JTF.ORG Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: muman613 on November 06, 2008, 04:36:39 AM
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Shalom everyone,
I was just reading Rabbi Lazer Brodys wonderful web site @ http://lazerbrody.typepad.com/lazer_beams/ and came across his latest posting. It is very uplifting and I would like to share it with JTF members. If you have any comments or questions we can discuss them.
The battle ahead
Many tzaddikim have told us that Gog and Magog is over. Despite Iran's nuclear threats, and our neighbors' continued promises to push us into the sea, both Rav Shalom Arush shlit'a and the Melitzer Rebbe shlit'a continue to promise that the land of Israel is the safest place on earth for any family that observes the Sabbath and grants their children a Torah education. So, like we've said numerous times before, the struggle between now and the coming of Moshiach will be spiritual, where each one of us will have to fight to hold on to our faith amongst a sea of atheism and agnosticism. Rebbe Nachman of Breslev foresaw this spiritual struggle 200 years ago; his disciple, Rebbe Nathan of Breslev, wrote (Sichos HaRan, 35):
Rebbe Nachman said, "A great wave of atheism is coming to the world."
Many times he told us that the world's many sins are resulting in great disbelief. Happy is he who is strong in his faith.
The Rebbe said that the fact that he is predicting this will not prevent this Godlessness and confusion from increasing. Thousands of years ago, Daniel and others predicted that this would happen in the days before the Messiah. They said (Daniel 12:1), "Many will purify themselves and be refined, and make themselves shining white. The wicked will be evil, and only the wise shall understand."
It has already been predicted that there will be great temptations before the Messiah's coming, when "many will purify themselves and be refined, and make themselves shining white" in faith. Fortunate indeed is one who resists these temptations and remains firm in his belief. He will be worthy of all the good promised to us by the prophets and sages of old.
Knowing full well that this has already been predicted, it would seem ridiculous for one to succumb to any temptation to abandon his beliefs. It would seem obvious that every Jew would have enough intelligence to remain firm. But still it is a great trial. Many will fall away, and for this reason it is written that "the wicked will be evil."
The Rebbe said, "Still, I am revealing this for the sake of the few faithful who will remain strong in their belief. They will certainly have great conflicts. But when they see that this has already been predicted, it will give them additional strength and encouragement."
Don't be discouraged. Rebbe Nachman also foresaw the Tshuva movement, when he wrote that, "Many will purify themselves and be refined, and make themselves shining white in faith." Hashem has indescribable joy from every person's slightest spiritual gain. He recognizes our good efforts, and will reward us for them when the time comes. Meanwhile, Hashem doesn't make bombastic demands of us - all He wants is that we should cling to Him and His Torah with simple, uncomplicated faith. He wants us to avoid causing harm, pain, or insult to our fellow human. He wants us to respect each other, to tell the truth and to deal honestly. Basically, that's all we need to do in order to win the spiritual war. Keep the faith, and don't fear anyone or anything except for Hashem. Your steadfast faith is your personal key to happiness, success, and a very bright future.
I think Rabbi Nachman was a very wise and righteous man. So much of his wisdom and Torah is true in my life today. I think what Rabbi Brody is saying is true but at the same time I think we should be prepared against our physical enemies while we are purifying our souls. Our enemies could, and are, taking advantage of the Jewish peoples desire for peace in the world. But I do agree that bringing Moshiach requires more than a strong military.
muman613
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To Hashem is the Earth and its fullness - yasher koach. After reading that Noam was arrested again yesterday, and because I fasted on the first of B'H'B, I am fasting again today. I can't believe what we are seeing before our very eyes.
However, just as your post points out, our faith will carry us through this, as well. This is why it is very surprising to see posts on here where members seemingly attack each other.
In these days, we have to be so careful to judge everyone favorably and give everyone a proper level of respect.
In Chabad Chassidus, there is a concept called klipas Midyon. It is based on a ma'amar by The Rebbe Rashab (whose birthday is 12 days away, three after the yeartzite of Reb Meir) and it basically states that there is something that exists called klipas Midyon which seeks to senselessly tear apart the Jewish people.
It is so important in these days to show Hashem that his children really love and respect each other. We need not agree on every point in Torah, and in fact the beauty of Torah is that it is so broad. However, we should strive to show proper respect to each other, even on these faceless interfaces.
Stay strong in your faith, and G-d bless.
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Rabbi Brody's words are of a great comfort to me, but not of complete comfort. Too often the battles within are overlooked. Our souls become the greatest casualties of war. I do not want to overlook our existential perils, but I don't want to solve these threats at the expense of our souls. These two different types of struggles do not have to be mutually exclusive. And in fact, the physical protection of the Jewish body is a tremendous Kiddush Hashem.
Rabbi Kahane once said (something to the effect of) without a body to cling to, what good is a soul? I do not know if the end of days is near. But I believe that we must bring the redemption upon ourselves. When we sanctify G-d's name both by living and by living according to Torah, we will hearken the Messiah to us.
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I hope that the Hassids are correct. Sefardim generally say otherwise though.