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.

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.

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?

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.

Self Destruction

Am Yisrael has historically caused ourselves much destruction and problems. All of our problems are self-inflicted, since if we clung to Hashem properly, He would never have sent us any problems or "bad" decrees. The name a few - the 40 years in the desert, the destruction of both Batei Mikdash, the subsequent Galuyot that we are still suffering from and all that comes with it, and dare I say it- the Holocaust too.

We might not always know exactly what we did wrong, especially since we have lost our Prophets and Sanhedrin; but we do know that we are not perfect and sadly have strayed far from our connection to Hashem. Connection to Hashem = everything wonderful; separation from Hashem = really scary c"v.

When spiritual deficiencies cause physical punishment is understandable. Yet, when the spiritual deficiencies cause physical self-destruction, it is even more amazing. I refer to the situation Israel is facing - specifically with hamas. The self-destruction is apparent to anyone with open eyes. If one has read Rabbi Meir Kahane, he predicted today's situation long ago.

The Israeli Army (IDF) believes in the value of human life - understandable, commendable. They claim it to be a Jewish trait from the Torah - that is not the whole story however. The Torah does not condone putting Jews in danger to protect our enemies' lives. What the IDF does is above and beyond what 'ANY army in the history of warfare has ever done', yet that has not given them an inch of leverage with the UN or anyone else. Instead, the recently released Goldstone report found fault with the IDF during Operation Cast Lead in precisely what the IDF was careful to avoid - unnecessary human casualties.

Today we know that if a child is given a bad title (dumb, stealer, late, untidy) they will take that role soon enough. There is no reason for them to try to impress the other party, if they are not recognized for it. Unfortunately this lesson in self-destruction, Israel has yet to learn. Had they razed the West Bank after issuing warnings and dropping 2 million leaflets, the world would have issued the same scathing reports - big deal. They got it anyway, even though they worked so hard to prevent the casualties. Had they denied entry of aid into their enemies hands, they would have been condemned nonetheless, but they would have starved out their enemy.

The scary thing is that they knew this from the start, yet continued to behave as they did. The world would never give them any leeway - simply because they are Jewish and the world hates us all. Some might even respect a country who properly defends itself. But that was not what was done.

Israel might be thinking they are doing the "right" thing, or the "moral" thing or the "Torah" thing. But those questions are decided by the Torah and its professionals - the Rabbis. A unlearned one cannot be pious (Pirke Avot) - simply, because he does not know what to do or how to do it, what piety can he attain?

Today, it is clear - Hashem wants more from us. We watch and wait as this same situation unfolds with Iran. Will Israel do what's right, what's REALLY right, or what the world wants them to do? (The world basically wants Israel to paint a big bullseye to help Iran aim a nuclear missile to the correct position, c"v.) As we have seen historically, the options on the table may be many, but if we forget for a second WHO is really moving the chess pieces, we become the losers, c"v. If one thinks they are running the show themselves, their punishment is that Hashem let's him do just that. Which usually results in the kind of self-destruction we mentioned above.

May we all merit to see Hashem's light shine upon us and show us the correct path in EVERY facet of our lives, so that we shall not falter c"v for even a moment. We can then merit the coming of Mashiach, quickly, amazingly and peacefully!

Spies - Past and Present

Today, during the reading of the Torah, I found the words of the spies (in America, we read Shelach today) very intriguing. In fact, after reading Rabbi Pinchas Winston for so long, I have come to notice much of our own "spy" mentality quite well.

When the spies came back and began to describe the land, they actually started off pretty nicely. They described the land as flowing with milk and honey, just as Hashem had promised. They explained the might of the nations living there, but also discussed their locations, seeming to say that the land was in fact conquerable. This was the first part. It did not seem like anything "bad" was said about the land, at least not overly so.

What happened immediately after that was the shocker. Calev says 'let us go up into the land and inherit it'. Suddenly the spies changed their story. It was suddenly impossible to capture the land - there were giants; the land was 'eating its inhabitants'; the people are stronger than us (or as pointed out by Rashi and several other places, c"v stronger than Hashem), etc. That seemed to be the main part of the Lashon Hara spoken about the land.

What triggered their reaction? I believe it can be said that the forthright attitude of Calev actually got them scared. It was as if the land was a nice thing they would deal with later at some point. But the moment Calev said let's go up now, they were suddenly struck by fear. Huh? Wait?! We're not ready!

It is well known (explained by Rabbi Winston) that the ARIz"l explains that the generation that will greet Mashiach is the reincarnation of the generation of the Desert. Mashiach ben David is actually Moshe Rabenu as well. The same test that was given to them, would therefore be given to the generation of Mashiach. They failed, we will need to pass.

Today, it is exactly the same. We have all kinds of people who are "Zionists". They love Eretz Yisrael; they make Bar Mitzvahs there; they go to the Israel Day Parade to "show support"; make mock "shuks" in school; make plays for Yom Ha'Atzmaut, etc...But what happens when you tell them that we are ignoring a precious opportunity to do the will of Hashem and move to Eretz Yisrael? You get "it's impossible to live there; there's no business; the taxes....; the government; the army; the bureaucracy, etc".

Isn't it the same? On the one hand, we "love Israel", yet the moment we are pressed to act upon that "love" we c"v deride the land. It seems just the same as the spies and it's quite scary.

We're living in a time where it's no longer just a idealistic thing to do, it's becoming more of a safety concern. While we were promised bloodshed explicitly in TaNaCh before Mashiach, we were at the same time promised safety in Eretz Yisrael (see Yoel 3:5 and Malbi"m). Those days do not seem far away, as anyone listening with even half an ear can attest.

Rejection of Eretz Yisrael is a prime source of Divine punishment, c"v. Not to say that some people don't have legitimate concerns, but the casual rejection is stunning. When it rains on the first night of Sukkot, almost nobody just brushes it off and eats inside. They wait and try to eat in the Sukkah, etc. But yet those same people can casually brush off the Divine will of Hashem to live in the Land or at least aspire to and try to attain that goal. I sometimes wonder if people actually realize what they are praying for. If they did, they would realize that we ask Hashem for the Land more than our health, or Parnassa or anything else. It's in almost every prayer from Al Hamichya and Birkat Hamazon (several times) to every Amidah (also several times).

Maybe we need to realize that our "priorities" (especially if we are the reincarnation of the spies) is not usually [naturally] in line with Hashem's priorities. If we correct the sin of the spies, we will surely merit to see the redemption sprout forth quickly, and painlessly, Amen.

Forcing our hand

It's quite clear what obama's objectives are. Lehavdil, we are also quite sure of Hashem's objectives. The question is how do the 2 reconcile?

I believe that the hand of Am Yisrael is being forced. Sometimes that's actually a good thing. By forcing us into a position where we MUST say no to America and defend ourselves, we will be forced to rely on Hashem. There really is nobody behind us. America has never been, either. Even the facade that made it seem that it was America, was only Hashem. Therefore the facade is being removed, so we can trust in THE true cause...

As the demands pile up and we see how stupid they are, it is becoming clearer what will need to take place. Territory for terror as someone put it...That's the trend. Apparently the world just wants us to leave the land once again. As the pictures from the Israel Day Parade yesterday in Manhattan showed 'Close Gitmo, Re-Open Auschwitz' - That's what they want from us.

We're entering a period of time where what will directly determine our fate, is our trust in Hashem. There is nothing else to trust in. Hashem is exposing the false gods for what they are. Time to open our eyes.

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.

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!

Tricking Ourselves

I strongly believe that we will be greeting Mashiach very soon. It's very clear to me. It's clear to many readers of this blog and others. It's clear to the autistic children, the rabbis [who know a little more than us], the people dreaming about it, the malachim, the universe and the earth (earthquakes?!)...

I just finished reading "Death Train", describing the beginning of one holocaust-survivors' story. The following quote sparked this article:

"This is too incredible, too bizarre to believe!" I argued. "Why would they tell us that we were being sent to a work camp and then send us somewhere else?"

"They lied to us and we all fell for it, perhaps because we wanted to believe we were not in such imminent danger," my husband explained.

It perfectly described the quandary I find myself and others in. We find it too difficult to deal with the truth staring us in the face. We find excuses to calm our minds down, basically just numbing the true feelings inside.

If c"v the situation suddenly turns bad and we find it impossible to escape from exile and get to Eretz Yisrael, we'll truly be kicking ourselves for our inaction. All excuses would be null and void. It wouldn't make a difference to blame the Rabbis or anyone else for not urging us to get out. It would simply c"v be too late.

Lack of funds/job ranks at the top of the list of excuses for not moving to Israel. I say, if it were c"v a life-and-death choice, would that stop us? And what's with the lack of trust in Hashem? Is Hashem only providing jobs or Parnassa in America? Isn't Eretz Yisrael the first stop for delivery before the blessings go out to the world? Why are we so stuck in the quicksand [of modern Egypt]?

This week, as we remember the Holocaust and everyone says "never again", realize that just saying those words does nothing at all. There is no way for us to prevent it from happening again. If that is the will of Hashem, we can do nothing about it. We can only prevent the nightmare of Gog Umagog by getting to Eretz Yisrael with as many Jews as we can bring along with us and holding on to our Emuna with iron fists. Uttering false hopes really does nothing. Action is what Hashem is demanding from us at this time in history.

Bibi Government?

Mashiach has not yet arrived, but Bibi and his government was sworn in last night. I'm not sure what that means for the Mashiach government being next. I was hoping we'd deserve it. I guess we still need work, so let's not despair.

I did notice that the government majority was 69 - the same ending as our current year - 5769. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on the relationship.

I still have a very strong feeling that Mashiach's arrival will be preceded by some heavy-duty changes in things we are used to. It has already begun to a large extent and is only getting worse. The dollar is now being questioned if it should remain the world currency. After starting off the new administration with the purchase of failing insurance companies and banks, yesterday the US government officially got involved in the auto warranty business as well. Uncle Sam has been snooping through people's wallets lately and seeing if there's anything more they can take. It has also been reported that they are now eyeing private sector businesses for takeover should they believe that they may hurt the economy.

No, it's not Purim - that's the truth. If we had fallen asleep and woken up to the current reality, we'd be in complete shock. I'm in shock and I haven't been sleeping. Anyone else starting to notice Uncle Sam's striking resemblance to Stalin lately?

It's time to wake up from our slumber. Once the "west" goes down, Mashiach will arrive. The west is going down fast. Some are helping it by accelerating downhill as well. Apparently, that's Hashem's plan. It is not going to be easy for anyone, so we need to at least be aware of what's going on.

(o) (o) - open your eyes wide. The world is not the same...."Change" has indeed begun.

Just Listen...

I'm a big fan of "listening" to the signs all around. While there are no doubt many, many signs to listen to, I try to mention the "big" ones.

Take for example, Israel's announcement that they will be holding a country-wide missile attack drill. This would be a practice drill, in case, c"v there would be an attack on the entire country. This takes into account that the entire country is within range of missiles.

Why does it matter? I feel that when things are totally ignored or done secretly, they may be important, but not as important for everyone. But when things are loud and published and involve the entire country, it means a lot. It's Hashem's message - hey, are you guys thinking about this? It's apparently important enough to involve a whole country.

It reminds me of haman's decree. When things affect everyone, it's time to act. Now is no different. If the goverment of Israel is feeling it so important to make a country-wide drill simulating a missile attack, Hashem is basically getting us used to the idea. It's His way of being kind and compassionate to us, so we can never say 'this came out of nowhere' or 'we would have acted differently if we were warned'.

We have been warned. Over and over and over. I don't know if it could get much "louder" or clearer without the real thing. There isn't much more to say. Just "listen"

Still no Israeli Government

Still no government in Israel. The 2-week extension narrowly misses Pesach. It just makes me wonder, because according to several accounts, Rabbi Kaduri zt"l was quoted as saying that Ariel Sharon's government would be the last one before Mashiach.

We're coming close to the deadline. We are all hoping and praying for Mashiach to come solve all our problems. But with his arrival we will lose our free choice, making it impossible to rectify our past mistakes on our own, or to attain a higher spiritual level of our own accord.

While we should be expecting Mashiach every day, nothing motivates people like pressure (as much as we hate it). Loss of our free choice may be discouraging, but Hashem's Shechina being exiled for 1942 years is much worse. Our own wants and desires, even righteous and proper spiritual attainments, must be put aside for the real purpose - Hashem clearly showing His sole rulership of everything. This will be established through the arrival of Mashiach.

We all hope that it will be soon. Sometimes it feels like we're chasing the horizon, but we are guaranteed that he will come. He's gotta come one day. Pesach is the "time" he's supposed to come. Hopefully it will be this Pesach. If it is, we have very little time. Let's make it count!

Israel Northern Front on Alert

As reported by debka:

"Washington and Jerusalem are bracing for a flareup on the Syrian and Lebanese borders with Israel"

This is due to the international tribunal, slated to begin proceedings regarding Syria's role in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

As we get closer to Purim and Pesach, the situation becomes more tense. Our enemies are surrounding us from all sides, from within and without. The rabid pack of wolves has begun to circle and we are starting to feel the pressure - at least for the people who are watching for it.

I'm not predicting anything here, but I recall reading here, that according to "a mekubal", it will all begin when an arab king is killed. Although, one can argue that Hariri was not an "arab king", one never knows. Syria has been looking for a fight for a while. Hizbullah has only strengthened themselves in preparation for the next "battle". Iran is on a crash course with the world. Especially of interest is their "good nuclear news" for the first day of Pesach.

Our Rabbis teach us "Ba'avod Reshaim Rina" - when the wicked are destroyed, we should sing and be happy. In contrast, we must understand that when the wicked are happy (or when they have "good" news), it must only mean that there is an evil plan hatching. As all things in life, we are in the dark about what the enemies of Am Yisrael are planning. We only know their general mission is to destroy us. Whether physically, spiritually or both, it's all the same.

We should all be familiar with the prophecies regarding the end of days. At the most basic level, it is definitely not something to look forward to. Since it did not happen yet, we still have the option on preventing it with our fervent prayers and good deeds. Torah learning and doing Chesed with our brethren are the only things that can save a person from "Chevle Mashiach" - the birthpangs of Mashiach, which is what the world is experiencing now. If we focus on becoming better, we will affect the entire creation. Hopefully, if we do enough, we can prevent the apocalyptic prophecies and instead greet Mashiach out of happiness and closeness to Hashem.

The basic rule we should focus on, is that the end is drawing near for the forces of evil, who manifest in both physical and spiritual forms. As they near their destruction, they increase their pressure to destroy us and prevent the Geulah (which means their own demise). That is why we are seeing Yeshivot and Kollelim unable to keep up; people becoming depressed from lack of work and income; people afraid to give charity for fear of the future; children falling prey to the worst of elements, etc.

If we know the rules of the game, we're one step ahead. These forces are all trying to hide the truth from us, to prevent us from trusting that this is all from Hashem. They want us to get so involved in the hullabaloo of what's going on, that we have no time or patience to focus on true soul searching and self-improvement. Therein lies all the danger. We're fighting for our survival. We're guaranteed not to lose - but we need to put in the effort.

May Hashem grant us the light of Truth, to shine on our paths - illuminating the proper way we should be headed. May He open our eyes, ears and hearts to realize and understand the gravity of the situation and what we must engage ourselves in. May He give us the strength to fight the forces of evil encircling us from all sides. Only He knows what's best for us. If we trust Him, we will only know good, Amen.

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!