Wednesday, November 11, 2020

History Repeating.....


This week's Haftorah tells how Dovid HaMelech's son Adoniyahu attempted to illegitimately seize the Kingship which was not rightfully his.

Using falsehood and deception, he caused some of the most respected and influential figures in King David's government to believe that he had been legitimately granted the Kingship.

The presence of the influential figures convinced the masses that his claim to the throne was legitimate, and he arranged a large celebration in anticipation of his ascension to be King, chanting and screaming ''Long Live our King Adoniyahu!"

Despite his brazen attempt to steal the crown - in the process convincing the masses that he was the legitimate heir to the throne - he was not successful, and David made clear who the rightful successor would be [his son Shlomo].

Adoniyahu is the same gematria as Biden  [76]

אדניהו
 
בּיידן

Hasidic Jews in New York

 

A 3 part video series, which I thought readers would find interesting.  Peter Santenello goes to Brooklyn to find out what really goes on in the Hasidic communities.  





No Revenge

 


Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Words of Comfort

Text by Naftali

For anyone who may be feeling the burden of these uncertain times, I would like to share some words of comfort. 

The verse states ״עֵת־צָרָה הִיא לְיַעֲקֹב וּמִמֶּנָּה יִוָּשֵׁעַ״  

“it is a time of distress for Jacob, through which he shall be saved.” [Jeremiah 30:7] 

The initial letters of the first three words in this verse spell the word ״עצה״ “Solution”. This coincides with the idea that GD puts the solution in place before the hardship. 

The initial letters of the last three words of this verse add up to the numerical value of “46” hinting at the current time where a 46th president seems to have been “elected”. 

There’s a solution in place, for our current time. Do not despair! Good things are on the horizon, from financial to health and everything you can and cannot imagine, the likes that we have never seen before.  

וְהַבּוֹטֵ֥חַ בַּֽ״ד חֶ֜֗סֶד יְסֽוֹבְבֶֽנּוּ'' “but as for him who trusts in the Lord- kindness will encompass him.” [Psalms 32:10]

See this video from Rabbi Glazerson for more. [Hebrew]



Friday, November 6, 2020

Putting the Alef into Exile = Geula


 Picture of the Rebbe by Leon Sternberg


Text by Binyamin HaLevi

The Lubavitcher Rebbe prophesied thirty years ago "that this year 5781 will be the year when I [Hashem] will surely show you Wondrous Miracles", it is appropriate that we open our eyes and bring the following quotation of the Rebbe:

 א - אלופו של עולם - גולה - גאולה 

As is known, that by bringing the Alef - א of אלופו של עולם - the commander of the world into the exile [גולה] – by our Torah activities and our Avoda throughout the period of exile, thereupon “depends the Geula” – coming from within the exile itself – the גאולה - Geula - Redemption. 

And more, since this comes because of the concealment and disguise of the exile, the revelation of the true and complete Geula will be a break-through of overwhelming strength, a Geula never to be followed by exile, “Hashem will rule for all eternity”.

More from the Rebbe on the revelation of Moshiach:

[How, moments before the appearance of the new moon - Royalty - King David [Moshiach] there will no sign in the events of the world of Moshiach's arrival. And this is immediately followed by the appearance and arrival of Moshiach. - Translator].

 ויאמר לו יהונתן מחר חודש ונפקדת כי יפקד מושבך 

And Yehonasan said to him [David] tomorrow is the first day of the new month and you will be remembered because your seat will be empty”, my father [King Saul] will be reminded of you and ask where you are?” [Shmuel 1.20.18]. 

And this is connected to מחר חודש tomorrow is the first day of the new month [moon]: before the first day of the month there is concealment - the moon is hidden, that up until the moment before birth of the moon there does not even remain a minute remnant [“the seat of David will be missing” - of Malchus - his Kingdom, the spiritual source of the moon]. And immediately thereafter comes [tomorrow -] the month, the birth of the moon appearing afresh “and you [King David] will be remembered”. 

Parshas Shemini 5752

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Who Will Win the Election?

This is a very interesting shiur from Rabbi Anava. I'm listening to it now and thought it worth sharing.

Rabbi Anava, more than any other Rabbi on the internet, explains everything in a way that can be understood by Jews and nonJews alike.  He translates and he shows the text from the Torah in English so people can clearly see what is written there and understand that the Torah is not just a book, but in fact is a matrix which needs to be taught by a competent Rabbi.  

Listen to this shiur and see the incredible predictions from the Torah, which in hindsight we can see clearly have come about through the election of Donald Trump four years ago.  

The last half hour of this lecture may upset some people, because here Rabbi Anava talks about the destruction of America.  Whatever your personal opinion may be, bear the following in mind.... the Lubavitcher Rebbe prophesied that 5781 would be a Year of Wonders, and the Rebbe was and is a Tzaddik whose words were never incorrect.  


Sunday, November 1, 2020

Hidden Blessings



“A blessing rests only on something that is hidden from the eye.” [Taanit 5b]

"And they gave their father wine to drink on that night....."[Vayeira 19:33 ]


According to the Zohar, the dot on the word - וּבְקוּמָהּ - alludes to the fact that God was secretly assisting this event, because Moshiach was to materialize from it, since Ruth, King David's great-grandmother, was a convert from the Moabites.

The latter event between Lot and his younger daughter [19:35] is written without the letter vav, to indicate that the union did not produce such great offspring.  Rabbi  Shimon said "When the verses states that Lot wasn't aware, it means he wasn't aware that Moshiach was destined to come from this union."

Why should the beginnings of Moshiach occur in such an undignified manner?

Ramak explains that when a very lofty soul is about to descend into the world, the forces of kelipah [evil] oppose the soul's descent vehemently.  Sometimes, however, kelipah will consent to the soul's descent if it occurs amidst a particularly sinful act.  Thus we find that from this undesirable act the ancestor of Moshiach was born.

Source: Lubavitcher Rebbe

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Dove's Message

Art: Charnine

"The dove came to him toward evening, and behold it had plucked an olive leaf with its beak"
[Noach 8:11]

Rashi, quoting a Midrash, recounts that the dove said to Noach: "Let my food be as bitter as an olive - as long as it is provided by the hand of HaKadosh Baruch Hu - and not as sweet as honey - if it will be provided by the hand of flesh and blood."

Why, asked the Dubno Maggid, would the dove make such a statement to Noach before taking leave of him and the ark?  Hadn't Noach so graciously provided for it and cared for all of its needs over the course of an entire year?

Rather, answered the Maggid, the dove was concerned that perhaps Noach would suspect that it had returned not because the flood had ended but because it knew that it would receive all of its food on the ark.  This is why the dove told Noach, "I have not returned for food. For I prefer to be sustained with food that is as bitter as olives, as long as it is provided by Hashem, rather than with food that is as sweet as honey but provided by man!"

Source: Rabbi Y. Bronstein

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Garments of Leather



by Rabbi David Pinto Shlita

It is written “Hashem made for Adam and his wife garments of skin, and He clothed them” [Bereishit 3:21]

Why did G-d choose garments of skin to clothe Adam and his wife?

The author of Tzafnat Pa’aneach offers us a subtle explanation: When Adam discovered that he was naked and needed to be clothed, he was in a situation that required him to recite the Shecheyanu blessing, for he would be wearing a new garment. However the Halachah forbids a person from reciting a blessing if he is naked.

Adam was therefore faced with a dilemma: Should he recite a blessing for his first garment, and if so, how should he say it?

Hence the verse states, “Hashem G-d made for Adam and his wife garments of skin, and He clothed them.” It specifically mentions garments of skin because Shecheyanu is not recited over leather garments, since “His mercy extends to all His creatures” [Tehillim 145:9]. By fashioning garments of skin for Adam while he was still naked, Hashem exempted him from having to recite Shecheyanu.

Monday, October 12, 2020

Are We There Yet?

One of the conditions that will occur before Moshiach is that ''the pious will be despised''.

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.  Source: Chabad

A quick glance at any news outlet will show you many stories of the orthodox [Hareidi] celebrating the chagim amidst corona... whatever your opinion is, it is a fact that right now the pious are despised, accused of spreading corona. 

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

18 Tishrei Yahrzeit Rebbe Nachman of Breslov


Rebbe Nachman of Breslov's histalkus [ascent from the body] took place in Uman, a Ukrainian town in Kiev oblast, on the 18th of Tishrei, which is the second day of Chol HaMo'ed Succos, 5571 [Oct. 16, 1810]. According to his express wish, Rebbe Nachman was buried in the old Jewish cemetery, together with more than 20,000 martyrs of the Haidamack massacres of 5528 [1768]. His surviving family members included his second wife, who built over his grave the original Ohel [a wooden structure to accommodate those who wished to pray nearby]; his daughters Adel, Sarah, Miriam, and Chaya; and several grandchildren. According to one tradition, the Rebbe's father, Rabbi Simcha, survived him, as well. 

It is customary for Breslover Chasidim to gather together on "Chai Tishrei" in order to commemorate the Rebbe's Yahrzeit. As is commonly the case in the Breslov community, there are no special minhagim [customs] associated with this event, other than lighting a Yahrzeit candle, giving Tzedakah [charity] in Rebbe Nachman's memory, and engaging in the study of Rebbe Nachman's writings.

To read and learn Rebbe Nachman's teachings, click on the REBBE NACHMAN label below this post.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

5781: Heading for a Showdown

 by Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh

…and their lifeblood is dashed against My garments and I have stained all My raiment. For the day of vengeance is in My heart and the year of My redeemed has come.” [Isaiah 63:3-4]

These two verses in the portion of Prophets read on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah always awaken our hopes: Perhaps this is the year that we have anticipated for so long? Perhaps this is the year of redemption?

“For the day of vengeance is in My heart.” God has a passion to take vengeance. The vengeance in this verse refers to Edom, but the essence of Edom is Israel’s age-old archenemy, Amalek. The numerical value of Amalek (עֲמָלֵק) is the same as doubt (סָפֵק), safek. Amalek represents doubt. These verses are particularly relevant this year.

The coming year is 5781 since the creation. It is customary to designate the year by discarding the thousands and thus this year is known as, תשפ”א, or 781, which is (among other important things) the numerical value of Israel-Amalek (יִשְׂרָאֵל עֲמָלֵק), together. This means that the coming year is a decisive one. We might go so far as to say that this year will see the final showdown between Israel and its archenemy, Amalek. God’s spirit will rest upon Israel “And the spirit of Havayah will rest upon him,” [the value of the words, “Israel” (יִשְׂרָאֵל) and “God’s spirit” (רוּחַ הוי’) together also equals 781] and Israel will defeat Amalek. Israel will defeat doubt.

Vengeance on Doubt

What is the doubt that we must defeat? After the Israelites in the desert asked, “Is God in our midst or not?”[1] the following verse says, “And Amalek came and made war with Israel.” Amalek attacks us with the most painful and destructive doubt of all: Is God here, present, and with us, or is He not? Amalek has the power to make us doubt the existence of that which is clearly here.

“For the day of vengeance is in My heart.” The commentators explain that “in My heart” means that the desire to take vengeance on Amalek has been in God’s heart for generations, as is written, “God’s war with Amalek from generation to generation.”[2] It is as if God has restrained Himself throughout the years, but now the time has come. The entire movie is nothing more than a backdrop for the showdown. The showdown, the climax of the movie, is upon us.

The heart is the seat of desire. “The day of vengeance in My heart” means that God has a desire for that day to arrive. If God has this desire, why does He restrain Himself? God fulfills the teaching in the holy Zohar and the holy Tanya: “The mind controls the heart.”[3] This means that the intellect controls one’s passions and desires. We generally think of passion or lust in negative terms, as the evil inclination or the animal soul. But there are also positive passions: “The cravings of the righteous are strictly good.”[4] God is the Tzaddik, the Righteous of the world, and certainly, His desires are all positive. But the mind also controls positive desires. It reins them in if the time has not yet come. The mind sees the possible outcome of the fulfillment of a particular desire and knows when the proper time has come. It controls the desire of the heart so that it will wait for the exact moment—for “the year of My redeemed has come.”

The Mind’s Inner Dimension is Pleasure

Sometimes, however, the desire is so strong that the person’s mind cannot overcome it. An example of this would be when Joseph could no longer hold himself back and revealed his identity to his brothers. It is then that the inner dimension of the heart enters the arena to control the mind. In spite of the power of the heart’s inner dimension wanting to reveal the year of redemption, the mind’s inner dimension can still exercise control over the heart’s inner dimension. So, the wait may continue until the mind’s inner dimension has decided that the time is right.

What is the difference between the mind’s inner dimension and the ‘regular’ mind that controls the heart? When we say that the mind controls the heart, we mean that the mind, which sees the potential repercussions or outcomes of a particular action, perceives that the time is not yet ripe—the mind judges that the world is not yet ready. The perfect, precise backdrop is needed for “the year of My redeemed has come.”

The inner dimension of the mind is about something entirely different. It represents the feeling of Divine pleasure—it senses the exact moment when revealing, “the year of My redeemed” will cause the most pleasure. In Kabbalistic terms, the mind’s inner dimension is described as “the inner dimension of partzuf Abba [the father principle]” and this is equated with, “the inner dimension of Atik” (פְּנִימִיּוֹת אַבָּא פְּנִימִיּוֹת עַתִּיק), which in Chassidic thought is called “pleasure.” Thus, though in His heart, God desires “a day of vengeance” upon Amalek, in the inner aspects of the mind, God’s essential pleasure dictates otherwise. The time has not yet come for the manifestation of this essential pleasure. And so, we wait… until now. The showdown is always the movie’s climax, the high point of the entire story. It is “the year of My redeemed has come.”

Amalek’s Conversion

There is an important debate between the sages as to whether it is permissible to accept converts from Amalek. Maimonides determines that it is permissible, but there are many others who say that it is forbidden and that Amalekites must literally be killed, as in the verse, “Erase the memory of Amalek from beneath the heavens, do not forget.”[5] Maimonides writes that before going to war with Amalek, we offer peace. If he is willing to fulfill the seven Noahide commandments and to be subservient to Israel, he is accepted as a ger toshav, a foreign resident who accepts the Torah’s authority and the seven Noahide laws. Some sages say that if an Amalekite is willing to accept the conditions for becoming a ger toshav, he can then proceed to full conversion.

We see from this that there is a rectification for Amalek. It is written that the descendants of Haman (the Amalekite) taught Torah in Bnai Brak.[6] If they were teaching Torah in Bnai Brak, somebody must have converted them. There are opinions that they were accepted without knowledge of their lineage, which only became known after they converted. Nonetheless, we see that something good can come of Amalek—he can even become a Jew! Interestingly, the numerical value of “an Amalekite convert (גֵּר עֲמָלֵקִי) is equal to that of “the King Mashiach” (מֶלֶךְ הַמָּשִׁיחַ)!

[1] Exodus 17:7.

[2] Exodus 17:16.

[3] Tanya A 12.

[4] Proverbs 11:23.

[5] Deuteronomy 25:19.

[6] Sanhedrin 96b.