Ahmedinejad escapes a bomb

We have seen several downward trends of the modern day 'haman' (ahmedinejad). He just escaped a bomb in the city that is most likely "Shushan" from the story of Purim. I wonder if this can be compared to the first drinking party that haman was invited to with Esther. Esther could have given him up during that party, but chose to wait it out. The following day was full of embarrassment and downfall for the arrogant haman and culminated in his being hanged.

Maybe today's escape of a bomb was like haman's escape during the first party. I am hoping that this means his end is very near and hopefully the same tree (nuclear weapons) he planned to use against Mordechai (Israel) will be used upon him very soon.

(On another note, there are still Jews in Iran - apparently there is still spiritual work for them to do there. As far as I understand, they have no way to get out. We can all pray for them and hope that Hashem has mercy upon them and rescues them from their wicked country, Amen.)

More Oil

The world is having serious issues with oil as of late. After China's pipeline burst a short while ago and the Gulf of Mexico fiasco - here comes another oil leak after a ship hit an oil well.

I guess the world is fulfilling the prophecy of all the water being filled with oil and it will be impossible to find a fish even for a sick person.

Are we reaching a critical time this Rosh Hodesh Av?

I've been reading on all my favorite blogs (links below), about the critical moment of Be'Itah (referring to the redemption coming in 'its time') beginning this Rosh Hodesh Av. Roughly, this would mean that the period of time in which the redemption could have occurred "early" or "hastened" would have passed and we would be entering a new phase of waiting for the actual pre-appointed time for Mashiach to arrive.

I have some points to discuss and would like to bring this out for public discussion so we can all try to understand this properly.

1- The time calculation is being quoted as bringing us to the time of Mincha Gedola. This is being calculated based on the 41.66 years to 1 hour of a creation day conversion. Further, it is being quoted as being made by the Vilna Gaon (GR"A). However, upon further analysis, I remembered reading articles by Rabbi Pinchas Winston which stated that the GR"A's calculation of years is actually 83.333 years per hour of creation as no creation was done at night. This brings us to be currently located in the 10th hour of the day - after 3pm. See article and chart at JIDF. How can we calculate a date quoted by the GRA with a calculation he himself does not hold of?

2- The Gemara in numerous places already says that all the dates of Achishena have already passed. So what is so exciting about what's going on now?

3- Does anybody have a source of this calculation?

4- There is quite a bit of discussion of whether this calculation works out to be this year or next year - based on the question of what the first year of creation was (either 0 or 1). The consensus seems to be tilting toward the correct calculation being next year. Why don't we clear this up as well.

5- What about the "missing years" I keep reading about. I have sporadically seen this mentioned in blogs and in an article I saw once, but have personally not researched the issue much and have never noticed any Sefarim discussing it. Let's discuss this as well.

6- I know that we all write about Mashiach and calculations, gematriot and whatnot - and often there is quite exciting information to be published. However, by saying that we are entering a new time period and basically saying, from now on, we'll need to wait for the appointed time (which could technically be any time) aren't some people going to be disappointed and possibly even think (incorrectly) that Mashiach cannot come at any moment, since his "time" is already decreed?

Just some questions I've had. I'm just looking for feedback and discussion to clarify the issue further. I would love to hear from anyone who has more to add to the discussion and hopefully add some clarity.


Some of the wonderful blogs I've seen this calculation quoted:
Yeranen Yaakov
Mystical Paths
Shirat Devorah

Shavua Tov!

America's 234th Birthday

Just happened to realize - today's celebration of America's 234th birthday may have brought America full circle. It is the same Gematria of what America lives and breathes for - the Dollar.
Dalet (4), Lamed (30), Resh (200) = 234.

The Declaration of Independence was signed on the 17th of Tamuz (July 4th 1776) - a day famously known for 5 harsh decrees being carried out against Am Yisrael. One of those was the walls of Yerushalayim being broken - beginning the end of the Bet Hamikdash and beginning of Galut. America, by beginning on that same day, is surely the beginning of the end of the Galut. But even more so, it may have a very big part in way things play out - being that it is the current leader of Esav - and as Jewish End of Days reminds us, Esav acting as our brother - all too often giving us the rope to hang ourselves.

Let's see...

Jerusalem and lehavdil Manhattan

What they do to us, will be done to them...

Although it sounds ridiculous, but an Indian tribe has filed a lawsuit saying that Manhattan - the world famous city of New York and parts of New Jersey have been taken from them illegally.

They want to take away Jerusalem from us. They give credence to fools who lie and claim we took their land. They get it served back to them.

I've dreamed of such an incident just to show how absurd it would be and here it is. Hashem is unbelievable!

Shabbat Shalom!

When you play with fire...you get burned

The flotilla that attempted to invade Israel sovereign waters have been seized. Reports are coming out saying that 10-19 people from their crew have been killed after firing upon Israeli ships. The international outcry already has begun. Threats - both political and military have been issued.

Again, as Jews we see the double standard. Who would dare attempt this type of invasion on any other country. That's right, nobody! Because they would be blown clear out of the water, regardless of their claim of "humanitarian" aid. Only Israel has to deal with such issues.

As far as what happened. I am actually very happy. These people came to put the Israeli navy into a position that they could use for their own exploitation against Israel. It's about time Israel did something about it. They deserve what they got- coming with weapons as they did, in order to provoke a mid-sea battle.

Being that this is just a ruse to make trouble for Israel, and less than 24 hours later, the threats of war and other reprisals have already been issued- I am taking note. At any moment, a war can break out that is likely to be an all-encompassing world war. Not much is needed to ignite a tinder box. Why do I care? Because if it ignites "the" war - the war of Gog and Magog, we had better be on our best behavior to make it through.

I'm not trying to scare anyone. I'm just processing the facts of what we all [should] know. Along the lines of 'Who is the wise one, the one who sees what the future will hold'. I'm trying to be wise and get my spiritual books in order. I hope we all can do a wonderful job and prevent the war - rather bring the Geula through happiness and joy. We've had enough suffering throughout history. And although we may really be severely lacking in our performance of Mitzvot and observance of Torah, the test of this exile is tremendous!

Let's all ask Hashem for help. Help for ourselves, our brethren and maybe even the world. But they haven't cared much about us throughout history, so I wouldn't worry too much about them. They'll get what they deserve.

The 10 Plagues..part 2

First we had an oil spill that many say looks like blood.
Now it's frogs all over a highway in Greece.

That's 2 in order. While they aren't the same exact thing, the hints is what's making me take a second look.

If I see a story about an outbreak of lice, I'd say start packing.

But really, we should all be packing regardless ;-)

What do you think? Is Hashem sending us signs that the Geula is coming real soon?

It does say (about the final redemption) - 'as in the days you left Egypt, I will show you miracles'...

Oil Spill - Gematriot

Just a few quick points that came to mind. Would love to hear your take on this.

1) Oil spill happened in the water, in Hebrew: Yam=50. It happened during Sefirat HaOmer where we count 50 days from Pesah to Shavuot.

2) Oil in Hebrew: Shemen = 390 + Water (Yam) = 50 = Total of 440. 440 is "Met" in Hebrew (dead). This may be hinting to something America needs to worry about.

3) As Jews, we are compared to oil and the nations of the world to water. While the nations are plentiful, we are small. Oil and water don't mix. They may mix temporarily when shaken, but quickly separate when left alone. The oil spill can be hinting to the sorry state of intermarriage or even just the state of mingling with non-Jewish ideas. Both of which need to stop. The mention of "death" in #2 above may also be referring to the state of a Jew who so defiles himself.

When the Chafetz Chaim was asked about who will see the Mashiach and the redemption, he replied anybody who's an "Ehrliche Yid" - as he explained a Jew who has no non-Jewish ideas, behaviors, habits, music and even fashion. Not an easy feat, especially in the Galut.

With the news coming in about imminent war on Israel and Iran's current plans - it is just really frightening.

Rabbi Lazer Brody explains how a miracle this past Monday night prevented an Iranian attack on Israel. He also describes how there are concrete plans by our enemies to attempt to destroy us this coming summer. My guesstimate is during the "three-weeks". See interview with General Paul Vallely for the real verified military info.

Before Mashiach comes, everybody's Emunah in Hashem will be thoroughly shaken and tested. The one's who can hold strong will see the redemption. We're witnessing this "shaking" now and while it seems unbearable, it seems like it's only the beginning. Hold on tight!

Interesting hint in the name Al Qaeda

Today, I "happened" to notice something really interesting about the name "Al Qaeda". In Arabic it means "the base" according to Wikipedia. However, transliterated into Spanish, it means "to fall" (google translate).

What exactly that hints to is open to interpretation. I wonder if it signals the downfall of the world as we know it - particularly, Western civilization. Or maybe America as its representative, being that it attacked America and started a chain of events that have significantly altered the course of the country - putting it on a slippery downhill slope.

Either way, I'd love to hear what you have to say about it. Comment below and share with your friends.

Shavua Tov!

US Air Force Launches Secretive X-37B

Yesterday, NASA launched a payload for the US Air Force aboard an Atlas V rocket - the secretive X-37 unmanned space-plane. It seems that this is similar to the Predator drone, except that the X-37 is in space.

After the launch the military went silent and would not further discuss what the craft is/will be doing. I speculate that this may have something to do with reconnaissance on Iran. Whether true or not, Iran likes to take issue at anything it remotely imagines to be a threat. I cannot imagine this launch would be any different.

With Iran flexing their muscles with war games and this launch taking place on the same day - it seems that each nation is flexing their muscles. As we all know, this will all lead to a showdown - with Jerusalem being the center of attention. May Hashem protect us all!

Mussar Lesson from Neil Cavuto

Don't really want to post this, but I think it has an important lesson for us all. All the more so during these tough times that we know [almost] everyone is going through.

After an interview with Dr. Jack Kevorkian - an infamous doctor who has assisted many patients with severe medical problems, commit suicide, Neil Cavuto has a powerful lesson. The lesson is one we all need to drill into our brains and hearts daily. Our happiness and zest of life is in our own hands (read: minds). We control not only how we feel now, but our future happiness as well. Being positive and remaining steadfastly connected to Hashem will only bring us continued Beracha and happiness. Chas VeShalom, being down and depressed will only bring more of that as well.

Being happy is not just a state-of-mind - it actually is deeply rooted in our souls and their ability to be a vessel capable of accepting Hashem's blessings. Rabbi Winston has a whole book dedicated to explaining this in detail - Be Positive is not just a blood type. I highly suggest everyone read it. I'm on it for the second time now and know people who keep it in their pocket like a Tehilim. It's that important to be positive and realize that everything is truly from Hashem and for the best.

Neil Cavuto's Message:

In Response to How Jews are Seen - America versus the World

In response to the article by Harry Maryles, in his article How Jews are Seen - America versus the World I felt the need to write this (what originally started as a comment). Please read the article first to understand the flow.

First of all, I appreciate the article's thought provoking insight. In no way do I want to detract from it, rather to clarify some things that may not be as apparent to all.

I must say that there is an apparent flaw in the thinking that Esav Soneh Le'Yaakov means only to physically oppress Jews. As the Holocaust and history has proven - it is the most common form, however spiritual oppression is even more powerful and permanent. This point connects what I see as two flaws in thinking together - the fact that Jews are not subject to Anti-Semitism in America and the fact that Jews intermarry and are accepted by gentiles can be considered as a yardstick to measure Anti-Semitism.

America allows Jews to live and be free; to have rights just as much as everyone else. This in turn has all-too-often caused (or even just enabled) the American Jew to abandon his heritage and his religion. While many of the generations sprouted from these original Jews are actually not Jewish, since their mothers were not Jewish, they will always be referred to as Jews. Much of Hollywood do have Jewish names, but are they all Jewish? Mostly not.

When the assimilated Jew intermarries, it may seem to be an acceptance of the Jew - which one may believe is not anti-semitism. Again, many of those "Jews" are really Goyim - and even if they are truly Jewish, what is worse Anti-Semitism than being so happy that the Jew has dishonored his own religion.

Esav gives us the rope to hang ourselves and that is how they destroy our SOUL. Nobody can argue with the fact that R' Akiva was murdered for Anti-Semitic reasons (teaching Torah publicly); yet he departed this world with his soul completely in tact - which cannot always be said of the American Jew - even some of the most religious. That is why the real Esav Soneh LeYaakov hatred is much worse today than ever. Although on the surface it seems so nice that the Jews feel comfortable in America; and the Israelis feel comfortable that America is [somewhat] behind them, there is always an agenda under the surface.

For example, regarding the Evangelicals that were mentioned: they are completely selfish, believing that when we have our own land and live there, their own savior (JC) will come as Messiah - and that he cannot come until that fact comes to fruition. That is why they fund Aliyah and are staunch supporters of Israel. No doubt part of a Divine plan to get us moving there for the REAL Geula, yet they themselves will be punished for their actions regardless as was Pharaoh even though he caused us to cry out to Hashem and pray for redemption.

America has their own agendas and even a quick glance at the book - The Secret War against the Jews can get your blood boiling. It might not always be clear, but there surely is one.

We need to walk away with the knowledge that America is the wolf in sheep's clothing. The world has tried to oppress us for years and years - physically - in ghettos, in concentration camps and gas chambers. We were warned about this in the Torah - if we waver in our faith and Torah, Esav will rise up against us. The true purpose is to make us stronger in our faith and commitment to Hashem and Torah, which often happened. Today, they have found a new way to kill us, permanently - destroying our souls. This has proven most effective as we can all attest to in one way or another. The intermarriage rate alone is staggering.

I fervently pray that Hashem open our eyes to see the truth and not be caught up in the winds of freedom that have proven so dangerous. May we all merit to see the ultimate redemption appear through peaceful means, very soon, Amen.

Erlau Rebbe on Volcanic Ash

The Erlau Rebbe says the halting of flights by the volcanic ash is a message world leaders: Hashem is the ruler of the world...

[via: YWN]

Volcanic Ash = Ominous Dark Cloud

Sometimes, things just look a certain way because they are. The ominous dark ash cloud covering much of Northern Europe right now, may be a sign of [bad] things to come for those nations.

If we consider the recent treatment Israel has been receiving from America, as well as the threats from Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza on Israel, there are additional "dark clouds" in the air.

Maybe we are all in denial as Rabbi Winston writes in this past week's Perceptions. If so, we must realize that Hashem is showing us a sign over Europe. Many boys attempting to get back to Yeshiva have been stuck - unable to fly. Despite all our good intentions regarding making Aliyah to our homeland - the time may just come where that is no longer possible. While up until now it has seemed far-fetched, maybe we are being sent a message that it is not so. Who in their right mind would have believed such a remote possibility - grounding tens of thousands of flights in an instant?

Rabbi Winston has been writing about the "window of opportunity" for many years. It seems clear that the window is closing. The only comfort that I have, is that it has Baruch Hashem not happened yet. But those clouds and their sudden appearance have got me quite scared.

....It all happens for us to learn. Will we ever?

Swift Justice

I just got finished reading Yeranen Yaakov who quoted Rabbi Lazer Brody regarding today's grounding of all flights in England due to the ash clouds from the recent eruption of an Icelandic volcano.

Rabbi Brody says that the long arm of Hashem's justice reached England, who's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled just yesterday that photos of the Kotel and the Har Habayit were not allowed to be shown as part of advertisements for tourism of Israel, since they were in "occupied" territory and not Israel.

Besides the unbelievable measure for measure, the swiftness of this punishment is what intrigues me most. While exile is a function of Hashem hiding Himself and His omnipresence; Geula is exactly the opposite - a clear revelation of Hashem's presence. The swiftness and openness of today's events shows us that we are quickly approaching a more open revelation and therefore Geula is closer.

Whether the world realizes it or not, is not really important. It is only important that we, as Jews see it. Since all world events are an encrypted email to us all.

May we all merit to see the Geula with our own eyes, as it comes peacefully, very shortly, Amen.

Divine Providence - Story

Yesterday, while at the park with the kids, I noticed a little girl crying. She was obviously lost and distraught, looking for her mother. I asked her if she was lost and wanted to find her mother and walked with her towards the more populated area. As we approached, she saw her mother who was frantically looking for her and she ran to her. As she thanked me, I noticed the mother - she looked familiar, I just wasn't 100% sure.

When I got back to my wife and kids, I said I thought the girl's mother looked familiar. So when we walked back, I pointed her out and my wife confirmed it. She was my daughter's speech therapist who has been instrumental in her unbelievable strides talking the past few weeks. She's 2 but until recently hardly spoke.

Thinking about it on the way home, I was amazed at the Hashgacha Peratit - Divine Providence. I said she helped our daughter and we helped hers. Chesed (even as a job) never goes unpaid.

Kassam falls short and hits Arabs

If only someone could spike their rocket fuel, so this could keep happening...

Terrorist groups based in Gaza have increased their rocket fire on southern Israel in recent weeks, launching dozens of attacks and murdering one kibbutz worker from Thailand. On Wednesday of this week, Gaza-based human rights organizations spoke out – after a misfired rocket accidentally hit Arabs, not Jews.

The incident took place on Wednesday, when a rocket fired from northern Gaza fell short and hit civilian homes in the Gaza city of Beit Hanoun. Four people suffered shrapnel wounds, and at least two buildings were damaged.

The Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights blasted Hamas over the latest incident. As the ruling power in Gaza, Hamas “is legally obliged to provide protection to civilians... and law enforcement persons must take necessary procedures to protect civilians and their properties,” the group declared.

The organization has not seen fit to condemn attacks on Israeli civilians, which it terms “resistance.” Over 4000 fell on Israeli civilian areas before the Cast Lead Operation and many have been fired on Israel in the past few weeks.

Wednesday's incident was not the first in which Gaza terrorists accidentally bombed their own people. Several Gaza children have been killed or wounded by misfired Kassam rockets in the past. (IsraelNationalNews.com)

Muslim Woman Strangled by Burqa

Just plain weird!

The Muslims today are constantly using their "voices" to get themselves rights, freedoms, etc. when they should really be shutting up and keeping low-key for all the violence that their religious kinsmen have been perpetrating worldwide. The world has, for the most part not realized that despite what they claim, Islam believes in the destruction/submission of everyone else.

Has the voice symbolically been silenced?

from: FOX

Double Standard

It's a familiar headline, 'Israel injures children' or 'Israel targets civilians'. Words that have become so much part of the media, that most of the world truly believes that Israel is a bully state attempting to subdue the "palestinians".

America isn't far behind criticizing Israel, worse so under obama. But the recent video released by WikiLeaks.org shows not only how split-second "kill" decisions are made in a wartime environment, but brings into question whether the US military may have killed innocent civilians who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

While America is standing behind their military (as Israel does), the confidence shown by the military is unbelievable. Israel, on the other hand is almost always on the defensive, even while standing behind their actions. By the time Israel completes their investigation and releases further information, the world only remembers the sensational headlines that were drilled into their heads by the media.

As many have pointed out numerous times, the truth will keep peeking through. Hashem is making this all happen and in due time, the corruption of the world will be available for all to see. It's always a double standard when Jews are involved - always to the detriment of the Jew. Esav hates Yaakov - ALWAYS.

Earthquakes and Divine Providence

We've all noticed the recent surge in earthquakes - actually "natural" disasters in general. They have been coming more frequent and pretty devastating as well.

While a recent report by CNN discusses whether this is actually an uncommon occurrence or not, it clearly shows how Hashem is directing these earthquakes to affect population centers, not the oceans they usually hit.

"Natural processes become disasters only when they interact with people," said Seth Stein, a distinguished faculty member at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Apparently Hashem wants us to take note. To paraphrase the saying - if a 7.7 earthquake rattles the Atlantic, does anyone make Teshuva?

Misfortune only comes to the world for the Jewish people [to make them do Teshuva].

The Jewish People will only be redeemed through Teshuva (RaMBa"M).

America & Pharaoh - Similarities

I was just noticing that America is doing the same as Pharaoh during the 10 Plagues. Pharaoh kept ignoring the signs of his country's downfall at the hands of Hashem - due to his stubbornness to keep the Bnei Yisrael as slaves. He kept making false promises and going back on them when the storm cleared.

America is doing the exact same thing. They are ignoring the fact that the current economic situation was caused in no small part by a false Congress passing corrupt laws full of spending money that was non-existent. They are continuing to do the same thing by increasing their "budget caps" enabling them to spend more virtual money - further plunging the country into debt.

It never ends well...America needs to pay attention and learn from history. We need to learn that Hashem does things to get us prepared for the future.

Tragic Helicopter Crash in Mexico

I am still reeling in shock after hearing and reading about the tragic helicopter crash of the Saba family in Mexico. What a sad day for Klal Yisrael. Tragedies that befall any of us is a true wake-up call, all the more so, when Hashem chooses to wake us up with a bucket of ice-water. I am still recovering from the shock and hope to change for the better in response.

Are any of us ready to go on such short notice? Have we fulfilled our missions faithfully? Have we done what we've set out to do? Or have we let our goals collect dust on a bookshelf? It's times like these to take those books down from the shelf, dust them off and get back on track.

Not to c"v detract from the horrific situation, but I was reminded of the tragic helicopter crash of a frum family in the Grand Canyon on Aug 11, 2001 - just 30 days before September 11th. From what I've heard - some people were saved from being in the World Trade Center on 9/11 due to there being some type of Shloshim program that morning. I just hope this wasn't a warning of something just as big (or c"v bigger).

Let's do Teshuva so we don't have to find out!