Tag: Beish HaMikdash

erev Tisha b’Av 5783

erev Tish b’Av reflection: Transcend Divisiveness

If I did not have a strong surety in H’Shem’s sovereignty, and His keeping the world on its axis, I might begin to think that globally, the world is extremely off balance, and perhaps beginning to tilt in the wrong direction. Yet, even if things seem like they’re heading toward catastrophe, I rest in the sanctity of G-d’s place of refuge for all souls who place their trust in Him.

Yet, I am disgusted to see the same type of divisive polity in Israel, as evidenced in the States. On the one hand, most mainstream progressives have been duped by the radical agenda of idealogues who uphold a version of identity-Marxism as a means of furthering the institutional revolution that began with the New Left in the 1960’s. On the other hand, the left of Israel, who have taken to the streets in protest of what they consider an attempt to overturn a balanced system of government may also be duped.

Emotions should not rule the heart. As it stands, and has stood for decades, the Supreme court has the most power of any other component of the government. A change to the reasonableness clause would bring a sense of balance into the system. Yet, the left would like for the system to remain as is, because the current Supreme Court favors a Leftist political view.

In any case, the divisiveness is alarming, especially because this has been occurring during the Three Weeks that lead up to Tish b’Av. Both the first and second Temples were destroyed on the same day upon the Hebrew calendar, the Ninth of Av, hundreds of years apart from each other. Case in point, the main reason given for the Churban (Destruction) of the second Temple is baseless hatred.

Moreover, I am further disgusted by the apparent disregard or sheer ignorance by many, of the promises of G-d to bestowed upon the world through Israel. Because Israel is my raison d’etre in regard to my hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Israel is the geographical place of events of the Bible, and the place where future prophecies will be fulfilled. In modernity, Israel’s ancient roots must not be forgotten, nor, the role of the country in prophecy. As is mentioned in Psalms, “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem…” (Psalms 137:5-6).

On the other side of the coin, so to speak, if America proceeds along its current trajectory of decline into moral chaos, combined with an overhaul of its founding principles, then this country will become unrecognizable. However, G-d will not let the same type of calculated chaos destroy the apple of His eye. The divine plans all concur, as is noted in scripture, that G-d’s Kingdom will be established in Israel, and the Torah will emanate from Zion. G-d’s plan will not be cancelled.

The Presence of G-d

parasha Terumah 5783 – Winds of Change

“And there I will meet with thee, and I will speak with thee from above the ark-cover, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.” – Exodus 25:22, JPS 1917 Tanach

In a world gone awry, renewed after the Mabul (Great Flood); yet, its people scattered when they attempted to challenge G-d for supremacy, by the time of Abraham, it had descended into idolatry. Yet, G-d called out to Abraham, who heeded the call as the first monotheist, tasked with drawing others to the One True G-d, and inheriting the earth through his descendants.

That plan becomes challenged by Pharaoh, who enslaved the Children of Israel, until G-d broke the shackles of their bondage, and brought them out of Egypt to become a people unto Him. At Sinai, when the Ten Commandments were given, this paralleled the Ten Utterances at the dawn of Creation (See Genesis 1), symbolizing the renewal of the earth through G-d’s words to be carried out by His people.

And, the meeting place between G-d and man was also established: “And there I will meet with thee, and I will speak with thee from above the ark-cover, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony” (see above). This became the focal point for the encampment of two million people in the desert, and subsequently, re-established in Jerusalem, within the inner recesses of the Beis HaMikdash (House of the Sanctuary; i.e., the Temple).

From here, the sanctity of the Holy One emanated through His Presence, and the worship that continued there, even when the Ark of the Covenant was no longer within the Temple. Today, the Jewish people fervently pray at the Western Wall, in hope and expectation of the restoration of all things, when G-d’s presence will once again manifest on earth.

Light Will Prevail

The Eighth Day of Chanukah

Light will transcend the darkness in our lives when we cast our gaze towards the flame of truth, the eish tamid (eternal light). The light of the Menorah in the temple is the light of hope and renewal.

A little known midrash connects a small cruze of oil to the renewal of mankind, creation, and the earth itself, after the Mavul (Flood). When the dove brought back an olive branch in its mouth, according to the midrash, Noah pressed enough olive oil to place inside a small container. This cruze of oil was passed down to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

When Jacob returned to Beth El, he anointed the foundation stone with this oil. Then, according to the midrash, he hid the small cruze of precious olive oil. This Place (HaMakom) was none other than Mt. Moriah, where the Temple was eventually established. Because of the miracle of light that lasted for eight days from this precious oil, we celebrate Chanukah today.

“Just as the dove brought light to the world, so too, you will bring olive oil and light it before Me” (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 5). This message of hope will be like a small flame illuminating the darkness, despite whatever circumstances may cast a shadow over our lives. Yehi ratzon. May it be His will that the light of hope and renewal throughout the ages will always prevail over darkness, especially today, amidst the encroaching darkness upon the land.