A Perfect World

Rabbeinu Bachya, Shemos 4:9

In our future redemption, with the revelation of the final redeemer...the redeemer will be revealed, and he will again be concealed...

So we find with the redemption from Egypt: that Moshe was revealed, and he was again concealed.

And so says the Midrash: 'my beloved is like a deer', just as a deer is seen and then is concealed (hides), so too the future redeemer [Moshiach], will be revealed, and concealed...

"Moshiach Will be Revealed in America."

2009-06-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

"Moshiach will be revealed in America."

Divrei Chaim (R' Chaim Halberstam, the Sanzer Rebbe 1793-1876), Artzos Hachayim letter 6

No War of Gog and Magog

2009-06-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Shem MiShmuel, Parshas Vayigash 5677, p. 298

Now that the exile was so long, we have been absolved of the war of Gog and Magog.

After the ingathering of the exiles, Yisrael will sit in peace on their land, forever.

Why the World is Changing

2009-06-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sicha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Toldos 5750 (1990)

The effects of our service in refining the world, and preparing it for the Messianic redemption, is openly visible throughout the world.

There are those who protest against the suggestion, that we are nearing the close of the exile, and approaching the coming of Moshiach. They maintain, that the world is proceeding according to the natural order, without disruption.

Such a perspective represents a lack of sensitivity and awareness, to the upheaval that is taking place throughout the world.
Political regimes are falling, and power is changing hands in a drastic, almost inconceivable manner.

Furthermore, this is being done without war or bloodshed, without even disturbing the commercial activities of the world.
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First and foremost, we see a change in Russia, the country in which the Previous Rebbe and his students had their roots.

After more than seventy years of rule by a powerful regime which cast fear into the heart of every citizen of the country, there has been radical change.

In a very short time, sweeping reforms have been put into effect by the leaders of the country and they have spread to the other countries who follow their ideological thrust.

Similarly other countries -- including China, India, and Japan, countries whose combined populations number in the billions -- are in the midst of radical political change.
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The most miraculous aspect of this process of transition, is that it is being carried out peacefully, without bloodshed, something that has never before happened in the history of man.

In previous generations, whenever there was a revolution, destruction and bloodshed came in its wake. Indeed, we do not have to look past the second world war, to see the devastation that can accompany political change.

In contrast, today the change is coming in a more complete fashion and yet, in a peaceful manner.

What is an Angel?

2009-06-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

An angel is a spiritual being, and does not have any physical characteristics. The angelic descriptions provided by the prophets – such as wings, arms etc. – are anthropomorphic, referring to their spiritual abilities and tasks.

The Hebrew word for angel is "Malach," which means messenger; for the angels are G‑d's messengers to perform various missions.
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Some angels are created for one specific task, and upon the task's completion, cease to exist.

According to the Zohar, one of the angels' tasks, is to transport our words of prayer and Torah-study, before G‑d's throne.

Another type of angels are those, that are created through the deeds of man.
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In our daily prayers, we refer to the "songs of praise", which the angels sing before G‑d.

The angels have shifts, singing at designated times of day or night. The type of praise they sing, reflects the particular angel's spiritual status.

The angels' singing is alluded to in the story of Jacob's fight with the angel, at the end of which the angel pleaded with Jacob to free him "for the dawn has risen."
According to the Midrash, the angel's rush was because, his shift to sing before G‑d, had arrived.
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Seeing an angel, requires extra-sensory perception, as the bodies of the angels are not comprised, of all the basic elements of a physical being.
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Angels vs. Humans

Notwithstanding the great spiritual level of the angels, the holiness of the Jewish soul, supersedes that of the angel.

Only the Jewish soul has the ability, to descend to this physical and corporeal world, and refine and elevate it.

For the human's divine soul, is a "veritable piece of G‑d Above," a "piece" of the Creator; as opposed to the angels, which are only creations—albeit very holy ones.

This reflects itself in that fact that, angels are one-dimensional: each angels has one specific form of Divine service. The human soul, on the other hand, serves G‑d in many different ways, expressing itself through love, awe, etc.
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In the Tanya, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi writes,
that he heard from his masters, that "if one angel were to stand in the presence of a gathering of ten Jews, even if there were no words of Torah [being discussed] between them; such a boundless and infinite terror and dread would then befall him, (on account of the Divine Presence that abides over them), that he would become utterly nullified!"
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Furthermore, angels have no free-choice, and are pre-programmed to serve G‑d; whereas the human is entrusted with the mission of serving G‑d—but is given the freedom to choose, to do otherwise.

Chassidus and Kabbalah

2009-06-04T17:10:00.001-07:00

Chassidus, is the study of G-d.

Whereas the Kabbalah, is referred to as "the secrets;" Chassidus is referred to as "the secrets, of the secrets."

Hence, Chassidus lies at the core, and inner essence, of everything.

The Rebbe: Moshiach will Teach Through Vision

2009-06-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

...[T]he subject matters of the future Torah study taught by Moshiach, will be the esoteric teachings of Torah. But there will be another distinction.

The intellectual pursuit of the esoteric knowledge, will not follow the current temporal pattern, of a teacher imparting knowledge and comprehension; instead it will take the form of visualization:

We will comprehend, with the visualizing light of the supernal wisdom, to the degree, that we will all perceive with the vision, the innermost wisdom; and also, the heretofore utterly sequestered, secrets.

The Rebbe: Moshiach is Ready to be Revealed

2009-06-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

A talk from Kislev (December) 1992:

The unique relevance in the present time, is that the Jewish people have completed the mission with which G-d has charged us.

Everything necessary to bring about the Redemption, has already been accomplished.
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Our readiness for the Redemption is also reflected, in the world at large. The values of freedom, tolerance, and generosity ,have spread throughout the community of nations.

Regimes that have opposed them, have toppled, giving way for greater communication and sharing.
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In previous generations, Moshiach's coming was prevented by the fact, that the Jews had not completed the tasks expected of them. At present, however, those tasks have been accomplished; there is nothing lacking. All we have to do is accept Moshiach.

This is the challenge facing our generation: To make the world conscious of Moshiach; and to create an environment, that will allow his mission to be fulfilled.

Every element of our study of the Torah and our observance of its Mitzvos, should be permeated by this objective, and directed towards it.
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We can gain awareness of Moshiach, through the study of pnimiyus HaTorah, the Torah's mystical dimensions; and in particular, through the study of the subjects of redemption and Moshiach.

This process will open the eyes of our mind, so that as we live our lives day by day, and we will remain constantly attuned, to the Redemption.

Furthermore, the increase in our awareness of the nature of the Redemption, will itself serve as a catalyst, which will hasten the coming of the day of the Redemption.

May this be realized, in the immediate future.

The Greatest Test of Faith in History.

2009-06-04T15:41:00.001-07:00

Rabbi DovBer - The Maggid of Mezeritch:

Just prior to the coming of Moshiach, the Jewish people will face, the greatest test of faith in history.

Those who will persist with their faith in G-d and His prophets, despite it all, will merit to bring the complete and ultimate redemption.

The Rebbe: 1992 The Fulfillment of the Prophecy of Isaiah

2009-06-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 2: 2-4:
And it shall be at the end of days, that the mountain of the House of Hashem (The Temple) will be firmly established, at the head of all the mountains; and will be exalted above all other hills, and all the nations shall flow to it.

And many nations shall go [to consult with each other], and they will say one to another, “Let us go up to the mountain of Hashem, to the house of the G-d of Yakov .And [Melech HaMoshiach] will teach us of G-d’s ways, and we will follow His paths.”

For out of Tziyon shall go forth Torah, and the word of Hashem from Yerushlayim.

And [Melech HaMoshiach] will judge between the nations, and admonish many peoples.

(Written on the "Isaiah Wall" at the UN:) And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not raise up swordn against nation; nor shall they learn war any more.
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It’s happening now
On Parshas Mishpatim, 5752 (1992), a highly publicized conference took place at the United Nations in New York City, between leaders of the world’s major nations.

Among the participants were President Bush (the father), Yeltsin, and leaders of other major military powers.

At the conference, a joint resolution and declaration was made, to begin a global reduction of armaments; and to use the military resources and technology, to further the improvement of the world’s economic conditions, and to increase food production, and to benefit humanity in general.

At the time, the conference and its resolution did not attract much attention from most of us, but the Rebbe, who sees what others do not, spoke about this event at length, at the Shabbat farbrengen that took place the very next day.

He explained, that this declaration of intent by the world leaders to reduce their military operations, and increase food production throughout the world, was the beginning of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, said thousands of years earlier.
Isaiah foretold, that in the Era of Moshiach, the nations of the world would “beat their swords into plowshares.”

The Rebbe emphasized, that this decision made by the world’s superpowers, was a direct result of Moshiach’s affect on the nations of the world.
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A Global Phenomenon

2003- In the eleven years since this declaration, “Swords Into Plowshares” has become a global phenomenon. There is even an international organization called the “Bonn International Center for Conversion” (BICC) –
an independent, non-profit organization, that documents the process of the conversion of military resources to peaceful uses.

The Swords Into Plowshares transformation, has become so prevalent worldwide, that a group of physicists from the China Academy of Engineering Physics, were prompted to write:
“The peaceful use of military technology, represents the trend of history.”

In our own words: “This is the Era of Moshiach!

Laws of Who is Moshiach - Rambam

2009-06-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Text of Maimonides' Laws of Kings (Moshiach) (Edited)
Vol. 14 (the last volume of the Mishnah Torah)- Chapters 11 and 12 (the last chapters of the volume).
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Chapter 11
Whoever does not believe in him, or does not await his coming, denies not only [the statements of] the other prophets, but also [those of] the Torah and of Moshe, our teacher.
For the Torah attests to his coming, stating (Deuteronomy 30:3-5.).

3. One should not entertain the notion, that the King Moshiach must work miracles and wonders, bring about new phenomena within the world, resurrect the dead, or perform other similar deeds. This is [definitely] not true.

4. If a king will arise from the House of David, who, like David his ancestor, delves deeply into the study of the Torah, and engages in the Mitzvahs as prescribed by the Written Law and the Oral Law; if he will compel all of Israel to walk in [the way of the Torah], and repair the breaches [in its observance]; and if he will fight the wars of G‑d;
we may, with assurance, consider him Moshiach.

If he succeeds in the above, defeats all the nations around him, builds the [Beis Ha]Mikdash on its site, and gathers in the dispersed remnant of Israel; he is definitely the Moshiach.

He will perfect the entire world, [motivating all the nations] to serve G‑d together, as it is written (Zephaniah 3:9), "For I shall then make the peoples pure of speech, so that they will all call upon the Name of G‑d, and serve Him with one purpose."
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Chapter 12

1. One should not entertain the notion, that in the Era of Moshiach, any element of the natural order will be nullified; or that there will be any innovation in the work of creation. Rather, the world will continue according to its pattern.

2. Our Sages taught (Talmud, Berachos 34b): "There will be no difference between the current age and the Era of Moshiach except, [our emancipation from] subjugation to the [gentile] kingdoms."

He will not come [in order] to declare the pure, impure, nor to declare the impure, pure; nor [will he come in order] to disqualify the lineage of those presumed to be of flawless descent, nor to validate lineage which is presumed to be blemished.

Rather, [he will come in order] to establish peace in the world; as [the above prophecy] continues (Malachi 3:24), "He will bring back the hearts of the fathers, to the children."

Some of the Sages say, that Eliyahu will appear [immediately] before the coming of Moshiach.

In any case, neither the sequence of these events, nor their precise details, are among the fundamental principles of the faith.

3. During the Era of the King Moshiach, once his kingdom has been established, and all of Israel has gathered around him, the entire [nation's] line of descent will be established on the basis of his words, through the prophetic spirit which will rest upon him.
As it is written (Malachi 3:3), "He shall sit, as a refiner and purifier."

4. The Sages and prophets did not yearn for the Messianic Era, in order that [the Jewish people] rule over the entire world, nor in order that they have dominion over the gentiles, nor that they be exalted by them, nor in order that they eat, drink and celebrate.

Rather, their aspiration was, that [the Jewish people] be free [to involve themselves] in the Torah and its wisdom, without anyone to oppress or disturb them.
And thus be found worthy of life in the World to Come, as we explained in Laws of Repentance (9:2).

5. In that Era, there will be neither famine nor war, neither envy nor competition; for good things will flow in abundance, and all the delicacies will be as freely available, as dust.

The occupation of the entire world, will be solely to know G‑d. The Jews will therefore be great sages, and know the hidden matters. And will attain an understanding of their Creator, to the [full] extent of mortal potential;

As it is written (Isaiah 11:9), "For the world will be filled with the knowledge of G‑d, as the waters cover the ocean bed."

Keep Smiling!

2009-06-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

A painting looks much better, when a beautiful frame is put around it. So too now, in the current crises around the world- financial, weather, social, etc., the frame we need to put around it, is to put everything in the context, of preparing the world for Moshiach’s arrival.

This not only makes the world look better, (because we realize that all that is happening is not destructive, but rather it is a restructuring, to expand the limits of the world); but also it sets limits, as to how far the world will disintegrate.

Just as when a baby is being born, a passerby might hear a women screaming at the top of her lungs, and think the worst is happening; as opposed to the father, who is smiling the whole time- so too now,

Keep Smiling!

The Test of Great Temptations in Our Time

2009-06-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

The struggle between now and the coming of Moshiach will be spiritual, where each one of us will have to fight, to hold on to our faith amongst a sea of atheism and agnosticism.
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Rebbe Nachman of Breslev foresaw this spiritual struggle 200 years ago; his disciple, Rebbe Nathan of Breslev, wrote (Sichos HaRan, 35):

Rebbe Nachman said, "A great wave of atheism is coming to the world:
It has already been predicted, that there will be great temptations before Moshiach’s coming, many will purify themselves and be refined, and make themselves shining white" in faith.

Fortunate indeed, is one who resists these temptations, and remains firm in his belief. He will be worthy of all the good promised to us, by the prophets and sages of old.
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Knowing full well that this has already been predicted, it would seem ridiculous for one to succumb to any temptation and to abandon his beliefs. It would seem obvious, that every Jew would have enough intelligence, to remain firm. But still it is a great trial.

Many will fall away, and for this reason it is written that, "the wicked will be evil."

The Rebbe said, "Still, I am revealing this for the sake of the few faithful, who will remain strong in their belief. They will certainly have great conflicts. But when they see, that this has already been predicted, it will give them additional strength and encouragement."

Prophecy about Israel

2009-06-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Moshe Cordevero (Ramak) on Zohar Bereishis, 199. Written approximately 500 years ago.

The nations are one day going to come together, and start talking peace amongst themselves. This talk of peace will have one underlying goal: to destroy Israel. And their rationale shall be: because they [the Jews] established for themselves, their own government.

And though the Jews will be in tremendous danger at that time, nevertheless, they will not be destroyed; in fact, from that very situation, they will be saved.

Prophecy in our Time

2009-06-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

About Prophecy

The Torah explains, that every positive prophecy must and will be fulfilled in literal actuality. A negative prophecy, however, can take place in other ways. Under certain circumstances a negative prophecy can be fulfilled on a spiritual level, and need never take place on the actual physical plane.

A positive prophecy is G-d's vision for humanity. It speaks of our destiny, the goal and purpose for which we are here. Therefore it must and will come to be.

A negative prophecy, on the other hand, is a warning, a message designed to help us to shift our direction, see a larger truth, to grow and change.

The words of the prophets, whether words of encouragement or words of warning, are designed to help us create the shifts in our consciousness and behavior that are made necessary - and possible - by the spiritual potential of the times.

Today, as global events move forward, it is easy to see, that we live in an era of which the prophets speak. We therefore have an unprecedented opportunity to take their words to heart, allow ourselves to see reality in a broader and deeper way, and become partners in the fulfillment of our own destiny.
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Prophecies of our Times

"In the future, seventy princes from all over the world will unite with the masses, to attack Jerusalem, and plot against G-d. They will plan to battle Him, then fight over His people and Temple. However, 'He who sits in Heaven laughs, the Lord will mock them'(Psalms 2:4). In His glory, G-d will wipe them from the face of the earth." Zohar Bashallach, 58b
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He [Ishmael] will be a wild man. His hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him. Genesis 16:12.

Why is he called Ishmael? Because in the future G-d will listen to the cry of the [Jewish] nation, for what the children of Ishmael will do in the future, at the end of days… as it says (Psalms 55:20) ‘G-d will listen, and answer’.
Midrash Pirkei d’Rabbi Eliezer ch. 32. Yalkut Mechiri Psalms 177
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The King of Persia, will bring destruction to the entire world, and all the nations will be outraged and confused… and Jews will be outraged and confused, and they will say: where shall we come and go, where shall we come and go?

G-d will answer them: My children, do not be afraid. Everything I have done, I have done for you. Why are you afraid, do not fear, the time of your Redemption has arrived. Midrash, Yalkut, Isaiah remez 499
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Three chaotic wars will be perpetrated by the children of Ishmael at the end of days: one at sea… one on land… and one in a large city, which will be harder than the previous two.

And from there Ben Dovid [Moshiach – the Messiah] will sprout. And we will witness their destruction. And from there we will go to Eretz Yisroel {the Land of Israel]. Midrash, Yalkut, Isaiah, remez 506
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"Jews have been in four exiles; at the very end of time, there will be a fifth and last exile, which is called the Exile of Ishmael (lit., 'G-d will hear'); which will be the most terrible and difficult of all.

And because of the many afflictions the Jews will suffer, they will cry to G-d, and He will hear their prayers. (Yishma – keil / G-d will hear).
"Etz Daas Tov, by Rabbi Chaim Vital

Are 4 Billion People Going to Die?

2009-05-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

According to some people, based on Nigleh (the revealed part of Torah, Chumash, Gem., etc ), they make the statement to large crowds, that before Moshiach comes, 2/3 of the world will be destroyed.

Based on this, it is an easy extrapolation in our generation to assume, that this probably means, a large nuclear war, that will kill 4 billion people.
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But the Lubavitcher Rebbe has a Seicha (talk), explaining what this means.

Based on Likutei Sichos, Balak 2- Vol, 23, Pg 172-181, (1983):
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Two short answers are:

In the future it will become evident (as the Rambam explains in the beginning of the Mishnah Torah), that there is no existence apart from G-d. The nations will then realize, that they have no true existence. It will be as if their previous existence, which was separate from G-d, died.

Their new existence will be so completely different from their former one, that it will be as though they are totally different people.
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In another Seicha, the Rebbe explains another point:
Since many nations have an inherit nature of cruelty, in the future this nature will be transformed into kindness.

This will be similar to the transformation of cruel animals, like the lion and the wolf, that will lie in peace with the lamb.

Not that they will hold themselves back, from eating the lamb, rather their nature will be transformed, and they will no longer be cruel. Instead, they will eat straw, grass, etc.

Since this nature is so basic to their being, it will be as though they were killed; since their new nature will be completely different, from their old nature.
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The Seicha more at lenght:

At the end of Parsahs Balak, chapter 24, verse17, in the last prophecy of Bilam in the Parsha, it is written: that many people will die before Moshiach comes.

In Zecharia 13, 8, it states that ; 2/3 of the world will be destroyed.

In Tehillim 117, 7, and also brought in Midrash, it states: 1/3 of the people of the world will die.

And other sources in Torah, say similar things
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But the Rebbe goes on to explain:
This matter is also a matter of Halachah (Jewish law):

The Rambam, in his Halachic work the Mishnah Torah; in the last chapters of his fourteenth volume, entilted “Kings and their Battles”; contains the laws regarding Moshiach.
(His is the only work, which contains these laws).

In the next to the last section chapter 11, he Poskins (rules) that: one of the acts of Moshiach will be, to correct the world, in order that all peoples should serve Hashem in unity…

(So we see, that Moshiach’s job, is not to come and destroy the world, rather to help the world, and transform it into a better place.)
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In the next chapter (12) the Rambam quotes the Prophet Yesyahu 11, 6: the wolf will lie with the lamb… and he explains, that the Jews (the Jews are compared to one sheep amongst 70 wolves), will live securely, amongst the nations of the world.
(Meaning, that the nations will not be killed).

.. And the Jews are obligated to have faith and surety, that Moshiach will bring that Geula (redemption), to the entire world, (not just to Jews).
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And more than this, these laws are not just for the future, but also apply now. Relating to the law, that Jews have an ongoing obligation, to teach the nations about their Torah obligation, of following the “Seven Mitzvahs of Bnei Noach”.

(This law was not applicable in previous generations, when Jews were living under oppressive regimes.)
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This is a preparation, to the coming and activities, of Moshiach himself. As these laws of the nations in the Mishnah Torah, precede the laws of Moshiach’s revelation.
(Implying, that this will precede the revelation of Moshiach, in the world at large)

(Again showing, that the nations will not be killed. Why would we be obligated to teach them the ways of G-d, if in any case G-d would destroy them?)
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Also the Halachah is, that all people that become “Chassidei Olam” (people that follow the "Seven Mitzvahs"), have a place in the world to come.

(So how could it be possible, that they will be killed?)
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In previous times, when there was destruction of Jews and nations; (exp. Noah’s flood, that destroyed the entire world, and all the wars and natural disasters that killed millions of people); they were all in the time of Galus (exile), which is a time of darkness (when G-d’s mercy is not visible).

Which will not be the case, in the near future. When the merciful G-d, will be openly revealed.

(So again, how can there be the destruction of the word.)
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One of the Prophesies of the future is in Tzfanya 3,9: (synopsis) in the future there will be a transformation of the nations, who will then serve G-d together in unity (and peace).

(So there is no reason to destroy the world, since it will be transformed for the good.)
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The nations then, as is known, will also assist the Jews in their service to G-d, which in turn, will bring more blessing to the world.

(So we see, that all the nations and all Jews, are needed in the future, and are a part of the Geula.)
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But we still have the Prophesies that say the opposite. So how can we understand these seemingly opposite prophesies?

It is understood, that when the Geula arrives there will be no place for Tuma (impurity) or evil in the world. So too relating to human beings, evil people will not exist.

After, (as is explained in many places) the evil ones will receive their punishment, (punishment in Torah is needed, to cleanse one of impurity, so that one can rise to a higher level), then the whole world will be corrected to serve one G-d.
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Since (as the Rambam brings, at the very end of his book of laws) the entire world’s occupation then, will be to know G-d, and rise in levels of serving G-d.

Wars, famine, stealing etc, would hinder that occupation. So the entire world has to be in sync (peace), in order for everyone to be able to focus on G-d.

Every detail in G-d’s creation, was created for a purpose, including rocks, plants, and animals. Their creation, was not in order to be destroyed in the future, rather G-d created everything to be purified, elevated and redeemed (brought close to G-d).
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When the Jews got the Torah at Mount Sinai, the laws for the nations, the "Seven Mitzvahs" (seven commandments of G-d), took on the extra power of Halacha, G-d’s will. The nations then merited to receive, their own reward for their deeds.

Which means that, their existence became essential, in carrying out G-d’s will for the creation; being to become elevated, and eventually be able to receive His great revelation, at the time of the Geula.
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The first Rebbe of Lubavitch (The Alter Rebbe 1745-1812), writes in Tanya (the basic text of Chabad Chassidim), at the end of Chapter 36:

That the tremendous light of G-d that will emanate in the future, will not only shine on the Jews, but rather the whole creation will shine. (Since G-d created everything for an ultimate purpose, to become elevated.)

G-d's goal was that, all physicality would become purified.
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G-d wants the world to utilize their free-choice, to willingly accept His kingship. In this manner, the world then internalizes G-d; by intellectually and emotionally understanding and feeling, that G-d is the Creator.

This is what it means, that the whole world becomes purified over time: that they themselves come to realize, that G-d runs the world.

This then makes the Geula BeShlemus, complete. Permeating all aspects of the creation. If even one aspect of the creation, does not acknowledge that G-d is its Creator, then the entire creation is lacking completion.
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Now we will be able to understand according to Chassidus, what the Torah is saying when it says that, 2/3 of the world will be destroyed.

In the future it will become evident (as the Rambam explains in the beginning of the Mishnah Torah), that there is no existence apart from G-d.

The nations will then realize, that they have no true existence. It will be as if their previous existence, which was separate from G-d, died.

Their new existence will be so completely different from their former one, that it will be as though they are totally different people.
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In another Seicha the Rebbe explains, another point:

Since many nations have an inherit nature of cruelty, in the future this nature will be transformed into kindness.

This will be similar to the transformation of cruel animals, like the lion and the wolf, that will lie in peace with the lamb.

Not that they will hold themselves back, from eating the lamb, rather their nature will be transformed, and they will no longer be cruel. Instead, they will eat straw, grass, etc.

Since this nature is so basic to their being, it will be as though they were killed; since their new nature will be completely different, from their old nature.

May the Geula come now!

1901- The 100 year Prophesy of the Rebbe Rashab

2009-05-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

On Simchas Torah in 1901, the Rebbe Rashab, the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, spoke to the students of the Lubavitcher yeshiva in Lubavitch, Russia.

The words he spoke then were a prophecy of the events relating to Judaism, that would occur for the next one hundred years. His words indicated, that the world had reached a point in its growth, that would result in major world changes.
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The Rebbe Rashab told the students, what their job would be, and the obstacles that would arise, in their efforts of strengthening Judaism and bringing Moshiach.

He told these students, in the small town of Lubavitch in White Russia, that they would eventually be spread all over the world. They would teach Chassidus and Judaism, in order to prepare the world for Moshiach, and make it a fitting place for him to come.
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The Rebbe Rashab said, that there would now begin, two fifty-year periods, based on the Talmud which says that, “If you see one generation following another, that engages in mockery, prepare for the coming of Moshiach."

This Talmud is based on a sentence in Psalms that states, “Your enemies will mock, the footsteps of your Moshiach."

The Rebbe Rashab explained, that there would be two types of mockery. In the first fifty-year period, there would be those that would mock Judaism in general; followed by a second fifty-year period, of those that would mock Moshiach in particular.
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The duty of the Lubavicher Chassid during this first fifty-year period, was to go underground, and fight to keep Judaism alive. They were to risk their lives, establishing Yeshivas, building mikvahs, making brisim, etc..

The second fifty-year period, would begin a new era. In this era they would not be directly involved in fighting the enemies of the Torah. Rather, their obstacle would be religious people, who would not recognize the G-dliness in the Torah and Mitzvahs. Therefore, they would mock activities to bring Moshiach, being a G-dly event.
___________
The Rebbe Rashab explained that, they will give reasons why we should not be involved in Moshiach. Some of the arguments may seem valid, but in essence they are rationalizations, based on a lack of belief in the coming of Moshiach, and have no substance.
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The Rebbe Rashab went on to say, that during this second fifty-year period Moshiach would come.

It is amazing to realize, that this second fifty-year period started in 1951, the year that the Lubavicher Rebbe, accepted to become Rebbe.

How the World Has Changed

2009-05-16T22:50:00.000-07:00

The following are examples of events that are occurring daily:

1. Looking back in history, we see that Jews were continually oppressed, religiously and physically, in each country in which they lived. Recently we have seen, that all the original rules of exile have changed.

A startling example of this is Russia, where up to a third of the entire Jewish people lived, under one of the most oppressive governments in history.

Incredible resources were used to fight Judaism and eradicate it. The most sophisticated and brutal means of the time, and a tremendous amount of manpower and money were all geared to this one goal.

Suddenly, Russia changed from oppression to freedom and to even support of Judaism. These same resources are now being used to build Judaism. They are helping to rebuild Synagogues, build Yeshivas, help Jews go to Israel, etc.

We see that the world has changed tremendously, and become a hospitable place, were Judaism can flourish. Whereas previously, the world was against Judaism, the same world today is understanding, supportive and even respectful.
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For the last two thousand years of Jewish existence, these events were totally unthinkable. The rules of exile are changing, things that once were thought impossible are now commonplace.

Yet some of us have not noticed this revolutionary change. We still have an exile mentality and are living in the past. We do not realize, that we have the ability and the responsibility, to guide the world in the proper path.

2. Notwithstanding the tremendous changes in the way non-Jews relate to Jews, we still see these same countries taking an unjust attitude pertaining to Israel. These attitudes seem to be contradictory with their attitudes to Jews.

The Rebbe explains that this is consistent with the prophesies of Moshiach. Some countries will resist the coming of Moshiach, and this will express itself in the animosity towards the right of Jews over Israel.

As it says in Psalms, “Why do they create this fanfare (over the land of Israel) which is futile?”

So, not only is this not in contradiction to the world changing, it is actually another sign of the closeness of the redemption.

3. This change in the world, the Rebbe said, can be confirmed by each and every one of us. Go to any Gentile that you have a relationship with, and explain to him the seven Noahide laws.

When you see what his reaction is, you will be shocked at the results. Not only will he not be upset, but he will express gratitude that you took an interest in his welfare. He will actually feel, that he owes you a favor for what you did for him.

You, of course, are not trying to convert him, you are just informing him, of what the Torah says regarding non-Jews; which is very important for him to be aware of, before Moshiach comes.

The only problem will be, with you overcoming your previous conception of the world, and hesitating out of embarrassment to approach a non-Jew about this.
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This does not mean that they will change their lives overnight, only that they will be receptive.

Just as a child may be receptive to learning, yet it does not mean, that the first time you tell him something he will do it. It’s a process, like everything else.

When we say the world is receptive to Torah and Mitzvahs, it means, that now we must begin to utilize this receptivity, and make it flourish.

It is in a state of potentiality and has to be brought out into actuality. This takes hard work, but since we know that the potential is there, we know that we will be successful.

4. We see, that from the beginning of the creation, warfare has been a fact of life. Even in the beginning when there were only four people in the entire world, Cain was fighting with Abel. This has continued for thousands of years.

In previous times, warriors and generals were considered heroes and honored. Parades were made for returning conquering armies. The goals were to conquer nations and rule the world.

Today however, warfare is considered an evil, that everyone agrees we have to eliminate. How is it ,that the attitudes of the world have changed. Did everyone get smarter all of the sudden?

The answer is, that there has been a change in the nature of people. We are witnessing a redirection of their desires and goals.

The only place where we see such an astounding change predicted is in the Torah. This is found relating to the prophecies of redemption and Moshiach.

5. We also see that the ability to acquire the objects needed to do Mitzvahs has become much easier in recent time. For example, in previous generations it was difficult, if not impossible to acquire a lulav and esrog on Succos.

Even big towns had only a total of two or three sets. Today little children get a set every year. Once one pair of tziztis in a lifetime was common. Today people buy them whenever they want. Seforim were rare and had to be shared or borrowed.

Owning an entire set of Gemoras was unheard of. Now, almost anyone who gets married automatically gets a set from his in-laws. These things are now taken for granted.

We also now have the monetary means with which to purchase these items, whereas in previous times just having enough to eat was of major concern.

6. The ability to keep kosher in America was once very difficult. To get kosher milk you had to be near a farm. You had to go to the farm and watch the cow being milked yourself. Also getting kosher chickens or meat, meant you had to buy an animal, then find a Shochet to shecht it.

After this you yourself had to kasher it by taking out the blood, soaking it, salting, etc.. Nowadays, you simply go to the local store and buy what you need.
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There are hundreds of other food products, that carry a logo signifying that the product is certified to have kosher ingredients in it. There are now many koshers organizations that provide this service.

As a matter of fact, millions of non-Jews eat products every day, that have this stamp on them, because of a few thousand Jews keeping kosher.

7. When Jews originally came to America from Europe they faced many problems in adjusting to the new life style of America. One of the hardest challenges they faced, was keeping Shabbos.

Then, in the fifties the law was changed, and all of the sudden everyone was not working on Shabbos. Now if a Jew is not hired or is fired because of religious reasons, he can sue his employer in non-Jewish courts.

8. Even after the law was changed, it still seemed that certain businesses had to be open on Shabbos, such as a pharmacy, a dry cleaning store, a grocery store, etc..

Gradually, as Jews started going into these businesses, (but closed on Shabbos), it was apparent, that the business not only did not fail, but did just as wel,l as other businesses that were open on Shabbos.

9. The learning of Torah has also become much easier. As time passed the number of commentaries explaining the Gemorah continually increased.

This has very recently reached the point, where there are new commentaries in English that simplify the Gemorah tremendously.

There are now translations into many different languages, of a number of Torah books. This is in addition to the seemingly endless number of books being written, on a multitude of Torah topics.

You can also now learn on cassette tape or on the telephone. To learn Torah you don’t have to have a teacher or be at home. In the middle of your workday, in your office, you can have a class in Torah.

With computers you can research the vastness of Gemorah and responsa in a very short time.

You also have much more time to learn Torah. Once, just to have food to eat took almost all day. In our times we work forty hours a week and that is sufficient.

10. This change also manifests itself on a bodily level. We have become aware, that physical, bodily desires, are not the primary aspect of a person. People are starting to realize, that physical excess is destructive.

There used to be a philosophy, that if you give the body all it desires, then you will be happy; and if not, you will be sad and repressed. In the 60’s and 70’s there was an idea, that negativism and anger, had led to problems on a world level, and was caused by people denying their desires.

In our generation we see, that any desire that one can imagine is readily available. You would think, that with all these delights people would be tremendously happy; we should be the happiest generation. In fact, people have never been more miserable.

Today we see, that the profession of psychology is doing very well. Everybody has problems, and they are getting new ones every day.

We have a standard of living that was previously undreamed of. The things that we take for granted, could not have been imagined by previous generations, in their wildest dreams.

You would think that we, who finally have it all, would be flying. We see that is definitely not the case. Not only are we not happy, we are not healthy.
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If you look at the leading causes of death today, you will find the majority are due to overindulgence. As a result, we find millions of dollars being spent, to rid oneself of various addictions.

Common harmful addictions are smoking, being overweight, alcohol, drugs, etc.. People realize, that they are hurting themselves, and are trying to find ways to stop.
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In previous times, we restrained ourselves from doing many things, because we realized that in this world it may be good, but in the next world it would not be good. We had to constantly remind ourselves of the next world. This is not the case today.

Now we can see with our own eyes, that what the Torah says is not good, has negative effects. It’s not only not good in the next world, it’s not good now in this world.

We also see, that anyone who did not indulge, felt good not bad. In other words, nature is now openly giving the same message, as the Torah gives.
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11. Today, when you sit down with a parent, and list the pros and cons of Yeshiva, as opposed to a public school, you reach a startling conclusion. You will see, who will have a better life physically, not only spiritually.

If they send their children to Yeshiva in many cases, they will have children whom they will get along with. They will remain married to the same person for most of their lives. They will choose to have children. They will get along with these children. They will have grandchildren that go in the right path.

If you want a home that is free of drugs, free of all the horrors of the outside world, then send your child to Yeshiva. It pays to go to Yeshiva, just to have a normal life. This becomes obvious, without discussing spiritual issues or belief.

12. Today the talent it takes to change people’s, lives is possessed by every individual. But like any talent and potential it takes effort to realize. The greatest concert pianist in the world, has to continually practice and work hard, to reveal his hidden talents.

The potential energy of goodness is much greater today, than at any point in history. One just has to do, and he will see results, that are way beyond the energy he extended. We are not doing this on our own, and it’s not only dependent on our abilities. We just have to be a catalyst, and the rest will take care of itself.

We see that people in a relatively short period of time, change their lives around totally. Today you can have a person do one act, such as putting on Tefillin, and turn their lives around.

These miraculous changes are accomplished, by ordinary people who are persistent. Today, if you dedicate yourself fully to something, you will ultimately succeed. What is needed today is action. You cannot wait for understanding and feeling. The action itself, will lead to understanding and feeling.
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In previous generations, spiritual activities and the soul, had to be emphasized; more learning, studying and prayer. But now, in the times before Moshiach, the reverse is true, the physical act takes precedence.

It is explained in Chassidus, that although now the body is sustained by the soul, in the future the soul will be sustained by the body.

This is due to the higher source of the body, that will be revealed in those times. Now, through action, we can elevate even the soul.
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So we see, that this process of elevating the body through action, has already begun. The power today of a physical act, is much more powerful, than ever before.

Of course, it is still absolutely necessary, to learn Torah and to pray with intention.
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Some people feel that G-dliness belongs in the Synagogue and in the home. But G-d created the entire world, and wants every aspect of it elevated.

Everything has potential G-dliness, and a means for revealing it. This is why we see billboards advertising Moshiach, ads on the radio about doing Mitzvahs, TV shows, etc..

We now see, how every technological advance and invention, can be utilized for this purpose. This is the reason why science has exploded ,at such a tremendous rate in recent times.

As we get closer to the redemption, these “discoveries“ are needed, in order to reach Mankind through modern communications, and prepare them for the redemption.

The advance in medicine, etc. is also a taste of the life we will have after the redemption, when sickness will be eliminated.
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We are looking at not only the signs of redemption, but we are living through the process of redemption. As the world moves closer towards Moshiach, we are supposed to move step by step with it.

As for us, we just have to open our eyes.

Extremist?

2009-05-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever told you, that you were to religious, closed-minded, and an extremist, or the worst of all a fanatic!

In the “modern” sophisticated world, if someone talks about G-d they are immediately labeled. It seems, that the more you believe in G-d, the more extreme you are perceived to be.

If you don’t dress like everyone else, that’s bearable, but if it is because of religious reasons, people stay away from you.
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But who is really closed-minded? The real closed-minded and limited people, are the ones that can’t perceive anything beyond this physical world.

The values and ideals of society change with every generation. Each generation does not progress, just the opposite. If someone from just one or two generations ago would look at our generation, they would be shocked!

So on what basis are people making their value judgment of religious Jews? Their own value system, will not be the same in a few years.
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Not long ago in the fifties, men wore hats and women wore long dresses. There was even a time,when women went to the beach wearing bathing suits,in which they were fully clothed from head to toe!

Yet society thinks it is more sophisticated now. It has the misconception,that if you are more advanced in knowledge or in science, then the more advanced you are as humans. This is not the case.

As a matter of fact, science didn’t discover anything new, it just realized at some point,that something could be used in society.

But G-d had created it since the beginning of the world. It was only “discovered”,after G-d decided that it should be discovered.
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It is interesting, how strong society will express its views, yet will subtly change them in a few years. Its views are affected and manipulated: by the newspapers it reads, the TV it sees, and by what everyone else does.
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Torah, on the other hand, defines man’s eternal essence. The soul of a person never changes. Torah values have never changed. In previous generations, the world actually followed many Torah ideals.

At that time, Torah values of having a family, etc., were seen as normal. Society has become extreme and narrow-minded, and not Torah.
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No one ever called someone a fanatic, if he already had a million dollars, but still worked day and night to get two million.
If someone wanted to spend a year to see the world, he wasn’t seen as an extremist. If someone owns five homes, three cars etc., he is looked up to, and respected.

Yet if someone wants to grow in their Judaism, and become closer to G-d, and do more than the minimum: Pray two hours instead of one, learn Torah three hours instead of two, give ten thousand dollars to charity instead of one; he is called a fanatic!

Just the opposite is true. In the next world, one is not judged by how much they have, but by how much one doesn’t have. What one doesn’t have, is the amount one gave to Charity. Even in this world, one is going to be happier.
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Someone who knows, that his essence as a human being is his soul, also knows, that Torah explains how to feed that essence.

How many times do Rabbis have someone come to them and say, “Rabbi, I have a million dollar house, a hundred thousand dollars in the bank, and I’m not happy.”

Torah Jews, instead of being old-fashioned or fanatic, are actually on the cutting edge of society. They are infinitely farther ahead of the world.

This is especially true of the Rebbe. He was always far ahead of anyone else, which made some think, that he also was an extremist.
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The first one to do something new, seems different from everyone else, until they eventually catch up, and it then becomes the norm.

Avraham went against the whole world, and even his father. Jews were always different, because they held a higher standard than the world around them.

The Rebbe saw so far into the future, that some were hesitant to follow his lead. When he told us that Moshiach is here, some of us instead of jumping for joy, became embarrassed.

Even the world knows, that we are called “The light unto the nations.” We have the light, to lead the world in the path that is best for everyone. Every person is here for a reason, and the Torah tells all people, how to achieve what is best for them.
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The world is fanatical, closed-mined, extremist, and lost. We, through Torah, Chassidus and Rebbe’s guidance, have all the answers. The world is still looking for the right path.

Everyone realizes, that something is missing. They keep changing presidents, and values, trying to get it right. Yet we know exactly, what has to be done.
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Of course initially, there may be hesitation on the world’s part, to totally accept everything we say. That just means, that we have to explain it better.

We know as a fact, that eventually the world will not only accept Torah values and Moshiach, but will also be the main force in bringing Jews back to Torah, realizing, that this is what is best for them and the world.

May we all become fanatics!

Ariel Sharon Meets the Rebbe 1968

2009-05-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

In 1968 Ariel Sharon had a private audience with the Rebbe. They spoke about many issues.

Sharon was amazed by the Rebbe’s vast knowledge of military tactics, and his detailed knowledge of the geography of Israel.

The Rebbe knew intricate details that very few people know. Sharon himself a military leader for most of his life, felt he was speaking to a peer, if not an expert, in military affairs.
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During the course of the conversation the Rebbe asked Sharon how long he was planning to stay in New York.

Sharon answered that the was taking a flight back to Israel the next day. The Rebbe said, what is the rush, he should wait another day before departing.
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After Sharon left the Rebbe’s office, he felt that he had to get back to Israel, and he had nothing more to accomplish in America, so he decided that he would take his originally scheduled flight.

As he left the Rebbe’s office, there were a number of Bachorim (Yeshiva students) that were standing outside. They approached him and wanted to know what the Rebbe had said to him, being that the Rebbe’s insights were always fascinating.

Sharon mentioned a few topics that they had discussed, and also mentioned that the Rebbe had said, by the way, that he should consider leaving at a later date, which he didn’t really understand.

The Bachorim explained, that if the Rebbe suggests something, then it means that he definitely should not take that flight. Sharon thought it over and decided that he respected the Rebbe’s advice, and would put off his departure.
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In the mean time, the flight that he was suppose to take on July 23rd, 1968 left the airport, but was hijacked to Algeria!

The hijackers were Arabs, obviously looking for someone, and were very disappointed when they discovered, that he wasn’t on the plane.

The G-d you don't Believe in

2009-05-13T13:06:00.002-07:00

A Lubavitcher was being interviewed on a radio show, approximately 25 years ago.

The interviewer started by asking the Rabbi: “How could you believe in G-d in light of science, etc.”

After a long tirade by the interviewer, he finally stopped and let the Rabbi answer.

The Rabbi answered:
“The G-d you don’t believe in, I don’t believe in either!"

My Wish for G-d

2009-05-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

The story is about an elderly European woman, who had come to America after the war while in her teens. After many years of saving her money, she finally has enough to fulfill her lifelong dream ‑‑ to go to the Holy Land.

The day finally comes when she boards the plane for Israel. All through the flight she becomes more and more excited. Then as the plane begins to land, her heart pounds with emotion, as she impatiently waits.

At last, the doors of the plane open. Finally‑ the long awaited moment has arrived.
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As soon as she is out the door she runs down the ramp. Falling to her knees at the bottom she begins to cry, while hugging and kissing the ground.

After a few minutes she looks up to the sky and says:
"Aibishter (G‑d), what can I give You, what can I wish for You? Diamonds? You have all the diamonds in the entire world. Gold? The same is true. Strength? Health? You are the source of all strength and health.

What then can I do for You?

"Aibishter, there is one thing I can wish for You. Something greater than anything else."

Weeping uncontrollably, she finally says, "Aibishter, I wish that You have nachas from all Your children."

May it be so.

"In G-d We Trust"

2009-05-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of discussion about the concept of the separation of church and state. There is another issue, that unfortunately at first glance is confused with this one, but is totally different.

Separation of a denominational religion from government is very good. But the issue of taking G‑d out of our social system, is totally different.
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Our very country was founded on the awareness of a G‑d given value system. This is where our whole system of justice, and right and wrong, comes from.

There was an awareness, that there is a higher being, that we are all answerable to, and values that are to be striven for. Even our money has "In G‑d We Trust", written on it.

What happens when this solid foundation is removed? Anarchy.
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If our justice system doesn't have a set standard that everything else is judged by, then there is no justice. Instead of humanity being elevated by the laws of the country, that keep mankind from falling prey to its own weakness, then the justice system is feeding and protecting those very faults.

If average people are allowed to decide the laws, then we will continually be pulled down by man's selfish desires.

There should be a separation of a specific church and state, but not G‑d and state. There is a big difference.
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Just as an immature child, needs rules and guidelines, so that he will mature into a responsible adult, so, too, does society. This is not an infringement on his rights, this is the minimum we expect from every person.

By removing G‑dly values, we destroy ourselves from within.
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If people do not realize what it means to be human, and that this is where true happiness and fulfillment lies, what is left?

Countries have tried to form a system without G‑d. As a result they have a G‑dless system, of terrorism and oppression.

The first amendment was never intended to be used ,to pander to human foibles, and destroy the moral fabric of society. The new morality, is only the old immorality.

There has to be a standard. We now see what happens when man alone tries to set it. Only G‑d who created the human spirit knows (just as a loving father) the value‑system, for which we all need to strive, and to which we must not fall victim.
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Religion is a choice, G‑d is a necessity.

The Greatness of Lag Ba'Omer

2009-05-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

The day of Lag Ba'omer, is the Hillula (elevation), of the Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai (The Rashbi for short), (around 135 C.E. - 170 C.E.)

He authored the holy Zohar, a landmark text of Jewish mysticism / Kabbalah.

On the day of his Hillula, he revealed the deepest secrets of the Kabbalah.
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Why we go into the field:

On this day, it is customary for young Yeshivah students, to leave the four walls of their holy studies, and go out into to the mundane fields.

Rabbi Shimon was so great, that he could unite the deepest mystical elements of the Torah, with the limited, physical aspects of the world.

In emulation of him, children extend their holy studies in Yeshivah to include even the external field, an area seemingly beyond the realm of Torah.

Rabbi Shimon taught, that the synthesis and underlying unity of Torah and the mundane worldliness, should be expressed every day, not only once a year.

In the Era of the Redemption, the fusion between the material and the spiritual exemplified by Rabbi Shimon, will be spread throughout the world.

And through spreading the unlimited, powerful teachings of Rabbi Shimon, the coming of the Redemption can be hastened.
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Every year in the Rasbi’s resting place in Meiron, Israel (near Tzfas) over 500,000 people from all walks of life, gather together to celebrate this wondrous day.
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There is a source in the Kabbalah, that Moses was reincarnated as Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, in order to give this mystical level of the Torah, to the Jewish people.
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Bonfires

The most well-known custom of Lag Ba'Omer, is the lighting of bonfires. As The Rashbi gave spiritual light to the world, with the revelation of the Zohar, so too bonfires are lit, to give physical revelation of the powerful light, of his teachings.

In the words of the Zohar, lie the secrets; whose seed will bring about the coming of Moshiach.
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The Chassidic masters explain, that the final day of a righteous person's earthly life, marks the point at which "all his deeds, teachings and work", achieve their culminating perfection; and the zenith of their impact upon the world.

As the Tzadik is then unemcumbered by his limited, physical body. This allows the true greatness of his soul, to freely shine its blinding light.

So each Lag BaOmer we celebrate Rabbi Shimon's life, and the powerful revelation of the esoteric soul of Torah.

He revealed more Kabbalistic secrets on that day, than he did throughout his life.
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On Lag b’Omer, the immense illumination that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai revealed, is powerfully present. It is therefore a day, when we have an extra capacity, to tap into the inner dimension of things, the soul, G-d, Torah.
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Bow and arrows

One reason that some have the custom, to take bow and arrows into the field is: Rabbi Shimon's saintliness was so great, that in his merit there was no rainbow (a negative portent) during his lifetime. A rainbow is the same shape as a bow.

Another explanation is that: in order to shoot an arrow, one has to first pull back the bow. This also resembles the descent of the exile, the seeming going backwards from the high level of the time of the Beis Hamidosh.

But in reality, the descent is in order, to spring forward, like the snap of the bow, in order to propel the world forward, into the times of the Geula!

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Rabbi Shimon declared, that he had seen the most elevated souls (bnei aliyah), and that they were very few. He testified, that he and his son Elazar, were two of them; and if there was only one - it was he.

He declared, that he had the power to exempt the entire world from strict judgment, from the day it was created, until his days.

The Rashbi's soul, derived from the soul of Moshe Rabbeinu, and from the soul of Moshiach.

Since the Zohar was physically introduced into the world on Lag B'Omer, its great light shines on that day. And every succeeding year, the light increases in intensity.

The Rashbi's Greatness (he wrote the Zohar)

2009-05-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Because of the tremendously great level of Rashbi, relative to all the other Tanaaim [sages of the Mishnaic period]; he was distinct and removed from them, in a way which is beyond comparison to them.
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The Rebbe Maharash stated; that the incomparable distinction, between the rest of the Tanaaim, relative to Rashbi, was on the order of the distinction, between created beings, relative to their Creator.

(The Zohar eventually led to Chassidus being revealed.)

Don't Worry be Happy!

2009-05-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

In A Seicha the Rebbe says in short:
Even though it looks like it is going to be bad for the Jews and Israel, because the nations want to conquer the world, and in particular Jerusalem; nevertheless, all their plans will fail.

Therefore, Jews should not be occupied with world events, because Hashem will take care of it, it is already predestined what will happen.

Jews should rather be concerned with the things that they can control, being the education of their children.
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From this we see, that the Rebbe’s message is, not to be afraid, to trust in Hashem and realize, that everything that is happening in the world, is all a process that leads to the revelation of Moshiach.

And by the Jews passing this test, they help to bring Moshiach.

Don’t worry, be happy!

Publicize the Miracles- that are Taking Place Now

2009-05-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Rebbe says in a Seicha, (Sefer HaSeichas Nun-Beis, page 185), “Through the recognition, and giving thanks and praise to Hashem, for the miracles that He does; this is also relevant to the coming of Moshiach Tzedkanu, in the true and complete Geula.

From this it is understood, that the publicizing of miracles that Hashem does in our times, is relevant to bringing the true and complete Geula in actuality”
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The Rebbe said, that if we perceive all the miracles that are taking place now, then Hashem will make more occur.

Because when we see Hashem’s hand in the world, we bring heaven down to earth, and materialize Hashem into the world.

Every time we see Hashem in the world, we bring Him closer to staying in the world, which is the Geulah.

"Open Your Eyes"

2009-05-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

The Rebbe said, “We need to open our eyes, and we will see that the Geulah is unfolding in front of our eyes”.

In addition to opening our eyes and getting excited about the Geula, Jews also have the power to change reality.
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Interestingly enough, quantum science’s current view of the world is that, how one perceives reality, will change the reality in accordance with the person’s viewpoint.

In other words, a person through his Free-will, can change reality. It turns out, that this is pretty close to what Chassidus says.

__________

The source of Free-choice, is in the deepest level of the soul. Therefore, when we utilize our Free-choice, we access and reveal this hidden aspect of our being. This in turn affects the creation, since it is directly connected to the soul of man.

When we "see" the Geula our mind's eye, in the daily happenings in the world, we bring the Geula closer to becoming a reality.

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Therefore, when one perceives reality in a Moshiach manner, one makes the world a Moshiach world.

By bringing the Geula into the microcosm of ones self, one then affects the Geula in the macrocosm- the world at large.

If one opens ones eyes, and sees all the events in the world as leading to the Geulah, this actually helps to bring the Geulah.

Why this Generation Can Bring Moshiach

2009-05-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

Why is it, that specifically our generation is the one that will bring Moshiach?

Previous generations included the Tanoim, Neviim, great Tzadikim, great leaders, higher Neshamahs, etc.

Whereas our generation has no leadership, and lower Neshamahs; where do we get the power to bring Moshiach?
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Answer: As one level of Kelipah (shell that hides Hashem) is refined, then another lower level must be refined. Therefore, each generation goes lower, in order to elevate lower and lower Kelipahs, that are buried deep in the creation.

Jews are like miners, that have to dig through tons and tons of dirt, in order to find the diamonds (holiness) that are hidden there.

Each generation gets darker (has less of an awareness of Hashem), because each generation has to go lower and lower into physicality, and farther away from spirituality, in order to elevate the lowest aspects of the physical world.
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Our generation has merited, to reach the lowest sparks, that are hidden the deepest in the creation. Through elevating these last sparks, we are able to bring Moshiach!

And only our generation has the power to do this, because our generation has been given Chassidus, which is the key to the Geula.

The Greatest Public Servant- King Moshiach

2009-05-11T01:20:00.000-07:00

People assume things from their own frame of reference. A king in past generations meant, abuse of power. But in Torah a Jewish King is totally the opposite, he is a total servant of Hashem.

The higher the position one has in the Jewish nation, the more Bittle one has to be. Since through Bittul, one is then able to absorb the greater Kedushah (holiness), that is accessible as one gets closer to Hashem.

Bittle means, that the physical desires, needs and ego of the body, are nullified and totally in synch with the will of Hashem.
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A Jewish King has to have two Sefer Torahs: one to be kept in his home, and the other one has to keep with him wherever he goes.

From this we see, that a Jewish King is more of a servant than a King; he can’t do whatever he wants, he can only do what Hashem wants.
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A Jewish King reveals Sefiros HaMalchus (the quality of Kingship). As Chassidus explains, this Sefirah is totally different than all the previous Sefiros.

Whereas, the previous Sefiros have specific qualities that makes each one different from the other, Malchus, on the other hand, has no defining qualities; it has only one aspect, total Bittle (total receiving).

Through this Bittle, since it has no limitations or boundaries that definite it, it is able to reveal and transfer everything that precedes it; up to and including, in our generation, Atzmus (the essence of Hashem).
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As we see, that many Tzadikim are called servant (Eved) of Hashem in the Torah. It is stated in Torah that, “Eved Melech, Melech”, a servant of a King, is a King.

Meaning to say, that through being Buttle to the King, as a result, the King shines through the person, and he also becomes a King.

In a similar manner, when Jews are Buttle to Moshiach, they also become Kings of Hashem. And so too, when the nations of the world help Torah, they also become connected to Hashem.
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The average person’s body is not Buttle. His body is like a door, which blocks the the Nesahmah, whereas a Tzaddik’s body is like a window, that reveals G-dliness.

This can be compared to clear water, that is poured into a green glass, a red glass, an orange glass, etc.

Although the water is colorless, the glass distorts the color of the water; and the outside observer only sees the color of the glass.

So too, each person has their own ego that distorts the pure Torah that he absorbs.
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We also see this regarding Moshe, whom the Torah states explicitly, “Moshe was the humblest (most Bittle) person on the face of the earth”. In the case of Moshiach, it is even more so.

This why we see, that the Torah is called "Torah's Moshe", it should be called Torah's Hashem. This is because Moshe was so Bittle, transparent, that the Torah and Moshe, were one.

So too Moshiach, he and Torah are one, since He has no ulterior motives or desires.

An Infinite Light, is Coming into a Finite World

2009-05-11T00:27:00.000-07:00

The delay in the Geula is partly due to the fact, that this world has to become prepared to absorb such a high revelation, and not be destroyed in the process.

As time goes on, just as in a pregnancy, the baby cannot be born until the body is ready; so too Moshiach, he cannot be revealed, until the physical world stretches enough to be able to receive his revelation.

An infinite light, is trying to come, into a limited world.
___________
We see the results of this now, in how nature is continually stretching: Extreme heat, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, etc.

Also, how nations are drastically changing, including Russia, China, India, etc.
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The refinement of the world has been a continual process, since Adam and Chava mixed together good and evil, when they ate from the "Tree of Knowledge").

Every time a person chose to do good and do a Mitzvah, learn Torah, and had Mesiras Nefesh (self-sacrifice), etc., it refined the world (separated good from bad).
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After thousands of years of this process, the world now in much more refined (in line with Torah and Hashem) than ever before.

An example being, that in past history the Roman Empire lasted one thousand years, but now in our times, the Russian empire only lasted only seventy years; due to the more refined world we live in.

By us now increasing in Torah, Mitvahs, and especially through learning Chassidus, and demanding of Hashem that He bring the Geula, we speed up the process of birth, so that the world will have stretched enough to accept this awesome revelation.

The Refining of the Creation

2009-05-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

The physical world deteriorates, because of the Chet of the Etz Hadas, the sin of Adam, and the golden calf, etc.

Sin disconnects one from Hashem; and since all life comes from Hashem, this disconnection results, in a lessening of the life of Hashem into the person, and into the world at large.

Adam was supposed to have lived forever, but because of his sin, his life-span was shortened to nine-hundred and thirty years. And because of the continual sinning of every generation after Adam, the life-span was continually shortened.

This continued until after the sin of the golden calf, when the life-span became much shorter (my example).
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One or two generations ago, people lived only forty or fifty years, but in our times people live seventy or eighty years.

We see, that as we get closer to the revelation of Moshiach, people’s life span has continually increased; until now it is becoming more and more common for people to live over one hundred years.

And scientists are now researching methods that they say, may be able to help people live much, much longer.

This is because, as time goes on the world becomes more refined. Meaning, that it becomes more and more reconnected with Hashem, the source of life; and the coarseness that was brought to world by the sin has been gradually removed.

Galus can be compared to a radio. If a radio (the creation) is not plugged into its source (Hashem), then it just a worthless piece of plastic (it deteriorates); but on the other hand, when it is plugged into its source, it becomes alive.

The Uniqueness of our Generation

2009-05-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Zohar explains, that in previous generations, in order to have eternal life, the people of the generation would all have to die for a moment, and then come back to life with a new eternal body.

Because, a body that was formed from another limited physical body, cannot live forever.

Chassidus explains, that when something has to change dramatically the order is: Yesh, Ayin, Yesh; Something (the object), Nothing (it temporarily disappears), Something new (is created).
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But, because in our generation, the physical body has already been refined in an eternal way, there is now no need for this break in the middle, rather we can go directly into Chaim Netzchis (Eternal Life).

(For those people that will be living, at the time of Moshiachs' revelation.)

The Vilna Goan: Reincarnation

2009-05-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Vilna Gaon writes (Commentary on Jonah):

“The main thing [to keep in mind, is that the purpose of reincarnation], is to affect the repair of a [negative] influence, originating in a previous lifetime...

[One way] to discern exactly what that negative influence is, is to reflect upon the type of wrong your soul yearns after the most, in this lifetime. That which you yearn after most, is likely something you became habituated to in a previous life.

And therefore pay attention to your vices. [They tell you exactly what you have to work on in this lifetime.] ...The main thing is, to repair that which one stumbled in in a previous [life] ...

That’s why some people are drawn after one type of sin, more than another. And that’s also why our Sages say, that one must continually judge himself, and weigh his actions..."

The Lubavitcher Rebbe: Reincarnation:

2009-05-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

Igros Kodesh (Letters) of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, (Vol 5, Letter 1257):

You tell me you are giving the proper amount of Tzedakah. However, your shalom bayis (peace in the home) situation, needs great improvement.

The fact that you are having great difficulties in this area is a sign, that this Mitzvah has not been completed in your previous life.
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The holy Arizal teaches us, that most souls living in a body, have been here before. The reason they come back again, is to fulfill those Mitzvahs, that they did not do properly the first time around.

Those Mitzvahs that they did complete in their previous lifetime, do not require any more refinement, and therefore their observance is easy.

However, those Mitzvahs that one did not complete in his previous lifetime, are the ones most difficult to do. The Yetzer Hara targets these non-completed Mitzvahs, as the ones to oppose most.
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The fact that the issue of Shalom Bayis is so difficult for you proves, that it is a Mitzvah which needs fulfillment. In your past lifetime, you did not refine this Mitzvah, now is your opportunity.

The AriZal- Story of Reincarnation

2009-05-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

(Shivchei Ha-Ari, 16th century)

It once happened in Safed, that a disciple of the Holy Ari, had to go on a long journey. Before departing, he came to his teacher for a letter of recommendation. The Ari wrote it for him, then blessed him and said, "May G-d be with you, and may you go in peace".

The disciple then asked "Master, can you tell me anything about what will happen when I get there?"

"You will marry a beautiful woman" the Ari replied. "And she is your destined soul-mate for this life. But after you have been happily married for only six months, she will suddenly die.
_________
And here is the reason: In another incarnation, this woman was a man, and you were also a man then. He was your dearest friend, but he also caused you some legal trouble for six months.

Finally, he brought a lawsuit against you in the civil courts, which caused you to lose 600 gold coins, even though you were innocent of his charges.

"Now" continued the Ari, "this friend from another life, is once again reincarnated - as the woman you will marry on your journey. His soul has come to make atonement for his sins against you.

For the six months of trouble that he caused in that life, you will have six months of happiness in this life.

The inheritance you will receive when she dies, is to repay you for the 600 gold pieces you lost in the past life.

But even though you know this, you should be kind and patient to this woman, and grant her forgiveness for the trouble she caused you in the previous life.

"Everything happened exactly, as the Holy Ari said it would.

The AriZal: The Advantage of this World Over the Next World

2009-05-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

The souls of Tzadikim,” he explained, “receive greater satisfaction from being in this physical world, than by being in Gan Eden.

Here the soul can serve the Almighty on the lowest physical plane, through performing Mitzvoth and good deeds; which brings far greater benefit to this world; and is far more pleasurable to the soul, than being in Gan Eden.

(Ex. For this world contains the Essence of Hashem. Whereas Gan Eden only contains a ray of G-dliness.)

When Moshiach arrives, and G-dliness will be seen and felt, by even the most common man; we will yearn for the former days, when we were able to serve the Almighty on the lowest level, of the physical.”

The Arizal: Why suffering in this World

2009-05-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

The ARI teaches, that various judgments (Sufferings) are not intended as punishments, so much as they are meant, to cleanse a person from sin.

Thus, Gehennom - and reincarnation (when it is imposed) - are means, by which one's sins are purged; (allowing one then to ascend to a higher level in Gan Eden).

Death, too, is an integral part of this cleansing process.

The Greatness of the AriZal (The "Father" of Kabbalah)

2009-05-08T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Ari
1534-1572

Time-line of Chabad Chassidus: Adam Harishon, The Rasbi, The AriZal, The Baal Shem Tov, The Alter Rebbe; 7 Rebbeim, until the Rebbe.

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(Source- The AriZal, Art Scroll youth series, Mesorah Publications, 1988.)

The disciples of the Ari, who were in constant contact with him, realized, that what they saw, was only the tip of the iceberg of his greatness.

Chaim Vital, who was his close disciple, wrote about him, in his introduction to his famous work Etz Chaim, which contains his teacher’s teachings.

He wrote the following: “I would not relate something of his ways and wonders, which my eyes witnessed. Which no one has seen in the world, since the time of the Tannaim, like the Rashbi and his companions.”
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From the time of the Rashbi until the Ravid, this knowledge was transmitted only by word of mouth. Eliyahu revealed himself to only select scholars, until the time of the Ramban.

From that time, until my master the Ari, there was no one who could grasp this knowledge, properly.
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The Ari knew Mishnah, Talmud, Aggados and Midrashim; in all the various approaches of Pardas. Including the mystical one, called Maaseh Bereishis; (which is the workings of the universe); and Maaseh Merkavah (mystical speculations on the G-dly chariot).

He also knew the language of the birds, the trees and the grasses. And even of inanimate things, such as stones, flames, and also angels.

He conversed with spirits of the past, who had been reborn, both good and evil.

He knew where people’s souls had come from.

He was also able to determine secrets, just by the smell of garments.

He could see souls leaving the body in a cemetery; and going to Gan Eden every Friday afternoon.

He was able to speak to the souls of the departed Tzaddikim, residing in the next world. They confided the secrets of their world to him.

He was able to read faces and palms.

He could interpret dreams, just by looking at a person’s forehead.

He was able to know ones thoughts and dreams.

He taught the meaning of the origins of souls; and read upon a person’s forehead, all his merits and sins.

He was able to find the specific Tikkun (correction needed for ones soul) for each individual, in accordance with his nature and the origin of ones soul.

Nothing was concealed from the Ari.

____________

The son of Rabbi Yosef Karo (The Beis Yosef), married the daughter of the AriZal.

Rabbi Yosef Karo: Truly the Ari knows more than an angel! He must have the soul of a Navi (Prophet), for even the Tannaim (sages from the Talmud) could not have expressed what he did.

Story: Understanding the Greatness of a Tzaddik

2009-05-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

In 1777 Rebbe Menachem Mendel, along with disciple Rebbe Avraham, and 300 followers; emigrated to the Land of Israel, settling in Tzfas.

In 1783 they left Tzfas and moved to Tiveria. Rebbe Menachem Mendel of Vitebsk, a student of the Baal Shem Tov, explained why he left Tzfas, and moved to nearby Tiberias:

"The air in Tzfas is very pure, and at night I could hear the angels calling out from heaven, for the world to do Teshuva.
It disturbed my sleep so much, that I had to leave."
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1. Rebbe Schneur Zalman (about Rav Menachem Mendel): "I once saw him when he was giving audience, and I realized that everything that the person seeking his council, had done in his life was known to him."

2. Rebbe Schneur Zalman continued: "I then realized, that not only could he see all his actions in this present lifetime; but he also was aware of all of the person’s previous incarnations, since the six days of Creation."

3. Finally, Rebbe Schneur Zalman said: "In the end I realized, that not only could he see his past actions, and past incarnations; but he could also see everything that this soul was destined for in the future, until the coming of the Moshiach and after..."

Torah Codes- The Future?

2009-05-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: We don't know how its going to happen, as Teshuvah and the Rebbe can always change things, but it is certain, that Hashem now wants the Jews to leave Galus (exile from Hashem).

Hashem wants Moshiach now, and he will force the world to want the Geula (the revelation of G-d in the world).

The Rebbe said, that we should open our eyes- people don't realize, that changes in the weather, are not due to el nino or the greenhouse effect.
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Torah Codes help us realize, the scale of events that can happen, in order to force us to spread the knowledge of G-d in the world and also spread the Besuras Hageula (good news of the world's transformation), before things get really out of control.

When we see world events taking place, we should automatically see the hand of G-d!

PS
When we see that these events do not take place, we should also realize, that this in and of itself is a miracle.

That due to the kindness of Hashem, even greater tragedies may have been programmed to occur but didn't.
Thank G-d!
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[Ed. Note: The Previous Rebbe says that, an entire country may be inundated, causing tremendous political changes in the world.

To paraphrase: The Previous Rebbe seems to imply, that G-d wants the world to realize, that He runs the world, and not the force called nature. But simultaneously, he wants man to have free-choice.

Just as in Egypt, G-d causes tremendous weather changes (10 plagues); that eventually become so unnatural, that everyone realized that it was the hand of G-d.]
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The Codes

As in the days of Noah, people were warned of the upcoming flood, but they laughed and turned a deaf ear, only to find out it was true; and all the inhabitants of the earth were killed; according to The Book of Genesis.

Michael Drosnin who has been an investigative reporter with The Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post, has wrote a book from a reporter's point of view.

In "The Bible Code", Michael Drosnin states with certainty, that there is a code in the Bible, and that in a few dramatic cases, exactly foretold the assignations of Anwar Sadat, John & Robert Kennedy, and Israeli Prime Minister Yizthak Rabin.

And other events as The Gulf War, and the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing.

Michael Drosnin used two different computer programs, both written by a Israel mathematician, who first found the code.

A large portion of his book is devoted to the possibilities, of Armageddon, and the Apocalypse.

The Bible Code, may in fact have been designed, to be found now.
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The code was discovered by Dr. Eliya Rips, one of the world's leading experts in group theory, a field of mathematics that underlies quantum physics.

Other events foretold in this code were, World War II, the Hiroshima bombing, the landing of man on the Moon, and even the meteor that collided with Jupiter in July, 1994.

Rips stated, that the first hint of the code was found 50 years earlier, by a Czechoslovakia Rabbi named Weissmanndel. H.M.D Weissmanndel noticed, that if he skipped 50 letters, then skipped another 50 letters;

The first modern scientist Sir Isaac Newton, who first discovered the mechanics of our solar system and gravity, was certain, that there was a hidden code in the Bible, that would reveal the future.

He learned Hebrew, and spent halve his life trying to find it.
Newton was still searching for the code, when he died.
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Rips stated, that there is a Bible, beneath the Bible. The Bible is not only a book, but a computer program.

"I am persuaded only, that no human could have encoded the Bible in this way, and that we do have proof, that some intelligence outside our own, does exist.
Rips stated, "The Bible must have been encoded, all at once, by one mind.

But the code does not exist simply, to announce there is a code. The Bible was encoded, to sound a warning. Drosnin said, "It's a warning, not a prediction."

There is no way to know, if the code can predict the distant future.
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Drosnin also points out, that sometimes the code predicts events accurately, but does not predict the accurate date.

Time is not predetermined. People have freedom of choice. There are simply a number of possible futures, and not one definite one. But each of them, can be found within the Bible code.

This means that the times of events, even of the apocalypse can be delayed, or changed. The code can be thought of more as a warning, than a simple prediction of what will happen.

The word “delay” is frequently encoded in the bible, with important events. Whenever "end of days" appears in the text of the Bible, the word delay is encoded.

(ED. According to Jewish law, a bad prediction even by a prophet, can always be changed, through the good deeds of people- Teshuvah in Hebrew.)
__________________
The Vilna Gaon, a prominent 18th century Rabbi (Elijah Solomon) wrote; "All that was, is, and will be until the end of time, is included in the Torah, the first five books of the Bible."

The Ramban, Rabbi Moses Ben Nachman, stated: The whole of the history of Israel, is contained within The Song of Moses.
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Rips said: It is clear, that we are in the end times.

The plain words predict, that The Final Battle will begin, with an attack on the Holy City, Jerusalem, and finally engulf the entire world.

Based on the codes: in 1996 a plague of Biblical proportions, was almost been unleashed on Japan; and what might have happened, was encoded in the Bible.
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In every vision of the Apocalypse, the final blow is a massive earthquake.

Drosnin says that in the Bible Code it warns us, that a series of quakes around the world will occur. Three years in code are clearly encoded with "great terror": 2000, 2014, 2113.

The United States, China, Japan, and Israel, are all encoded with "great earthquake" in the near future.

L.A. Calif. is encoded with "great earthquake". The U.S. Geological Survey in 1995 stated, that there is a 80 to 90% probability of a magnitude 7+ quake within Southern California, before 2024.

Drosnin stated, it is only a probability, but the code seems to predict, that the big earthquake will hit California in 2010.

A Great earthquake, is encoded with China.

But the one country most likely in danger is Japan, according to the Bible Code.
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Jerusalem, is clearly encoded in the Bible, as the target of the predicted nuclear attack, or "World War."

"Terrorism" is also encoded with "World War."

Syria, which according to the code, will have a major role in the final world war.

Russia, China and the USA, also appear with the words World War.

The nations of Iran and Libya: The text of the bible, and the code within it, seem to work together, predicting a huge destructive battle (World War III), that will begin with a battle between Israel and the surrounding Arab nations.
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He also predicts a massive earthquake, to bring on the Apocalypse. The destruction of the world by earthquake, is frequently foretold in the plain text of the Bible.

The code seems to predict a series of "great earthquakes" in the years, 2014, and 2113.

Japan is the country most clearly encoded with a great earthquake. It and Israel, are repeatedly stated, to be in great danger.

But it is possible, that the disaster that strikes Japan, that affects the world, is actually an "economic collapse"
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Another possibility- for the way the end will play out- which is encoded in the bible, is the collision of an asteroid with the earth.

The year 2010 appears with "comet", "days of horror", "darkness", and "gloom." And the year 2012, is encoded right below "earth annihilated."

Economic collapse is encoded between exodus 20:9 and deuteronomy 11:6.

Exodus contains year of the plague.

2010 is another year encoded with comet; and days of horror cross 2010; darkness and gloom, cross comet.

The year 2012 also appears with comet, again in Deuteronomy; also: it will be crumbled, I will tear it to pieces, and earth annihilated.

The prediction of another comet due in 2012 A.D., which is expected to crumble into pieces, or “annihilate” the Earth.

In every vision of the Apocalypse, the final blow is a massive earthquake.

Two future years are clearly encoded with “the great terror”: 2014, and 2113. The latter year 2113, is the best match.

A History of Ideas, based on the Jewish Moshiach

2009-05-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Religions
The concept of a world, that will be redeemed in the "End of Days," was carried over from Judaism by two of the world's largest religions; and has become one of the foundation stone, of modern thinking.
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Communism
It is so powerful, that it has been integrated into non-theological "religions": The ideology of Communism assured its followers, that the Revolution (like the Messiah) might tarry, but it (like him) would surely come.
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Theory of evolution
We can also see this way of thinking, in the theory of evolution, which has - through a subtle shift in meaning - turned from a theory that explains how organisms adapt to their environments, to a description of how creation improves with each generation.

According to this view, if we let nature run its course and don't interfere, society will evolve toward perfection.

Advances made in science and technology, are held up as alleged proofs, that the world is improving; based on the false assumption, that whatever is more sophisticated (and more artificial), is better.
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Mythology
In Greek mythology, a Golden Age of peace and happiness, was thought to become gradually more corrupt; eventually degenerating into an Iron Age, of greed and cruelty.

The Nordic myths were even gloomier, and included depressing descriptions, of each stage of the collapse, of nature and the universe.
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Science
Some scientists today have a similar view, as they predict the inevitable (but not immediate) end of the world, due to global warming, species extinction, bacterial immunity, etc.
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Today
Today, it is a very common idea, that the world is progressing; and that everything is becoming better, more highly developed, and more perfect; - and will, therefore, ultimately merit redemption.
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Judaism
Although these views, as appealing as they may be, nevertheless are naïve and unrealistic; whereas the Jewish view of world history is optimistic, and based on Torah, and have substance and meaning.

Story of the AriZal- of Reincarnation

2009-05-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

From (Shivchei Ha-Ari, 16th century)

It once happened in Safed, that a disciple of the Holy Ari had to go on a long journey. Before departing, he came to his teacher for a letter of recommendation. The Ari wrote it for him, then blessed him and said "May G-d be with you, and may you go in peace".

The disciple then asked "Master, can you tell me anything about what will happen when I get there?"
______________
"You will marry a beautiful woman" the Ari replied. "And she is your destined soulmate for this life. But after you have been happily married for only six months, she will suddenly die.

And here is the reason: In another incarnation, this woman was a man, and you were also a man then. He was your dearest friend, but he also caused you some legal trouble for six months.

Finally, he brought a lawsuit against you in the civil courts, which caused you to lose 600 gold coins, even though you were innocent of his charges.
____________
"Now" continued the Ari, "this friend from another life is once again reincarnated - as the woman you will marry on your journey. His soul has come to make atonement for his sins against you.

For the six months of trouble that he caused in that life, you will have six months of happiness in this life.
The inheritance you will receive when she dies, is to repay you for the 600 gold pieces you lost in the past life.

But even though you know this, you should be kind and patient to this woman, and grant her forgiveness for the trouble she caused you in the previous life."

Everything happened exactly, as the Holy Ari said it would.

Torah Sources for Extreme Weather Changes

2009-05-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

At that time, the whole world will quake, and the people will wonder, "Is a new Flood, coming to the world?"

But G-d will assure them, 'No, this isn't a flood, rather, I have come to make a banquet for my children, and to rule over the entire world.'"
(Tanna d'Vei Eliyahu Rabba, end of Ch. 2)
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The heavens will disintegrate like smoke; and the earth will wear away like clothing,' as the promise comes to an end."
(Isaiah 51:6)
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"The foundations of the earth will quake. The earth is broken; the earth crumbles; the earth is dismantled.

The earth will move like a drunkard, and shake like a hut.. and the moon will be shamed and the sun embarrassed, for G-d reigns on Mount Zion."
(Isaiah 24:17-20, 23)

What is a Rebbe- A Story

2009-05-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

About 140 years ago, The fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel (the Rebbe Maharash), had a Chassid who was a successful businessman.

Before undertaking any significant deal, he always consulted the Rebbe, and followed his instructions.
____________
One time, the Chassid was offered a fabulous opportunity. If successful--and most certainly it would be--he would make millions.

The deal, however, required, that he invest almost his entire fortune. Before the Chassid would make such a major move, he set off to the city of Lubavitch, to seek the Rebbe's advice.

After hearing the details of the proposition, the Rebbe Maharash told him, that he should not go through with the deal.

The Chassid was stunned. He tried to convince the Rebbe, that this was a sound proposal; he described all of the great profits to be made, but to no avail. The Rebbe's answer was final:
NO!
____________
A few days later, the would-be business partners came to the Chassid. When they heard that he was not interested, based upon the Rebbe's answer, they began to laugh at him.

"Certainly you didn't understand the Rebbe's words," they told him. "And anyway, maybe there were some important details you left out, that would solicit a different answer.

After all," they said, "isn't there a saying, that 'according to how you ask, that is how you're answered'?
Go back to the Rebbe and make sure to tell him all the details. You'll see, the answer will be different this time."

Back to Lubavitch the Chassid went. "Rebbe," he pleaded, "obviously I did not explain myself well enough last time. We're talking about tremendous sums of money. I can become rich overnight and give much Tzedakah [charity] as well..."

The Rebbe listened patiently once again. But at the end of the presentation his answer was simple and direct: "No, it's not worthwhile."
__________
The Chassid made his way home, thinking about all the money he could have made, if only the Rebbe would have agreed. "The Rebbe doesn't even explain his reasons," thought the Chassid.

But his friends and family wouldn't let up. "It's forbidden to lose such an opportunity," they cried. "Go back to the Rebbe again and certainly the answer will be different."
__________
In his third attempt, the Chassid tried everything, even begging the Rebbe to let him make the deal, but the Rebbe answered once again: "No."

When the Chassid came home, he couldn't stand up to the pressure of family and friends, and contrary to the Rebbe's advice, he signed the deal. He quieted his conscience by telling himself, that he would really give a lot of Tzedakah.
____________
Unfortunately, things did not go well. In a short while, the Chassid lost all his money.

The Chassid realized how wrong it was to not follow the Rebbe's instruction. Full of regret, he made his way back a fourth time to see the Rebbe.
__________
The Chassid spent a long time in private with the Rebbe. When he came out, he revealed only one thing that the Rebbe had told him.

"There are people," said the Rebbe, "big businessmen among them, who come to ask my advice concerning important matters.

Sometimes the issues are quite complex; matters which I have never engaged in, nor did my ancestors. So then why do they ask me my advice, and follow my instructions and counsel?

"There are three answers, each one matching a different type of Jew who comes to me.

1. "One person thinks, 'It's very simple. The Rebbe has Ruach HaKodesh--Divine Inspiration! The Rebbe is a G-dly man, a prophet.

It is G-d's words coming from his mouth, and therefore, we must follow him, no questions asked!'

2. "Another type," continued the Rebbe, "is a person, who operates on a different level, somewhat more down to earth.

'The Rebbe studies Torah all the time, and serves G-d with his entire being. His intellect is totally nullified to G-d's Will. Therefore, everything he says stems from Torah, and certainly his words will be fulfilled.'

3. "The third type," explained the Rebbe, "says, 'The Rebbe meets so many people, from all over the world and from all walks of life. He has acquired an incredibly broad knowledge of worldly matters.

With this knowledge and his ability to see things from many different angles, the Rebbe sees what others cannot. Therefore, we must listen to him.'
___________
"Whichever group you might belong to," the Rebbe Maharash concluded, "you should never have gone through with the deal, after hearing from me not once, not twice, but three times clearly saying 'No!'"

The Rebbe's Knowledge of Science

2009-05-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Professor Yirmiyahu Branover, of the University of the Negev, relates:

He once presented the plans for a new invention to the Rebbe. He presented the value of the "two-phase flow velocity", and the value of the "efficiency of the system".

The Rebbe immediately responded, that those two values were inconsistent.
___________
Professor Branover took the plans back to Beer Sheva, where his team reviewed their calculations, but found no error.
The problem was, that the comper program had many thousands of lines of data.

Eight months later they found their error; discovered by a new doctoral student, who had joined their team.

Jewish Law Regarding Moshiach

2009-05-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

We now have the greatest opportunity, to enrich our lives, and the entire world.

According to all signs given in the Torah, and according to the prophetic words of the Rebbe: We have entered "Yemos Hamoshiach", (the Messianic era). And the many challenges we now face, are part of the process of Moshiach’s revelation.
__________
One of the principles of Jewish law, enumerated by Maimonides (The Rambam) is: There will arise a great Jewish leader, who is a direct descendant of the Davidic dynasty.

All the nations of the world, will recognize Moshiach to be a world leader, and will accept his guidance and rulership.

In the final stages of the Messianic era, there will be world peace, no more wars nor famine; and in general, a high standard of living.

All mankind will worship one G–d, and as a result, will live a higher quality of life.

The coming of Moshiach will complete G–d’s purpose in creation: For man to make an abode for G–d in the lower worlds; to openly reveal the Essence of G-d, in this finite world.

Global Financial Markets- record falls in 2008

2009-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Signs of a new era:

December 31, 2008

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7805644.stm

Britain's FTSE 100, had its worst year on record, down 31.3%; with similar falls in Paris and Frankfurt.

Shanghai was one of the worst-hit major markets, ending the year 65% lower, which was also a record loss.

In New York, the Dow Jones has lost almost 34% of its value in 2008, its worst year since 1931.
________
Justin Urquhart Stewart, at Seven Investment Management, said:
The year saw the credit crisis, push several major economies into recession, with banks particularly badly hit - many requiring government bail-outs.

At the close in London, the FTSE 100 index, for the year as a whole the index lost 31.3% of its value, the worst loss in its 24-year history.

'Domino effect'
2008 - MAJOR MARKET FALLS
New York - down 33.84%
London - down 31.3%
Paris - down 42.7%
Frankfurt - down 40.4%
Mumbai - down 51.9%
Singapore - down 49.2%
Sydney - down 41.3%
Hong Kong - down 48.3%
Shanghai - down 65.2%
Tokyo - down 42.1%

There were similar losses in Frankfurt and in Paris.
In Frankfurt, the Dax-30 ended 2008 down 40%, which was the index's second-worst annual performance in its 20-year history. The index had risen 22% in 2007.

Technology firm Infineon, was the Dax's biggest loser in 2008, down 88.1%; followed by Commerzbank, down 74.7%.

"I believe, that we will have a lot of problems next year, and much deeper prices than this year. But where we will be at the end of the year, I have absolutely no clue," said Dirk Mueller of MWB Fairtrading.

Shanghai's fall, wiped nearly $3 trillion (£2.1 trillion) off share values. Shanghai soared more than 300% in 2006 and 2007.

Japanese shares also suffered their biggest yearly decline, with the Nikkei dropping 42%, as world's second-largest economy slid into recession.

As a meltdown of the US housing market, led to a global slump in consumer spending, and industrial production. Foreign firms withdrew investments from Asia, to repay debts back home.
In many cases, markets that had benefited most during the previous bull-run, were the worst affected as it ended.

As demand in overseas markets slowed, Asia's export-driven economies, were hard hit.

In Hong Kong, which is in recession, the Hang Seng index closed the year 48% lower. This was its second-biggest drop to date; and its worst since the global oil shock of the early 1970s.

India's main index in bombay, has more than halved.
"It was ferocious, it was an unprecedented move down. The domino effect was so quick and so swift," said Lucinda Chan of Macquarie Securities in Sydney.
___________
'Many uncertainties'
A surging yen, added to the woes of Japan's biggest exporters such as Toyota and Sony; while political upheaval hit Thailand's market.

"No one saw an end to the bull run," said Kirby Daley, at Newedge Group in Hong Kong.

"What many failed to see; was an end, to the leveraged world we were living in; and an end, to the consumption-driven economy, that the world had become."

Massive Weather Changes

2009-05-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

Signs of a new era:

'Huge year for natural disasters'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7803624.stm
12-29-08
_________
The past year has been one of the most devastating ever, in terms of natural disasters; one of the world's biggest re-insurance companies, has said.

Munich Re said, the impact of the disasters, was greater than in 2007, in both human and economic terms.

Although there were fewer "loss-producing events" in 2008 than in the previous year, the impact of natural disasters was higher.

More than 220,000 people died, in events like cyclones, earthquakes and flooding. The most since 2004, the year of the Asian tsunami.

Meanwhile, overall global losses totaled about $200bn (£137bn), with uninsured losses totalling $45bn; about 50% more than in 2007.

This makes 2008, the third most expensive year on record; after 1995, when the Kobe earthquake struck Japan, and 2005, the year of Hurricane Katrina in the US.
______________
Torsten Jeworrek of Munich Re said, the pattern continued a long-term trend, already observed.

"Climate change has already started, and is very probably contributing to increasingly frequent weather extremes, and ensuing natural catastrophes," he said.

Asia, was the continent worst hit by natural disasters in 2008.
_____________
The year saw, five major hurricanes in the North Atlantic.

Cyclone Nargis in Burma, killed an estimated 130,000 people, and devastated much of the low-lying Irrawaddy Delta region.

While the earthquake which struck China's Sichuan province in May, left an estimated 70,000 dead, and millions homeless.

The losses of $85bn made Sichuan, the second most expensive earthquake after Kobe.
__________
The most expensive single event in 2008, was Hurricane Ike, which brought $30bn in losses.
It was one of five major hurricanes in the North Atlantic over the year, which saw a total of 16 tropical storms.

In addition, roughly 1,700 tornadoes across the US, caused several billion dollars of damage. As did periods of low pressure weather activity, in Europe.
____________
Munich Re quoted World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) figures showing: that 2008 was the 10th warmest year, since reliable records began.

Meaning, that the 10 warmest years on record, all occurred, in the past 12 years.

Moshiach Statistics

2009-05-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

The following interesting facts & statistics, show how the world is quickly moving, in the direction of A Perfect World.
____________
ECONOMY & TECHNOLOGY

In America, the length of the average work week has diminished, from some 53 hours at the start of the century, to about 35 hours at present.

In 1945, a call between the U.S. and Japan, cost $10.00 a minute. Today, this same call, costs more than 95% less, without even adjusting for inflation.

There are over 10 million private businesses in the U.S. today, 25% more than there were, in 1970.

In 1940, one American worker produced only enough food to supply a dozen people. Now, a single worker turns out enough food, for about 80 people.

Today, according to the Statistical Abstract of the U.S., only 1.6 million are on active duty, and only 267,000 serve in foreign countries.

Worldwide military spending was reduced by $935 billion dollars between 1987 and 1994.
___________
YOU & YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Since 1900, the average life expectancy in the U.S. has risen to 74 from 47 years, a gain of nearly 60%.

50% of all medical advances, have been developed in the past 10 years.

From 1988 to 1993, the U.S. recycling rate has risen from 3% to 22%.

The number of people over 100 years old (aproximately 52,000), has tripled since 1980.
__________
SOCIETY
79% of American adults believe, that strong spiritual faith can
help people recover, from illness or injury

According to the F.B.I., the nation's murder rate reached its lowest level in 30 years. Serious crimes reported to the police in 1997, declined for a 6th consecutive year.

Despite the huge growth in multi-media, Americans are buying a record number of books. Yearly purchases now exceed 2 billion books. Up from about 1.7 billion, in the mid 1980's.

Americans gave some $144 billion to charity in 1995 (up nearly 8% from the previous year); marking the sharpest gain in a decade.

In 1990, overall attendance at U.S. sporting events totaled 388 million; while overall attendance at religious services, exceeded 5 billion.

Excerpts of talks by the Lubavitcher Rebbe

2009-05-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

We have already satisfied the requirements of "Chevlei Moshiach".
____________
When we see great revolutions in our times, this is an additional sign, that we are now in the final moments of the "footsteps of Moshiach;" and imminently and immediately, our righteous Moshiach will come.

It is understood, that now we are already in a state, where the physical body, and even the physicality of the world, is already completely refined and purified.

They are ready to be a "vessel" for all the supernal lights and spiritual matters; including and primarily--the light of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, the light of the true and complete Geulah....
___________
When a small girl lights Shabbos candles, this gives the power to the one who fights the wars of Hashem [ie, Moshiach], that he will be victorious."
__________
We have already completed and finished all the avodah, and we are standing ready for the acceptance, of Dovid Malka Meshicha.
____________
The Metzius [reality] of Moshiach exists also b'pashtus, [simply and really.]
___________
All matters of Avodah have been finished and completed, and we are standing ready for the acceptance of Moshiach Tzidkeinu. Thus in our days, all the obstructions and interferences have been nullified.

And because of this, there is (not only the metzius of Moshiach, but rather) also the Hisgalus [revelation] of Moshiach. And now we need only to accept Moshiach Tzidkeinu, in actuality.
___________
Although these particular elements of service must also be completed, this does not detract from the service of the Jewish people as a whole.

On the contrary, the fact that as a whole, we are prepared for the Redemption, makes it easier for us to complete all the individual elements of our service, and to do so with happiness.

To explain the concept in an analogy: When a person is healthy as a whole; if he has a small ailment in one of his limbs, it can easily be cured.

Similarly, since as a whole, our service has been completed, Teshuvah, which is described as "healing", can cure all the particular difficulties of the Jewish people.
________
The spiritual Beis Hamikdash must be built through our efforts, through Teshuva, Torah, and Mitzvos. Every spiritual "brick" that a Jew forms, is indestructible.

The process of laying these spiritual "bricks" came about, at the same moment, that the last part of the 2nd Bais Hamikdash went up in flames.

This is one of the deeper meanings of the story in the midrash (Eicha Rabba), that at the moment the Bais Hamikdash was destroyed, Moshiach was born.

The main parts of rebuilding the spiritual Bais Hamikdash, which Jews need to build in this long, dark Golus (exile); were already built, by the earlier generations of spiritual giants, of our people.

What remains for us, is only to complete a small part. But our part must be permeated with the same Kedusha, as that of the earlier generations.
_____________
The ultimate redemption is unique, for when it comes, it will come in a complete and total manner.

In this, we see a contrast to the other redemptions from exile.
The previous redemptions came in stages, while the future redemption, will be immediate and total.
___________
From the fact that it says "all flesh will see (G-d)", it is understood, that the intent is not only Yisroel, but that it includes all the nations of the world (see Tanya ch. 36)
_____________
The fact that there are those who assert, that the generation is not worthy for the redemption, etc., is itself a proof, that now is the time of the revelation of Moshiach.

Being, that the sages state, that Moshiach comes "B'Hesech Hada'as" -- when we are found in a state like this, that neither Da'as, nor the revealed intellect, sees any possibility for the coming of the Geulah.

This is "Hesech Ha'Da'as", which is a sure sign, that the Geulah is very close.
____________
The inner aspect of Golus, is the revelation of a new light. And as a result of drawing closer to it, there is a distancing from the Hashpa'a (flow) of the Divine revelation.

Therefore, the closer we get to Moshiach, the more oppressive Golus becomes.
______________
In the Midrashim of Chazal we find that, Moshiach Tzidkeinu (Eliyahu Hanovi) will be revealed first in the Galil, specificially in Teveria... But no one will be makpid if Eliyahu Hanovi were to come in chutz la'aretz, even in Brooklyn; and the next day Moshiach will come to Teveria.

The Rebbe and Disabled Israeli War Veterans

2009-05-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 1976," Joseph Cabiliv tells, "Zahal (the Israeli army) sponsored a tour of the United States, for a large group of disabled veterans. While we were in New York, a Lubavitcher Chassid came to our hotel, and suggested that we meet with the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

Most of us did not know what to make of the invitation, but a few members of our group had heard about the Rebbe, and convinced the rest of us to accept.
________________
As soon as they heard we were coming, the Chabadniks sprang into action, organizing the whole thing with the precision of a military campaign.

Ten large commercial vans pulled up to our hotel to transport us and our wheelchairs to the Lubavitch headquarters in Brooklyn. Soon we found ourselves in the famous large synagogue, at 770 Eastern Parkway.

"Ten minutes later, a white-bearded man of about 70, entered the room, followed by two secretaries. As if by a common signal, absolute silence pervaded the room.

There was no mistaking the authority he radiated. We had all stood in the presence of military commanders and prime ministers, but this was unlike anything we had ever encountered. This must have been what people felt in the presence of royalty.

An identical thought passed through all our minds: Here walks a leader, a prince.

"He passed between us, resting his glance on each one of us, and lifting his hand in greeting, and then seated himself opposite us. Again he looked at each of us in turn.

From that terrible day, on which I had woken without my legs in the Rambam Hospital, I have seen all sorts of things in the eyes of those who looked at me: pain, pity, revulsion, anger. But this was the first time in all those years, that I encountered true empathy.

With that glance that scarcely lasted a second and the faint smile on his lips, the Rebbe conveyed to me, that he is with me, utterly and exclusively.
_____________
"The Rebbe then began to speak, after apologizing for his Ashkenazic-accented Hebrew. He spoke about our 'disability,' saying, that he objected to the use of the term.

'If a person has been deprived of a limb or a faculty,' he said, 'this itself indicates, that G-d has given him special powers to overcome the limitations this entails; and to surpass the achievements of ordinary people.

You are not "disabled" or "handicapped," but special and unique, as you possess potentials that the rest of us do not.

"I therefore suggest,' he continued,
(adding with a smile, "of course it is none of my business, but Jews are famous for voicing opinions on matters, that do not concern them):

that you should no longer be called nechei Yisrael ("the disabled of Israel," our designation in the Zahal bureaucracy), but rather Metzuyanei Yisrael ("the Exceptional of Israel").'

He spoke for several minutes more, and everything he said; and more importantly, the way in which he said it; addressed what had been churning within me, since my injury.
___________
"In parting, he gave each of us a dollar bill, in order - he explained- that we give it to charity on his behalf, making us partners in the fulfillment of a mitzvah.

He walked from wheelchair to wheelchair, shaking our hands, giving each a dollar, and adding a personal word or two. When my turn came, I saw his face up close, and I felt like a child. He gazed deeply into my eyes, took my hand between his own, pressed it firmly, and said 'Thank you', with a slight nod of his head.
_____________
"I later learned, that he had said something different to each one of us. To me he said 'Thank you'- somehow he sensed, that that was exactly what I needed to hear.

With those two words, the Rebbe erased all the bitterness and despair, that had accumulated in my heart.

I carried the Rebbe's 'Thank you' back to Israel, and I carry it with me, to this very day."

Story: The Bobover Rebbe, asks for the Rebbe’s help.

2009-05-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Bobover Rebbe, Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam of blessed memory, was holding a Melaveh Malka in his synagogue, in Boro Park.
___________
Reb Pinchas, of Sydney, Australia, would visit New York from time to time. On this occasion, a friend of Pinchas Woolstone, who is a Bobover Chassid, invited him to join the Melaveh Malka.

During the meal, the Bobover Rebbe turned to Reb Pinchas, who had been introduced to him as a Chabad Chassid. He said:

"I wish to make you my emissary for a Mitzvah. A while back, a certain couple in our community developed problems, shortly after their marriage. At a certain point, she apparently reached the end of her rope and ran away. No one knew where she had gone.

Her parents, naturally, were broken.

"I would be very happy," concluded the Bobover Rebbe, “to receive advice from your Rebbe on this matter. Would you help me, and give him the message for me?"

Reb Pinchas was happy to agree.
__________

A few days later, he approached the Rebbe, and asked for a blessing for a safe trip back to Australia. At the same time, he gave over the Bobover Rebbe's message.

The Rebbe listened carefully, and then answered in a brief sentence: "When you get back to Sydney, make sure to fly to Brisbane!"

The Rebbe gave no further information, but this was enough for Pinchas. As a Chassid, he was prepared to carry out the Rebbe's instructions.
____________

Within a few hours after landing in Sydney, he was already on a flight to Brisbane, an Australian city about 900 kilometers north of Sydney. He did not know exactly where to go, or what to do once landing in Brisbane, but was sure that the purpose of his trip would soon make itself clear to him.

On the flight, a woman sitting next to him turned to him and said, "Excuse me, you look Jewish. Can I ask you something?" Reb Pinchas nodded politely.

"What relationship do Jews have to Jews who have left the faith?" Reb Pinchas examined the woman's face, to see if she was perhaps referring to herself. But the woman looked decidedly like a non-Jew.

"I am the manager of a women's clothing store in Brisbane," she explained. "Recently, a Jewish woman came to my store asking for work. I hired her, and after a certain period of time we became close.

She confided in me that she comes from a religious family, and for certain reasons she ran away from home, and has distanced herself from Judaism. I am curious to know how you relate to this woman.

"A red light began to flash in Reb PInchas's mind. He strongly suspected, that she was speaking about the woman he had been sent to Brisbane to fine.

"Look," he explained to the woman, "Judaism teaches us, to respect and care for each Jew, regardless of their level of observance, and to help them return to the right path.

I take it from your question," he continued, "that this woman is alone in Brisbane?" "You are correct," she answered. “She does not seem to have any friends."

"If so," he said, "perhaps I can help her. She probably could use some assistance in acclimating herself in Australia, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind connecting with some Jews. Can you give me her name and address?"

The woman agreed and gave over the information. The name was not familiar, but Reb Pinchas was sure, that whoever was guiding him along until now, would help him reach his ultimate goal.
___________
As soon as he landed, Reb Pinchas took a cab to the address the woman had given him. His first meeting with the woman was seeking was not easy. She became distraught at the sight of a religious man, and at first refused to have any contact with him.

However, Reb Pinchas did not give up. He told her, that he had found her in a miraculous way, after following the Lubavitcher Rebbe's advice, and that he would not do anything against her will. Slowly, the woman thawed out. She made it clear to him, that returning to Boro Park was out of the question.

However, she was prepared to accept the divorce from her husband, move to Israel, and begin a new life.

So it happened. Reb Pinchas helped to arrange for the divorce, and she moved to Israel. There, she settled down, and found her place.

The Rebbe: As told by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu.

2009-05-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Eliyahu is the former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel (1983-1993), an eminent descisor on Jewish law, and the author of more than twenty volumes on Halachah.

(Excerpts)
______________
I felt that the Rebbe was a holy person, endowed with a special soul. He wasn't an individual for himself, he was the all-encompassing soul, of the Jewish nation.

In the course of my lifetime, I've met many rabbis and Jewish leaders. Some were brilliant in all sections of the Torah; some were leaders, who brought great changes to the Jewish nation; and some were righteous individuals, whose blessings worked great miracles.

But I never met an individual, who encompassed all these three: brilliance in Torah; great leadership, with emissaries across the globe; and miracles and wonders, happening all around him.

When you sat in the Rebbe's presence, it was as if there was no one, and nothing else, in this world.

He had a simple chair, and a simple office.

The entire day and night, he studied Torah, and was active in communal service; I do not know when he ate and slept...
_____________
It was intriguing, that the Rebbe knew minute details of what was happening in the land of Israel, as if he lived in Israel. There are so many instances of this happening, in our audiences, written correspondence, and phone conversations.

And through our various meetings I came to understand, that he knew what was happening across the globe, just like he knew what was happening in Israel. He knew the issues that affected every country and city—as if he lived there.
_______________
The Rebbe never minced his words, when he was concerned about a particular issue. What he stated, however, was always with love and a special care.

The Israeli leaders knew, that the Rebbe loved them with all of his heart, and hence they knew, that when the Rebbe rebuked them, he did it for the love of the Jewish nation, and with love for every single individual.

Though he was a brilliant scholar, he actively cared about even the simple, unscholarly individuals.

During our four audiences, the Rebbe always sought out the merit of others. No matter the subject we were discussing, the Rebbe steered the conversation, so that he could praise others.
___________
There are no words, to express the great honor that the Rebbe bestowed on me. The merit of meeting him; and the fact that he escorted me outside, following my fourth and final audience.

His final words made a great impression on me. After an hour and a half of conversation, the Rebbe expressed his gratitude, and thanked me for coming.

I needed to thank him for the honor, and instead he thanked me.

In 1985 The Rebbe Predicts the Fall of Russia in 1989- 4 yrs before.

2009-05-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

In 1985, the Rebbe conveyed to his Chassidim in Russia—those running his underground network of religious institutions—that the worst was now over.

In early 1987 he instructed his Chassidim in the Holy Land, to build a housing settlement, and set in place employment opportunities for the floods of Russian Jews, who would soon arrive.

In September of 1989, the Rebbe declared the upcoming Jewish year 5750, “The Year of Miracles,” predicting miraculous things to come. Just a few weeks later, the face of Europe underwent a drastic, and sudden change.

One after the other the Communist regimes of Eastern Europe collapsed, felled not by guns and bombs, but by peaceful demonstrations in city squares, in which the people simply declared their demand for freedom.
____________
Professor Herman Branover, a noted Soviet émigré and scientist, relates of a conversation he had with President Gorbachev, during the latter’s visit to Israel several years later.

When he told Gorbachev of the Rebbe’s instructions, to prepare housing for the influx of Soviet Jewry. The president was shocked. “I myself,” he said “had not yet come to the decision, to initiate these changes.
__________
The underlying miracle, and one which the Rebbe mentioned time and again; was the peaceful nature of these radical changes.

We need not look past the second world war, he said on one occasion, to see the devastation that can accompany political change. In contrast, today the changes are occurring in complete, yet peaceful, manner.”

The Rebbe saw these events, as heralding the Messianic era: when “swords will be beaten to plowshares,” and “there will be no war, envy, or competition . . . for the occupation of the entire world will be solely, to know G-d.”

A Whole Broken Heart

2009-05-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more whole, than a broken heart.
Meaning to say: A broken heart opens one up to something beyond ones own being; thereby making body and soul whole.
_____________
Brokenness is often, the only way back to wholeness.
At the time when things seem to be falling apart, we may become open to new dimensions of our existence, that are just waiting to be utilized.

It is very hard to see this in a time of pain, but when we look back at our lives we discover, that when one door closes, another one opens. We must only have the courage, to enter it.
______________
Many of us expend time and energy, trying to forget our difficult experiences, our broken fragments. It is difficult for us to face, what truly hurts. We try to avoid pain by: watching television, working hard, eating a lot, going to parties, etc.

But paradoxically, we can only access our real potential, by utilizing our broken side.

Forget trying to bring a whole offering, because there is a crack in everything; but that's how the light gets in.
______________
The "Holes" In Life

A story is told about an elderly Chinese woman, who owned two large pots. Each one hung, on the ends of a pole. She carried the pole every day on her shoulders, to fill the pots with water from the stream, located at the end of the village.

One of the pots was whole, and always had a full pot of water; but the other pot was cracked, and arrived home each day only half full.

Of course, the complete pot was proud of its accomplishments, it felt really good about itself. The poor cracked pot, on the other hand, was ashamed of its own imperfections; it was miserable, it could only do half, of what it had been created to do.
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After six years, of what the broken pot perceived to be bitter failure, the humbled pot finally opened its heart to the woman at the stream: "I hate myself, I am so useless and valueless. What purpose does my existence have, when each day I leak out half of my water? I am such a loser!"

The old woman smiled and said: "Didn't you notice, that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path. Every day while we walk back from the stream, you have the opportunity to water them.

"For six years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate our home. Without you being just the way you are, we would have never created this beauty together."
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A broken body, reveals a whole soul. But in order to reach our essence, we need to crack through our rough exteriors. We need to go beyond our physical desires, and access our infinte potentials.

We have to look outside of ourselves, to find the reason, that G-d created us.

The Sounds of Silence

2009-05-06T14:04:00.000-07:00

(copyright 2003 by the author)

Behind the wall, the sounds of silence are building with every passing second. Unknown to the people on the other side, only centimeters away. The tumult of the world grows louder and louder, taking on astronomical proportions; but soon to be silenced, by the truth.

Slowly the wall begins to subtlety crack. Minuscule strands of light immediately shoot through. But the world doesn’t notice, too mesmerized by the trance they are in.

Television, radio, internet, newspapers, magazines, billboards, telemarketing, video games, dishes, VCRs, DVDS, ... the relentless assault on humanity, continues.

Attention spans shrunk to milliseconds. “Don’t think, just do it!” They are told. BUY, BUY, BUY, CONSUME, CONSUME, CONSUME!!!!!

Ahh the bliss of eating, drinking, owning, possessing, controlling, accumulating, ruling........ The most manipulated generation that history has ever known. But they can’t get enough.

The egos last gasps of glory, on the run, driven to win it all before its over. But the sounds of silence are increasing daily, first quietly, then slowly louder and louder.
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Behind the hedonistic drive, is really the hidden soul’s desire to reach the G-dly spark that is hidden beneath the physicality.

But only skimming the surface, people starve for more. They are unable to break the hard outer shell. Unaware, that only the energy of Chassidus, has the power to reach deep within, to the infinite energy, waiting centuries to be released.

But a hidden plan, that is picking up speed daily. Buy more because the entire world has to be elevated. Every color, taste, object, emotion, philosophy, every corner of the creation.

Like the tiny atom that has untold energy, physicality waits to be cracked, and the infinite light released to shine eternally.

The noise of the centuries is building to a climax, exponentially rising to deafening levels. They beg for more.
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!!!The sudden silence is shocking, the plug has been pulled. The silence is deafening. The flash and the shine, are a thing of the past, now having no meaning.

What was once compelling, has vanished. As though a mirage, that never was... A new energy, a new light, a new silence.....

Now looking up and seeing....... Transcending sound. Not more of the same, rather a totally different dimension.

The sounds of silence, now give way to the sight of knowledge. Pulsating, vibrating G-dliness, racing through the universe, energizing a dead world.

The shell is broken, the pent up energy released, erupting like an exploding star, shooting far into the vast universe. The most beautiful sound of all, Peace at last.

Thank G-d!

Abraham Then and Now

2009-05-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

(copyright 2003 by author)

... Avraham, why did you break all the idols in my store, they're worth a lot of money?
But father, there is only one G-d in the world.

Avraham, stop that, you're always saying wild things.
Father, belief in G-d is not a wild thing, it's the truth.

Avraham, why can't you be normal like everyone else and worship idols?
But father...

Avraham, you're always embarrassing us with your radical ideas, can't you just pretend to believe in idols, and not cause any trouble? At least don't talk to anyone else, about your ideas.

But father, Hashem wants the world to know about Him.
So let someone else do it, it doesn't have to be you!

But father, I have to do what's right.
What's right is to worship idols, just look at everyone else.

Father, just because everyone does it, doesn't make it right.
Look, Avraham, we make a nice living, we hold a respectable place in the community, why don't you just enjoy it?

Father, there is much more to life that all that.
My son, you are talking about something that you can't see, and that won't make you rich or famous, or anything else; stop all this nonsense.

But father, Hashem is the One who gave us all we have, and if need be, G-d forbid, He can take it all away. If we do His will he rewards us infinitely, if we don't...
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...Father, I want to put up signs on the roads, and tell people about Hashem.
Avraham, now you've gone too far, everyone is going to think you're crazy! And even if you do interest some people, you'll be forgotten about in a few years, nobody cares. Why don't you just give up now?

Father, Hashem is in charge, you'll see, what I'm going to do will eventually change the whole world.
Son, remember, you're only one person, and the world is very large.

Yes father, but Hashem is one, yet He runs the whole world!

The Inside of a Cup

2009-05-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

(copyright 2003 by the Author)

What is the most important part of a bejeweled silver goblet? Is it the magnificently sparkling jewels, the beautifully finished silver, or maybe even the skilled craftsmanship that intricately combines all of the beauty into a wondrous work of art?
The answer is: None of these!

The purpose of making the goblet, is to be a vessel, with which to drink. So what is the most important part of the vessel?
Its "contained‑emptiness".

If not for this, it wouldn't be a goblet. Despite all the jewels, the silver, and the craftsmanship, it would not be fulfilling its purpose for being created. The external container is not important by itself; it is the actual use of it, to serve man, that gives it its true value.

If a person does not fill the vessel, but only admires the exterior, he will eventually die of thirst, G‑d forbid.
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The same is true of all existence.

The world was originally created by G‑d to be a vessel. The external part of the vessel was strewn with innumerable jewels, diamonds, gold, etc., an endless assortment of materials and means for physical pleasure.

But, as with a precious goblet, if we only admire the exterior, yet never fill the physical vessel of life, we will also slowly die of thirst. Not a physical death, but a spiritual one.

For you see, the world was created to be a vessel for G‑d,
and He left the filling, to us!

Blooming

2009-05-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

(Copyright 2003 by the Author)

The stark ground lies silent, lifeless.
Suddenly, it mysteriously seems to quiver.
Yes, it’s true, as it again imperceptibly moves,
but then returns, to its former sleepy state.

After a few more heroic attempts, the tiny sprig pushes its way out, into the blinding light.
Unnoticed, it stands proudly, on the rolling landscape.
It playfully stretches here and there, trying out its new found being.

As the gentle rain falls upon its face, it drinks in the life-giving waters.
Slowly it begins to grow, rising to the heavens to praise Hashem’s glory.
Then, quietly, a tiny bud begins to appear, waiting for the right moment to reveal its secret.

It waits patiently, until finally the special moment has arrived.
Hesitantly, it pushes its tiny head out.
Slowly, the glorious flower begins to emerge.
Finally, the light twinkles, as it is reflected on its tender petals.
As it blossoms, its wondrous colors shine in all their splendor.

What was once still earth, is now an orchestra of light and smell.
Life, pulsating in all directions.
Simple life, yet not so simple.

One illustrious part of G-d’s creation.
Multiply by infinity, and you have G-d’s world, revealing His glory.

Gravity Morals & Ethics

2009-05-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

A major problem with being able to judge things clearly and set a value on it; is that the perspective or attitude a person has, is constantly subject to change, due to outside factors.

A simple example of this, is the case of the price of gasoline. Originally when gas was 30c a gallon, everyone thought, that if gas went up to 50c a gallon, they would sell their cars; because they would never pay that much.

When gas went about three times as much at $1.25 a gallon, people got excited if it fell a few cents, to $1.20 a gallon.

Even more than this, teenagers, who while they were growing up gas was already over a dollar a gallon, now feel, that this is normal, and expect to pay at least that.

All this shows that how a person judges things, depends on where, (what reference point), they start from, and in what context they are looking at it from.

This is true of almost every opinion or attitude a person has, or judgment a person makes. Also the mores intangible the concept or factors are, the harder it is to really see things clearly, and make the right decision.
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Another example of this are morals and ethics.

If we look back in history we see, that there has been a steady progression of dresses, being shorter and smaller, until now at times nothing is left to the imagination.

Of course I'm only using dresses as an example to make a point. Dresses have actually varied in length (even longer) from time to time, but generally speaking, we reveal much more now, than ever before.

Also, if you replace the word dresses, with the word morals, you note, that here there has been a steady decline, from generation to generation, of our moral standards.
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The question is, why has there been this continual redefining, of what is proper?

One of the factors involved is, that businesses are in business to make money, so they have to appeal to physical tastes. As a result, they have to constantly change things, in order to have something continually new, exiting, and titillating.

What was exciting last season, now is old and boring; therefore they need to go one step further this season.

Each generation starts off, from where the previous generation left off. They say, "What difference, does another "small" inch make?" This “progresses” until all the "small inches", equal a gigantic step.

The problem is, that since this happens in such small steps, the sensibilities of people are not outraged enough, for them to say "no".

As a result, people become insensitive, to what is proper and moral, since their starting point, is wherever the generation is, at the present time.

Since a person's physical side, is more apparent and compelling; morally things will continually tend to fall down, as though there was an invisible forces of gravity pulling downwards. This will continue to happen, unless an opposite force is constantly applied, in the opposite direction ‑‑ Torah.
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This process has continued, until now, we have destroyed the basic fiber of society, in the name of art or freedom. Now people make up their own morals.

Freedom is now defined, as freedom from all restrictions and responsibilities, whether they are positive or negative. The positive ones, using rules of decency, respect, and discipline.

In other words refined, and civilized standards, that have spiritual values, that make a person human; instead of thinking, that being more animal‑like is better.

The famous "Me" generation of "living for today", is destroying itself and society. Marriages fall apart, because, instead of a coming together, each partner only wants what is best for themselves.

Even cities and countries now are like babies, each one only concerned with its own welfare. As a result, a state will pollute a river that goes downstream, because it affects someone else, not them.

Countries continually argue over petty things, because now every nationality wants to be a world power, no matter how small they are.
__________________
All this comes about, because people don't realize that absolute values exist in the world. That there is an absolute starting point of everything, and it is the standard against which everything else is measured against. What is this standard that we set our sights by? ‑‑ Torah.

Man himself is incapable of setting moral and ethical guidelines. As we have seen, he is just unable to see clearly enough; since he himself is a physical being, and he cannot go outside of himself, to make a totally unbiased judgment, based totally on spiritual premises.

He always will tend to be pulled down by the downward pull of the physical world and its bodily desirers. The only way that we can decide what is right or wrong, is by acknowledging a force outside of ourselves, that lifts us upward; of course this is Hashem.

Help Your Fellow Man

2009-05-05T18:10:00.001-07:00

The Chassidic master Rabbi Mendel of Kotzk, once referred to a certain Rabbi as: “Ah Tzaddik in Peltz” -- "a righteous, holy person, but in a fur coat."
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The Kotzker explained: When it is winter and its freezing cold, there are two things one can do to stay warm: One can build a fire; or one can put on a fur coat.

In both cases, the person is warm; but when one builds a fire, everyone is warm; whereas by putting on a fur coat, only the person wearing the coat is warm.
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So too regarding spiritual warmth.
One can be a Tzaddik in a fur coat: he can gain a lot of benefits for himself, and warm himself by being holy in his own service to G-d;
but he leaves others to freeze, by sharing none of it with them.

Which is why I made this blog; so get warm!

The Unity, of Perfection and Imperfection

2009-05-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

(Based on a talk by the Lubavitcher Rebbe)

G-d desires two types of human beings and service in His world, the Tzaddik and the average person.

Just as in physical foods, for example, there exist two types of delicacies: there are naturally sweet and luscious foods (which represents the Tzadik).

And then there are sharp or sour foods (which represents the average person), which have to be spiced and garnished (the struggle) in order to made palatable.

So, too, there are two kinds of gratification before G-d: one, from the complete annihilation of evil ... by the Tzadik; the second, through the efforts of the average man, when evil is subdued, while it is still at its strongest and most powerful.
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The paradox of our existence is: perfection comes from the imperfection, of both the world and the human being. For nothing can be said to be truly perfect, unless it possesses the potential for struggle.

Which means, that imperfection spurs one on, to achieve the previously unattainable perfection.
Imperfection, gives birth to perfection; when ones lacking is utilized, to achieve the growth, which is achieved through the struggle.
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The whole of history, is the painful progression, towards the resolution of the paradox of good vs. evil.

Finally in the age of Moshiach, as a result of the struggle of the human condition: we will transcend the innate lackings, that are part of the creation; and we will unite, with the perfection of G-d.

After all, imperfection, is not an imperfection.

Igress Kodesh Miracle- (letters of the Lubavitcher Rebbe)

2009-05-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

I heard this story myself.

On July 7, 2007, I was at a Farbrengen (Chassidic gathering)in 770. At the end of the Farbrengen, the Mashpia (speaker) ran out of things to say, so one of the people at the Farbrengen asked if he could tell about an event that happened to him. So I said, “Go ahead.”

He is from Miami; he is a Lubavitcher who works in drug rehab. About one year and a half ago (approx. Feb. 2006), he was working the nightshift with a 63 year old women, originally from one of the islands.

About 11:30 PM the phone rang and she picked up. After speaking for a while she put down the phone. He noticed that she was very emotional, and he asked her what happened.

She answered, that she just got a call from the hospital, that her granddaughter had an accident, and was in intensive care. It seems, that she was driving a car, when all of the sudden she let out a scream and passed out.

The passenger in the car, steered it to the side of the road and called for help. In the hospital they discovered, that she had a heart problem that caused her to pass out.
________________

The Lubavitcher wasn’t sure if he should say anything. Finally he told her, “There is a Rabbi who gives Blessings, and miracles can happen. If you want, I can ask a blessing for your granddaughter.”

She answered OK. He added: “But you also have to make an a vessel for the Blessing to be able to come down into. You should commit yourself, that when you go home you will give charity to an organization, like the heart fund.” She said OK.

He then proceeded to go on line at igrotkodesh.com to ask for a Bracha Blessing. He put in the women's daughter’s name, and the name of her father.

He then got an answer on one side of the page that said, one should not give up hope. On the other side of the page, it talked about a body and a soul.
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Just then the phone rang again and she picked it up. She turned to the Lubavitcher and told him, that the doctor was on the line, and said that her granddaughter was brain dead, and they wanted her permission to disconnect the machines.

The Lubavitcher thought for a minute and said: "Tell the doctors to wait three days (not knowing why he said that). Which she did. He then printed out the answer, and after work went home.
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This was on a Tuesday. Friday night was the end of the three days. He didn’t come back to work until Sunday. When he came in he saw the women, and was afraid to ask her what happened. He finally asked her, how her granddaughter was.

The woman responded:
"Your Rabbi did a miracle. On the third day my granddaughter sat up in her bed. The nurse saw the "dead" person sitting up in bed, and ran out of the room to find the doctor. The doctor came in and examined her, and said that she had recovered.

She remained in the recovery room for two weeks, during which she kept a picture of the Rebbe on her bed. After two weeks she was released.

Two months later she got married, having no physical problems!

9-11

2009-05-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

At the World Trade Center, a man ran down the stairs with another person, thereby saving his life.

Just ahead of the collapse, after they finally reached the bottom, his rescuer started walking away.

The guy he saved, yelled for him to stop, and said, “You saved my life, how can I ever thank you.”

To which his rescuer replied. "There is no need to thank me, just make sure, that your life is worth saving.”

Change- Think Big!

2009-05-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

Topsy-turvy conditions, the appearance of sudden turns, and the loss of familiar landmarks, have become the rule and not the exception in our society. We appear to be living in a period of general discontinuity.

Today, in all areas - politics, science, economics, and health - things look uncertain. Chance and change have become intermixed.

Titles like "The Age of Unreason" and "Thriving on Chaos", are bestsellers even in the sedate business market. We are told to apply "upside-down thinking", to succeed in a society, that refuses to allow us the time to stand still.
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What is happening? In previous generations, sweeping change took time. Forecasts for the future, were made with assurance; things were predictable.

In the past century, and particularly in recent decades, advances in science, travel, and communications, increased the rate of change.

The introduction of the microchip, and computerized systems of data management, have accelerated the rate of change so radically, that it has gone off the graph.
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Moreover, it is not only the rate of change that is unique, it is the nature of the changes that are occurring. The majority of us grew up with a Newtonian concept of the universe.

This means, that readily discernible causes, are seen to produce predictable effects - a "clockwork universe." This vision spurred the Industrial Revolution, and enabled Western ideas and methods, to attain a dominant position in world thinking.

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity hinted at the existence, of a higher degree of interrelation. People began thinking of non-linear systems; i.e., systems whose organization is not predictable, in terms of the information within our grasp, at any given moment.

This line of thinking has spawned a new theoretical approach, referred to as the “mathematics of chaos”. Generally, we conceive of chaos as confusion or disorder.

But this new approach understands, that what may be chaos to us, is nonetheless the reflection of a hidden order, motivated by a deeper and more abstract reality.

Complex behavior appears random, and yet conforms to a pattern. For, large, dynamic systems, are organized according to different structures, than those perceptible by our ordinary conceptual paradigms.
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In previous generations, our lives followed more clearly mapped-out routines, and so we had less difficulty charting our future. But now, these maps are continually being redrawn; because the shifting reality in which we are living, upsets our existing frameworks of reference.

In such an environment, how does a person prevent himself from becoming as disoriented as our weightless plants? - By having the tightrope walker’s sense of direction and purpose.

A person who knows where he is going, then knows where to put his feet. When the leader of a desert caravan or a ship’s captain, was unsure of the direction in which he was going, he would look into the night sky, and find the North Star.

As civilization advanced, the compass was invented.
A person who has an inner sense of purpose, has a needle constantly pointing him true-north.
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What is meant by, inner purpose?

A person once complained of depression. Nothing in particular was wrong; on the contrary, both at home and at work, he was considered moderately successful. But as he approached 40, he was haunted by feelings of futility.

A friend told the Lubavitcher Rebbe of the problem, and the Rebbe advised him: "Share this insight of our Sages, with your friend: “I was created solely to serve my Creator.”

It made a difference, the person’s attitude changed. After he saw the pole, he learned where to put his feet.

When we have the courage to look at ourselves honestly, we gain inner power, and a handle on our future. When we consider our spiritual purpose, we encourage inner dynamism. We insure, that this future will not be self-oriented; and we thus tap a source of energy higher, and more potent, than that contained in our individual being.
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Our Sages describe every person as an entire world, and the world as a personality in macrocosm. Conceiving of ourselves as a world, i.e., multifaceted and multi-dimensional, enables us to develop harmony, between and within, the different aspects of our beings.

Conversely, viewing the world as a macrocosm of man, also provides us with constructive insights. Just as an inner sense of spiritual purpose, is the key to an individual’s success and happiness; so too, the world at large will thrive, from gaining awareness of its spiritual purpose.

What is the purpose of the world? Our Sages state: "The world was created, solely for Moshiach." More specifically, they tell us, that G-d created the world, because He desired a dwelling among mortals. This implies, that the infinite dimensions of G-dliness, will be revealed, within the finite framework of material reality.

These concepts, are reflected in the world’s cultural history. In the first phases of human development, mankind knew no boundary between the physical and the spiritual. Spiritual concepts were interpreted, in material terms; and man’s conception of reality, was a mixture of fact and fantasy.

Slowly, scientific thought began to take hold, progressing to the Newtonian concept of existence mentioned above. Man began to appreciate the framework of existence in which he lived, and learned how to function, more efficiently within it.
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As the time for Moshiach’s coming draws nearer, infinity has begun to enter our conceptual frameworks. Or rather, our conceptual frameworks, have begun to appreciate the Infinite. We are witnessing an explosion of knowledge in all fields, introducing non-linear frameworks of reference, that are mind boggling.

The Zohar predicted 2000 years ago, such a blossoming of thought; and teaches, that this will prepare the world for the Era of Redemption.
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Augmenting our awareness, can precipitate these changes. The first step in this direction, is a change in mindset; for ideas and information, are the forces molding our society today. A revolution in thinking, will send ripples of change, throughout the world.

To speak in metaphoric terms: Ships have long been guided by the movement of a rudder. As ships grew larger, the rudders necessary to turn them, also increased in size. Moving these larger rudders became difficult. Therefore, a small rudder, referred to as the trim-tab, was attached to the large rudder.

This smaller rudder, is easier to move; it then moves the large rudder; which in turn changes the course of the entire ship. In today’s world, each of us can be such a trim-tab. The direction in which we point our lives, can thus affect the direction, of the vessel that is humanity.
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Living with the Redemption on a conceptual level; learning about the ideals, which G-d envisions for our world; and integrating these principles in our lives; can serve as a trim-tab for every individual, channeling the direction of global change.

By anticipating the Redemption in our minds, and lives, we can precipitate its coming much sooner!

Moshiach Life Values

2009-05-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

(© 2003 by Author)

Spiritual values
The true ego, is the G-dly ego, that transcends self.
One and one makes two, unless they have egos, then they make one and one.
No person is an island unto oneself, but s/he can be a universe, with G-d.

Desires
Conquering desires, leads to living on a higher plane.
Childish desires, leads to a wasted life.
Like gravity, being pulled down is natural, but the real trick is to rise above it all.
If a person is attached above, then s/he won’t fall below.
Humility, and altruistic motivations, unlock hidden worlds
that are buried deep within me.
By having humility, I become famous, with G-d.
What is important, is that G-d sees me, and knows who I am, and not other people.
An empty bottle has no value, so too an empty person.

Growth
It’s not my money, its Hashem’s money.
I make money, by investing money, in Tzedeka.
When I give money to the poor man, I become rich, spiritually.
Those who seek money, are not happy with money.
Money is finite, Mitzvahs are infinite.
You only live once, if you have no soul.

What makes me greater than you, is that I am kinder than you, more caring, sharing.
When I go beyond myself, my nature, I become great.
A big man, is one that talks to a “little” man.
If a simple person said a great thing, I would learn from him.
A star, is someone whose soul shines.
To be more, is to be less. More ego, less unity.
To be less, is to be more. Less limited- self, more infinite- us.

I am first, when I let you go first, to sit in the front.
Being first, is to be the first one to do a Mitzvah.
I am competing with myself, to always be better.
Being successful, is having health;
the opportunity to serve G-d;
and children that follow in my ways.
The goal is not, to get all the marbles.
The goal is, that everyone should get all the marbles.
Not taking, rather giving.
Being the first in the pecking order of life, makes one a chicken.
Survival of the fittest, or the survival of the soul.

Intelligence
Being born rich or smart, doesn’t make me rich or smart.
Being rich, is having knowledge of G-d.
I am judged, by how much I tried, not how much I accomplished.
My value is based on, how much effort I put into, trying to go beyond my natural abilities.
When I work hard to understand, then I am a genius.
What makes me smart, is when I realize, that there is a G-d in the world.
A fool is one, that has a G-dly soul, but squanders it.

An intelligent person is one, that looks beyond the surface.
S/He sees the good in everybody and in everything. S/He sees the true person.
S/He is not misled, by distractions and flash.
A worthy person, is one that realizes, that everyone has worth.
You can’t judge a book by its cover, so too people.

Beauty
Being prettier than you, does not make me better than you.
As I grow older, I don’t decrease in value, rather I increase,

True beauty, is when I have refined character and behavior. Then, I am ravishing.
A Yirah Shemayim person, has real, lasting beauty.
True beauty, transcends beauty.
I have to look deep, to see you, the real you.
If you want to look pretty, then you have to act beautiful.
Skin and bones, do not make a human being.

Love
Love, is finding your Beshert, your soul-mate.
I find my Beshert, through talking, not touching.
Touching distracts, from the real you.
By being close, when we should be far,
we will be far, when we should be close.
Private parts, are just that, private.
Some people dress to reveal their bodies, others dress to reveal their souls.
A love that is based on bodies, will last about fifteen years, (age 20-35).
If one excites only one part of ones being, then the other part (the soul) suffers.
Having many children, doesn’t divide love, rather multiplies it.

A relationship, is when two people understand each others needs.
Guided emotions, is called true love.
You know that you truly love someone,
if you would still love them, after 60 years of marriage.
My wife, is the most special person in the world, because she married me.
A special wife, has a special husband, that made her special.

A handsome man, is a kind man.
Life based on physicality, when the organs wear out, so too life.

Mechanical love, is not human.
Two bodies can’t unite, two souls can.
Blood is thicker than water, but the soul is thicker than blood.
People who only have bodies, have no souls.
The most beautiful woman in the world, is the Rebbe’s wife.

When the shine wears off, the true relationship begins.
Something special, is only shown at certain times.
Hiding is mysterious; revealing is boring.
Our organs are gateways to infinity, that is why they are so attractive.
Relations are for a few minutes, but true love is forever.
Enslaved by the body, or reach the eternal?

Heat fuses, similarly problems unite husband and wife, man and G-d, spiritually.
When things always go right, we take it for granted,
when things don’t go right, we appreciate it, and grow.
When what we have, we take for granted; then we are drawn, to what is forbidden.
If we would appreciate what we have, instead of what we don’t have, we would be much happier.

Every person has value, by being a creation of G-d.
Imperfection, is not an imperfection.
Any lacking one may have, is an opportunity for me to help,
and not a chance for me, to put someone down.
We are all equal, striving to do our best.
If my foot hurts, my whole body feels it;
so too, if one person is in pain, the whole world feels it.

Peer Pressure
Following peer pressure, is for sheep.
The special ones, have the ability to choose, and rise above the average, and reach the top.
For some, the world is a stage, and they are just actors;
for others, they write the play.
A Jew has to change the world, the world should not change the Jew.

Riches
Being rich, is having a rich life.
I am rich, when I control myself. Then, I am a true success.
To live in an exclusive place, is to live in a holy place, or in a religious community.
Having a fancy Kiddush cup, is worth more, than having a fancy car.

A poor man, is one that is poor, in the knowledge of G-d.
How much I am worth, depends on how many Mitzvahs I did.
Worrying about my possessions, means, that the more I have, the more I worry.
Time is precious, not money.
I am judged, by the money I don’t have, not by the money I have.
This being the money that I gave to charity.

Where I live, is not important, but how I live is.
Just because I have a better car, doesn’t mean that I am a better person.
Having more, is not being more.

Food
Eating good food, is eating Kosher food.
A steak, that had a blessing made on it, is well-done.
The main thing, is not the fleeting taste, rather the lasting elevation.
How it looks, smells, and tastes, is not as important, as how Kosher it is.
More Kosher means, that it is more able to be assimilated by the soul. And will not cause spiritual cholesterol, by blocking the vessels or channels, that connect the soul to G-d.
A small hole in the body, creates a large hole in the soul.

Clothes
Fancy clothes, are ones, that conceal my animal parts;
and as a result, reveal my G-dly parts.
By showing less, I become more.
By making my private parts, public, I become nobody. I’ve sold my soul too cheap.
Just because it is exciting or titillating, doesn’t mean, that it is the meaning of life.
Only by uncovering the fake person, can you reveal the real person.
Quality, not quantity.
When light is dissipated, it is weak;
but if it is focused, it becomes powerful.
Physicality dissipates, whereas the discipline of spirituality, is a laser to happiness.
The body is a holy vehicle, to reach the infinite.

Strength
Just because I am stronger than you, doesn’t make me better than you.
True strength, is to say that I am wrong, when I’m right.
Peace is the goal, not my territoriality.
Humility unites, ego separates.

True strength, is withstanding the winds of fickleness,
styles, fads, promotions, advertising, etc.
The media wants you to buy, then sells you down the river.
Regarding the Yetzer Hora, the first time is free, after that you pay.
To manipulate my Yetzer Hora, is true greatness.
I compete with myself, and not with you.
I am better than you, when I run faster than you, to help someone else.
I am better than you, when I run to do G-d’s Mitzvahs.
I always try to be the best, person that I can be.
I failed, because I didn’t try.
In the darkest moment, is hidden the greatest light.
One doesn’t grow, by taking the easy path.
When one has reached rock bottom, one can start to grow.

Happiness
I realize, that everything is guided by the “hand” of G-d;
as a result, bad things that happen, don’t bother me as much.
A happy life, is seeing the beauty in everything, and in everyone.
Doing more, is having more.
More Mitzvahs, more riches.
Machines don’t make one happy; people, and a G-dly life, do.
Leading an electronic life, eventually burns out.
TV, is the opiate of the masses.
The greatest sound in the world, is the sound of a child laughing.

Happiness is knowing, that I did the right thing.
Happiness, is a result, not a goal.
Be a truth seeker, not a thrill seeker.
Reading fiction is one thing, living fiction is another.
The greatest high, is to become infinite.
A picture, is worth a thousand words;
but an experience, is worth a thousand pictures.
A life of meaning, is a meaningful life.
The ultimate goal, is to be the ultimate....
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Life is a voyage. The ship is the body, and we are given the steering wheel, free-choice.
A circle can be viewed, as going nowhere, or to be infinite. So too life.
If a person just skims the surface, s/he will eventually drown.
A life of a plant, does not flower.
A person that is not connected spiritually, cuts oneself off physically.
Spiritual slavery, is not being able, to express ones true potential.
Freedom, is connecting with my true nature.
The happiest point in life, is fulfilling my purpose in life.
Having it all, is uniting the spiritual and the physical.

Being a well rounded person, is connecting with my soul.
The soul is like a muscle, if you don't use it, you lose it.
To be great, is to be spiritually complete.
Body is division, the soul is unity.
The more religious, the closer to G-d.

If you feed a tiger, (the animal soul), it only gets bigger.
Don’t only feed it, guide it.
Physical beauty, is a reflection of inner beauty.
Elevated, not degraded. Respected, not used. Give, don’t take.

Ego is like a melting ice cube, that has no substance. It’s like chasing the wind.
We compete with ourselves.
Constantly trying, is constantly being successful.
Clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes.

Free-choice is a G-dly power, one chooses G-d.
Transcend, not transgress.
Time, a thought, a feeling, an action- a life.

Physicality, is constantly deteriorating; but spirituality, is constantly growing.
The highest pleasure, is G-dly pleasure;
but you have to be a vessel, in order to be able to receive it.

G-d recreates the world, every moment;
so every moment, is an opportunity, to come closer to G-d.
Creation and Creator, meet at man.

The book of life- Chassidus.
The Rebbe is, the Tzadik‘s Tzadik.
Being connected to the Rebbe, is being connected to the truth.
Be a King for a day, do a Mitzvah.
Man transforms lifeless matter, into a heart that feels,
a mind that thinks, a life that achieves- a living being.

Why crawl, when you can fly…

The Unity of Division

2009-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

(Based on the teachings, of the Lubavitcher Rebbe)

"If there is no Daas (discriminating intelligence), how can there be differentiation?"
(Jerusalem Talmud, Berachot 5:2 )

At the end of Shabbas, in a Jewish home, the division (separation) between the sanctity of Shabbos and the physicallity of the mundane week, is accomplished through a special Mitzvah, called Havdalah (separation).
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Differentiation is at the heart of what we call, morality.

If theft is wrong, it is only because there is a difference, between what is mine, and what is yours.

If adultery is wrong, then there is an inherit difference between, being married, and not being married.

Stopping to work on Shabbos, is a meaningful act, because Shabbos is truly different from Friday.

Not eating Matzah on Passover, is because Matzah is essentially different, than leavened bread.

If there is meaning and purpose to our actions, then there must be true significance to the underling differences, between all acts.
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Differentiation however also implies, that the two entities must have a something in common with each other; a sameness.

If Shabbat and Sunday, looked different to our physical senses, there would be no need for us, to do something to differentiate between them.

Indeed, the Torah uses "to differentiate" (lehavdil) as a verb, an active act, to distinguish between things, that seem similar.

A case in point are (the concluding verse of Leviticus 11), the Kashrut, dietary laws.

(The verse reads: "To differentiate between the pure and the impure; between the animal that may be eaten, and the animal that may not be eaten."
Our Sages remark: This would not need to be said, regarding the difference between a donkey and a cow (being that the difference is obvious. )
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In other words, Havdalah requires the ability, to look at two similar things, and yet appreciate, that despite their superficial similarity, there is an underlying difference; and we are to reveal that difference, through a specific act.

In the words of our sages, "If there is no Daas (discriminating intelligence), how can there be Havdalah?"
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A World of Words

The capacity to differentiate, as we have noted, is the basis for the morality of life. Chassidic teaching takes this a step further, demonstrating, how Havdalah is the essence of the created world; of reality.

G-d is infinite--without beginning, and without end; and everything is G-d. But how can our world exist, since G-d is everything?

In his Tanya, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi says: That through ten divine utterances, G-d created the world.

(In the first chapter of Genesis, G-d's creation of the world is described as a series of (ten) utterances:
G-d said, "Let there be light!" and there was light;
G-d said, "Let the earth sent forth vegetation," "Let there be luminaries in the heavens," "Let the waters spawn living creatures," and plants, stars and fish emerged into existence." )

These divine utterances, are not only the cause of these existences--they are their existence. What we experience as "light", is only the result of G-d's desire, that there be light. What we experience as a "tree", is the result of G-d's desire that there be a tree.

So the created reality is not, in truth, something else besides Him; any more, than our words, are things distinct of ourselves.
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The act of speaking, is a creative act; but when we speak, we are not creating anything, that is different than ourselves. We are only giving vocal expression, to our own ideas, feelings and desires.
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The implications of reality as divine speech, are numerous and manifold.
One, is the realization, that the differences between things are secondary, to a primary sameness or oneness, that embraces them all.
For example, a language may include millions of words; but these are all only variations, of the same handful, of consonants and vowels.

On a more inner level, these consonants and vowels are just variations, of how the person’s breath is differentiated by the speaker's: vocal cords, tongue, palate, teeth and lips.

A tree might seem very different, from a ray of light; as might a fish, from a star; but each of these objects is, in essence, the same thing: a divine word, an articulation of divine will.

In origin, they share a singular essence; but their differentiation occurs at a latter stage, as they pass through the “divine mouth”, that imparts to them their respective forms and characteristics.
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Thus the Torah relates, how on the first day of creation, "G-d differentiated between light and darkness." But the difference between light and darkness is obvious, why does the Torah have to tell us about the difference?

But on a deeper plane, light and darkness are both creations of G-d; both are divine words, being formulations of the same surge of divine will. Their distinction is the product of a divine act of Havdalah, of a deliberate differentiation, between two essentially identical realities.
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Daas
In light of this, we can better understand the above-quoted Talmudic dictum regarding the connection between Daas (understanding), and Havdalah (differentiation).

The Talmud is discussing the fact that, in the evening prayers recited after the close of Shabbat, the text of the Havdalah is inserted in the prayer which begins: "You grant Daas to man, and teach the human being understanding; grant us, (from You), wisdom, understanding and knowledge..."

The reason for this placement, says the Talmud, is that "If there is no Daas, how can there be Havdalah?"

On the most basic level, the Talmud is saying, that an act of Havdalah requires, the discriminating intelligence of Daas. On a deeper level, it is saying, that Havdalah is only possible, because "You granted Daas (understanding) to man".

Because G-d Himself grants us the capacity to do so, we can differentiate, between the different planes of realty in the world.
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But why did G-d “hide” Himself in the creation? Because G-d wanted a world, in which the deeds of man are purposeful and meaningful. So He imparted to His creation: variety, diversity, and distinction. Thereby he granted us free-choice; and also the ability to unify the creation.

His act of creation, was an act of Havdalah (separation)-- differentiating between essentially, united entities, (Himself and the creation).

And He granted the human being a mind, capable of understanding the paradox of Havdalah; the paradox, of making differences and divisions, and yet thereby revealing the essential unity of all of creation.

And He empowered us, to achieve this unity, through His Torah.
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The Second Paradox

Havdalah carries another paradox—that, its ultimate goal is to join and unite, all the very things, it comes to differentiate.

1. The Torah commands us, to remember and to preserve, the day of Shabbat--to distinguish it, in mind, word and deed, from the six days of work.

Yet Shabbat is integrally bound to the other days of the week. It is the culmination of our weekday endeavors--the day on which all that we labored for and achieved, in the preceding six days, ascends on high; attaining its most complete and perfect realization.

And Shabbat is the day, from which all the following days are blessed--the source of the fortitude and energy, that drives our efforts of the work-week that follows it.

2. We are told to preserve our uniqueness as Jews.
Yet the people of Israel are designated to serve, as "a light unto the nations," as the conveyers of the Seven Mitzvahs, (the ethos and ideals of Torah), to all inhabitants of the earth.

3. We are instructed to differentiate, between the holy and the mundane--to infuse our lives with the sacred and G-dly; yet filter out through separation, the negative, and mundane aspects of life.

At the same time, we are told that, "the purpose of man's creation, and of the creation of all worlds, spiritual and material, is to make for G-d, a dwelling place in the lowly realms".
To involve our everyday material pursuits, in the quest to know and serve G-d; thereby making Him at home here. And thereby by revealing him; in the lowliest, most mundane, physical level of creation.
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It is only through our awareness, and enforcement of the boundaries within creation, that these objectives can be achieved.

Only if Shabbat is preserved, with its distinctiveness and transcendence, can it also elevate and empower, the other six days of the week.

Only in the Jews holiness, as G-d's chosen people, can they also make holy, the peoples of the world.

Only when our spiritual life, is kept inviolably apart, from, the coarsening influence of the material; can it in turn sanctify the material, by revealing its G-dly source.
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From Unity to Symphony

Havdalah is the substance of our daily lives, as every moment of our lives, we are confronted with the challenge, to define and differentiate--to distinguish between right and wrong, between holy and mundane.

But these delineations are merely a means to an end; a process based on a primordial unity; and leading toward their ultimate synthesis - Geula, since in essence, all is one, all is
G-d.
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But an even deeper unity is achieved, through differentiations and demarcations, which are imposed upon the initial oneness.
For when each of its parts, are each given a distinct role and reward; in creations ultimate symphonious expression, of combining the finite and the infinite:

Then they achieve the permananet revelation of goodness and perfection, of its Creator- The Geula!

A G-dly Marriage

2009-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Would G-d ever, divorce the Jewish people?

Everything in this world, also exists in the spiritual world. A marriage below between a man and a woman, is reflected above, in a marriage between mankind and G-d.

G-d is married to us, and is therefore forgiving. G-d doesn't divorce us, when we make mistakes. If we get overwhelmed and break one of His commands; then because we are married to Him, and He is considerate, and understanding; He gives us a way to renew the relationship, since we are only human.

G-d is married to us, therefore our relationship with Him is like G-d, infinite.
Since the relationship is unbreakable, therefore, He is lenient and forgiving, when we don't always live up to His expectations.

G-d says to us: "You made a mistake, try again. Do this, and I’ll accept you back with loving arms.” “You forgot about Me, then next time try to remember.” “You forgot a second time, try a third time.”

That's how we know, that He is committed to the marriage, and that He really loves us.

Sometimes G-d even looks for excuses to maintain the relationship. When we do something wrong, He doesn’t immediately get upset and say, “That’s it, eternal damnation!”

Rather, He asks, why we did it. Did we do it intentionally, or was it a thoughtless mistake. “If it was a mistake, it can be corrected; if it was intentional, pay the price, and welcome back!” He always looks for a way to help us.
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Human Marriage

G-d wants us to get married to the person, He has chosen for us. But He is also compassionate and understanding, when we tell Him, that it's just didn’t work.

If we break the relationship, it doesn’t mean that the marriage was a mistake. Just the opposite; when G-d created us, He also created our Beshert (the one we are destined to marry).
It just means, that we have free-choice. Sometimes a marriage made in heaven, can crash on earth.

Saying that we married the wrong person, is like saying, that we gave birth to the wrong child; that it was really meant to be someone else's. That is obviously not the case, the child that we have, was meant to be ours.

As Einstein said, "G-d doesn't play dice with the universe." If G-d doesn't play dice with inanimate objects, then He surely doesn't play dice with human beings and souls.

Getting divorced does spoil G-d’s plan, but nevertheless, He will let us.
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Even though G-d has strict rules, laws, and Commandments, regarding Himself; but with us when we sin, He tells us: "You made a mistake, nobody’s perfect, try to do better.” “Keep trying, I’m always here."

That’s the way it is on a G-dly plane. On a human plane we should follow His example: Your spouse did the same thing to you again, forgive him/her again. He/she did it ten times, forgive him/her ten times. Be as committed to making this relationship last, as G-d has been committed to making His relationship last with us .

We think that when we transgress, that we broke the relationship with G-d, but G-d says, “You didn’t break it. We can never be separated from each other, you just weakened the relationship. So in order to strengthen it again, do Teshuvah.” G-d anxiously waits, for our return.
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That's exactly how our marriages should be: treating our spouses the way G-d treats us: With compassion, consideration; and a realization, that we are one being, inseparably united.

A true Marriage, (marriage meaning, an unity of two totally different entities) is: that even though, what for ourselves we consider a sin, and are very strict about; yet with our spouse, we will be very lenient, and forgiving, when they commit the same transgression. Then, there won’t just be a meeting of the minds, but also a meeting of the souls.

G-d above recognizes, that we are human. And by us below realizing, that our spouse is human, (and makes mistakes, but that has nothing to do with our inseparable relationship); then we will have a truly G-dly marriage, made in heaven!

A Number of Deep Thoughts

2009-05-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

The governments of the world steer the ship; but a Jews actions, charts the course.

Those who do not have eternal values, are easily mislead, by temporary ones.

Life and money, can enslave, or empower.

"We're not trying to get to heaven, we're trying to reveal heaven on earth."
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The true purpose of all technology and modern science, is neither, convenience nor power; but rather, a means to discover G-dliness, within the physical world.

The Rebbe stresses, that science presents no challenge to Torah; and that true science can only enhance Torah, by demonstrating Torah truths, in the empirical realm.
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There are two kinds of people in the world:
1. Those who experience, and draw conclusions from the experiences.
2. Those who draw conclusions, and then only experience that which supports those conclusions.

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G-d gave the Torah in the wilderness, prior to the arrival of the Jews in their own land, to emphasize the Torah’s superiority, to land.

The nations of the world who refused to accept the Torah, became extinct with the loss of their lands. The Jews, however, exist forever, even without a land, as long as they keep the Torah.
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Words can bring comfort to the mind; but the heart is comforted by simple togetherness; knowing, that you are not alone.
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It is clear, that political freedom, minus spiritual purpose, equals disillusionment.
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When G-d created all things, He created two versions to choose from:

He created, the earth -- an absurd world, where light cannot enter.

And He created a heaven and earth, of "Let there be light." A world of wonder, a place for the Infinite to dwell.

You choose, which one you wish to live.
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The Chassidic masters say: there is nothing that the human being wants more, than to play G-d.
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When we awaken the inner drive to find G-d, in our inward essence, seeking Teshuvah in everything we do; we move beyond an imperfect past.

Then our every act becomes a G-d seeking act, that utilizes the entire creation, to ascend the ladder of infinity, in out quest for G-dliness.

The present then elevates the past, because the past is a part of the present. Before, only the limited aspect of the act was revealed, but now the deeper, infinite part of it has been released from it tresses.

And as a result, it liberates a pent up energy, that propels us beyond our former limited being, sweeping up the past in its wake.

Adam's sin derived, from his refusal to reconcile himself with the notion, that there are certain things from which he must distance himself.

He desired to intimately know every corner of G-d's world, to become involved with every one of G-d's creations. Even evil, that which G-d had declared out of bounds to him.
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But when a person transgresses a Divine command, a deeper bond with G-d comes to light. His inner equilibrium is disturbed; his soul finds no peace, and is driven to compensate for its devastated identity with material excesses, or profane spiritual quests.

His transgressions highlight the fact, that there is nothing more unnatural, than a soul estranged from her G-d.

Ultimately, however, there is a quintessential bond between the soul and G-d, that is immutable. On the deepest level of our being, there can be no disconnection, natural or unnatural.

The foundation and objective of all connection with G-d, is the quintessential bond, which requires no deed to effect it ,and which no deed can affect.
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The present then elevates the past, because the past is a part of the present. Before, only the limited aspect of the act was revealed, but now, the deeper, infinite part of it, has been released from it tresses.

And as a result, it liberates a pent up energy, that propels us beyond our former limited being, sweeping up the past in its wake.
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Life is like a spiral, which repeats the same path with each revolution, but on an increasingly higher plane.
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Life is controlled by time. If utilized properly, time lingers; otherwise, time evaporates into thin air.

Jewish law teaches, that the only thing one cannot repay back to a friend, is "stolen" time.
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It looks like war. If we had enough faith, we could achieve, that all the people of the world, would be redeemed from their evil dictators without war, without terror and without fear.

That is the power of joy and faith and confidence. So let's lift each other up, with whatever we can muster. At the very least, let's not frighten one another.
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Each one of us is a microcosm of all Creation.

The achievement of harmony, between one's soul and material life; achieves harmony, between the heaven and earth.
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Everyone thinks, of changing the world; but no one thinks, of changing himself.
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"Science teaches you, how the heavens move; the Torah teaches you, how to move the heavens."

Don't be Afraid

2009-05-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

The Rebbe quoted the Midrash Yalkut Shmoni many times; but even though the Yalkut says that there is a great war in the world, and that the whole world is afraid.

When Moshiach appears he does not stop the war; rather the only thing that he does, is say to the Jews: “Humble ones, don’t be afraid, the time of your redemption has arrived.”

We can also ask, why does it say “humble ones”, it should say: Jews, the time of your redemption has arrived. The answer is, that only people who are humble will listen to Moshiach; and also be a Keli, a vessel, for his great light.
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The Rebbe also explains in Seichah, that there will come a time, when the world will be in a great turmoil; and there will be lot of commotion in the world.

But the Rebbe quotes Tehillim, (Perek 2, Pasuk 1), to paraphrase: Why do the nations make plans to rule the world, their plans will come to nothing. Then Pasuk 4, says, Hashem sits in the heavens, and laughs at their plans and mocks them.
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The Seichah goes on to say, that even though it looks like it is going to be bad for the Jews and Israel, because the nations want to conquer the world, and in particular Jerusalem, nevertheless, all their plans will fail.

Therefore, Jews should not be occupied with world events, because Hashem will take care of it, it is already predestined what will happen. Jews should rather be concerned with the things that they can control, being the education of their children.
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From this we see, that the Rebbe’s message is, not to be afraid, to trust in Hashem and realize, that everything that is happening in the world, is all a process that leads to the revelation of Moshiach.

And by the Jews passing this test, they help to bring Moshiach.

Don’t worry, be happy!

Thank G-d!

2009-05-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

(Based on Sefer HaSeichas, Nun-Beis, Vol. 1, page 264, footnote 66, *)

The difference between Galus and Yomos HaMoshiach, can be compared to pregnancy. When a woman begins her pregnancy there is little noticeable change in her appearance. The only change that is visible is, that she gets larger.
But at the end of the pregnancy, this period of time takes on a different name- Labor.

Why does it change names, because what is happening in labor is totally different than what happens in pregnancy. Labor is much more tumultuous and the changes are drastic and rapid.
Labor is the process, where everything that happens is only in order to facilitate the birth. Whereas before there was only the growth of the baby, now is the birth of the baby.
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This is a very turbulent period, because the body initially is too small to allow the baby to exit. Therefore a major serious of events must occur before the baby has room to come out.
Only after a series of contractions and downward movements does the baby start to move. Even then, only when the body reaches the point where the baby has room to come out, will the baby be born.

This also applies to the Geulah. The period of time of Galus is compared to pregnancy, whereas Yomos HaMoshiach is compared to labor. The baby has already grown enough, now it is ready to be born.

During Yomos HaMoshiach everything that happens, is in order to facilitate the birth of Moshiach. It can be easy and quick, or drawn out, it all depend on us.
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When we see the machinations of the nations of the world, we have to realize, that they are contractions, that eventually will push the baby out.

As the Rebbe says in a Seichah: (Sefer HaSeichas, Nun-Beis, Parsha Chaya Sara, page 110, and other places):
“The time of your redemption has arrived”.

As we see that, “Nations are fighting with one another”, which is a sign of Moshiach’s coming, (the Midrash Lekach Tov, Leclacha, 14, 1. And Breshis Rabba 42, 4), especially in the Arab lands.”

Russia fell apart, not because communism doesn’t work, but rather, because a atheist government cannot last; and as we get closer to the birth of Moshiach, nations that are not connected to the source of life, to Hashem, lose their power, and wither.

In previous generations, when the world was coarser, evil empires ruled the world for long periods of time. There was a war between England and France, that lasted for over one-hundred years!

The Roman Empire lasted one thousand years. But in our times, since the world is more refined, a country like Russia, that was a super-power, only lasted seventy years.

So too, one must perceive weather changes as part of the process leading to the birth of Moshiach. Tornadoes, volcanoes, hurricanes, Tsunamis, all in order to facilitate the world to stretch enough to allow Moshiach to be born.
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The Rebbe says in a Seicha, (Sefer HaSeichas Nun-Beis, page 185), “Through the recognition, and giving thanks and praise to Hashem, for the miracles that He does, (in addition to the fact that one should always recognize the good that is done for him), this is also relevant to the coming of Moshiach Tzedkanu in the true and complete Geula.

From this it is understood, that the publicizing of miracles that Hashem does in our times, is relevant to bringing the true and complete Geula in actuality”

The Rebbe said, that if we perceive all the miracles that are taking place now, then Hashem will make more occur. Because when we see Hashem’s hand in the world, we bring heaven down to earth, and materialize Hashem into the world.

Every time we see Hashem in the world, we bring Him closer to staying in the world, which is the Geulah.

Stop the Storms (Yona)

2009-05-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Yona (jona)- Then and Now

(In a Seichah (1985, Chaya Sara) it says): When you see there is “A great storm in the sea” (Yonah 1, 4), and “Countries are fighting with one another” (Midrash Lechach Tov), you need to know:
that the reason for this, is not because one nation had an argument, and got angry with another nation; but rather “Because of this great storm” (Yonah 1, 12): in order that a Jew should know, that Moshiach is ready to come.

(The Rebbe says (In Sefer HaSeichas, Nun-Alef, page 73): “The occurrence of “nations fighting one another,” this itself is a sign of the Geulah.”
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At least 2.5 billion people have been affected by natural disasters over the past 10 years- an increase of 60% over the past decade, the UN says.

Our generation can be compared to the generation of the prophet Yonah. Yonah was given a job to do by Hashem, but Yonah did not want to carry out his job, and tried to hide from Hashem.

But, of course, you can’t hide from Hashem. So Hashem, Who does things through natural means, caused a great storm to come about.

In order to try to stop the storm, everyone on the boat tried to worship their own particular god, but nothing worked. Finally they tried to find someone whose G-d would be powerful enough, to to stop the storm.

Then they realized that hiding deep in the bottom of the boat, was a lone Jew, Yonah. They went down and brought him up, and to told him to pray to his G-d in order to try to stop the storm.

He told them to throw him off the boat and the storm would stop. Which is what they did, and just as he said, the storm stopped. They then realized, that the Jewish G-d is the true G-d, more powerful than any other G-d.
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A similar thing is happening in our generation, the world is shaking, because of the many storms that have occurred, and that are going to occur. These storms include actual storms of weather, and also storms of a possible world war, and the attempted destruction of Israel.

Hashem is making this all happen, in order for the world to realize, that the only way to stop the storms, is through the Jewish people and their Torah and Moshiach.
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The Rebbe says (in Sefer HaSeichos, Nun-Alef, page 81); the reason that in Noach’s Tevah there was peace, was because,
“The world was full of the knowledge of G-d.”

So too now, when the knowledge of G-d is spread throughout the world (Chassidus and the Geula), then the storms will stop.

The Humility of a Jewish King

2009-05-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

There is a Halachah regarding Shemonah Esrei:
An average person has to bow down at five different places.
A Kohen Godel has to bow down at the beginning and end of each Brachah, a total of 39 times.
But a Jewish King has to stay bowed, the whole Shemonah Esrei.

Because, the higher the position, the more Buttle one has to be. Since through Bittul, one is then able to absorb the greater Kedushah that is accessible as one gets closer to Hashem.

Bittle means, that the physical desires, needs and ego of the body, are nullified and totally in synch with the will of Hashem.
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The average person’s body is not Buttle to ones soul. His body is like a door, which blocks the the Nesahmah; whereas a Tzaddik’s body is like a window, that reveals G-dliness.

This can be compared to clear water, that is poured into a green glass, a red glass, an orange glass, etc.
Although the water is colorless, the glass distorts the color of the water; and the outside observer only sees the color of the glass.

So too, each person has their own ego that distorts the pure Torah that he absorbs.
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We also see this regarding Moshe, whom the Torah states explicitly, “Moshe was the humblest (most Bittle) person on the face of the earth”. In the case of Moshiach, it is even more so.

Moshiach is really the ultimate public servant, as his whole essence is only to help the world reach its ultimate fulfillment. His will, and Hashem’s will, are the same, he has no other will.

So we see that Moshiach is totally Buttel to Hashem, which also means, that his body is totally one with Hashem. Because of this, when we connect to him, we are automatically connected to Hashem.

This is what is meant when it says in Tanya and other places, that “Hashem spoke through the throat of Moshe.” It is as though Moshe was not there, and his voice was only a microphone.
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In the Sefer Samach-Vav, by the Rebbe Rashab, it is explained that, Moshe’s was born after six moths of pregnancy, whereas Eliyahu HaNavi was born after twelve months.

The difference being, that since Moshe’s Neshamah was so high his body became Buttle BeMalah, automatically, to it.
Because of this, his body did not need to be developed any further than six months.

But Eliyahu Hanavi’s Neshamah was not as high; therefore his body needed twelve months of refinement in order to be able to contain his Neshamah.

In the end, since the body of Eliyahu was lower, his Avodah was that he had to continually work on it, as a result, his body became so refined, that it was able to go up to Shamayim.

Moshiach will be a combination of both, a high Neshamah, and a totally refined body.
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This is also why specifically Eliyahu is the one, who precedes Moshiach’s arrival, and tells the world that he is about to come. Because, he elevated his physical body, and Moshiach’s job it to elevate the physical world.
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This may be why Chassidus speaks so frequently about Bittle, because in our generation this is so important, in order to reveal Moshiach and to bring the Geulah.

In addition to this, since Moshiach is a Nashamah Klalai, a general soul, therefore he includes all the souls of the generation.

So when Jews refine themselves, they also effect the body of Moshiach.

How Jews Crown a King

2009-05-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Your Vote for Moshiach Counts!

Crowning a Jewish King, is totally different than crowning a non-Jewish King. Most non-Jewish Kings were crowned, by either making themselves King by force, or by being a descendent of a King.

And once he is King, he can do whatever he wants; he can be cruel, go to war, makes his subjects suffer; or just be fickle and fulfill any whim he may have. But Moshiach can only become Moshiach if the people accept him willingly, “BeRatzon”.

(Is Sefer HaSeichas. Nun-Alef, page 82, the Rebbe says): “Ruler-ship is forced. Which is not like Kingship, which is by accepted willingly.”

In a Seicha, (Likutei Seichas, Rosh Hashanah, vol. 29, pg. 188), the Rebbe explains regarding Hashem: For Hashem to be a King, and have to deal with mundane matters, is a “Yorida”, a very great descent, for Hashem; since he is totally exalted and separate from the creation. Therefore, the nation has to arouse in Him a desire to be King.

How do they arouse this in Hashem? On Rosh Hashanah the Jews have to tell Hashem that they want Him to be their King, and that they will be Bittle to him and His decrees. This then arouses in Hashem the desire to lower Himself be a King.

It is explained in Lekutei Torah (Derushim for Rosh Hashanah, page Nun-Daled, page 107) that “The Midah of Malchus is revealed specifically when it is willingly accepted”.

We say this every day in Maariv (the evening prayer) in the section following the Shemah: “And Your Kingship the willingly (BeRatzon) accepted upon themselves.”
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By definition, there can be no King, without a nation to be King over. So in order to have a King, the nation has to make themselves subservient (Bittle) to him.

So too regarding King Moshiach. Moshiach cannot bring the Geulah until the people declare him King. The nation can reveal Moshiach through making themselves Buttel to him.

This is the greatest event to take place in the history of the world, it would be a shame to miss it.

The Light of Darkness

2009-05-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

(The Rebbe said, (In Sefer HaSeichas, Nun–Alef, page 73), “The way of the world, is one of hiding and darkness; and only afterwards, does there become revelation of the light.”)
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Chassidus explains, that buried in darkness (the hiding of Hashem), are the highest revelations. Hidden in this limited physical world, is Atzmus (the essence of Hashem).

Atzmus is too high to be seen or revealed now; because if it were to be revealed, the world would disappear.

In order for Atzmus to be able to be contained in the finite world, the world has to have a very thick covering; which also hides the truth of Hashem's kingship.

Which is why this world is much more finite, that the upper worlds; where only a ray of the G-dly light, shines.
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This is similar to someone who wants to look at the sun. In order to be able to see the sun, one has to put on sunglasses that filter out the strongest rays. The stronger the sunlight, the stronger the glasses have to be.

But the person does not see the total sun, only a filtered version.

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The more physical or low the object is, the higher the light that is hidden in it.

As a result, evil in its source, actually contains in it a tremendous amount of G-dly light.

Esav being an example. Which is why as Chassidus explains, that most evil will be transformed into light, because Atzmus is hidden there.
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This is why we see, that the order of creation was, that on the first day of creation G-d created Darkness, and then He created light. Esav was born before Yaakov. A tree first forms leaves first, and then the peel of the fruit; only at the end does the fruit itself form.

So too, Galus precedes Geulah. And as the Chassidic saying goes: After a fire one becomes rich.

Similarly, in a persons own life, it is the problems and obstacles that one may have, that one grows the most from, as a person.
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We even also see how in darkness, is hidden a great deal of light. In many cases in Torah, it seemed that great Tzadikim sinned (darkness): Adam, Noach, Yehuda, Dovid Hamalech, etc. And Moshiach himself, (light), is descended from Ruth, a non-Jew (darkness).

The Oral Torah, (light), is based on Rabbi Akiva, who was a Ger (darkness). Hillel and Shami’s teachers were former non-Jews. And a Tzadik cannot stand in the place of a Baal Teshuvah (darkness), etc.

All because, in the greatest darkness, is hidden the greatest light.
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In our generation, Atzmus, the infinite light, is gradually becoming revealed in a finite world. This is causing tremendous changes in the world.

The revelation of Moshiach contains the greatest light ever to be revealed in the history of the world. If comes too fast or in an open manner, the world will self-destruct.

It has to come as a process, in order for the world to acclimate to this new elevation. It has to come in a way of being hidden, then revealed, and then hidden again; in order for the world to adjust to each new revelation.

Through this process, the world has time to absorb the previous revelation, and be prepared for the next, higher revelation.
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This back and forth process can be hastened, by utilizing the free-choice of the people, by preparing themselves and the world, so that this back and forth process can be quicker and easier.

Then great light that is entering the world will not blind the world, but rather it will illuminate the world.

And we will not need sunglasses to hide the light, but rather we will be able to look directly at the light and not blink.

The Kabbalah of Refining the Creation

2009-05-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

A refinement processes has been going on in the world since Adam ate from the tree of knowledge. Before that point in time, good and evil were separate.

The advantage of this was, that it made it much easier to do Hashem’s will, since one could easily discern what His will is, as there is nothing opposing His will. In other words, doing good is natural.

But because of the tremendous power that the snake (the Yetzer Hora) had at that time, Adam and Chava ate from the tree. They then intermingled good (the doing of Hashem’s will), with bad (not doing Hashem will, but rather following the desires of the animal soul).

Just as the peel of an orange hides the fruit that is hidden inside, so too the Kelipah of physical objects, hides the G-dly spark that is hidden inside.
An orange peel, which is easy to remove, is compared to Kelipahs Nogah, whereas the hard shell of a nut is compared to the Three Kelipahs of Tumah.

Now, one would have to struggle to do Hashem’s will; it would not be natural, rather on the contrary, it would be a battle.
But through refining the world, Jews through free-choice, would get credit for choosing good, by following the ways of Torah.
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This process of choosing to do Hashem’s will, is called the Avodah’s HaBirurim, the task of refining the world.
This means, that through separating good from evil, in every choice that a Jew makes, and the doing of Torah and Mitzvahs, he refines the world; meaning, that he reveals Hashem in everything that he does.

As a result, as time has gone on, the world has become more refined; meaning that the world has become more, and more, in tune with Hashem’s will, being the Torah.

As we see in our times, that America and other nations are charitable counties; as the Rebbe said “America is a nation of Chesed, kindness”.
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This process has gone on for so long, that in our generation it has reached its culmination, as the Rebbe said, the Avodos HaBirrum is completed.
Meaning, that the refinement of the world has reached to point in time, when Atzmus of Hashem is able to be revealed.

Although evil still exists, it can now be elevated, if the latent good that is in the world, is revealed.
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This is taking place daily, but we can expedite the process through all the methods that the Rebbe has told us:

Increase in Torah sturdy, increase in Hiddur Mitzvah, increase in learning Chassidus, give more Tzedakah, do Chitas, ask Hashem that the Geulah should come, live an honest life, have more children.

Spread the news about the coming of the Geula to family, friends, and anyone else, teach the non-Jews about their Mitzvahs, don’t give away land in Israel, increase Ahavas Yisroel, Jewish education of children, teach children to yearn that Hashem should reveal himself, etc.
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Hashem wants us to accept Him willingly, utilizing our free-choice; Let's choose now!

Being Directly Attached to Hashem

2009-05-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Chet (sin) of the Etz Hadas (tree of knowledge)

The physical world deteriorates, because of the Chet of the Etz Hadas, the sin of Adam, and the golden calf, etc.

Sin disconnects one from Hashem; and since all life comes from Hashem, this disconnection results in a lessening of the life of Hashem into the person, and into the world at large.

Adam was supposed to have lived forever, but because of his sin, his life-span was shortened to nine-hundred and thirty years. And because of the continual sinning of every generation after Adam, the life-span was continually shortened.

This continued until after the sin of the golden calf, when the life-span became much shorter.
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One or two generations ago, people lived only forty or fifty years, but in our times people live seventy or eighty years. We see, that as we get closer to the revelation of Moshiach, people’s life span has continually increased.

Now it is becoming more and more common ,for people to live over one hundred years. And scientists are now researching methods that they say, may be able to help people live much, much longer.

This is because, as time goes on the world becomes more refined. Meaning, that it becomes more and more reconnected with Hashem, and the coarseness that was brought to world by the sin of Adam, has been gradually removed.

This is why it is written, that after Techias HaMasim a grain of wheat will be as large as a watermelon, because everything will grow much larger.

And if a person tries to pick a fruit from a tree on Shabbos, the tree will scream out at him that it is Shabbos. And life will not be diminished as it is now.

Because then the world will be directly connected to Hashem.
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Galus (exile) can be compared to a radio. If a radio (the creation) is not plugged into its source (Hashem), then it just a worthless piece of plastic (it deteriorates); but on the other hand, when it is plugged into its source, it becomes alive.

A deeper understanding of this is, the reason that everything grows much larger is because, being that the essence of Hashem is found in this world.

As He becomes more and more revealed into this world, this will manifest itself in physicality, as physical needs of people becoming more plentiful.

As the Rambam writes in the Mishnah Torah, that Madanim, delicacies, will be as plentiful in the world, as dust is plentiful now.
Why does he use the example of dust, because when the essence of Hashem is revealed, delicacies will be considered as dust.
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Eventually the body will become so refined, and it will be so united with its source, being Hashem, that no one will need to eat; because energy will come directly from Hashem.

As was the case when Moshe went up on Mount Sinai to get the Torah, he didn’t need to eat for forty days; because he was so close to Hashem, that his energy came directly from Him.
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Now the goal is to strengthen this connection, through doing more Torah and Mitzvahs BeHidder (in a beautiful manner). And to learn Chassidus, which connects one with the essence of the Torah.

May we all become tuned in.

The Quantum Jump of the Torah of Moshiach

2009-05-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Moshiach reveals a deeper level in Torah, that was never revealed before. It is totally beyond the level of Torah than we now have, since it comes from the essence of Hashem.

The Torah that Moshe Rebbenu brought down from Har Sinai, gave the Jews the ability to reveal Kedushah, holiness, into the coarse, limited, physical world.

In this way, Jews through doing Mitzvahs and learning Torah over the course of thousands of years, would transform a large portion of the world into holiness.

But Moshiach will do much more than reveal holiness; he will reveal a much deeper level in Torah, being the essence of Torah, which comes from the essence of Hashem.

Compared to the essence of Torah, the Torah of Moshe Rebbenu is Hevell, nothing. Because Kedushah is only a creation, and limited, just as all of creation is limited. Albeit it is a high level of the creation, but limited non-the-less.
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In order for a person to be able to reveal the Ten commandments into this world, he has to have a Neshamah that can connect the infinite Torah, with the limited physical world. Moshe Rebbenu was such a person.

There are many types and levels of Tzadikim, but none was as high as Moshe. No one else could have brought the Torah down into the world.

In order to be an intermediate between two things, you need to have a part of both of the two things that you want to unite. Moshe had a physical body, and a very holy soul. As a result, he could unite the holy Torah, with this physical world.
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Moshiach also has to be one with the essence of the Torah, since Hashem, Torah, and Jews are one. This is why Moshiach has to know Chassidus, since it is the essence of the Torah.

The Rebbe states in a number of places, that the Chassidus we have now is part of Moshiach’s Torah. Although, after Moshiach is revealed, we will be able to understand it on a much different level.

Tzadikim reach Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, and Chai, but only Moshiach reaches Yecidah (the highest level of the soul). A Tzaddik brings holiness into the world, whereas Moshiach brings Hashem into the world.
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The reason why only Moshiach can reveal such a high Torah, is because in order for a body to be able to contain a Neshamah that is Atzmus, it has to be a very high body, other wise it will deteriorate, as soon as such a high revelation enters it.
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The Zohar explains, that in previous generations, in order to have eternal life, the people of the generation would all have to die for a moment, and then come back to life with a new eternal body; because, a body that was formed from a limited physical body, cannot live forever.

Chassidus explains, that when something has to change dramatically the order is: Yesh, Ayin, Yesh; Something (the object), Nothing (it temporarily disappears), Something new (is created).

But, because in our generation, the physical body of Moshiach (who includes all the souls of the generation) has already been refined in an eternal way, there is now no need for this break in the middle, rather we can go directly into Chaim Netzchis (eternal life).

One Set of Footprints

2009-05-01T13:23:00.001-07:00

Mashal (analogy):

Someone once went to sleep, and had a deep dream in the middle of the night. He dreamt, that he had passed away, and he was watching a movie of his entire life.

He saw that throughout his life, there were two sets of footprints wherever he went. One set were his own, and the other set were Hashems.

But at the end he cried out to G-d: ”Hashem, you were always with me in all the situations that I faced throughout my life, but when I was in a crisis, there were only one set of footprints. Why Hashem weren’t you with me, when I needed you the most!?”

From the heavens he heard: ”You are wrong, there were only one set of footprints, because that was when I was carrying you on my shoulders….”

The Rebbe: True Science

2009-05-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

(edited)
In February, 1961, Professor Cyril Domb wrote an article in London's Jewish Chronicle, concerning the work of Martin Ryle, in the field of cosmology.
Ryle's work was instrumental, in bringing the field out of the realm of speculation, to become a true science.

In the 1960's Ryle gradually but steadily, began to favor the big bang theory.

In a Jewish Chronicle article that attracted wide attention, Professor Domb asserted; that Torah thinking could live with cosmology; and he proceeded to explain his reasoning.

The Rebbe, apparently, disagreed:
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By the Grace of G‑d
Rosh Chodesh Sivan, 5721
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Professor C. DombKing's College, London
Sholom UBrocho:

(Excerpts): Your article, "The Bible and Creation," in the Jewish Chronicle of February 17, 1961, has been brought to my attention. I take the liberty of commenting on it.

This circumstance assumes particular significance, in the light of one of the Chassidic tenets, which on reflection, is a basic principle of out faith; namely, that everything is directed by Hashgocho Protis (Divine Providence).
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Your article indicates, that you are aware of the difficulties and conflicts, besetting the minds of many Jews, particularly in the ranks of the younger generation. Difficulties arising from the existence - as it seems to them - of contradictions, between religious belief and science.

Though not a new problem, it has become accentuated by the belief, that there are contradictions also from the direction of the so-called "exact" sciences, which are popularly assumed to have been proven beyond a shadow of doubt.

Hence, they are faced with the problem, of either remaining in the religious camp, in defiance of the scientific deductions; or having to choose between the two.

Needless to say, the Jew whose faith has, as it should, the power of unassailable conviction, has no problem in the first place. For to him, the Torah, and all that it teaches, is the Divine Truth; and he rejects a priori, anything that contradicts it.

It is obviously a matter of obligation, to help them dispel their doubts and conflicts.
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As a matter of fact, the whole problem is based on a popular misconception, as to what science is. Where there is a true understanding of what science really is, there is no room for such confusion.

For, as it is well known, but too often overlooked, the sciences, even the so-called "exact" sciences, are at bottom, nothing more, than assumptions, working hypotheses and theories, which are only "probable"; as indeed you pointed out in your article, but all too briefly.

On the other hand, religious truths are definitive and categorical. To quote our Sages - and it is also self-evident – "bori v'shemo, bori 'odif".
In other words, science cannot, a priori, challenge religion, especially our religion; for science can never speak in terms of absolute truth.

The best proof for this, as you also mention in passing, is that, many scientific theories of the past, which had been accepted as ultimate, have been swept away, "absolutely", and categorically; (to the extent that, science can be "absolute").
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A glaring example is provided by the question of the geocentricity (of our global earth) in the planetary system; and better still the universe; which had been such a bone of contention, between scientists and theologians.

When Copernicus' theory was accepted, many theologians hastily began their apologetics, by attempting to reinterpret Biblical passages, in the light of the new scientific "truth", but not very convincingly.

But now, according to the theory of relativity, that from the scientific point of view, either theory could be accepted.
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I would like to add, that the fact, that scientific laws are only probable, and are merely statements of the most likelihood, reflects not only on future predictions, but also on deductions relating to the past. Which must remain in the realm of probability, based on non-observation.

Where no observation/experiment is possible, deductions are purely conjectural. Hence, science can never challenge the veracity of the Genesis account, from the viewpoint of the evolutionary theory, or any other theory.

And it would be just as "scientific" to accept the account verbally, as to reinterpret it allegorically, to harmonize it with any particular cosmological theory.
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In treating this subject more fully, you could bring out more forcefully the fact, that science is basically a theory of probable phenomena, and can in no way challenge religious truths.

There is no contradiction, between this correct viewpoint, and human daily conduct, based on these scientific assumptions.

Here is where religious beliefs and practices, have the "advantage" over science; for it is only the Torah, Toras Chayyim, that give certitude to human deductions, arrived at in the proper way; giving them the stamp of truth; not only within the rational and sensible world, but also in a transcending way.
Thus, as above, Shabbos is evidence of the creation of the world ex nihilo, as a fact, etc. etc.
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With regard to this particular portion of the Torah, however, I must disagree with the statement you made, in the said article, to the effect that: from the Torah viewpoint, it is possible also to accept the evolutionary theory. In support of which you cite certain interpretations of this portion.

This is not so, and the test of the matter is Halachah (Jewish Law). Where Halachah is concerned, there can be no alternatives, for the rule of Halachah, is the rule of reality.

So long as the Halachah is not infringed, we are at liberty to interpret the Biblical verses on any level of P'shat, Remez, Drash and Sod. But this prerogative ends, where Halachah has ruled. This rule must be accepted as having priority over all other interpretations.

According to the Halachah, our world came into being 5721 years ago; and the age of the world is reaffirmed on such Torah legal documents as Gittin (divorce), and the like.

Shabbos is the seventh day of the week, which the Halachah connects with the six days of creation that preceded it (T.B. Shabbos 69b), and so on.

The literal acceptance of the Genesis account, does not conflict with the doctrine in Midrash, Kabbalah and the Zohar, that G‑d "created worlds and destroyed them"; since the latter refer to spiritual worlds.

As is amply explained in these disciplines, according to the final explanation of the Ari.
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Many are confused and held back, by the misconceived doubts and conflicts, mentioned earlier; may you respond to the urgent need, of bringing some clarity and light into those confused minds, a task for which your position eminently qualifies you.
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By the Grace of G‑d
29th of Tishrei, 5722,Brooklyn, N.Y.
Professor C. Domb37
Green LaneHendon, London N.W.4

You mention the difficulty, of understanding the account of creation literally; specifically, how it is possible to define days, before the sun was created.

But I do not see the difficulty at all. The literal meaning of the words "And it was day, and it was night", is inescapable; for the very same words are used in the text, before as well as after, the sun was created; i.e. in each of the six days of Creation.

It would surely be illogical to assume, that the very same expression, used in identical context, and in the very same section, should have different meanings!
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This still leaves the question of, how is the passage of a day to be measured, before the sun was created?

But this question, too, has no basis, insofar as the text is concerned. For we are told at the outset, that G‑d created light, and separated between light and darkness; that is to say, the Creator immediately set the limits of the day and night.
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As for the source of this light, surely no one will claim, that the sun is the only possible source of cosmic light; especially if we accept the view of science, that light has to do with electro-magnetic waves; surely there could be other sources of light and energy, besides the sun.

Whether we accept the particle theory of light, or the wave theory, or the theory combining the two; our position is not affected thereby.
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One final remark, apropos of your mentioning, that in these matters, you do not rely on your own judgment, but consult with Rabbonim, etc.

Unfortunately, the majority of Rabbonim stand too much in awe of scientific theories. For they still adhere to the attitude of bygone generations, when science was regarded as an absolute truth; as something apart from human intelligence and speculation.

In other words, that scientific laws are not produced, but merely "discovered" by the scientist; and are infallible and immutable.

So deep-rooted is this attitude, having received the sanction of such eminent authorities in the past;
that even now,
(when scientists themselves recognize, that they are dealing not with independent "truths" and immutable laws, but merely with theories, formulated only for the convenience of systemization, and classification advancement);
many a well meaning Rov, still finds it difficult to change his attitude, in regard to science.

History According to Torah

2009-05-01T11:40:00.001-07:00

When we look at the Torah portions, that are read weekly in the synagogue, we discover a time-line of Kabbalistic history.

1. Bereishit- was the time period of Chessed (the kindness of G-d), the first millennium of history.

2. Noach was the time period of Gevorah (Judgement)
It chronicles the devastating Flood (in the year 1656 from creation).
The breakup of mankind into many separate nations, in the aftermath of the Tower of Babel (1996).
The birth (1948) and early years, of Abraham.

3. Lech-Lecha was the time of Tiferes (Balance, blending)
It opens with G-d's call to Abraham, to leave his birthplace, and journey to the Holy Land. A call which came in Abrahams 75th year, in the year 2023 from creation.

The events of Lech-Lecha describe the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the descent into Egypt and the Exodus; and the highlight of the millennium, the revelation at Sinai where G-d communicated His Torah to man.

Tiferes combines the virtues, of the Chesed and Gevorah.
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From Creation to Sinai

1. Chesed- For the first thousand years of history, G-d was a benevolent teacher, who indulged the shortcomings of his pupil. Life was a free-lunch. Righteous and wicked alike, enjoyed long and prosperous lives.

In a sense, this era was an extension of G-d's original act of creation: The world in its initial state of non-existence, obviously did not deserve to be created.

Its creation was an act of pure charity on the part of G-d; Who granted it existence, purpose, and the potential for deservingness.
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Likewise, in the first millennia, G-d gave indiscriminately; in order to provide humanity with the basis, upon which to build and develop the world, in accordance with His plan.

Thus, the corrupt world, described in the last verses of Bereishit, represents not the beginning of the age of rigor and judgment (Gevorah), but the closing years of the age of benevolence.

It describes a morally immature world, in which all Blessing, material or spiritual, is taken for granted.

Indeed, it is the natural end of an era, in which responsibility is neither assumed nor exacted; for humanity is yet to be weaned, from an infantile dependence upon its Creator.
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2. Gevorah- After a thousand years of unilateral bestowal, the era of Chessed came to a close.

In the second thousand years of creation, G-d challenged man, to make it on his own.

On the surface, the second millennium was a harsh, even tragic era, for everything, including life itself, was earned solely by merit.
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At one point, there were only eight deserving human beings, and the rest of humanity perished in the Flood.
At another point, the misguided building of the Tower of Babel, resulted in the dispersion of the human race; and its disintegration into nations, separated by walls of incommunicativity and xenophobia.

But this exacting justice on the part of G-d, is what allowed the world to develop from within--to become a vital, productive world, whose deeds have consequence and significance; instead of a world that is the passive recipient of divine charity.

3. Tiferes- The last generation of the second millennium, yielded Abraham; the ultimate spiritually self-made-man. Even though he was the son of a Mesopotamian idol-maker, he came to recognize the truth of One G-d; with nothing but the majesty of the universe, and his own inquisitive mind to guide him.

Single-handedly, he battled the entrenched paganism of his native land, and won over a large following, to the monotheistic faith and ethos he espoused.

If there is a single point to Abrahams early years, it is that; yes, man can make it on his own.

Now that you have obtained the utmost of your own, inborn potentials, you must reach beyond yourself, and go to the land that I will show you.

3. Thus began the journey into the millennium of Tiferet, the millennium which saw the synthesis, of the divinely bestowed, with the humanly earned.

A millennium which reached its climax at Mount Sinai, where G-d communicated to man, His wisdom, and will; enclothed in the physical garments, of human reason, and endeavor.

It was a millennium, in which the Torah breached the barrier, between the Heavens, and the Earth.

This allowed a previously unearned divine gift, to be transformed into a human achievement; and thereby gave man the ablity, to touch the divine.