It's Time to Pass the Torch to Yerushalayim

17 Iyyar 5786
32 Days of the Omer
Netzach sheb'Hod 

To paraphrase Yosef HaTzaddik: 
"They intended evil against us, but God designed it for good...."

The Chatam Sofer (Rabbi Moses Sofer, 1762–1839) held a largely negative view of the, at the time, growing custom of traveling to Meron in Israel for large-scale celebrations on Lag baOmer.

His objections were rooted in traditional, Ashkenazi halachic perspectives that prioritized established custom over new practices, and focused on the sanctity of Jerusalem over other sites.

Key points regarding the Chatam Sofer’s view include:

• Opposition to the Pilgrimage: The Chatam Sofer expressed strong opposition to making pilgrimages to Meron (the burial site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai).
  
  
• Focus on Jerusalem: He questioned why people would travel to Meron instead of to Jerusalem, the Holy City.
  
  
• No New Holidays: He argued against creating new, festive holidays that are not based on explicit Talmudic or halachic sources.
  
  
• Mourning vs. Joy: The Chatam Sofer noted that the day of a righteous person's passing (yahrtzeit) is fundamentally a time for reflection or minor restrictions rather than massive, public celebration.
  
  
• Burning Clothes: He specifically objected to the custom of burning expensive clothing in bonfires at Meron, citing it as a violation of Bal Tashchit (the prohibition against wasteful destruction).

While the Chatam Sofer acknowledges the importance of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and the significance of Lag baOmer as a day when mourning ceases, he strongly opposed transforming it into a "new" type of festival focused on Meron rather than Jerusalem.  (Mi Yodeya, OU)

Yerushalayim to Host Citywide Lag BaOmer
Celebrations as Meron Events Scaled Back

With this year’s Lag BaOmer gatherings at the kever of Rebbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron significantly restricted, Yerushalayim is preparing to serve as the main hub of celebrations, with numerous hadlakos planned throughout the city.

The central hadlaka led by Rav Meilech Biderman is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. on Rechov Shefa Chaim. A designated area for women will be available at Ginat Ezrat Torah.

A major hadlaka will also take place at Yeshivas Oryasa on Rechov Strauss at 8:30 p.m., featuring Bentzi Stein, Arele Samet, and others. The Hachnasas Orchim Rashbi organization has made large-scale preparations, including providing significant amounts of food and meat for participants.

At Kikar Zaks on Rechov Shmuel Hanavi, the hadlaka of Rav Yaakov Meir Shechter will take place at 8:00 p.m.

Additional celebrations are expected at the kever of Shimon Hatzadsik, at Rav Shalom Arush’s shul, and at Toldos Aharon in Meah Shearim.

In Beitar Illit, the Toldos Avraham Yitzchak rebbe will light at the Kavim parking lot at 10:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, in Meron, only three hadlakos will take place in a limited format: the Boyaner Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Amar, and a hadlaka organized by the Dati Leumi community, each limited to approximately 200 participants.    {Matzav.com}

"MERON CANCELED!!"...

16 Iyyar 5786
31 Days of the Omer
Tiferet sheb'Hod

...Israel Cancels Meron Lag BaOmer
Hilula For First Time In Modern History  

* * * UPDATE!  * * *

Lag Ba'omer In Meron Canceled!
SIGN OF THE GEULA??

(*Especially since the focus of this stage of the war period is on
restoring Har Habayit and the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash.)

Introduction to The History of Lag Ba'Omer Celebrations
For the Uninitiated  (Source of information: Chabad.org)

Lag Ba'Omer, the 33rd day of the Omer count, is a minor Jewish holiday marking a pause in mourning for Rabbi Akiva's students and the yahrtzeit (passing) of mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.  Celebrated with bonfires, picnics, and haircuts, it commemorates the end of a plague and the revelation of Kabbalistic secrets, with major festivities in Meron.

Origins and Significance

• End of Plague: According to the Talmud, a plague that killed 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva during the period between Passover and Shavuot stopped on this day.
• Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi): The day commemorates the passing of the 2nd-century sage who instructed his students to treat his death as a joyful yom hilula (festive day) because he revealed profound mystical secrets (the Zohar) on that day.
• Historical Link: Some link the day to the Bar Kokhva revolt against Rome, suggesting the bonfires symbolize success or resistance.

Evolution of Customs

• Bonfires: Symbolizing the spiritual light introduced to the world by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, bonfires have been a central feature for centuries, with early records from the 15th-16th centuries noting gatherings at his burial site in Meron.
• Haircuts (Upsherin): In observant communities, three-year-old boys receive their first haircut on this day.
• Bows and Arrows: Children play with bows and arrows to symbolize the rainbow, which is considered a sign of divine protection, or as a nod to the stories of the Bar Kokhva revolt.
• Weddings: Because it is a break from the mourning period, Lag Ba'Omer is a very popular day for weddings.

Modern Celebrations

• Meron Pilgrimage: Hundreds of thousands gather annually at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Galilee, to light fires, sing, and dance.
• Bonfires Worldwide: Jewish communities globally hold bonfires and festive outdoor meals, making it a popular school and community holiday.
• Israeli Culture: In Israel, it is a significant day for scouting events, parades, and in recent times, a day that emphasizes the "Zionist" connection to the land and heroism

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"In a Nutshell"

14 Iyyar 5786

Pesach Sheini

Erev Shabbat Kodesh

Parashat Emor

Emor in a Nutshell (Leviticus 21:1–24:23)

...The Torah section of Emor (“Speak”) begins with the special laws pertaining to the kohanim (“priests”), the kohen gadol (“high priest”), and the Temple service: A kohen may not become ritually impure through contact with a dead body, save on the occasion of the death of a close relative. A kohen may not marry a divorcee, or a woman with a promiscuous past; a kohen gadol can marry only a virgin. A kohen with a physical deformity cannot serve in the Holy Temple, nor can a deformed animal be brought as an offering.

A newborn calf, lamb or kid must be left with its mother for seven days before being eligible for an offering; one may not slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day.

The second part of Emor lists the annual Callings of Holiness—the festivals of the Jewish calendar: the weekly Shabbat; the bringing of the Passover offering on 14 Nissan; the seven-day Passover festival beginning on 15 Nissan; the bringing of the Omer offering from the first barley harvest on the second day of Passover, and the commencement, on that day, of the 49-day Counting of the Omer, culminating in the festival of Shavuot on the fiftieth day; a “remembrance of shofar blowing” on 1 Tishrei; a solemn fast day on 10 Tishrei; the Sukkot festival—during which we are to dwell in huts for seven days and take the “Four Kinds”—beginning on 15 Tishrei; and the immediately following holiday of the “eighth day” of Sukkot (Shemini Atzeret).

Next the Torah discusses the lighting of the menorah in the Temple, and the showbread; (lechem hapanim) placed weekly on the table there.

Emor concludes with the incident of a man executed for blasphemy, and the penalties for murder (death) and for injuring one’s fellow or destroying his property (monetary compensation).  (Source)

Emor Haftorah in a Nutshell (Ezekiel 44:15-31)

This week's haftorah discusses various laws that pertain to the kohanim, the priests, a topic also discussed at length in the first part of the week's Torah portion.

Ezekiel prophesies about the service of the kohanim in the third Holy Temple which will be rebuilt after the Final Redemption. The prophet describes their priestly vestments, their personal care, whom they may and may not marry, and their special purity requirements which preclude them from coming in contact with a corpse, unless it's for a next of kin. He also discusses their calling as teachers and spiritual leaders.

The prophet conveys G‑d's word: "You shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession." The kohanim do not receive a portion in the Land of Israel, instead they partake of the sacrifices as well as various tithes.    (Source)

~  SHABBAT SHALOM  ~

The Sefirah of Hod and the Final Redemption

13 Iyyar 5786

28 Days of the Omer 

Tonight we will be entering into the week of Hod in the counting of the Omer.

[The following has been collated by Google from sources such as Aish, Gal Einai, and Breslov.com... ]

Hod is the eighth sephirah on the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, representing humility, submission, splendor, and acknowledgment. Positioned on the left side below Gevurah, it balances Netzach (victory/endurance) by internalizing victory and cultivating sincere gratitude. It signifies surrender to a higher purpose and acknowledgement of truth.

Key Aspects of Hod:

Meaning: Rooted in the Hebrew words for majesty, acknowledgement, and gratitude (hodaya).

Attributes: It embodies sincere humility, simplicity, and the inner recognition that all strength comes from a divine source, opposing feelings of entitlement.

Position & Function: As the fifth emotional attribute (middah), it works in tandem with Netzach ("two legs") to support, refine, and manifest divine energy in the world.

Relationship to Other Sefirot: While Netzach is the active, outward "victory," Hod is the internal "submission" that makes the victory meaningful. Together with Netzach and Yesod, it forms the "lower triad" responsible for transmitting divine influence.

Role in Creation: It represents the "inner capacity" to receive and adapt to divine flow, rather than just imposing one's own will. Associated Concepts: It is related to Aaron (the high priest), representing the way of glory and sincerity in gratitude.

Practical Application:

During the Counting of the Omer, the week of Hod is a time to reflect on humility, check one's ego, and practice acknowledging the good in others and from God.

In Kabbalah, the sefirah of Hod is deeply connected to the process of the Final Redemption (Geulah). This connection is primarily seen through the themes of perseverance, spiritual vision, and the "footsteps" of the Messiah.

The following are the key ways Hod relates to the redemption:

Clinging to the Vision: Hod represents a "deep inner intuition" in the soul that allows a person to remain dedicated to the vision of redemption, even during periods of extreme hardship or "exile".

The "Footsteps" of Mashiach: The era immediately preceding the redemption is known as Ikvata de-Meshicha (the "footsteps" of the Messiah). In the Kabbalistic map of the body, Hod corresponds to the left leg, specifically the left foot. This link suggests that the "footsteps" (the physical movement toward the end of history) are a manifestation of Hod's energy.

Acknowledgement and Truth: The word Hod shares a root with Hoda'ah (acknowledgment or thanks). The Final Redemption is viewed as a global shift in consciousness where everyone will acknowledge the underlying divine truth that was previously hidden.

Transformation of Adversity: Hod is the sefirah that "molds meaningful acceptance" of difficulty. Redemption in Kabbalah is often described as the transformation of Golah (exile) into Geulah (redemption) simply by adding the letter Aleph (representing God's unity) to the word. Hod provides the humility and surrender necessary for this transformation to take place.

Prophecy: Hod, along with its pair Netzach, is considered the source of prophecy. A central feature of the Messianic era is the "return of prophecy" and a new, deeper revelation of Torah secrets.

Counting the Omer - Week 5: The Attribute of Gratitude (Hod)

The quality of Hod, the source of gratitude and humility, works in tandem with its opposite quality of Netzach to bring about balance and harmony.

The Sefirah of Netzach and the Final Redemption

12 Iyyar 5786

27 Days of the Omer

Tonight we will be entering into the fullness of the week of Netzach - specifically, Malchut that is in Netzach.

[The following has been collated by Google from sources such as Aish, Gal Einai, and Breslov.com... ]

The Sefirah of Netzach is profoundly linked to the Final Redemption (Geulah), serving as the active force of perseverance, eternity, and ultimate victory required to reach that era. While Hod represents the humble acknowledgment of truth, Netzach provides the active drive to overcome the barriers preventing that truth from manifesting.

Key connections between Netzach and the Final Redemption include:

Victory Over Death:  Netzach literally translates to "victory" or "eternity".  Kabbalistically, the ultimate "victory" of this sefirah is the conquest of death itself, which is a defining feature of the Messianic era and the subsequent Era of Resurrection.

The Right Leg & Moving Forward:  Just as Hod is the left leg, Netzach corresponds to the right leg.  It is the "first limb to touch the ground," representing the practical steps and active movement toward redemption.

Moses and the Blueprint:  Netzach is personified by Moses, who led the first redemption from Egypt. His leadership—characterized by tireless dedication to a divine mission—is the prototype for the "enduring truth" that will characterize the final redemption.

Bitachon (Confidence):  In Chassidic thought, the inner experience of Netzach is bitachon, or absolute confidence in God.  This unwavering trust is what sustains a person through the darkness of exile until the dawn of the Messianic age.

Source of Prophecy:  Along with Hod, Netzach is considered the source of prophetic vision.  The "return of prophecy" and universal divine inspiration promised for the end of days flow through these two sefirot.

Rectification of the Golden Calf:  Kabbalists teach that the construction of the Mishkan was a "rectification" for the sefirah of Netzach, which had been corrupted by the sin of the Golden Calf.  This ongoing repair of Netzach is a prerequisite for the rebuilding of the Temple in the Messianic era.

In Kabbalistic thought, the integration of Netzach (Victory) and Hod (Splendor/Humility) finds its resolution in Yesod (Foundation). This triad forms the specific spiritual mechanism that triggers the Final Redemption.

The Mechanism of Yesod

Yesod acts as the "funnel" or "connector" that gathers the divergent energies of the previous sefirot and channels them into Malkhut (the physical Kingdom).

The Fusion of Opposites:  Netzach is the drive to push forward, while Hod is the capacity to surrender and acknowledge.  Without their integration in Yesod, these forces remain abstract.  Yesod balances these "two legs" into a single, unified "foundation" that allows for a stable connection between the Divine and the physical world.

The "Tzaddik" and the Messiah:  Yesod is specifically identified with the Tzaddik (Righteous One), based on the verse "The Tzaddik is the foundation of the world".  In this context, the Messiah is the ultimate Tzaddik who uses the power of Yesod to ground infinite spiritual light into finite reality.

From Potential to Actualization:  Yesod is the power of commitment and truth (Emet).  While Netzach and Hod provide the "vision" and "perseverance" for redemption, Yesod is the "bonding" force that ensures these ideals are actually birthed into the world as a tangible reality.

The Covenant (Brit):  Yesod is associated with the Brit (Covenant).  The Final Redemption is described as the fulfillment of the eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people, which is only fully "sealed" through the balanced integration of the lower triad.

Summary of the Lower Triad in Redemption

• Sefirah Role in Redemption Metaphor
• Netzach Active drive, endurance, and eternal victory. The Right Leg.
• Hod Humility, acknowledgment of truth, and spiritual vision. The Left Leg.
• Yesod Bonding, actualization, and the "foundation" for the Messiah. The Procreative Organ.
• This structure shows that while Netzach and Hod provide the movement (the "legs" of the Messiah), Yesod is the actual bridge through which the redemption enters our world.

How the Daily Counting of the Omer specifically focuses on refining these three attributes to prepare for the giving of the Torah...

1. Week 4: Netzach (Endurance/Victory)

Focus: This week targets determination, fortitude, and ambition.

Refinement: To receive the Torah, one must first develop the "staying power" to commit to a spiritual path regardless of obstacles. It involves examining if your drive is healthy and productive or merely ego-driven.

2. Week 5: Hod (Humility/Splendor)

Focus: Hod balances Netzach by introducing humility, sincere gratitude, and yielding.

Refinement: This week is about "stepping aside" and acknowledging that one's strength comes from a divine source. It refines the soul to be receptive and calm, ensuring that the determination of Netzach does not become arrogant or rigid.

3. Week 6: Yesod (Bonding/Foundation)

Focus: Yesod is the attribute of total devotion, commitment, and actualization.

Refinement: It integrates the "two legs" of Netzach and Hod into a stable foundation for connection—both with other people and with God. This week prepares the soul for the ultimate "bonding" that occurs when receiving the Torah.

The Symbolic Progression

According to the Maharal, this entire process moves the person from a state of barley (animal food/initial freedom) to wheat (human food/enlightenment).  By the time you reach Yesod, you have refined your emotions enough to form an "everlasting union" with the Divine truth revealed at Sinai.

Lag B'Omer occurs during the week of Hod (specifically the day of Hod she'be'Hod), serving as a spiritual peak of humility and the "ultimate sanctification" before the final push toward the Torah.

The Greatest Jewish Failure of Our Time

10 Iyyar 5786

25 Days of the Omer

In my opinion, the greatest Jewish failure of our time is that the great masses of Jews, especially those who should know better (i.e., the Torah-educated), do not recognize Chr*stianity as an enemy equal to that of Islam.

"...These are Christian soldiers, men and women, in the Israeli Defense Forces. They fill all the important positions in our incredible military, and they do incredible work," Netanyahu said....

"...It's not only that Israel fights for the rights of Christians around the Middle East, but that Israel has Christian soldiers who fight for the defense of Israel and for our Christian brethren throughout the area, throughout the region, and beyond," he added.   (Source)

TRUTH!  Israel Is Not Currently a Jewish Country,
 Neither Is the IDF a Jewish Army.

But, We Can Make It So.  And We Will, b'"H!!

The Third Is Precious

9 Iyyar 5786

24 Days of the Omer

For those who doubted, surely it must be clear to you by now that the showdown between Paras and Edom is not yet over.  "Talks Have Broken Down, Envoys' Trip to Islamabad Canceled" is a repeating headline this morning.  They were never going to do anything but delay the destined outcome anyway.

Just as clear to me as the failure of "talks" is the sure bet that the wars will not last longer than weeks now, if that.  The world economy, the strength of the dollar [2.99 sh - $1], the re-supply of armaments, the cost of maintaining American forces in the area, etc., can't last long.  

HKB"H has an appointed time for everything and Iyyar is the month for miracle wars:  (1) 1948 won Eretz Yisrael during the Omer week of Tiferet; (2) 1967 won Yehuda v'Shomron and Yerushalayim during the Omer week of Malchut; (3) will 2026 see us win the Temple Mount during the Omer week of Netzach??? 

In 1948, the Erev Rav let Yerushalayim fall to our enemies.  In 1967, the Erev Rav let the Temple Mount fall into the hands of our enemies.  This corresponded to the First and Second Temples which fell.  But, the Third Beit Hamikdash will last forever.

Netzach means both victory and eternity.  Watch and see.

The Guarantor

7 Iyyar 5786
22 Days of the Omer
Erev Shabbat Kodesh
Parashat Acharei-Kedoshim

Kedoshim (Leviticus 19-20)

United We Stand  (Aish.com)

"You shall reprove your fellow and do not bear a sin because of him." (Lev. 19:17)

Dan was on a luxury ocean liner when he heard banging in the cabin next to his. He entered the cabin and saw a man banging on the floor. He asked him, "What in the world are you doing?" The person replied, "I am making a hole in my side of the boat." Dan gasped, "You are what?! He replied, "I am making a hole. I paid for this cabin and I can do what I want over here. It is none of your business." Dan replied, "Listen, we are all on this boat together; if you go down we are all going down! What you do is very pertinent to me!"

When the Torah mentions the commandment to rebuke a fellow Jew it ends with the words, "And do not bear a sin because of him." The Targum translates, "And do not receive a punishment for his sin." The Targum is teaching us that all Jewish people are unified. If a Jew sins and you could have prevented it, then you get punished for it. My actions affect you, and your actions affect me - we are one unit. For a Jew to say, "What I do is my business and doesn't affect anyone else," is categorically false. It is as if I have co-signed on your loan. If you default on your payments, the bank will come after me. I didn't borrow the money - but I am responsible.

The Chofetz Chaim writes that when we die God may say to us "Why didn't you keep Shabbos, learn Torah, and recite blessings?" You're going to reply, "Me?! I observed all those mitzvot?!" But because every Jew is a guarantor for every other Jew, you bear another's sin if you did not try to correct him. Each of us is obligated to reach out to others and bring them closer to the Creator.

 ~ SHABBAT SHALOM ~