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