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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 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 Rebuilding Jerusalem
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 3
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D'varim EXCUSES ARE RUNNING OUT
p. Dvarim, Shabbat Chazon, Tisha b'Av
p. Dvarim, Shabbat Chazon, Tisha b'Av
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
