What Did this Eclipse and the Beyond Mean to Us?

                                                                                     בס"ד
The eclipse occurred on the 29 Av which is called Yom Kippur Katan, or Minor Yom Kippur. It is exactly 40 days prior to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is Kabbalistic in nature, but Yom Kippur Katan happens on the day before Rosh Chodesh Elul when the New Moon occurs (when the moon is in the exact same direction as the sun). All the details are too deep for a discussion here, but the great importance to us is that is starts a time of the most intense repentance leading up to Yom Kippur in 40 days. Everything in the great cosmic drama is leading up to the coming of the Messiah. With the advent of the Messiah is also the end of the exile. The new moon is welcomed as evidence of the future redemption, and this year is even more mystical with the total eclipse.

In the Jewish tradition, the month of Elul is a time of repentance in preparation for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The word “Elul” is similar to the root of the verb “search” in Aramaic. The Talmud writes that the Hebrew word “Elul” can be understood to be an acronym for the phrase “Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li” – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (Song of Solomon 6:3). Elul is seen as a time to search one’s heart and draw close to Hashem in preparation for the coming Day of Judgment, Rosh Hashanah, and Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.

This is the time that Moshe Rabbeinu ascended Mount Sinai for the third 40 days. Most people know of the 40 days and 40 nights that Moshe spent on Mount Sinai, but are not aware that he did this three times for a total of 120 days on Mount Sinai. The great importance of this third time is that Moshe asked Hashem for forgiveness for the sins of the Israelites, especially the sin of the Golden Calf. After these 40 days Hashem tells Moshe "I have forgiven, as you ask," and Hashem gave him the second set of tablets of the Ten Commandments.

This is very significant for us since today is 30 Av, the day before 1 Elul when Moshe started the last 40 days which ends on 10 Tishri, Yom Kippur. There is a parallel effort since we now start a 40 day period of repentance and asking for forgiveness to be written in the book of life on Yom Kippur. The big difference is instead of asking for our atonement for the coming year, this is the year that the redemption will occur providing us with atonement and salvation for all eternity. There was never in history a time more important for our repentance then today and the next 40 days.

What I have said so far is a very simple explanation of a very complicated procedure. I don’t want anyone thinking that I am saying we have to wait 40 days for the redemption. If we review my post on 8 September 2015 entitled “Another Mystery Solved” we see that the order of events in this redemption process is not so mysterious.

The blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei, in their correct order, are:

1. Patriarchs.

2. G-d's Might.

3. G-d's Holiness.

4. Insight.

5. Repentance.

6. Forgiveness.

7. Redemption.

8. Healing.

9. Blessing of the Years (prosperity).

10. Ingathering of Exiles.

11. Restoration of Justice.

12. Downfall of the Heretics.

13. Support of the Righteous.

14. Rebuilding Jerusalem.

15. Reinstatement of the Davidic Kingdom.

16. Acceptance of Prayer.

17. Temple Service.

18. Thanksgiving.

19. Peace.

It all comes down to measure for measure (how many times have I said that) when we ask what each of us individually should be experiencing in the end of days. If we are following the ways of Hashem, I believe we are either already there, or soon to be. If one is a skeptic, a complainer or, even worse, a heretic, don't expect Hashem to shower you with blessings. We really need to do the best repentance we have ever done, especially this month of Elul. Whatever you do measure for measure you will receive in return. We are individuals and are treated as individuals. There is no such thing as blending into the crowd or assimilating into society. Throughout history the Jews have painfully experienced that lesson. Hashem keeps tabs on each one of us – what we think, what we say and what we do. If it is a positive act according to His ways, we receive measure for measure a positive response. It is an exact science. Hashem is consistent and totally to be trusted. He doesn’t play practical jokes and He doesn’t change His mind. The design of this world and the life we live are constant. Hashem makes the world look random just to facilitate our free will; but, it is not random, it is by design for each of us. Your deeds, good or bad, will repay you in kind.

I do believe that we are at the end of days and that the next 40 days will give us the redemption, the Moshiach, the Temple, etc. When will each of those events happen? We are at different places in the list above depending on our individual effort. If we make the best or our 40 days with the most positive effort, we and our loved ones will be happy beyond belief. If we have a wait-and-see attitude, I cannot tell you how long we will have to wait as individuals, or if the goodness happens at all. Like every year we use Elul to set ourselves up for the best possible coming year. Just remember this year is different, this is our last chance to get it right for all eternity. That is for you and your loved ones who depend on you.

The eclipse was a very definite message from Hashem. This is the end. I have more proof that I will not disclose yet, since my research into scriptures continues every day.  Just know that this is our last chance to make sure we are in the 1/3rd group and that our tremendous future is available for the taking. All we need to do is turn to Hashem as we never have before.

Note: The above was taken from my book (with the author’s permission). There is much more detail in the book on how to succeed and reach a personal level of happiness. Go to the right column and click on the “Buy Now” button at the top for an Electronic Copy (directly to your Email) – it is still only $5, but could be worth a fortune to you and your family.