Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Emunah



from the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan


Faith is a very strong thing, and it can greatly fortify your life.

If you have faith, then you have a source of comfort and inspiration even when troubles strike. You realize that all troubles are ultimately for your good and are an atonement for your sins. You know that G-d will be good to you in the end, both in this world and the next.

The faithless skeptic, on the other hand, has nowhere to turn when troubles strike. He is utterly alone, without comfort or inspiration.

It is impossible to put everything into writing, but an intelligent man should be able to build upon this himself.

The main thing is innocent faith. With it, one can have a portion both in this world and the next. Happy is he who has such faith, for he shall never be moved.

There are souls conceived in absolute holiness. When such a holy soul comes down to this world and is not tainted with sin, it results in a person with perfect faith. Such a person never has any doubts.

Others can express their skepticism in such a man's presence, but his faith is no way disturbed. He is totally oblivious to all doubts. His ears are deaf to all their speculation and confusion.

Even one who is not endowed with such an extraordinary soul can realize that the average person's questions are mere foolishness. Upon close examination, their questions turn out not to be questions at all.

Many people are disturbed by questions for years, not realizing that their questions are actually answers. It is only their lack of intelligence that makes them seem like questions in the first place.

They have questions like those one might ask a child: "If we have a broken window, why replace it with a pane from the next window if a bird can then fly through the remaining empty frame?"

Such a question actually includes its own answer. But a child does not realize this and considers it a very difficult question. He will ponder it and not know what to reply.

But the question itself is really very foolish. The question about the bird is really the answer to the first foolish question. The reason why we do not use the adjacent pane is precisely because it leaves a space through which a bird can fly.

A young child does not have enough intelligence to realize that the answer is included in such a question. For this very reason, the question seems very difficult to him.

The same is true of many people. A foolish question enters their mind, and they have no idea that this question actually includes its own answer. It seems like a difficult question, but only because of their lack of intelligence. Understand this well.

Consider all this and be strong in faith. Flee from this foolishness and confusion, and cast all questions and doubts from your mind.

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Women First

Art Michoel Muchnik


by J. Immanuel Schochet

“Thus you shall say to the House of Jacob and tell the Children of Israel.” - [Yitro 19:3]

Our sages state that “House of Jacob” refers to the women of Israel, and “Children of Israel” to the men. When G‑d gave the Torah to Israel, He told Moses to approach the women first.

The purpose of the exodus from Egypt was for the Jewish people to receive the Torah at Sinai, as it is written: “When you will have brought the people out from Egypt, you shall serve G‑d upon this mountain” [Shemot 3:12]. Of the exodus itself it is said that it occurred in the merit of the pious women of that generation. Thus, when it came to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the women were given precedence.

The Messianic redemption, too, will come about in the merit of the righteous women of Israel, as stated in the Midrash: “All generations are redeemed by virtue of the pious women of their generation” [Yalkut Shimoni, Ruth: 606]. Thus the women will once again be first to receive the wondrous teachings to be heard from Moshiach.

Source: Chabad

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Has the End of the World Arrived?


New shiur from Rabbi Mizrachi - @  approx 1 hour 33 mins he starts to talk about the virus, and gives advice on what to do right now.


Trump Acquittal and Another ''Coincidence''


If you remember this post from a while back: where major events were shown as occurring on special Chabad dates.....

here's another one to add to the list.

Trump's acquittal occurring on Yud Shevat : the day the Lubavitcher Rebbe took the reins from his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, 70 years ago.  Whilst it is already 11 Shevat here in Australia, the date in America is 10 Shevat.


Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Peace, Plagues and Politics

Tamar Yonah interviews Rabbi Mendel Kessin Feb 4 2020

Many say that we are indeed in the Messianic Era. If so, what are we to understand from the recent events of peace plans, plagues (the Coronavirus), and politics (the upcoming Israeli elections)?

Click here to listen

Parshas HaMon

Art: Heidi Malott
Parshas HaMon: a segula for parnasa, is recited today Tuesday 5 February.

Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Riminov [1745-1815], a disciple of the Holy Rebbe Elimelech of Lizhensk, instructed everyone to read "Parshat HaMann" specifically on the Yom Shlishi [Tuesday] of Parshat Beshalach in the "Shnayim Mikra v'Echad Targum" format, i.e. reading the Hebrew verses twice and the Aramaic translation of Onkelos once.   This year it will occur today Tuesday 5 February.

Not to be confused with the evil villain of the Purim story, Parshat haMann [The Chapter of the Manna] is found in the 16th Chapter of the Book of Exodus: verses 4-36. This Chapter details the episode of the miraculous "Manna" [bread from heaven] that sustained the Children of Israel during their 40-year journey in the desert.

Rav Yosef Caaro, the "mechaber" [compiler] of the monumental Halachic text, the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 1:5, instructs us to recite it daily. Other giants of Halacha also point to the importance of reciting it daily: The Tur 1; Aruch Hashulchan 1:22; Shulchan Aruch HaRav 1:9.

By so doing, every Jew acknowledges that his/her livelihood comes from only from Hashem. Reciting the Parshat HaMann daily strengthens one's Emuna and Bitachon [belief and trust] in HASHEM, and is a "Segula for Parnassa" [auspicious for having a healthy income].

To read Parshat haMann in Hebrew [with the Aramaic translation of Onkelos], please visit: Tefillos.com

English version here: Ou.org

Miracle of Re-Growth after Fires in Australia

Photo: Cyn Bodycote - Shark Bay Iluka in New South Wales, Australia.

Kate Geraghty: The Sydney Morning Herald/Getty Images - A green fern stands starkly against the burned flora in the Blackheath woods.

Photo Cyn Bodycote - Shark Bay Iluka in NSW.

KarenHBlack/Getty Images - Christmas bells flowers are only found in Australia.

Andrew Merry/Getty Images - Grass trees are found in all Australian states and territories.

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

“Moshiach Is Standing Next To The Wall”

HT: Sherry


“We’re in a terrible situation,” Harav Amar said. “We were never in a situation like this regarding the elections. I’m not a political person and I haven’t spoken about this, but there’s another election and another election and we don’t see a way out. Who knows what Hakadosh Baruch Hu is preparing for us. Who knows if Melech Ha’Moshiach isn’t already on the way.”

“Also regarding what the US President Trump is doing – things that we never dreamed in our best dreams – and he’s continuing and doing more. And all the leaders who came, Putin and others, spreading the name of Israel. It’s impossible to ignore. These are things we never dreamed of. Isn’t it the preparation for the coming of Moshiach?”

“This the preparation [for Moshiach],” Harav Amar emphasized. “I want to tell you something personal. A few weeks ago I went to a wedding in Bnei Brak…My mashgiach from yeshivah ketanah, Tiferes Tzion – the yeshivah that the Chazon Ish established where Harav Chaim Greineman and Harav Chaim Kanievsky learned as well as others – walked in.”

“[My mashgiach] told me that a little while ago he wanted to travel abroad for his kollel. He went to Harav Chaim Kanievsky to tell him. Harav Chaim said to him: “Rebbi Yitzchak, you’re traveling abroad? You don’t know that Moshiach is standing next to the wall.’ Harav Chaim told him to remain and he did.”

Source: Yeshiva World

Monday, February 3, 2020

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

Sunday, February 2, 2020

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.

Friday, January 31, 2020

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

''Moshiach will come before then''


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.  

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Corona Virus #2

This image is from Jewishinfographics
Please click the link to read their original post
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

Monday, January 27, 2020

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 פרעהHashem 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!

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Corona Virus and Hints to Moshiach


Today is the first day of the Chinese new year of the Rat, just by the way

The calculations below come from Yeranen Yaakov and I take no credit for any of them.


מצמיח קרן ישועה Coronation of Mashiach 
קורונה [Corona] is how it's spelled in Wikipedia which is the gematria of 367 and is also the gematria of המשיח בא [the Moshiach comes] with the kollel

It originated from snakes, which are in the Parasha and represent the yetzer hara/the satan and were the cause of another famous plague in Parashat Korah

נגיף קורונה (coronavirus, as Wikipedia has it) - if we use the ף as 800 - has the gematria of 1230. 

1230 is the gematria of the phrase in Daniel 12:7 in red below:  And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he lifted up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swore by Him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Quick Blog before Shabbas

There are several things I wanted to blog in the past couple of days but I didn't have the energy.... I had a bad reaction to some medication and I'm waiting for the horrible stuff to get out of my system.

First, this diagram posted on FB by Yaakov Sandler, which shows how a marriage between a man and a woman needs to include Hashem, and without Hashem you just have FIRE.  This is an indication to me that the fires in Australia have been so bad because of the Same Sex Marriage vote some time ago.  How can a marriage between same sex individuals include G-d?  It can't, as the diagram belows shows you.




Unrelated to the above, is an 8 minute extract from Rabbi Kessin's video - Rabbi Mendel Kessin explains that the reason President Trump is being irrationally attacked from before he was even inaugurated all the way up to the current impeachment, is because, as the good part of Eisav, he is here to reverse everything that Eisav himself and his ideological progenitors have done to the Jewish people over the last 3000 years. He is here to elevate Yaakov/Israel. The attack includes accusing Trump of anti-semitism by anti-semites themselves...as well as being accused by Democrats of doing things that they themselves did...ie Russia and Ukraine.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Arrogance is the Root of all Vices



by Rabbi David Hanania Pinto 

“But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and I will increase My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt” [Vaeira 7:3]

Rashi explains: “But I will harden”: Since he [Pharaoh] behaved wickedly and defied Me, and I know full well that there is no delight among the nations to make a wholehearted attempt to repent, it is better for Me that his heart be hardened, so that [I can] increase My signs and My wonders in him… Nevertheless, in the first five plagues, it does not say, “And the Lord strengthened Pharaoh’s heart,” but “Pharaoh’s heart remained steadfast.” These are the words of Rashi. Since Hashem saw that Paroah had intentionally hardened his heart, He reinforced his hardness of heart, but at first, despite all the plagues that befell him, Pharoah persisted stubbornly in his rebellion and was not inclined to do teshuvah, even after seeing the truth before his eyes that whatever Moshe said came true with every plague.

We need to clarify, from where did he get the strength to persist with his wickedness and hard hardness and refuse to let the Jews go. After all, the Egyptians were struck with painful plagues, so why did he not change his mind?

This is because the vice of arrogance was his ruination. Arrogance is the root of all vices.

When a person is proud and arrogant, he is not ready to listen even to true messages that others tell him, even if he sees the truth before his eyes. His arrogance blinds him to the obvious truth; consequently, he becomes trapped by his pride.

On the contrary, when a person behaves humbly and unassumingly, he is a receptacle for all positive virtues. He has a sympathetic ear to hear others and is capable of accepting his fellow’s point of view. If the latter is right, he admits the truth and accepts those who say it, whether they are younger or older than him. However, Pharaoh, the wicked, did not behave in this way. He stubbornly hardened his heart despite the painful plagues.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Genuine Wonder or Optical Illusion

Art: Jacek Yerka
"Provide a wonder for yourselves" [Va'eira 7:9]

Why, asked R' Elimelech of Lizhensk, would Pharoah ask Moshe to "provide a wonder for yourselves"?  Since Pharoah was the one who wanted proof of Moshe's legitimacy, would it not have made more sense for him to say "Provide a wonder for me"?

The difference, answered the Rebbe, between a genuine wonder and one which is no more than an optical illusion is that the illusion amazes only those who witness it.  However, the one who performs the feat is not impressed in the least, since he knows that it was no more than a delusion.  A genuine wonder, on the other hand, amazes not only its spectators, but even the tzaddik who performs it.

This, then, was Pharoah's intention when he said: "Provide a wonder for yourselves" - Provide us with a true wonder, one that will not only dazzle us but will even make an impression upon yourselves."

Source: Rabbi Y. Bronstein

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Brisker Rav's Prediction

The Brisker Rav

Yitzchok Zev (Velvel) Halevi Soloveitchik (Gri"z), also known as the "Brisker Rav," was the last rabbi of the town of Brisk (Brest, Belarus) before the Holocaust. His father, R. Chaim Soloveitchik, was Rosh Yeshiva of the Volozhin yeshiva, while his maternal grandfather, R. Rafael Shapira was its long-time Rosh Yeshiva. He was an extraordinary learner, and was said to have memorized the entire Babylonian Talmud, along with Rashi, by age 16. After the closing of the Volozhin yeshiva, the family moved to Brisk, where his paternal grandfather, R. Yosef Ber Soloveitchik, was Rav. The position then passed to his father and later to himself. He Holocaust forced him to flee to Jerusalem, where he maintained a position of non-participation with the Israeli government, including opposition to receiving government funding for yeshivot. His children and followers founded several yeshivas in Jerusalem, all known as Brisk.  [Source: Sefaria.org]

Yeranen Yaakov translates Rav Fish on the Brisker Rav's prediction for Moshiach 5780/81: click here to read

Friday, January 17, 2020

Psalms to say for Other People



by Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh

Q: Are there certain chapters of Psalms to say when praying for someone?

A: First of all, it is good to say the chapter of the person for whom you are praying, which is his age plus 1, as we learn from the Ba’al Shem Tov. For example, if a person is 23 years old, this means that he is already in his 24th year, so chapter 24 is his chapter for the year. This is the chapter that we should say when praying for him. In addition, various chapters are recommended for specific issues, and are written in some holy books and books of Psalms.

Another way to pray for someone is to spell out the letters of his name according to chapter 119 in Psalms. In this chapter, there are eight verses for every letter of the alef-beit. The correct way to spell out the name is as follows: For every letter of the person’s name, we take the verse that begins with that letter in chapter 119, as per its place in the name. For example, if we want to pray for someone named Moshe David (משה דוד) we read the first verse of the letter mem in chapter 119, followed by the second verse of the letter shin, etc. When we get to the second name, in this case, David, we continue. The letter dalet is the fourth letter, so we would read the fourth verse of the letter dalet, the fifth verse of the letter vav, etc.

If the full name has more than eight letters, we begin again from the first verse of the letter for the 9th letter of the name, etc.

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