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!

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'...

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.

Dubai having money problems

Just continuing the spiral downwards - the downfall of materialism - the truth coming out of hiding... Dubai declares that it cannot pay its bills. They want to delay payment on their $60 Billion in debt for at least 6 months, until May 2010.

I see the Geula approaching every day - do you? Be sure to leave some comments...

Turning Point

Since I read that the Israeli country-wide emergency preparedness drill next week is to be called "Turning Point 3" I couldn't stop wondering. The name was chosen by Israel for their own reasons....but it still may be signaling a turning point in world history. There have also been 2 redemptions so far, the one we are expecting is the third.

As I try to prepare to receive the Torah on Shavuot, my mind cannot stop thinking...'am I really prepared for the Geula?' We're all hoping for it, but sometimes as it begins to come into view and reality begins to set in, it gets very scary.

Are we really ready? What does ready actually constitute? I'll leave everyone to do their own soul-searching. Personally, I don't think it should be any different than Yom Kippur.

Returing to Israel

It has been brought down by many, including Rabbi Amnon Yitzhak that the RaAVaD said that our year - 5769 is Yovel Rabati (the 50th Jubilee). He brings down the Pasuk regarding the Yovel - on that year "Tashuvu Ish El Achuzato..." - each man shall return to his rightful piece of land. Meaning to say that on this year (being that it is the Grand Jubilee) we shall all return to Eretz Yisrael with the coming of Mashiach.

On the other hand, we know that the Rambam establishes Halacha that Am Yisrael will not be redeemed unless we [all] make Teshuva. A very hard thing to imagine under current circumstances.

What came to mind is the word connection. The two words - Tashuvu and Teshuva are spelled almost the same and are actually only one numerical value apart. (תשובו, תשובה)

In fact, the meaning of the word is the really the same - both discussing return. Return to Hashem or return to a piece of land. It just makes me wonder if we can learn the Rambam as saying - if we all return to Eretz Yisrael, we will merit the Geula.

Signals of what's coming?

Seeing what happened today in London, as the G20 summit commenced, should make us all shake with dread. When crowds are completely out of control and police can do little to stop them, therein lies a terrible danger.

Our history is ridden with stories of out-of-control mobs. We all know what they did to us over the years. Jews have always borne the brunt of angry mobs. If the past mobs in London, Sweden and other cities around the world were not enough, today's London mob was a clear warning from Hashem.

The Jews of the diaspora need to all wake up. Hashem is calling us in more than one way. It's up to us to listen to His call and get out. There still may be some time. We all know what happened just a few decades ago to the ones who just didn't make it out in time - who didn't heed the call of the signs Hashem was sending them. But they didn't have a homeland to go to.

Today, Hashem has given us back Eretz Yisrael. Not that the government is on our side or the side of Emet - I honestly believe they are the Erev Rav, but the Land is still ours and it's still Kadosh (holy). If we understand the significance of our return to the land and even it's bearing of fruit once again, we would realize that they are giant miracles that Hashem is showing us.

It is clear from our Nevi'im that we would return to the land prior to Mashiach's arrival. It is spelled out by them explicitly and expounded upon by the commentators. It's part of the Geulah.

I've mentioned before, that the Ari za"l says that the generation that will greet Mashiach is the reincarnation of the Dor Hamidbar (generation that left Egypt). We are those people and we need to fix what was done by the Meraglim (spies), chiefly not loving the Land of Israel and not appreciating its spiritual value.

Whether a person chooses to come to the Holy Land for spiritual reasons or practical safety concerns, there is no doubt that it is the safest place to be. The Nevi'im describe how Hashem will save and protect those on "Har Zion". Others will need strong merit to be saved. I hope that we will make Teshuva now and not need any shots to ring out (or missles to be fired) to act as a catalyst. Our history, however proves otherwise. But we know that in the end, we will be saved. Why is any business, parnassa, family, house, car, whatever reason enough to hold us back from the Emet? If we truly believed in our own Nevi'im, I'm sure we'd act different. We're living those words today. It's a matter of time before the rest of the [hi]story is complete. Let's make it a good ending.......

We're in the year

תשס"ט - תהיה שנת סוף טוב

Tih'ye Shenat Sof Tov - Let it be the year of a good ending (of the Galut)

Let it be wonderful! Let it come peacefully! Let us all be in Eretz Yisrael to see it unfold!

Amen!

Grad - The Next Level

Just a quick thought here...When you rearrange the spelling of GRAD in Hebrew, it forms the word DaRGA - which means level in Aramaic. Not only has the Grad missile been the next "level" of rockets being used by the enemy, it surely represents that we are a level closer to the Geula!

ps - Speaking about the "next level"...Since we can clearly glean the direction that the Geula is headed in (which is looking more like a massive war, c"v); I feel that it would be beneficial for all, if I would discussing some important thoughts and topics of trust in Hashem. Our Rabbis tell us that our trust in Hashem is most important in our specific generation. I was thinking of doing this in a separate blog, which would be dedicated to discussing only thoughts on Emuna and Bitachon. I figure that it would all be coherent and organized that way. I would appreciate any comments from the dedicated and much more experienced readers/bloggers - whether I should open a separate blog for it, or just discuss it here.

Thanks everyone!

Israel 18th Knesset

I would like to remind everyone of something that was said in the name of the famed Kabbalist, Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri a"h, that Ariel Sharon's government would be the last government before Mashiach.

Due to Sharon's incapacitation, Olmert took over the "Sharon" government. Due to some complications, futher followed by Livni being unsuccessful in securing a coalition, the current elections were called for.

Let's also keep in mind that it's the 18th Knesset in the history of the "modern" Israel. 18 is "Chay", life - a good sign. Hopefully we will see the eternal "life" of Klal Yisrael when Melech HaMashiach arrives very soon!

What's interesting is that due to the close tie in this election, Kadima (Livni) with 28 seats and Likud (Netanyahu) with 27, things got a little complicated. It has been suggested by many that Livni will be unable to make a coalition (as she had previously failed to accomplish) and therefore the position of Prime Minister will be given to Netanyahu. It has been said that it may take up to 6 weeks to form the coalition and determine who will be Prime Minister.

It does not seem far-fetched to assume that there may be some type of legal dispute over the Prime Minister position, especially considering that BOTH Livni and Netanyahu have declared victory and given victory speeches (a most odd thing indeed, but a sign of the "chutzpah" in our times). Since officially, a new government has not been set up yet, Rabbi Kaduri's prediction is still in effect (and I truly believe it will be true).

As we get closer to Purim (I hope to write about this soon) and Pesah, It seems that we will be seeing the Geula continue to unfold even more clearly. Since the new government will likely take several weeks to form, it's date of "arrival" will possibly coincide with Purim or even later. A lot can happen by then, and I'm expecting it to.

We all need to believe that Mashiach can come TODAY, yet many may find it too hard to truly believe. If however, we look at the signs, it may become easier to feel the Geula coming and expect Mashiach at any time. Let's increase our "good behavior" and Teshuva. Let's ask ourselves - Are we doing enough?! What if today is the last day with a Yetzer Hara?

The popcorn is popping....we can hear the "pops" getting faster!
see Rabbi Pinchas Winston - on "microwave popcorn" - from several years ago, but even more pertinent now.

Li'shuatecha Kiviti Hashem - I hope (await) for your salvation, Hashem!