end of days – The Tree of Life

dvar Balak 5785

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh.”

– Numbers 24:17

The third set of prophecies, given by Balaam, concerns Moshiach. In particular, the prophecy begins with an expectation of Moshiach, “I see him, but not now.” This connotes the understanding that he is expected to come sooner than the appointed time, if the Jewish people hasten his arrival. “I behold him, but not soon.” This denotes his future appearance, in accordance with the appointed time, as per what has been designated by HaShem. This dual-timing is reflected in the pasuk, “At it’s appointed time, I will hasten it” (Isaiah 60:22, Sanhedrin 98). His arrival is hastened if we merit the acceleration of his arrival through our conduct as a people. Otherwise, Moshiach arrives at the appointed time (Or HaChayim on Numbers 24:17).

Balaam’s prophecy continues, “there shall step forth a star out of Jacob.” Moshiach is likened to a shooting store, notably, a comet, because, in the words of Nachmanides, it is written about Moshiach, “behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man” (Daniel 7:13). “And a scepter shall rise out of Israel…” The scepter is symbolic of a ruler, because Moshiach will rule from Jerusalem over the nations. Even Moab, the domain of Balak will fall under the reign of Moshiach at some point in the future.

This news must have deflated the aspirations of Balak. At the end of their discourse, Balaam returns to his place, and Balak also goes on his way. Apparently there is no change in their disposition toward Israel, and they each seem estranged from the other, Balak being disappointed that Balaam did not curse Israel. Rather Balaam blessed Israel and informed Balak of his kingdom’s ultimate demise.

Seek the Future

motzei Shabbos: parasha Va’etchanan 5783

וְאֶתְכֶם לָקַח יְהֹוָה וַיּוֹצִא אֶתְכֶם מִכּוּר
“You hath H’Shem taken and brought forth out of the iron furnace.”

– Deuteronomy 4:20, JPS 1917 Tanach

Rashi explains, “a כור is a vessel in which one refines gold” (sefaria.org). Moshe’s choice of words, attempts to impress upon the new generation, that the nisyanos (challenges) in Egypt, were meant to serve as a means to refine the people. Consider that when gold is placed in “a refiner’s fire,” the impurities are drawn out; what remains is pure. The soul is also refined, through the challenges of life, in order to be free from taint.

Joseph, serves as an example, who went ahead of the children of Israel into Egypt, endured many challenges, “until the time that His word came to pass; the word of the L-rd had tested him” (Psalms 105:19). His character was refined in the refiner’s fire, in preparation for his role as a leader in Egypt, only second to Pharoah. In this manner, he was tested, until his prophetic dreams were fulfilled by H’Shem, through the circumstances of his life.

Moshe continues, “H’Shem shall scatter you among the peoples, and ye shall be left few in number among the nations, whither H’Shem shall lead you away” (Deuteronomy 4:27). “From thence ye will seek the L-RD thy G-d; and thou shalt find Him, if thou search after Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). When does this return to H’Shem occur? The following verse answers this question:

בַּצַּר לְךָ וּמְצָאוּךָ כֹּל הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה בְּאַֽחֲרִית הַיָּמִים וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד־יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ וְשָֽׁמַעְתָּ בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃

In thy distress, when all these things are come upon thee in the end of days, thou wilt return to H’Shem thy G-d, and hearken unto His voice; for the L-RD thy G-d is a merciful G-d; He will not fail thee.”

– Deuteronomy 4:30-31

“G-d ventured to go and take Him a nation from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders” (Deuteronomy 4:34). So too, will he lead us out of exile. As the sages note, the time that will precede the Final Redemption, at the end of days, will mirror the plagues that preceded the first redemption, when B’nei Yisrael was led out of Egypt. As we approach the building of the third temple, during a time of great nisyanos (challenges) for all the world (Daniel 12:2), we shall endure, despite the ever-increasing challenges.

A Concerted Effort

The achronim yomim (end of days) are upon us, and the footsteps of Moshiach (Messiah) are evident in the sands of time. This is the last generation, as is mentioned in kitvei kodesh (holy scripture), “the generation to come…” shall praise the L-RD: (Psalms 102:19). Yet, the unrighteous shall continue in their ways, as the righteous strive to become more holy and devoted to the L-RD. The lines are being drawn, and we are called to return to Him with all of our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 30:2).

Where do each of us stand, as individuals before our Creator? This question is more important in our lives, than the many questions that we might ask ourselves in regard to the calamities of the world. Not that these other questions should remain unasked; the answers may help us to look past the apparent chaos on the surface toward the import of these events as a whole. Yet, they can also serve, unfortunately, as distractions from our path in life, as human beings created in the image of G-d and given the divine blueprint of life.

As mankind assembles upon earth to recreate the world, this is being done according to man’s image and design, relegating G-d and his divine plan to be cancelled out from the public domain. Yet, G-d is not a concept, nor an idea that can be forgotten, as if it is no longer tenable, in the eyes of His own Creation. He exists inasmuch that He does, outside time and space, watching over His creation, and yearning for our return to Him.

The acknowledgment of a Creator allows for the subsequent acceptance of responsibility to follow in His ways, prescribed for mankind since the beginning of time, when Adam and Eve lived in harmony with the Creation in Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). We were commanded to be stewards of the earth, in service to the Creator (Genesis 1:28; 2:15).

Within the framework of having been placed in the Garden of Eden, serving G-d in obedience fosters the harmony between us and His creation. Having stepped out of line, the harmony was broken. Mankind’s reconciliation with His Maker today is necessary to regain the lost paradise on earth that He originally intended for mankind.

Yet, this cannot be done unilaterally on our own, without His blueprint for humanity; nor, without spiritual assistance through the grace bestowed upon the soul who aspires to reach out to Him and yearns for the peace that cannot be taken away by the brokenness of the world, nor even our own brokenness. This peace cannot be given to us through any external means, nor brought about by the designs of mankind for a utopia, irrespective of the original intentions of His Creator. Let us return to the original design for our lives, through a reconciliation with G-d.

G-d’s Architect

parashas Vayakhel 5782

“The Lord, by wisdom, founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the depths were broken up and the skies drop down the dew” (Proverbs 3:19-20, JPSN). These three qualities, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge were imbued in the heart of Bezalel, “And I have filled him with the spirit of G-d, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3; Berachos 55).

The sages say of Betzalel that he was capable of using the letters of the alphabet of the Holy Tongue in a manner similar to the way G’d had used them when creating the universe (Sforno). How remarkable to note this comparison. The building of the Mishkan was like unto the creation of the world. And, how remarkable that the chosen craftsman for overseeing the construction of the Mishkan was given qualities inspired by the Ruach Elokim (G-d’s Spirit).

We should marvel at the construction of the Mishkan, as well as the Creation of the World. G-d’s Creation is a masterpiece beyond compare; yet, reflected in the Mishkan. Our appreciation of the Mishkan, although we only have the written account, should compel us all the more to appreciate G-d’s Creation. For, “the heavens declare the glory of G-d, the sky proclaims His handiwork” (Psalms 19:2, JPS 2006 Tanach). King David compares the orderliness of the heavens, and the sun in particular to the perfectness of Torah (Psalms 19:3-10).

“And in the hearts of all the wise-hearted, I have placed wisdom.” – Exodus 31:6

The builders of the Mishkan were also imbued with wisdom. Through Torah, we learn of the right ways to interact, harmonize, and build the world, bringing G-d’s perfection of creation into every part and parcel of our lives. May we continue this endeavor, in the face of adversity, chaos, and the imbalances currently found within societies around the world. H’Shem will grant us an assurance of tomorrow’s promises, when we focus on His Kingdom being established through Moshiach. And, the Torah will go out from Zion as is written:

“And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the mountain of the L-RD’s house shall be established as the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say: ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the L-RD, to the house of the G-d of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the L-RD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3, JPS 1917 Tanach).