Your New Name - Concepts In Judaism

Thanks to Rabbi Lazer Brody for this great article showing the rich Jewish Tradition of the value of having a Name!

I might add that as every name ever given is prophecy [thus the Rabbi warns against frivolous choices in choosing a name] and contains our Torah [non-astrological] Mazal; Mazal is the Torah defined relationship that we have with Hashem as He calls our name. Thus like any piece of Torah, a Name is the most natural Word(s) of Torah that we possess, and we can gleam infinite wisdom from the Tree of Life just by delving into our names!

Unlike astrology and divination, the soul has a name, and that name is part of the Torah itself; to learn the Name is most distinct path in understanding ourselves as we exist in relation to God. One need only to look into the Torah to see how important it is to have a Name and that its investigation is fundamental in Judaism and tradition straight from the Torah. The Zohar and kabbalah has endless examples of showing how a name entails our mission, not as to show the future, but to connect to our mazal/energy that we constantly live with, and so that when the moment comes to act for God, we have our name to rely upon.

**For the record I do not endorse outright baseless name change;  what I do endeavor to help with is aiding and influencing an additional subsidiary Hebrew Name that serves to help with spiritual insight to a person's life and meaning/purpose. As with any Torah, Hebrew has the divine quality to shine a more precise image of our soul; yet should one want to investigate their natural born name, there is no need to change it out of haste or spite, rather it too yields great wisdom under the disciplines of Torah study, that apply to all learning of names in this way in Torah tradition.

Breslov.co.il:

One of the most frequent questions people ask me is they're allowed to change their names. Hundreds of times, I hear complaints like, "Is it my fault that my grandmother's name was Yenta Dvosha? Why did my parents call me that? They didn't consider what I would have to go through…"

Nimrod was born on a kibbutz in the Galilee. During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, a Hizbolla bullet pierced a hole in his helmet but merely cut his scalp. He needed stitches, but he couldn't ignore the miracle, for less than a centimeter separated between life and death. Nimrod became a baal teshuva, a newly observant Jew, but the name had to go, for the Nimrod in the Torah was the first person in history to rebel against Hashem.

Many people aren't happy with the name that their parents give them, for any number of reasons. The bottom line is that it's their life, and they want to do what makes them happy. Mom might have loved the name of Myrtle and maybe Dad thought that Isidore was a distinguished name, but why should their kids be stuck with a name that makes them miserable? Shouldn't they be allowed the free choice of changing their own name? What are the ramifications of a name change?

The Torah shows us that a change of name invokes a change of good fortune. Abram and Sari were not only childless, but totally infertile. Hashem changed their names to Abraham and Sarah, and they became parents with millions of offspring – we are the proof! Since the name of a person reflects the nature of his or her soul, one who changes his/her name gets a new soul. Usually, his or her life takes a turn for the better. Nevertheless, you shouldn't decide on a new name on your own; seek the advice of a qualified rabbi and genuine spiritual guide who understands the ramifications of a name change and who knows you as well. Such an individual can help you choose the right name.

A person's name, inasmuch as it's the "label" of his or her soul, tells much about that person's character traits. Here are things to consider when changing your name:

1. Choose the name of a righteous person, preferably from the Torah and preferably a Hebrew name, for Hebrew names have a special holiness, and holiness is a vessel for Divine abundance.

2. Don't choose the name of an angel, unless it is a commonly used name such as Michael, Gabriel or Raphael.

3. Stay away from foreign names (see #5, below).

4. Don't take the name of a person who died young or was killed tragically.

5. Don't take a name that is strange. "Trendy" names like "April" or "Tiger" may be fun for a cocktail party, but they're devastating for a soul. They don't stem from holiness so they don't invoke blessings.

6. Pick a name that you like, that you're comfortable with and that best seems to describe you.

When a person doesn't feel good about his or her name, he or she has every right to change it. Changing a name does have its advantages. Our sages say that a name change rips up an evil decree against a person. The Zohar says that by virtue of a name change, one's sins are forgiven. Rebbe Nachman says that a name change can elevate a person. And, the Rambam tells us that a name change helps a person break away from the past and forget it.

In any event, a name change is serious business – don't take it lightly. You can't change your name like your change your clothes, for multiple name changes can trigger severe identity crises. Again, consult a qualified rabbi and genuine spiritual guide whom you trust and who knows you.

Parents have no right to emotionally blackmail their children who want to change their names. Let the child live his life as he sees fit. By the same token, parents cannot expect their children to have the same taste or values as they do, especially when the parent is secular and the child has decided to live an observant lifestyle. The name that suited him on the football field is not the name he wants as a Torah student. "Candy" or "Ginger" was fine for a cheerleader, but the young lady who is now learning Torah in Jerusalem and contemplating marriage would much rather be Rivka or Rachel.

Some months ago, I purchased a new cellular phone. The store manager, a courteous and personable young lady, asked me if I were a rabbi. When I answered in the affirmative, she requested a blessing to get married. She told me that she was 28, a university graduate with a good job and good salary, athletic and considered attractive. She had plenty of dates but no marriage proposals and not even one decent candidate to spend the rest of her life with. "What's wrong with me, Rabbi? What's holding up the train?"

I asked the young woman what her name was. She answered, "Lilit". I gulped. She asked what was wrong. I told her that her name was the wife of the Samech-Mem, better known as the Satan. No wonder she wasn't married. Her  parents. "modern Israelis", liked the sound of they name they give her, but they never asked its significance. That following Shabbat, I arranged a formal name change for her. She was blessed by her new name, "Leah the daughter of Menachem", in front of an open Torah scroll. Lilit became Leah, and Leah became engaged to a wonderful young man less than two months later.

The right name is conducive for inner peace and freedom from emotional bondage. Be careful about picking your new name and don't be impulsive. It's so important to consult your rabbi and spiritual guide. Most of all, be true to yourself. May you have nothing but blessings always, amen!


* * *
We invite you to visit Rabbi Lazer Brody’s award-winning daily web journal Lazer Beams.

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Thank You All

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Signs of Redemption Shining

The Zohar reports that Prophecy stems from the Torah's Noah that in the year 5500 [Jewish Calendar] / 1739  - 6 AM on the paradigm clock [6 Days =Up to 6000 Years of creation of which we are nearly finished with, standing currently at 5774] through the year 5600 [100 years] the wellsprings of Heaven and Earth shall pour forth.

In that time we saw the Industrial Revolution happen on Earth and Torah Scholarship was at unprecedented levels as we saw today's most prominent paths in Torah become  revealed through luminaries such as the Vilna Gaon and the Baal Shem Tov - the fathers of current Talmudic Study and Chassidut.

Scolars point to this prophecy and simultaneously attribute this time to the famous prediction of the Book of Daniel, a book that is said to contain the time and signs of the Messiah, as it famously says, "up to a time, times, and a half." The Vilna Gaon understands that to be a sign for his very own time of existence - 5500, 6 AM the time that the spirit of the Messiah first became aroused on Earth. This was figuratively at the crack of dawn on the paradigm 6th day of Creation [1739] as we head into our destination of Universal Shabbat.

Today we are standing just after 12:30 PM a time that we can begin to pray the afternoon prayer, and one can halachically begin Shabbat preparations.

If we are indeed in auspicious times, then perhaps we should read further into Daniel, as he says, "upon the completion of the fragmenting of the hand.." He said this in regards to the 5500 time period that would extend until it finished; remember it began with a reference to Noah and the symbolism of the year 1739 and all that was happening on Earth at that time - such that we to this day eat of its fruit spiritually and physically; its the same model today!

...Then we  reached the future that is now. Welcome to 3D Printing:





If We are indeed currently witnessing a Second Industrial Revolution, a Physical Miraculous Time, then we should assume that in Spirituality there is another revolution taking place as well. In case one doesn't know where this Torah is to be found, perhaps we should look to the source of the prophecy itself - to Noah. Today Noahides are racing back, and bringing an awareness of Torah that is unprecedented! Only the Zohar Chadash also had this in mind, for it said, in the time of Redemption, the Zohar would be like a spiritual Noah's Ark for all to board safely through heretical waters endangering existence. Welcome to the future; get on board, and taste the sweet waters of redemption, as we get ever nearer to the delights of the River that extends from Eden, the level of the Messianic Shofar Blast - The Understanding of the Torah of The awaited and predicted Messiah.

Symmetry plays far too perfect; and if you haven't stepped into the new/old Torah angles of Noahides/Gerim - well, you are missing out. Step onto Noah's Ark - there is room! And we may not have a choice, for if the World continues its march to Zion, the ways of exile will yield to the eventual Torah of the Messiah...and indeed that is where we are headed - in spirituality and physicality.

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Soul Mazal Presents: Universal Torah Academy For Noahides/Gerim

Soul Mazal presents the Grand Opening of our "Universal Torah Outreach" studies; an opportunity to connect with God through authentic Torah. Our Mission Statement is simple and clear, as Aaron the Priest said, "Love Peace, Pursue Peace, Love Creation, and bring them close to God" [Ethics of the Fathers]. We are proud to introduce custom tailor made individual courses to students of all backgrounds and knowledge levels, to help all achieve their goals and dreams of developing a refined Torah relationship with The Creator.

Each student will be invited to "sit" down with Rabbi David Katz, to mutually formulate achievable goals in attaining mastery and proficiency, through Ancient Torah and modern tradition. Through classic sources and authentic material, the student will interview with Rabbi Katz, and together a course will be set, with an attainable goal in mind, and fully guided and aided by Rabbi Katz. The results are aimed to produce a paradigm shift that enters one into a world of spirituality through learning Torah that helps shape one's true divine identity [The Torah's "Ger"/Non-Jew]. **The curriculum is intended to raise students with a fresh point of view, while not replacing each student's own personal affairs and/or local institutions.

Note: Upon completion of efforts, certificates of personal achievements can be made available, expressing unique goals met and viable levels attained.

The vision of Soul Mazal [Universal Torah] is to better Humanity towards a World of repair – one that is inseparable from God and is inhabited with Righteous Gentiles living through Torah.  Soul Mazal breaks the mold of yesterday, by aiming to bring each student onto his or her natural God-given path where he can experience The Divine Hand in his or her Life. Through study, service, and prayer by means of a dedicated lifestyle of substance, our goals can be accomplished. The secret of the Torah yearns to come to life – "we can know God in this World, in this lifetime, by means of full revelation and profound relationship."

The following are a few selected areas of study:

[This list is non-comprehensive; any interest/request can and will be met with enthusiasm]

·        Progression in Righteous Living and Service

·        Proficiency in "Torah of the Ger" [introductory and/or advanced "Righteous Gentile" study/service]

·        Individual study/tutoring sessions of any Text study [with goals of specific proficiency in mind

·        "Study Hall Program" – on-going; personal academic development

·        Introduction to Torah Life – for the new arrival/Hebrew/pronunciation – linguistics; becoming familiar in text, speech, and interaction

·        Leadership and Community building

·        Post- Academic involvement and affiliation

·        Shabbat, Weekly Torah Study, and all special engagement planning and appearances

***Each student will be able to grow in his own desired and natural way***

Be a part of this revolutionary time by learning and participating in Universal Torah. Living in our times is ever becoming the Blessing to connect to Torah's understanding of Humanity, for King Solomon said, "There is nothing new under the sun." The Torah speaks to our generation, and the prophetic change that is happening in the World.

May the Blessings and good tidings of building The Third Temple [House of Prayer for all of Mankind] upon Zion in the merit of the True Torah come speedily in our Day,

Sincerely,

Rabbi David Pesach Katz

Soul Mazal, Universal Torah

Get Involved Today!

By Contacting Rabbi Katz: 
soulmazal@gmail.com

Skype: david.katz72

***Consult Rabbi Katz For All:
 Details/FAQ/Inquiries/Scheduling Appointments*** 

Click Here to Find Out More About Rabbi Katz

For Skype Appointments - Click Here

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The Priestly Halal

Meat is a big industry, so much so, Hashem even invested in it, as the Temple's personal favorite side business is, was, and will always be, in dealing with meat. We all know that the Temple's daily regimen is involved with the karbanot - offering animals and usually partaking in the festive meal to follow. Couple this with the commandment of giving improperly sacrificed animals to the Ger and selling to the gentile proper, and the Temple has quite an industry going in its favor; worldwide no less.

One must figure that in an ideal scenario, one with the Temple erect on the Temple Mount, Judaism would have a monopoly on the meat market, just by sheer numbers alone. With gentiles and Jews making pilgrimage to Jerusalem possibly multiple times a year, along with the festivals, plus the holiday seasonal offerings  [and their high volume of improperly killed animals that become the token of charity to the Nations] - it is safe to say that Jerusalem would be hard to beat, especially when you throw world wide ideology into this mix.

Suffice it to say, when Moshiach comes, you will make meat industry synonymous with the Temple and Jerusalem. A word to the wise, buy zionmeats.com now.

Thus we have the stage set for quite an interesting side show as the pending exile is ready to subside, and that is to acknowledge what is going on in the Muslim camps with their timely rising meat industry.

Islam has its own label of quasi kosher called halal, a unique to Islam way of slaughter and handling of meat. It is in many ways based on Judaism's kosher and similar in its generic overview, but obviously the undertones are what strike the senses as being an overt expression of danger on many fronts.

The meat industry of today is subsiding with halal, and although this isn't to the detriment of Jewish kosher, but rather it is their statement that drips out of this scenario that is the most alarming.

Do we want Islamic ideology entering the meat industry? Do we want that clout hovering over your pepperoni pizza in the gentile world? Do we want the Arabic slogans and propaganda popping up every time someone wants a hamburger? This is a declaration type of move they are pushing, and they are succeeding, as many are unaware, disinterested, or just plain ignorant to put a foot down.

The conflict is quite simple: God chose the meat industry for a reason when it became part of the fabric of the eternal Temple. The laws given to Adam, Noah, and Moses are all heavily weighed on all facets of meat and its care and consumption.  To put it simply: God cares about meat, He cares about it deeply, both in its spiritual and physical form, so much that Moses' name is rooted in meat in that God Himself calls Moses "nothing more than meat!"

With this having been said, Islam has just waged war against God in perhaps the deepest battle lines yet. This is akin to Rome burning down the Temple, for Muhamed is now keeping those coals stoked and actually having the chutzpah to BBQ on the lawn of the Temple that Isaac [Ishmael's adversary] called a field, and Muslims apparently take this literally in a figurative sense. [if that irony is at all logical; such is the methodology of the Koran]

There you have it: Hashem wishes to end the exile, redeem Jews and Gerim, and ultimately build this final Temple on Zion. And hypothetically,  Islam is standing against God, with sword and steak in hand, as if to prevent the Temple from becoming a reality and allowing Humanity to progress forward towards a greater decency. This is not the only move of this nature they have made, for they bury their dead in the gates of the site of Temple, as if to not allow the Jewish Priests to enter the confines of a would be Temple, for the Torah protects against the impurities of death. But of course what they don't realize, is that this only pertains to Jews, and thus their decayed bodies do not actually pose any threat to God nor His plan of redemption.

So too with the meat industry. But at least we can see how far and deep this war extends itself; for one can easily fathom the platform at hand - controlling meat, is controlling the World and thus perforce an attempt to manipulate God and His word.


BBC:



What is halal meat? Halal is Arabic for permissible. Halal food is that which adheres to Islamic law, as defined in the Koran.

The Islamic form of slaughtering animals or poultry, dhabiha, involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.

 Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and all blood is drained from the carcass. During the process, a Muslim will recite a dedication, know as tasmiya or shahada.

Stunning cannot be used to kill an animal, according to the Halal Food Authority (HFA), but it can be used if the animal survives and is then killed by halal methods.


UK Food Standards Agency figures from 2011 suggest 84% of cattle, 81% of sheep and 88% of chickens slaughtered for halal meat were stunned before they died.

Supermarkets selling halal products say they stun all animals before they are slaughtered. Tesco says the only difference between the halal meat it sells and other meat is that it was blessed as it was killed.

Stunning of livestock has been mandatory in the the EU since 1979, although member states can grant exemptions for religious slaughter.

Some countries, including Denmark, have opted to ban non-stunning slaughter altogether. The UK government says it has no intention of banning religious slaughter.

 Is it different from kosher meat? Kosher food complies with Jewish dietary law (kashrut), again governing what can and cannot be eaten by those practising the faith.

There are similarities in the method of slaughter in that both require use of a surgically sharp knife and specially-trained slaughtermen.

However, Jewish law strictly forbids the use of stunning and meats are not blessed in the same way.

For example, unlike for halal, kashrut does not require God's name to be said before every slaughter after an initial blessing.

Kashrut also forbids the consumption of certain parts of the carcass, which is not the case for halal.

 What are the rules on labelling? Currently, there is no requirement for halal or kosher meat to be specifically labelled.

 Why are retailers and restaurants selling it? By ensuring food meets halal criteria, retailers and restaurants are making their products suitable for the UK's Muslim population.

Under HFA guidelines, slaughterhouses must be completely halal compliant.

 That means they cannot have some areas that meet standards and others which do not.

The HFA says many slaughterhouses will have chosen to move to halal processes so they do not lose Muslim customers.

The latest census suggests there are 2.7 million Muslims in the UK, with a spending power estimated in the region of £20bn.

 How widespread is halal in the UK? A number of supermarkets including Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Morrisons, and the Co-op all sell halal lamb. Some Waitrose lamb products are given a Halal blessing, but are not supplied separately and are therefore not considered halal on the shelves, the chain said.

The Sun newspaper prompted a debate after running a front page reporting that all chicken served at Pizza Express was halal and customers were not being told.

The HFA estimates 15% of all meat slaughtered in the UK is halal compliant.

 What changes are being suggested? Campaigners and politicians are calling for clearer labelling of halal products to give consumers more information on how their food is prepared.

  Jewish and Muslim leaders agree, and have called for "comprehensive labelling" of meat.

They say consumers should be told whether an animal has been stunned before being slaughtered, along with the method of slaughter.

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Parashas Emor: My Pen Pal The Ger

                                                              Parashas Emor

                                                        My Pen-Pal – The Ger

                                                             Rabbi David Katz

May 8 2019

Jerusalem

King David Hotel

John just checked in; Getting ready for Shavuot in Jerusalem

Anticipating seeing Ezekiel's Temple – finally built!

Shalom Rav David my Kohen friend! It sure has been a while since we've seen each other, for as you know I haven't been to Israel [obviously then even Jerusalem!] since the days we were learning about Gerim! Who would have thought that some five years later I would be here, in Israel, in Jerusalem – on the Temple Mount – ready to take in the holiday as a real Ger Toshav! [Ariel Sharon would roll in his grave, no?] With that said, I would like to take the time to write you this letter [emails are so pre-redemption, aren't they?!], and let you know my plans and what I've been up to, and how I see [my] the World, one that is seeing the truth merge into our new non-exile reality. After having read this week's Parasha, it was soon realized to me, that what I'm living right now really is reflected in the Parasha – let me elaborate.

First of all, the holidays and Shabbat back in Idaho are simply incredible. Every year, more and more folks are learning how to do them right and authentic. I'll never forget how we learned in the Zohar that the Rabbis learned from Noah that he was the earlier signpost to the holidays in his name and story alone.  Noah was meant to show Shabbat from the language "ease labor = Noah", and all of the numbers mentioned in the Parasha in conjunction with the animals were meant to show all of the holidays. Just as the holidays have 2's and 7's so does the Jewish calendar, especially Shavuot for us Gerim living abroad! Just like in Emor, how it covers the entire Jewish year; I learned too, that just after the Parasha mentions the holidays, it goes right into the Menora [Chanuka] and the Show Bread. I thought to myself, you know what, I bet when you think about how the Show bread depicts God's Face in graces, and then it’s the repair to Purim – where God's Face is hidden. And remember, Purim too, is all about a major redemption for Gerim as well, as Rashi states, "Gerim are included in the mitzvah by the word 'nilviim.'" The Ger can be seen as bringing the physicality to the Temple, like the Show Bread represents. Plus its right next to the Menora, which is lit by the High Priest – the connections are obvious and easy and many to make!

So now that we're here, I decided to bring an offering for my family to atone for some things and to give thanks to the Creator. I inspected the animal really well, and you can be sure she's fit and "perfect" – without blemish. I remember too how it was before I was a Ger, as me and some friends [who never became Gerim, but remained Noahides] had always talked about coming to Jerusalem one day, and we used to talk about how the Ger's animal couldn't have blemishes but the regular Noahide could have blemishes, just not missing any limbs God Forbid. It's kind of interesting too, that Rashi defines a Ger this way, "a blemish in you , do not expose in your friend if he has the same blemish, "for you too were strangers in Egypt." So I guess being a Jew or Ger is when you leave the blemishes behind, but are still warned on others, "don't taunt the Ger" [Noahide who is not Ger] – for just because he offers animals with blemishes, we still need to promote World Unity and God Awareness.

So Rav Katz, I wanted to tell you, the business is doing good; like you said, the World needs meat, and the Ger – Jewish relationship is based on meat. It's so awesome that at the Holiday times the Priests give the unkosher [poorly slaughtered] meat to Gerim! [and sold to Nochrim] The World really becomes like a Holy Temple with Priestly meat! I can't help but wonder though; since you Priests deal with unkosher meat [neveilah] don't you ever get confused and eat unkosher meat? I thought of this because the Parasha 22:8 says not to eat it for the reasons of becoming ritually contaminated. I always found it interesting that "eating" it isn't the impurity in concept, but rather it's when the actual meat enters is when it makes the Priest unclean…so be careful Rav Katz! You have all these Gerim and meat distributions, we don't want you to make a mistake! Which reminds me, we are much better off in this Temple with High priests taking the proper Maidens, unlike days of old [like Pinchas, Aaron, Elazar, and Moses] – when it was the permitted intermingling that caused this Temple to be the eternal one..let's not ever forget this!

I want to tell you too what really bothers me back home is the breaches in Noahide Laws. Just like in our Parasha, I see the aftermath of intermarriage and the product of youth that it creates; it isn't always pretty. The biggest crime is the disgrace for the Almighty. I mean, think about it – just like the Parasha says, when we fight, [if] mortally, curse from stolen Torah ideas, intermarry for pleasure, pursue lust, etc. it is bound that we are destined to be a society invested in the harshness of law. Is the case of the blasphemer not a case of acute reality amuck in a World devoid of Godly influence? These laws become the definition of harsh decrees, and do not portray what the Torah wishes to impart on society; Hashem wants righteousness and for all to come to Zion and behold Hashem's Glory in the Temple! I'll never forget what the Vilna Gaon says, "eye for an eye is not literal, for one letter downward each letter spells 'money'" – the Torah has a built-in program of turning judgment into mercy – may it be His will!

So anyways Rav Katz, welcome to my life in Idaho; God is here, but slowly slowly the World is forgetting her old ways, and we are seeing that Light go out from Zion. Life is getting better, and people are going back to normal ways, even though they insist on calling number 2 pencils the ipencil…go figure.

I'm glad to be here my old friend, and I look forward to seeing you and the kids all having grown since last time we got together – you having grown in Torah from the Gerim I'm sure. Life must be good in the Temple, seeing all these people…and I pray for you every day that your Light and all of Israel's Light should only shine brighter and brighter with each passing day. The Jew Ger program really did save the World, and I am honored and glad to have been a part of it. See you soon, enjoy the steak, we are going to try the new hummus this year, it comes from Iran – ever since they went Ger after the big scare in 2015. Lehitraot, and don't taunt that Ger!

Love to all, a man and his neighbor – as one,

Your friend always,

John

Class Tonight! 11 P.M. Israel Time

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A Noahide With An Identity!

• 30 New Mitzvot For Noahides
• Moshiach and Noahides - Destined to Meet
• Mitzvot, Abraham, and the Righteous of Every Generation
• The Whole Torah of Kedoshim
• The Noahide The Individual
• etc.

Click here For Article Kedoshim!

Psalm #72:7-11 In-Depth......From Zion, Kings Shall Come

• Messiah and his Wisdom
• Wisdom Recognized by The Nobles
• The Signs of The End: Peace and Righteousness
• Mt. Zion - Not an Accident
• Code Within Psalms - Divine Inspiration

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Psalms In-Depth - King Solomon and Noahides Unite!

Don't miss the new Psalms In-Depth Universal Torah series.
Every Sunday 11 P.M. Tzfat time [allowing for holidays and special events according to the Jewish Calendar]

Every week we take 1-2 verses of Psalm #72 - King David's last Psalm, a final charge to King Solomon, one that instructs the need to give Torah to the Nations in order to bring Moshiach!

Join us in our classroom, or catch the links to class downloads here on Soul Mazal!

Click here to join class! 


Click here for the first Psalm class in the series!








If you feel at home, feel free to help the Yeshiva build its Home!

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Tell Me , Who Was This "Shem"

Who was Shem the son of Noah?
Where does Torah come from - before Sinai?
Find out - where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - all secretly learned Torah!

Click Here For The Torah of Shem Series!

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What's In a Name?

Check Out What Rabbi Lazer Brody Blogged About The Importance Of Having A Name! 



What Does My Name Mean? Revealing the Secrets of Names goes back thousands of years......[in gematria/numerology] This email from a Noahide student, shows how one simple question can reveal ancient secrets of the Torah: revealing the light of the Gaon.


Dear Rabbi Katz: Another question, a little off the subject. When HaShem spoke to Moses and told him to count the names and numbers of the Children of Israel... was HaShem not asking for Moses to actually COUNT them, or to give them the Gematria of their names... the number of their names? To empower them to do the job He had already equipped them to do, by them learning the Gematria of their names, this would have let them know the direction they were already going and.... the direction TO go???? I heard a shiur this morning about this and was wondering if it actually meant the Gematria of their names instead of counting how many Jews [Gerim apply to names as well] there were.

Answer: The science and process of reading a name, and discovering the true mission and path of the owner of that name, goes back to the very beginning. At the start of the fourth book of the Torah, Bamidbar, when G-d tells Moses to take a census of the Bnei Yisrael, the method used for taking this census was the same as that used in the process of ''Soul Mazal." Below are the relevant verses in the Torah, and the various commentaries by Chazal on these verses, which reveal the secret of the census and the method by which it was to be performed... i.e. gematria of the names.


Bamidbar 1:1-3 ''And the Lord said to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, which is Rosh Chodesh Iyar in the second year of the going out from Egypt, saying the following: Take a census of klal Yisrael for their families, each house of their father with ''b'mispar shemot'' [a counting of names to their heads]. A person who is 20 years of age and up, everyone who goes out to the legion [army] in Israel you shall count them according to their legions, you and Aharon.''

''count them'' תִּפְקְדוּ - which is spelt as in "tafkid" - [mission] - and that is the whole purpose of the name reading: to reveal your place and your mission.

Baal HaTurim on the words b'mispar shemot It is written here these words and in Parshas Pinchas it is not written, this type of counting of ''the number of names'', rather they wrote it here to inform that they didn't change their names in Egypt and therefore it is written '' לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם '' - the house of their father - to say to you that they are called in the names of their fathers. [This wasn't their name, this was their full Aliyah name, and in the shita of the Gra this is the basic format of learning one's name].

The Ramban says on the word תִּפְקְדוּ that it is the inyan [matter] of ''pekida'' which is zichron - [as a rememberance], and hashgacha pratis [Divine providence] on a matter. So when it says that you should count it, it's talking about Divine providence and zicaron; this terminlogy of pekida is the level of the concealed part of the Geula. Like the language in ''Hashem remembered Sarah'' - פקד - ''remembered'' - and just like Hashem commanded to count Israel it says tifkedu otam - תִּפְקְדוּ - to hint that they should only be counted as an atonement to their soul of a half a shekel and with that they will govern and know the "number" of the nation.

Ibn Ezra Note that the Ibn Ezra suggests that the census is to the exclusion, and with the power to exclude, the Erev Rav.

Kli Yakar Hashem gave to them a number. Just like the stars as it says in Isaiah 40:26 - to bring out with a number of legions to all of them - he calls to each by name. Thus you should say in this location in the midbar with a counting of names to teach that from the multitudes of righteousness like the stars to the world, and as it says in Daniel 12:3 ''everyone there is to him hashgacha pratit [Divine providence]''. And the basic premise is that Avraham was told ''you should count the stars of the heavens'' - so too will be your seed - the connection is in the gematria and name.

Radak on Isaiah 40:26 - ''Lift up your eyes on high, and see: who hath created these? He that bringeth out their host by number, He calleth them all by name; by the greatness of His might, and for that He is strong in power, not one faileth.''

The stars are many in their image and not their creation - beis- reish vav alef yud mem - beis can represent barah [created] or ''with'' vision, and this is different from the word beis vav reish alef yud mem [creations]

And we see also in their knowledge of bringing out a number of legions which is not able to be done with men to count them, and what we say is there are a number of stars and there are one thousand and ninety eight, that is big stars that give light on the land, but it is known from the ways of wisdom that the stars are many without number to them by man, too many to count. But whoever created them knows their number. And the explanation to all of them is in the name that they are called. Just like King David counted the number of stars, all of them were by names he called them. And that means that each one of them he gave a beautiful name to it according to the manner of its creation.....and in all of this a man is obligated, to learn the numbers of wisdom and to understand with his da''as of the creations whether above or whether below, and from that he will recognise the Creator. and behold a Navi warns man with this and says after all you should know, hear, and understand, and say count the multitudes with your eyes and see that you see just like explained in the seeing of the heart and all who are not considering tkufot and mazalot [times and constellations] the work of Hashem [stars are a mashal [analogy] for mankind below] - it says of the person who does not consider all that, the work of G-d he did not gaze at and the work of G-d's hands he didn't see, and they say the counting that was commanded to man, why is a man to count? to consider the tkufot and mazalot.

Wisdom and understanding to the eyes of the nations, this is to consider tkufot and mazalot. As they say all that know to consider tkufot and mazal and it is not considered forbidden to count from it.

Further Explanation: Why does Hashem do a census? To consider the tkufot and mazalot.... to get people to know their names. We have a census to make us familiar with counting the stars in their tkufot and mazalot [travels and constellations], which is the signal that will make us great amongst the nations as a display of wisdom and understanding. And it will bring out our wisdom and understanding. This is the reason for the Jewish calendar which has influenced all calendars in the world. And the connection is when we take a census it accustoms us to counting above, and when we compare the Jews to the stars in the heavens, as promised to Abraham, then we will accustom ourselves to our counting.

Ibn Ezra on Yeshayahu The creations that they are there, and who brings out each day with a number of legions, this is corresponding to seeing - briya with creation and beriya with seeing - it is also a remez [hint] to the stars, to classify that there is a number to each one of them. But the name is only by people, and all the wisdom of the constellations until today was not able to stand on the faith of the number going out on each one, or the number of stars, that they are the heads and souls above, as explained in the Zohar, meaning the census goes on the stars above, but you can't just count them, because you're not able with wisdom to know their number.

...When the stars cease to have a number, you give them a name, and likewise the Jew compared to a star - when you are confronted with the Jew, and he understood the number inherent with the name.

Vilna Gaon on Isaiah 40:26 This is what is meant by the verse “Who brings out their hosts by number” [Isa. 40:26], i.e., each legion has its special number. [Isa.40:26] “He calls each of them by name [by all that is included in the name of the creature].” Happy is the man who achieves, and reaches [that goal] by the might of his hand and his good deeds. The purpose of “deed and numerology” as explained by the Gaon, is so that a person will not fall into Sheol, i.e., another gilgul, God forbid. Happy is he who achieves by the might of his deeds - the level of his mission that is hidden in the gematria of his name. All this will be revealed to him in the World of Truth, but it is preferable for one to achieve this knowledge in his lifetime, so that he will be stronger in his special mission in this world, because one who is commanded and fulfills the commandment stands high. A word to the wise is sufficient. [Kol HaTor]


***Soul Mazal is not only an innovative Torah source for the Noahide/Ger throughout the World; As always, Soul Mazal explores Mazal [the knowledge of investigating our relationship with Hashem through our daily lives via Humanity - only now articulated!], Names, and all spiritual issues that arise from the constant effort in staying within the Light of Hashem's Grace. Life goes through both phases of Light and Darkness, and both are natural and normal...the goal of Soul Mazal is to understand both, and Mazal and Names Knowledge [among others] is a great way to grasp the Divine Hand in our lives!

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