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There are two differing opinions in the Talmud as to when the world was created. One opinion is that it was created in Tishrei and the holiday of Rosh Hashanah which occurs in that month is proof of this. The other opinion is that the world was created in Nissan - so to speak, the planning and decision to create our universe took place in Nissan even though the actual process may not have begun until Tishrei. Jewish tradition treats Rosh Hashanah, the first day of Tishrei as being the day of the birth of the creation process. Nevertheless the idea of Nissan as being the anniversary of the world’s formation is an intriguing one. The Talmud teaches us that the world was originally created b’midat hadin - by the standards of strict justice. That certainly is represented by the month of Tishrei which is the month of judgment when we are all weighed in the scales of God’s unfathomable justice. However the rabbis teach us that our world would have no chance of permanent existence if it was judged by midat hadin solely. So, God, so to speak, tempered the midat hadin with midat harachamim - the measure of mercy, forgiveness and compassion. That midat harachamim is represented by the month of Nissan, warm, optimistic, fresh and invigorating. It is true that judgment takes place in Tishrei and that our years are counted from that month onwards. But the influence of the month of Nissan is nevertheless felt even in the midst of judgment six months later - it is our hope for a merciful outcome on the days of judgment.
The same type of differing opinions appears in the Talmud regarding the time of the ultimate redemption of Israel. One opinion is that it will take place in Tishrei and the alternate opinion is that it will occur in Nissan. Here also I feel that we are not so much concerned regarding actual dates as we are regarding the climate and environment that will lead us to eventual redemption, security and peace. The idea of Tishrei is again one of judgment - that we will merit the redemption based upon our sterling character and impeccable behavior. We will be entitled to redemption for we have earned it through our behavior and obedience to God’s will and commandments. Well, in our current world that seems to be a bit of a stretch for us. But if the redemption is Nissan born, arriving through Heaven’s mercy and compassion and independent of our human failings and errors then Nissan is truly the month of our redemption. Some of the rabbis in the Talmud therefore stated that the first redemption of Israel from Egyptian bondage occurred in Nissan - the Jewish people on their own merits was not entitled to deliverance - so too will the final redemption of Israel also occur in Nissan - by God’s mercy, compassion and in His own inscrutable way and time. It is because of this that Nissan is so joyously welcomed by the Jewish people, mired as we are in so many difficulties, disappointments and doubts. Nissan, the month of springtime, raises our hopes and spirits.
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
