Thursday, January 16, 2020

The Bird That Announces Moshiach


Art Veronica Minozzi


As I type this, I hear distant sounds of thunder.... a prelude to the week long rain forecast for a very thirsty Australia.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for us, the rains are here.

Transcribed from a shiur by Rabbi Sholom Zirkind

There is a bird called the ''racham''.  [Sometimes it is called Sherakrak] Why is it called this?  Because when this bird comes, it means that ''rachamim'' - the sign of mercy -has come to the world.  Rashi says this mercy means ''rain''.   The sign is when the bird sits on something and makes a ''sherakarak'' sound.

We have a tradition that if you hear this ''sherakrak'' on the ground, Moshiach will come.

In Zechariah, Hashem speaks about the end of the exile, and says ''I will whistle to them and gather them''.  Acdus [unity] will bring Moshiach.

It was explained by the Sages that the racham bird was sitting on ground that was ploughed and a hail storm came and killed the bird.  So we can see from this story that when this occurred and that bird made the ''sherakrak'' sound it was not the time for Moshiach to come and that bird was a faker.

This bird has been identified as a magpie [very common in Australia by the way], others says there is an arabic name for a bird similar to ''sherakrak'' and still others say it is an Egyptian vulture.  The Arizal writes that the racham bird doesn't make any noise and the sound comes from it's wings when it flies, but when Moshiach comes it will actually be able to shriek.

The sound of this bird is a sign of rain. [In Australia, we have  a bird called the Kookaburra, and when the kookaburras sing, they are announcing rain.]

The Maharal of Prague speaks about this gemorrah and says we should accept it literally.  He explains that different birds have different qualities and give us different messages, they are also able to tell the future - they have spiritual qualities shown by the fact that they can fly. They are more spiritual refined than other  animals that walk on the ground. They are more connected to Heaven, and are more able to relate what is going on than other creatures.

The Maharal continues that in the Shabbas Musaf prayer we see the letters of the Alef Beis reading backwards [and it also says Moshiach will come in the merit of Shabbos].  The sherakrak bird = sherak spelt שרק - are the Hebrew letters backwards from their places in the Alef Beis. This shows us that the letters of the Alef Beis are uniting with each other in unity.  The letters of Shin Reish Kuf  re-arranged also spell the word ''kesher'' - connection.  When we whistle we put our lips together, indicating unity.... the whistle of the sherakrak bird is also a sign of unity.  When Moshiach will come Hashem will have complete unity with creation.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

A Person's Name Affects His Essence

by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto

"The name of the first was Shifrah and the name of the second was Puah" [Shemot 1:15]

Why did Pharaoh change Yocheved and Miriam's names to Shifra and Puah, which are Egyptian names?

The Rebbe of Riminov zt"l explains: Pharaoh knew that as long as the midwives, Yocheved and Miriam, are called Jewish names, there is no way he can challenge them with this cruel decree of killing Jewish children. Therefore, he first commanded them to change their names to 'Shifra' and 'Pu'ah', hoping that Egyptian names will have an effect on their state of mind and change their essence and character, to the extent that they will now be capable of murdering Jewish children. Only after that did he order them, "if it is a son, you are to kill him".

A person's name is his essence. It is absorbed in his innermost being and greatly influences his spirit and character.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Taal Volcano in Parsha of the Week

Image: Independent News


HT: Yeranen Yaakov

Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes after lava spewed from a volcano near the Philippine capital of Manila, amid fears a bigger eruption could be imminent. Schools and businesses across the capital were shut on Monday as clouds of ash from the Taal volcano drifted over the city.


From this week's Parsha: [the Hebrew word Taal is highlighted in red]

 וַיְהִי בַיָּמִים הָרַבִּים הָהֵם וַיָּמָת מֶלֶךְ מִצְרַיִם וַיֵּאָנְחוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִן הָעֲבֹדָה וַיִּזְעָקוּ וַתַּעַל שַׁוְעָתָם אֶל הָאֱלֹהִים מִן הָעֲבֹדָה.  [Shemot 2:23]

From next week's Parsha:   וַיֵּט אַהֲרֹן אֶת יָדוֹ עַל מֵימֵי מִצְרָיִם וַתַּעַל הַצְּפַרְדֵּעַ וַתְּכַס אֶת אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם  [Vaeira 8:2]


Monday, January 13, 2020

Friday, January 10, 2020

What Tzaddikim See with their Pure Eyes



by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto

One who studies this Parsha [Vayechi] will notice that the word 'eyes' is mentioned several times. "Now Yisrael's eyes were heavy with age", "Red eyed from wine" and more. Why is this?

Due to Ya'akov's old age, he was no longer able to see, but this only refers to human sight. He was, however, able to foresee all that would transpire in the future with a spiritual vision, for he had rectified his eyes. Since Ya'akov's attribute was truth, as it says (Micha 7:20) "Grant truth to Ya'akov", he was therefore unable to hide what his eyes saw with Divine Inspiration and asked "Who are these?", for even though Menashe and Ephraim were considered tzaddikim, he saw that their descendants will serve idolatry.

The holy Rabbeinu Chaim Pinto zya"a, became blind in his old age yet he could perceive everything using his supernatural wisdom. Although he could not see, he was able to name every person who entered his home.

I recall an incident that happened many years ago, with my esteemed father Rabbeinu Moshe Ahron zya"a. He required a certain medical procedure on his eyes and I was directed to an expert doctor for eye disease, who lived in Manchester, England. I accompanied my father zya"a on this trip and on arriving in England, we took a taxi to the doctor's house. The taxi stopped two streets away from his house since there was no entry for vehicles, and from there we had to make our way by foot.

Wonder of wonders! My father had never been to England and was not familiar with its streets, but when we got out of the taxi he started walking quickly with his face down. He knew exactly where to turn and where to go, and I had to run to try and keep up with him, all the time wondering how he knew the way.

When we arrived at the doctor's house, Abba zya"a stopped and asked me simply, "Is this where the doctor lives?" And indeed it was the right address.

How did Abba zya'a merit attaining these holy levels? Because he rectified his eyes and was most particular to guard them from looking at forbidden sights. This is how he merited seeing things with Divine inspiration. With this spiritual vision, he knew how to get to the doctor's home, without any previous knowledge of the area.

May it be His will that we merit guarding our eyes against looking at improper sights and may we sanctify ourselves with our actions, sight and thoughts. Amen v'Amen.

So Many Sinners, How Can Moshiach Come?


Question:
Can the Moshiach come in our time, even though there are people who have not yet repented and don't keep the Torah?

Answer:
Regarding the coming of the Redemption, our sages taught: “This matter depends only on repentance.” Maimonides likewise writes that “The Torah has promised that the Jewish people will ultimately repent at the end of their exile, and will immediately be redeemed.” However, the Redemption will not be delayed even if this condition is not fulfilled. There are three reasons for this:

1) There is no one who has not had at least one thought of repentance at least a few times in the course of his life. Even one such thought can transform a person from an utter rasha to a perfect tzaddik.

2) Many of those who do not keep the Torah and its commandments were not raised in observant homes, and have not had the benefit of a comprehensive Jewish education. As such, they have the halachic status of victims of duress, and the Torah exonerates them for their lack of observance.

3) The Redemption will come even before the Jewish people repent. It is written in Psalms, “And He will redeem Israel from all its sins.” Commentators explain, “Even sin will not obstruct the Redemption, for He will redeem Israel from sin.”

G-d is merciful and overlooks transgressions, as described in the verse: “Who is a G-d like You, Who pardons iniquity, and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not maintain His anger forever, for He delights in mercy.”

Rabbi David Kimche comments on this verse: “As to those people who remain when the Redeemer comes..... even though their unworthy deeds could make them liable for the punishment of not being redeemed from exile, G-d will not direct attention forever to their deeds, for He delights in mercy.”

[From Exile to Redemption, pp. 128-29. Sicha of Parshat Vayechi 5751. Shabbos 68b. Bava Kama 28b. Tehillim 130:8. Meztudas David, loc. cit. Michah 7:18]

Source: ChabadWorld.net


Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Result of Causing Someone Else to Suffer



וְעֵינֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ כָּֽבְד֣וּ מִזֹּ֔קֶן לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִרְא֑וֹת Yaakov was no longer able to see." [VaYechi 48:10]

Chazal tell us various reasons why Yitzchok became blind. but why did Yaakov become blind?

Rav Shlomo Zalman Zelaznik Ztz"l. the Rosh Yeshiva of Eitz Chaim. explained with the principle that if someone suffers on your account, you are punished, even if you have done nothing wrong. In Yaakov's case we find two people whose eyes suffered on account of him. The first was Yitzchok. who Chazal say became blind so that Yaakov would be able to fool him and take the blessings. The second is Leah. whose eyes were swollen because she was destined to marry Eisav. while Rochel was supposed to marry Yaakov.

 "Either of these two occurrences," says Rav Zelaznik, "were enough cause to warrant Yaakov losing his eyesight despite his complete innocence of any wrongdoing. If such is the Midas HaDin when we are completely innocent of any wrongdoing, certainly, if we actually play a part in the suffering of another person, we are in huge trouble."

Source: Revach.net

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Rabbi Pinto's Warning Dream Message


Latest video from Rabbi Glazerson:

''Rabbi Pinto:  In a dream I had on Shabbat, I was informed about a great shock that is going to happen in the coming days, and Jews are required to strengthen themselves in the Torah.''


There Shall Come Forth a Shoot.....


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

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Hints to Gog u Magog



Prophecy tells us that Persia [Iran] will initiate the final great war of Gog u Magog and will attempt to destroy the world.

Trump says that he has selected 52 targets in Iran should they seek revenge.

Gematria of  מגוג ''Magog'' is 52.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Why The Redemption Seems To Take So Long


Rabbi Kessin is back.....new shiur - Given 1/4/2020 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin We apologize for the music in the background. There was a siyum hashas celebration going on in the room across the hall.


Sunday, January 5, 2020

Coincidence?


Received via WhatsApp

19th Kislev [Rosh Hashana of Chassidus] 5777 - December 19 2016 - President Trump is voted by the electoral college to be the 45th President of the US.

11th Nissan 5777/ April 6 2017 - in Israel it was night so already 11 Nissan - the Rebbe's birthday - Trump strikes Syria's Assad forces, his first large military strike.

19th Kislev 5778/December 6 2017 - in Israel it was night time so already 19 Kislev the Rosh Hashana of Chassidus] - it is officially announced to the whole world that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.

Zot Chanukah 5778/December 20 2017 - Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin is commuted, after 8 years and on the 8th day of Chanukah.

28th Sivan 5778/June 11, 2018 - anniversary of the day the Rebbe came to America, which he declared to be the day we begin fixing the lowest elements in the world -  first historical meeting of a US President with the world's foremost dictator Kim Jong Un in an effort to curb nuclear weapons [a work in progress].

Purim 5779/March 21 2019 - the Trump administration recognize the Golan Heights as part of Israel.

11th Nissan 5779/April 16 2019 - the Rebbe's birthday - Notre Dame goes up in flames - the church which was meant to symbolize God's dismissal of the Jewish people in favour of the Xtians.

27th Tishrei 5780/October 27 2019 [in Washington where the orders were given it was still Shabbos the 27th] - Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS killed himself during a US raid by 8 helicopters Shabbos Bereishis 5780, a Shabbat which the Rebbes of Chabad deemed extra special.

20th Cheshvan 5780/ November 18, 2019 - the birthday of the 5th Chabad Rebbe the Rebbe Rashab [who fought for the establishment of a Yeshiva and to fortify the Yishuv in Chevron] - Mike Pompeo annouced an historic reversal of US policy that Israeli settlements are not inherently illegal and that of course includes Chevron [also the Torah portion of that DAY was about Avraham buying land in Chevron].

13th Kislev 5780/December 11, 2019  -Didan Natzach - the day it was decided in 5746 the Rebbe does not need to come to court to testify in the Sefarim trial [Chassidim explained the significance of this is that the Halacha is that a King doesn't testify] - Trump signs executive orders to combat anti-semitism that essentially defines the Jewish people as a Nationality [when there's a King there needs to be a People].

14th Kislev 5780 /December 12, 2019 - anniversary of the Rebbe and Rebetzin's wedding - Boris Johnson leads his conservative party to a stunning victory with a majority of 80 seats in the miracle year of 5780 over the shameful labour party led by the known anti-semite Jeremy Corbyn.

5th Teves 5780/January 2, 2020 - Didan Natzach - day of victory of the Sefarim from Russia - in a surprise airstrike the US killed the top Iranian military commander of the revolutionary Guards Quds force, Gen. Qassim Soleimani, together with his buddy Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis.

So what do all these dates have in common? They are all auspicious days in Chabad.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Prayers for Rain



Australia is burning and we desperately need rain.  Please pray for rain for Australia.

Below is a list of Psalms for various occasions, but right now we need your prayers for rain.



Rebbe Nachman's Tikun HaK'Lali (Complete Remedy) is a set of 10 Psalms [Tehillim] which, when said daily, are of great benefit for all ailments and difficult situations in a person's life.  Rebbe Nachman advised people to say these 10 Psalms daily:

"I am very positive in everything I say. But I am most positive in regard to the great benefit of these ten Psalms."
"These are the ten Psalms: 16, 32, 41, 42, 59, 77, 90, 105, 137, 150."
"This is the General Remedy. There is a specific remedy for each sin, but this is the general remedy."
"Go out and spread the teaching of the ten Psalms to all men."
"It may seem like an easy thing to say ten Psalms. But it will actually be very difficult in practice."

[Rebbe Nachman of Breslov]


Other Psalms and when to say them:
To find a mate (shidduch) - Psalm Nos. 32, 38, 70, 71, 72, 82, 121, 124

On the day of a wedding - Psalm 19

For healthy childbirth - Psalms 4, 5, 8, 20, 35, 57, 93, 108, 142

Upon the birth of a child - Psalms 20,139

On the day of a circumcision - Psalm 12

For recovery from illness - Psalms 6, 13, 20, 22, 23, 30, 32, 38, 41, 51, 86, 88, 91, 102, 103, 121, 130, 142, 143

For livelihood - Psalms 23, 34, 36, 62, 65, 67, 85, 104, 121, 136, 144, 145

For peace - Psalm 46

In times of crisis - Psalms 20, 121, 130

Antidote for rejoicing at an enemy's downfall - Psalm 7

For success - Psalm 112

For protection against an ayin hora - Psalm 59

For the Jewish People - Psalms 43, 79, 80, 83

For thanksgiving - Psalms 9, 21, 57, 95, 100, 116, 138

For Divine guidance - Psalm 139

For repentance - Psalms 51, 90

For help in troublesome times - Psalms 20, 38, 85, 86, 102, 130, 142

Prayer recited when traveling - Psalm 91

Psalm of thanksgiving for a miracle - Psalm 18

Psalm of thanksgiving upon being rescued - Psalm 124

In a house of mourning - Psalm 49

At a gravesite or on a Yahrzeit - Psalms 33, 16, 17, 72, 91, 104, 130

At the dedication of a monument - Psalm 1

For "supernatural" results: 121, 130 or 142 - all three Psalms have eight verses, eight represents "Above Nature" - the time of Moshiach.

Tehillim online: Hebrew and English: Mechon Mamre

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

A Completely Different Lens on Anti Semitism

I've been following this guy on FB [The Nation of Israel] and he is making a lot of sense.

Please listen - 17 mins


Monday, December 30, 2019

Newborn Stars

I think this is so beautiful.... NASA's photo of newborn stars in space


Rabbi Jacobson on Anti Semitism in America


''It starts with the Jews, but doesn't end with the Jews. We must keep Torah values among ourselves and the rest of the World.''

Friday, December 27, 2019

A Time of Favour



The Be'er Hachaim [Chanukah, p 125] writes:  ''The Zohar [206a] teaches that whenever the Aron HaKodesh is opened it is an Eis Ratzon [a time of favour].  We have a direct kabbalah from the Tzemach Tzedek, who heard from his grandfather the Ba'al HaTanya, who heard from . his Rebbe, the Maggid of Mezeritch, who heard from his own Rebbe, the Ba'al Shem Tov, that all prayers and supplications that are uttered when the Aron is open will be fulfilled in part or in full.

Many students of the Ba'al Shem Tov testify that at that moment the gates of compassion are opened and great things can be accomplished.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Hidden Inner LIght


If one would look deeply enough into the dark, one will see a light. It is the inner light, the soul of man.

"The candle of the Lord is the soul of man, exploring all of the inner chambers" [Mishlei 20:27]

This is not meant as fanciful poetry or empty words. Those who have experienced the inner glow know that its radiance is very real, very meaningful... it comes in flashes of truth and self-knowledge. And it is, indeed, a very splendid thing.

Our codifiers also recognise the validity of flashes in the dark. The Rambam teaches [Hilchos Talmud Torah] that although one is obligated to study the Torah at all times, the major portion of a person's wisdom is acquired in the still of the night. Torah study is, among other things, an exercise in self-discovery and improvement, and it should be studied in undisturbed nocturnal atmosphere. This inner light is very sensitive and must be carefully preserved: "A hasty step reduces the light of a person's eyes... This light may be regained at the Kiddush" [Shabbos 113a]

The man who is engrossed in the frantic pursuit of all that he sees around him is doomed to lose sight of the candle that burns within him. Only the serene sanctity of the Shabbos, its tranquil cessation of activity and hot pursuit, can restore to man his awareness of the precious inner light of his vision and his soul.

No Jewish holiday so lends itself to the challenges of the Age of Illumination as does the holiday of Chanukah, the festival of lights. If in doubt as to which lights are being celebrated, the outer or the inner - one need only to consult our sacred literature and find that these eight days are dedicated specifically to these latter lights, the internal illumination that brightens the soul.

The Rokeach, Rabbi Eliezer of Worms, a noted medieval scholar and authority, pointed out that a total of 36 candles are lit during the eight days of Chanukah. This corresponds to the first 36 hours of creation when a special unearthly radiance lit the universe. This spiritual light was quite different from any light we know now. But its potency was too intense to serve man's everyday, earthly needs and G-d hid it from view. Yet that light still exists - in the Torah - and it is for this reason that the Aramaic term for Torah is Oraisa - source of light.

One may wonder - if it was destined for concealment why did G-d ever create this advanced form of light? The answer to this is classically Jewish - better a hidden light than no light at all. For even though it was hidden, the light does exist and can be revealed to anyone who sincerely strives to find it. Those few who have succeeded in perceiving this light are the legendary lamed-vav 'niks - the 36 righteous men concealed from recognition in every generation.

Actually, one need not be a lamed-vavnik to uncover at least a portion of this hidden light, for anyone who studies Torah with sincerity may discover its splendour.

Source: "Seasons of the Soul" edited by Rabbi Nisson Wolpin

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Preparing For Redemption: Perspective On Current Events

Making sense of life is not always easy to do. There are times that we know G-d is talking to us on an individual or collective level through events or patterns that replay themselves. The question that is hard to answer: What is G-d’s message to us? How am I supposed to understand what G-d is trying to tell me? 

Rabbi Pinchas Winston, a luminary and scholar of Torah wisdom gives us The Equation Of Life through which we can gain new clarity and perspective on understanding our lives and the events therein. To gain more wisdom from Rabbi Winston and learn about his many books check out his website thirtysix.org

Monday, December 23, 2019

Life is but a Dream

Art: UKTara

"At the end of two years, it happened that Pharoah was dreaming....." [Miketz 41:1]

Pharoah's dream is the very beginning of the story of Egyptian exile.  The dream predicted a famine which eventually caused Yaakov and his family to settle in Egypt where, a generation later, they were enslaved.

In the times of exile, the Jewish people are forced to withstand the fluctuation between two contradictory modes of life: love of G-d at the time of prayer, and then total immersion into the physical world during one's business and private affairs the rest of the day. 

Chassidic teachings compare this situation to a dream, because in a dream two opposite, contradictory phenomena can co-exist simultaneously.

In order to hint to this idea, the precursor of the Egyptian exile - our current story - was recorded in the Torah as a dream.

Based on Likutei Sichos of the Lubavitcher Rebbe vol 15 p.346