UPDATE: "Gay Pride" Parade Rescheduled to September 21 - Two Days Before Rosh HaShanah

What sickens me does not surprise me. The side of spiritual darkness and impurity are extremely adamant about bringing great impurity to our Holy City of Jerusalem. What's more sickening (and, of course, not surprising) is that they intend to bring such great spiritual darkness to the holiest city in the world two short days before Rosh HaShanah - the days when we beseech HaShem to bring health happiness and goodness to the Jewish People. This, of course, is a test. We, of course, have the ability to overcome this darkness trying to be thrusted on HaShem's City of Holiness. We must not allow this. The police must understand that this cannot be permitted. Olmert's increasingly instable government must be made to understand that we will help push them off of the cliff of their "power" if they dare not intercede against such abominable and intolerant actions in our Holy City. With such great adversaries in the world who only want the bad for the Jewish People, we must do our utmost to show HaShem that we will fight "the wars of HaShem" and thereby merit that Hashem fight our wars! It is of course no coincidence that this parsha, Ki Tzetzei, discusses sexual purity of the Jewish People and protection during war.

The following is from Arutz Sheva:

Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem Rescheduled

By Yechiel Spira

The Open House organization has announced the International Gay Pride Parade will take place in Jerusalem on September 21st. The event was scheduled to take place in the capital in August, but was postponed due to the war in Lebanon.

Prior to the postponement, opposition to the parade was mounting, with prominent rabbis, the Vatican and Islamic religious leaders joining forces to prevent the event from taking place in Jerusalem.

August 22 - Iran Threatens to Attack the West? Torah and Insights

Iran and the United States, along with Europe and much of the rest of the world are at odds with each other about Iran's nuclear program. Things have been heating up as of late, including a likely veiled threat made by Ahmadinejad against the United States. Ahmadinejad picked a seemingly random date - August 22, 2006 - to respond to the West in reference to its nuclear program. This vague language uttered by a madman intent on wiping out the West, at the head of a very advanced nation bent on having nuclear weapons should be taken seriously. This is not merely one of those kind of things people can brush off by saying that he is "crazy" (he is) or that one is reading into his words to think that he is threatening an attack.

Professor Bernard Lewis of Princeton has the following to say about Ahmadinejad and his "response" on August 22:

"In Islam, as in Judaism and Christianity, there are certain beliefs concerning the cosmic struggle at the end of time--Gog and Magog, anti-Christ, Armageddon, and for Shiite Muslims, the long awaited return of the Hidden Imam, ending in the final victory of the forces of good over evil, however these may be defined. Mr. Ahmadinejad and his followers clearly believe that this time is now, and that the terminal struggle has already begun and is indeed well advanced. It may even have a date, indicated by several references by the Iranian president to giving his final answer to the U.S. about nuclear development by Aug. 22. This was at first reported as "by the end of August," but Mr. Ahmadinejad's statement was more precise.

What is the significance of Aug. 22? This year, Aug. 22 corresponds, in the Islamic calendar, to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to "the farthest mosque," usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1). This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind."

HISTORICAL INDICATOR:

Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor: The United States picked up information that Japan planned to call off their negotiations with the United States in the end of November, 1941. The attack at Pearl Harbor occurred just a week later.

Now, Iran may be hinting to the West that "August 22" is a day to watch out for on which they may attack the West, somewhat following Japan's lead in their indication to attack the United States.

RECENT INDICATORS:

Terrorists have stated that before a major attack (potentially nuclear), they wish to perform smaller attacks prior, according to World Net Daily. The planned downing of ten airliners bound for the U.S. was planned for today, August, 16, 2006. In addition, 3 men were found recently with about 1,000 cell phones which, it appears, they planned to use on the Makinac Bridge in Michigan. A woman recently was found with liquids, a screwdriver, and al-Qaida literature on a flight heading to America.

Ahmadinejad sent a letter to President Bush back in May inviting the United States to turn Muslim. According to Islamic law, before the enemy is to be attacked, they must first be invited to Islam. If they do not take up that offer, they can be attacked. In a recent interview on CBS, Ahmadinijad said that President Bush, by not responding favorably to the invitation to become Muslim was leading President Bush and others who refuse such an "invitation" to convert "will not have a good ending or fate."

According to WorldNetDaily, a planned terrorist nuclear attack on America is set to happen after America attacks Iran's nuclear facilities. According to a journalist who interviewed bin-Laden recently, it is likely that small nuclear bombs are already in American cities. However, the timing of a major nuclear attack on America occurring after an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities contradicts al-Qaida's plan and Iranian threats to preempt the world with a major attack.

The recent war involving Hezbollah and Israel. It is well know that Hezbollah is Iran's arm extended into Lebanon. They are provided with many of their advanced missiles from Iran. It makes sense that Hezbollah's orders in general come from Iran, their financier and arms supplier. Therefore, the order for Hezbollah to engage Israel in war almost certainly emanated from Iran. If Iran were at such a disadvantage to the rest of the world now, why are they so heated to try and drag the world, including the United States, Europe, and Israel, into war against it?

Everything here may fit together, the planned terror attacks during the same time period, Iran's "invitation" to America, Ahmadinejad warning of a bad "fate" for America, and the August 22, 2006 date.

WHAT DOES THE TORAH HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ALL OF THIS?

The below teachings may very well apply to current world events:

Rabbi Yitzchak said: "The year that the King Mashiach reveals himself, all of the nations of the world will be provoking one another. The king of Persia will provoke the King of Arabia and the King of Arabia will go to the King of Aram to take advice from them. The king of Persia will [then] return and destroy the entire world and all the nations of the world will be in an uproar and will be confounded and they will say 'Where shall we come and go, to where shall we come and go.' And He (HaShem) shall say to them (the Jewish People), 'My sons, do not fear, everything that I have done, I have done only for you. For what are you fearing, do not fear, the time of your redemption has arrived..." Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, Yishayahu, 499

From the above, it appears that Persia (modern day Iran) goes out to attack the whole world. There shall be a world power who will be dragged to war against Persia. According to Sefer Yirmiyahu, the war will involve Persia and a world-power, compared in the prophecy to a lion. The prophecy toward the end of sefer Yirmiyahu refers to this nation suffering its cities being destroyed. A couple verses later, HaShem says that the enemy (Persia) will swoop down like an eagle against this nation, inflicting great damage to its "dwellings" thus dragging its enemy out to war.

Persia is referred to as the "youngest of the sheep" a comment by RaSh"I notes that Persia is "the most contemptible of the nations". The strongmen of this nation, the victim of Persia's brazen attack are described after the attack on their soil as having the heart of a woman in the travails of childbirth.

According to the MaLBi"M, the Persians are the lion who attack the victim - the youngest of the sheep - attacking them at an instant, stunning the world and the world-power. The MaLBi"M, quotes the MaHa"Ri as saying that the attack would be on the city referred to as "Botzrah" which he claims is Rome. This quick attack on Rome is what brings their ally (one or more of the Western Powers) to war against Persia. This war against Persia is what is described as "Gog U'Magog" or probably better known as "WWIII". The reader should note that the MaLBi"M lived in the 1800's.

Metzudas David notes that Persia (Iran?) will attack a large city of the country destined to fight Persia in this major World War. Either way, in light of the above, according to Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer from there will be widespread damage inflicted by Persia worldwide, Heaven Forbid.

Though it is unclear what exactly the president of Iran refers to when he says Iran will "respond", what he means by "the West" and why he picked August 22, I think it would be prudent to take his statement as follows:

As Bernard Lewis notes, August 22, 2006 is an important day in Islam and a likely date for a major attack, possibly nuclear, Heaven Forbid, as a "response" to the "West" in reference to its "nuclear" program. As the commentator RaSh"I noted in the context of the prophesized attack by Persia (Iran?), they are the most shameful of the nations. If modern-day Persia were to attack other parts of the world, chas v'shalom, it would be a shameful act conducted what would be widely seen as a "shameful" nation. This "contemptible" nation hates America hates Europe, hates Israel and just about anything else non-Muslim. Some people think that Israel is the target of the August 22 "response". However, Iran, which views America as the "big Satan" and Israel as the "small Satan" may prefer to attack America, Heaven Forbid, thinking much as other terrorists in their nefarious designs against America. Or, Iran, hoping to engage the entire "West" may pick on Rome to attack as a very symbolic beginning of a massive war they hope to engage the West in. Either way, as noted in the medrash of Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer, (a mishnaic era book, compiling the expositions of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hurkenos)

Everything is up to HaShem, however, it is my belief that the people who respect their fellow person, respect freedom and dignity of mankind, and have some sort of true fear of G-d will prevail in this conflict. I think the U.S. is the true victor based on the above.

Parshas Eikev: The Right War, The Wrong Strategy

THE SITUATION:

This war that Israel is fighting against Hezbollah (Lebanon), and by extension most of the Arab world, is absolutely essential for Israel's future. This war against Hezbollah is the right war to fight, however it is being fought the wrong way. Though there have been many bombing raid conducted by the I.A.F. (Israel Air Force), the missiles are still falling (about 3,500 as of last count) and Israeli ground-troops are being put into great danger with operations in terrorist havens such as Bint-Jbeil. Furthermore, Israel plans to temporarily relocate 17,000 residents of the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shemonah. So far about half of Israel's northern population has fled. Israel has activated about 100,000 reservists (about 2% of the entire Jewish population in Israel, aside from previously activated troops). So far 105 Israelis have been murdered. Halutz, the chief of the army estimates that, chas v'shalom, we will lose 300 - 500 additional troops in a large scale incursion of likely over 100,000 reservist troops. The way to fight is the way HaShem tells us in His Torah. The Israeli army is of highest value in terms of life. Since when does wearing a military uniform make one's value less than that of the casually dressed, terrorist-supporting, enemy? The way to win a war is not to be "politically correct" but to come out with minimal loss of Jewish life. HaShem tells a judge not to fear man for the justice is HaShem's. (Devarim: 1; 17) The leadership in Israel should not pay attention to the thinly-veiled anti-Semitism displayed at the U.N. We are dealing with saving Jewish lives and the leadership are the judges. Fear HaShem and not the anti-Israel U.N.

While all of this is going on, Israel is phoning residents of buildings in Gaza and Lebanon targeted by Israel. Such a tactic, being kind to the cruel, potentially leads to greater danger to the Jewish population in Israel. Phoning residents of military targets to inform them of an impending attack almost inevitably leads to the terrorists targeted by Israel finding out and escaping the attack. Furthermore, instead of the I.A.F. being sent in to decimate terrorist strongholds such as Bint Jbeil, the ground-forces are sent in to fight Hezbollah terrorists hand-to-hand in areas that are likely heavily booby-trapped. Israel claims that the reason they do not strafe, let alone completely bomb Bint Jbeil to rubble, is because they do not want to harm civilians. Unfortunately, the government in Israel believes that Lebanese "civilians" are so valuable as to base much of their military strategy on this notion, thereby still in the midst of a war that should have been won already, while Hezbollah still fires as many as 200 rockets a day into north Israel.

Israel fights a war while warning civilians of planned bombings in advance, sending in ground-troops to terrorist enclaves instead of decimating the areas with air power first, and holding back on destroying the enemy. In essence, the "decision-makers" in Israel unintentionally act as if the civilians in Lebanon are more important than the civilians in Israel. To make matters worse the leadership in this war (seemingly all over the place) and the fact that Hezbollah has been holding out against Israel for 25 days seems to encourage other Muslims to join Hezbollah in the fight against Israel. This half-hearted wartime leadership may actually be helping strengthen Hezbollah, chas v'shalom. What must be done is fight a war to destroy the enemy.

It has been reported that some religious leaders have said that a soldier is obligated to fight in this war against Hezbollah based on Torah law where one who comes to kill you, arise up to kill him first (Sanhedrin, 72a). The rationale of these leaders would make sense if the war was fought in the correct way - placing the value of Israeli soldiers (and civilians) far ahead of the enemy's civilians. Stop warning about impending military strikes. Stop sending in soldiers onto enemy territory without first decimating the areas they are being sent into (first warning the civilian population to leave the general area unarmed). Once the area is cleared of the enemy threat as much as possible, then the army should be sent in to hold onto enemy territory and gather intelligence.

If, Heaven Forbid, one's neighbor is firing into their house on a regular basis, threatening the lives of his household, a person would be obligated to defend the household by killing the enemy. However, if someone has a grenade-launcher and is able to take out the enemy safely, he would be crazy to endanger his life in order to take out the enemy. He does not have to forgo the use of his grenade-launcher in order to fight the enemy hand-to-hand, risking his own life to minimize the chances of harm coming to the family of his enemy (who almost unanimously support his terrorism) as they are "civilians". If someone were to tell someone that the man of the house still has a Torah obligation to fight the enemy by needlessly putting his life in grave danger, that would be a complete misunderstanding of the Torah obligation to defend one's life. The Torah says that one must defend one's own life, not defend the lives of the enemy!

PARSHAS EIKEV ON THE CURRENT SITUATION:

As always, if we want to find the solution out of our difficulties we must turn to the Torah.

How to fight the enemy:

"And you shall consume all of the nations that HaShem your G-d has given to you, do not show them pity..." (Devarim: 7; 16)

Ohr HaChaim: "Do not have pity: 'This follows that which [King Solomon] said (Mishlei: 12; 10) 'And one who is compassionate to the evildoers is cruel'. [This verse means to teach us that compassion to evildoers] is not a good attribute, rather it is a bad one. Therefore, the verse in Mishlei warns us that such an attribute of compassion to the evildoers is contrary to a positive attribute, it being a negative attribute.'"

What if the enemy far outnumbers Israel?

"Perhaps you will say in your hearts 'these nations are too great for me, how can I drive them out?' Do not fear from them, you shall surely remember that which HaShem your G-d did to Pharoh and to Egypt. The great miracles which your eyes saw, and the signs and the wonders and the mighty Hand and the outstretched arm [with] which HaShem your G-d took you out [of Egypt], so will HaShem your G-d do to all of the nations which you fear from before them... Do not be broken from before them, for HaShem your G-d is in your midst, great and awesome G-d." (Devarim: 7; 17 - 19, 21)

The above is pretty self-explanatory - don't worry, HaShem will fight for you - no one will be able to overcome you.

המסת הגדלת אשר ראו עיניך, והאתת והמפתים והיד החזקה והזרע הנטויה, אשר הוצאך, י-ה-ו-ה א-להיך; כן יעשה י-ה-ו-ה א-להיך לכל העמים, אשר אתה ירא מפניהם

According to the Ba'al HaTurim, the above verse discussing the wonders performed by HaShem for the Jewish People, includes every letter in the alphabet except for the "ב" which has the numerical value of 2. This teaches us that HaShem will perform these wonders a second time, when the Mashiach comes. This follows that which it says in the book of Micha, "Like the days of your exodus from the Land of Egypt, I shall show you wonders." (Micha: 7; 15)

In Parshas Lech-Lecha (Bereishis: 15; 18 - 21) HaShem tells Avraham that his Jewish descendants will inherit the lands of the ten nations in the area, ranging from the Nile to the Euphrates. The Ohr HaChaim says that the Jews will take over all of this land in the time of Mashiach. Perhaps this war will become the war that is led by Mashiach and will be fought in a similar manner to the original conquest of the Land of Israel where the enemies are utterly destroyed (Devarim: 7; 23 - 24). The nation of Israel only seeks to defend itself. However, those nations that threaten to destroy Israel are, in essence, waging war on HaShem, and that is a war that they are guaranteed to lose. (See Balak)

Anyone who dares threaten to destroy Israel should read the following:

HaShem tells the Jewish People: "And HaShem your G-d shall give them before you and they shall be greatly confused until you destroy them. And He shall give their kings in your hand and you shall destroy their name from below the Heaven, a man shall not stand before you until you destroy them." (Devarim: 7; 23 - 24)

The point is, fight the war with air-power. Only then bring in the ground forces.

Parshas Va'Eschanan: Israel is At War with Lebanon, Not Just Hezbollah

After concluding the three weeks, with Israel losing 44 soldiers and over 30 civilians, things are turning more in Israel's favor. Though improved military strategy has led to an improvement in the situation, with Israel beginning to get the upper hand (not as keen to send soldiers in to booby-trapped terrorist enclaves), the most obvious reason for this turnaround in Israel's favor is the conclusion of the three-weeks of Jewish mourning, historically a hard time for the Jews. It is still the month of Av, however, I believe that Israel will continue to see success in its war on Lebanon.

WAR ON LEBANON OR HEZBOLLAH?

Who is Israel fighting Hezbollah or all of Lebanon?

Official reports repeatedly make the claim that Israel is waging a war against the 2,000 - 3,000 Hezbollah terrorists. In defense of Lebanon, claims are made that the army of Lebanon can't hold the terrorists at bay. Who is Israel really fighting against? Unofficially (truthfully) this war that Israel is fighting is directly against Lebanon and less directly against Syria and Iran.

Who says that Lebanon views itself as one with the Hezbollah terrorists?

The president of Lebanon, the same guy crying about false claims that Israel is starving civilians. Early last week, it was reported that the president of Lebanon said that a victory by Hezbollah would be a victory of the entire Lebanese nation. In admiration of Hezbollah, in an interview with Spiegel, President Lahoud said, "Hezbollah enjoys utmost prestige in Lebanon, because it freed our country. All over the Arab world you hear: Hezbollah maintains Arab honor, and even though it is very small, it stands up to Israel. And of course Nasrallah has my respect.

In a CNN interview about two weeks ago, the Lebanese president had the following to say about the relationship with the Lebanese and Hezbollah:

"ROBERTSON: Do you mean the army supports Hezbollah at this time in their fight against Israel?

LAHOUD: ...[O]ur thanks comes when we are united, and we are really united, and the national army is doing its work according to the government, and the resistance is respected in the whole Arab world from the population point of view. And very highly respected in Lebanon as well.

ROBERTSON: If you were to call on the army now to stop Hezbollah from attacking Israel, to stop Israel therefore attacking Lebanon. Would that divide the army along sectarian lines? Would the Shiites in the army go with Hezbollah?

LAHOUD: In the first place, I wouldn't give such an order. Believe me, Hezbollah has done a lot for Lebanon in liberating this land. ... Hezbollah is part of the government. All of these subjects can be talked about after the cease-fire, because if you talk about it now it's up to the decision of the Lebanese to decide that and the government...

We're going to stay united, and that's what makes the strength of Lebanon. And we want ourselves to solve our problems, not to force these problems on us. Because when you force these problems, believe me, when we are united nobody can do it. And the proof is that when in 2000 nobody believed we could liberate our land but we could do it because the Lebanese were united and the national army was with the united Lebanon and with the resistance (Hezbollah)."

Iran and Syria - Official Arms Providers to Lebanon's "unofficial" army - Hezbollah:

Lebanon views itself as one with the Hezbollah and is armed Syria and Iran for the sole purpose of attacking innocent Jews in Israel. Recently it was reported that Iran provided Hezbollah terrorists with an upgraded Zelzal missile with up to a 250 mile range, making it capable of hitting the Dimona nuclear reactor in the Negev.

WHAT DO OUR ENEMIES WANT?

That which brings peace to the Jewish People is through the power of Torah learning (among other things). In the end of tractate Berachos, we learn that "Rabbi Elazar said in the name of Rabbi Chaninah: 'Torah scholars increase peace in the world... great is the peace for those who love the Torah, and they do not have a stumbling block.'"

The original Palestinians, living thousands of years ago worshiped "Ba'al Zvuv" - "Master Fly". The current Palestinians, as well as many of Israel's neighbors in Lebanon, Syria, and Iran all have such an intense hatred of Israel that they would be willing to inflict strong hit on the Jews of Israel even if they were to suffer destruction. These are the people that celebrate dying in the war against the Jew.

Why do they hate the Jews so much?

Generally, a normal country who has an enemy is only willing to fight the enemy if they have a reasonable chance of victory. Amalek is different as its mission is to fight against knowledge of HaShem and its purveyors, the Jewish People, with a literally suicidal hatred. The only way to defeat such an enemy is to follow the command of HaShem and completely wipe them out. These are people that are willing to die in a losing war if they will murder Jews in the process, chas v'shalom. It is the fly that the original Palestinians worshiped that can give us some insight into Israel's enemies today. In Perek Shirah it is the fly which represents the time when the Jewish People do not learn the Torah. It is the fly that the original Palestinians made into their god. Our enemies want nothing less than no Torah. The Torah threatens them so greatly because that is what insures Jewish survival, and, most importantly, is the Jewish guidebook to spread the knowledge of G-d throughout the world. It is the power of Torah that defeats our enemies as we see from the following quote included in the beginning of Perek Shirah: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him bread, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For you are raking coals on his head and HaShem shall pay you [in recompense]." (Mishlei: 25; 21 - 22) Water and bread are compared to Torah. From these verses, King Solomon teaches us that the way to defeat our enemies is through the power of Torah. Our enemies would be happy to see our shields go down by stopping our Torah learning and observance. It is for us to crush their "fly" by keeping strong in our study and upholding the Torah. It is from our parsha of Va'eschanan (Devarim: 4; 40) that we learn that only through upholding the Torah do we hold onto our land in spite of our enemies.

The Air We Breathe, The Water We Drink, The Teshuvah We Do

Though this world is a "mask" of the spirituality inherent in all of creation, there are some hints that this universe is run by a Creator that can't necessarily be "seen". Essential components to continued survival include such common things as oxygen and water. Oxygen and water are much more common than the "monetarily more valuable" items such as diamonds and gold. Yet these easy to come by products are necessary for continued existence (barring an open miracle). Without oxygen, one would not be able to live for more than several minutes. Without water, life on earth would die out after a short time, Heaven Forbid. What is common about both of these items is that they are clear. Oxygen can't be seen. Water can be seen, but only because the speed of light changes as it passes through the water. If one were to realize that just as the "invisible" oxygen and water are necessary components of life, so too, how much more so would life not be possible without the constant sustenance of G-d.

Teshuvah: A Return to The Source of Life:

Similar to one making sure they regularly breathe, not daring to step into an area with unsafe air, one should avoid, to the best of their capabilities, distancing themselves from the Creator of the Universe, The Source of Life. If one needs improvement in any of their character traits and/or their performance of the Torah and rabbinic laws, they should give it their all to overcome their inclinations that entice one to sin or be lax in performance of Jewish law. This is what teshuvah is; a return to HaShem.

There is a major difference between one who denies himself oxygen and/or water and one who is a sinner. One who denies himself oxygen and/or water will not live too much longer (barring a major miracle), however, one who denies himself the way of the Torah and stays far from HaShem may live many years as a sinner, HaShem provides the sinner with many years of life-giving power.

The Kindness of HaShem:

In the book of Yechezkhel (ch. 18), we learn how much HaShem desires that His Creations do teshuvah and return to Him. HaShem says to Yechezkhel, (Yechezkhel: 18; 21 - 23):

"And the evildoer, when he repents from all of his sins which he did, and guards all of My ordinances, and he does justice and righteousness, he shall surely live, he will not die: All of his willful transgressions which he did will not be remembered for him, with the righteousness that he did he will live: 'Do I desire the death of the evildoers?' so says HaShem Elokim, Is it not when he returns from his path [(of sin)], and he shall live:"

Clearly, HaShem wishes that the sinner (as well as those who are ignorant of the ways of the Torah) to return to following the Torah - the guidebook to life.

Teshuvah Protects One From Danger:

We are currently coming close to the end of the Jewish period of mourning, G-d Willing this will be the last year of mourning, next year this time being a period of great celebration. However, currently the Jewish People find itself in a situation, that, without the Help of HaShem would be hopeless. Hezbollah terrorists, Lebanon's unofficial army, has fired approximately 2,000 missiles into Israel over the past twenty days (approximately 100 missiles daily). As a result, at least 300,000 people from northern Israel fled their homes and the Israeli army is in the process of killing the Amalekite army of Hezbollah. Furthermore, Iran is trying to put the finishing touches on their nuclear program, hoping to carry out their oft-stated goal of wiping the Jewish State off the map. Of course, threats of annihilation against the Jewish People are nothing new, for, as we say at the Pesach seder, "In each generation they stand upon us to destroy us, and The Holy One, Blessed is He, saves us from their hands". In a way, however, this threat posed by Iran and her allies against the Jewish People may be very unique. In gemara Sanhedrin (97b) we learn that if the Jewish People do not do teshuvah on their own, HaShem will bring forth a leader with decrees as harsh as those of Haman (may his name be blotted out) and the Jewish People will then do teshuvah. The current day Haman is the president of Iran. He wants to lob some nuclear missiles into Israel wipe out a large chunk of the Jewish People, Heaven Forbid. However, he will not succeed for "The Holy One Blessed is He will save us from" his hands. However, each of us should follow the call of Rabbi Lazer Brody where he continuously calls for repentance of the Jewish People. This situation in Israel, it is important to note, is not limited to Jews living in Israel but effects Jews all over the world. Similarly, each of us have the blessing of Ya'akov - the power of prayer. With our teshuvah and prayer, our enemies will drop dead at our feet, G-d Willing.

Water: A Life Giving Force and a Life Taking Force:

In the book of Yeshayahu, there are two verses that refer to water and individuals. One verse (1; 7) discusses "zarim" in reference to destructive flooding waters and evildoers. The other verse (30; 20) refers to the live-giving early rains and teachers of Torah - "morecha". From this we can learn an important lesson: The Torah is compared to water, while evil is also compared to water. However, evil takes from the truth of the Torah and perverts it in order to cause destruction like a tsunami, while the Torah is life-giving water. Let us do teshuvah and hold on to the life-giving water. Once we do that, say bye to our enemies.