18 March 2024

Are Fireworks In Order?

9 Adar Bet 5784

The Three Abrahamic Faiths are celebrating joint holidays this year:  Ramadan (Muslims) - Purim (Jews) - Easter (Christians).  Aren't we just one big happy family?  Who will be bringing the celebratory fireworks?

~ ~ ~

We're waiting and waiting for the next shoe to drop - the all-out war from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.  What are the chances that they are waiting for the 14th of Adar, the very date Haman HaRasha chose for our annihilation?  I mean isn't this the War with Amalek at the End of Days?  

Some people think the worst has already happened and we have taken lessons from the mistakes of Oct. 7th.  I think it's going to get a lot worse, Hashem yerachem, because there really has not been enough teshuvah.  

There is still a war on against the Torah.  The Temple Mount is still being desecrated by idolaters and practitioners of avodah zarah.  Hedonism and Shabbat desecration have become an accepted way of life among us and we self-righteously believe we are complete innocents in what is happening to us. 

Take a look at what is being planned for Purim this year.  While the chareidi rabbis have thoughtfully and rightly requested that their communities tone down their celebrations this year, Tel Aviv promises to go all out bigger than ever.


Just one of many scheduled.  Some start Thursday and go all the way through Sunday, including Shabbat.

While millions of Jews celebrate Passover, thousands of pilgrims flock to the Holy Land for the most important week in the Christian calendar. It's the most iconic place to commemorate the last days of Jesus' life which he spent in Jerusalem. The central days of the Holy Week are Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the culmination falls on Easter Sunday. Jerusalem hosts a Holy Week for both Catholic and Orthodox communities. The celebrations are quite similar, however, there are differences in rituals as well as dates.

The official beginning of the celebration falls on Palm Sunday on the respective date for each denomination—the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and was hailed with palm leaves. This triumphant entry to the city is reenacted in the afternoon after the morning Mass. Thousands take part in the palm procession to the Mount of Olives. Typically, the procession route passes by the Church of All Nations, Saint Anne Church, St. Steven’s Gate, also known as the Lions Gate, the Old City, and the Via Dolorosa. On the way, pilgrims pray and sing religious songs in all languages. (You can read further here.)
...Ismail Haniyeh, the Doha-based leader of Hamas’s political bureau, urged the Iran-led “Axis of Resistance” to step up attacks on Israel during Ramadan, calling for a “broad and international movement to break the siege on Al-Aqsa mosque.”

The “Axis of Resistance” includes Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups in the Middle East.  (Source)

17 March 2024

The Democracy Missionaries

8 Adar Bet 5784 

What else do you call someone who claims they are on a mission, but a missionary?  

If you are not already familiar with this organization whose offices are located in the same general area as the American Cultural Center in Jerusalem, please allow me to introduce you to...



(It's only two minutes: Please pay special attention at 40-45 secs and again at 1:49.)

I had seen their sign, but never gave any thought to them... until NOW!!
  
WHAT A DIRTY, ROTTEN TRICK!!!

The Israel Democracy Institute runs advertisements patterned on ultra-Orthodox pashkeveils, or broadsheet posters, calling out the Haredim for refusing to enlist in the army.

The ads, which decry the “insult to the heroes of the army…who give their lives for the sanctity of God,” run in the Friday editions of national-religious newspapers Makor Rishon and B’sheva.

The IDI says such ads would not be accepted by ultra-Orthodox newspapers.

The use of this format and language echoing that of anti-enlistment posters used by the ultra-Orthodox “is another tool in our arsenal of tools, in addition to publishing data, in-depth studies and policy proposals, to deal with the issue of recruitment and equality of the burden,” says Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz, head of the IDI’s Center for Shared Society, arguing that avoiding the draft contradicts an “honest interpretation” of the Torah.  

[For this to work, one must first concede the point that full-time Torah study is merely a means of avoiding the draft!  What of those men who avoid learning Torah?  You see, it simply is not seen as being of any value, much less an obligation, for these kinds of people.] 

The IDI is addressing the Haredim in the “language of the Torah and clarifying the urgent need for a new social contract, even at the cost of risking the coalition,” she says. (Source)

So, just who is this person who presumes to preach against the entire chareidi community in the name of the Torah???  From the IDI website:

Shlomit Ravitsky Tur-Paz co-founded and co-directed Itim – the Jewish Life Advocacy Center – an organization that committed to increasing participation in Jewish life by making Israel’s religious establishment respectful of and responsive to the diverse Jewish needs of the Jewish people. In this capacity, she has appeared before the Rabbinic Courts on issues of conversion, marriage, and divorce.

Ravitsky Tur-Paz also directed Beit Midrash Elul – a center for study of Jewish texts from a pluralistic perspective. In addition, she has served as a lecturer and group facilitator on Judaism and gender and has an extensive background in promoting Jewish pluralism and culture in Israel.

Born in Jerusalem, Ravitsky Tur-Paz holds bachelor's and master's degrees in law from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, has studied Jewish Studies and Philosophy, and is a graduate of the Mandel School of Educational Leadership. She has also worked with the Israeli Ministry of Education, training educators on pluralistic Judaism and Israeli identity and culture, and serves on the board of Panim—the Israeli Judaism Network.

You get the idea.   About the IDI itself...

IDI works to bolster the values and institutions of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state. A non-partisan think-and-do tank, the institute harnesses rigorous applied research to educate decision makers and help shape policy, legislation and public opinion. The institute partners with government, policy and decision makers, civil service and society, to improve the functioning of the government and its institutions, confront security threats while preserving civil liberties, and foster solidarity within Israeli society. 

The List of its "Supporters", gives the fullest picture of who, and what, is actually behind this organization and where it is coming from!!!  This is in no way benign.  The numbers of the enemy within are as numerous as those without.  Hashem yerachem aleynu!!

Our Supporters 
Founders 
Marcus Foundation - USA

Guardians
Joan and Irwin Jacobs - USA

Builders 
William Davidson Foundation - USA

Benefactors 
Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies - USA
The Raymond Frankel Foundation - USA
Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker - USA
Shustek Dubinsky Family Philanthropic Fund - USA

Patrons 
Prof. Andrew Viterbi - USA 
Prof. Amnon Shashua - Israel 
Zurim Foundation - Israel 
The Jeffrey H. and Shari L. Aronson Family Foundation - USA 
Dalia and Eli Hurvitz Foundation - Israel 
The Russell Berrie Foundation - USA 
Hackerman Family Philanthropy - USA 
Robert and Arlene Kogod - USA 
Diane & Guilford Glazer Foundation - USA 
Eddie and Jules Trump Family Foundation - Israel 
UJA Federation - New York 

Contributors -  See here.

Board of Directors - See here.

• International Advisory Council - See hereSome of the better known names are shocking!!

15 March 2024

The Timeless Holiness of the Mishkan

5 Adar Bet 5784
Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Parashat Pekudei


From the Stone Edition Chumash Commentary:

Sforno comments that the Tabernacle and its individual parts were of such awesome holiness that they survived intact through time and wars.  Unlike the two Temples that were sacked and destroyed, Moses' Tabernacle remained intact and was never captured or desecrated.  The four reasons for this are alluded to in the first two verses:  (a) It was the Tabernacle of Testimony, where the Tablets, the symbols of God's communion with Israel, were deposited; (b) it was built at Moses' bidding, thus benefiting from his personal majesty; (c) the service of the Levites [who had proven their greatness by their loyal response to Moses after the catastrophe of the Golden Calf] and all the components of the Tabernacle were under the charge of Issamar, a man of great stature; and (d) those who led the work, as represented by Bezalel, were men of distinguished lineage and outstanding righteousness.  Because of all these factors, Sforno explains, the Tabernacle was impervious to time and enemies.  Solomon's Temple, by contrast, was built [in great measure] by non-Jewish workmen.  Consequently, although the Shechinah rested upon it, its parts became worn with time and required repair and replacement.  The Second Temple was built only thanks to the benevolence of King Cyrus, and it never had the Tablets or the Shechinah.  Both Temples fell into enemy hands, were looted, and destroyed.

He comments further that compared to the gold and silver that were used in the Temples of Solomon and Herod, the amounts listed [in the parashah] are insignificant.  Nevertheless, the Tabernacle surpassed both Temples in holiness....  This proves that God rests His Presence not where there is wealth, but where there is righteousness.

~ SHABBAT SHALOM ~

14 March 2024

Living on Borrowed Time

4 Adar Bet 5784 

American chutzpah has reached to the highest heavens:  

...The wickedness of your heart enticed you, who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says to himself, "Who will bring me down to the earth?"  If you go up high like an eagle, and if you place your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, says the Lord.  (Ovadiah 1:3-4)

7:30 PM (5 Adar Bet) UPDATE!!

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday called on Israel to hold new elections, saying he believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "lost his way" and is an obstacle to peace in the region amid a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Schumer, the first Jewish majority leader in the Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish official in the U.S., strongly criticized Netanyahu in a 40-minute speech Thursday morning on the Senate floor. Schumer said the prime minister has put himself in a coalition of far-right extremists and "as a result, he has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows." Schumer has so far positioned himself as a strong ally of the Israeli government, visiting the country just days after the brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and giving a lengthy speech on the Senate floor in December decrying "brazen and widespread antisemitism the likes of which we haven't seen in generations in this country, if ever." Schumer says the United States cannot dictate the outcome of an election in Israel, but "a new election is the only way to allow for a healthy and open decision-making process about the future of Israel, at a time when so many Israelis have lost their confidence in the vision and direction of their government." (AP)  (Source)

~ ~ ~ 

Ending the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and pursuing a larger vision of peace require regime change in at least three places. Hamas cannot continue to control Gaza from where it terrorizes both Israel and Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority must cast off Mahmoud Abbas’s sclerotic and corrupt regime to find credible leadership. And Israel must also undergo its own “regime change” — a repudiation of not only Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but also his far-right government.


...The question then remains whether the United States can hasten Netanyahu’s removal.  The U.S. record of ousting hostile regimes by military power or secret coup is atrocious, but the Biden administration and Congress can assist domestic forces in Israel to accelerate Netanyahu’s departure.

...slowing aid delivery could make clear that Netanyahu’s presence harms Israel’s essential relationship with the United States. NBC News recently reported, “After weeks of private administration requests produced fewer results than the White House wants … the U.S. is considering slowing or pausing the deliveries in the hope that doing so will prod the Israelis to take action,....sharpen the divide between [Netanyahu] and military commanders.

The Biden administration also could increase consultation with and lift up the voices of opposition figures, hostage families and protesters (engaging in publicly announced meetings with them, for instance) to emphasize that the United States stands foursquare behind efforts to bring fighting to an end, obtain return of the hostages, prevent Israeli “resettlement” of Gaza and support regional peace efforts by Israel’s neighbors. And, conversely, the administration could step up criticism of the racist rhetoric from Netanyahu’s coalition partners and decline to block any Security Council resolutions condemning such remarks.

To be clear, Israel is a democratic country. Ultimately, the Israeli people select their leaders.
But....

Israel and the region benefit from a pro-democracy, flexible and realistic Israeli government that understands that perpetual war is unacceptable. (Source)

Can you appreciate where this leaves the millions of Torah-believing, Torah-abiding Jews in Eretz Yisrael ???   

The following is what is behind the protests in our country...


Noahidism: Is It Judaism-Lite for Gentiles?

4 Adar Bet 5784 

Anything that has "-ism" added to it, in my experience, is a man-made construct and therefore, liable to lead to error.  It has also been my experience that some gentiles leaving Christianity, who prefer not to become a Jew, are looking upon Noahidism as a kind of substitute for the church, with its own rituals and holidays - in other words the makings of a new religion, God forbid!


I personally prefer the term God-fearing gentiles, God-fearers (yirei shamayim), because that is the ikkar for them - the crux for the seven laws God gave to the nations.  If a gentile keeps the seven laws in totality, but does so solely because he thinks/feels they are wise and beneficial is not considered a righteous gentile.  Only if he keeps these laws because he acknowledges that they originate with, and are commanded to him by, the Creator is he considered "righteous" and worthy of merit.

These seven laws are mankind's minimal obligation to their Creator.  If a gentile feels the draw towards a higher level of observance and closeness to his Creator, he can convert and become a Jew with all the obligations right alongside all the privileges.  These are the only two choices available to individual gentiles, aside from the free will choice to reject his Creator and go the way of all the wicked.

I recently heard the following statement:  "The whole role of a Jew is to be a light to the nations."  To that, I would say, "No, the whole role of a Jew is to serve HKB"H by learning His Torah and fulfilling His mitzvot."  This idea that Jews are here to spread the Gospel of Torah to the nations of the world is a heresy assimilated out of Christian culture.  It is an idea that appeals to many Jews (and gentiles) because the Yetzer HaRa would rather see Jews thus occupied rather then doing the job they were assigned.

For further elucidation on this subject, please continue on with two reposted articles from 2011 and 2021.

Who is a "Righteous Gentile?"

23 Tammuz 5771

This is similar to the question which continues to plague Israel---Who is a Jew? There are those who like to say, so-and-so may not be halachicly Jewish, but he would have qualified for the gas chamber in Hitler's Germany.

While that is tragic, it is not a reason to abandon the halachah.  Hitler, y"sh does not define for us who is a Jew.  Only Hashem does.  To allow the Nazis to define Jewishness is to allow them to continue the shmad against us by other means and for all time.  And just as we do not allow them to define who is a Jew, neither do we allow Yad Vashem to define who is a righteous Gentile.

Despite that Yad Vashem confers "righteous" status on Gentiles who assisted Jews, even to saving their lives, during the holocaust, we are duty-bound to employ the halachic criteria because while we may owe a debt of gratitude to such people, it is the Master of the World who defines this status and it is judged based on the person's relationship to HASHEM, not to Jews.

Today, this is a terribly misunderstood subject and it is causing no dearth of trouble for Am Yisrael as a result.  Today, anyone who is "pro-Israel" is called a righteous Gentile, even down to those who would convert us all to their idolatry if given half a chance.  It's not only wrong, it cheapens the demands it requires of those who truly earn it.  It is a slap in the face to all truly righteous Gentiles, who often have made great personal sacrifices to attain that level.  We owe it to them and to the truth and we owe it to Hashem to set the record straight.

Again, "Jew" and "righteous Gentile" are legal statuses defined by Jewish Law as handed down from the Creator at Har Sinai.  We are not free, out of some false sense of obligation or gratitude, to move the boundaries Hashem has set in His limitless wisdom.

Before getting into what makes one a "stam" goy and another a "righteous goy," I ought to address another issue which coincides with this.  Perhaps, before we can distinguish between goy and goy, we ought first to understand what separates the goy and the Jew.  Is there a real distinction or are we "all brothers in the family of Mankind?"

Let's hear Rabbi David Bar Chayim on the subject: The Distinction between Jews and Gentiles in Torah:

Introduction

Over the past few years, there has been a recognizable trend amongst different circles in the religious community -- a humanistic/universal inclination.  There are many who have written in praise of love, “for all men who were created in the image of G-d.”  We have even been “graced” with a pamphlet of this name, Chaviv Adam Sh’nivra B’tzelem, composed and edited by Mr. Yochanan Ben Ya’acov, the Director General of the Bnei Akiva Youth Movement.  The explicit goal of those who share this outlook is to prove that all men are equal, that it is forbidden to discriminate against any man on the basis of his race, and that anyone who claims the opposite is nothing but a racist, distorting the words of the Torah in order to fit them to his “dreadful” opinions.

...As will be further clarified, this outlook completely contradicts the Torah of Moses, and stems from an absolute lack of knowledge, permeated with foreign Western “values.”  There would not be any need to respond were it not for the many who are mistaken and lead astray by it.

This outlook has even been expressed by some rabbis whose goal is to show how great and important the stature of the Gentile is in our Torah, and who thereby violate the truth by taking things out of context and inaccurately interpreting the words of Chazal and the Rishonim.

(Space does not allow. See the list of halachot which distinguish between Jews and Gentiles here.)

In the book Derech Hashem, part 2, section 4, the Ramchal explained at length the difference between Israel and the nations of the world: 

One of the deepest concepts of G-d's providence involves Israel and the other nations.  With regards to their basic human characteristics, the two appear exactly alike.  From the Torah's viewpoint, however, the two are completely different, and are treated as ones belonging to completely different genera…

Before Adam sinned, he was on a level much higher than contemporary man…  In that state, man was on a very lofty level, fit for a high degree of eternal excellence….  He would have then sired future generations while still in that state of excellence.  Their number would be accurately determined by G-d's wisdom, depending on how those enjoying His good should best be perfected....

However, when Adam sinned, he fell from his original high level, and brought upon himself a great degree of darkness and insensitivity….  Mankind in general also fell from its original height, and remained on a degraded level….  He was thus only prepared and receptive to a much lower level, and it was in this state that his children were born.  … they were all born into this degraded state….

Until Avraham Avinu who raised himself back up to the higher level through his spiritual work and earned the right to pass this trait on to his progeny through Yitzchak and Yaaqov.  Thereafter, his physical descendants and any individuals from among the nations who followed Avraham's path and raised themselves up to his level (converting) would be a separate people---Jews.

...According to the Highest Judgment, it turned out that none of them deserved to rise above the degraded level…not even a little bit.  But Abraham, being the only exception, succeeded in elevating himself through his deeds, which led to him being chosen by G-d.  Abraham was therefore permanently made into a superior and excellent tree, conforming to man's highest level.  It was further provided that he would be able to produce branches [and father a nation] based on his characteristics.  The world was then divided into seventy nations, each on its own particular level in the general scheme.  All of them, however, remained on the level of man in his fallen state, while only Israel became men in the elevated state.

The verdict, however, was not that the other nations should be destroyed.  It only meant that they would have to remain on the lower level that we have discussed.  This lower state of man should never have existed, had Adam not sinned….  These nations still have the human aspect, blemished though it may be, so G-d desired that they should at least have a part of what was actually appropriate for the true mankindHe therefore granted them a divine soul somewhat like that of the Jew, even though it is not on the same level as Jewish souls are, but on a much lower level.  They were likewise given commandments through which they could attain both material and spiritual advantages appropriate to their nature -- the Seven Commandments given to the children of Noah.

In the World to Come, however, there will be no nation other than Israel.  The souls of righteous Gentiles will be allowed to exist in the Future World, but only as an addition and attachment to Israel.  They will therefore be secondary to the Jews, just as a garment is secondary to the one who wears it.  All that they attain of the ultimate good will have to be attained in this manner, since by virtue of their nature they can receive no more.

Which brings us back to our original question---Who is a righteous Gentile?

...Maimonides stated explicitly in chapter 8 of The Laws of Kings (halacha 10): 'Moses our teacher was commanded by the Mighty One to force the Gentiles to accept the commandments of the sons of Noah….  Anyone who accepts the Seven Commandments and is careful to fulfill them is considered a righteous Gentile and receives a portion in the World to Come.  This depends upon him accepting and fulfilling them because G-d had so commanded in the Torah….'

Meaning that while the actions of some gentiles might be noteworthy and commendable, if he does not obey the sheva mitzvot b'nei Noah, he is a "stam" goy.   Additionally, if he observes the sheva mitzvot because he thinks they are nice and good, but not because they were commanded, he is not entitled to the status of "righteous" gentile.

Being precise in our language is also part of being people of truth.

27 December 2021

Code Word: "Universal" (Part 2 of 2)

23 Tevet 5782

In Part 1, it was established that there is an insidious trend today to universalize Judaism and the Torah.  I daresay, that were this the correct path to take, we would not have been mourning the translation of the Torah into Greek just a couple of weeks ago.

Authentic, Torah-true Judaism is engulfed and drowning in a tidal wave of error and misconception regarding our relationship to the nations of the world.  

In part 2, here, I hope that the sources I bring will shed light and clarity on this subject and help to keep us on the straight path, deviating neither to the left nor the right.

Universalist Claims

  • It is a mitzvah for every Jew to evangelize the world with Torah.
  • Israel's mission is to be a "light unto the nations" by spreading the gospel of Torah.
  • Jew or non-Jew, it doesn't matter, all are equal and have equal standing before God.
  • All of humanity is one big family and all are the children of God regardless of belief.
  • The Messiah is not coming just for the Jews, he is coming to save the whole world.
  • The Jews can't be redeemed unless the gentiles play their part.

Yes, I have tweaked the language because in essence this is really what it is and it helps us pinpoint the origin of these false ideas.  Yes, this is more Judeo-Christianity.  And it bears noting that the Jews who want to teach Torah to Gentiles stopped pretending it was for those seeking to learn the sheva mitzvot long ago.  Now, there is no more pretense that they are anything other than Christian idolaters.

Consider this...

The Rambam in Hilchot Avodah Zarah, Chapter 7, Halachah 1:

It is a positive commandment to destroy false deities, all their accessories, and everything that is made for their purposes, as [Devarim 12:2] states: "You shall surely destroy all the places [where the gentiles... served their gods]" and, as [implied by Devarim 7:5]: "Rather, what you should do to them is tear down their altars."

In Eretz Yisrael, the mitzvah requires us to hunt after idol worship until it is eradicated from our entire land.  In the diaspora, however, we are not required to hunt after it.  Rather, whenever we conquer a place, we must destroy all the false deities contained within.

[The source for this distinction is Devarim 12:3, which] states: "And you shall destroy their name from this place," [implying that] you are obligated to hunt false deities in Eretz Yisrael, but you are not obligated to do so in the diaspora.

From the commentary: On we are not required to hunt after it. - since these lands are not holy, we are not obligated to eradicate idol worship from them. (Kinat Eliyahu)
In other words, we do not go out from Eretz Yisrael and travel the world begging the non-Jews to leave their idolatry and accept the sheva mitzvot.  Neither do we go out from Eretz Yisrael and travel the world inviting the non-Jews to come to Eretz Yisrael, welcoming them to bring their idolatry in with them and practice it in our midst!

Rabbi Meir Kahane from his book Uncomfortable Questions for Comfortable Jews...

..for the sake of the Jewish people, it is time to speak about the ignorance, the perversion, the corruption, the counterfeiting of Judaism. It is more than time to bring down what Judaism really says about Jews and non-Jews, about the status of both in the world, about the concept of Israel as a special chosen people and the place of a non-Jew within the Jewish State, about the contradictions between basic Judaism and basic western democracy and liberalism.

...The liberal west speaks of the absolute equality of all peoples while Judaism speaks of spiritual status of the chosenness of the Jew from and above all other people, of the special and exclusive relationship between G-d and Israel.

Excerpts from the Ramchal in Derech Hashem (Feldheim Publishers) ...

...According to the Highest Judgment, it turned out that none of [humanity] deserved to rise above the degraded level to which Adam and his children had fallen as a result of their sin.  [Not a single one had risen above it all.]

There was, however, one exception, and that was Avraham.  He had succeeded in elevating himself, and as a result of his deeds was chosen by God.  Avraham was therefore permanently made into a superior excellent Tree, conforming to man's highest level.  It was further provided that he would be able to produce branches [and father a nation] possessing his characteristics.

The world was then divided into seventy nations, each with its own particular place in the general scheme.  All of them, however, remained on the level of man in his fallen state, while only Israel was in the elevated state.

After this, the gate was closed on the era of roots.  Things would then be directed and brought about upon individuals as branches, each one according to his nature.

...[4]  God's great love and goodness decreed that the branches of other nations still be given a chance.  If they so desired, they still had the free choice to tear themselves loose from their own roots, and through their own actions include themselves among the branches of Avraham's family.

This is what God meant when He told Avraham (Breishis 12:3), "All the families of the earth will be blessed through you."  Avraham was thus made the father of all converts.

...Avraham's tree consisted of 600,000 main branches. These were the individuals who left Egypt, and it was to them that the Torah was given and the land of Israel divided. Every Jew subsequently born is considered to be an element and descendant of one of these primary branches.

It was to these 600,000 original Jews that the Torah was given.  When this occurred, the tree was said to have attained maturity.

At this time, God also gave the nations a last chance.  In His mercy He had suspended their final judgment until the time that the Torah was given [with the revelation at Sinai].  He then offered the Torah to every nation, giving them the opportunity to accept it.

If any nation would have then accepted the Torah, it would have elevated itself from its lower state.  As it was, none of them desired the Torah, and their judgment was therefore sealed completely The gate was permanently closed, never again to be opened.

It still remained possible, however, for any individual to convert to Judaism.  In this manner, he could still include himself in Avraham's tree of his own free will.

...[9]  God thus made the rectification and elevation of all creation totally dependent on the Jews.  To the extent that this can be expressed, we can thus say that He subjugated His Providence to them.  Through their deeds, they can cause [His Light] to shine forth and have influence, or, on the other hand, hold it back and conceal it.  [The Light to the Nations!]

The final redemption will mirror the first redemption from Egypt.  Moshe Rabeinu was the redeemer promised to Israel.  All of the slaves went free, but Egypt was destroyed for the sake of freeing the Jews.  "The world exists for the Jews; had Israel refused the Torah, the world would have ceased to exist."  Ben David will come at the End of Days to redeem the Jews and the entire world will benefit, but all who oppose this goal of freeing the Jews to fulfill their true mission of rectifying the world through Torah and mitzvot will be destroyed in the process. 


 

13 March 2024

The Expiration of American Democracy

4 Adar Bet 5784 

American democracy was mortally wounded with the passage of the Patriot Act and the abuse of executive orders.  The implementation of Project 2025 will be its burial.

Project 2025 is a collection of policy proposals to reshape the executive branch of the U.S. federal government in the event of a Republican victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Established in 2022, the project seeks to recruit tens of thousands of conservatives to Washington, D.C., to replace existing federal civil service workers it characterizes as the "deep state", to further the objectives of the next Republican president. Although participants in the project cannot promote a specific presidential candidate, many have close ties to Donald Trump and the Trump 2024 presidential campaign. The plan would perform a swift takeover of the entire executive branch under a maximalist version of the unitary executive theory — a theory proposing the president of the United States has absolute power over the executive branch — upon inauguration.  (Read the entire thing HERE.)

Either through lack of trust in the electoral system or as a result of a major attack, the death of Biden in office, or collapse of society, it is highly probable that Trump's followers will initiate a military coup and install "the rightful president" in office with emergency powers.

It has already begun:  
Trump’s Team Is Slashing Republican National Committee Staff Amid Takeover

Just days after installing his new leadership team at the Republican National Committee, Donald Trump’s lieutenants are cutting dozens of staff across key departments in an aggressive move that further cements the former president’s takeover of the GOP’s political and fundraising machinery.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., celebrated news of the staffing cuts, suggesting they send a clear message about the direction of the GOP.

“MAGA is now in control of the Republican Party!!” Greene wrote on X,....

12 March 2024

BIRUR Precedes THE END

3 Adar Bet 5784

At this stage of history, there is no clearer sign that we are near the end of the geulah process than the Great Birur that is taking place.  Even the nations are commenting on the "polarization of society."  Every human being is facing their final test to determine their ultimate fate.  Every human being must take a side and it basically comes down to whom you choose to rule over you - Hashem Yitbarach or your own ego. 

Why do you suppose this separation is being made?  So that those who refuse to submit to the rule of HKB"H will be cast out from among the righteous who want only to serve Him and live in peace and harmony with their brothers.  

~ ~ ~

The following was originally composed and posted by me on a previous blog on 24 Nissan 5764.

THOUGHTS ON REDEMPTION
Redemption "In Its Time"

Of the final redemption Isaiah 60:22 states, "I, the L-rd, will hasten it in its time."  Our Sages learn from this that the redemption can come in one of two ways.  If Israel is meritorious, it will be "in haste."  Otherwise, it will be "in its time."

Rabbi Meir Kahane, ztz"l Hy"d wrote at length on this subject in his two-volume book, Or Hara'ayon, The Jewish Idea.  In Chapter 27, "The Final Redemption," he wrote the following:
The final redemption for which we have been waiting anxiously for thousands of years, the return to Eretz Yisrael from the great, long exile, is not like the redemption from Babylonia.  When G-d exiled Israel to Babylonia, He decreed for them seventy years....  Yet, our present exile is not that way.  G-d never decreed a specific amount of time.  Rather, if Israel were to repent fully and completely, they would bring the Messiah, complete redemption, immediately, overnight....  In other words, if Israel merits redemption through mitzvot and good deeds worthy of redemption, it will come with 'haste'...  Otherwise, it will come only 'in its time,' in the latest time it can possibly come, near the end of the six thousand [years]....  This redemption will be accompanied, G-d forbid, by the terrible suffering of chevlei mashiach, Messianic birthpangs. ...Because this redemption does not come by virtue of Israel's deeds, but only for the sake of sanctifying G-d's name, defamed among the nations by the exile....

Although Rabbi Kahane seemed to imply at certain points that at the time of his writing (which I believe was in the vicinity of 1988-89), there was still time to bring redemption "in haste," it is eminently clear from other statements that he believed that decision had already been cast and that we were already at that time doomed to see redemption "in its time":
"...we must wonder why precisely we did merit it, [i.e., redemption in our days] albeit redemption 'in its time,' when even this we did not deserve."

"There is another reason why precisely in our day G-d has inaugurated redemption 'in its time.' "

"In accordance with what I have written, there is no doubt that we have presently begun redemption 'in its time,' with all the travail associated with it."
Looking back at that time through the haze of the Oslo Process and the terror wars it spawned, one can only marvel at the spiritual prescience and insight that most still cannot begin to appreciate.

For those who can accept the possibility, or even the probability, that we are today firmly ensconced in a time period known as Acharit Hayamim or the Keitz, the End of Days, it is worthwhile to examine Rabbi Kahane's writings further for clues about what we might expect to be facing in the very near future.  Continuing in Or Hara'ayon, chapter 28:
Trouble and strife will be the lot of Israel, especially the righteous among them, and this even before the War of Gog and Magog.  As R. Yochanan concluded (Sanhedrin 98a),  "If you see a generation engulfed by troubles as by a river, wait for [the Messiah]"   We also find (Ibid., 97a):
"The Rabbis learned: 'The L-rd will take up the cause of His people [and comfort His servants].  He will have seen that their power is gone, with no protection or help' (Deut. 32:36): The son of David will not come... until they despair of redemption, as though there is no support or help for Israel, as it says, 'with no protection or help.'"
Such redemption comes not because of Israel's merit, but only to sanctify G-d's name.  It says (Zechariah 14:1-2):
"Behold, a day of the L-rd comes when your spoil shall be divided in your midst. I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished.  Half of the city shall go forth into exile, but the remnant shall not be cut off from the city."
This refers to the attack of Gog and the nations against Eretz Yisrael,...

[My 5784 insertion:  This is the "Al Aqsa Flood" of October 7, 2023!] 

...as Redak wrote:
That is a time when Gog and Magog will attack the soil of Israel... "I will gather": G-d will plant in their hearts the idea of waging war on Jerusalem, as in Ezekiel 39:2:  "I will cause you to come up from the far sides of the north and will bring you upon the mountains of Israel."

"The city shall be taken": This trouble will come to refine the third that remains in it, of which it says, "Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath is past" (Isaiah 26:20); and in Daniel 12:1, "There shall be a time of trouble, such as [until then] never was since you became a nation."
Redak's quotation from Isaiah is part of the following (26:20-21):
"Come, My People, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you.  Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath is past.  For the L-rd shall leave His abode to punish the earth's inhabitants for their sin."
With this, G-d informs Israel that before redemption comes, before G-d leaves his abode to punish the nations for their sin, there will be a moment of wrath; that is, a period of wrath and suffering. This clearly is referring to the War of Gog and MagogRedak wrote:  "This says that in the war of Gog and Magog, Israel will suffer briefly."  Our sages taught (Yalkut Shimoni, Yeshayahu, 432):
"Come My People, enter into your chambers":  Examine the chambers of your heart regarding precisely why I have brought you suffering...  Do not criticize Divine justice. rather, shut your doors behind you."
Although it says, "Hide yourself for a brief moment," and Redak commented that they would "suffer briefly," woe to us for that brief moment,....

...The "moment" is, thus, that specific span during which the nations attack Israel, G-d's people, proclaiming, "Come, let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may no longer be remembered." (Psalm 83:5)

Jeremiah said of this (Jer. 30:7), "Alas!  That day is great; none is like it. It is a time of trouble for Jacob, but he shall be saved out of it."  ...Yalkut Shimoni teaches (Yirmiyahu 30:31):
"The Rabbis learned, 'Out of anger [against Israel will later emerge G-d's] acceptance; out of wrath, mercy; out of trouble, relief; out of distancing, bringing near; out of falling, rising; and out of darkness, light.'"
The anger, wrath, trouble, etc., are the content of the "brief moment" and the "time of trouble"', and after them will come redemption.  Such is the intent of, "In the overflowing of wrath I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:8)  ...Woe to us for the "brief moment" of Gog and Magog and for the Messianic birthpangs that precede it.  ...it says, "The L-rd will remove men far away; the Land shall be largely abandoned. If one tenth remain in it, that, too, shall be consumed" (Isaiah 6:12-13).  It also says (Zechariah 13:8-9):
"In all the Land, says the L-rd, two thirds shall be cut off and die, but the third shall be left.  And I shall bring the third part through the fire and refine them as silver is refined and try them as gold is tried." 
...We must never forget that only a small minority will survive this suffering, as in Zechariah 13, above.  This minority will only be in Eretz Yisrael, whereas in the exile not even one per city and two per family will remain, for whatever remnants there are will only be at Mount Zion:  "But in Mount Zion shall be the remnant, and it shall be holy (Obadiah v.17).  Redak comments, "Although many Jews will die in the exile, there will still be a large remnant at Mount Zion, from which they were once exiled." It also says (Daniel 12:1):
"At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who defends your people, and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since you became a nation, and your people, everyone found to be inscribed in the ledger, shall be delivered."
Ibn Ezra comments:
"This trouble will beset the whole world.  Only, since Michael the great prince defends Israel, 'your people, everyone found to be inscribed in the ledger,' shall escape. These are the righteous, as it says, 'A ledger shall be inscribed before Him for those who fear the L-rd' (Malachi 3:16)."