Rosh Chodesh Aleph
These are very, very difficult days for the Jews in Eretz Yisrael. The details from one terrorist attack are not yet released before another one is already in progress. The birth pangs are coming now one on top of another. Everyone who has ever given birth knows what this means - the birth is imminent. Of course, it's a bloody business, too.
I'm reliving the horror of fifteen years ago when no one knew when leaving the house in the morning if they would be coming back that night - or ever. At least my ears are not tuned for that strangely metallic, concussive sound of a bus blowing up, chas v'shalom!
As bad as it is, we can still see the miracles within. Baruch Hashem that the terrorists did not succeed to hijack the bus in Jerusalem this morning and kidnap the passengers to hold hostage as reportedly planned.
We can see how these attacks could really serve to wake Jews up when it's reported that an Israeli Arab employed eight years at Bezeq used his company vehicle to run over Jews in Geulah.
We all know we need to do teshuvah, but most people want to think it's something easy and personal - like lashon hara or sinat chinam. But, the Torah explains clearly the national sin for which we all bear the guilt.
"But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the Land from before you, then those whom you leave over will be as spikes in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they will harass you in the land in which you settle. And it will be that what I had intended to do to them, I will do to you. - Bamidbar 33.55-56"Now, Hashem wants very much to reveal our redeemer to us, but one of the first things he's going to have to do is rid the land of evil. If Jews are just going to stand in his way instead of preparing themselves to assist him, well, then the Jews must be made to understand what's required because THERE'S NO MORE TIME.
The good news is, a whole lot of good Jews are not only waking up, they are already preparing to go to war... with nunchucks, umbrellas or even selfie-sticks if need be!
