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Parashas Trumah - Jews, Gerim, and Broken Idols

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Parashas Trumah Jews and Gerim: Brothers Against Evil 

Rabbi David Katz

In Parashas Trumah following the Revelation of Sinai, we are immediately entrusted with the construction of the Tabernacle, the home of the Divine Presence. Amongst the various vessels in the Tabernacle, the Torah makes a special emphasis of the Spices and the Incense Altar. The Vilna Gaon stresses in his work, “Aderet Eliyahu on Shir Hashirim 5:1” that the Torah makes mention of two types [of categories] of spices: Saamim and B’sahmim [בשמים \ סמים]. As with every station of the Holy Temple/Tabernacle, each vessel has the ability to be a source of inspiration or a representation of a deeper allegorical relationship. For example the number “11” is prominent in the Temple, which stands to represent the “Vav and Heh” of Yud Kay Vav Kay, signaling the divinity within the actual standing of the building itself. One must not assume that the Jew – Ger relation is without representation God Forbid, for we see that the B’sahmim / Saamim dynamic quite clearly and accurately detail the intimacy of the Jew and the Ger.

The Torah [and the Talmud] specifies that the clearest distinction between Saamim and B’sahmim [for simplicity, let’s call them “Saa” and “B’sah”] is that Saa is the basic amount of essential spices in the Torah: four while B’sah simply are spices added for smell and other purposes and with a total of seven. It is at this junction that we can easily arrive to an understanding that just as Sah is four, this represents the Jewish People, and the four is a hint of their level of essential attachment to the Kabbalistic level of Malchus [Kingdom] and is synonymous with “Eretz” / Land, which is said to be represented by a “dalet” which in gematria is four. The Noahide/Ger is then seen as the B’sah attribute, and the association with seven is obviously the seven component often ascribed to the Noahide for a myriad of reasons aside from the super obvious Seven Laws of Noah. What comes to a bit of a surprise is that the Noahide takes on the literal meaning [from connotation of letters] of B’sah which can be taken as “Heaven(s)” and as the Vilna Gaon points out, the Ger is rooted in Heaven whereas the Jew takes his place “on Earth.” In layman’s terms: the Jew is rooted in the Land / Malchut / Kingdom [sefirah] – Physical while the Ger is rooted in Heaven / Above Malchut [Yesod] / Foundation [sefirah] – Spiritual. In the end what you have is a perfect harmony amongst the two, with equal components, i.e. physical spiritual – soul and body, just coming from different angles and perspectives.

As was mentioned concerning the Temple/Tabernacle, its construction consisted of a frequent creative usage of the number “eleven.” In fact, the Torah deviates from its normal methods of counting when detailing the schematics of the tabernacle, and in place of a normal “eleven” [echad esre], the more mystical “ashtei esre” is seen in its place; again this is a creative term for eleven, one that signifies “Knowledge” / “Daas”, it is the spiritual source of the Ger, and the Third and Final Temple is largely built around this figure, as it represents the final two letters of Hashem’s Essential Name. However for the discussion relevant here, eleven is seen as a future model of the upper world Atzilus which will expand from ten emanations [sefirot] to eleven; this is the great secret of the “Eleven Spices,” and as explained, they are contained as the union of the four of “Saa” and seven of “B’sah.” With the basic purpose of Saa being the essential four types of spices, and the seven of B’sah being that of an “addition” of seven functioning at least as an elevation of fragrance, the two are destined to join and unite into a mystical blend of eleven, which has its root in Atzilus, the World of Emanation. When seen as the union of Jew and Ger [under the grip of Torah and drawing guidance and inspiration directly from Hashem], the mystical possibilities and imagery take on a new light by the emanation coming from a Torah themed reality taking place in the lower world that mirrors Atzilus, our world, Asiah, the World of action.

The basic tenet of this union is that it is defined by just that – union [yichud in Hebrew]. Whether one wished to paint the picture with imagery as male – female, “Yesod - Malchut”, above and below, etc., the two, although being distinctly different [acting from an imposed and natural schism], serve to become a perfect complement once initiative is taken to repair and sweeten the schism. One could make a case that perhaps their greatest partnership [especially in the scope of the spices] is their joined effort in the eradication of idolatry. For this to be explained, Shir Hashirim and the Vilna Gaon maintain course with consistent vessels and themes, acting as the vehicle that drives this engine that actually repels and eradicates idolatry.

One might think that idolatry has pull over one’s soul, and thus it is an eternal dogfight between Holiness and Impurity to gain sway over people, their souls, and ultimately creation. However this is highly flawed at its onset; God has no equal, and all in the end is very good – evil will return to become good [hence “very good”], thus there must be an entirely different [and much more complex in thought] system. And there is – however we must look not to the obvious, but the revelation in the negative!

The Vilna Gaon makes us aware the impurity has NO power at all over any person or soul. This obviously begs the question then of how evil has room to exist; the answer may be a bit surprising to the uninitiated of Torah – for being without the Ger, impurity gains sway over Man.

As impurity lacks anything of substance, it is the diminishment of a “goodly fragrance within Torah” that drives man to idolatry, thus perceiving Torah as a stench. To put it simply, when Torah is in a flatlander one-dimensional universe, devoid of content, truth, creativity and imagination, life force and mysticism, any vitality and impersonated with hypocrisy, i.e. products of the depths of exile, the Torah will be internalized as having a porous smell; it is as if the soul alerts the body, “not this” [rendering Torah futile]. Once Torah has lost esteem in the eyes of man, it is only then that he can go elsewhere as find satisfaction in the cravings of the body, in efforts to repair the smell. In a sense he trades his soul for the comfort of escaping the odor. Thus the opposite condition would yield an inverse reality, where a goodly aroma will attract people to Torah, allowing idolatry to go the way of the wind.

This brings us to the remedy of the Torah based on the subtle passage of the two types of spices, consisting of the four and seven [seen as Jews and Noahides], who, as we mentioned, when they come together and join forces, produce a divine aroma that reaches the nostrils of God so to speak. Fitting enough, it is the Jewish Noahide alliance in Torah that ends idolatry and pushes evil out of the World, while making an eternal elevation of the Torah, and allowing the Torah to shine amongst men. The only difficulty of course, is doing this, and realizing what this means, and how to unite disparate parts that don’t seem to ever want to fit [in] together.

The Torah was obviously given to the Jewish People at Sinai, and in the Torah the Jews were sanctified amongst Taryag Mitzvot to Love the Ger [and do not taunt the Ger]. In fact, even on a simple reading of the Torah [ironically], if one were to count the Ger references, it may even rival that of air time given to Miriam and Aaron, etc. combined! The process of discovery of these two camps of schism is quite extensive and that of a lifelong journey and commitment in Torah, thus the answer [as we are essentially hinted at of the destination by the numbers within the spices] can be addressed with a nice Kabbalistic point of view from the Ramchal [“1705”] in his work “138 Gates of Wisdom.”

In kabbalah one can see three types of levels in a vessel [in this case, a person, or people]: the soul of souls, the soul/mentality, and the gifts of the individual, character traits. To understand this best in our context, it will work best if viewed backwards and the forwards, as a template of discovery that breeds furthering discovery. We are all different people on Earth, yet we can be broken down to two types of people: Jews and Gerim [and idolaters who are not yet decided where they stand, to be seen in a positive context]. The Jew has a certain tradition and culture ingrained in him from the Torah and direct experience of Sinai, whereas the Ger reached Sinai in a much more complicated and metaphysical fashion, and thus has an entirely different culture and way of being; each has his own Derech Eretz, proper code of conduct.

These two particular camps, while not necessarily existing within stereotype have expressions from the soul that cater to the unique experiences that each will be compelled to take, even if under the pretense of free will. This is schism at its highest, almost as if in competition; not to see who is champion, but to witness one’s own survival, while the one in opposition is not even aware of a struggle.

The reason for schism is the very fact that the two are just that: two – who are destined to function as one, while remaining with the original identity; schism, for the sake of repairing and sweetening schism. These souls are said to garment different places of what is called, “the soul of souls” – where all is one; the primal life force of Creation, i.e. revelation of God. The Torah’s secret, is that underneath all relevant Torah that a Noahide may find appealing, or a Jew may feel compelled to learn, is a consistent theme of Love, Brotherhood, achdut, etc. Point being, the two really are one, they just find individuality once the soul, mentality, traits, etc. are thrust into action.

In the end, you do in fact have two people, with different Lands, different Laws, different everything in the ultimate sense, a real schism, one that not only seeks to be repaired, but is destined to find repair, for the Torah is very good!

Both Jews and Gerim have had their bouts with idolatry, evil, disobedience, etc., yet the two possess the power of fragrance to repel idolatry, evil, and impurity off of reality’s map permanently. Just as the spices are allegorically able to contain the kashrut and authenticity of Torah, the Jew and the Ger and their mystical union of ashtei esre [eleven] are perceived and expected to join into union, one that will not only rid the world of evil attraction, but will glorify the Torah in unity that Earth will finally be able to perceive all unity. Whether it be male –female, Hakadosh Baruch Hu – Shechinah, Yesod – Malchut, all two’s becoming one, only the Jew and the Ger shall be so unique and full of life, here in the World of Action, to find the right chemistry, to form a fragrance, that will pull us all into Gan Eden; a real Tikkun Olam, by Tikkun Adam. 

Read more »

Gerim and Jews: Death to Idolatry

Parashas Trumah
Jews and Gerim: Brothers Against Evil
Rabbi David Katz

In Parashas Trumah following the Revelation of Sinai, we are immediately entrusted with the construction of the Tabernacle, the home of the Divine Presence. Amongst the various vessels in the Tabernacle, the Torah makes a special emphasis of the Spices and the Incense Altar. The Vilna Gaon stresses in his work, “Aderet Eliyahu on Shir Hashirim 5:1” that the Torah makes mention of two types [of categories] of spices: Saamim and B’sahmim [בשמים \ סמים]. As with every station of the Holy Temple/Tabernacle, each vessel has the ability to be a source of inspiration or a representation of a deeper allegorical relationship. For example the number “11” is prominent in the Temple, which stands to represent the “Vav and Heh” of Yud Kay Vav Kay, signaling the divinity within the actual standing of the building itself. One must not assume that the Jew – Ger relation is without representation God Forbid, for we see that the B’sahmim / Saamim dynamic quite clearly and accurately detail the intimacy of the Jew and the Ger.

The Torah [and the Talmud] specifies that the clearest distinction between Saamim and B’sahmim [for simplicity, let’s call them “Saa” and “B’sah”] is that Saa is the basic amount of essential spices in the Torah: four while B’sah simply are spices added for smell and other purposes and with a total of seven. It is at this junction that we can easily arrive to an understanding that just as Sah is four, this represents the Jewish People, and the four is a hint of their level of essential attachment to the Kabbalistic level of Malchus [Kingdom] and is synonymous with “Eretz” / Land, which is said to be represented by a “dalet” which in gematria is four. The Noahide/Ger is then seen as the B’sah attribute, and the association with seven is obviously the seven component often ascribed to the Noahide for a myriad of reasons aside from the super obvious Seven Laws of Noah. What comes to a bit of a surprise is that the Noahide takes on the literal meaning [from connotation of letters] of B’sah which can be taken as “Heaven(s)” and as the Vilna Gaon points out, the Ger is rooted in Heaven whereas the Jew takes his place “on Earth.” In layman’s terms: the Jew is rooted in the Land / Malchut / Kingdom [sefirah] – Physical while the Ger is rooted in Heaven / Above Malchut [Yesod] / Foundation [sefirah] – Spiritual. In the end what you have is a perfect harmony amongst the two, with equal components, i.e. physical spiritual – soul and body, just coming from different angles and perspectives.

As was mentioned concerning the Temple/Tabernacle, its construction consisted of a frequent creative usage of the number “eleven.” In fact, the Torah deviates from its normal methods of counting when detailing the schematics of the tabernacle, and in place of a normal “eleven” [echad esre], the more mystical “ashtei esre” is seen in its place; again this is a creative term for eleven, one that signifies “Knowledge” / “Daas”, it is the spiritual source of the Ger, and the Third and Final Temple is largely built around this figure, as it represents the final two letters of Hashem’s Essential Name. However for the discussion relevant here, eleven is seen as a future model of the upper world Atzilus which will expand from ten emanations [sefirot] to eleven; this is the great secret of the “Eleven Spices,” and as explained, they are contained as the union of the four of “Saa” and seven of “B’sah.” With the basic purpose of Saa being the essential four types of spices, and the seven of B’sah being that of an “addition” of seven functioning at least as an elevation of fragrance, the two are destined to join and unite into a mystical blend of eleven, which has its root in Atzilus, the World of Emanation. When seen as the union of Jew and Ger [under the grip of Torah and drawing guidance and inspiration directly from Hashem], the mystical possibilities and imagery take on a new light by the emanation coming from a Torah themed reality taking place in the lower world that mirrors Atzilus, our world, Asiah, the World of action.

The basic tenet of this union is that it is defined by just that – union [yichud in Hebrew]. Whether one wished to paint the picture with imagery as male – female, “Yesod - Malchut”, above and below, etc., the two, although being distinctly different [acting from an imposed and natural schism], serve to become a perfect complement once initiative is taken to repair and sweeten the schism. One could make a case that perhaps their greatest partnership [especially in the scope of the spices] is their joined effort in the eradication of idolatry. For this to be explained, Shir Hashirim and the Vilna Gaon maintain course with consistent vessels and themes, acting as the vehicle that drives this engine that actually repels and eradicates idolatry.

One might think that idolatry has pull over one’s soul, and thus it is an eternal dogfight between Holiness and Impurity to gain sway over people, their souls, and ultimately creation. However this is highly flawed at its onset; God has no equal, and all in the end is very good – evil will return to become good [hence “very good”], thus there must be an entirely different [and much more complex in thought] system. And there is – however we must look not to the obvious, but the revelation in the negative!

The Vilna Gaon makes us aware the impurity has NO power at all over any person or soul. This obviously begs the question then of how evil has room to exist; the answer may be a bit surprising to the uninitiated of Torah – for being without the Ger, impurity gains sway over Man.

As impurity lacks anything of substance, it is the diminishment of a “goodly fragrance within Torah” that drives man to idolatry, thus perceiving Torah as a stench. To put it simply, when Torah is in a flatlander one-dimensional universe, devoid of content, truth, creativity and imagination, life force and mysticism, any vitality and impersonated with hypocrisy, i.e. products of the depths of exile, the Torah will be internalized as having a porous smell; it is as if the soul alerts the body, “not this” [rendering Torah futile]. Once Torah has lost esteem in the eyes of man, it is only then that he can go elsewhere as find satisfaction in the cravings of the body, in efforts to repair the smell. In a sense he trades his soul for the comfort of escaping the odor. Thus the opposite condition would yield an inverse reality, where a goodly aroma will attract people to Torah, allowing idolatry to go the way of the wind.

This brings us to the remedy of the Torah based on the subtle passage of the two types of spices, consisting of the four and seven [seen as Jews and Noahides], who, as we mentioned, when they come together and join forces, produce a divine aroma that reaches the nostrils of God so to speak. Fitting enough, it is the Jewish Noahide alliance in Torah that ends idolatry and pushes evil out of the World, while making an eternal elevation of the Torah, and allowing the Torah to shine amongst men. The only difficulty of course, is doing this, and realizing what this means, and how to unite disparate parts that don’t seem to ever want to fit [in] together.

The Torah was obviously given to the Jewish People at Sinai, and in the Torah the Jews were sanctified amongst Taryag Mitzvot to Love the Ger [and do not taunt the Ger]. In fact, even on a simple reading of the Torah [ironically], if one were to count the Ger references, it may even rival that of air time given to Miriam and Aaron, etc. combined! The process of discovery of these two camps of schism is quite extensive and that of a lifelong journey and commitment in Torah, thus the answer [as we are essentially hinted at of the destination by the numbers within the spices] can be addressed with a nice Kabbalistic point of view from the Ramchal [“1705”] in his work “138 Gates of Wisdom.”

In kabbalah one can see three types of levels in a vessel [in this case, a person, or people]: the soul of souls, the soul/mentality, and the gifts of the individual, character traits. To understand this best in our context, it will work best if viewed backwards and the forwards, as a template of discovery that breeds furthering discovery. We are all different people on Earth, yet we can be broken down to two types of people: Jews and Gerim [and idolaters who are not yet decided where they stand, to be seen in a positive context]. The Jew has a certain tradition and culture ingrained in him from the Torah and direct experience of Sinai, whereas the Ger reached Sinai in a much more complicated and metaphysical fashion, and thus has an entirely different culture and way of being; each has his own Derech Eretz, proper code of conduct.

These two particular camps, while not necessarily existing within stereotype have expressions from the soul that cater to the unique experiences that each will be compelled to take, even if under the pretense of free will. This is schism at its highest, almost as if in competition; not to see who is champion, but to witness one’s own survival, while the one in opposition is not even aware of a struggle.

The reason for schism is the very fact that the two are just that: two – who are destined to function as one, while remaining with the original identity; schism, for the sake of repairing and sweetening schism. These souls are said to garment different places of what is called, “the soul of souls” – where all is one; the primal life force of Creation, i.e. revelation of God. The Torah’s secret, is that underneath all relevant Torah that a Noahide may find appealing, or a Jew may feel compelled to learn, is a consistent theme of Love, Brotherhood, achdut, etc. Point being, the two really are one, they just find individuality once the soul, mentality, traits, etc. are thrust into action.

In the end, you do in fact have two people, with different Lands, different Laws, different everything in the ultimate sense, a real schism, one that not only seeks to be repaired, but is destined to find repair, for the Torah is very good!

Both Jews and Gerim have had their bouts with idolatry, evil, disobedience, etc., yet the two possess the power of fragrance to repel idolatry, evil, and impurity off of reality’s map permanently. Just as the spices are allegorically able to contain the kashrut and authenticity of Torah, the Jew and the Ger and their mystical union of ashtei esre [eleven] are perceived and expected to join into union, one that will not only rid the world of evil attraction, but will glorify the Torah in unity that Earth will finally be able to perceive all unity. Whether it be male –female, Hakadosh Baruch Hu – Shechinah, Yesod – Malchut, all two’s becoming one, only the Jew and the Ger shall be so unique and full of life, here in the World of Action, to find the right chemistry, to form a fragrance, that will pull us all into Gan Eden; a real Tikkun Olam, by Tikkun Adam. 

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Edom Is Not The Energizer Bunny, Nor Is It Still Going

Wrestling [Olympics 2020]: Dead.Over.The Way of The Dinosaur.Edom is Too Tired To Continue.Uncle.

The Olympics has canceled Wrestling from the 2020 Olympics. This is actually mind blowing.

To start things off on this topic, Jacob merited to be called Israel [Wrestling with God] by doing just that, he wrestled with God.

It seems Edom is just too tired too even wrestle [for their own blood] anymore.

Every wrestler in the world lives and wrestles for one dream only: get the gold medal, spend every four years chasing that dream, and live your life from youth to [hypothetically] old age to do so. For the wrestler, it is not a sport, it is a part of life, a way of life, a faction of the Briah.

Wreslting, according to Torah - Is part of the Briah! Jacob wrestled, it is in the Chumash, and thus it has divine roots; Jacob didn't become Israel by shooting hoops with the malach hamavet in a drive way game of basketball.

There are a few options here:

• Is this a spiritual attack on the name Israel [wrestle with God]? If you eliminate the concept from the psyche, lost will be the feel for what Jacob stands for.
• MMA vs. Wrestling. Wrestling is actually a very noble sport, and one seen with high codes of morality, honor, proper conduct etc. Much the same way champion chess players are treated with esteem for their abilities, such is the way of the wrestler. Is the goal of Edom to even more mainstream Mixed Martial Arts, aka modern day gladiators [of which wrestlers succumb to for financial reasons, and obviously enough they excel in the crossover] and gain wrestling devotion, thereby ending wrestling desire [amongst the youth especially] and promote blood thirsty savage people [again, esp. kids] to become entertainment venues, primed and ready to spill endless amounts of blood for a cheap thrill in each city across the globe? [Edom-izing the planet, or better yet: Edom -Amalekizing]
• Or - is Edom simply too tired; Too tired to train [of which wrestling is known for, superior conditioning to withstand intense action for long periods, of which for success, condition must not be a factor to the negative.], too tired to care, too tired for genuine sport, etc etc.

• Is there any real chachmah even left for America to maintain authenticity?

Does Edom have any Ko-ach left? It seems all that seems dear to them is falling  aside, and only to detriment; when wrestling goes - MMA rises, with the Pope stepping down - the evil of Catholicism seems poised to make a run at Jerusalem, etc. etc.


YahooNews:

Wrestling's world governing body is hoping to make the International Olympic Committee perform a dramatic U-turn and save the sport from being booted out of the Games.

Wrestling has been a part of every modern Olympics dating back to 1896. (AP) The wrestling world was shocked when an IOC vote on Tuesday put it on the fast-track to Olympic extinction, with its only chance of survival coming in September when it will be one of seven sports bidding to be part of the 2020 Games.

Wrestling's governing body FILA did little in the way of lobbying to protect itself from being cut ahead of Tuesday's meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. Bracketed with other endangered Olympic sports such as modern pentathlon, field hockey and taekwondo, wrestling's hierarchy apparently assumed its long history in both the modern and ancient Olympics would ensure its safety.

"FILA was greatly astonished by today's recommendation of the IOC Executive Board not to maintain wrestling among the 25 core sports for the 2020 Olympic Games," read a FILA statement. A concerted political and public relations effort from the other sports meant wrestling did not make the cut – something it wants to rectify between now and September. Much of wrestling's core support lies in Russia where several of that country's wealthy oil businessmen are avowed fans, have sponsored tournaments and contributed funds to Russia's national wrestling program. [Related: Fans on Twitter make their case for wrestling] "This is something that can be looked at and there are wealthy and successful people who love wrestling," a FILA source told Yahoo! Sports. "The only option now is to try to raise awareness and support and that will take a lot of effort and money.

"People must be made to see how wide-ranging the support for wrestling is around the world." FILA is expected to spend heavily on a promotional video to be used at the IOC meeting in September, and its president, Raphael Martinetti of Switzerland, will spearhead an emergency meeting at the federation's annual conference in Thailand next week.

But it still might not be enough. The IOC rarely reverses its decisions, and even though none of the other sports hoping for 2020 inclusion have particularly compelling claims – squash and karate are the favorites – wrestling knows it is desperation time.

"FILA will take all necessary measures to convince the IOC Executive Board and IOC members of the aberration of such decision against one of the founding sports of the ancient and modern Olympic Games," added the FILA statement. FILA's campaign will rely heavily upon its international nature, with 179 affiliate nations, and even though the details will not be finalized for some time, it has already been discussed that the promotional video should feature footage of athletes from smaller nations with otherwise limited Olympic representation. On a smaller scale, individual athletes and fans are already trying to play their part. Jake Herbert of the United States, a 2012 world silver medalist, urged those with inspirational stories of how wrestling had positively impacted their lives to email him. Herbert plans to collate the messages and send them to the IOC in an attempt to further the cause.

, there was disappointment, mixed with the kind of defiance that might be expected from former exponents of such a demanding sport. "Wrestling is huge around the world and now is the time to tap into that support," Cael Sanderson, a gold medalist at the 2004 Games, told Yahoo! Sports. "Hopefully it is not the end." The United States has won 125 wrestling medals in its Olympic history, including 50 golds.

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Golly, I Sure Am Tired - Said Mr. Edomite

Edom: Mr. Tired.

Maharal states: Edom is over [when it ends] by simply being too tired to continue.



YahooNews.com:

Pope Benedict XVI announced Monday that he would resign Feb. 28 — the first pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. The decision sets the stage for a conclave to elect a new pope before the end of March. The 85-year-old pope announced his decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals on Monday morning. He emphasized that carrying out the duties of being pope — the leader of more than a billion Roman Catholics worldwide — requires "both strength of mind and body."

"After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths due to an advanced age are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry," he told the cardinals. "I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only by words and deeds but no less with prayer and suffering.

"However, in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary — strengths which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me." The last pope to resign was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism among competing papal claimants.

Benedict called his choice "a decision of great importance for the life of the church." The move sets the stage for the Vatican to hold a conclave to elect a new pope by mid-March, since the traditional mourning time that would follow the death of a pope doesn't have to be observed. There are several papal contenders in the wings, but no obvious front-runner — the same situation when Benedict was elected pontiff in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II.

and maybe Bill Cosby said it best, describing how tired Edom really is:

Bill Cosby "I'm 83 and Tired" I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for when I was doing my National Service, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; Muslims burning schools for girls; Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery"; Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and Madrasa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia , New Zealand , UK, America and Canada , while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance.. I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems. I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's be-deck themselves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves unemployable and claiming money from the Government. Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 83.. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter and their children. Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in. There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on! This is your chance to make a difference. “I’m 83 and I'm tired. If you don't agree you are part of the problem!

Laila Tov To Galus!

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Bibi Cries Uncle! Take That Bazza!

Obama is scheduled to arrive in Israel very soon; the pressure is sure to be immense. This smells a lot like Iran will be served on a silver platter in exchange for a Palestinian State.

With so many issues going on [as they have been ever-increasing since basically 2008; or even 1967 for that matter!], we seem to be reaching a crescendo, and the Zohar seems to resonate loud and clear about Gog and his 2nd and 3rd visits to Israel, which lead to the fulfillment of Gog V' Magog.

JewishPress.com:

U.S. President Barak Obama intends on offering Israel more U.S. pressure on Iran in exchange for greater Israeli overtures to the Palestinians, the British publication, The Sunday Times, reported today.

Early in his first term Obama tried to similarly link Israeli peace efforts and U.S. action on Iran’s nuclear program. In testimony to Congress in April 2009, then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that, “For Israel to get the kind of support its looking for vis-a-vis Iran, it can’t stay on the sidelines with respect to the Palestinians and peace efforts. They go hand in hand.”

Clinton’s statement was part of an intense push by the Obama administration, which began shortly after Obama’s inauguration, to force newly elected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to endorse Palestinian statehood and make concessions to the Palestinians. In June 2009, Netanyahu endorsed the two-state solution for the first time in a major policy address at Bar Ilan University.

Obama reportedly intends to visit Israel as well as Jordan this coming March. It would be his first visit to Israel since he was first elected President.

Typically, such a presidential visit would be used to push for progress on a major issue, such as reaching a peace agreement, though almost all reports about the trip predicted that Obama would not be using the visit for such a purpose. 

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Yeshivat Shem V'Ever - 1st Class Ever!

Yeshivat Shem V'Ever is now fully operational!

Feel Free To Listen To Our First Class!

Click Here For Parashas Mishpatim: Know The Ger With Love

Rabbi David Katz

Be sure to check the schedule for class times. 
Right now, Motzie Shabbat 10 PM Israel is official

Links are on the blog for the Yeshiva - Don't Miss Out!

Here is the article that the class was based on, for those that might have missed it:

Click here!

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The Ger in Mishpatim - Torah With Love

Parashas Mishpatim 
Finally - The Real Ger In Real Reality

Rabbi David Katz       

[***Class with Explanation to Follow]

[Motzie Shabbos, Israel 10 P.M.; Available For Download]

[Follow Link on Soulmazal.blogspot.com - “Yeshivat Shem V’Ever”]

[Allow Ample Time To Adjust to Virtual Classroom; Limited Seating]

Parashas Mishpatim may be the most passionate Torah that one will encounter in the entire Chumash; after all, what would one expect after Mt. Sinai! In the Parsha, Hashem expresses Himself in a way that He seems to get personal; the widow, the orphan, Hashem’s “personal philosophy” [i.e. do not join an evil multitude – how pertinent not only of today, but for all of time - "Jewish (bad) politics"], and as always Hashem’s love affair with the Ger. [It is also worth mentioning that the Parsha contains a large quantity of the material that composes the juiciest sections of the Oral Torah, i.e. Bava Kama & blueprint for Shulchan Aruch.]

Once Mishpatim gets into full [Torah] steam, we quickly come upon not one, but two very explicit commands by Hashem, “Do not taunt the Ger” [Shemos 22:20, 23:9] – for you were Gerim in the Land of Egypt. To show how severe this seemingly benign passing phrase is, Rashi points out that this is a reference of caution when concerning the finances of the Ger, and to carry one’s self to the highest honor and responsibility concerning the Ger’s money. To put it simply, stealing is a no-no, and although this may sound like an obvious no-brainer, the depth that the Torah asks of us to understand why this is, will ultimately reveal the divine quality of the one called “Ger.” The question seems to always remain however, what is the Torah relationship between the Jew and the Ger?

The Torah in conjunction with Rabbinic writings offers a fascinating trail of breadcrumbs over a vast number of resources intricately piecing together exactly who is the Ger. And amidst understanding the Ger, it is inevitable to ponder upon who or what is a convert, along with where does idolatry come into the picture, and better yet, how does the Jew fit in and interact? The trail of perpetuating redemption ultimately starts with finding the needle in the haystack, but let us not lose sight of the goal -“Do not oppress/taunt the Ger.” Up until now the Torah has “Redeemed the Ger”; Post Sinai endeavors to keep it that way.

The proverbial needle in the haystack can be found in Devarim 24:14: “You shall not cheat the poor or destitute hired person AMONG YOUR BRETHREN, OR FROM ‘YOUR’ GER THAT IS IN YOUR LAND, [OR THE ONE] IN YOUR GATE.” It is upon this verse that the Talmud [Bava Metzia 111b; Tosfos] in beautiful fashion will set into a motion a short scavenger hunt that will leave us standing face to face with the Rambam, almost as if awaiting the verdict of the redeemability of the Ger. While the Rambam represents the par excel lance of defining the 613 Commandments, we must stand with trepidation over the Ger and his redemption, for without an established precedent of a revelation of “Ger Emet” [which is always a possibility in a game driven by Free Will], Man may stand to continue to do that which is evil in God’s eyes.

The Talmud [on Dev. 24:14] understands our verse in three very specific terms: “From your Brethren” – and not an idolater, “Your Ger” – Ger Tzedek [Righteous Ger], and “In Your Gates” – the Ger Toshav. From this short explanation by the Tosfos commentary [of which he says the engine that drives the entire concept must be the Ger Toshav, for we can learn each of the other two levels above and below him, only by concentrating on him] we have gained insight to the basic construct of the gentile world, and have objectively concluded the infamous debate of is a Ger a gentile or a convert, concluding that the Ger Tzedek is a gentile. But then Tosfos spoke a second time!

Tosfos [Talmud Commentator opposite Rashi on a standard Talmud page] continues his assault [on misperceptions of “Gerim”], and directly pushes the envelope, asking “what is the difference between the Ger Tzedek convert and the Ger Tzedek gentile?” [In today’s (“exiled”) Jewish world, the convert is the Ger Tzedek – exclusively, while the gentile is an extinct (and unknown) dinosaur.] His revelation through analysis in text is that there is a Ger Tzedek – gentile, and a Ger Tzedek – convert; resolving, “yes, this is difficult to ascertain, but it is your duty to know the difference when it comes up in text.” [paraphrased]

From the Babylonian Talmud we now leapfrog over to the Jerusalem Talmud, again within Bava Metzia [“the middle gate”] and we find a completely different spin placed on the same set of elements, this time by the rabbis in Israel.

For every step we took to define the Ger – gentile, the Jerusalem Talmud now says that the Ger Tzedek is in fact the convert to Judaism! The logic is quite simple: if we over advocate the gentile – Ger, what will be of those Gerim who actually did wish to sincerely convert? Thus the Talmud states the verse in Devarim [24:14] can equally be the convert, however they offer one last parting message before breaking the action – there is another verse in Vayikra – “do not withhold wages of your friend – to the exclusion of the Ger - gentile.” If we are to pay special attention to the symmetry in the two Talmud’s, we can learn from a “double negative” in the Jerusalem Talmud; the Ger - gentile is indeed not to be simply called “your friend” – for he is much more than this, he is your brother, back in conjunction to our previous Talmud, and now not at the expense of the Ger- convert.

At this stage of the “Pilpul” [spice of Torah, the main theme not only of the Torah of the Ger/Shem (son of Noach), but to the Parsha as well!], now it is just to ascertain, where do the levels fall into place practically of the Ger, convert, Jew, idolater, etc.? To put it simply, what constitutes the tone of the relationship according to the Torah, and such that it maintains its flavor of redemption?

The turbulence on the path of the sacred Ger, comes in the form of the disproportionate attention given to the Ger- convert [which we avoided in advocation of the Ger – gentile] as found in Vayikra 19:33-34, “…do not taunt the Ger …you shall love him like yourself.” This verse is one of the few places in the Torah that specifically is in reference of the convert to the exclusion of the Ger – gentile. The purpose of placing the term Ger upon him is as if to say, “just as you were a Ger and are no longer, having gone through Sinai, he too was a Ger, and no longer, having gone through conversion.” It should then be obvious [as in alignment with the Jerusalem Talmud version of Ger] that the Ger- convert is clearly included in the ever famous dictum [that incorporates the entire Torah] “Love your neighbor [friend] as yourself.” We thus remain with our same plight over the Ger, until Hashem personally comes to clarify matters.

In Devarim 10:18-19 it says of Hashem that “He Loves the Ger” and it is incumbent upon everyone to equally “Love the Ger.” It is here, that we are destined to collide with the Rambam and his discourse of the 613 Commandments, for the commentators all go quiet in the face of the Ger’s own experience of “standing before the splitting of the Sea.”  

The Rambam states of Commandment #207: [I will provide translation and elucidation]

“We are commanded to Love the Gerim – even though he is included in the precept of loving your friend amongst all of Israel [which obviously the Rambam means that he is not Jewish here, i.e. a Ger Tzedek – gentile] that this Ger is a Ger Tzedek, that he is “like” Israel, and not “Israel” [the Tosfos commentary had explained the Ger Tzedek – gentile as your brother, but not in all of the Commandments, unlike the convert] – Hashem has added this command as this Ger has added himself to the study of God [דת ישראל] – we are warned, do not taunt him [again, this is not yet another mention for the convert, for he has his appropriate place] – and therefore must love him as a Ger and as your friend [This goes back on the Jerusalem Talmud that we learned he is more than your friend, he is your brother; thus now all the more so he is your friend, and this constitutes yet another bestowing of Love, showing the unique bond of the Ger and the Jew desired by God.]

The Rambam finishes by saying this commentary is uniform and is accepted by all; just as we have a unique command to Love Hashem, we must also love the Ger. [Showing that Hashem desires the command on Himself and the Ger; dear is the Ger to Hashem – for Hashem loves the Ger.]

We now are in a fantastic position to answer the underlying question of Mishpatim – can we taunt the Ger –gentile, take his money, not love him, etc. etc., because we choose to close our eyes and acknowledge only the Ger – convert? To call the Ger a convert IS a taunt to the convert, because he is not a ger, he is JEWISH, and this simultaneously takes away the merit and blessing found upon the Ger Tzedek gentile; two diminishments for the price of one!

We are made aware of the Ger Toshav first and foremost, and as the commentaries relate to us, he too is linked with the Ger Tzedek and enjoys a brotherhood status, to the obvious exclusion [and now obvious] idolater. The Ger is essentially linked to every foundational principle within the Torah; whether in economics, social justice, knowledge of God, etc., the Ger is integral in Dat Yisrael. For this, his redemption is imperative and must be perpetuated every generation, in much the same manner as each parsha has a subplot that sheds empathy for the Ger. It is not for naught that the Midrash Rabbah states, “for what does Melech Moshiach come to accomplish with his Talmud – to bring in [all] of the exiles [Jewish and non – Jewish; M.R.] and be a banner for the peoples, nations will seek him. For the wise and knowing heart this should suffice.

Yeshivat Shem V' Ever is named after the original yeshiva of learning that was attended by Yaakov Avinu in his service of Shem, son of Noah, and his Grandson Ever. The remnant of their cave is found in Tzfat, and is the inspiration behind the modern day vision of Yeshivat Shem V' Ever. This Virtual rendition strives to spread the Torah that relates to Noahides and in particular the ever mysterious "Ger" found within the Torah. The mission of the Yeshiva functions not only for the education and advancement of Noahides worldwide, but aims to bridge the gap towards Jews, Judaism, and ancient paths in Torah as well. The intention of the Torah of Yeshivat Shem V' Ever is to promote the achdus [unity] that is inherent in the foundational pillars of Hashem's Holy Torah.

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Politics and Jews and Baatei Midrashim?

What a cholent of Israeli politics! Lapid wants to stir the pot, Bayit Yehudi are "Goyim" proclaims Shas, Bibi and his wife hate everyone, Liberman is communal diplomat all of a sudden, and Tzippi has become a shtark Baales Teshuva now defending the Haredi desire to remain in Yeshiva.

Ok Livni isn't a Baales Teshuva, true, but this is a leibedic Knesset for sure; worth watching will be the Lapid - Shas - Bayit Yehudi triangle that includes mudslinging and every other low grade attack technique known to Mankind.

Welcome to Israeland, Mr. Obama, the home of true Jewish Politics at its finest, in perhaps history's most crucial moments of all time.

Jpost.com:

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will hold a long awaited meeting with his former chief of staff, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett, next week amid increasing tension between the leaders of the two right-wing parties.

As of Thursday night, Bennett had not received an invitation to meet Netanyahu, hours after the Likud released a statement saying that the prime minister would hold one-on-on talks at the beginning of next week with the leaders of Bayit Yehudi and the haredi parties as part of his effort to form a broad national-unity government.

Bennett is the only party leader among the 12 in the Knesset who has not met with Netanyahu since the January 22 election. The only contact between them has been a quick phone call in which Netanyahu congratulated Bennett on winning 12 seats and a limp, forced handshake in the Knesset after Bennett was sworn in. Netanyahu instead sent his No. 2 in Likud Beytenu, Avigdor Liberman to meet with Bennett.

Netanyahu has not met with Bennett since 2008, when he quit his job as the then-opposition leader's chief of staff following repeated disputes with Netanyahu's wife Sara. The Bayit Yehudi leader has made a point of treating Netanyahu with respect, tweeting that he respects the tremendous weight on the prime minister's shoulders and wishing him success for the good of all of Israel.

But Bennett's associates have complained that Netanyahu has shown disrespect by calling Ta'al leader Ahmed Tibi before he called Bennett and devoting Thursday afternoon to a meeting with Meretz leader Zehava Gal-On, who has no chance of joining the government, rather than an expected coalition partner with 12 seats.

Bayit Yehudi officials said Netanyahu was continuing to act like the election had not ended, following a campaign in which the Likud in general and the prime minister specifically repeatedly attacked Bennett and his Knesset slate.

Although the Likud did release a statement two weeks ago saying that Bayit Yehudi would be included in the coalition, there are still those in Bennett's party who are concerned that Netanyahu will exclude him as a gesture to US President Barack Obama or low-ball Bayit Yehudi with an offer Bennett cannot accept.

In an effort to improve Bayit Yehudi's negotiating position, the party has been coordinating its strategy with Yesh Atid. But Bayit Yehudi officials have denied reaching understandings with Yesh Atid that both parties will either join the coalition or go to the opposition.

Netanyahu met with Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid for two and a half hours Thursday at Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem. Both sides described the meeting as very good and reported that progress was made on building the coalition.

The leaders of the Knesset's two largest parties discussed how to equalize the burden of IDF service, effort's to prevent Iran's nuclearization, and the upcoming visit to Israel of US President Barack Obama. They reportedly also discussed portfolios though neither side would confirm that.

Bayit Yehudi MK Uri Ariel revealed on Israel Radio that Yesh Atid had made serious concessions on its plan for drafting yeshiva students, but he said much still needed to get done to bridge the gaps on the issue among the potential coalition partners.

"If Lapid doesn't compromise, he can stay in the opposition," Shas chairman Eli Yishai said. " If he doesn't understand that the nation cannot be torn apart, the prime minister will have to decide whether we or they will be in or out."

Following recent attacks he suffered from Shas, Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett urged the haredi party on Thursday to stop attacking him and instead work with him to integrate haredim into service.

"I represent a very large public, both religious and not, and I cannot accept nor do I understand the meaning of these attacks," Bennett wrote on his Facebook page.

He added that Bayit Yehudi has been working "to find a way to integrate the haredim into the Israeli economy and into service to the State of Israel, without harming the world of Torah."

"I've been meeting with dozens of haredim... and I believe that if we remove the conversation of hatred we could finally solve the problem," he said.

On Thursday morning, the Shas-affiliated newspaper Yom LeYom attacked Bennett in an editorial for siding with Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid in promoting equality of service, accusing him of trying to destroy the world of Torah.

An official in the paper said the harsh criticism in the editorial received the approval of the party's spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The editorial said Bennett is "the man with the kipa the size of an eye demonstrates just how much this kipa is worth - half a shekel."

Following the publication of the editorial, Shas leader Eli Yishai called Bennett to apologize for the accusations in the Shas mouthpiece, saying the party leadership did not approve the views expressed in the editorial.

Bayit Yehudi MK Rabbi Eliahu Ben-Dahan slammed the paper, saying "there isn't a single word of truth" written in the editorial.

"These words constitute slander against God fearing men, who love Israel and the Jewish people, and who can definitely teach Shas a lesson or two about values and about how to combine army service with Torah studying," Ben-Dahan said.

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Coming To Obamastine

Well, its about time nu.

And now is appropriate to bring up the infamous Zohar: Gog will visit Israel three times; between the 2nd and 3rd times intense Din will erupt - such that it will lead to the demise of Gog.
This is Obama's 2nd visit, so he's "practically mishpacha." Let the games begin.


Jpost.com:

Both the White House and the Prime Minister's Office said Tuesday that President Obama had spoken with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in January about a presidential visit to Israel this spring, which would be the first since Obama assumed the White House in 2009.

“The start of the President’s second term and the formation of a new Israeli government offer the opportunity to reaffirm the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel and to discuss the way forward on a broad range of issues of mutual concern,” said White House spokesman Tommy Vietor.

He pointed to Iran and Syria but did not mention the Palestinians.

The trip, however, is widely seen as an effort by Obama to kick-start a moribund peace process between Israelis and Palestinians amidst other roiling regional concerns, such as the Arab Spring and Iran nuclear program.

Vietor said further details about the trip, including the dates, would be released at a later time.

Israeli media reports, however, have identified late March as the expected arrival time. Channel 10 reported that the visit will take place as part of a regional tour also expected to take Obama to Ankara, Riyadh, Cairo and Ramallah.

Obama came under a great deal of criticism for not visiting Israel during his first term, something which many believe would reassure a jittery Israeli public of his support, even though he did visit countries nearby such as Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He was last here as a presidential candidate in 2008.

Since Obama will come here, it is less likely that Netanyahu will travel to Washington for the annual AIPAC policy conference in early March, an opportunity Israeli prime minister's usually use to meet with the US president.

That visit, however, was already in doubt because of the possibility that Netanyahu may not have a new government in place by the conference, which begins March 3.

Tzipi Livni, who relentlessly slammed Netanyahu during the election campaign for poisoning ties with the US, issued a statement welcoming the visit, saying Israel-US ties were an important element of Israel's national security. Livni, whose party is currently in talks with Likud Beytenu about joining the coalition, said she hoped Netanyahu and Obama would re-start the diplomatic process which serves both Israeli and US interests.

Meanwhile, new US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to make his first visit to Israel in his new role sometime next week.

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