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.

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.

The Writing's On The Wall - Updated

מְנֵא מְנֵא, תְּקֵל וּפַרְסִין


And this is the writing that was inscribed: MENE MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN.  [Daniel 5:25]

See the final letters of the words above :  סִין - China
[another hint here is that China has a great Wall - Devorah]


When they chose the Name Covid-19 (19 – כוביד) they chose a Name that begins with a Name of G-d. It begins with (כו) or 26, as in the Tetragrammaton (יהוה), and it ends in Yad (יד), Hand, as in the Hand of G-d. In fact, being split into 28 and 14, Covid reflects the 3 Hands of G-d we just saw in the final word of “the writing on the wall” in Daniel 5:25

Read the entire article at Kabbalah Secrets: The Coronavirus: What's Really Going On


And in this we see yet another connection to Purim: [HT: AK]

The Handwriting on the Wall 

Evil Merodach ruled 23 years, then his son Belshazzar assumed the throne in the year 3386. In 3389, the third year of his reign, he realized that 70 years had elapsed since Nebuchadnezzar’s domination of the Jewish people in 3319. Assuming that the 70-year period was up, and that the Jewish people would never leave exile, Belshazzar decided to celebrate. At his lavish feast, he demonstrated his contempt for G‑d by drinking from the holy vessels that his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the Bais Hamikdash. Suddenly, a hand appeared and wrote a mysterious inscription on the wall: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. These words were written in a strange script and in an acrostic form; thus they were seemingly indecipherable. Nevertheless, Daniel interpreted the words as follows: Mene, Mene: G‑d has counted the days of Belshazzar’s kingdom, and they are numbered. Tekel: G‑d has weighed Belshazzar on the scales of justice and has found him guilty. 

Source: Chabad

Enter Your Chambers

Someone asked me via email if we will be alone in our rooms when Moshiach comes.  This was also mentioned in the comments of the Years of Awe blog, and referenced by Yaak as follows:

Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.

Bava Kamma 60b
The Sages taught: If there is plague in the city, gather your feet, i.e., limit the time you spend out of the house, as it is stated in the verse: “And none of you shall go out of the opening of his house until the morning.”

Rabbi Kessin: Footsteps of Moshiach

I don't know when this was recorded but I think it is the latest shiur from Rabbi Kessin - it's probably things you have heard him speak of previously, but anyway here it is, for anyone who wants to watch it.  Thank you MQB for sending it to me.

The Secret Life of Queen Esther

A brilliant insight from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on ''Esther's Fast''

This women's class was presented by Rabbi Y. Y. Jacobson on Tuesday Parshas Tzav, 12 Adar II, 5779, March 19, 2019 at the Ohr Chaim Shul, Monsey, NY

Adar The Month of Mazal

From the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yehoshua Metzinger

When the archenemy of the Jews, Haman, was drawing lots for an opportune time to wage his personal war against the Jews, he was delighted that the date of the deadly decree fell in the month of Adar. The reason he was so happy was that he found that every other month on the Jewish calendar had some auspicious date to aid the Jewish people, but in Adar he saw that Moses passed away on the 7th. Haman was so sure that this date would cause misfortune for the Jewish people that he made Adar the deadline for the decree.What are the special qualities of Adar that grant the Jewish people good fortune…?

However, what Haman didn't know is that Moses was also born on the 7th of Adar, which made the month an auspicious one for the Jewish people, not only during the events of Purim but also today. How did the joy of Moses' birthday cancel out the misfortune that the 7th was also the day of his passing, and what are the special qualities of Adar that grant the Jewish people good fortune?

Adar is under the constellation of the fish. Haman saw nothing particularly lucky or beneficial in the constellation of the fish. He was threatening to swallow up the Jewish people like a fish swallows food. But he didn't see that there was a bigger fish, and that he would be swallowed up himself. Just as larger fish swallow smaller fish, so the tragedy of Moses' passing is swallowed up by his birth, for that joy is greater than the sadness of mourning.

The mazal…and the soul are in perfect alignment on that day…

How do we know this is so? The Lubavitcher Rebbe points out that a person's soul shines stronger on his or her birthday. The aspect of the soul that is contained within a person is actually a spark of the person's root Neshama, which stays above. This Neshama that is above the earthly Neshama is called "mazal". A person's mazal is stronger on the birthday because the mazal, which drips vitality into the soul, and the soul are in perfect alignment on that day.

Even though we all individually have birthdays, Moses's birthday is like the collective birthday of the Jewish people. How is this so? Because the leader of the Jewish people is equal to the Jewish people collectively. [Num. 21:21, Rashi] Since every generation has a spark of the soul of Moses, his birthday is also the birth of the essence of the souls of the Jewish people. This is why the mazal of the Jewish people is stronger in Adar.

Adar is also the month of completion, rectifying the lunar year to the solar cycle and readying us for revelation. In leap years there are two Adars. In such a year, what was incomplete reaches its full potential. Just as the Jewish people are frequently compared to the moon, Adar is an auspicious time to reach one's spiritual potential.

Also, the two Adars together have 60 days. If an unkosher liquid falls into a pot, the mixture can still be considered kosher if the unkosher part is less than a ratio of 1/60. The 60 days of these two months reflect the ability of this number to nullify negativity.

But the sages have said that the Jewish people are beyond mazal and there is no ('ein' in Hebrew) constellation that is associated with them. This is why the Jewish people were able to show such self-sacrifice on Purim, and at all times; the capacity for self-sacrifice is beyond logic.

This greatness is hinted in the name of Adar which is spelled alef, dalet, reish. The alef represents the power of G‑d, which may seem to be separate from everyday existence. The dalet and reish form the word "dar", which means "to dwell". The alef, or G‑d's unlimited power, aims to create a dwelling place in this limited world.

Adar is a propitious month…for joy…

Moses tried to accomplish this in the last seven days of Adar when he worked to build the Tabernacle. The Shechinah wasn't revealed in the Tabernacle, so he kept rearranging and rebuilding it. Finally, on the last day, the Shechinah was revealed in the Tabernacle. The last seven days of Adar during which Moses spent building the Tabernacle correspond to the seven generations during which the Shechinah was not revealed. G‑d's intention was that he should have a dwelling place in this world, and this was being accomplished at the end of Adar.

Haman's mistake in thinking that Moses' passing ruined the month of Adar for the Jewish people was actually to our benefit; he chose to set the decree in the month of the greatest mazal for the Jewish people. This teaches us that Adar is a propitious month for protection, for improving ourselves and for joy, which reaches greater and greater levels as we progress through the two Adars.

Source: Chabad

Sweetening Judgments

Art OceanXGoddess

from the writings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

When the messengers who bring suffering are despatched, they are made to take an oath: that they will neither set out nor return except on such and such a day, at such and such a time, and only [carry out their mission] by using the designated means. However, repentance, prayer and charity have the power to nullify [the enactment of] this oath.

Reciting the Torah chapters concerning the Choshen, the Breastplate [Exodus 28:15-30; 39:8-21] is a tikkun [rectification] for harsh judgments.

A person who suffers affliction should give charity. This charity will be considered as if it were a fee paid to a judge for his services, which when accepted, nullifies the verdict's validity. And through this his suffering will be alleviated.

When a person rebukes his friend for the right motives, he has a thread of loving-kindness drawn over him.

A person who does not accept rebuke will experience suffering.

To sweeten harsh judgments, recite Psalm 39 and Psalm 77.

When the nations have issued an evil decree against the Jews, Psalm 62 should be said.

A person can determine and understand his sins from the suffering which he experiences.

There are four things which abolish harsh decrees: Tzedakah [charity], crying out to G-d, changing one's name and improving one's conduct.

Crying out to G-d helps the individual only prior to the final decree.

A person's accusers are beaten off by the study of Torah.

A final decree accompanied by an oath cannot be abolished, even for the sake of an entire community.

The effects of a decree against a person apply only in a specific place. He can save himself by changing his location.

A person should tell others of his anguish so that they will pray for mercy on his behalf.

Accepting suffering with love is like bringing a sacrifice.

A person who falls down while walking should see this as a sign of a downfall on a spiritual level. Falling down while walking sometimes serves to nullify a pronouncement of death which has been issued against the person.

A person who finds himself suffering from harsh judgment should make it a habit to gaze at the Heavens.

The Holy One exonerates the person who teaches righteousness to the wicked.

A man of truth receives G-d's lovingkindness undisguised by judgments.

Trust in G-d sweetens judgment and draws down loving-kindness.

Through faith [emunah] it is possible to convince G-d to follow your will.

Iran Plans and God Laughs

Yesterday there was an article in the Yeshiva World News stating that Iran planned to detroy the kevarim of Mordechai HaTzadik and Esther HaMalka and replace it with a Palestinian Embassy, G-d forbid.

Today on Twitter: #BREAKING: Security forces of #Iran's Islamic Regime including #IRGC Ground Force are now sending their troops and military equipment including these MRAPs to the city of #Qom in-order to establish military curfew over #CoronaVirus outbreak and death of two people in the city!

Another video shows arrival of the MRAPs of #IRGC Ground Force at the entry points of the city of #Qom for military curfew and closure of main roads to the city over the #CoronaVirus outbreak in the city!