Current Events and Why Evil Persists

Rabbi Mendel Kessin, new shiur

Min HaShamayim

Art: Vladimir Kush

The manna reminds us that a Jew's food, and his livelihood in general, come directly from G-d, in a manner of "bread from heaven", i.e. even though, at first glance, it appears that a person earns his livelihood through hard work, in truth however the work of his hands is merely a "receptacle" into which G-d places his blessings.

In other words, it is not the hard work in itself that brings a person his daily bread - G-d provides a Jew with food in a manner which is not limited to the rule of nature.  But in order not to disturb the natural order which He created, G-d garbs His gift in natural phenomena, so that it should appear to come from nature alone.

The eternal perpetuation of manna reminds us that, even though we no longer see bread coming from heaven, nevertheless, in truth the bread continues to come from heaven to this day.

Source: Sichas Shabbos Parshas Beshalach 5751, Lubavitcher Rebbe

Crows over Hubei

Guest Post by Rivka

An unpredecented amount of crows have been flying over cities in Hubei Province.  Crows are associated with death because crows feed on carrion, dead meat.  Video below shows masses of crows over cities in Hubei China, where the coronavirus is killing thousands. In the Hanchuan City video, a large, dense flock of crows was videotaped flying around and cawing loudly. One observer said, “This situation has never occurred before.” [See Epoch Times]

The Hebrew word for “crow” and for “raven” is oreiv. Some see the two birds as two versions of the same.

...every raven according to its kind...[Shemini 11:15]

Why is the raven (oreiv) forbidden to be eaten while the dove (yonah) is kosher?

The Raven (Oreiv) is identified with selfishness and betrayal and it is universally despised as the symbol of heartlessness and cruelty. 

Is this a Divine message of Middah K'neged Middah for a heartless, cruel and selfish country whose society is devoid of compassion just like the crow/raven!?

Our Creator created this world as a kind of mirror, which reflects the actions of mankind. When people behave cruelly to each other, causing damage to each other, then the world treats us the same way and is filled with natural disasters and harmful animals.

v’NaHaFoch Hu

v’NaHaFoch Hu is a phrase from the Purim story.  It means ''it was turned around''  - it was the opposite of what was expected.

When you see something that is turned around unexpectedly, and there is no possible logical explanation for it, you can be sure that Hashem is at work here.

This is how I feel about the Coronavirus.  The fact that it began in the ''live'' markets, where live animals are sold and butchered, in a country where people eat the limbs from live animals.... and the gematria of the word ''Corona'' equals the gematria of  ''eats limbs from live animals''..... shows us that Hashem is at work here.

Whilst it is not a ''turn around'' in the same way as the Purim story, it is a turn around in the way people think about their eating habits.  It is a miraculous event, in a bad way, that will end up being a miraculous event in a good way.

It was the same experience for me with the fires in Australia.... first the drought, then the heat and then the fires... and then the incredible winds that blew the fires everywhere.  There was no other explanation except that Hashem was at work, even taking into account that some of those fires were caused by mis-management and arson, the outcome came from Shamayim.

And again with the ''Deal of the Century'' which seems to have fizzled out before it has even begun.

We can all get carried away with conspiracy theories but let's not forget who is running the world, and who is orchestrating events to bring us towards Geula.  

Just my thoughts as this crazy week comes to an end.

''Moshiach will come before then''

HT: Yeranen Yaakov

Exactly ten years ago the Baba Sali came in a dream to his son Baba Baruch and told him that Moshiach would come that year.   It is worth noting that Baba Sali's yarzheit is tomorrow - 4 Shevat.

Ten  years ago we were in the year 5770 when so many thought Moshiach would come.

Now, ten years later, Baba Baruch has again made a statement concerning Moshiach, saying that the ''Deal of the Century'' will not happen because Moshiach will come before then.

Why the ten year delay?  It is possible that there was a decree in Shamayim to delay Moshiach's coming for ten years.

With all the other events going on around us..... such as Coronavirus..... things are heating up in a big way.  

Corona Virus #2

This image is from Jewishinfographics
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Also see Corona Virus and Hints to Moshiach

Reb Zusha of Anipoli - Yarzheit 2 Shevat

by Menachem Posner 

Reb Zusha of Anipoli was one of the most beloved stars in the constellation of the third generation of Chassidic masters. Humble and self-effacing, he is forever remembered in the many tales of his awe of G‑d and his deep love for His creations. Elder brother of Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk, and beloved pupil of Rabbi Dov Ber, the Maggid of Mezrich, Reb Zusha wrote no books and never amassed a large following. Yet, in his signature, understated way, he contributed greatly to the emerging Chassidic movement.

1. His Father Had an Inn in a Small Village Near Tiktin

His exact date of birth is unknown, but it is believed that he is the son of Eliezer Lipa, a wealthy and learned innkeeper in a small village near Tiktin. Spiritually sensitive, he was attracted to the teachings of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezrich, the primary student of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, founder of the Chassidic movement. Legends abound about how he influenced his brother, Elimelech, to become a chassid as well.

2. His Mother Was Unlettered But Pious

Like most Jewish women of her era, Mirel, mother of Elimelech and Zusha, did not know how to read Hebrew. She was generous to a fault, and every Thursday she hired a driver to help her distribute funds to poor people, so that they would have something to eat on Shabbat. She was so modest that the driver never saw her face and never learned of her identity.

3. He and His Brother Were In Self Imposed Exile

The two brothers wandered from place to place, without a penny in their pockets, forced to live by the kindness of strangers. This “forced exile” was not uncommon among spiritual seekers of the era who wished to cleanse their souls through suffering. In living a homeless life, they were emulating G‑d Himself, who has been without a “home” since the Temple was destroyed.

For Reb Elimelech and Reb Zusha, however, there was another element. Traveling incognito, they were able to meet many people whom they would inspire to return to G‑d. Oftentimes, they would “stage” conversations in which R’ Elimelech would berate R’ Zusha for sins he supposedly committed. Hearing R’ Zusha’s copious sobs, the listener would realize that he too had to repent for the very same sin.

4. His Name Is Spelled Many Ways

His first name is Meshulam. His second name is sometimes written Zussman (this is how the Alter Rebbe and other contemporaries wrote it), Zushia, Zusia, Zisha, Zusil and Zusha. He is among the few Chassidic rebbes so venerated to be referred to as “the Rebbe, Reb Zusha.” There is ambiguity regarding his family name, as various immediate family members are known as Weisblum, Lipman, and Aurbach.

5. He Learned a Lesson From Everything

A central tenet of Chassidic teaching is that everything can serve as a catalyst from which one can gain inspiration and insight into one’s service of G‑d. Reb Zusha was known to learn seven lessons from a thief: a) He works quietly without others knowing. b) He is ready to place himself in danger. c) Even the smallest detail is of great importance to him. d) He labors with great toil. e) Alacrity. f) He is confident and optimistic. g) If he did not succeed the first time, he tries again and again.

6. He Left Very Few Written Words

Rabbi Israel of Ruzhin once explained (partially in jest) that the great Chassidic masters only shared what they had themselves learned from their teachers. Whenever Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezrich began to teach, Reb Zusha became so enraptured that he would scream “ai, ai, ai” with such excitement that the others would remove him from the lecture hall. Since Reb Zusha never heard, he never taught.

Some of his teachings are posthumously collected in Menorat Zahav (Warsaw 1902) and Butzina Kadisha (Pietrykaw 1912).

7. His Peers Respected Him Greatly

The Alter Rebbe, known among the students of the Maggid as “the Rav” due to his erudition, had tremendous respect for Reb Zusha. When he was ready to print his new book, the Tanya, Reb Zusha was one of two people he asked to write an approbation.

The Alter Rebbe once said that there are three people whom he loves on a soul level. There are varying traditions regarding who these three are, but all agree that Reb Zusha was one of them.

In recent years, a letter written by the Alter Rebbe was discovered. In it, he exhorts his followers to send donations to Reb Zusha along with their names so that “their names be remembered before G‑d, who hears the voice of His servants…”

8. He Hid His Learning

Stories abound of Reb Zusha hiding the deepest teachings in simplistic words. Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber of Lubavitch related that several of the Maggid’s students were once discussing the fine points of a particularly difficult passage in Maimonides’s code (others say it was in the Zohar). Zusha approached them and asked what was bothering them, but they dismissed him, implying that it was above his level.

Reb Zusha began to cry, “Zusha doesn’t understand this concept, oh, Zusha doesn’t understand,” until he fell asleep. When he awoke, he lucidly and clearly explained the concept to the two students who had previously dismissed him, having learned it in his sleep from Maimonides himself.

9. He Was Poor but Happy

A story is told about an individual who could not understand how to accept suffering with love. The Maggid sent the questioner to visit Reb Zusha, who was known to be destitute. “I am not sure why you were sent to me,” said Reb Zusha, “What can I tell you about suffering? I have everything a person could possibly wish for!”

10. He Recognized His Unique Purpose in Life

There is a famous anecdote that tells of Reb Zusha quaking with fright on his deathbed. “I am not afraid of being asked why I was not Moses,” he explained to his students. “After all, G‑d already has a Moses. I am afraid, however, of being asked, ‘Zusha, why weren’t you Zusha?’ ”

11. He Humbly Referred to Himself in Third Person

Humble to a fault, Reb Zusha never referred to himself as “ich,” Yiddish for “I.” Rather, he would say “Zusha doesn’t understand” or Zusha feels badly etc.” He was known to have said to the earth upon which he trod, “Dirt, dirt, you are greater than Zusha, So why is Zusha walking upon you? Never fear, the day will come when he will be buried under you.”

12. Five Meanings of Teshuvah

Reb Zusha was a master of repentance. Throughout the day, he would record his “failings” in a notebook. Each night, before going to sleep, he would cry and plead for forgiveness until his tears had washed away whatever he had written.

He is known for his teaching that the Hebrew word teshuva, translated as “return” or “repentance,” is an acronym for five elements.

T: Tamim - "Be sincere (tamim) with the Eternal, your G‑d."

Sh: Shiviti - "I have set (shiviti) G‑d before me always."

U: Ve-ahavta - "And you shall love (ve-ahavta) your fellow as yourself."

V: Bechol - "In all (bechol) your ways, know Him."

H: Hatzne-a - "Discreetly (hatzne-a) walk with your G‑d.

13. He Saw Only the Good in Others

Even where others saw failings, Rabbi Zusha saw only positive. “It is known,” Reb Zusha once said, “that whenever a Jew sins, an evil angel is created. I have never seen a robust evil angel. Each one is missing a hand, a foot, or another limb. Even when a Jew sins, he is broken deep down inside—creating an angel that is broken or lame.”

14. He Wished to Fear G‑d

Reb Zusha’s fear of heaven was legendary, eclipsed only by his boundless love of G‑d. It is told that Zusha once asked G‑d to grant him proper fear of heaven. Upon completing his impromptu prayer, Zusha found himself trembling with fear. So great was his awe of G‑d that he soon found himself writhing on the floor under a bed.

“Please master of the universe,” he begged, “allow me to love you like Zusha.”

And G‑d granted him his wish.

15. Buried Right Near the Maggid

He passed away on 2 Shevat, 5560 (1800), and is buried in Annipoli, right near the resting place of his beloved master, Rabbi Dov Ber, who lived his last years in Annipoli. The cemetery was destroyed by the Nazis and a common marker has been erected for the Maggid, Reb Zusha and others.

Source: Chabad

Pharaoh's Name Hints to the Plague

by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto

"Hashem said to Moshe, "Come to Pharaoh, for I have made his heart and the heart of his servants stubborn" [Bo 10:1]

The Mefarshim wonder how Moshe knew to tell Pharaoh about the plague of Locusts since Hashem did not mention anything about this plague? Here is just one explanation:

The Chatam Sofer brings in the name of the Gaon Rabbi Shimshon of Ostropoli zya"a, that the letters בומ"ף are  pronounced using the lips, and are interchangeable since they are all uttered using the same source. So too the letters אחה"ע  which are all guttural sounds, are also interchangeable.

So, if we change the פ of  פרעה to a ב, and the ע to א, and then re-arrange the letters, it will spell the word ארבה - locust. Through saying בא אל פרעה, Hashem was hinting to Moshe, put the letters בא into פרעה. 

This explains the continuation of the verse, למען שתי אתתי אלה בקרבו, translated as, "so that I can put these signs of Mine in his midst". The word אתת can also be translated as 'letters', meaning 'put these two letters (of  בא) in him', and you get ארבה. This is the plague with which you must now smite Egypt!