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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 Kibutz Galuyot and Self Hatred
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 2
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
