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- Redemption - Geula
Yeshayahu wastes no time and dives headlong into the existential question that has bothered centuries of Jews throughout the four corners of the globe: How long will we suffer? When will the Geulah (final redemption) arrive? What will bring Mashiach? The prophet gives us the following formula: "Dabru al lev Yerushalayim ve-kir'u eleha ki mal'a tzva'ah ki nirtza avona ki lakecha mi-yad Hashem kiflayim be-chol chatoteha." (Is 40:2) A loose translation renders: Explain with feeling to the people of Jerusalem that the end of fighting occurs when her sins are "nirtza" for she has received double her share of punishment. The commentators point out that the word "nirtza" can be translated in different ways, leading to variant understandings of the verse and two opposing views of when and how we will merit the final redemption.
Radak and Ibn Ezra understand the word to denote a fixed time that has come to its conclusion. The prophet is then implying that there is a fixed "sentence" that has been decreed on Am Yisrael because of all its sins. Once that sentence has been fully served ("nirtza"), then the mashiach can come. In other words the date of arrival of mashiach has been fixed in advance! Seemingly nothing can influence that date. Moreover, Chazal tell us not to even try and calculate that date: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time but at the end it shall speak and not lie; though he tarry await him (Havakuk 2:3) … R' Shmuel b Nachmani said in the name of R' Yonatan: May the spirit of those who calculate the end [of days] expire ... rather await him!" (Sanhedrin 97b).
On the other hand, Rashi and Malbim explain that "nirtza" means appeasement. Our sins can be appeased and forgiven either by our repentance, or due to the overbearing punishment we've received. This then is dependant on us and our actions. As a result, the time of the Geulah is flexible! Chazal list numerous things which can hasten the redemption: "He who occupies himself with Torah study for its own sake brings redemption closer" (Sanhedrin 99b); "If they repented for even one day, they would be immediately redeemed and [mashiach] the son of David would come" (Shir Hashirim Rabba 5:1); "Even if Jews remain only with hope and expectation, they deserve redemption as a reward for their expectation and hope".
We already see now how one word of the prophet Yeshayahu can hint at a wealth of world outlooks. This in turn can affect one's actions, thoughts and prayers: Are we working towards hastening the Geulah, or fulfilling our obligations to our Creator and when the time is right, the redemption will come regardless?
Rabbi Hillel Maizels
The Rabbi of Kehillat Ohel Efraim in the city of Ariel of "Bet Shalom" Shul in the Ariel University.
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Is Redemption Fixed or Flexible
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 1
The Seven Weeks of Condolence God's Punishment and Comfort are our Support
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 4
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Hester Panim, Exile and Redeption
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 6
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
The Seven Weeks of Condolence God's Punishment and Comfort are our Support
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 4
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Hester Panim, Exile and Redeption
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 6
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
