Another Flood?

We all know the promise of Hashem to Noach, that He will never bring another Mabul to destroy the world. The symbol of this promise is the rainbow, which appears at any moment that there would have been a Mabul had it not been for that promise. Unfortunately, too many rainbows have appeared throughout the world, especially in recent years.

History of the Mabul

One of the reasons for the original Mabul was stealing. The people would steal from each other tiny amounts (worth less than a "peruta" or penny). It is told that each person would steal a tiny amount and at the end of the day, the vendor was left with nothing. This was impossible to enforce in a court of law (Bet Din) as they do not have jurisdiction upon a value so small. Therefore Hashem had to judge the cases.

Once Hashem got involved in dealing with the crime, there was a portfolio of other unpunished crimes that were done by the generation. These too had to be dealt with. Therefore, the flood was brought upon the world, destroying it completely, save Noach and his family and the animals that he was commanded to bring with him into the Ark.

One specific sin that was mentioned was homosexuality. This was not only between people, but even the animals and vegetation became corrupt and acted likewise. The vegetation would not sprout what was planted, rather a different thing. So if someone planted wheat, barley would grow, etc.

Future Mabul

Hashem promised to never bring another flood. But He was discussing one of water. We do know that there will be a flood of fire at the end of days. I try to picture S'dom, the city of sinners - burning down (actually melting down) from the unbelievable destruction that was brought upon it, for its iniquity.

Rabbi Avigdor Miller, zt"l said that New York is even more corrupt than S'dom. Had it not been that there are Jews earning money and supporting Torah with that money, NY would have long gone the path of S'dom. I sometimes wonder if 9/11 was only a preview. I cannot imagine what is to be said of other cities with worse reputations. Or of a country with laws permitting outright stealing under a nice headline of "Bankruptcy" as we see going on today.

If we learn from history, we can therefore expect another Mabul (this time of fire) to come upon the world for its crimes. Most of it will likely have to do with the persecution they have done to us over the years. Once that is being judged, the rest of the crimes will be as well and we can only imagine what will ensue.

Brewing storm

That is why I take particular interest when reading that there are "super volcanoes" brewing in America. Under Yellowstone National Park and Mt. St. Helens in Washington. At some point, these volcanoes can erupt, spewing an unprecented amount of lava, that could cover several states.

Obviously, I have no idea what Hashem's plans are. It would be pretty dumb to even guess. I just take it that we need to realize what's really brewing and what's really in store. The world can continue to think everything is fine and worry about their dollars or what's left of them. Meanwhile, we are being warned to prepare for dangerous tests of our faith. If we can hold on to Hashem, we will be safe. That will surely be a most difficult thing to do. We cannot trust ourselves and must strengthen and prepare for it. Looking around, it is clear that these tests have already begun and will only get tougher.

Who will we trust?

Iran is beefing up its defenses against the threat of an Israeli strike. Yet, in the same day, we hear obama threaten/tell Netanyahu not to strike Iran.

There's absolutely no question that Hashem is putting our faith on the line here. This looming threat of Iran is a perfect storm. It's always in the background and often hits the headlines with scary updates. Hashem is keeping our attention on it. He wants us to focus on Him. He wants us to trust in Him.

Everyone has their idea of how/when/where Israel should strike Iran. Too many may have faith in the IAF. But we all know Who is really in charge. During these trying times pre-empting Mashiach, we are all being tested. Hashem wants to see who really trusts in Him. As it winds down the road and we realize that we really have no other alternatives, that choice will become more and more clear. Soon it will be so clear that we will have lost our free-choice. May Hashem help us all make the best of our free-choice now and choose to trust in Him only. There is nothing else!

Seeing through it all

I just read Shirat Devorah's quote of Rabbi Eli Mansour. The Rabbi explained the Ben Ish Hai's discussion of how saying Shema in the morning and night are able to counteract the evil forces that are always vying for our destruction. (Read it here, it's unbelievable)

The Ben Ish Hai brought down that Goliath tried to prevent the Jews from saying Shema by startling and threatening them in the morning and evening, just at the times they were supposed to be saying Shema. Aren't we all familiar with this? Don't they call it "Murphy's Law"? We just decided to take a new Mitzvah or time learning or whatever upon ourselves and suddenly something happens -- it becomes too hard or whatever. Everyone is familiar with these kinds of things ocurring in their daily lives.

If we realize what's really happening, its just a giant illusion, to protect our free-will and to reward us for our choices. It separates (as they say) "the men from the boys". We are winding down the final [days?!] of history. We are all faced with daily choices. Among the most powerful, are our tests of faith and reliance on Hashem. The economy's downfall directly precedes the Geula and will ultimately cause it. It therefore is a very "on-time" challenge and test. Just as Goliath threatened our ancestors precisely at the most important time of the day, Hashem is using the economy (among MANY other things) to see where our faith really lies.

Our reliance on "other" forces has been shattered. We are now (hopefully) realizing that it is only Hashem in charge. Are we getting caught up with it and becoming shaken-up? Or are we strengthening our faith in Hashem, realizing that only He is orchestrating this plan, for our benefit and redemption?

The fiftieth level of spiritual impurity has far set in. It is a lack of faith G-d and His constant, ever-present directing of even the most miniscule of events. We have long been challenged with it, and dare I say, it is waking up again. The tests of Parnassa are frightful and can bring one immensely closer to Hashem or c"v the opposite.

I dare posit that we are at a critical moment of history where that choice will make all the difference. The redemption from Egypt happened before we entered into battle with this lowest form of impurity. We couldn't survive it without the Torah. Now that we have been granted the most wonderful gift of the Torah, we are expected to fight it and come out winning.

We must also not forget that the redemption from Egypt was preceded by 4/5th of our nation dying in the plague of darkness, because they did not want to leave. We do not want that to reoccur and hence we need to really ready ourselves [mentally and phyically] to be redeemed. The days are winding down. Let's make them count!

I urge you to visit ThirtySix.org for inspiring articles and essays that help us see through it all and clarify our mind's perception in these final days.

Truth Shining Through

I've been noticing many trends with Hashem shining Truth into the world. The signs are clear and ever-present. As the "Giluy Shechina" continues, expect to see more of this:

I previously mentioned the Somali pirates drowning.

Today, a bus in Italy, plastered with a poster advertising atheism, "just happened" to break down on its first run. It had to be returned to the depot for repair.

Again, peeking through the darkness are the first rays of light...The atheists who put up the ad are in a tight spot now - especially since it was a quite uncommon problem. But like Pharoah, they are standing by their stance that it was "pure chance". Expect more "pure chancers" to have the light shine on them soon. It didn't fare well for Pharoah......

And how could we ignore the "moderate" Muslim who beheaded his wife, after she filed for protection from him for domestic violence. A guy who built a TV station to portray Muslims in a good light; to show that they aren't the 7th century barbarians of the Sahara - kills his wife for filing for divorce and protection. An honor killing. So much for the lies about "moderate" Muslims!

Last night, after robbing a woman on the subway, the robber's getaway car "just happened" to crash into a garbage truck instantly killing the robber and critically injuring the driver.

These events are not random. They are not being done in vain. They are direct messages for us to see. The world will probably not care that much, but we do. Hashem is showing us His direct involvement in everything, always. Falsehood (sheker) is being rooted out of the world to pave the way for the ultimate truth!

Seeing Hashem's hand must strengthen our Emunah in Him. I hope to begin writing about Emunah and Bitachon, being our final test in this Exile and the only to be saved. The ones who can hold strong will make it. Hashem wants us to make it and is giving us some help via clear signs that He is here. Let's not spoil the opportunity.