue to exist.

After leaving the ark, sheker came to pachsa and requested all of the profits that it had acquired through under-handed methods. Pachsa reminded sheker of their agreement, and sheker was unable to respond. Although under normal circumstances sheker would have denied ever making such a promise, this case was different. Denying the truth would be tantamount to self destruction, for without its partnership with pachsa, sheker would not be allowed to exist.

At the time of the flood sheker joined with pachsa to teach the following generations the futility of trying to acquire wealth dishonestly. Although this type of destruction is certainly a punishment for one’s crooked behavior, there is a flip side to this relationship. Since pachsa “wed” itself to sheker, it can not affect any money earned one hundred percent honestly.

This concept was vividly demonstrated to the Jewish people after their Exodus from Egypt. For forty years they were sustained every day with manna, a miraculous food that descended from the heavens. Each individual was instructed to take an omer each day – not more, not less. If someone tried to “steal” a little bit more than he was allotted, the extra manna would disappear. The futility of taking more than was Divinely allotted was quite clear. Although we are not privileged to see this principle in action in such a striking fashion, it is still in effect even in our times.

Someone once came to Rav Mordechai Schwab and told him that one of his investments had gone sour, causing him a loss of seventy thousand dollars. Rav Schwab asked him if the money had been earned honestly to which the man replied in the affirmative. Rav Shwab assured him that he would recover the money, for wealth acquired honestly does not get lost. Within a few months the investment turned a profit.

Similarly, when Rav Chaim of Volozhin was hosting a meal in his home, one of his guests inadvertently knocked over the table. All the delicate porcelain on the table came crashing to the floor. The guests were all stunned into silence, in anguish over the tremendous loss which they were certain had occurred. Only Rav Chaim remained calm. He explained to his guests that property loss can occur only if the money used to purchase that property had been acquired corruptly. Since he knew that every penny used to buy the dishes that now lay on the floor had been earned honestly, he was sure that none of the porcelain had broken, so there was nothing to worry about. When they picked up the dishes, they found that not a single one was broken or damaged.

From the above incidents we see that the partnership that sheker established with pachsa still remains in force. As such, we can be sure that any funds acquired without a tinge of corruption are not subject to pachsa, and will be spared from damage.

(c) Text Copyright © 2006 by Rabbi Daniel Travis and Torah.org

Miracles: The Holtzberg Torah and this week's Haftorah

Ht: Yosef

A Torah dedicated to Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has been donated to the IDF and will be accompanying the soldiers as they go in to rescue hostages.

The Haftorah for Parshat Bereishis is Isaiah 42:5 - 43:10

Chapter 42

6. I Hashem have called you in righteousness, and have taken hold of your hand, and kept you, and set you as a covenant of the people, for a light unto the nations;  

7. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.

22. But this is a people robbed and spoiled, they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison-houses; they are for a prey, and none to save them, for a spoil, and none are saying: 'Restore.'

Chapter 43 

10. You are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He; before Me there was no God formed, neither shall any be after Me. 

11.  I am Hashem, and beside Me there is no saviour.

פקוד פקדתי

HT: Yosef

Before Yaakov Avinu passed away, he called his grand-daughter Serech bas Asher to him.  He had blessed her with a long life and knew that she would be the only one from his generation who would still be alive to witness the Redemption from Egypt.  He told her that when the true Redeemer arrives he will use the words פקוד פקדתי  - P'kad p'kaditi

She was instructed to keep the words a secret.

When Moshe Rabbeinu came to the zekkeinim, he told them 'Hashem told me פקוד פקדתי'.

They went with these words to Serach who told them that these are the words that signify that Geula is finally here.

The words פקוד פקדתי are also gematria תשפ״ד  -  5784

פקוד פקדתי = 784

Also see Rabbi Kessin here

When G-D approached Moshe, He said, “pokod pokaditi”—I have surely remembered = which refers to His having “remembered” the afflictions of the Jews and that He’s come to take them out. Not only that, Moshe went to the klal—community and told them this and he used that expression of “pekidah” by which they recognized him as the Mashiach because he used the “right language,” of “pekidah.”

 

The Rope of Moshiach

Rav Refael Dovid Auerbach [the brother of Rav Shlomo Zalman] related that over 90 years ago his father, Rav Chaim Leib Auerbach, once approached one of the caretakers who used to light the stove in a shul in the Old City of Yerushalayim. Although the caretaker was over 95 years old, he awoke early each day to light the stove and heat the shul before davening. The caretaker mentioned that his father used to travel to see Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk. Rav Chaim Leib asked the caretaker if he could relate anything his father had told him about the Tzaddik. The elderly man told him ten stories about the author of Noam Elimelech. Later Rav Chaim Leib told all of them over, but Rav Rafael could remember only three of them.

It was Rebbe Elimelech's custom, the caretaker related, to teach two types of Torah at shalosh seudos, the third Shabbos meal: one on the weekly parshah and the other about the days of Moshiach. Rav Rafael recalled the concepts that Rebbe Elimelech taught about the days of Moshiach, as told to his father by the old caretaker of the shul in the Old City.

In the times of Moshiach, the chareidim will be trampled and so badly mistreated that had this been so in the times of the Baal Shem Tov, no-one could have withstood it due to their fragile souls. However, in the times of Moshiach the hearts of the people will be so tough that they will be able to endure the trampling and degradation that will be common in those days.

In the times of Moshiach, there will be great foolishness, and the line between good and evil will blur. Rebbe Elimelech brought the analogy of sifting flour with a sieve. At first all the grains of the flour - the fine and the coarse - are shaken together, battered against the sides of the sieve. In the midst of the shaking, the fine flour passes through the sieve's holes and falls to the bottom, again receiving a blow when it lands.

When the course leftovers see the fine clean flour, they become arrogant and say "See how lowly you are? You have fallen to the bottom and received an additional beating while I, the coarse waste, have been left above and not received any beating."

The coarse grains do not realize how short-lived is their triumph, because in just a short while the sieve will be overturned and the coarse grains will end up in the trash for good.

In the generation of Moshiach, Hashem will, so to speak, stretch a long rope from one end of the world to the other, and all of Klal Yisrael will take hold and grasp the rope. Hashem will take one end of the rope, and violently shake it until they will all be in the air. Not everyone will be able to withstand this shaking and many will fall to the ground. The foolish ones will say "If Hashem is shaking us so hard, surely He wants us to loosen our grasp" and they will fall to the ground. Only the wise ones will hold on tight with all their strength and might. This is "chevlo shel Moshiach" - literally "the rope of Moshiach" - usually translated as "the labor pains of Moshiach".

Source: "Mipeninei Noam Elimelech" translated by Tal Moshe Zwecker

Light for Israel

 

The Middle East Conflict at the End of Time

 Rabbi Mendel Kessin, new shiur

Chizuk

HT: DL

I don't know who this man is, but he's very powerful. If you know who it is, please leave a comment.

Updated: It is Rabbi Shlomo Farhi.

The 50th Level of Tumah [Impurity]

Transcription now available: The Transformation of Reality in the Messianic Era

Rabbi Mendel Kessin

Excerpt: When the Mashiach comes, it’s because the world has reached mem-tes sha’arei tumah—the 49th level of tumah—and what we see now is that the world is now entering the 50th.  Remember what I said about RaMCHaL? The messianic era is supposed to be an unbelievably glorious era, no death, everybody's wealthy, a utopia, but the Satan will say, justifiably defending justice: they're in the mem-tes sha’arei tumah. The Jews in Egypt are on the 49th level of tumah so how can You bring the messianic era? You can't do that! They don't deserve it! This isn't justice! How can you give them the Messiah?

Clear Prophecy

 HT: Yosef

Translation: The Levush brings down from Rav Hai Gaon that Techias Hameitim [the revival of the dead] will be in the month of Nissan, and the war of Gog U’Magog will be in the month of Tishrei. That’s why on Pesach we Lein the Haftorah from Sefer Yechezkel about Techias Hameitim, and on Shabbat chol hamoed Succot we lein the Haftorah of Gog U’Magog. 

The Chatam Sofer says that it doesn’t mean Milchemet Gog U’Magog [the war of Gog u Magog] will be on Succot because that’s z'man simchateinu [time of our rejoicing], rather it means it will happen on the days after Succot, at the end of Tishrei.

To round things off nicely, the yarzheit of the Chatam Sofer is 25 Tishrei, which it is currently in America, although in Australia we are already into the 26th Tishrei.  

The Chatam Sofer

5784 - A Message from the Past

HT: Yosef

There is a very interesting quote recently discovered with a weird and non logical push at a number that seems very out of place.

Looking at the current situation in Israel, perhaps a tzaddik from 200 years ago was trying to hint something to us about this year 5784.

The Bnei Yissaschar, The Rebbe of Dinov, had a grandson who authored a book called "אור למאיר" "Light for Illumination". At this time, they were all great tzaddikim (righteous individuals) with their eyes deeply focused on the heavens. 

In the portion of Parshas Bo, the following insights are presented: 

The four exiles that the Jewish people endured are rooted in spiritual exile and redemption, similar to their physical exiles, notably the exodus from  Egypt. The Midrash says that in the portion of Bereshis [Genesis], the Torah tells us: "והארץ היתה תהו ובהו וחשך על פני תהום ורוח אלהים מרחפת על פני המים" - "the earth was unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep, and a wind from G-d sweeping over the water". 

Following this verse is the statement: "ויאמר אלהים יהי אור ויהי אור" - "God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light". This light, it is suggested, was concealed until the times of Moshiach because it needed to be subdued and was only accessible to great tzaddikim (righteous individuals). 

In Shemos 10:23, it is mentioned that "ולכל בני ישראל היה אור במושבתם" - "but all the Israelites enjoyed light in their dwellings". "אור למאיר" suggests that this refers to the light of Moshiach, which was revealed in the homes of the Israelites at that time. "במושבתם" - in their dwellings - is then modified by "אור למאיר" with the deliberate omission of the Hebrew letter "vav" (ו). 

The gematria (numerical value) of this word, with the "vav" omitted, equals 784. 

The commentary proceeds to explore the gematria of the words "דוד" - (Dovid, meaning King David) and "משיח בן דוד" - Moshiach ben Dovid, the Messiah from the lineage of David.  "דוד" has a gematria of 14, and "משיח בן דוד" is considered to possess the "Power of Dovid," resulting in a gematria of 28. The square root of 28x28 equals 784. 

Furthermore, the phrase "מלך ישראל קים" - King of Israel endures - has a gematria of 781. When combined with the words themselves, it totals 784 (781+the 3words = 784). 

"אור למאיר" then quotes the Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria) and suggests that when Moshiach arrives, the light of the Moon and the Sun will be the same. This symbolizes a time when the primordial light created in the beginning will be fully revealed to humanity. 

It appears that "אור למאיר" is delving into intricate connections between gematria, biblical verses, and Messianic concepts. These connections may, at first glance, appear to be quite stretched, almost like an attempt to place a bullseye around an arrow that has already found its mark. Yet, beneath this intricate web of associations, there seems to be a deliberate and persistent effort by "אור למאיר" to convey a central theme.

The emphasis on the number 784 hints at a deeper, perhaps even spiritual or prophetic significance. This emphasis might be signaling the year 5784, which holds the potential for profound significance in the context of Messianic expectations and the awakening of spirituality.

Shiur: The War of Gog u Magog

Just uploaded, new shiur from  Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz

The Final Exile of Yishmael

from the writings of Rav Chaim Vital 

Rabbi Chaim Vital (1542-1620) was unquestionably the leading disciple of the Holy Arizal, Rabbi Isaac Luria, and his foremost interpreter. The Ari himself wrote very little and what is commonly known as the "Ari's writings", were in fact transcribed by Rabbi Chaim.

"You already know that the exiles [from Egypt until the Mashiach] are four: Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome [as represented by the four cups of wine on Pesach, the four beasts in Daniel 7, and many other places. The fourth, Rome stretched out from the 2nd Temple destruction and apparently ended with the Holocaust].

However, the Jewish people are destined further in the end of days to be in the exile of Yishmael, as mentioned in Pirkei D'Rebi Eliezer, and in the Midrashim of our Rabbis, and in the Zohar end of Parsha Lech Lecha. And there in [Zohar] Parsha Lech Lecha it says that being that Yishmael is the son of Avraham, and was circumcised, he is called "Pereh Adam" - "A wild donkey of a man" - [Bereishit 16:12], implying not a full man, because he was circumsized without Priah [an integral part of the Bris Mila]. But the other four exiles are compared to beasts as mentioned in the book of Daniel Chapter 7.

.....and he will cause suffering to Israel, great and terrible sufferings, such that none like these had ever been seen, and we will not know what to do. And we will have no other hope than to trust in His great Name to save us from his hand. And this is what is meant in verse 8, "Our help is in the name of the L-ORD, who made heaven and earth. Which means who made heaven and earth for the sake of the Torah and Yisrael who as in the verse "if not for my covenant day and night [study of Torah], I would not have appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth [Yirmiyahu 33:25]". Therefore He is forced to help us from their hands, and redeem us a full future redemption, in order that there will be a cause for the existence of heaven and earth.

Read the entire essay at Daf Yomi Review

Yanuka: The Power of Prayer

 English subtitles 

Ain Od Milvado

"There are three matters that come only by means of diversion from attention of those matters, and these they are: The Moshiach, a lost item, and a scorpion." Sanhedrin 97a [Source]

The scorpion is Hamas, and now we await Moshiach.

I feel that the fact it was exactly 50 years since the 1973 Yom Kippur war - and both wars were surprise attacks - is a sure sign of the Hand of Hashem here.  

Rabbi Kessin says we are at the 50th level of Tumah.... and the window is almost closed.....I didn't think the world could exist at the 50th level, but there's that number 50 again.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come. [Yoel 3:4]

There is a "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun on October 14, and a lunar eclipse on October 28, when the moon is likely to turn red. More information at https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/planets-transits/solar-and-lunar-eclipse-in-october-2023-date-time-and-how-to-watch/articleshow/104244044.cms

However, the moon has been red and orange quite a lot lately, in various parts of the world, and at various times of the night. 

This is not a normal world war, this war includes mini-wars inside many countries where Jews and Jihadists live.  It's already started here.  

Everyone will see that there is nowhere to turn - except to Hashem.  It's not going to take too long, the way it's playing out.

Photo JK 

Understanding the Current Gaza War

 Rabbi Lazer Brody

8th Day

I'm horrified at everything happening right now.  

Shemini Atzeret, celebrated together with Simchat Torah in Israel [and over two days outside of Israel] is known as the "8th day" of Succot.  

8 of course represents the Messianic Era. 

I don't have too much to say about this, I'm not in Israel, I'll leave the talking to the Israelis.

Australia officially stands with Israel, thank G-d.  Tomorrow night the Sydney Opera House will be lit up in the Israeli colours of blue and white to show support and solidarity.  

May this be the final war, and may we see the coming of the Moshiach very soon. 

The Sun Yesterday Colorado

 

Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado October 5, 2023

What is Hoshana Raba?

Willow tree - ''Aravah''

The seventh day of Sukkot is called Hoshana Rabbah, and is considered the final day of the Divine “judgment” in which the fate of the new year is determined. It is the day when the verdict that was issued on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is finalized.

The Midrash tells us that G‑d told Abraham: “If atonement is not granted to your children on Rosh Hashanah, I will grant it on Yom Kippur; if they do not attain atonement on Yom Kippur, it will be given on Hoshana Rabbah.”

Isaiah says, “They seek Me day [after] day.” The Talmud explains that these two “days” refer to the day when the shofar is sounded [Rosh Hashanah] and the day when we take the willow [Hoshana Rabbah]—the day when the heavenly judgment begins, and the day when it concludes.

In addition, on Sukkot we are judged regarding how much rain will fall in the upcoming year. Thus, on Hoshana Rabbah, the final day of Sukkot, this judgment is finalized. Considering how much our wellbeing and economy depend on bountiful rainfall, it is clear how important this day is.

Read more :  click here

Rain and Dew

The sporadic nature of rainfall represents the Divine attribute of Justice, which responds to us according to what we deserve. The mystical reason that rain is more plentiful at certain times is that the world goes through periods of being more and less deserving.

Dew represents the Divine attributes of Kindness and Generosity, giving with no consideration of worthiness. From G‑d’s perspective the worthy and the unworthy are equally valued. Thus, He gives at all times to all people, deserving or not. [Rabbi Lazer Gurkow]