Many peoples, nations and Gentiles will soon literally be walking in faith with Jerusalem and its holy Temple of God in sight!
Others lack this vision and will perish.
New International Version (©1984)
Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Many nations will come and say, "Come and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD And to the house of the God of Jacob, That He may teach us about His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For from Zion will go forth the law, Even the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Then many nations will come and say, "Let's go to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways so that we may live by them." The teachings will go out from Zion. The word of the LORD will go out from Jerusalem.
King James Bible
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
American King James Version
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
American Standard Version
And many nations shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem;
Bible in Basic English
And a number of nations will go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will give us knowledge of his ways and we will be guided by his word: for from Zion the law will go out, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And many nations shall come in haste, and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob: and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth out of Sion, and the word of the Lord out of Jerusalem.
Darby Bible Translation
And many nations shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and Jehovah's word from Jerusalem.
English Revised Version
And many nations shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Webster's Bible Translation
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
World English Bible
Many nations will go and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion will go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem;
Young's Literal Translation
And gone have many nations and said, Come and we go up to the mount of Jehovah, And unto the house of the God of Jacob, And He doth teach us of His ways, And we do walk in His paths, For from Zion doth go forth a law, And a word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.
Yet some still just don't get it, as God's apostle Herbert Armstrong warned.
www.davidbenariel.org
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Video Tour of City of David - Preparing for Tisha B'Av
by Israel National News TV
Video Tour of City of David - Preparing for Tisha B'Av
************
I'm grateful for those who share the City of David's past and future with us and feel honored that I was witness to the beginning of the Jewish restoration of Ir David.
Conflict in Jerusalem
They've placed barbed wire all around their "yard," freshly tarred their roof, have an Israeli flag flying & are still clearing out all the junk the Arabs threw in there for the past 7 years. It was exciting to drive through that Palestinian village as they looked on. Earlier, being hot as usual, I started to roll down my window when they reminded me it's better to be hot than get a stone in the face!
Video Tour of City of David - Preparing for Tisha B'Av
************
I'm grateful for those who share the City of David's past and future with us and feel honored that I was witness to the beginning of the Jewish restoration of Ir David.
Conflict in Jerusalem
They've placed barbed wire all around their "yard," freshly tarred their roof, have an Israeli flag flying & are still clearing out all the junk the Arabs threw in there for the past 7 years. It was exciting to drive through that Palestinian village as they looked on. Earlier, being hot as usual, I started to roll down my window when they reminded me it's better to be hot than get a stone in the face!
Tisha B'Av Videos
Tisha B'Av - Rectifying the Sin of the Spies on Tisha B'Av - What Does it Mean Today?
Traditional Recital of Eicha (Lamentations) Next to Temple Mount
Video: Why Do We Mourn on Tisha B'Av? with Rabbi Chaim Richman
Video Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: From Destruction to Liberation
Video Tour of City of David - Preparing for Tisha B'Av
Interview - The Tisha B'Av Before the 2005 Expulsion
Watch Gush Katif Videos
Traditional Recital of Eicha (Lamentations) Next to Temple Mount
Video: Why Do We Mourn on Tisha B'Av? with Rabbi Chaim Richman
Video Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: From Destruction to Liberation
Video Tour of City of David - Preparing for Tisha B'Av
Interview - The Tisha B'Av Before the 2005 Expulsion
Watch Gush Katif Videos
Stone Vessel with 'Priestly Inscription' Uncovered In Jerusalem
(IsraelNN.com) A rare 2,000-year-old ritual earthenware vessel inscribed with 10 lines of text has been discovered in an excavation near the Zion Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is an unprecedented find, according to Dr. Shimon Gibson, the archaeologist who heads the University of North Carolina team conducting the dig."Such stone vessels were used in connection with maintaining ritual purity related to Temple worship, and they are found in abundance in areas where the priests lived," Gibson reported. "We have found a dozen or more on our site over the past three years. However, to have ten lines of text is unprecedented. One normally might find a single name inscribed, or a line or two, but this is the first text of this length ever found on such a vessel," he said.
Survey: Israelis Want to Rebuild the Temple
(IsraelNN.com) A survey conducted by the Panels Institute revealed that 64 percent of the Israeli public, and half of secular Israelis, want the Temple rebuilt. Ninety-seven percent of respondents knew that the Temple was destroyed on Tisha B'Av (Ninth of Av).
The survey's second question queried the public’s desire to rebuild the Temple. Sixty-four percent responded favorably and 36 percent said no. Analysis of the answers revealed that not hareidi-religious and other religious Jews want to rebuild the Temple, (100 percent and 97 percent respectively), but also the traditional public (91 percent) and many secular Jews (47 percent) do as well.
The survey's second question queried the public’s desire to rebuild the Temple. Sixty-four percent responded favorably and 36 percent said no. Analysis of the answers revealed that not hareidi-religious and other religious Jews want to rebuild the Temple, (100 percent and 97 percent respectively), but also the traditional public (91 percent) and many secular Jews (47 percent) do as well.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Temple Institute to Build Sacrificial Altar on Tisha B'av
Temple Institute to Build Sacrificial Altar on Tisha B'av
by Yehudah Lev Kay
(IsraelNN.com) The Temple Institute will begin building the sacrificial altar on Thursday, Tisha B’av, a fast day when Jews mourn the destruction of the Temple some 2,000 years ago.
The sacrificial altar was located in the center of the Temple, and upon it the Kohanim (priests) offered the numerous voluntary and obligatory sacrifices commanded in the Bible.
The Temple Institute, which has already built many of the vessels for the Holy Temple, such as the ark and the menorah, has now embarked on a project to build the altar. Construction begins Thursday in Mitzpe Yericho (east of Jerusalem) at 5:30 p.m.
“Unfortunately, we cannot currently build the altar in its proper place, on the Temple Mount,” Temple Institute director Yehudah Glick said. “We are building an altar of the minimum possible size so that we will be able to transport it to the Temple when it is rebuilt."
Click here to continue
************
It's great to see faith and works put into practice.
May the Third Temple soon grace the Temple Mount, restoring the Temple Mount as the TEMPLE Mount and ending its foreign occupation.
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
Jews Must Demand Rights to Temple Mount
The Issue of the Temple Mount
Restore Israeli Sovereignty Over Temple Mount
Where's the Temple On the Temple Mount?
by Yehudah Lev Kay
(IsraelNN.com) The Temple Institute will begin building the sacrificial altar on Thursday, Tisha B’av, a fast day when Jews mourn the destruction of the Temple some 2,000 years ago.
The sacrificial altar was located in the center of the Temple, and upon it the Kohanim (priests) offered the numerous voluntary and obligatory sacrifices commanded in the Bible.
The Temple Institute, which has already built many of the vessels for the Holy Temple, such as the ark and the menorah, has now embarked on a project to build the altar. Construction begins Thursday in Mitzpe Yericho (east of Jerusalem) at 5:30 p.m.
“Unfortunately, we cannot currently build the altar in its proper place, on the Temple Mount,” Temple Institute director Yehudah Glick said. “We are building an altar of the minimum possible size so that we will be able to transport it to the Temple when it is rebuilt."
Click here to continue
************
It's great to see faith and works put into practice.
May the Third Temple soon grace the Temple Mount, restoring the Temple Mount as the TEMPLE Mount and ending its foreign occupation.
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
Jews Must Demand Rights to Temple Mount
The Issue of the Temple Mount
Restore Israeli Sovereignty Over Temple Mount
Where's the Temple On the Temple Mount?
The 9th of Av
"Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there."
(Zechariah 8:4-5)
Menachem Av 8, 5769/ July 29, 2009
It is a basic tenet of Torah study that, "there is no chronological order in Torah," or literally, that there is no "before" and "after." It is the exclusive prerogative of the Torah itself to determine the order of its own narrative, and it is the challenge, responsibility and great privilege of Torah scholars and students alike, to learn out from this what the Torah is intending to impart.
Tonight begins the twenty-five hour fast of Tish'a b'Av, (the ninth of Av), commemorating the destruction of the first and second Temples. Here in Israel, even before the sun sets and the fast day officially begins, tens of thousands of Jews will begin streaming into the Western Wall Plaza. From the four corners of the land of Israel they will arrive and congregate together in the shadow of the place of the Holy Temple. Many will stay for the twenty-five hour duration. Others will pay what they feel to be an essential visit to the site and then move on. By the time the fast ends with the appearance of the stars in the Thursday evening sky, hundreds of thousands will have passed along the western wall of the Temple Mount complex.
A stranger from another planet, or even from another country, could be excused if, upon witnessing what transpires, expressed utter bewilderment: The white bearded elderly arrive, often carrying a mattress to stay the night. Young men and children arrive. Women and girls arrive, some in the modest dress indicative of their religious upbringing, others in the latest fashions. Infants in buggies, perhaps their first trip to the wall. Young men in kippot, other with jell and spiked hair. Kids with piercings and kids with tattoos. Religious men with broad hats, others donning the cardboard yarmulkes which can be obtained at the Wall. Groups of men and groups of women sitting upon the ground are wailing in lament. Boys are high-fiving, girls are embracing. Young people are talking excitedly, laughing, not having seen one another for months or years, this one in the army, that one at university. One great cacophonous mass of Jewish humanity together in the shadow of the Holy Temple, where the heavens greet the earth, where G-d's presence, the shechinah, shines forth touching all humanity.
How can this be our visitor enquires? Are you people not mourning for your Holy Temple? Shouldn't your mood be somber, shouldn't your voices be hushed?
Every Jew is taught, and imbibes with his mother's milk, that Tish'a b'Av, the sorrowful day of our nations greatest calamities, will someday be celebrated with unbridled joy, when the Holy Temple is standing once again in its place upon the holy mount. There is no "before" and "after" in Torah. And in the life of the nation of Israel, as perceived in the light of the truth of Torah, and the destiny and destination assigned to this people, there is certainly no "before" and there is certainly no "after!" The kids, the younger generation assembling and greeting one another at the gates to the Holy Temple, for them the future has arrived, the Holy Temple is within their grasp, it is so close! The old folks? They, too, are part of the Torah time warp. They wail with great heartfelt emotion, but they too know in their heart of hearts that the day of the Holy Temple is drawing near.
Our perplexed guest can be excused if, from within this sea of unity and good will, he cries out in consternation, "But where is the gratuitous love that your sages say must precede the building of the Holy Temple?" It swarms and pulsates all around him!
Our guest can be excused if he points to the mosque that sits on the southern extremity of the Mount, or to the Dome of the Rock that is perched upon the site of the Holy of Holies, and expounds, "The reality has changed, the Holy Temple can no longer be!" But it is only the mosque that crowds his spirit, and the Dome that covers his heart that form an obstacle to the will of G-d from becoming manifest, to the pure energy of this people from maintaining its course!
"Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there." (Zechariah 8:4-5)
Yes, the old men uttering lamentations, and the boys and girls who gather at nightfall on the 9th, and with joy and with laughter will greet the new dawn, together they are the living words of the prophet. Shoulder to shoulder, and with one heart, the Holy Temple will be rebuilt.
Tune in to the week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven get honest about the 9th of Av. Why are we still mourning? Back in the land of Israel after 2000 years of exile can we afford to let ourselves simply mourn the loss of the Holy Temple, year after year? Moses saw it crystal clear over 3000 years ago: the Jew, every Jew, belongs in the land of Israel. The Jew in the land, the Jew who has truly returned, will rise up and build the Holy Temple. It's time to let the exile go, from our hearts and from our souls, and attach ourselves to the Torah of the land of Israel.
DARE TO DREAM/DARE TO BUILD: Are we ready to put an end to the mourning forever? The real people of Israel are ready, and poised in their hearts to rise up and build the Holy Temple. Obama may be calling for a building freeze in Jerusalem, but the Jewish heart is burning to build! But don't take our word for it. If you haven't yet viewed our 2-minute inspirational video, then, by all means, do so now!
Building a Holy Temple begins with the first stone. With this in mind, the Temple Institute has embarked upon building the mizbeach - the stone altar. Stones have been gathered from an area of the Dead Sea, where it can be safely verified that no metal tool has ever touched the stones' surfaces. The altar is being constructed on Tish'a b'Av, the day that the nation of Israel fasts in commemoration of the destruction of the first and second Holy Temple. Observing the fast day does not preclude making preparations for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. On the contrary, there is no better occasion than the 9th of Av for building the altar upon which the Divine service will be renewed. Click here to learn more.
IBA News Interview: Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute talks about the 9th of Av, the Holy Temple, its importance to the entire world, and the moral and spiritual imperative to build the Temple now! Click here to view.
This week features the latest Bat Melech video teaching with Rabbanit Rena Richman, entitled, "KING DAVID & BATSHEVA, PART I: King David, the slayer of Goliath, the champion of Israel, the man who laid the foundations of the Holy Temple, and the father of Moshiach, made the mistake of his life when he attempted to summarily dispatch Uriah, the husband of Batsheva. But it was this mistake when led him to become the master of repentance, and made him a figure that would span the millennia." Click here to view.
Thursday, July 30th, (9th Av), also features the new Light to the Nations teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, entitled,"ALL ABOUT AV, PART II: Will We Mourn Forever? The beautiful month of Menachem Av - the month of the Comforting Father begins with rebuke and crescendos with consolation, carrying us from the bitter to the sweet. The month of Av, full of a calamitous past, and bursting with potential for a glorious future. It's all in how we see it, learn from it, and are willing to invest of ourselves in it." Click here to view.
Moses prays 515 prayers beseeching G-d to allow him in the promised land of Israel. Simply to see “this good mountain and the Lebanon,” (Deuteronomy 3:25), that is, Jerusalem and the Holy Temple, this is all that Moses desires. Just to experience the land of Israel firsthand, even in the form of a bird sailing in the sky. But, alas, it was not to be. Today, every Jew can fulfill the dream of Moses, and by doing so, bring this people closer to its destiny. Click here to view Rabbi Richman's short teaching on parashat Ve’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11).
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
http://www.templeinstitute.org/
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pray for the Temple
IsraelRadio:
What We are Guilty of:
The Tamar Yonah Show
Pray for the Temple, and TALK to others about it. We shall be deemed guilty if we who know we need the Temple remain silent about it. Tamar then talks about her week going and test driving cars in Jerusalem, and doing some PR for the Temple to car salesmen at the same time. Their responses will astound you. Plus:
The Eidelberg Report, "What is a Jew and What is a Jewish State?"
http://tr.im/uaLc
What We are Guilty of:
The Tamar Yonah Show
Pray for the Temple, and TALK to others about it. We shall be deemed guilty if we who know we need the Temple remain silent about it. Tamar then talks about her week going and test driving cars in Jerusalem, and doing some PR for the Temple to car salesmen at the same time. Their responses will astound you. Plus:
The Eidelberg Report, "What is a Jew and What is a Jewish State?"
http://tr.im/uaLc
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Eim HaBanim Semeichah
Eim HaBanim Semeichah
Eretz Yisrael, Redemption and Unity
written in Budapest during the Holocaust
HaRav Yisachar Shlomo Teichtal zt"l
Contents
start
Subject
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Page
Title
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a
Publisher
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b
Photo of the Author
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c
Original Title Page
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d
Dedications and Approbations
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e
Translator's Preface
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ix
Historical Introduction
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xiii
R. Chayim Menachem
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xxv
Letter from R. Shlomo Dov Heller
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1
Approbations [Preface]
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2
Author's Preface
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21
First Introduction
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33
The Merit of Eretz Yisrael Protects Us
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33
The Author's Vow
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35
Second Introduction
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41
The Factors That Prompted the Writing of this Volume
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41
The Purpose of our Afflictions is to Arouse us to Return to Eretz Yisrael
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45
This Work is Intended Only for Those who Seek the Absolute Truth
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48
The Call of Aliyah to Eretz Yisrael
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51
The Reason for this Title
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56
Foreword
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60
Torah as a Heritage
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60
Eretz Yisrael as a Heritage
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69
To the Pioneer Builders of Eretz Yisrael
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82
Chapter One:Persecution and the Pangs of Mashiach
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91
Adversity is a Sign of the Advent of Mashiach
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91
Why Must Mashiach Come by way of Afflictions?
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94
Even the Wicked will be Redeemed
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101
HaShem will Arouse us to Repent only when we Return to Eretz Yisrael
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116
Redemption will Come at a Time of Extreme Hardship and Poverty
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123
An Expression of Gratitude to American Jews for Their Support
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126
Chapter Two:Deliverance and Redemption
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131
The Ways of Redemption
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131
Why Have our Prayers for Redemption not been Answered?
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150
Redemption Through Sinners
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167
The Beginning of Redemption
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199
Chapter Three:Settlement and Rebuilding
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214
The Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael
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229
Redemption and yishuv Eretz Yisrael
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252
Sinners and Yishuv Eretz Yisrael
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282
The Importance of Settling the Land
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298
A Plea to the Survivors: Return to Your Motherland
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315
Refuting the Antagonists
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346
The Exile-Jew
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369
The Unification of Israel through the Mitzvah of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael
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379
Our Age-Old Debt
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396
Words of Admonition to Today's Pioneer Builders
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417
Our Obligation to Support and Build the Land
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422
Essay: The Sanctuary of HaShem
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436
Conclusion
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457
Addendum to Chapter Three
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463
Chapter Four:Unity and Peace- Israel's Restoration
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474
Addendum
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521
Glossary
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527
Index
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531
last
contents
next
to Tsel Harim Torah Library to Sharei Shechem Torah Resources
Jerusalem and Jews belong together forever!
Why Should Israel Have Jerusalem?
************
The Israeli Jews, stewards for all Twelve Tribes of Israel, must acknowledge their biblical right, first and foremost, to the biblical city of Jerusalem, and seal it with the liberation and restoration of the Temple Mount. What other people or holy book have made Jerusalem famous worldwide? To shy away from this clear biblical mandate to liberate and annex, to go and grow, survive and thrive, in every area of the Promised Land of Israel, capital Jerusalem, undermines their blessings from God and begrudging respect from the nations.
Regardless of pressure from the bloody Vatican and unclean birds like Shimon Peres and dangerous UNJews, the few faithful Jews must do all they can to withstand Jerusalem’s betrayal and rape.
Rabbis warn president usurper
250 Rabbis Sign Letter to Obama: Hands off Jerusalem
Heads of the Pikuach Nefesh rabbinical committee have begun collecting the signatures of rabbis in Israel on a letter to United States President Barack Obama. The letter demands that Obama cease talking about ending Jewish construction in Jerusalem and stop pressuring Israel in that direction.
In a reference to the upcoming “nine days” which culminate in Tisha B’Av, the rabbis tell Obama that “during these days, in which the Jewish people mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and marks the disgraceful memory of its destroyers, we are certain that you, Mr. Barack Obama, do not want to enter that disreputable list of those who raise their hand to strike Jerusalem and those who live in it.”
Click here to continue
Let the esteemed rabbis remind the world that president usurper Obama/Soetoro/Obama has failed to bring any of his documents to light, especially his long form birth certificate, keeping America in the dark, and that such a shady character has little credibility and undermines it all the more with his shaky stance against Jerusalem and Jews.
Let the rabbis go pray on the Temple Mount and make a statement Jerusalem is Jewish forever and those who oppose such facts always become so much history.
Obama's failure
Emperor Obama
Restore Israeli Sovereignty Over Temple Mount
www.davidbenariel.org
Heads of the Pikuach Nefesh rabbinical committee have begun collecting the signatures of rabbis in Israel on a letter to United States President Barack Obama. The letter demands that Obama cease talking about ending Jewish construction in Jerusalem and stop pressuring Israel in that direction.
In a reference to the upcoming “nine days” which culminate in Tisha B’Av, the rabbis tell Obama that “during these days, in which the Jewish people mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and marks the disgraceful memory of its destroyers, we are certain that you, Mr. Barack Obama, do not want to enter that disreputable list of those who raise their hand to strike Jerusalem and those who live in it.”
Click here to continue
Let the esteemed rabbis remind the world that president usurper Obama/Soetoro/Obama has failed to bring any of his documents to light, especially his long form birth certificate, keeping America in the dark, and that such a shady character has little credibility and undermines it all the more with his shaky stance against Jerusalem and Jews.
Let the rabbis go pray on the Temple Mount and make a statement Jerusalem is Jewish forever and those who oppose such facts always become so much history.
Obama's failure
Emperor Obama
Restore Israeli Sovereignty Over Temple Mount
www.davidbenariel.org
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
You Are as The Stars of the Heavens
"Behold, you are today as the stars of the heavens in abundance."
(Deuteronomy 1:10)
Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av, 5769/ July 22, 2009
The book of Deuteronomy in its entirety, is made up of the words of Moses which he addresses to the children of Israel on the eve of their entering the land of Israel, the land promised them by G-d. Moses himself won't be entering the land with them, and these are his final words. Much of what Moses delivers is rebuke. He couches his words carefully, often alluding to past misdeeds of the Israelites subtly and modestly, so as not to cause his people excessive anguish or embarrassment. His words of chastisement are meant to be corrective and not punitive. Nevertheless, they are sufficiently harsh and their sting surely smarted.
How odd that Moses should choose to rebuke. Farewell addresses and retirement speeches, even when delivered under duress, or after a particularly troubled relationship, almost always strike a positive note. Past achievements, rather than disappointments, are recalled. Moments of rancor are omitted, happier occasions are noted. After all, we all like to part on amicable terms.
However, Moses was not simply retiring from public life. He wasn't interested in summing up his own spectacular rise to prominence. He was not writing his memoirs. Moses had one concern, and one concern only. It was the same concern that had thrust him from the life of privilege in Pharaoh's court to a life of public service and self-sacrifice eighty long years ago. It was the same concern that carried him through ridicule and disappointment when he returned to Egypt upon G-d's command. And it was the same concern that inspired him to stay the course for forty years in the wilderness, despite the frustrations and provocations that confronted him along the way. This concern was for the children of Israel. His people. His flock. It was this profound, prophetic concern for the children of Israel which spoke from the lips of Moses.
If his words were harsh, it was because he knew how far his people could stray. If his criticism stung, it was because, seeing far into the future, he knew the great challenges and deadly pitfalls that awaited them. These were not the words of an embittered, disillusioned leader. These were the words of a loving, caring father. For every word of rebuke, there appears in Deuteronomy, words of praise and encouragement. Moses' love for his people knew no bounds. For him, they were, individually, and as a people, like "the stars of the heavens..." (Deuteronomy 1:10) Each individual a world, each soul a source of light. United as a people they would light up the firmament, illuminating the way in a world often shrouded in darkness. These were the people which Moses led.
Little wonder that the opening chapters of Deuteronomy are read each year on the Shabbat preceding Tish'a b'Av - the Ninth of Av. The month of Av is properly known as Menachem Av, literally, "the comforting father." Despite the great and bitter rebuke G-d's children received on the Ninth of Av, the day of the destruction of the first and second Holy Temples, and the great pain that we endure to this day, we must bear in mind and in our hearts, that this is the rebuke of a caring, loving father, a Menachem Av - our loving Father in heaven. The rebuke having past, it is now time for reconciliation. Great things await us!
Tune in to the week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss the opening verses of Deuteronomy, Moses' farewell address to his people, Rashi, the redoubtable repository of Torah wisdom, Moses' poignant and sensitive words of rebuke tempered with love, as only a loving father could, and the new month of Av, chiefly identified with bleak mourning, but which, if we understand why we mourn, we can begin to change the darkness into light.
Dare to Dream/Dare to Build: As we enter the month of Av we intensify our traditional mourning for the Holy Temple, but are we really in touch with what we are mourning for? Are we ready to put an end to the mourning forever? The real people of Israel are ready, and poised in their hearts to rise up and build the Holy Temple. Obama may be calling for a building freeze in Jerusalem, but the Jewish heart is burning to build! See for yourselves...
Today also features the new Light to the Nations teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, entitled, "All About Av: Part I: Will We Mourn Forever? The beautiful month of Menachem Av - the month of the Comforting Father begins with rebuke and crescendos with consolation, carrying us from the bitter to the sweet. The month of Av is full of a calamitous past, and bursting with potential for a glorious future. It's all in how we see it, learn from it, and are willing to invest of ourselves in it." This teaching premiers Thursday, July 23rd. Click here to view.
All About Av: Part II will be aired on the Ninth of Av, July 30th.
Bilaam, the certified hater of the children of Israel sings their praises, but this week, as we read the first chapters of the book of Deuteronomy, Moshe rabbenu - Moses our master - who loves his people more than life itself, deals them harsh rebuke. How can this be? Click here to view Rabbi Richman's short teaching on parashat Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22).
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
The children of Reuben and Gad
"The children of Reuben and Gad had an abundance of livestock very numerous..."
(Numbers 32:1)Tammuz 22, 5769/July 14, 2009
We have arrived at the concluding chapters of the book of Numbers, and the children of Israel have arrived at the conclusion of their forty year sojourn in the wilderness. Having soundly vanquished their enemies that tried to deny them access to the land of Canaan, the land promised them by G-d, they are literally days from crossing the Jordan and inheriting the land. It is at this very moment, this temporary lull before the dawn of a new age, that the leaders of the children of Reuven and Gad approach Moses:
"Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, and Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon, the land that the L-rd struck down before the congregation of Israel is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock." (Numbers 32:3)
The land they refer to lies east of the Jordan River. It is good land, vacant, and certainly of great strategic value for insuring the security of the land of Israel, west of the Jordan, once the Israelites have conquered and settled it. The request of Reuven and Gad to stay behind and settle this land, was, by many standards, reasonable, perhaps even inspired.
Yet Moses is beside himself with anger. He accuses them of breaking ranks with their brethren, who will yet have to fight for their share of the land of Israel. He accuses them of being guilty of the same sin that their fathers, the spies, had committed, when they turned their back on G-d's land, and chose to remain in the desert. Attempting to assuage Moses' anger and to deflect his accusation of opting out of the upcoming battles, they assure Moses:
"We will build sheepfolds for our livestock here and cities for our children. We will then arm ourselves quickly [and go] before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place. Our children will reside in the fortified cities on account of the inhabitants of the land. We shall not return to our homes until each of the children of Israel has taken possession of his inheritance." (ibid 16-19)
Although Moses accepts this compromise, their words betray them, revealing a tragic inversion of priorities, an error in their understanding of themselves, Torah, and the eternal bond which has been forged between themselves, G-d and the land of Israel. By mentioning their livestock first, and their children only second, they are stating loud and clear that their material comfort takes precedence over the upbringing of their children and the future of their people. If the baseless wailing that accompanied the return of the spies and their evil report would prove a source of tears and sorrow for generations, then this sin of settlement outside of the borders of Israel (by choice) would likewise prove a snare and a source of endless misery up to this very day.
How ironic that when the spies protested that the land of Canaan would be unsafe for their young children, G-d decreed that only those very same children would survive the desert experience and enter the land. And now these same aging children, who received in their youth such Divine assurance, turn their backs again, on G-d and the land.
The only way to break the cycle and put paid to the tragedy of generation after generation of Jews living and dying outside of the land is by choosing our children over our comforts, placing their future over our present, and exchanging any material inheritance they might enjoy after we perish, with the spiritual inheritance promised them by the living G-d.
Assurances of assistance from our brothers overseas will never fill the void we feel by their absence here in the land. From our very first steps into freedom we have yearned, "until Your people cross over, O L-rd, until this nation that You have acquired crosses over." (Exodus 15:16)
Tune in to the week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss the concluding chapters of the Book of Numbers, parashot Matot-Masei: the 42 journeys across the desert sands, the journey of our lives. These three weeks of heightened Temple consciousness: an opportunity to "pursue G-d" and increase holiness. Pinchas and Eliyahu, a foretaste of the coming redemption, Reuven & Gad - cattle & kids: what takes precedence?
This week features the latest Bat Melech video teaching with Rabbanit Rena Richman, entitled, "The Prophet Chuldah: Her prophecies in the time of King Josiah.The special message of compassion and hope she delivers on the eve of the capture of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Holy Temple, and the forcing of the Jews into exile." This teaching is a rebroadcast from one year age, and is a must view during these three weeks leading up to the 9th of Av. Click here to view.
Today also features the new Light to the Nations teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, entitled, "Guarding the Holy Temple: It is the task of the Levites to stand guard over the Holy Temple for the purpose of proper respect for the House of the L-rd." Click here to view.
The concluding chapters of the book of Numbers include a detailed description of the forty two journeys taken by the children of Israel as they made their way across the wilderness. This is nothing less than a spiritual travelogue that serves as sign posts for each and every one of us as we make our own journeys across the sands of time which make up our lives. Click here to view Rabbi Richman's short teaching on parashat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13).
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
www.templeinstitute.org
Monday, July 13, 2009
Spiritual purpose for the physical Temple
I understand the temple of God to be within, when the Father & Christ make their abode inside each adopted member of the family of God, through their Holy Spirit. - Bernard
Didn't Moses have the Holy Spirit when he oversaw the construction of the holy Tabernacle? How about David when he prepared for the Temple? Or Ezra and Nehemiah? Did that stop them from their holy physical work for the Tabernacle and Temple? Did they feel they were better than that and didn't need to do as God led them to do because they had the Holy Spirit? No.
Clearly the physical building of the holy Temple of God serves as a physical place to physically gather to worship God, as commanded, on the NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL level. The spiritual Temple, that has always been composed of those filled with God's Holy Spirit (and the Prophets had God's Holy Spirit before Shavuot/Pentecost, long before the Church of God was established in Jerusalem), doesn't compete or rule out the physical/national purposes God has ordained for the literal, physical Temple He commands Israel to build. Furthermore, this ought to be evident since the spiritual Temple (the early Jewish Church of God) continued to gladly meet, worship and fellowship at the physical Temple of God until they were warned to flee (to Pella - not stay in their homes) before the destruction, and as Paul proves, even offer sacrifices (with a deeper understanding of their meaning).
The Temple of God in Holy Jerusalem
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
A House of Prayer For All Peoples?
Where's the Temple On the Temple Mount?
Didn't Moses have the Holy Spirit when he oversaw the construction of the holy Tabernacle? How about David when he prepared for the Temple? Or Ezra and Nehemiah? Did that stop them from their holy physical work for the Tabernacle and Temple? Did they feel they were better than that and didn't need to do as God led them to do because they had the Holy Spirit? No.
Clearly the physical building of the holy Temple of God serves as a physical place to physically gather to worship God, as commanded, on the NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL level. The spiritual Temple, that has always been composed of those filled with God's Holy Spirit (and the Prophets had God's Holy Spirit before Shavuot/Pentecost, long before the Church of God was established in Jerusalem), doesn't compete or rule out the physical/national purposes God has ordained for the literal, physical Temple He commands Israel to build. Furthermore, this ought to be evident since the spiritual Temple (the early Jewish Church of God) continued to gladly meet, worship and fellowship at the physical Temple of God until they were warned to flee (to Pella - not stay in their homes) before the destruction, and as Paul proves, even offer sacrifices (with a deeper understanding of their meaning).
The Temple of God in Holy Jerusalem
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
A House of Prayer For All Peoples?
Where's the Temple On the Temple Mount?
"Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aharon"
"Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aharon"
(Numbers 25:10)
Tammuz 17, 5769/July 9, 2009
The Fast of the Seventeenth
"Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aharon the kohen has turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his zealously avenging Me among them, so that I did not destroy the children of Israel because of My zeal." (Numbers 25:10)
Normally Torah would suffice with the mention of Elazar as the father of Pinchas, but here Pinchas' grandfather Aharon is noted. Midrash tells us that the people were questioning Pinchas' heritage. After all, his grandfather, through his mother was Yitro, (Jethro), a former idolator.
Perhaps that would explain Pinchas' "violent" action when he rose up and killed Zimri, the prince of the tribe of Shim'on, and Cozbi, the Midianite princess. By drawing attention to Aharon, the high priest and brother of Moses, whose bona-fides couldn't be questioned, as he was recognized universally as being a ba'al chesed - a man of loving kindness, and an ish shalom - a man of peace, Torah is testifying to the pure intentions that motivated Pinchas into action.
At a time when Moses and the elders didn't know how to respond to the brazen act of Zimri and Cozbi, and to the breakdown of Israelite society that they were flaunting, Pinchas emerged from the shadows and did what had to be done. And yes, if his motives had not been pure, if he had acted on any impulse other that the pure love of G-d and out of zealousness for His honor in the world, then he would have been guilty of a heinous crime. Therefore Torah makes it clear:
"Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aharon the kohen has turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his zealously avenging Me among them, so that I did not destroy the children of Israel because of My zeal." (Numbers 25:10)
And lest there remain any lingering doubt, G-d makes it emphatically clear: "I hereby give him My covenant of peace." (ibid 25:12)
Today is the 17th day of the month of Tammuz, a day in which disaster has repeatedly befallen the people of Israel throughout their long history. On the 17th the original Tablets of the Law were shattered by Moses when he descended from Sinai only to see his people frolicking around the golden calf. On the 17th the daily Tamid offering was discontinued during the First Temple, and on the 17th the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Roman legions who would soon ransack and destroy the Second Holy Temple. Today the 17th is a day of fasting for the people of Israel, beginning the three week period of reflection and introspection, focusing on the Holy Temple. The Holy Temple was destroyed twice on the ninth of Av, (in the years 586 BCE and 70 CE), The ninth of Av (July 31) is observed by fasting and the recitation of lamentations and concludes the three week period.
Just as the Israelites in the desert exhibited extreme circumspection concerning the purity of Pinchas' motivation for his act of zealotry, we today must be certain of the purity of our motivation during these three weeks, known in Hebrew as Bein HaMetzarim - Between the Straits:
Are we fasting and taking upon ourselves the customs of mourning for the Holy Temple as a way of expressing our profound spiritual dissatisfaction living in a world without the Holy Temple?
Are we refraining from attending musical performances, social get-togethers, parties and weddings as a way of expressing our bitter disappointment in ourselves, for as we know, "a generation which has not built the Holy Temple can be likened to a generation that witnessed its destruction?"
Or are we simply indulging in self-serving self-restraint as a way of paying lip service to the idea of the Holy Temple, without really examining what it should and could effect in our lives and in the life of humankind? Does the three-week mourning period merely present a convenient outlet to expiate our guilt and then, when it's over, simply go on our way without regret? If this is the case, and our motives are not pure, then yes, we are guilty of a heinous crime, a crime no less a betrayal of our heritage, that that committed by Zimri, prince of the tribe of Shim'on.
But if our pain is sincere, and if it is pure, and if it compels us to action, to renewed and reinvigorated progress toward the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, then we too, like Pinchas, can achieve the greatest reward, G-d's "covenant of peace." (ibid 25:12) After all, we, too, like Pinchas, share unassailable lineage. We, too, have been designated by G-d, "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." (Exodus 19:6) And, have we not been told: "The glory of this last house shall be greater than the first one, said the L-rd of Hosts. And in this place I will grant peace, says the L-rd of Hosts." (Haggai 2:9)
Tune in to the week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss Pinchas, the man who stood in the breach and stayed the tide of assimilation. The 17th of Tammuz marks the beginning of the three week period of mourning and reflection over the destruction of the Holy Temple. Today the nations have laid siege once again on Jerusalem, as in the days of old. Perhaps we are in need of a collective Pinchas "moment" of purity and clarity of purpose, to rise up and restore the honor of G-d.
Today features the new Light to the Nations teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, entitled, "The Tammuz Special: From the days of the spies, the month of Tammuz has been one of harsh judgement for Israel. But Tammuz is not fated to be so for ever. By speaking well of the land of Israel and increasing our appreciation and intensifying our love for the land - right now - in the month of Tammuz, we can begin to turn Tammuz from a bitter month to a sweet month." Originally broadcast on Rosh Chodesh Tammuz one year ago, Rabbi Richman’s insights remain as valuable and relevant today as they were then. Click here to view.
An eight minute Israel National News video interview entitled, "Understanding the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz," with Rabbi Chaim Richman can be viewed here.
Who was Pinchas? Where did he come from? What was he made of? Was his act of zealotry a true “Jewish” reaction? Was his ability to act in the moment to defend G-d's honor, to assuage G-d's anger a true “Jewish” reaction? Absolutely! Click here to view Rabbi Richman's short teaching on parashat Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1).
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
www.templeinstitute.org
(Numbers 25:10)
Tammuz 17, 5769/July 9, 2009
The Fast of the Seventeenth
"Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aharon the kohen has turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his zealously avenging Me among them, so that I did not destroy the children of Israel because of My zeal." (Numbers 25:10)
Normally Torah would suffice with the mention of Elazar as the father of Pinchas, but here Pinchas' grandfather Aharon is noted. Midrash tells us that the people were questioning Pinchas' heritage. After all, his grandfather, through his mother was Yitro, (Jethro), a former idolator.
Perhaps that would explain Pinchas' "violent" action when he rose up and killed Zimri, the prince of the tribe of Shim'on, and Cozbi, the Midianite princess. By drawing attention to Aharon, the high priest and brother of Moses, whose bona-fides couldn't be questioned, as he was recognized universally as being a ba'al chesed - a man of loving kindness, and an ish shalom - a man of peace, Torah is testifying to the pure intentions that motivated Pinchas into action.
At a time when Moses and the elders didn't know how to respond to the brazen act of Zimri and Cozbi, and to the breakdown of Israelite society that they were flaunting, Pinchas emerged from the shadows and did what had to be done. And yes, if his motives had not been pure, if he had acted on any impulse other that the pure love of G-d and out of zealousness for His honor in the world, then he would have been guilty of a heinous crime. Therefore Torah makes it clear:
"Pinchas the son of Elazar the son of Aharon the kohen has turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his zealously avenging Me among them, so that I did not destroy the children of Israel because of My zeal." (Numbers 25:10)
And lest there remain any lingering doubt, G-d makes it emphatically clear: "I hereby give him My covenant of peace." (ibid 25:12)
Today is the 17th day of the month of Tammuz, a day in which disaster has repeatedly befallen the people of Israel throughout their long history. On the 17th the original Tablets of the Law were shattered by Moses when he descended from Sinai only to see his people frolicking around the golden calf. On the 17th the daily Tamid offering was discontinued during the First Temple, and on the 17th the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Roman legions who would soon ransack and destroy the Second Holy Temple. Today the 17th is a day of fasting for the people of Israel, beginning the three week period of reflection and introspection, focusing on the Holy Temple. The Holy Temple was destroyed twice on the ninth of Av, (in the years 586 BCE and 70 CE), The ninth of Av (July 31) is observed by fasting and the recitation of lamentations and concludes the three week period.
Just as the Israelites in the desert exhibited extreme circumspection concerning the purity of Pinchas' motivation for his act of zealotry, we today must be certain of the purity of our motivation during these three weeks, known in Hebrew as Bein HaMetzarim - Between the Straits:
Are we fasting and taking upon ourselves the customs of mourning for the Holy Temple as a way of expressing our profound spiritual dissatisfaction living in a world without the Holy Temple?
Are we refraining from attending musical performances, social get-togethers, parties and weddings as a way of expressing our bitter disappointment in ourselves, for as we know, "a generation which has not built the Holy Temple can be likened to a generation that witnessed its destruction?"
Or are we simply indulging in self-serving self-restraint as a way of paying lip service to the idea of the Holy Temple, without really examining what it should and could effect in our lives and in the life of humankind? Does the three-week mourning period merely present a convenient outlet to expiate our guilt and then, when it's over, simply go on our way without regret? If this is the case, and our motives are not pure, then yes, we are guilty of a heinous crime, a crime no less a betrayal of our heritage, that that committed by Zimri, prince of the tribe of Shim'on.
But if our pain is sincere, and if it is pure, and if it compels us to action, to renewed and reinvigorated progress toward the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, then we too, like Pinchas, can achieve the greatest reward, G-d's "covenant of peace." (ibid 25:12) After all, we, too, like Pinchas, share unassailable lineage. We, too, have been designated by G-d, "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." (Exodus 19:6) And, have we not been told: "The glory of this last house shall be greater than the first one, said the L-rd of Hosts. And in this place I will grant peace, says the L-rd of Hosts." (Haggai 2:9)
Tune in to the week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss Pinchas, the man who stood in the breach and stayed the tide of assimilation. The 17th of Tammuz marks the beginning of the three week period of mourning and reflection over the destruction of the Holy Temple. Today the nations have laid siege once again on Jerusalem, as in the days of old. Perhaps we are in need of a collective Pinchas "moment" of purity and clarity of purpose, to rise up and restore the honor of G-d.
Today features the new Light to the Nations teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, entitled, "The Tammuz Special: From the days of the spies, the month of Tammuz has been one of harsh judgement for Israel. But Tammuz is not fated to be so for ever. By speaking well of the land of Israel and increasing our appreciation and intensifying our love for the land - right now - in the month of Tammuz, we can begin to turn Tammuz from a bitter month to a sweet month." Originally broadcast on Rosh Chodesh Tammuz one year ago, Rabbi Richman’s insights remain as valuable and relevant today as they were then. Click here to view.
An eight minute Israel National News video interview entitled, "Understanding the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz," with Rabbi Chaim Richman can be viewed here.
Who was Pinchas? Where did he come from? What was he made of? Was his act of zealotry a true “Jewish” reaction? Was his ability to act in the moment to defend G-d's honor, to assuage G-d's anger a true “Jewish” reaction? Absolutely! Click here to view Rabbi Richman's short teaching on parashat Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1).
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
www.templeinstitute.org
Monday, July 06, 2009
Second Temple Stone Quarry Discovered
Second Temple Stone Quarry Discovered
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
(IsraelNN.com)
Archaeologists have discovered a quarter-acre (one dunam) quarry in Jerusalem that apparently was the source for mammoth stones used by Herod to build the Second Temple. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered the quarry prior to the planned construction of apartment buildings on Shmuel HaNavi Street.
The ancient quarry dates back 2,030 years, according to excavation director Dr. Ofer Sion. The immense size of the stones, which measure up to three meters long and two meters high and wide, “indicates it was highly likely that the large stones that were quarried at the site were destined for use in the construction of Herod’s magnificent projects in Jerusalem, including the Temple walls,” he said.
He also estimated that a large work force among Herod's estimated 10,000 laborers produced the stones by creating detachment channels with the use of a one-pound chisel. “After the channels were formed, the stones were severed from the bedrock using hammers and chisels,” Dr. Sion explained.
“We know from historical sources that in order to build the Temple and other projects which Herod constructed, such as his palace, hundreds of thousands of various size stones were required – most of them weighing between two and five tons each”, said the director of the excavation. “The dimensions of the stones that were produced in the quarry...are suitable for the Temple walls."
Read the rest here:
Second Temple Stone Quarry Discovered
(06/07/2009 11:07)
************
The Temple of God in Holy Jerusalem
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
A House of Prayer For All Peoples?
Where's the Temple On the Temple Mount?
by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu
(IsraelNN.com)
Archaeologists have discovered a quarter-acre (one dunam) quarry in Jerusalem that apparently was the source for mammoth stones used by Herod to build the Second Temple. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) discovered the quarry prior to the planned construction of apartment buildings on Shmuel HaNavi Street.
The ancient quarry dates back 2,030 years, according to excavation director Dr. Ofer Sion. The immense size of the stones, which measure up to three meters long and two meters high and wide, “indicates it was highly likely that the large stones that were quarried at the site were destined for use in the construction of Herod’s magnificent projects in Jerusalem, including the Temple walls,” he said.
He also estimated that a large work force among Herod's estimated 10,000 laborers produced the stones by creating detachment channels with the use of a one-pound chisel. “After the channels were formed, the stones were severed from the bedrock using hammers and chisels,” Dr. Sion explained.
“We know from historical sources that in order to build the Temple and other projects which Herod constructed, such as his palace, hundreds of thousands of various size stones were required – most of them weighing between two and five tons each”, said the director of the excavation. “The dimensions of the stones that were produced in the quarry...are suitable for the Temple walls."
Read the rest here:
Second Temple Stone Quarry Discovered
(06/07/2009 11:07)
************
The Temple of God in Holy Jerusalem
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
A House of Prayer For All Peoples?
Where's the Temple On the Temple Mount?
Friday, July 03, 2009
"Curse this People for Me"
"Curse this People for Me"
(Numbers 22:6)
Tammuz 11, 5769/July 3, 2009
Man was created with the ability to communicate by speech and this is what distinguishes us from all other creation. With this gift of speech, however, come privileges and responsibilities. Our ability to speak, to verbalize our thoughts and communicate them to others, defines who we are. Speech is not merely a mechanical process of pushing air through our lips, speech requires a constant moral equation: with each word we formulate we are making choices of right vs wrong, good vs evil, holiness vs savagery. We can speak in such a way that increases holiness in the world and draws ourselves closer to G-d, or we can speak in such a way that defiles our world and increases the distance between ourselves and G-d. Speech is the highest expression of our individuality, of our freedom to choose.
A prophet is an individual through whom speaks the Divine will. The Hebrew prophets were all individuals who perfected their spirituality while also subjecting their own will to the will of G-d. The commandments communicated by Moses do not reflect Moses' will, but G-d's will. What we learn about Moses the man, we learn through observing his words and actions. We learn from the questions which Moses directed to G-d, and the debates with which he engaged G-d, that his own individuality and free will remained intact.
In this week's Torah reading we are introduced to a heathen prophet by the name of Balaam. Balaam, like other prophets, attained a degree of spiritual perfection, which enabled him to become a vehicle of prophecy. Yet Balaam's spiritual accomplishments were not accompanied by piety or holiness. He was vain, headstrong and self-serving. Our sages teach us that Balaam was a master of sorcery, an expert in witchcraft and the illicit arts. His prophetic prowess was one element in his nefarious "bag of tricks." It is clear from our story that G-d was "on to him." He strung Balaam along, creating for him numerous opportunities to repent of his evil intention to utter a curse on the nation of Israel. Yet, on each occasion that Balaam was confronted with the consequences of his decisions, he chose to continue along his ill conceived path. In this battle of wills, it was ultimately the will and the words of G-d that came forth from Balaam's mouth, as his intended curses and deprecations were turned into blessings and praises heaped upon the children of Israel. Balaam intended evil, G-d delivered good.
Unlike Moses, with whom G-d spoke "face to face," and who was able to seamlessly be both a prophet of G-d and the leader of his people, Balaam ultimately failed his test. True, G-d's words emerged from his lips, but they might as well have emerged from the lips of a dead man. By attempting to deny G-d's will, Balaam succeeded only in forfeiting his own free will, and with that, his humanity. Just as Pharaoh's persistent denial of G-d ultimately led to G-d hardening his heart, and thus closing the door on repentance, so did Balaam's behavior cause himself to be stripped of the most basic components of his own humanity - free will and repentance. After all, if G-d can move the mouth and open the eyes of a dumb beast, (Numbers 22:28), what merit can be assigned Balaam, who so steadfastly refused to rise above his own bestial nature?
The words spoken by Balaam are among the most beautiful utterances expressed in all Scripture. Had he only intended them, he could be counted among the righteous, as he himself desired: "May my soul die the death of the upright and let my end be like his." (Numbers 22:10) Extracted against his will, Balaam's description of the internal modesty and simplicity of the Israelites, has stood the test of time: "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel!" (Numbers 23:5) The world today is abound with Balaams, great and small, ready and willing to defame and blaspheme the "nation that dwells alone." (Numbers 22:9) May the nation of Israel, the nation whose glorious future has been foretold by the prophets of old, continue to fortify itself with modesty, faith and vision, repel the arrows aimed against her, and, when the the time comes, "raise herself up like a lion." (Numbers 22:4)
Tune in to the week's Temple Talk as Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven discuss Moshe rabbenu - Moses our master, whose ability to grasp the true nature of the statute of the red heifer is proof of his unrivaled humility, and who "took a hit" on behalf of his people, by striking the rock and castigating the "rebels." While Moses struck a rock in order to save his people from a catastrophic fate, Balaam struck mercilessly the only friend he had, his she-donkey, thus revealing his true colors and sealing his own fate.
ASCENDING THE TEMPLE MOUNT: AN INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF GUIDE: For the first time, we have published online a brief summary of pertinent halacha (requirements of Torah law) and guidelines for ascending to the Temple Mount (aliya) in purity. While not intended to be a substitute for in-depth study or at the very least, consultation with a Torah scholar who is acknowledged to be an expert in this highly specialized, often neglected subject, this guide will introduce the potential pilgrim to the basic do's and don'ts of proper conduct upon the Temple Mount. Click here to view.
This week features the latest Bat Melech video teaching with Rabbanit Rena Richman, entitled, "Avigail, Wife of David: One of the seven female prophets, Avigail’s quick wit and unwavering morality were essential in shaping David, the man and future king." Click here to view.
Today also features the new Light to the Nations teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman, entitled, "Inside the Holy of Holies: Maimonides’ Hilchot Beit HaBechirah - Laws of the Chosen House, chapter VII: Rabbi Akiva said, the entire Tanach, (Scripture) is likened unto the Kodesh, (Sanctuary of the Holy Temple), and the Song of Songs is likened unto the Kodesh Hakedoshim, (The Holy of Holies). The Holy of Holies is the spot of the most intimate aspects of the relationship between G-d and man." Click here to view.
The power of speech differentiates man from all of creation. And with the power of speech comes the power to bring good into the world and sanctify creation, or to bring evil into the world, and denigrate creation. Moshe used speech to achieve the former. Balaam, the heathen prophet, used speech to achieve the latter. Click here to view Rabbi Richman's short teaching on parashat Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9).
Blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
www.templeinstitute.org
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