end times – The Tree of Life

Israel will Prevail

In the still of the night,

in the early hours of the morning,

when there is no sign of light,

there is no time for adorning

oneself with endless fantasies

of who one would like to be,

by ignoring the actualities

that exist for all of humanity.

Rather, there is only time

to huddle with the teams of angels

assigned to strengthen the line

of defense against the enemy.

The true test of life

with all of its challenges

is how we deal with strife,

as the world rearranges

itself, turning chaos into order,

when the kedoshim prevail

over the destructive forces

that threaten Israel.

The Faithless and the Faithful

My friend lost her faith in Moshiach. She was a fervent advocate of the “Moshiach Now” mentality, so prominent within Chabad chasidism. Now, because of an expectation that he would arrive before her cat died, she has done a 180 in her fervent desire to wait for him. It’s a moot issue for her, as if the world has changed, and will no longer require a great transformation that will be initiated at the time of Moshiach.

I think that her unrealistic expectation is a sign of extreme egocentricity. To think that the world revolves around oneself to the degree that one can dictate when Moshiach will arrive? Yet, isn’t this akin to the same expectations of religioso throughout history? Whether Jewish or Christian expectations, the story is similar – failed expectations lead to bewilderment.

In the case of the Millerites, when Messiah did not meet their expectations in 1844, half the movement disbanded. The other half was reformed by Hiram Edson, under the banner of what became known as the Seventh Day Adventists. They reshaped their calculations, admitting there was a flaw in their understanding, without seeing the original prophecy as entirely wrong.

Now that I think about it, another friend of mine recently abandoned his pursuit of things spiritual. He is essentially agnostic; although, he still brings in the Shabbat on Friday evening with a few prayers of his own design. I wonder whether this is a pattern that others may be woven into, forming a tapestry as the Geulah (Redemption) approaches.

I envision those whose faith is diminished as being on the side of the tapestry with the loose threads, while those who maintain their faith on the side that clearly depicts the Messianic Era, as the time approaches. “For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it declareth of the end, and doth not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:3, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Seeking Restoration

“In that day, I will set up again the fallen booth [sukkah] of David: I will mend its breaches and set up its ruins anew. I will build it firm as in the days of old.” – Amos 9:11, JPSN

If our expectations for the future rest, primarily, upon our fears, anxieties, and concerns having to do with the present, then we may expect to transition to something different in our lives as individuals, and part of the greater whole, based upon our discontent of the current status quo. Yet, we should not permit our expectations to lead us astray, into thinking that some better “state of affairs” will come into fruition, as a result of efforts that have more to do with a vision of utopia, based upon a progressive understanding of social justice, in totale, rather than giving credence to the transcendent wisdom of G-d.

Moreover, there is a difference between social justice, bought with the price of losing our freedoms, while condemning those who are not in accord with the pseudo-morality that it proffers, versus a sense of justice that is balanced by chesed (mercy), bringing about a harmonious world view that treats all according to the same standard. G-d’s worldview and divine plan for humankind differs greatly in kind and means to bring his Kingdom into the world, as opposed to mankind’s vision of New Babylon that is already becoming a dystopian reality.

Therefore, let us strive to be in accordance with G-d’s promises for His people, by looking forward to the rebuilding of the Beish HaMikdash in the near future; so that we may not falter while the world around us descends into darkness, let us fully place our trust in G-d, and our expectations in his divine plan.

Psalm 61: A Refuge in Exile

A Refuge in Exile: reflections on Psalm 61

It is interesting to note, that David’s flight into exile parallels the exiles of the Jewish people. Even today, during the current exile, we can learn from his words, in regard to the challenges that we face. For, we are indeed in exile, inasmuch that the Third Temple has yet to be built. So, even though, Israel has been a recreated state since 1948, many Jews still live outside of Israel in other countries around the world. The ingathering is not yet complete.

So, we may say with David, “May I take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (Psalms 61:5). Because, no matter where we live, the Shechinah, H’Shem’s Presence will be a refuge for the righteous. As is written elsewhere, “For He concealeth me in His pavilion in the day of evil; He hideth me in the covert of his tent; He lifteth me up upon a rock” (Psalms 27:5, JPS 1917 Tanach).

Tish b’Av 5781

“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. And He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

– Isaiah 2:2-4, JPS 1917 Tanach