3 Kislev 5772
Mesirut Nefesh – What is it?
Daniel, 29 Tishrei 5772
Abba, Abba, Abba. What else is there to tell? Always, I think, what else is there to tell? How much we speak and we speak; how much the autistic children have spoken over the years. Seventeen years, eighteen years, we’re speaking and speaking about the geulah. We’ve begged and pleaded with Am Yisrael to do teshuvah, to leave the Eigel Hazahav, to throw him away in the garbage, to walk in the way of Hashem, to leave the plastic Judaism, to leave the Judaism-in-costume.
Now, to change direction, to direct the heart, the soul, the thoughts and desires to HKB”H, to the Torah, to mitzvot, to kedushah, to modesty, to family, and to take out all the gashmiut, the toys and the nonsense of this temporal world.
Now. Now, you can still change, you can still do teshuvah, but in a little bit, we will hear the redemption shofar’s call. The gates of teshuvah will be locked and it will be impossible to change oneself. The Olam Hazeh will disappear with all the evildoers and only he who lives in kedushah will be able to go out from the Mitzrayim of Olam Hazeh, and to enter into the Third Beit Hamikdash. Don’t return to the mistake of the millions of Jews who didn’t leave Mitzrayim, of those who died in the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, of those who went in the path of the Haskalah Movement before the terrible Shoah and etc. You can’t say, “I didn’t hear, I didn’t know.”
How is it possible? How is it possible to continue to write? I don’t know what more it is possible to write, but, perhaps, nevertheless, we will speak about the most important point and that is faith and trust in Hashem. Faith and trust in Hashem - without this, there’s nothing. Without this, there’s no Torah; without this, there are no mitzvot; without this, there is no future, there’s nothing for which to live.
A Jew is naturally born with faith and trust in Hashem. It’s part of his neshamah, to know that Hashem is One and His name is One, that Hashem is omnipotent, that Hashem is the Master of the World, that Hashem created us and all the worlds and He rules over everything. He knows the thoughts of every person in the world. He knows the feelings of every person in the world. He leads every Jew and also, gentile, to the directions that He designs for their sakes and for their good - to every person in the world. Something amazing! And He is omnipotent, He is the Creator, He is the Truth, and we, all of us, are His creations. We are His children.
To be a Jew with trust and faith in Hashem, this is a very, very difficult thing. When a person is born into this world, he grows up, he learns to eat, to walk, to run, to ride a bicycle, to feel this world, but he doesn’t usually learn to sense himself - the neshamah that’s inside him - the dimension that we don’t see. But, with much perception, we can feel the neshamah which is a spiritual thing, eternal. [Morning Blessings: “My G-d, the soul You placed within me is pure. You created it, You fashioned it, You breathed it into me, You safeguard it within me, and eventually You will take it from me, and restore it to me in Time to Come.”]
The Jew needs to feel this. A man who is very involved in this world doesn’t feel it. He feels Olam Hazeh, all the surrounding things that bring us superficial amusement and happiness, things tasty to eat, ice cream, chocolates, cakes, good food with all types of meat, vegetables and various types of wine.
A man who is very involved with this world, and loves it, and the pleasures of this world are his goal, is not able to feel his neshamah. And in order to feel his neshamah, he needs to reduce the importance of Olam Hazeh, and to make use of this world in order to serve Hashem and not the Eigel Hazahav. Because the Olam Hazeh is the klipah that is stuck on, something rough, and when it is taken off of this world - this klipah is removed – then, he will have the sensitivity to feel internally his eternal Jewish neshamah, to feel the direct connection of every Jewish neshamah with HKB”H. And this is the delight that is over and above everything in this world. And it brings us to true happiness. When a man reveals the truth, draws close to HKB”H, this is the peak of the enjoyment.
How do we arrive to this? First of all, to reduce this world as much as is possible, to pray, to do mitzvot, to learn Torah, to make efforts to be a Jew according to the Torah. But, the basis of all Torah learning and all the mitzvot is trust and faith in Hashem, and together it will bring us to love Hashem. And when the person comes to feel his neshamah, and he ties his neshamah to the Torah, then he can feel the Creator of the World, and this is the most wonderful feeling. And when Mashiach Tzidkeinu will come, we will feel this every day, moment to moment, but at a much higher level, and there won't be a yetzer harah to bother us, and there will be for us possibilities to ascend and ascend and ascend.
In our world today, the Jew needs mesirut nefesh to reach the height of full trust in HKB"H, and he is certain that no matter what happens to him, it's for his good. He is sure that Hashem created him for a specific purpose and for the sake of reaching this goal, HKB"H gives all kinds of trials that are very difficult for us and we need to withstand them. If we withstand them, this is called mesirut nefesh. We are ready at any price, not to leave what we know is the truth and it doesn't matter if it's because of, for example, women who go with scarves, shawls and aprons (*) and long and wide skirts, and everyone laughs at them, but they do it in mesirut nefesh. ["Because for you we are slain all day long." See Sefer Hassidim] Because they know that this is modesty. They know that the great rabbis from previously, like the Chofetz Chaim [See original for reference] the Chatam Sofer [See original for reference] HaRav Sonnenfeld and many other rabbis said that a woman needs to be modest and needs a kerchief for a head covering [See original for reference] and to wear a scarf, shawl and etc. and there are pictures and photographs that confirm this.
In Shamayim, it's clear that the truly righteous were those who were also modest, and in this world, modesty is the basis of true Judaism, and the mitzvot of modesty for women are the most important. And they are ready to receive laughter and to suffer humiliation and despite everything, and in mesirut nefesh for the sake of Heaven, not to leave it. ["In the merit of the righteous women our fathers were redeemed from Mitzrayim, and in their merit in the future we will be redeemed." Yalkut Shimoni...]
An avreich who sits in mesirut nefesh and learns day and night is investing his neshamah in learning. When other avreichim are already working and bringing more salary, etc and etc., he's not ready to leave his way of life, with his Jewish dress, with his beard and long peyot, not ready to leave the externals of a true Jew and the internals of true Torah learning, not ready to leave it and this is mesirut nefesh. It's mesirut nefesh to be a Jew, even if they laugh about righteousness, holiness and his learning. Even if Jews like him - Jews who appear like him - laugh at him, he is not ready to leave his way. This is his mesirut nefesh.
Q. Is it not too extreme? After all, chazal said that this way is suitable only for individuals [See original for reference] and additionally, how is it possible to live on an avreich's salary of 1000 sheqels?
A. Not everyone needs to sit and learn all day, it's possible also to work, but you need to learn regularly. Every Jew must live in holiness, must do the mitzvot more accurately, must make efforts to do Hashem's will all day and all night, must leave the Eigel Hazahav, even if the Eigel Hazahav is dressed in tzitzit and kippa, because it's avodah zarah. He must eat kosher, but true kosher and not in all the restaurants and pizzarias, that even if there is a hechsher, it's impossible to know how much it's truly kosher, because it's very complicated to be a mashgiach in a place like this and there is a very great danger to the kashrut. It's forbidden to us to copy the way of life of the gentiles and to put a hechsher on it, because the goyische style cancels out the hechsher.
Walk on the street, see the promiscuity of women with tight clothes, short skirts, foreign wigs and etc. See jesting among the Chareidim, see Jews eating in the street, Chareidi Jews. See behavior unsuitable for Chareidi Jews. See violence among Chareidim that is the worst sin. [See original for reference.]
Every true Jew who wants the truth, goes against the way of the Erev Rav despite that the Erev Rav currently rules; walks and appears like a true Jew; receives laughter; receives embarrassments, but maintains a strong stand and it is mesirut nefesh; fights to maintain the Jewish street clean from goyischkeit; to receive hits, this is mesirut nefesh. This is a generation that must battle over Yiddishkeit, over true Judaism and not over "k'ilu" Judaism.
And Hashem sends for the sake of this all kinds of strong neshamas that are not ready to give up. It doesn't matter what they do to them, they're not ready to give up on the Jewish way of life, the Judaism that all day the Jew is busy only with the will of Hashem and it doesn't weary him. It gives him his strength; it gives him his reason for being; it gives him all his pleasure, to do the will of Hashem, from the morning til the night and from the night until the morning, in every single step, in every way of dress, in all behavior in the street and behavior in the home, with all the mitzvot, and in the matter of faith and trust in Hashem, and above everything, love of Hashem. [See original for reference.]
Q. Are you still advising to store water and food in the house?
A. It's very worthwhile that there will be in the house water and food for two weeks, including batteries, etc. Like the Jews in Mitzrayim went out with a bit of food and it helped them last a long time, so we also will do a bit of hishtadlut and Hashem will help us. No need for more than two weeks. Except for this, we will all see amazing things, a great fear, just so we know, that what will bring us to the geulah, it will be our trust in Hashem.
__________________________
(*) Scarf: Like a scarf over the headcovering that covers the head, the nape and shoulders, the neck and throat, that which the Daughters of Israel were accustomed to clothe when they went out from the house, the scarf does not cover the face.
Shawl: Like a coat, cape, hiding the shape of the body.
Apron/Smock: Like a regular apron or smock, indicative of modesty, origin of the dress is the religion ruling of Ezra the Sopher when he ascended to the land and saw the promiscuity that was in Eretz Yisrael. Rabbi Yonatan Eibshitz [Ye'arot Devash...] writes so a woman wearing an apron/smock in the public domain is protected against the Angel of Death, possessor of many eyes. Thus were clothed Jewish women until about 50 years ago.
28 November 2011
27 November 2011
UPDATE ON SYRIA
2 Kislev 5772
By all appearances, the West is going to try to do a 'Libya' on Syria and it gets closer by the day. Preparations are well underway.
Arab sanctions find Syria's 7 neighbors on alert. Russian missiles for Assad
...the armies of Syria's seven neighbors were already scrambling into position on standby on its borders for acts of retaliation. Military suspense mounted after the Arab League vote to cut off transactions with Syria's central bank, withdraw Arab funding from projects and other painful sanctions over Bashar Assad's refusal to halt his crackdown on protest.
Debkafile's military sources report Israeli armored brigades pushed forward up to the Lebanese and Syrian borders; Ankara placed three armored brigades, its air force and navy in a state of preparedness, likewise Hizballah and the Lebanese and Jordanian armed forces, while the US and Russia are in the midst of a naval buildup opposite Syrian shores.
Military sources in the Gulf report that 150 Iranian Revolutionary Guards specialists had landed at a military airport south of Damascus on their way to Lebanon to join Hizballah which began bringing its rockets out of their hideouts.
It's ironic that just at this time, we are moving into the holiday period in which we celebrate an ancient victory over the Syrian-Greeks. If we go to war with Syria at Hanukah time, will we then be at war with Iran in time for Purim? With Geula for Pesach? Hmmmmm.
That doesn't mean, however, that we would necessarily have to wait til Pesach for Mashiach. Personally, I envision the Erev Rav regime collapsing due to a colossal failure during the imminent war with our nearest neighbors and MBY coming forward to take charge in the resulting vacuum.
Remember Yehudit's vision?
"In response to kassams and rockets on Northern Israel, [MBY] will give instructions to completely exterminate a city in Syria."
The prophets in the Tanakh bear this out as well.
(Yeshayahu 17:1) "Behold Damascus shall be removed from being a city, and it shall be depth of ruins."
(Yirmiyahu 49:24-27) "Damascus has become feeble, she has turned to flee, and trembling has seized her: distress and pangs seized her like a woman in confinement. 'How was the city of praise not fortified, the city of my joy?' Therefore, her youths shall fall in her broad places, and all her warriors shall be destroyed on that day, says the Lord of Hosts. And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of the Ben-hadad."
Are we this close to the revelation of Mashiach Ben Yosef? Is war with Syria the sign? Stay tuned...
By all appearances, the West is going to try to do a 'Libya' on Syria and it gets closer by the day. Preparations are well underway.
Arab sanctions find Syria's 7 neighbors on alert. Russian missiles for Assad
...the armies of Syria's seven neighbors were already scrambling into position on standby on its borders for acts of retaliation. Military suspense mounted after the Arab League vote to cut off transactions with Syria's central bank, withdraw Arab funding from projects and other painful sanctions over Bashar Assad's refusal to halt his crackdown on protest.
Debkafile's military sources report Israeli armored brigades pushed forward up to the Lebanese and Syrian borders; Ankara placed three armored brigades, its air force and navy in a state of preparedness, likewise Hizballah and the Lebanese and Jordanian armed forces, while the US and Russia are in the midst of a naval buildup opposite Syrian shores.
Military sources in the Gulf report that 150 Iranian Revolutionary Guards specialists had landed at a military airport south of Damascus on their way to Lebanon to join Hizballah which began bringing its rockets out of their hideouts.
It's ironic that just at this time, we are moving into the holiday period in which we celebrate an ancient victory over the Syrian-Greeks. If we go to war with Syria at Hanukah time, will we then be at war with Iran in time for Purim? With Geula for Pesach? Hmmmmm.
That doesn't mean, however, that we would necessarily have to wait til Pesach for Mashiach. Personally, I envision the Erev Rav regime collapsing due to a colossal failure during the imminent war with our nearest neighbors and MBY coming forward to take charge in the resulting vacuum.
Remember Yehudit's vision?
"In response to kassams and rockets on Northern Israel, [MBY] will give instructions to completely exterminate a city in Syria."
The prophets in the Tanakh bear this out as well.
(Yeshayahu 17:1) "Behold Damascus shall be removed from being a city, and it shall be depth of ruins."
(Yirmiyahu 49:24-27) "Damascus has become feeble, she has turned to flee, and trembling has seized her: distress and pangs seized her like a woman in confinement. 'How was the city of praise not fortified, the city of my joy?' Therefore, her youths shall fall in her broad places, and all her warriors shall be destroyed on that day, says the Lord of Hosts. And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of the Ben-hadad."
Are we this close to the revelation of Mashiach Ben Yosef? Is war with Syria the sign? Stay tuned...
24 November 2011
Getting too close for comfort
27 Cheshvan 5772
Western Powers Warn Citizens, Leave Syria Now!
Westerns powers are warning their citizens to get out of Syria while they still can. The US embassy heightened an alert Wednesday.
Western and other nations are warning their citizens to leave Syria immediately, and have issued alerts not to travel there as the security situation continues to deteriorate in the face of President Bashar al-Assad's determination to defy not only the United Nations, but even his regional neighbors at the Arab League.
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus issued a heightened to alert to all American citizens who are still in the country to leave on any commercial flight that might still be available.
The message posted on the Internet, entitled, "Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Significant decrease in the number of commercial flights from Syria," was grim. It included a directive to Wardens that "Transmission by phone is mandatory."
Report: US & Arab States Set To Impose No Fly Zone Over Syria
Plan to cripple Assad’s military forces within 24 hours
Reports out of Kuwait suggest that Arab states are set to impose a no fly zone over Syria with US logistical support, advancing the prospect of a military assault to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad under a “humanitarian” pretext.
“Senior European sources said that Arab jet fighters, and possibly Turkish warplanes, backed by American logistic support will implement a no fly zone in Syria’s skies, after the Arab League will issue a decision, under its Charter, calling for the protection of Syrian civilians,” reports Albawaba, citing Kuwait’s al Rai daily.
...As part of a plan to cripple the country’s military forces within 24 hours, the “movement of Syrian military vehicles, including tanks, personnel carriers and artillery,” would all be banned under the terms of the no fly zone.
Western Powers Warn Citizens, Leave Syria Now!
Westerns powers are warning their citizens to get out of Syria while they still can. The US embassy heightened an alert Wednesday.
Western and other nations are warning their citizens to leave Syria immediately, and have issued alerts not to travel there as the security situation continues to deteriorate in the face of President Bashar al-Assad's determination to defy not only the United Nations, but even his regional neighbors at the Arab League.
The U.S. Embassy in Damascus issued a heightened to alert to all American citizens who are still in the country to leave on any commercial flight that might still be available.
The message posted on the Internet, entitled, "Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Significant decrease in the number of commercial flights from Syria," was grim. It included a directive to Wardens that "Transmission by phone is mandatory."
Report: US & Arab States Set To Impose No Fly Zone Over Syria
Plan to cripple Assad’s military forces within 24 hours
Reports out of Kuwait suggest that Arab states are set to impose a no fly zone over Syria with US logistical support, advancing the prospect of a military assault to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad under a “humanitarian” pretext.
“Senior European sources said that Arab jet fighters, and possibly Turkish warplanes, backed by American logistic support will implement a no fly zone in Syria’s skies, after the Arab League will issue a decision, under its Charter, calling for the protection of Syrian civilians,” reports Albawaba, citing Kuwait’s al Rai daily.
...As part of a plan to cripple the country’s military forces within 24 hours, the “movement of Syrian military vehicles, including tanks, personnel carriers and artillery,” would all be banned under the terms of the no fly zone.
23 November 2011
"Shawl Women"
27 Cheshvan 5772In a message dated 8 Elul 5771, one of the autistic boys said:
"...you will see many women who will decide to sacrifice themselves for the sake of Heaven and will begin to dress themselves in much modesty. And this will annoy the Mitnagdim (those who oppose them). And then, there will be the BIG war."
Already, a week later , on 16 Elul 5771, this article appeared on Ynet:
Haredim launch war on 'Taliban women'
An internal haredi battle is taking place these days against "Taliban women", a radical sect of women wearing cloaks and observing strict modesty rules.
Ads posted in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh are announcing the establishment of a special committee against the sect's members.
"Help help, Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh are crying out," says the poster, referring to the "Taliban women" as "a new sect of cruel women making people miserable and destroying homes, risking lives and showing no mercy to little children."
Yeshiva World News has continued to report on it:
Eida Combating In House Fanaticism – AKA Taliban
‘Taliban Woman’ Causes Terror Alert In Yerushalayim
Today, they've printed the most intelligent and compassionate treatment of the issue to date:
HaRav Yitzchak Ratzabi Regarding ‘Taliban Women’
HaRav Yitzchak Ratzabi Shlita in a recent shiur addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding women who dress similar to Arab women, known in Israel as Taliban Women or Shawl Women. The rav is a prominent Torah figure in the Yemenite community in Eretz Yisrael.
The rav feels that the opposition is incorrect and the women wishing to take on additional stringencies regarding tznius should be praised, not admonished. The rav ponders how rabbonim, talmidei chachamim in Yerushalayim and Bnei Brak can be waging war against the trend, which he views in a positive light.
...While the rabbis may not be capable of instructing women to do this, but now, there are those who have decided to take this upon themselves and they are not honored or respected, but ridiculed. They call them names in the street; ‘Arabs, Taliban, Palestinians’. They are shamed and disgraced and they are embarrassed but they continue with mesirus nefesh, L’Shem Shomayim, and the matter must be probed”.
In response to questions, the rav explains why the rabbonim oppose this. He stated the rabbis feel this is not the way, that they attract more stares this way than dressing as others do, and some rabbonim feel such apparel is a chilul Hashem since the non-frum look at them and speak of how the chareidim dress. The rabbi explained his words refer to shawls and scarves, emphasizing regarding a veil, “there is nothing to talk about”.
The rav also stated there is another “very serious” matter, that the same rabbonim who publically came out against the shawls are not speaking out against the wigs. “If they were speaking out against permissiveness and immorality, and also spoke out about this (wigs), I would say their actions are L’Shem Shomayim, but it appears the evil inclination has grabbed them. The yetzer hora at times targets righteous people.”
Ron Paul - best for the US (AND Israel)
26 Cheshvan 5772
Ron Paul's strength in Iowa shows it's too soon to write him off
...As other candidates – Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain – dash forward hare-like only to stumble or be run over by the next new thing, Paul is the perpetual tortoise in the race, mild-mannered, confident and unwavering in his positions (no flip-flopper he), advancing steadily toward the first real test in the Iowa caucuses six weeks from now.
As I hope was made clear in my post of three days ago, The Alliance, I do not believe that the traditional relationship between Israel and the US is healthy for either one. I have been impressed with Congressman Ron Paul's steadfast position on US non-involvement with Israel's right to it sovereignty.
Suddenly, the Israeli media is catching on to this:
Ron Paul: Why does Israel need our help?
...Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul suggested that the US should have less involvement in Israel's affairs.
GOP’s Ron Paul: None of Our Business if Israel Attacks Iran
..."I think they're quite capable of taking care of themselves," the Texas Congressman said, noting that Israel has nuclear missiles. "Why does Israel need our help? We need to get out of their way," he added.
He is absolutely right. It's time that Americans understood (and their politicians admitted) that America is in decline. Despite popular opinion, American foreign policy does not favor Israel or Israeli interests. The worst thing we can do in the eyes of the goyim is to beg them for their help. Far better that they step out of our way and that we learn to stand on our own two feet and trust only in HKB"H.
Ron Paul's strength in Iowa shows it's too soon to write him off
...As other candidates – Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain – dash forward hare-like only to stumble or be run over by the next new thing, Paul is the perpetual tortoise in the race, mild-mannered, confident and unwavering in his positions (no flip-flopper he), advancing steadily toward the first real test in the Iowa caucuses six weeks from now.
As I hope was made clear in my post of three days ago, The Alliance, I do not believe that the traditional relationship between Israel and the US is healthy for either one. I have been impressed with Congressman Ron Paul's steadfast position on US non-involvement with Israel's right to it sovereignty.
Suddenly, the Israeli media is catching on to this:
Ron Paul: Why does Israel need our help?
...Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul suggested that the US should have less involvement in Israel's affairs.
GOP’s Ron Paul: None of Our Business if Israel Attacks Iran
..."I think they're quite capable of taking care of themselves," the Texas Congressman said, noting that Israel has nuclear missiles. "Why does Israel need our help? We need to get out of their way," he added.
He is absolutely right. It's time that Americans understood (and their politicians admitted) that America is in decline. Despite popular opinion, American foreign policy does not favor Israel or Israeli interests. The worst thing we can do in the eyes of the goyim is to beg them for their help. Far better that they step out of our way and that we learn to stand on our own two feet and trust only in HKB"H.
21 November 2011
Connected to the Suffering of the Shekhina?
25 Cheshvan 5772Since posting my "How do you feel?" poll, I've received quite a few emails on the subject of spiritual sensitivity. When the subject came up again at home and also, on Lazer Beams, I took it as a sign that this is a subject whose time has come.
A full third of voters identified with a feeling of "heaviness" and "paralysis." I was frankly surprised by the number and very gratified that it justified my own feelings. I guess everyone who feels this way wonders if it isn't only in his mind. With the writer's permission, I'd like to share something I received this morning:
"...I can't tell you what a relief it was to read your blogpost and know that I am not alone. I would never admit this to my family or friends for fear of being labeled a nut-case, but I have had some strange experiences during my davening.
It wasn't always this way. It started in the months before the second intifada broke out. Suddenly, in the middle of davening, I would feel as if a fountain was welling up inside me and tears would begin to pour forth. I felt completely consumed by a feeling of abject sadness and terrible expectation of something awful about to happen. During those times, I would beg Hashem to have mercy on His children and to please bring the geula shleima. Slowly, I would get myself back under control.
While the strength of the experience has waxed and waned, it has never completely left me. Recently, though, it has gotten worse. So much worse, that I have begun to avoid davening. Sometimes, it feels like I could drown in the sorrow. Last week, I began to cry during the shema and couldn't finish it. The weird thing is, I do not have these feelings outside of prayer.
Once, a long time ago, I did mention something of it to an acquaintance who remarked that I was a channel for the Shekhina. I didn't understand that and I didn't want to entertain that thought. It seemed too presumptuous. Then, I read what the autistic man said, "For those who do trust in Hashem and are truly waiting for Mashiach….and truly weep over the Shekhina’s suffering, it will be the greatest joy."
What do you think he meant by that? Have you ever heard of this phenomenon before? ....
So I did a quick search and came up with the following from Chabad.org:
...You need to know that the moon is a reference to G‑d's immanent presence in the world, otherwise known as the Shechinah. You also need to know that the Shechina, like the moon, wanes and waxes, as G‑d's presence sometimes shines brightly in the world, and at other times is shadowed and darkened. Some souls are conceived (not on earth, but above) at the waxing of the cycle. Those souls enter the world with a strong body and glide through life happily. Other souls are conceived with the darkening of the Shechina. Rabbi Shimon tells us that these souls share in the suffering of the Shechina—and that is why she is their constant companion. Eventually, this cycle of the Shechina will resolve in an everlasting fullness as G‑d's presence will shine in ultimate intensity in this world, and these souls "shall also be renewed with her."
So far, some answers. But many puzzles remain: Why must the Shechinah suffer? And what is the point behind these souls suffering along with her?
Concerning the suffering of the Shechina, Rabbi Yitzchaak Luria, the Ari, provided a deep and enlightening teaching. He explained that everything of our world is vitalized and sustained in existence by a divine spark. The higher the spark, he said, the lower it falls. The most intense divine light, therefore, is to be found in the darkest corners of our world. The Shechinah is both the light of G‑d's presence and the mother of all souls. The function of the human soul is to rescue these fallen sparks from their darkness so they may be reconnected to the Infinite Light. The Shechinah suffers as she descends into the darkness to perform that rescue. This, the Ari says, is "the secret of the exile of the Shechinah," as the Talmud says, "When the Jewish People go into exile, the Shechina goes with them."4
I was struck by the allusion to "waxing and waning" in both the reader's email and the Chabad.org article. Surely, it's no coincidence. It also would seem that he has intuitively understood what is required of him as he says, "During those times, I would beg Hashem to have mercy on His children and to please bring the geula shleima,...."
I found this reference to the Rebbe of Lelov-Jerusalem:
...Another passage describes the Rebbe on the night the Six Day War broke out: "The beit midrash was darkened because of the blackout, all the windows covered over with strips of tape for their length and breadth. We stood trembling with fear," said one of those present. "The Rebbe entered and stood at the head of the table. His appearance aroused awe. For a long while he cried out, his voice breaking with d'vekut [devotional God-consciousness], 'Mama, Mama, Mama!'" "We palpably felt," said a hasid who was present, "how the Rebbe was pleading before his Maker like a child before its mother for the Jewish people." (Moshe Ish HaElokim, vol.1, p.247)
Every time the Rebbe finished the blessing over the moon, he called out longingly, "Have a good month, holy Shechinah!" (Moshe Ish HaElokim, vol.2, p.93)
One of the Rebbe's intimates, a hasid who was with the Rebbe once at the Western Wall [of the Temple], turned his ear to hear the Rebbe's prayer. The Rebbe whispered, "My Sister, my Beloved! The time has come to speed the redemption!" (Moshe Ish HaElokim, vol.2, p.93) This anecdote tells us that the Rebbe was relating to God, to the Shechinah, as to a female beloved, using endearments found in the Song of Songs.
I am not equipped to offer advice. Only a Rav can do that. But, I urge the writer not to abandon his prayers, however painful they may be for him. Torah.org...
R’ Moshe Hager shlita (the Vizhnitzer Rebbe in Bnei Brak, Israel) observes: Raising one’s hands to Heaven refers to prayer. This verse teaches that one’s prayer should be primarily motivated by a desire to increase G-d’s honor, the honor of “Anochi” (a reference to G-d, as in the first word of the Ten Commandments). We are taught that the Shechinah shares in our pain (see Tehilim 91:15). [One way to understand this concept is that G-d created the world as an act of kindness, and He is disappointed (so-to-speak) when our deeds force Him to punish us.] Therefore, if we pray for the Shechinah’s pain to end, any pain or suffering we are experiencing will necessarily end as well. (Sichot U’ma’amarei Kodesh p.213)
A related thought:
R’ Mordechai Schwab z”l (1911-1994; mashgiach ruchani of Mesivta Bais Shraga in Monsey, New York) writes: We read in Shir Ha’shirim (5:2), “Open your heart to Me, My sister, My love, My dove, tamati / My perfection.” A midrash comments: Read “tamati” as “te’omati” / “My twin.” Just as one twin feels the other twin’s pain, so Hashem feels our pain. (On other occasions, R’ Schwab analogized Hashem’s reaction to our suffering to the pain a surgeon would feel if he operated on his own child.)
R’ Schwab adds: R’ Yosef Karo z”l (1488-1575; author of the Shulchan Aruch) used to be visited regularly by an angel, whose teachings to R’ Karo are recorded in the work Maggid Meisharim. The angel told R’ Karo: If you knew and felt the pain that the Shechinah feels when you sin, you would be so saddened that you would be unable to enjoy the taste of food. Furthermore, if we would focus all of our prayers solely on ending the suffering of the Shechinah (so-to-speak), we would be assured of being answered, and the Final Redemption would occur. (Kovetz Sichot Ma’amar Mordechai Vol. I, p.9)
It could be that the writer is also a highly sensitive person as Miriam Adahan describes in her article the Highly Sensitive Person and should give some thought to her counsel:
...One personality type which tends to be rejected (and self-rejecting) is the "Highly Sensitive Person" (HSP). ...[one of whose traits is] * prone to a very rich inner emotional depth which few others can understand or value. ... Sadly, HSPs are often seen as defective by our society, which values toughness and equates emotional sensitivity with immaturity, stupidity or insanity. Most therapists see sensitivity as a "fatal flaw" and seek ways to dampen the emotions.... HSPs are souls destined to a life of spirituality and artistic creativity. They have the capacity to be the moral and spiritual leaders of society, ....Your job is essentially to be a SPIRITUAL WARRIOR in this world. THIS REQUIRES THAT YOU BE RESPONSIBILE AND DISCIPLINED. Focus on your spiritual skills: compassion, empathy, transcendence, inner wisdom and communion with God....
If anyone out there has anything to add to this, you are invited to share it with me in an email and mention whether it is ok to post it here for the benefit of others.
20 November 2011
Re-Posting plus Q & A
24 Cheshvan 5772
I am re-posting this message along with the long-promised Q & A that was to follow. Sorry for the delay. I had a lot of trouble translating it and I'm still not sure it's completely right.
Message from Binyamin at end of year 5771
28 Tishrei 5772
There will yet be very big things. And what more is there to say!? At long last, what we have been talking about for seventeen years is beginning to take place. It’s not ‘beginning,’ because the process already started some time ago. And still, with all the troubles and with all the falls, with the money as well as the bizarre and difficult things from nature, also wars in every place and riots everywhere, and seeing the sheker, that it ascends and rises more and more, being exposed more and more, in every corner, in every place. With all this, at the moment that there is a drop of calm – a majority of the people return to what was. They don’t think about teshuvah. They don’t think about drawing closer to Hashem. They’re returning to the same nonsense, to the same concepts which are just the sheker of olam hazeh, and therefore, much greater troubles are coming now and almost without a break between them. [Sanhedrin: “If you see troubles pulling like a river, etc.”] Until Hashem will repair all the true Jews. In Egypt, it took a whole year, all the plagues, with breaks between them, but for us, there won’t be a lot of time in between one and the next – like now.
Like we said once, you’ll look above and it will come from below; you’ll look right – it will come from the left. Now, it’s from the right as well as from the left, from above and also from below, and from one side and also from the other side - from every place. It’s impossible to know where to look and what to think.
For the not-intelligent people who are still planning for the future six months ahead when there will be some social gathering or in hopeful expectation of some trip that they will make abroad. So, I ask very much from them: To see the truth, that it’s impossible to know what will happen from moment to moment, and now, especially, it will be what it will be, very difficult for those who do not trust in Hashem. For those who do trust in Hashem and are truly waiting for Mashiach….and truly weep over the Shekhina’s suffering, it will be the greatest joy.
So, those who understand what I’m saying, I bless you that all of us together will receive our righteous Mashiach in mercy and happiness. And to those who don’t understand what I said, I pity you and pray to HKB”H that nevertheless, he will save you in power.
Q. How do we prepare properly for Rosh Hashana? How is it different from the other days of spiritual preparation for the service of Hashem? What is required of us during this period?
A. Again, the most important thing is that we know with certainty, with all our strength and with all our essence that “ayn od milvado” – there’s nothing besides Him. And only He is able to save us; from hunger, as well as from various plagues, from every thing. [Psalms 91:3 “For He will save you from the snare that traps from the devastating pestilence.”] Only HKB”H is able to save us, also from diseases, everything, everything. Only HKB”H is able to save us. This we need to know.
But, the second thing and most important that we not forget, is that we should cleanse ourselves – “Kedoshim tihiyu.” A person who is not holy, or at least trying to be holy, a person who doesn’t understand what it means to be holy, he can’t be a Jew. He can’t be saved. “I’m not saying he has to be perfect, but he needs to go in the right direction with holiness. And this is about his body, inside his thoughts, in his behavior, in his house, in his synagogue, in the street, in every situation and in every place. “Kedoshim tihiyu”- is the most important thing, practically speaking.
Q. And about the least important, you’re saying…
A. Of course, because we’re enjoying sitting in the restaurants and gorging ourselves. [See Ramban at the beginning of Parshat Kedoshim.] We’re going to the zoo with the family and crowding together there on chol hamoed with all kinds of ‘shkotsim’. We’re enjoying flying to vacation in America or going to kivrei tzadikim in Europe. But, who says that these flights are kosher? And who says that there is some permission to exit from the land? Going out, returning, as if there’s no regulations that say that a Jew is not able to leave Eretz Yisrael just like that. Yes. They’re looking for all kinds of reasons that maybe it will satisfy the law. But, it’s not suitable for the majority.
Q. As can be seen, it’s because they don’t sense the holiness of Eretz Yisrael at all…
A. There is kedushah in all of Eretz Yisrael, especially in Yerushalayim. But, the Jews, with all their lack of modesty, with all their lack of holiness, it results in a thick layer of thick klipah that sits on the holiness of Eretz Yisrael, upon the ground, upon the land. Like the layer of crude oil in the Gulf of Mexico. But, underneath all this mess, under all that grime, it’s holy. The holiness remains and there is no one who can hide this. Only what? We need to return in teshuva. And every time we remove the klipah from ourselves, then the outer klipah that seals the ground of Eretz Yisrael will go down. The teshuva of every individual Jew, and of course if in groups, decides to do this. But, Hashem will bring us to fears, to situations such that our teshuva will be so high and so important – that it [the klipah] will disappear. And with all the evildoers that are disappearing – they will take with them part of the klipah.
Q. It’s told that the Chofetz Chaim ztz”l, in Days of Awe prayers, there was a reduction of saying piyutim and in the same hour, there were intensive suggestions to think how to help Am Yisrael. We are in a situation in our days that we need to think and to pray from morning to night in order to know what to do.
A. Only the gedolim are able to think about how to repair the generation. We will have to be satisfied with this, that every single Jew will fix himself. Perhaps he will help to fix his family. It’s already able to be a big accomplishment. If our tzadikim can also repair us? As far as I know, we have great tzadikim, that’s true, but, the world is so difficult that only with the personal connection every Jew has with Hashem is he able to repair.
Q. With regard to spurring livelihood, in the Zohar HaKadosh, it is brought that future events, Israel in the final exile, is to be redeemed from within the hardship and grief of poverty. Until how much do we need to try and to look for a source for the basis of work and etc.
A. Whoever suffers from poverty knows that it is not so simple to go and find a job. And when there is livelihood, there is no connection between the exertion and efforts in the job to earn wages, and in our generation especially. But, for those who work for Hashem, it’s already important. A person has to make efforts and it depends on his trust how much he needs to do.
I am re-posting this message along with the long-promised Q & A that was to follow. Sorry for the delay. I had a lot of trouble translating it and I'm still not sure it's completely right.
Message from Binyamin at end of year 5771
28 Tishrei 5772
There will yet be very big things. And what more is there to say!? At long last, what we have been talking about for seventeen years is beginning to take place. It’s not ‘beginning,’ because the process already started some time ago. And still, with all the troubles and with all the falls, with the money as well as the bizarre and difficult things from nature, also wars in every place and riots everywhere, and seeing the sheker, that it ascends and rises more and more, being exposed more and more, in every corner, in every place. With all this, at the moment that there is a drop of calm – a majority of the people return to what was. They don’t think about teshuvah. They don’t think about drawing closer to Hashem. They’re returning to the same nonsense, to the same concepts which are just the sheker of olam hazeh, and therefore, much greater troubles are coming now and almost without a break between them. [Sanhedrin: “If you see troubles pulling like a river, etc.”] Until Hashem will repair all the true Jews. In Egypt, it took a whole year, all the plagues, with breaks between them, but for us, there won’t be a lot of time in between one and the next – like now.
Like we said once, you’ll look above and it will come from below; you’ll look right – it will come from the left. Now, it’s from the right as well as from the left, from above and also from below, and from one side and also from the other side - from every place. It’s impossible to know where to look and what to think.
For the not-intelligent people who are still planning for the future six months ahead when there will be some social gathering or in hopeful expectation of some trip that they will make abroad. So, I ask very much from them: To see the truth, that it’s impossible to know what will happen from moment to moment, and now, especially, it will be what it will be, very difficult for those who do not trust in Hashem. For those who do trust in Hashem and are truly waiting for Mashiach….and truly weep over the Shekhina’s suffering, it will be the greatest joy.
So, those who understand what I’m saying, I bless you that all of us together will receive our righteous Mashiach in mercy and happiness. And to those who don’t understand what I said, I pity you and pray to HKB”H that nevertheless, he will save you in power.
Q. How do we prepare properly for Rosh Hashana? How is it different from the other days of spiritual preparation for the service of Hashem? What is required of us during this period?
A. Again, the most important thing is that we know with certainty, with all our strength and with all our essence that “ayn od milvado” – there’s nothing besides Him. And only He is able to save us; from hunger, as well as from various plagues, from every thing. [Psalms 91:3 “For He will save you from the snare that traps from the devastating pestilence.”] Only HKB”H is able to save us, also from diseases, everything, everything. Only HKB”H is able to save us. This we need to know.
But, the second thing and most important that we not forget, is that we should cleanse ourselves – “Kedoshim tihiyu.” A person who is not holy, or at least trying to be holy, a person who doesn’t understand what it means to be holy, he can’t be a Jew. He can’t be saved. “I’m not saying he has to be perfect, but he needs to go in the right direction with holiness. And this is about his body, inside his thoughts, in his behavior, in his house, in his synagogue, in the street, in every situation and in every place. “Kedoshim tihiyu”- is the most important thing, practically speaking.
Q. And about the least important, you’re saying…
A. Of course, because we’re enjoying sitting in the restaurants and gorging ourselves. [See Ramban at the beginning of Parshat Kedoshim.] We’re going to the zoo with the family and crowding together there on chol hamoed with all kinds of ‘shkotsim’. We’re enjoying flying to vacation in America or going to kivrei tzadikim in Europe. But, who says that these flights are kosher? And who says that there is some permission to exit from the land? Going out, returning, as if there’s no regulations that say that a Jew is not able to leave Eretz Yisrael just like that. Yes. They’re looking for all kinds of reasons that maybe it will satisfy the law. But, it’s not suitable for the majority.
Q. As can be seen, it’s because they don’t sense the holiness of Eretz Yisrael at all…
A. There is kedushah in all of Eretz Yisrael, especially in Yerushalayim. But, the Jews, with all their lack of modesty, with all their lack of holiness, it results in a thick layer of thick klipah that sits on the holiness of Eretz Yisrael, upon the ground, upon the land. Like the layer of crude oil in the Gulf of Mexico. But, underneath all this mess, under all that grime, it’s holy. The holiness remains and there is no one who can hide this. Only what? We need to return in teshuva. And every time we remove the klipah from ourselves, then the outer klipah that seals the ground of Eretz Yisrael will go down. The teshuva of every individual Jew, and of course if in groups, decides to do this. But, Hashem will bring us to fears, to situations such that our teshuva will be so high and so important – that it [the klipah] will disappear. And with all the evildoers that are disappearing – they will take with them part of the klipah.
Q. It’s told that the Chofetz Chaim ztz”l, in Days of Awe prayers, there was a reduction of saying piyutim and in the same hour, there were intensive suggestions to think how to help Am Yisrael. We are in a situation in our days that we need to think and to pray from morning to night in order to know what to do.
A. Only the gedolim are able to think about how to repair the generation. We will have to be satisfied with this, that every single Jew will fix himself. Perhaps he will help to fix his family. It’s already able to be a big accomplishment. If our tzadikim can also repair us? As far as I know, we have great tzadikim, that’s true, but, the world is so difficult that only with the personal connection every Jew has with Hashem is he able to repair.
Q. With regard to spurring livelihood, in the Zohar HaKadosh, it is brought that future events, Israel in the final exile, is to be redeemed from within the hardship and grief of poverty. Until how much do we need to try and to look for a source for the basis of work and etc.
A. Whoever suffers from poverty knows that it is not so simple to go and find a job. And when there is livelihood, there is no connection between the exertion and efforts in the job to earn wages, and in our generation especially. But, for those who work for Hashem, it’s already important. A person has to make efforts and it depends on his trust how much he needs to do.
17 November 2011
Crazy World Today
21 Cheshvan 5772
The next financial crisis will be hellish, and it’s on its way
"There is definitely going to be another financial crisis around the corner," says hedge fund legend Mark Mobius, "because we haven't solved any of the things that caused the previous crisis."
Israel’s Secret Iran Attack Plan
(You have got to read this one.)
The next financial crisis will be hellish, and it’s on its way
"There is definitely going to be another financial crisis around the corner," says hedge fund legend Mark Mobius, "because we haven't solved any of the things that caused the previous crisis."
Israel’s Secret Iran Attack Plan
(You have got to read this one.)
Did Sarah Imeinu die of "Broken Heart Syndrome"?
20 Cheshvan 5772
I learned once that Sarah Imeinu died at the moment she heard that Avraham had taken Yitzchak to be sacrificed to Hashem. The shock was too grat. Does this explain what happened to her?
Women more likely to have 'broken heart syndrome'
Females are seven to nine times more likely to suffer "broken heart syndrome," when sudden or prolonged stress like an emotional breakup or death causes overwhelming heart failure or heart attack-like symptoms, the first nationwide study of this finds.
...It happens when a big shock, even a good one like winning the lottery, triggers a rush of adrenaline and other stress hormones that cause the heart's main pumping chamber to balloon suddenly and not work right. Tests show dramatic changes in rhythm and blood substances typical of a heart attack, but no artery blockages that typically cause one. Most victims recover within weeks, but in rare cases it proves fatal.
..."It's the only cardiac condition where there's such a female preponderance," ....
I learned once that Sarah Imeinu died at the moment she heard that Avraham had taken Yitzchak to be sacrificed to Hashem. The shock was too grat. Does this explain what happened to her?
Women more likely to have 'broken heart syndrome'
Females are seven to nine times more likely to suffer "broken heart syndrome," when sudden or prolonged stress like an emotional breakup or death causes overwhelming heart failure or heart attack-like symptoms, the first nationwide study of this finds.
...It happens when a big shock, even a good one like winning the lottery, triggers a rush of adrenaline and other stress hormones that cause the heart's main pumping chamber to balloon suddenly and not work right. Tests show dramatic changes in rhythm and blood substances typical of a heart attack, but no artery blockages that typically cause one. Most victims recover within weeks, but in rare cases it proves fatal.
..."It's the only cardiac condition where there's such a female preponderance," ....
16 November 2011
Jews in NY
20 Cheshvan 5772
LOOK OUT!
OWS Protesters Calling For ‘Day Of Action’ Following Loss Of Camp In Zuccotti Park
...protesters are calling for "a national day of direct action" on Thursday. ...protesters are planning three major actions Thursday starting with a "shut down" of Wall Street.
It all starts with a rally in Liberty Square starting at 7 a.m. to “put an end to Wall Street’s reign of terror.”
Then, protesters will fan out to all five boroughs of the city in what’s being called Occupy the Subway.
They plan on gathering at 16 subways stations around New York City to take their message to the trains.
Finally, they say tens of thousands of protesters will end the day in Foley Square followed by a march to the Brooklyn Bridge to mark the two month anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement
...While the official movement is planning its day of action, other individuals seem to be making plans of their own.
In a video posted on YouTube after protesters were evicted from Zuccotti Park, a demonstrator in the crowd says “On the 17th, we’re going to burn New York City to the ground.”
Later in the video, he then goes on to say “No more talking. They’ve got guns, we’ve got bottles. They’ve got bricks, we’ve got rocks…in a few days you’re going to see what a Molotov cocktail can do to Macy’s.”
New York is not the only place it's getting wild out there:
D. C. - BULLET HIT WINDOW WHERE OBAMAS LIVE
Seattle - Pregnant teen, elderly woman among pepper sprayed
LOOK OUT!
OWS Protesters Calling For ‘Day Of Action’ Following Loss Of Camp In Zuccotti Park
...protesters are calling for "a national day of direct action" on Thursday. ...protesters are planning three major actions Thursday starting with a "shut down" of Wall Street.
It all starts with a rally in Liberty Square starting at 7 a.m. to “put an end to Wall Street’s reign of terror.”
Then, protesters will fan out to all five boroughs of the city in what’s being called Occupy the Subway.
They plan on gathering at 16 subways stations around New York City to take their message to the trains.
Finally, they say tens of thousands of protesters will end the day in Foley Square followed by a march to the Brooklyn Bridge to mark the two month anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement
...While the official movement is planning its day of action, other individuals seem to be making plans of their own.
In a video posted on YouTube after protesters were evicted from Zuccotti Park, a demonstrator in the crowd says “On the 17th, we’re going to burn New York City to the ground.”
Later in the video, he then goes on to say “No more talking. They’ve got guns, we’ve got bottles. They’ve got bricks, we’ve got rocks…in a few days you’re going to see what a Molotov cocktail can do to Macy’s.”
New York is not the only place it's getting wild out there:
D. C. - BULLET HIT WINDOW WHERE OBAMAS LIVE
Seattle - Pregnant teen, elderly woman among pepper sprayed
15 November 2011
Hashem's Blessing on Yisrael
18 Cheshvan 5772
Israel National News reports:
Rain, Rain Don’t Go AwayBy Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
...“Large quantities of rain fell on Monday along the coast even as far south as Be’er Sheva,” veteran weather forecaster Uri Batz told Arutz Sheva.
...“Six straight says of rain is rare in our climate. We are on the right path and there is more to come. I think the rainfall this winter will be at least average.”
...A week and a half ago, Jews in Israel began inserting into daily prayers the request that HaShem will “give us dew and rain for a blessing.”
...“He makes the wind blow and the rain fall” is recited from Simchat Torah, which follows the holiday of Sukkot, until the last day of Passover.
This is a clear sign that our tefillah and teshuva was accepted on Yom Kippur. May the blessings extend to bringing Mashiach Tzidkeinu quickly.
Israel National News reports:
Rain, Rain Don’t Go AwayBy Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
...“Large quantities of rain fell on Monday along the coast even as far south as Be’er Sheva,” veteran weather forecaster Uri Batz told Arutz Sheva.
...“Six straight says of rain is rare in our climate. We are on the right path and there is more to come. I think the rainfall this winter will be at least average.”
...A week and a half ago, Jews in Israel began inserting into daily prayers the request that HaShem will “give us dew and rain for a blessing.”
...“He makes the wind blow and the rain fall” is recited from Simchat Torah, which follows the holiday of Sukkot, until the last day of Passover.
This is a clear sign that our tefillah and teshuva was accepted on Yom Kippur. May the blessings extend to bringing Mashiach Tzidkeinu quickly.
14 November 2011
18 Marcheshvan
This is Rabbi Meir David Kahane's, ztz"l, Hy"d, 21st yahrtzeit. His memory will forever be a blessing to all of his students.********
Update on the Iran situation:
Iran will have five nukes by April 2012. Only 2-3 months left for military option
"...Jewish leaders meeting Sunday were informed that the Obama administration had intelligence data that the US and Israel have no more than a couple of months left for striking down Iran's military weapons development by force. This will not longer be viable after Iran is armed with five nuclear bombs or warheads."
Op-Ed: Are You Prepared For War With Iran? They Won’t Be The Only Ones Surprised By An IAF Strike
"Whether you support a military strike on Iran or are against it, or you simply don’t care much about it, you better be prepared for it.
...Now, if you were expecting one of the cars with speakers to roll down your block announcing the military strike will start at 9pm tonight, you’re in for a surprise. It’s not going to happen! You will be just as surprised as the Iranians will be.
And that means that the time to prepare for such an attack, is now. Does you’re family know where the closest bomb shelter is? Do you have an emergency supply of food and water saved up? Do you have a radio to stay updated and informed inside the bomb shelter?"
I wonder why he doesn't mention gas masks.
13 November 2011
Surviving the End of Days
16 Cheshvan 5772
"...I [Hashem] will be relieved of my adversaries, and I shall avenge Myself of My enemies! I will turn My hand against you, until I refine your dross as with lye and I remove all your base metal. Then I will restore your judges as at first and your counselors as at the beginning; after that you will be called 'City of Righteousness,' 'Faithful City.' Zion will be redeemed through justice and those who return to her through righteousness; but calamity awaits rebels and sinners together, and those who forsake Hashem will perish;...." Isaiah 1:24-28
"Sinners were afraid in Zion, trembling seized hypocrites. 'Which of us can live with the consuming fire? Which of us can live with the eternal conflagration?' One who walks with righteousness and speaks with truthfulness, who spurns extortionate profit and shakes off his hands from holding a bribe, who seals his ears from hearing of bloodshed* and shuts his eyes from seeing evil. He shall dwell in heights; in rocky fortresses is his stronghold; his bread will be granted, his water assured." Isaiah 33:14-16
* (Radak) He does not let unsubstantiated talk incite him to bloodshed.
"...I [Hashem] will be relieved of my adversaries, and I shall avenge Myself of My enemies! I will turn My hand against you, until I refine your dross as with lye and I remove all your base metal. Then I will restore your judges as at first and your counselors as at the beginning; after that you will be called 'City of Righteousness,' 'Faithful City.' Zion will be redeemed through justice and those who return to her through righteousness; but calamity awaits rebels and sinners together, and those who forsake Hashem will perish;...." Isaiah 1:24-28
"Sinners were afraid in Zion, trembling seized hypocrites. 'Which of us can live with the consuming fire? Which of us can live with the eternal conflagration?' One who walks with righteousness and speaks with truthfulness, who spurns extortionate profit and shakes off his hands from holding a bribe, who seals his ears from hearing of bloodshed* and shuts his eyes from seeing evil. He shall dwell in heights; in rocky fortresses is his stronghold; his bread will be granted, his water assured." Isaiah 33:14-16
* (Radak) He does not let unsubstantiated talk incite him to bloodshed.
"Am-reika"
16 Cheshvan 5772
"An empty people" - it's a perfect description of Edom at the End of Days. The Maharal said that each world empire had some worthy attribute which allowed it to bring up another world empire in its wake. All except the the fourth empire - Edom. It brings nothing in its wake except destruction. We've seen his words vindicated in every country that the US has invaded in order to bring its form of governance, economy and culture to bear.
Two articles from today's internet news points up the truth of it as well.
New Palestinian Authority Gimmick: Occupy ‘Settler’ Buses
...The ISM, an extreme left-wing group that includes anarchists who have helped take over Israeli state land for the PA, is linking the new PR effort with the Freedom Rides of the U.S. Civil Rights against then-segregated buses in the southern United States in the 1950s and 60s.
“Palestinian Freedom Riders will attempt to board segregated settler buses heading to Jerusalem through the occupied West Bank, in an act of civil disobedience that takes its inspiration from the U.S. Civil Rights Movement Freedom Riders,” according to the ISM.
Circus school leads Jews, Arabs to climb separation walls
“They all watch MTV and wear jeans. They look at each other as kids not as Jews and Arabs,” Israel Circus School founder says.
MTV and jeans. Equality of 'rights.' The precious and priceless Jewish neshama is being sacificed on the altar of these empty 'values.' The Master of the Universe is not going to tolerate it for very much longer. Better hurry and pick your side.
"An empty people" - it's a perfect description of Edom at the End of Days. The Maharal said that each world empire had some worthy attribute which allowed it to bring up another world empire in its wake. All except the the fourth empire - Edom. It brings nothing in its wake except destruction. We've seen his words vindicated in every country that the US has invaded in order to bring its form of governance, economy and culture to bear.
Two articles from today's internet news points up the truth of it as well.
New Palestinian Authority Gimmick: Occupy ‘Settler’ Buses
...The ISM, an extreme left-wing group that includes anarchists who have helped take over Israeli state land for the PA, is linking the new PR effort with the Freedom Rides of the U.S. Civil Rights against then-segregated buses in the southern United States in the 1950s and 60s.
“Palestinian Freedom Riders will attempt to board segregated settler buses heading to Jerusalem through the occupied West Bank, in an act of civil disobedience that takes its inspiration from the U.S. Civil Rights Movement Freedom Riders,” according to the ISM.
Circus school leads Jews, Arabs to climb separation walls
“They all watch MTV and wear jeans. They look at each other as kids not as Jews and Arabs,” Israel Circus School founder says.
MTV and jeans. Equality of 'rights.' The precious and priceless Jewish neshama is being sacificed on the altar of these empty 'values.' The Master of the Universe is not going to tolerate it for very much longer. Better hurry and pick your side.
10 November 2011
In the Shadow of Iran
13 Cheshvan 5772What can I say? It's scary, but I'm not afraid. I know Who is in control. But, Iran is very much on my mind as it probably is for all the thinking people of the world. Everyone must on some level sense that something really big is looming. I feel like the last few weeks have been the quiet before the storm. That's why I kept expecting something - something coming from the skies.
I had an unusual dream in March of 2005 - before Aza became a launching base for Hamas missiles in late 2005; before Hezbollah rained down missiles on northern Israel in 2006 and even before Achmadinejad was elected president of Iran. This is how I described it in an email to a friend in April 2005:
It was night-time and I was in a high place overlooking the coastal plain. (The way it looks from Hwy 1 at Sha'ar Haggai, except it was a completely unobstructed view). I could clearly see the city lights from Ashkelon all the way to Haifa. In the area of Tel Aviv-Herzliya, the lights formed a grid of Stars-of-David.
Something bright in the corner of my left eye caught my attention and when I looked, at first, it was a star and then it was the full Moon with wings and it was hovering. As I looked at it, a death's head (skull) spread across it's face as if it was turning from facing the west to look at me. Suddenly it shot off in the direction of the coast, moving from east to west and the words "death comes from the sky" entered my mind.
I was outside under pine trees like in the Jerusalem forest and it was night-time. A woman wearing a snood came along and told me we had to quickly get into shelters underground and I went down a ladder into a hole in the ground, but I felt that we were safe there.
Immediately upon awakening, I had a clear sense of the dream's meaning.
The high place where I am protected is Jerusalem. The connection between the stars of David and Tel Aviv-Herzliya is this---stars of David are the traditional symbol for the modern secular state of Israel and their connection to the Tel Aviv-Herzliya area is obvious. Tel Aviv represents Israeli materialism and abandonment of G-d - the secular state that wants to be like all the other nations. It is where the Defense department is located and from where Israel's wars are managed, signifying reliance on military might. Jerusalem is its opposite---Jewishness as opposed to Israeliness; spirituality and clinging to G-d.
The "flying from east to west" indicates that the danger is coming from the east. It is a missile attack---missiles will rain down from the sky. It could be from Arabs in the cities of Shomron, but my sense was that it would be Iran---Iranian missiles.
The Moon is indicating the time of the attack---the full moon.
So, what intrigues me the most about this dream is that, at that time, there was no logical reason to make an association with Iran. And while the coast from Ashkelon and south and from Haifa and north have been hit, until today, the area betwen Ashkelon and Haifa - which I saw in the dream - has not been hit by missiles.
Today's news is reporting that Israel will attack Iran's nuclear facilities with logistical support from the US either next month or soon after the first of the year 2012. We've been hearing this off and on it seems like forever. I remember when April 2006 was being touted as doomsday for Iran. But, since the IAEA report which came out late Tuesday, the Israeli government now has carte blanche to attack Iran, which it did not possess before. The world is no longer denying that Iran has intent to build and use nuclear weapons.
However, I do not believe that it will happen this way. I have every expectation of an Iranian pre-emptive strike - just like in my dream. If they become convinced that an attack is imminent, why would they wait for it? They believe G-d is on their side. They do not have to consider the political ramifications. Furthermore, if they are to be the ones who bring down Edom, as our sources indicate, they must do so from a position of strength which would not be possible in the aftermath of an Israeli or NATO coalition first-strike.
I am of the opinion, as are others, that Iran already has one or two nukes in reserve that were sold to them by North Korea. (They are the only ones who possess such weapons who are cash-strapped enough to risk it.) I think our government will be caught unawares and this failure, among others, will lead to the downfall of the Erev Rav-lead secular state. (More on that later, iy"H.)
Today, Uncle Sam may think he is going to contribute intelligence and logistical support from the sidelines, but the Creator has in mind to draw him firmly into the thick of it. ("...for I have brought Eisav's calamity upon him, the time when I will call him to account. ...Bozrah will be made desolate, a shame, a ruin and a curse; and all its towns will suffer eternal destruction." Yirmiyahu 49:8, 13)
How might that happen? As I said yesterday, it looks as if the world is being painted into a corner where East and West will end up in the ultimate showdown and Jewish sources corroborate this. (More on this later, too, G-d willing. Time is pressing.)
Bear in mind that the 15th of the month of Cheshvan is Shabbat Kodesh, but the moon will appear to be "full" for a day or two either side of that date. Also, bear in mind that the 17th of Cheshvan is the anniversary of the worldwide deluge - the Mabul -the Flood of Noah.
There are two ways to kasher utensils, either by water or by fire. G-d once purified the world in water and at the End of Days, He will purify it with fire.
09 November 2011
Sharing Thoughts
12 Cheshvan 5772
I'm a captive audience. I'm forced to listen as a self-satisfied, pompous ignoramus pours forth lies and slanders against the faithful of Hashem. My heart pounds and I can feel the flame of my zealous soul flare up and begin to choke me. Ad matai!!?
I dare not grant it release to act. It's not yet time. The birur must be allowed to continue until the time of freewill is over. So I concentrate on reading the day's news. Anything to blot out the droning voice of heresy.
A story catches my eye: Bereaved Father: We've Lost Faith in the System
"Shalom Rachum, whose son Ophir was killed by terrorists after being lured to Ramallah by a female terrorist in 2001, expressed his disappointment on Tuesday over the treatment his family has received from the Israeli authorities.
...“I’ve had difficult days since she was released,” he said. “I’ve lost faith in the country and the system. I feel sad and isolated. I have other children so I cannot afford to sit and feel sorry for myself, but the recent period since she was let go has been too much to bear.”
My heart is moved to pity and compassion for this son of Israel. I can sympathize with his pain and confusion, but I know that he is swallowing a bitter spiritual medicine which will ultimately bring healing to his soul. This is precisely what he needs - to lose "faith" in the state and the system. We must put our faith and trust ONLY IN HKB"H and HIM ALONE.
So. The asteroid danger has passed...for now.
Biggest asteroid in 35 years swings close to Earth
..."'It's a fantastic opportunity to educate the public that there are things out in space that we need to be aware of,' including this latest flyby, said observatory director Ron Dantowitz.
...If an asteroid that size would hit the planet, Purdue University professor Jay Melosh calculated the consequences. The impact would carve a crater four miles across and 1,700 feet deep. And if it slammed into the ocean, it would trigger 70-foot-high tsunami waves. "
And it would appear that there will be no serious 'fallout' from the remains of Comet Elenin. All of this should make us extremely aware of Divine protection and extremely grateful. When we contemplate what could have been.... It is only Hashem's protective hand which holds back all the destructiveness of nature-just-running-its-course. We were meant to see it, be aware of it and tremble at the possibilities and then to give thanks for the warning and resolve yet again to be better people, more deserving of such Providential kindness.
Now, to Iran. Clearly, Israel and the whole world are being maneuvered into a corner. There is no way to avoid this war. This will be the ultimate showdown between East and West and Israel will be caught in the middle. The price of oil will skyrocket just as the coldest winter on record falls over Europe and America. Today's riots and public demonstrations will pale by comparison to what is coming. And make no mistake, the Jews are going to be blamed - like always - and the Jews in foreign lands will bear the brunt of it. Not only will they be suffering from the failed economy, the breakdown of societyand the ravages of nature along with their compatriots, but they will also suffer from a resurgence of blatant antisemitism the likes of which the world has not seen in 70 years.
Everyone understands at some level that Achmadinejad is a gilgul of Haman HaRasha and perhaps even Hitler, yemach shemo, also was. (Interesting how he is always short and always egotistical.) He is (and was) the fulfillment of "God will raise up a king like Haman who will want to annihilate the entire Jewish people...." And he will cause all Israel to do teshuva, i.e. the situation and resulting troubles which evolve from his being in power will force Israel to do teshuva.
This can be compared to a man who habitually overeats, despite knowing that it is a sin, since it destroys his health and will eventually put his life at risk. If he recognizes the folly of his ways and corrects himself, he can be restored to good health without any further consequence. However, if he persists, one day his health will break down in some way directly related to his increased weight. If he still refuses to abandon his sin, he will suffer a heart attack that will put the fear of G-d into him since he really does not want to die. The doctor will put him in the hospital and he will be put on a healthy diet of limited calories. In this way he is "forced" to "do teshuva."
Antisemitism is not a social phenomenon. It is a spiritual tool that Hashem employs to help Israel do teshuva for willful assimilation. Do yourself a favor. Put yourself on a diet before the heart attack hits.
Turkey just got hit with another earthquake, the Canary Islands volcano is still erupting, Alaska is awaiting an "epic" storm and literally millions are displaced, hungry and ill as a result of historic floods.
It is a mercy that the transformation from the current reality to the new reality of Days of Mashiach is taking place in a gradual process, although it is speeding up as it gets closer to the end, because if humanity had to endure it all at once, no one would be able to survive the shock.
I'm a captive audience. I'm forced to listen as a self-satisfied, pompous ignoramus pours forth lies and slanders against the faithful of Hashem. My heart pounds and I can feel the flame of my zealous soul flare up and begin to choke me. Ad matai!!?
I dare not grant it release to act. It's not yet time. The birur must be allowed to continue until the time of freewill is over. So I concentrate on reading the day's news. Anything to blot out the droning voice of heresy.
A story catches my eye: Bereaved Father: We've Lost Faith in the System
"Shalom Rachum, whose son Ophir was killed by terrorists after being lured to Ramallah by a female terrorist in 2001, expressed his disappointment on Tuesday over the treatment his family has received from the Israeli authorities.
...“I’ve had difficult days since she was released,” he said. “I’ve lost faith in the country and the system. I feel sad and isolated. I have other children so I cannot afford to sit and feel sorry for myself, but the recent period since she was let go has been too much to bear.”
My heart is moved to pity and compassion for this son of Israel. I can sympathize with his pain and confusion, but I know that he is swallowing a bitter spiritual medicine which will ultimately bring healing to his soul. This is precisely what he needs - to lose "faith" in the state and the system. We must put our faith and trust ONLY IN HKB"H and HIM ALONE.
So. The asteroid danger has passed...for now.
Biggest asteroid in 35 years swings close to Earth
..."'It's a fantastic opportunity to educate the public that there are things out in space that we need to be aware of,' including this latest flyby, said observatory director Ron Dantowitz.
...If an asteroid that size would hit the planet, Purdue University professor Jay Melosh calculated the consequences. The impact would carve a crater four miles across and 1,700 feet deep. And if it slammed into the ocean, it would trigger 70-foot-high tsunami waves. "
And it would appear that there will be no serious 'fallout' from the remains of Comet Elenin. All of this should make us extremely aware of Divine protection and extremely grateful. When we contemplate what could have been.... It is only Hashem's protective hand which holds back all the destructiveness of nature-just-running-its-course. We were meant to see it, be aware of it and tremble at the possibilities and then to give thanks for the warning and resolve yet again to be better people, more deserving of such Providential kindness.
Now, to Iran. Clearly, Israel and the whole world are being maneuvered into a corner. There is no way to avoid this war. This will be the ultimate showdown between East and West and Israel will be caught in the middle. The price of oil will skyrocket just as the coldest winter on record falls over Europe and America. Today's riots and public demonstrations will pale by comparison to what is coming. And make no mistake, the Jews are going to be blamed - like always - and the Jews in foreign lands will bear the brunt of it. Not only will they be suffering from the failed economy, the breakdown of societyand the ravages of nature along with their compatriots, but they will also suffer from a resurgence of blatant antisemitism the likes of which the world has not seen in 70 years.
Everyone understands at some level that Achmadinejad is a gilgul of Haman HaRasha and perhaps even Hitler, yemach shemo, also was. (Interesting how he is always short and always egotistical.) He is (and was) the fulfillment of "God will raise up a king like Haman who will want to annihilate the entire Jewish people...." And he will cause all Israel to do teshuva, i.e. the situation and resulting troubles which evolve from his being in power will force Israel to do teshuva.
This can be compared to a man who habitually overeats, despite knowing that it is a sin, since it destroys his health and will eventually put his life at risk. If he recognizes the folly of his ways and corrects himself, he can be restored to good health without any further consequence. However, if he persists, one day his health will break down in some way directly related to his increased weight. If he still refuses to abandon his sin, he will suffer a heart attack that will put the fear of G-d into him since he really does not want to die. The doctor will put him in the hospital and he will be put on a healthy diet of limited calories. In this way he is "forced" to "do teshuva."
Antisemitism is not a social phenomenon. It is a spiritual tool that Hashem employs to help Israel do teshuva for willful assimilation. Do yourself a favor. Put yourself on a diet before the heart attack hits.
Turkey just got hit with another earthquake, the Canary Islands volcano is still erupting, Alaska is awaiting an "epic" storm and literally millions are displaced, hungry and ill as a result of historic floods.
It is a mercy that the transformation from the current reality to the new reality of Days of Mashiach is taking place in a gradual process, although it is speeding up as it gets closer to the end, because if humanity had to endure it all at once, no one would be able to survive the shock.
03 November 2011
What if it Backfires?
6 Cheshvan 5772
According to a report today at Debka.com, "The sudden rush of military news Wednesday, Nov. 2, is part of an orchestrated Western performance to convince Tehran that the US, Britain and Israel are on the verge of a military operation against its nuclear installations. Directed from Washington, it is meant to warn Iran that the play could become a reality show if it refuses to give up the drive for a nuclear weapon."
Judging by the headlines featured at Drudgereport this morning, you would think an attack was imminent:
Israel test-fires missile that could hit Iran...
NETANYAHU RALLIES SUPPORT FOR ATTACK...
UK steps up plans for possible strike...
How clever they must think they are. They believe they will scare Tehran into backing down? It's much more likely that this plan will backfire and that they will instead push Tehran into making a pre-emptive strike, G-d forbid!
According to a report today at Debka.com, "The sudden rush of military news Wednesday, Nov. 2, is part of an orchestrated Western performance to convince Tehran that the US, Britain and Israel are on the verge of a military operation against its nuclear installations. Directed from Washington, it is meant to warn Iran that the play could become a reality show if it refuses to give up the drive for a nuclear weapon."
Judging by the headlines featured at Drudgereport this morning, you would think an attack was imminent:
Israel test-fires missile that could hit Iran...
NETANYAHU RALLIES SUPPORT FOR ATTACK...
UK steps up plans for possible strike...
How clever they must think they are. They believe they will scare Tehran into backing down? It's much more likely that this plan will backfire and that they will instead push Tehran into making a pre-emptive strike, G-d forbid!
02 November 2011
All of Europe Teetering on the Brink
5 Cheshvan 5772
Greek government in chaos with debt deal in doubt
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - The Greek government teetered and stock markets around the world plummeted Tuesday after a hard-won European plan to save the Greek economy was suddenly thrown into doubt by the prospect of a public vote.
One day after Prime Minister George Papandreou stunned Europe by calling for a referendum, the ripples reached from Athens, where some of his own lawmakers rebelled against him, to Wall Street, where the Dow Jones industrial average plunged almost 300 points.
...A Greek rejection of the second rescue package could cause bank failures in Europe and perhaps a new recession in Europe, the market for 20 percent of American exports. It could also cause Greece to leave the alliance of 17 nations that use the euro.
European leaders made no secret of their displeasure.
"This announcement surprised all of Europe," said a clearly annoyed French President Nicolas Sarkozy, ....
In New York, the stocks of major banks like Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase were hit hard. The value of the dollar rose, and bond prices jumped so dramatically that analysts said they were stunned.
..."This brings all of the concerns about Europe back to the front burner," said Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James. "If this ends up turning into a financial catastrophe in Europe, then no one will escape it."
World faces years of social unrest as economies falter
The international economy is on the brink of a deep new economic crisis that could cost millions of jobs around the globe and trigger mass social unrest, the world's most powerful nations were warned yesterday.
As the leaders of the G20 countries prepare for emergency talks on averting a return to worldwide recession, the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) issued a grim forecast of the social effects of the continuing economic crisis.
The UN agency warned that it could take until 2016 for global employment to return to the levels of three years ago – and that anger could erupt on the streets of Europe and other continents as a result.
If you are a Jew still living outside of Eretz Yisrael, you should think long and hard about the implications this will have for you and your family.
Greek government in chaos with debt deal in doubt
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - The Greek government teetered and stock markets around the world plummeted Tuesday after a hard-won European plan to save the Greek economy was suddenly thrown into doubt by the prospect of a public vote.
One day after Prime Minister George Papandreou stunned Europe by calling for a referendum, the ripples reached from Athens, where some of his own lawmakers rebelled against him, to Wall Street, where the Dow Jones industrial average plunged almost 300 points.
...A Greek rejection of the second rescue package could cause bank failures in Europe and perhaps a new recession in Europe, the market for 20 percent of American exports. It could also cause Greece to leave the alliance of 17 nations that use the euro.
European leaders made no secret of their displeasure.
"This announcement surprised all of Europe," said a clearly annoyed French President Nicolas Sarkozy, ....
In New York, the stocks of major banks like Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase were hit hard. The value of the dollar rose, and bond prices jumped so dramatically that analysts said they were stunned.
..."This brings all of the concerns about Europe back to the front burner," said Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James. "If this ends up turning into a financial catastrophe in Europe, then no one will escape it."
World faces years of social unrest as economies falter
The international economy is on the brink of a deep new economic crisis that could cost millions of jobs around the globe and trigger mass social unrest, the world's most powerful nations were warned yesterday.
As the leaders of the G20 countries prepare for emergency talks on averting a return to worldwide recession, the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) issued a grim forecast of the social effects of the continuing economic crisis.
The UN agency warned that it could take until 2016 for global employment to return to the levels of three years ago – and that anger could erupt on the streets of Europe and other continents as a result.
If you are a Jew still living outside of Eretz Yisrael, you should think long and hard about the implications this will have for you and your family.
01 November 2011
Any truth to the rumors?
5 Cheshvan 5772
Some people think this is the real reason a deal was suddenly struck for Gilad Shalit.
What prompted frenzied rumors in Israel of an imminent attack on Iran?
More signs Israel preparing to launch attack
Analysts Believe Israel is Moving Closer to Iran Strike
Some say this could be why the PM has cancelled his appearance at the Jewish Federations GA meeting in Denver, November 6-8, 2011.
"The Prime Minister hoped to go to the GA, but unfortunately he will have to be in Israel during that week," the Jewish Federations of North America said in a statement....
Just to muddy things a bit more, that is the time period in which Earth will be transiting through Comet Elenin's debris trail. And Friday/Shabbat brings the full moon and the auspicious date - 11.11.11.
Some people think this is the real reason a deal was suddenly struck for Gilad Shalit.
What prompted frenzied rumors in Israel of an imminent attack on Iran?
More signs Israel preparing to launch attack
Analysts Believe Israel is Moving Closer to Iran Strike
Some say this could be why the PM has cancelled his appearance at the Jewish Federations GA meeting in Denver, November 6-8, 2011.
"The Prime Minister hoped to go to the GA, but unfortunately he will have to be in Israel during that week," the Jewish Federations of North America said in a statement....
Just to muddy things a bit more, that is the time period in which Earth will be transiting through Comet Elenin's debris trail. And Friday/Shabbat brings the full moon and the auspicious date - 11.11.11.