This Shabbos is Shabbos HaGadol, the Shabbos before 11 Nissan and Chag Ha’Pesach. These two Yomim Tovim complement each other. Chazal tell us that Pesach not only marks the liberation from Mitzrayim but also marks the beginning of the process of the final Geula. The process of geula will ultimately culminate through the avoda of Melech HaMoshiach, whose birthday is 11 Nissan.
The purpose of the test is actually that it should be confronted and overcome. By doing so, the concealment is pushed away and nullified and the truth is revealed.
A judge and prophet exist (eternally) in every generation (as a constant sign of the revelation of G-dliness in the world).
In place of all this tragedy and suffering “our mouths will be filled with laugher and our tongues will sing.”
A woman does this through her own proper conduct, as well as by educating her children and family members to behave in a manner appropriate for a “Sanctuary” and a “Temple” for G-d, and in particular, a finely crafted and adorned Sanctuary or Temple.
One of Jewish history’s most significant and tragic events was the creation and worshipping of a Golden Calf, just 40 short days after we received the Torah at Sinai. Because of the severity of this transgression, the Torah records G-d’s threat: “I have observed this people and look! They are a stiff-necked people. Now leave Me alone, and My anger will be kindled against them and I will annihilate them.”
We now clearly see that in addition to the fact that Jews are “hachein kulchem” for the redemption, standing ready to greet Moshiach, even the Gentiles stand “hachein kulchem,” ready for Jews to finally get out of exile and go to Eretz Yisroel, in the true and complete redemption.
In the Egyptian exile there was no alternative other than to nullify or crush the opposition, which was accomplished by the Plagues against Egypt. In that case there was no choice, as it were, but to use severe force. But apart from that scenario, where possible, we strive to confront opposition specifically with pleasant and peaceful means. * From Chapter Seven of Rabbi Shloma Majeski’s Likkutei Mekoros (Underlined text is the compiler’s emphasis.)
“I am one hundred and twenty years today,” “today my days and years have become complete,” enriched and complete days and years, both physically and spiritually. The continuation of Moshe’s 120 years is the eternal life of the true and complete redemption.
For the past 20 years we have been researching and reporting on developments in the world that have come about as a result of the Swords into Plowshares declaration of 5752 (1992).
While last week’s parsha recounted the story of the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai, some additional details are discussed at the end of this week’s parsha, Mishpatim.
In our previous articles we discussed the Torah view of Jewish kings in general and King Moshiach in particular. We wrote that the life of Malchus Beis Dovid – and Moshiach specifically – and their ability to accomplish their mission, originates from the nation that they lead.
Everything is now ready for the feast, the feast of the Future Era (“a day that is entirely Shabbos and tranquility forevermore”), when there will be (after the preparations of Erev Shabbos are completed) the ultimate experience of eating fish, “the flesh of the Leviasan,” as well as Shor HaBar, and Yayin HaMeshumar.
March 30, 2015