Chukas: Persia's Claim at the End of Days

Rabbi Daniel Glatstein

This is really worth listening to..... some things you've never thought of.

"It's not clear that Paras is Iran"

Chukat: The Mysterious Friday Fast

The Magen Avraham cites a 'practice of individuals' to fast on the Friday prior to the reading of Parshas Chukat. In general, it is an anomaly to have a fast day scheduled for a Friday. Of even greater significance is the fact that most fast days are established on a specific calendar date, while this one is not. The Magen Avraham writes that no matter what day of the month the Friday prior to Parshat Chukat falls, that is the day when 'individuals' fast.

What is the significance of this fast day? It commemorates the burning of 20 wagonloads of the Talmud and other Sefarim in France. When the event happened, it occurred on the 9th day of Tammuz. However, various Rabbinic authorities of that day learned through dreams that the 'cause' of the incident was not related to the day on the calendar, but to the fact that it was the day before the Torah reading of Parshas Chukat.

The Magen Avraham explains that the Aramaic Targum of the opening words of the parsha [Bamidbar 19:2] "Zot Chukat HaTorah" [This is the law of the Torah] is "da Gezeiras Oraiysa" [this is the Torah's decree]. This was understood to be a Torah decree that such a tragic event would occur on the Friday before this Torah reading.

The Imrei Shammai supplies additional historical background to this incident. He says that in the exact place where the Talmud and other Sefarim were burnt, the Jews of that town had in previous years publicly burnt the Rambam's Sefer - Moreh Nevuchim.

The Moreh Nevuchim was a controversial work. In those days, the Rambam did not yet have the unquestioning allegiance that he gained in later generations. As surprising as it may seem to us, he had his detractors and there were authorities that were highly critical of the Moreh Nevuchim. In fact, there were even some places where his Sefer HaMadah - the first volume of his Major Work "The Yad HaChazakah" was not accepted.

As a Heavenly punishment for this earlier burning of the Rambam's works, 20 cartloads of Torah books were now publicly burnt. When the Jewish community saw this, they recognized their earlier misdeed and repented by establishing a fast day. They prayed for forgiveness and subsequently there was no more controversy about the Moreh Nevuchim.

In this way they were very fortunate. They had a clear Sign from Shamayim in terms of what they had done wrong. It did not take a genius to put two and two together and draw the appropriate conclusion. The connection was obvious. This is the historical background of the custom of 'individuals' to fast on the Erev Shabbos preceding Parshas Chukat.

Source: Revach

Guaranteed by the Chofetz Chaim

H/t Sherry

Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff - 2 min video - the guarantee given to the grandchildren of the Chafetz Chaim:

note that the last remaining grandchildren of the Chafetz Chaim are already elderly in age.

 

King Solomon Predicts the End of Days and Mashiach's Arrival

Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff - 9 min video

Chukat: The Death of the Righteous Brings Atonement

Art Laurence Amelie

Source: Rav Kook Torah

As the Israelites neared the end of their forty-year trek in the wilderness, they lost two great leaders, Miriam and Aaron. While a tremendous loss for the nation, their passing had a hidden spiritual benefit.

The Torah informs us of Miriam's death immediately after enumerating the laws of the Parah Adumah, the red heifer whose ashes were used for purification. The Talmudic sages already wondered what connection there might be between Miriam's death and the Parah Adumah :

"Why is the death of Miriam juxtaposed to the laws of the Parah Adumah? This teaches that just as the Parah Adumah brings atonement, so too, the death of the righteous brings atonement." [Mo'ed Katan 28a]

While this connection between Miriam and the Parah Adumah is well-known, the continuation of the same Talmudic statement, concerning the death of Aaron, is less so.

"And why is the death of Aaron juxtaposed to [the mention of] the priestly clothes? This teaches that just as the priestly clothes bring atonement, so too, the death of the righteous brings atonement."

In what way does the death of tzaddikim atone for the people? And why does the Talmud infer this lesson from both the Parah Adumah and the priestly clothes?

Larger Than Life

The principal benefit that comes from the death of tzaddikim is the spiritual and moral awakening that takes place after they pass away. When a tzaddik is alive, his acts of kindness and generosity are not always public knowledge. True tzaddikim do not promote themselves. On the contrary, they often take great pains to conceal their virtues and charitable deeds. It is not uncommon that we become aware of their true greatness and nobility of spirit only after they are no longer with us. Only then do we hear reports of their selfless deeds and extraordinary sensitivity, and we are inspired to emulate their ways. In this way, the positive impact of the righteous as inspiring role models increases after their death.

While stories of their fine traits and good deeds stir us to follow in their path, certain aspects of great tzaddikim — extraordinary erudition and scholarship, for example — are beyond the capabilities of most people to emulate. In such matters, the best we can do is to take upon ourselves to promote these qualities in our spiritual leadership, such as supporting the Torah study of young, promising scholars.

Two Forms of Emulation

In short, the death of tzaddikim inspires us to imitate their personal conduct — if possible, in our own actions, and if not, by ensuring that there will be others who will fill this spiritual void.

These two methods of emulation parallel the different forms of atonement through the Parah Adumah and the priestly clothes. Ritual purification using Parah Adumah ashes was only effective when they were sprinkled on the body of the impure person; no one else could be purified in his place. This is comparable to those aspects of the tzaddik that are accessible to, and incumbent upon, all to emulate.

The priestly garments, on the other hand, were only worn by the kohanim. It was through the service of these holy emissaries that the entire nation was forgiven. This is like those extraordinary traits of the tzaddik that are beyond the capabilities of most people. These qualities can be carried on only by a select few, with the support of the entire nation.

Handing the Keys to Moshiach

Rabbi Rabbi Moshe Ben Tov [1930 - July 16, 2010] was a renowned Kabbalist, known for his unique ability to read mezuzot, earning him the title “Roeh Mezuzot,” or “the Mezuzah Seeker.” Through his extraordinary spiritual insight, Rabbi Ben Tov could discern the past and present conditions of individuals by examining their mezuzot. This practice made him a revered figure in the world of Jewish mysticism, and people from all walks of life sought his blessings and guidance.  

During  a visit to the Prime Minister's Office, Rabbi Ben Tov made a remarkable statement to Netanyahu.

“It is very important that your love of Israel continue until the Moshiach comes because you are going stay in office and are going to meet him,” Rabbi Ben Tov said to Netanyahu. “You are the one who will give him the keys to this office.”

                     Has Melech HaMashiach Been Crowned in Shamayim? 

The Evil at the End of Days

 

US President Donald Trump has erupted in a blistering tirade against Zohran Mamdani, following his shock win in the race for the Democrat party’s nomination for New York mayor. “Democrats have crossed the line by elevating a 100% Communist Lunatic,” the US president declared in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous,” he continued, expressing outrage at the rising influence of left-wing figures within the Democratic Party. 

Who is behind Zohran Mamdani?

None other than Barack Hussein Obama !

Can't seem to get rid of this guy.  

GPS—puts Zohran Mamdani at Barack Hussein Obama II’s War Room twice in 6 weeks. Also present were leaders from the Muslim Brotherhood and what certainly appears to be two Iranian MOIS operatives, very likely IRGC Unit 840.  Source

The Secret of Gog u Magog & the Hormuz Strait

As it turns out, the Rabbi who made the video where I took this from, is not suitable for this blog, I didn't realize he was waiting for a different Messiah, so I have removed the video.  Thank you to Anonymous for letting me know.

Nevertheless, the things he said and quoted are very worthwhile.   His name is Rabbi Shapira.

This is what he said:

The Gedolim of  Israel have spoken and have given us a warning - See Isaiah 34:6

"G-d has a sword and it is sated with blood, it is gored with fat, the blood of lambs and he-goats, the  kidney fat of rams, for G-d holds a sacrifice in Batzrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom."

I want you to pay attention to this expression that is being mentioned through the prophet Isaiah - "G-d holds a sacrifice in Batzrah" and a great slaughter in the land of  Edom.  The rabbis told us that those two verses are speaking about the coming of the Mashiach.   Could it be that those verses have been prophesying about what the United States just has done with Iran?

Quoting Rabbi Laniado who wrote his famous commentary on Isaiah 500 years ago:  there is a far away land from Bavel and it's name is Batzrah which is on the border between Assyria and Persia [Iran].  It is also between the land of Edom in an area that is known by the name of Hormuz which is under the dominion of Ishmael.   On this verse  500 years ago Rabbi Laniado said that the final war,  more than likely the war of Gog and Magog, will start up in Hormuz. 

There is only one place on the face of the earth that has the name Hormuz, it is the Strait of Hormuz which is controlled by Iran itself,  and today we read straight from the media that Iran reportedly moved to close the Strait of Hormuz after the United States attack.  If they indeed close the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt the oil supply from  the world, we know beyond a shadow of a  doubt that this prophecy about the place called Batzrah from this place that is controlled by Ishmael that is known by the name of Hormuz will lead us to the final war of Gog and Mog. 

But wait it's getting even better -  the Rama [?] in  his commentary on Isaiah chapter 34 verse 6 says:

the word Batzrah is rooted in the word Tzir, which is "strait", and the word "betzara" - [in the time of trouble] - in a place called Batzrah.  Rabbi Laniado  tells us that the Strait has a name: it is the Hormuz Strait that is controlled by Ishmael in these last days.

What is Betsara? What does  Hormuz Strait represent?  What does the place called Batzrah represent?

The Rama does not stop there and he says the following.

Batzrah is also called the "Sitra Achrah"  which is the one of the names of the Satan: Batzrah is Satan's dwelling place of the enemy.   Do you get it?  The prophet is telling us that God is waiting for a vengeance, a final war that is coming, it is coming in the place called betzara - Batzrah. which is one of the names of the Hormuz Strait.  Incredible!  which is the dwelling place of Satan himself.

I have been warning you for now nearly two years that this war that Israel is about  to enter into is unlike any other war, and it is a war that will take place in Heaven, and also here on earth.

It is a war with the Satan himself who is sitting in Hormuz, which is the stronghold of not just Satan, but of Ishmael and Iran. Batzrah is called by the name of "Sitra Achra" and the holy Zohar connected it to  Parshat Vayechi where it says : For one day God will put on a red robe and take a red sword to take vengeance on the ruddy one.  This we learn from the verse "Who is the one that cometh from Edom with dyed garments." 

Who is coming to Batzah? Who is the one who is coming? Right now it is pointing to the coming of the Messiah.  Do you get it? The Messiah's return is imminent right now.  And it says that a great slaughter is going to come to this land. That is a picture of the third world war Gog and Magog.  It is a war unlike any other war before.

Before I freak you out right now, I have a good word for you today as well.  The Ramak [I think that's what he said] explained that in gematria the word "zevach" [sacrifice]  is equivalent to the same value of the word "tov" - [goodness] -  which is what is going to come out of this in the very end of the day  something good is going to come.  The slaughter will lead to the goodness of  the Lord and to the mercy of the Lord. 

Now in Isaiah and also in Psalm 91 we see this word mentioned "Batzrah' - how amazing it is that in Psalm 91 God said "When he call upon me I will answer him, I will be with him in the time of distress i I will rescue him and make him honored." 

What is the Hebrew word "distress"?  In Psalm 91:15 the word distress is the word "betzara" which is the  same word as the word Batzrah which is pointing to Hormuz Strait where exactly the conflict is heading to right now.

So G-d is saying "don't worry, when they will shut down Hormuz when the great trouble will start in the world. I will be with you in Batzrah, I will be with you betzara, I will be with you in distress, Israel  have nothing to worry about, because I will be with you.

Will we enter into Gog and Magog?  You will know in the next few days.  I urge you today to watch the Hormuz Strait and know that even if it will be locked down, even if the world world will enter into WW3, Israel have a promise that G-d will be with us in  Batzrah, in the time of the betzara - great trouble - and He will surely redeem us.

Why Did Everything Suddenly Stop?

Rav Ron Chaya

Not an exact transcription, just a brief summary.

Rav Chaya asks why everything stopped.  People are asking him "where is the Moshiach?"

He again quoted the Yalkut Shimoni and stressed the words about the King of Arabia going to the King of Edom for advice, but then he quotes the words "the King of Persia returns and attacks the whole world".

Where is he returning from? What happened?

Obviously there was a pause, everything stopped.

And then voila! he returns. 

This is what is written in the Midrash and two people already wrote this to me this morning.

So basically we are following the program as set out in the Midrash, don't worry, don't be afraid, and the process is continuing.

In two weeks we will read Parshat Balak where it is written that the people of Israel achieve victories and the son of my friend who is a great Tzadik who sees things that other people do not, said that we will experience this during Parshat Balak this year.

I hope that during Parshat Balak we will indeed see Iran and all it's proxies, who are truly Amalek, we will see their end and we will see Moshiach.

I could be wrong but b'ezrat Hashem I am right.

[Rav Ron Chaya]

This Biblical Prophecy Predicts What's Going To Happen in the Israel-Iran War

H/t Sherry

Rabbi Dovid Vigler - 12 mins

Hormuz and the Final War in the End of Days

People searching for the prophecy regarding the Strait of Hormuz, so here it is again.

The following text is by R' Dan Stochel, written in 2019 to coincide with the 400th  yarzheit of the Kli Yakar 

The geographical location was actually revealed for the start of the War of Gog and Magog, according to the Great Torah Sage, Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Zatz"l from Luntschitz, Poland - a major Torah commentator known as the "Kli Yakar" who was niftar [passed away] in 1619.

In his holy book "Kli Paz," meaning "Vessel of Pure Gold" he wrote that the war of Gog and Magog will be centered around the area he calls: "the Hormuz".

Kli Paz was also written by another major mekubal - Kli Yakar the Gaon Aran Tzuba HaRav Shmuel Laniado from Venice. He also lived almost 400 years ago 1603-1657. He was a chaver of HaRav Chayim Vital and HaRav Galanti and the Holy Alshich in the Arizal's time. He saw these events and wrote them down in his commentary on Isaiah chapter 34.

As Chief Rabbi in Israel over 400 years ago, he wrote, ''there will be a great sacrifice in Basra'' quoting Isaiah chapter 34:1-13 about the last days during which the war of Gog and Magog should occur in a place nearby Basra named "Hormuz."

And the Navi Isaiah's 34:1-12, 63:1-6 foresaw "A sacrifice to Hashem is in Basra and it is a great slaughtering in the land of Edom" meaning to say that this will occur 'from above and descend,' many huge "Re'amim" roaming warrior-like beasts (aircraft/drones) and with them "Abirim" like powerful healthy bulls --(aircraft carriers) since the day of vengeance is for G-d and it is very near the completion of years of Hashem defending-protecting, fighting for Zion.

And the statement, ''the animals will descend with them'' means there will be many kings among the remaining nations who will join with Edom (America) to help  facilitate this slaughtering/sacrifice to Hashem in Basra - a country some distance from Bavel (modern-day Iraq) whose name is Basra and it is adjacent to Ashur (Syria) and Persia (Iran) in between the boundary of the land of Edom - called "Hormuz" - and today (Kli Yakar's time) it is under the rulership of Yishmael... "blessed is the one who knows the truth of these matters.״

However, it will be there in (the strait of) Hormuz where will be the Final War in the End of Days.

וְהֶרְאוּנִי דָּבָר מַבְהִיל בְּסֵפֶר 'כְּלִי פָּז' מִבַּעַל הַ'כְּלִי יָקָר' שֶׁהָיָה רֹאשׁ הָרַבָּנִים בְּאֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל לִפְנֵי כְּאַרְבַּע מֵאוֹת שָׁנָה (ישעי' לד) שֶׁהַ"זֶבַח לַה' בְּבָצְרָה" שֶׁיִּהְיֶה בְּמִלְחֶמֶת גּוֹג וּמָגוֹג יִתְרַחֵשׁ בְּמָקוֹם עַל יַד בַּצְרָה שֶׁשְּׁמוֹ הוּרְמוּז. וְנָבִיא אֶת דְּבָרָיו "כִּי זֶבַח לַה' בְּבָצְרָה וְטֶבַח גָּדוֹל בְּאֶרֶץ אֱדוֹם, וְיָרְדוּ רְאֵמִים עִמָּם וּפָרִים עִם אַבִּירִים וְגוֹ', כִּי יוֹם נָקָם לַה' שְׁנַת שִׁלּוּמִים לְרִיב צִיּוֹן". וְאָמַר "וְיָרְדוּ רְאֵמִים עִמָּם וְכוּ'', לְהַגִּיד שֶׁהַרְבֵּה מְלָכִים מִשַּׁאר הָאֻמּוֹת יִתְחַבְּרוּ עִם אֱדוֹם לְעָזְרָם. "כִּי זֶבַח לַה' בְּבָצְרָה", מְדִינָה יֵשׁ רָחוֹק מִבָּבֶל שְׁמָהּ בָּצְרָה, וְהִיא בֵּין גְּבוּל אֲשׁוּר וּפָרַס וּבֵין גְּבוּל אֶרֶץ אֱדוֹם, הוּרְמוּז, וְהִיא הַיּוֹם תַּחַת מֶמְשֶׁלֶת הַיִּשְׁמָעֵאלִים. וּבָרוּךְ הַיּוֹדֵעַ אֲמִתָּתָם שֶׁל דְּבָרִים, אוּלַי יִהְיֶה דֶּרֶךְ שָׁם הַמִּלְחָמָה בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים

Furthermore, during the Brit Bein Habitarim Hashem guaranteed to Avraham that his descendants would be freed from exile after 400 years!

This took place when Avraham was over 70 years old as is the present age of medinat Yisroel.

It's no coincidence then that, Avraham and L'havdil the Medinah, were both born in 1948 a time when what I call the "pre-redemption" process began.

[Dan Stochel]

Kli Yakar

For the Sake of Heaven

Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi took [himself to one side] along with Dathan and Abiram..... [Korach 16:1]

Chazal state in Pirkei Avos [5:20] : ''Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a constructive outcome, but one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a constructive outcome.''

What sort of dispute was for the sake of Heaven? - the dispute between Hillel and Shammai. And which was not for the sake of Heaven? - the dispute between Korach and his entire company.

Why, asked R'Yonason Eybeschutz, does the Mishnah state: ''The dispute between Korach and his entire company''?  Wasn't the dispute between Korach and Moshe?

From here we learn, said R'Eybeschutz, that the dispute was not between Korach and Moshe at all; rather, it was really between Korach and his assembly, as each one of them was vying for leadership and power!  Moshe Rabbeinu, however, did not take up their quarrel; on the contrary, he tried his utmost to appease them so as not to carry on a dispute that would eventually lead to disastrous results.

Source: Rabbi Yisrael Bronstein

Thanking Hashem

Rebbe Nachman says when a person thanks Hashem, he invokes miracles.

Why Iran is REALLY attacking Israel and why the US has intervened now.

H/t CS

Rabbi Lawrence Hajioff

We Are Living in Unprecedented Miraculous Times

Rabbi Daniel Glatstein - 4 min video

Here We Go

 

President Donald J. Trump has announced strikes were carried out tonight by the U.S. Air Force against the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan Nuclear Facilities in Iran.

And Eisav was a hunter
That photo above was posted by Trump on Truth Social yesterday

Rashi's Prediction

H/t Rivka 

Rav Yitzchak Dovid Grossman, Chief Rabbi of Migdal HaEmek and founder of Migdal Ohr, delivered a powerful address linking today’s events to the prophetic writings of Rashi, composed nearly 900 years ago.

He cited a verse from Yeshayahu, Chapter 32, verse 19: “U’barad b’redes haya’ar, u’vashiflah tishpal ha’ir—And it shall hail when the forest comes down, and in the low place the city shall be brought low.” 

Explaining Rashi’s commentary, Rav Grossman said, “Rashi writes that in the future, Hashem will rain destruction upon the cities of the enemies of Israel—those cities that are full and teeming, like a forest is full of trees. He uses the phrase: ‘Veyamtir Hakadosh Baruch Hu es matar pachei haresha’im sheheim achshav benuyim u’meileim arim keya’ar’—Hashem will rain down the downfall of the wicked, whose cities are now built up like a forest.” 

But the most chilling part of Rashi’s words, Rav Grossman emphasized, is when he singles out one specific nation: “Uvashiflah—shenishpeilu Yisrael ad achshav, tishpal ir—metropolis shel Paras. The city that will be brought low in the place where the Jews were humiliated,” Rashi writes, “is the capital of Persia.” 

“That is,” explained Rav Grossman, “mida k’neged mida. You sought to wipe us out and humiliate us before the world, and now, in the same manner that you intended for us, your own city—Tehran and its satellites—will be disgraced.”

Rav Grossman concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May the Almighty grant us the merit to witness the unfolding of redemption, and see with our very own eyes the realization of Yeshayahu’s vision. Amein.”

Source: Matzav

Is Another Purim Happening Before Our Eyes?

Rabbi Y. Y. Jacobson

Updated and Complete: Why Did Trump Leave The G7 ????

I've waited 20 years to blog this.... It's actually happening.

In its section on the biblical Book of Isaiah and the prophecies contained therein, a rabbi cited by the Yalkut Shimoni states:

 “In the year Moshiach comes all the nations of the world will provoke each other and threaten with war. The king of Persia (Iran) will provoke the King of Arabia (Saudi Arabia) with war. The King of Arabia goes to Edom (The Western Countries, headed by USA) for advice. Then the King of Persia destroys the world (and since that cannot be done with conventional weapons it must mean nuclear which can destroy most of the world). And all the nations of the world begin to panic and are afraid, and Israel too is afraid as to how to defend from this. G-d then says to them “Do not fear for everything that I have done is for your benefit, to destroy the evil kingdom of Edom and eradicate evil from this world so that the Messiah can come, your time of redemption is now.”

Let me explain.

Rav Ron Chaya has put up another video with some special inside information which I've just typed up, not a transcript, just the main points.

Regarding the kittim, the ships coming from the west. 

Quotes Tosfot Avoda Zara 2b

How can it say that only Persia and Rome will last until the Messianic Era, but it also says that Persia will fall at the hands of Rome. So which is correct?

So it must be that just before Moshiach comes, Persia will be in the hands of Rome [the West]

But for the moment it is just a war between Israel and Iran.

It is written that the war against Persia will precede the Geula and it is Israel who will be the initiator. Then the West would have to come and attack Iran.  And we are here.

And why did Trump have to leave the G7 early? 

Because Saudi Arabia and Qatar urgently called him saying they had information that Iran was planning to attack them.  

Why ? 

We have a similar source as written in the Yalkut Shimoni above, which says that all people of the world will be at war [provoking each other]. 

Well it's true, we have Russia and Ukraine, Pakistan and India, China wants to conquer Taiwan, there are conflicts everywhere, and also between Iran and Saudi Arabia which has always been the case. It hasn't changed. The capital of the Arab shi'ite world is Iran and the capital of the Sunni world is Saudi Arabia. They hate each other more than they hate the Jews.

 

He says Trump did not want to go to war, he wants the Nobel Peace prize, he's being dragged into it [like it says, "I'll put hooks in your jaws" and remember that Trump made a deal with Saudi Arabia, Qatar last month, for 545 billion dollars, and received a beautiful plane from them....  He can't say no to them.

This means that the West will be going to war with Iran, there is already war ships,  an entire army, it's a fleet.  We see how the words of the Prophet are fulfilled word for word - "the fleets will come from the Western isles".  Here we are !  It's extraordinare !

Why is Iran doing this?

The 4 chapters of Yoel talk exclusively about the End times.   G-d said "I will avenge the blood of the Jews that I have not yet avenged."

You have to understand that Iran was the one that financed, organised and promoted all the attacks that took place here in Israel. So in the End, G-d says "I'll take care of them."

[He quotes a commenter on the Torah, can't decipher the name]

"When the enemies will see their end is near..."  

Iran understands that they have lost the war, they still have capabilities but for the moment they are in a very bad way.  So they say they will strengthen themselves, telling themselves that they will die, but not alone. That they will cause trouble all over the world.

We have already seen the help of G-d and bezrat Hashem will continue to. 

It is true that if they attack Saudi Arabia's oil fields,  it will cause an economic crash. It would be terrible. So for money, Trump goes to war, and we arrive at the wars of Gog u Magog.

Gog u Magog is 70 nations against us to conquer Jerusalem. And as I said in the last shiur, I think it will be Turkey and Syria, through Egypt they will come.   People say they are afraid and I say don't be scared, Gog u Magog is a Victory of G-d.  So everyone will recognise the greatness of G-d.

How will it go?  I have no idea.  We saw that Israel is the initiator, but how will it end?

I don't know what's going to happen. 

Just at the end he says that when he went to see the Yanuka recently, the Yanuka told him that Moshiach will arrive soon and He will take care of it. He will catch them in little pieces.

We must increase in our emunah and faith in G-d. We have to be pure to receive Moshiach.  Either by merit or yichus, who will see Moshiach, we don't know.  So I think we are entering the critical phases.

The UK also goes to war against Iran and I think this will be the end of them.  What will it bring? I don't know, but I think it will bring Moshiach.  I say a date, I'm always wrong but I say 15 Av as it is written there are no greater days for Israel than 15 Av and Yom Kippur.  In my opinion it will be the Geula, if not before.... but if not - then another date... and I pray very soon !

[Rav Ron Chaya]

Transparency

"It was the season when the first grapes ripen..." [Shelach 13:20 ]

Moses did not command the spies to bring back grapes in particular, but just "fruit", and we find that they brought back various fruits - grapes, pomegranates and figs [v.23]

So why does the Torah stress that "It was the season when the first grapes ripen" and not simply, the time when fruit was ripening?

The process of spying out the Land to conquer it represents our daily mission of evaluating how to advance the "conquering" of this physical world for G-d, through the most effective use of time and resources for Torah.  Verse 20 concludes that the goal of this process is represented by grapes: grapes are unique in that their seeds are visible through their skins, and this teaches us that the goal of our observance is to make the physical "skin" of this world transparent to its higher, spiritual purpose.

Source: Based on Sicha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shabbos Parshas Shelach 5750