The bushfires are still raging here in Australia, but amidst all the carnage here is a sign of hope.... new growth emerging from a burnt tree.
I don't know why these fires are happening, but I guess it's part of the suffering Rabbi Kessin often talks about that needs to be experienced in order to bring Moshiach. Australia was chosen to receive fire. Over half a billion animals have died in these fires, who can even fathom that?
People all over the world are sending aid to Australia, as everyone knows something like this devastation doesn't just affect one country, it affects the entire world.
Australia will survive this and perhaps that's why it was chosen, because our name is ''Oz'' and that means ''strength''. I have seen so many incredible acts of kindness and strength in the last few weeks, I'm so proud of this country.
There shall come forth a shoot out of the stem of Yishai, a branch shall grow from his roots.
The spirit of G‑d shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of G‑d...
Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faith the girdle of his reins.
The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid... the cow and the bear will graze... the lion will eat straw as the ox... the suckling child will play on the cobra's hole...
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of G‑d, as the waters cover the sea.
- Isaiah 11:1-9