Tsunami in the Mediterranean? What would this mean for us?

An earthquake? There are regularly earthquakes all around the world. If someone would tell you there was a 3.0 magnitude earthquake in the Mediterranean Sea that would likely not pique your interest. If someone would show you a map of the world with the frequency of earthquakes in different regions, the more active earthquake zones would likely catch your eye. If you would be informed of specific areas in the world with a history of tsunamis following some major earthquakes, that would be all the more interesting.

This brings us to the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Greece. This area is known as the "North Anatolian Fault Zone" - one of the most seismically active fault zones in the world. As recently as January 8, 2006, there was a very major earthquake on this fault zone, measuring between a 6.8 and 6.9 on the richter scale. There was a notable earthquake in the same area on September 7, 1999, measuring a 5.9 magnitude on the richter scale. That was considered major. What if someone were to tell you after the 5.9 earthquake that there would be an earthquake that would put out, let's say, 33 times the energy as the 5.9 earthquake. You might not believe them. Guess what? The earthquake on January 8, 2006 released 33 times the energy as the major earthquake that occurred on September 7, 1999.

Just to give you an idea of the seismicity of this part of the world, please check out the map below:



The above map, shows the earthquakes on that fault, along the "Western Hellenic Arc" during 1999. The "North Anatolian Fault Zone" is so active as it lies on the area where the African, Eurasian, and Arabian tectonic plates meet. As such, it is also a very active volcanic zone. There have been more than a whopping 20,000 earthquakes recorded in that area between 1964 and 1999! That's close to an average of 600 earthquakes a year, or just about 2 every day!

The Hellenic Arc:

HISTORY OF TSUNAMIS IN THE REGION

At least 41 earthquakes in the past in this area generated tsunamis. Just between 1801-1958 there were twenty earthquakes that resulted in tsunamis, six of these tsunamis left significant damage in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

In Sefer Yechezkhel, perek 27, (Book of Ezekiel) there is a prophecy of the ocean wiping out Tzor (Tyre) as a result of their happiness at the destruction of Yerushalayim. Yerushalayim was the center of regional trade until the destruction of the First Beis HaMikdash. After Yerushalayim's destruction, Tyre became the center of regional trade. It was not enough for them to benefit from becoming the center of trade, they exulted in the destruction of Yerushalayim. Therefore, they were punished with a destructive tsunami. In 586 B.C.E. the first Beis HaMikdash was destroyed and 61 years later there was a tsunami that inundated Tyre in the year 525 B.C.E. To keep this in context, Yechezkhel prophesized around the time of the destruction of the First Beis HaMikdash. Keep in mind that the people of Tyre were punished for exulting in Yerushalayim's downfall, without taking an active part in its' destruction. How much more so for those who actively are engaged in attempts to murder and maim the Jews! Warning: Don't mess with HaShem's "firstborn son"!

Just to note, in Yechezkhel, perek 29, we learn that Nevuchadnezzar was sent by HaShem to take over Mitzraim (Egypt) in order to pay for their troops with the booty from Mitzraim. Well, if you are familiar with Sefer Yechezkhel (and history), you know that Bavel (Babylonia) invaded Tyre before Mitzraim. Nevertheless, the pasuk (verse) - Yechezkhel - 29; 19 states, "Therefore, so says HaShem Elokim, behold, I am giving to Nevuchadnezzar the King of Bavel, the land of Mitzraim and he will carry out its multitudes, and take its spoils, and plunder it booty and it will be a payment for his army." ("spoils" here refers to the property taken after the war, "booty" here refers to that which the individual soldiers take in war (see Malbim)). In the previous pasuk we find that Nevchadnezzar's soldiers did not get payment by benefiting from the booty of the regional center-of-trade. Why? Explains Malbim, because of the tsunami which destroyed all on the island.

RABBI KADURI ZT"L AND PREDICTION OF "NATURAL DISASTERS" - 5766

Rabbi Kaduri is attributed with saying the following regarding "natural disasters" and the process of the coming of Mashiach (as reported in Arutz Sheva on September 21, 2005):

"This declaration I find fitting to issue for all of the Jews of the world to hear. It is incumbent upon them to return to the Land of Israel due to terrible natural disasters which threaten the world.

In the future, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will bring about great disasters in the countries of the world to sweeten the judgments of the Land of Israel.

I am ordering the publication of this declaration as a warning, so that Jews in the countries of the world will be aware of the impending danger and will come to the Land of Israel for the building of the Temple and revelation of our righteous Mashiach (Messiah)."

ANOTHER TSUNAMI?

Can another tsunami happen as punishment for the actions of modern-day peoples against HaShem's "firstborn son"? Why not? As a matter of fact, the way things are going today, there could be a major tsunami to wipe out many of the people who violently oppress the Jews. That tsunami, if HaShem wants it to happen, will happen at the most appropriate time, even tomorrow if He deems that most appropriate!

Before I share a couple segments from the neviim (Prophets), it is necessary to know that HaShem says that he will "not do anything unless He has already revealed it to His servants, the prophets" (True neviim are the ones Torah Judaism recognizes as such).

Now for the passages:

Yechezkhel - 26; 15-17:

(פסוק טו) כה אמר א-דני י-ה-ו-ה, יען עשות פלשתים בנקמה; וינקמו נקם בשאט בנפש, למשחית איבת עולם".

(פסוק טז) לכן, כה אמר א-דני י-ה-ו-ה, הנני נוטה ידי על פלשתים, והכרתי את כרתים; והאבדתי, את שארית חוף הים.

(פסוק יז) ועשיתי בם נקמות גדלות, בתוכחות חמה; וידעו, כי אני י-ה-ו-ה, בתתי את נקמתי, בם." [פ]

"So says HaShem Elokim, because the Pelishtim (also translated as "Palestinians") acted with vengeance, and they took vengeance with a contemptible spirit, to destroy with eternal enmity: Therefore, so says HaShem Elokim, Behold, I stretch My Hand upon the Pelishtim, and I cut off the Kereisim, and I have destroyed the remnant by the seashore: And I have done in their midst great [acts of] Revenge, with Rebukes of Anger. And they will know that I am HaShem when I place My Vengeance in their midst."

Keep the above in context, the beginning of the next chapter discusses the Mediterranean Sea inundating and destroying Tyre! (Yechezkhel 26 - 1-5):

(פסוק א) ויהי בעשתי עשרה שנה, באחד לחדש, היה דבר י-ה-ו-ה, אלי לאמר.
(פסוק ב) בן אדם, יען אשר אמרה צר על ירושלם האח, נשברה דלתות העמים, נסבה אלי:אמלאה, החרבה.
(פסוק ג) לכן, כה אמר א-דני י-ה-ו-ה, הנני עליך, צר; והעליתי עליך גוים רבים, כהעלות הים לגליו.
(פסוק ד) ושחתו חמות צר, והרסו מגדליה, וסחיתי עפרה, ממנה; ונתתי אותה, לצחיח סלע.
(פסוק ה) משטח חרמים תהיה, בתוך הים:כי אני דברתי, נאם א-דני י-ה-ו-ה; והיתה לבז, לגוים.
(פסוק ו) ובנותיה אשר בשדה, בחרב תהרגנה; וידעו, כי אני י-ה-ו-ה. [פ]

"And it was in the eleventh year, on the first of the month, the word of HaShem, was to me saying: Son of man, because Tyre has expressed happiness regarding [the destruction of] Yerushalayim, [saying:] 'The doors of the nations have broken, they have turned to me:... I Shall destroy the walls of Tyre... and I Shall make it a flat stone:..."

The commentators explain that this refers to the tsunami destroying Tyre.

The Radak as well as the Metzudas David (both commentators on nevi'im) state:

The "Kereisim" refer to a "large family of the Palestinians" and they are the ones living in Gaza by the seashore. (See the second chapter of Tzefaniah and the explanation there in the context of the destruction of the "Kereisim". The commentators go on to explain, "even a remnant will not remain by the seashore".

As the hour is late, I will conclude, for now, with the following from Sefer Yeshayahu: (11, 14)

(פסוק יד) ועפו בכתף פלשתים ימה, יחדו יבזו את בני קדם; אדום ומואב משלוח ידם, ובני עמון משמעתם.

"And they shall fly to the edge (seashore) of the Palestinians, to the sea..."

This can be read:

"And the Palestinians by the Sea will 'fly' to the sea...'

The above, explain the commentators is the lighting invasion of the two Mashiachs - the son of Yosef and the son of David - to take over Gaza from the Palestinians.

However, the above pasuk can be read that the Pelishtim will "fly to the sea".

If this happens, it would be called "midah k'neged midah" - "measure for measure" - they say they want to "throw the Jews into the Sea" - we'll see what will really happen!

Prophecy and Eastern Mediterranean Tsunami

Nevuos (prophecies) often refer to more than one historical incident. Many of the prophecies often refer to the time immediately near the coming of Mashiach. The current discussion relates to the following prophecies from the books of Yechezkhel and Tzefaniah.

Yechezkhel: 25, 15 - 17: "So says HaShem Elokim, because the Palestinians (Pelishtim) acted with revenge, and they took revenge with contemptible soul, to destroy with eternal enmity: Therefore, so says HaShem Elokim, behold, I am stretching My Hand upon the Palestinians, and I am cutting off (V'hicrati) the Kereisim, and I am Destroying the remnant of the seashore: And I Shall do in their midst great acts of Revenge with Rebukes of Anger, and they shall know that I am HaShem when I Place My Revenge in their midst:"

RaSH"I explains that the area referred to above is in the southwestern part of Eretz Yisrael, referring to Gaza.

Metzudas David explains that the "Kereisim" referred to in the passage refer to a large segment of the Palestinians. They are called "Kereisim", meaning "those that are cut off" because their sins make them liable to be cut off from existence. The people living by the seashore in Gaza, according to him, will be completely wiped out, as a result of their sins.

Tzefaniah: 2, 5 - 7: "Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of Kereisim, the Word of HaShem is upon you, Kina'an, the Land of the Palestinians, and you shall be destroyed without inhabitant: And the sea coast will be meadow pastures for shepards and for flocks of sheep: And the coast will be for the remnant of the House of Yehudah, upon it they shall take delight, in the houses of Ashkelon in the evening they will lie down, for HaShem their G-D Remembered them and returned their captives:"

This second prophecy is similar to the first one. Note the first one prophesizes the disaster right before it discusses a tsunami that will wipe out Tyre (the destruction of Tyre happened after the destruction of the first Beis HaMikdash).

Note: The first quote is the Hebrew from Yechezkhel, the second Tzefaniah.

(פסוק טו) כה אמר א-דני י-ה-ו-ה, יען עשות פלשתים בנקמה; וינקמו נקם בשאט בנפש, למשחית איבת עולם. (פסוק טז) לכן, כה אמר א-דני י-ה-ו-ה, הנני נוטה ידי על פלשתים, והכרתי את כרתים; והאבדתי, את שארית חוף הים. (פסוק יז) ועשיתי בם נקמות גדלות, בתוכחות חמה; וידעו, כי אני י-ה-ו-ה, בתתי את נקמתי, בם. [פ] (פסוק ה) הוי, ישבי חבל הים:גוי כרתים; דבר י-ה-ו-ה עליכם, כנען ארץ פלשתים, והאבדתיך, מאין יושב. (פסוק ו) והיתה חבל הים, נות כרת רעים:וגדרות צאן. (פסוק ז) והיה חבל, לשארית בית יהודה:עליהם ירעון: בבתי אשקלון, בערב ירבצון:כי יפקדם י-ה-ו-ה א-להיהם, ושב שבותם.

Note: Many commentators do subscribe the above prophecies to happening after the first Beis HaMikdash. However, the Jewish prophecies are meant for all time. Again, do not negate these prophecies, as these prophecies apply throughout time! Also, I believe it was the Chasam Sofer who said that any people that have the characteristic of going around in armed bands could be considered part of the Pelishtim (Palestinians), though not descended. Nowadays, there are people like that who also call themselves Palestinians, many of whom live in Gaza. That sounds familiar, just like the "goy keresim"!

Note: The two pictures from the March 7 blog are from wikipedia.

Parshas Bishalach: Waves of Destruction and Waves of Salvation

This Shabbos, we celebrate "Shabbos Shirah" - "The Shabbos of Song", for we are commemorating having sung "Az Yashir..." to HaShem for having saved us from the pursuing Egyptian forces while we were crossing the Yam Suf - "Sea of Reeds". This parsha, we will read "Parshas Bishalach", which discusses, among other things, the miraculous salvation of the Jewish People from the Egyptian army that was intent on attacking the Jewish People and regaining what they thought to be their wealth.

This Shabbos will also be Tu B'Shvat, The New Year for the Fruit Trees, thus making an already special Shabbos all the more special.

However, I am not going to discuss Tu B'Shvat so much in this post, rather, I will discuss the power of water to bring salvation or to bring destruction, of which K'rias Yam Suf is the ultimate example.

If one counts Shabbos as being the middle of the week, the fourth aliyah of the parsha would correspond to the day of Shabbos. This week, the fourth aliyah is the one that discusses the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Yam Suf and, thereby, the completion of the salvation of the Jewish People from the Egyptian people. In this aliyah, we also find included the song that the Jewish People sang to thank HaShem for their miraculous redemption from the Egyptians.

The fourth aliyah begins as follows:

"And HaShem said to Moshe, stretch your hand upon the sea and the water shall return upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and upon their horsemen. And Moshe stretched out his hand over the sea and the sea returned at the time of dawn to its [original] strength and Egypt was fleeing toward it, and HaShem shook up in the midst of the Sea. And the water returned and covered and it covered the chariots and the horsemen for the entire army of Paroh who were coming after [the Jewish People] into the Sea, not even one of them remained. And The Children of Israel went on the dry land in the midst of the Sea, and the water was a wall for them, [on] their right and [on] their left. And HaShem brought salvation on that day to Israel from the hand of Egypt, and Israel saw Egypt dead, upon the seashore. And Israel saw the Great Hand which HaShem performed against Egypt, and the nation feared HaShem, and they placed their belief in HaShem and in Moshe, His servant." (Shmos: 14; 26 - 31)

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN WATERS OF BLESSING AND WATERS AND DESTRUCTION AND WHY EACH COME

In sefer "Yishayahu", we have two pisukim that discuss words that relate to water, one that refers to waters of blessing and one that refers to waters of destruction. Each of these words refer to righteous people and cruel people, respectively.

The pasuk from sefer Yishayahu, which refers to waters of blessing, states as follows:

ונתן לכם א-דני לחם צר ומים לחץ ולא יכנף עוד מוריך והיו עיניך ראות את מוריך

"And G-d will give you meager amounts of bread and small amounts of water, and your early rains (morecha) will not continue to be withheld from you, and your eyes shall see your teacher (morecha)." (Yishayahu: 30; 20)

The MaLBI"M explains that the first time that the term "morecha" is used, it refers to the early rains of blessing, as is mentioned in Parshas Eikev (Divarim: 11; 14), and the second "morecha" refers to your teacher.

The MaLBI"M refers to another example where the same word means two different things in the case of water, as follows:

ארצכם שממה עריכם שרפות אש אדמתכם לנגדכם זרים אכלים אתה ושממה כמהפכת זרים

"Your land is desolate, your cities are burned by fire, your land, in front of you cruel (zarim) people are consuming it, and its desolation is like being overturned by destructive waters (zarim)." (Yishayahu: 1; 7)

The MaLBI"M explains on the above that zarim - cruel people - consume the land's produce, the desolation being so complete and affecting every person, that it is compared to destructive waters that flow in (zarim) and destroy that which is upon the land. The MaLB"M explains this destruction as referring to the siege on Yirushalayim by the Babylonians. Such destruction is compared to destructive waters that flow in (such as a tsunami) that leave no remainder after they have brought their destruction.

From the above, we see that the Hebrew term for cruel people - zarim, is precisely the term used to describe the destructive waters, whereas the purveyors of Torah are compared to "morecha" - waters of blessing, the early rains. Therefore, we see a clear relationship between the righteous and blessing and the evil and destruction.

Elsewhere, in the context of "zerem" - destructive flowing waters, we learn in sefer "Chavakuk", that in the End of Days, the water will rise above the mountains to destroy the enemies of the Jewish People, however, the Jewish People will remain safe from such waters. The above is taken from the MaLBI"M on sefer "Chavakuk" (3; 10). Elsewhere, the MaLBI"M explains that a "zerem" of water is a flow of water that comes in and floods everything carrying what is in its path for a far distance. (Yishayahu: 28; 2)

THE CHAPTERS OF TEHILLIM THAT CORRESPOND TO THE FIFTEENTH OF THE JEWISH MONTH AND ITS SIGNICANCE IN TERMS OF WATER

The chapters of Tehillim that are recited on the fifteenth day of the Jewish month are the 77th and 78th chapters of Tehillim. Amazingly enough, both of these chapters discuss the miraculous salvation that HaShem performed for us at the splitting of the Red Sea. From what has been written up to this point, we should learn that, for those who are cruel, in this case the Egyptians, HaShem brought destructive waters to destroy them. However, in the case of the Jewish People who were redeemed to accept the Torah and bring truth and righteousness to the world, the waters had the opposite affect, splitting for the Jewish People, "preparing" a path for their ultimate salvation from their Egyptian oppressors. Here, in this case, the People that was meant to accept the Torah and purvey the Torah's teachings to one another and bring light and truth to the world, were spared, with the same water that was destrutive for the Egyptians, being a blessing for the Jewish People.

THE MIDDLE OF "SHOVAVI"M TA"T" - THE EIGHT WEEKS OF REPENTANCE (SOMETIMES IT IS REFERRED TO AS SIX WEEKS)

If destruction comes upon others, even our enemies, what can we learn from that?

Two weeks ago, in Parshas VaEira, RaSh"I comments on the phrase, "And I shall harden Paroh's heart", that since nations - in this case Egypt - would not completely wish to repent for their sins, it is better that HaShem harden Paroh's heart and bring suffering upon Egypt so that the Jewish People will witness the destruction that Egypt is suffering, and, thereby, themselves, repent. Quoting from Tzifaniah, RaSh"I supports the above statement with a verse that states how HaShem brings destruction to the nations. (Tzifaniah: 3; 6)

THE DESTRUCTION OF THE CRUEL AND PURVERYORS OF THE "CULTURE" OF DEATH - SALVATION FROM SUCH EVIL

We read in chapter 28 of sefer "Yishayahu" of a prophecy relating how some leaders in the Land of Israel would make a covenant with death, employing falsehood as a necessary means to arrive at that goal.

What happens?

The chapter notes that this treaty will be washed away.

In the merit of this Parshas Bishalach, may the world witness "waters of salvation" and blessing for those are good. In contrast, the purveyors of death and cruelty, such as the Egyptians in the time of the Jewish Exodus, might witness those waters which are described as "zarim".

May HaShem bring peace and truth to the whole world speedily in our days! Amein!

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.

Parshas Zachor - The Mitzvah to Wipe out Amalek Every Generation: Who is Amalek?

This week is "Parshas Zachor" - the second of the four special Torah readings, it deals with the obligation of every Jew to wipe out Amalek in every generation:

"Remember that which Amalek did to you on the path at the time that you left Egypt. That he met you on the path and he attacked all of those who were lagging behind you and you were tired and weary and [Amalek] did not fear G-d. And it shall be when HaShem, your G-d, will give you rest from all of your surrounding enemies, in the Land which HaShem, your G-d, has given you as a portion to inherit you shall wipe out the memory of Amalek from below the Heaven, do not forget." (Divarim: 25: 17 - 19)

This year, Purim falls out the day after we read "Parshas Zachor". In the special Torah reading on Purim, we read as follows:

"...For you shall surely destroy the memory of Amalek from below the Heaven... And [Moshe] said, for a hand is upon the Throne of HaShem, a war for HaShem against Amalek from generation to generation." (Parshas Bishalach: Shmos: 17; 14, 16)

On this week's special haftorah for Parshas Zachor, the Malbi"m comments on the five unique aspects of Amalek that set them aside from all other nations. In the haftorah, we read of HaShem's command to King Shaul to completely wipe out the nation of Amalek and destroy all of their animals, as well as to destroy all of their property. Shaul did not properly follow the command of HaShem and left Agag alive, as well as sparing some of the animals. For this sin, HaShem determined that Shaul would lose the kingship and would be replaced by David, "your fellow who is better than you". (Shmuel I: 15; 2 - 34)

The Malbi"m explains that the differences between Amalek and other nations are as follows:

1) Nations often fight against other countries in order to conquer a country. However, Amalek attacked the Jewish People when they were merely on the path, not for territorial gain.

2) A nation may fight a war out of fear of an approaching nation that may be posing it danger. However, the Jewish People were distant from Amalek's land, having just left Egypt.

3) Due to quarrel or enmity. However, Amalek just "happened" upon the Jewish People "on the path", without any previous contact.

4) In order to demonstate a nation's might, they may decide to fight against another nation. However, Amalek attacked all of the those stragglers who were tired and weary.

5) The religious belief that G-d wishes to wipe out a nation due to their lack of belief in the religion and G-d. However, this didn't apply, for Amalek "did not fear G-d".

However, in truth, it was due to Amalek's denial of HaShem and their wish to show that HaShem is not capable of bringing the Jewish People into the Land of Israel, and their declared war against HaShem that led them to attack the Jewish People, they being HaShem's Chosen Nation.

The commentator, Sforno, when discussing the Torah portion related to the destruction of Amalek in the end of Parshas Bishalach, quotes the gemara in maseches Sanhedrin (20b), which teaches that, upon entering The Land of Israel, the Jewish People were commanded concerning three things: 1) The appointment of a king, 2) The destruction of Amalek, and 3) To build the Beis HaMikdash.

Yonasan ben Uziel comments that Amalek is to be destroyed from "the generation of the world, from the generation of Mashiach, and from the generation of The World to Come."

We read in the haggadah every year about the nations which rise up every generation, unsuccessfully seeking the destruction of the Jewish Nation. "Rather, in every generation they rise up over us to annihilate us. And The Holy One, Blessed is He, saves us from their hands."

It is interesting to note that in the Haggadah of the Tashbeitz, he mentions the Persians as one of the nations which have risen up against the Nation of Israel in the past. Today, of all the nations, Iran (Persia) is the nation which is the most outspoken in their desire to destroy Israel. However, HaShem will save us from their hands and if they try to attack Israel, chas v'shalom, they will be the one's who are assured of loss.

Concerning these types of nations which seek to annihilate us, we read from Psalms and from Eichah, as follows:

"Pour out Your anger against the nations who do not know You and upon the kingdoms who do not call out in Your Name. For they have consumed Ya'akov and have laid his Beis HaMikdash in waste." (Tehillim: 79; 6 - 7) "Pour out Your wrath upon them and [allow] Your outward anger overtake them." (Tehillim: 69; 25) "Pursue them with wrath and destroy them from below the Heaven of HaShem." (Eichah: 3; 66)

The third pasuk quoted above from sefer "Tehillim" is interesting. The RaDa"K comments that HaShem's Anger overtaking these evildoers occurs in a manner in which they are unable to flee from that anger. Furthermore, the term "pour" could refer to water. The pasuk immediately following is interesting in this context: "Their large buildings shall become desolate, in their tents there will not be a dweller." (Tehillim: 69; 26 - based on MaLBI"M) In addition, it is interesting that David, in this chapter of Tehillim, prays to HaShem to save him from from the depths of the water and from the destructive, quickly flowing waters and asks HaShem to "Save me from mire and I shall not drown, save me from my enemies and from the deep waters." (Tehillim: 69; 15) Thus, David is asking HaShem to save him from two things which can threaten the safety and well-being of a person - destructive waters and his enemies.

We ask HaShem, that just as those who are evildoers are compared to destructive water, midah k'neged midah - measure for measure, that, iy"H, they be punished with a destructive type of water, while those who are good, should, in contrast, iy"H, benefit from waters of blessing.Amein! Click on this paragraph for a further discussion of waters of blessing and of punishment, largely in the context of the salvation of the Jewish People and, l'havdil, destruction of the Egyptian army during the K'rias Yam Suf (Splitting of the Sea of Reeds).

SIMILARITIES TODAY WITH THE NATION OF AMALEK

Nowadays, there is a group of people who live in the Land of Israel and have, on the most part, been bred to live a life of death. These people murder Jews because they are Jews. They attack the defenseless, attack a Nation who believes in HaShem, they attack a Nation which is known for its military might, thus with no realistic hope of overcoming them. The Jewish Nation has time and again reached out to these people to offer them peace and Land, but, in exchange, have been the victim of violent terrorist attacks. They know that the Jewish People are a peaceful Nation and, therefore, do not fear their presence in the Land of Israel. This sounds just like the five characteristics of Amalek, described above. This also sounds like the current-day "Pilishtim", for the most part.

Interestingly enough, we read of the following description of the "Pilishtim" in sefer "Yichezkhel" (25, 15 - 17):

"So says HaShem Elokim, because the Pilishtim acted with revenge, and they took revenge with contempt of the soul, to destroy with eternal enmity: Therefore, so says HaShem Elokim, behold, I am stretching My Hand upon the Philishtim, and I am cutting off (V'hicrati) the Kereisim, and I am Destroying the remnant of the seashore: And I Shall do in their midst great acts of Revenge with Rebukes of Anger, and they shall know that I am HaShem when I Place My Revenge in their midst:"

Yechezkhel's description of the Pilishtim - "contempt of soul" and "eternal enmity" directed against the Jewish People, certainly bears resemblance to the description of Amalek's inbred hatred of the Jewish People.

The above description of the punishment of the Pilishtim may be referring to a future event directed against them, ostensibly a tsunami. For a related discussion click here.

Whoever Amalek truly is, in advance of this Shabbos Parshas "Zachor", we ask HaShem to help us rid the world of Amalek and thus bring about true peace. Amein!

[Posted 12:09]

Solar Eclipse - Its Implications and What To Expect!

Above is a picture of the total solar eclipse of August 11, 1999, below the stages of the eclipse.

On March 29, 2006, there will be a total solar eclipse, stretching from Northeast Brazil to Mongolia. The map above details the path of the solar eclipse, as evident in the gray area, as well as the location of the total solar eclipse, as evident in the thin strip, stretching down the middle of the gray zone.

There is word going around that around the time of the solar eclipse (this Wednesday or Thursday), there will be an event that will shake the world. I don't know the veracity of this, however, check it out by clicking on this paragraph. On this website, is the assertion, along with links, that a number of gedolim (Torah leaders) say that a major event will happen in the world that will change the course of world events. That event is set to occur this week.

BACKGROUND:

What significant event is scheduled prior to the eclipse? The Israeli election. If the information from the site linked to above is accurate and a major world event/s occurs this Wednesday or Thursday, it may affect the world to such an extent that many things change very quickly. Rav Kaduri, zt"l, was quoted last May as saying that Ariel Sharon would be the last Prime Minister of the "old-regime". Currently, he is still Prime Minister, with Olmert being the "acting Prime Minister". However, if things were to proceed "naturally", in a very short time, after forming a government, there would be a new Prime Minister. If that were to happen, and if the interview quoting Rav Kaduri, zt"l, is indeed accurate, then Sharon would not be the last Prime Minister of the "old regime". The "new" leadership refers to the rule of Mashiach. Therefore, assuming the interview is accurate, something would have to happen to ensure that there will be no new Prime Minister. Some major earth-shattering events. Something that would really shake up the world.

THE GEMARA ON SOLAR-ECLIPSES AND WORLD IMPLICATIONS:

Below is the mishneh and gemara from Sukah 28b-29a that relate to the discussion and meaning of solar eclipses:
























On the page above is a discussion in the mishneh regarding up to what point should one continue eating in the Sukkah if it is raining. The answer in the mishneh is that once the rain spoils food which is not thick nor soft (RaSH"I). Meaning, once this type of food is spoiled, return to the house. The compares this to a king who no longer desires the service of his servant, who is attempting to pour a drink for the king. Whereupon, the king pours a ladle of water on the servant's face to show the servant that his service is no longer wanted. On the next daf (page), on the right, the gemara begins by discussing the parable of the king who expels his servant from his service (at least temporarily) and then goes on to discuss the phenomenon of solar-eclipses and their meaning.

"'A parable, to what is this thing similar?' They asked him, who poured water [on whose face]? Our Rabbis taught [in a Baraisa], 'At the time of a solar-eclipse, it is a negative sign for the whole world (note: literally, "the sun is stricken" - the term in Hebrew for a solar-eclipse is "לקוי החמה" - the same word usage as here in the gemara). A parable: To what is this thing similar? To a king of flesh and blood that made a feast for his servants and he placed a lantern before them. [Whereupon], he became angry at them, and he said to his servant, 'Take the lantern from before them, and have them sit in darkness.' Rabbi Meir is quoted in a Baraisa, "All the time when the luminaries are eclipsed (literally "stricken"), it is a negative sign for the "enemies of Yisrael" (generally when something is quoted in the gemara that is negative in reference to the Jewish People, it will say “enemies of the Jews”) for they are accustomed to afflictions. This is analogous a scribe that came to the school with a strap in his hand. Who is afraid? He who is accustomed to be struck every single day – that is the one who is afraid.

Our Rabbi taught in a Baraisa: “At the time that the sun is eclipsed, it is a bad sign for the idolaters (a general reference to the nations of the world). If the moon is eclipsed it is a negative sign for the “enemies of Yisrael” (see note), because the Jews count according to the moon (lunar year) and the nations [count] according to the sun (solar year). If the [solar eclipse] is in the east [of Eretz Yisrael], it is a bad sign for those who dwell in the East. If it is in the west, it is a negative sign for those who live in the West. If [the eclipse] is in the middle of the sky, it is a negative sign for the entire world. If its’ “face” is similar [in appearance] to blood, sword comes to the world. [If it resembles] sackcloth, arrows of famine comes to the world. [If its’ appearance resembles both blood and sackcloth], sword and arrows of famine come to the world. If it is eclipsed when it is setting, suffering waits to come. If [it is eclipsed when rising, suffering] comes quickly. And there are those who say the opposite (regarding the meaning of eclipses upon setting and rising).

There is no nation that is struck without its’ god being struck along with it, as it says, “And among all the gods of Egypt, I will do Judgments…” (Shmos: 12; 12)

And at the time when the Jewish People do the Will of HaShem, they are not afraid of all of these, as it says, (Yirmiyahu: 10; 2) “So says HaShem, ‘Do not be accustomed to the ways of the nations, and from the signs of the Heavens, do not fear, for the nations fear from these. The idolaters fear and Yisrael (the Jewish People) does not fear.

Our Rabbis teach: “Because of four things there is a solar eclipse: On the head of the Beis Din (Torah Court) that dies and is not eulogized fittingly, and on a betrothed girl that cries in the city [because she is being raped] and no one rescues her, and on homosexual relations, and on two brothers whose blood is spilled as one…”

RaSH”I says as follows on the gemara: According to the opinion cited earlier in the gemara, the Jewish People should worry about the sign of the solar-eclipse because they have been accustomed to more suffering. When the color is like sackcloth, it is black. The explanation why the afflictions would wait for a solar eclipse close to sunset is because the eclipse “waited” to happen until the end of the day, the opposite for an eclipse at sunrise. According to those who interchange the explanations for night and day, the explanation is: If the eclipse happens at sunset, there is very little time in the day left, therefore, little time for the suffering to come. Whereas if the eclipse is at sunrise, the sun has time left for the day, so too suffering has time to come.

RECENT SOLAR-ECLIPSES AND SUBSEQUENT HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKES:

AUGUST 11, 1999: Solar eclipse. (wikipedia)

AUGUST 17, 1999: "The Izmit earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 which lasted for 45 seconds killed over 17,000 (officially over 17,000; unofficially over 35,000) in northwestern Turkey."

OCTOBER 3, 2005: Annular solar eclipse.

OCTOBER 8, 2005: "The Kashmir earthquake (also known as the Northern Pakistan earthquake or South Asia earthquake) of 2005 was a major earthquake whose epicenter was the Pakistan-administered disputed region of Kashmir. The earthquake occurred at 08:50:38 Pakistan Standard Time (03:50:38 UTC, 09:20:38 Indian Standard Time) on October 8, 2005. It registered a minimum magnitude of 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale making it a major earthquake similar in intensity to the 1935 Quetta earthquake, the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake, and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. As of 8 November, the Pakistani government's official death toll was 87,350. Some estimate that the death toll could reach over 100,000."

OTHER SOURCES RELATED TO THE SOLAR-ECLIPSE:

In the RaMCHa"L's (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto) sefer Mamar HaGeulah (section 2), which discusses the Final Redemption, the RaMCHa"L makes reference to those who rule in Eretz Yisrael (Israel) before the coming of Mashiach and after the coming of Mashiach.

To paraphrase: The RaMCHa"L explains that at the beginning, when the Jews were in Eretz Yisrael, there was a Heavenly Gate that was open, through which all of the blessing entered the Land of Israel. Once the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed, the Gate was closed and small windows were opened in their place from which the blessing went down to Israel. Those small windows, the RaMCHa"L explains, refer to the "small governments". Those windows could not be closed until the Gate is reopened, for if the windows were to be closed, even for a moment, the world would be destroyed. Once our Redemption comes, the Gate will be reopened. The RaMCHa"L quotes from different gemaras which discuss the passing of rulership from one leader to another (as in the case of Moshe and Yehoshua), or from one type of government to another. For example, the current government in Israel to the rulership of Mashiach. The Gates will be rebuilt as the windows are removed. This will only be apparent in the Heavens until the rulership of Mashiach commences here.

The RaMCHa"L further explains that at the time these "windows" are sealed and power is transferred to the Mashiach "and it is a time of great darkness which will not last long, for the opening of "The Gate" will be strengthened and the powerful light will return as it was originally [when the Jews were in Eretz Yisrael]. However, [after] this [action] is done above, its' actions are seen below for according to the influence of the luminaries actions are done in the world..."

From Nevuas HaYeled: This is a prophecy of a child, many years ago that is endorsed by the Kabbalist Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli, Shlit"a: In the time around the coming of the Mashiach, the light of the moon will "wait" to come and darken the sun. In that time there will be eclipses of the luminaries. The nation that was prideful that spread all over the world will try to seek out a place to run. The commentator then goes on to explain that there will be great changes in the world, including the sea coming and flooding part of Edom."

Due to shortness of time, there are scientists who say that the volcano, Cumbre Vieja, on the island of La Palma will eventually erupt, causing a large chunk of the island to fall into the ocean, flooding many parts of the world, including the Americas with a large tsunami. Maybe these events could refer to an earthquake in the Mediterranean. See the links on the sentences. Either way, based on the above passages and word from Torah leaders (see first link on "blog"), something major will happen in the near future. Rav Kaduri, zt"l, said that there would be "a "struggle between the oceans," and said that the large oceans [Haokeanus hagadol] would strike the world. Rabbi Yosef Kaduri said that grandfather's warning includes were Jews of the Americas." Hold tight, wait, and see! May we merit to see the coming of Mashiach and the ingathering of our exiles in the near future!