redemption – Page 2 – The Tree of Life

Breaking the Spell

from Darkness into Light: a personal revelation of faith

I was recently inspired by a speaker at a luncheon, after morning services at the place of worship that I attend every Sabbath. He spoke about his experience in the Israeli military, as a commander in the Golani Brigade, leading his unit on a dangerous mission in 2014, during Operation Protective Edge. The mission was accomplished, yet, at a significant cost to his unit.

He went through a year of rehabilitation in the hospital, and continued to suffer from PTSD. I asked him when he began speaking. He responded, that he began speaking several years ago. I followed up with a question, Did speaking publicly help with PTSD? He responded immediately in the affirmative, stating that it is therapy for him.

This resonated with me. And, the timing, around my own hesitance to begin speaking openly about my own experience is more than a coincidence. With that said, I will begin to recount, in as much detail that I am able to provide at this time, my own narrative, concerning my experience the before, during, and after, participation in a New Age Millenarian Therapy Cult.

To start with, for myself, and others who have been in a cult, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is invariably something to contend with by all ex-cult members, regardless of what type of cult they have been in. For myself, to begin bringing these things out into the open is like breaking a spell, so that I may be liberated from the chains to my past that bind me.

In fact, it wasn’t until five years after I broke free from my therapist, that a counselor at the False Memory Syndrome Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania took the time to explain to me that I actually was being held as a “mental hostage” all of those years. Thus began, at that time, an objective inquiry into what I had actually been subjected to all of those years.

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.

Tisha b’Av 5783

reflection for Tisha b’Av day: Stuck in Galus (Exile)

“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, JPS 1917 Tanach

In Galus (Exile), we are bound by our distractions, and deceived by modern culture. Instead of being cognizant of all that has been taken away from us, we are enamored by the glitter of the world. Our eyes are glued to the screens of New Babylon, projecting its images across the world. We forgotten what the psalmist says not forget: “O Jerusalem, if I forget thee…” (Psalms 137:5).

Even so, Moshe prophesied that from this place of exile, we will seek H’Shem. It is just like the zeitgeist of the world, in every age, to try to blind us to the truth, to make us forget our ways, and assimilate into the masses of faceless humanity. Yet, in our hearts, we know who we are, and the call to return to G-d is more powerful than the yearning for endless entertainment. Unearth the treasures of the past, excavate the hidden gems of our ancestors, dust off the pages of scripture, in order to learn the truth. We are not made for this world; we are created to serve H’Shem.

There can be no compromise, as Elijah made clear to the Israelites at Mount Carmel: “’How long halt ye between two opinions? if the L-RD be G-d, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ And all the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21, JPS). Commentary explains, that the people were worshipping both H’Shem and the pagan deity Baal. They had formed a syncretic religion of sorts, where they blended worship of G-d with that of Baal.

Yet, there can be no compromise. Eliah was calling them to follow H’Shem wholeheartedly. Too often, we mix and match our interests, so that we can not give our undivided attention to the only One who deserves it. “Hear O Israel, the L-RD our G-d, the L-RD is One. And you shall love Him with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

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 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).

Omer: Day 17 – Back to the Garden

Tiferes shebbe Tiferes: Harmony within Harmony

The epitome of harmony and balance within all of creation was present in the beginning within Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). That harmony was disrupted, when Adam and Chava (Eve) partook of forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Up until that moment, the progenitors of humankind lived in a nondual world of blissful connection to G-d.

Their relationship to Him was whole, and immersed in complete Oneness. They were at one with each other, and all of creation as well. Although, subsequent to their disobedience, the world became an admixture of good and evil.

Throughout history, these two forces often appeared in sharp outlines, discernible even to the casual eye, as well as the more carefully honed conscience. Today, the blur between good and evil that seems to have proliferated during the last several decades is increasing to the point of concern, whereas the boundaries are no longer clearly marked in society.

The prophet’s words apply, “woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that change darkness into light, and light into darkness; that change bitter into sweet, and sweet into bitter” (Isaiah 5:20, JPS 1917 Tanach).

The words of singer songwriter, Joni Mitchell, during the tumultuous 60’s still ring true, “We’ve got to get ourselves back to the Garden.” How so? Through bringing compassion towards a disharmonious world, beginning with ourselves. For G-d primarily expects His crowning achievement (humankind) to live lives that reflect His image. Mankind has fallen far since the days of yore; yet, recovery for the soul is still possible.

With a sincere effort, a response will be elicited from Above. In other words, if we make an effort to improve ourselves, G-d will help us along the way.

note: These are my personal reflections on the implications of today’s combination of middot (character traits). These reflections are not meant to be comprehensive, inasmuch that they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may these ideas be characterized as authoritative, because I profess to being a student, not a teacher. I hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their own personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul).

Redemption at the Sea

Pesach 7th Day – Redemption at the Sea

“And Moses said unto the people: Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the L-RD, which He will work for you to-day; for whereas ye have seen the Egyptians to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” – Exodus 14:13, JPS 1917 Tanach

As the Egyptian army approached, Torah records that B’nei Yisrael, encamped near the Sea of Reeds, cried out to H’Shem in great fear (14:10). The people were divided in their response: 1). Some cried out to H’Shem in prayer, akin to the later writing of the psalmist, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will make mention of the name of the L-RD our G-d” (Psalm 20:8, JPS).

2). Another group of the people, having great trepidation about their circumstances, took the exact opposite approach, expressing their regret for having left Egypt, and complaining to Moshe (see Exodus 14:10-12).

When Moshe responded to the consternation of B’nei Yisrael, in light of their present circumstances, despite the imminent danger, he said to them, “Fear ye not, stand still and see.” Or HaChayim comments, that the words “stand still” convey the essence of prayer, a reliance on H’Shem, and a turning towards Him in the midst of nisyanos (trials). The picture derived is B’nei Yisrael’s trust in H’Shem, in hope of His salvation at a time of great need.

That night, an angel of H’Shem protected the people from the Egyptians, a cloud darkened the Egyptian camp, while a pillar of light shined upon the B’nei Yisrael. Moshe stretched his hand over the sea; and, H’Shem caused the sea to part by way of a strong east wind. The Children of Israel passed through the sea to safety on the other side. Our own expectations of H’Shem for deliverance in our lives, regardless of our circumstances, when made through the prayer of sincerity, may bring results greater than our expectations.

The Pesach Lamb

Shabbat HaGadol 5783

“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying: In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.” – Exodus 12:3, JPS 1917 Tanach

Shabbos HaGadol, the Sabbath before Passover, commemorates the tenth of Nissan (see above). On the tenth of Nissan, only four days before the culmination of our Redemption from Mitzraim (Egypt), B’nei Yisrael was commanded to take a lamb “without blemish” (12:5), and “keep it unto the fourteenth day of the same month,” when the lamb would be slaughtered at dusk (12:6).

According to commentary, when the Egyptians would ask about this, being especially concerned, because the lamb was a type of deity for them, the Children of Israel would respond that the lamb was to be used as an offering to H’Shem. Needless to say, the Egyptians were none to happy about this – their deity being slaughtered – yet, they were prevented by H’Shem from offering any resistance.

This is the lamb that would be slaughtered, “And they shall take of the blood, and put it on the two side-posts and on the lintel, upon the houses wherein they shall eat it..” (Exodus 12:7, ibid). It was provided as a sign, that the Angel of Death would pass over the homes, where the blood had been placed on the doorposts, and lintel. It is of interest to note, that the word, lintel is derived from the Latin, limitaris, meaning, “constituting a boundary” (Merriam-Webster). Indeed, a boundary was drawn that night, between life and death.

The sages explain that this Passover lamb was tied to the bedposts in the homes of the B’nei Yisrael in Egypt. The lamb was inspected for four days for blemishes. On the afternoon of the fourteenth of Nissan at dusk the lamb was slaughtered; its blood was placed upon the doorposts and lintels as a sign. “The blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 12:13). The blood of the lamb protected the Jewish homes from the plague of death, and procured our redemption through the demonstration of our emunah (faith) towards H’Shem.

Divine Wisdom & Natural Ability

parasha Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783

“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; Exodus 35:31, 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, and even moreso at 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).

The builders of the Mishkan were also imbued with wisdom. “And in the hearts of all the wise-hearted, I have placed wisdom” (Exodus 31:6; see also 36:1). According to Akeidat Yitzchak, “divinely inspired wisdom would be paired with natural intelligence” in order for the newly acquired skills of the impromptu artisans to contribute these talents to the building of the Mishkan. In other words, their intelligence was augmented by divine wisdom, for the sake of building the sacred Mishkan.

If only such a combination of the natural in man, accompanied by a divine bestowal of wisdom could guide us in our efforts to create heaven on earth, the world would look very different today. Yet, 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. May we look forward to the assurance of tomorrow’s promises, when G-d’s Kingdom will be established through Moshiach.

Tag: redemption