In Awe of Hashem's Creation

BS"D

Now this is amazing!

 HOW DID THEY KNOW?

SOMETHING IN THE UNIVERSE THAT IS MUCH GREATER AND DEEPER THAN HUMAN INTELLIGENCE.  THE ELEPHANT'S JOURNEY TO PAY RESPECT, BUT HOW DID THEY KNOW? 

Lawrence Anthony, a legend in South Africa and author of 3 books including the bestseller The Elephant Whisperer, bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, including the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during US invasion in 2003.
. On March 7, 2012 Lawrence Anthony died.

He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons and  numerous elephants.
 Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs.
 Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say goodbye to their beloved man-friend.
A total of 31 elephants had patiently walked over 12 miles to get to his South African House.

Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence's passing, but also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way:
Walking slowly - for days - Making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house.

Lawrence's wife, Francoise, was especially touched, knowing that the elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over 3 years!
But yet they knew where they were going.

The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honoring their friend who'd saved their lives - so much respect that they stayed for 2 days 2 nights without eating anything.  Then one morning, they left, making their long journey back home.........…

There are many links regarding this topic. Here's one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Anthony

I am always in awe of everything that Hashem has made.  Even the nefesh (soul) of an animal is inspired and guided by heaven.  How scientists can possibly think that everything evolved by accident is beyond me and really leaves scientist in a very ignorant and uninformed light.  Thank you Hashem for all You have created and the messages that we receive -- even the compassion of elephants.  What a message.

Instructions from Hashem for our Time

From Rosh Chodesh Elul to Simchas Torah, we recite an extra prayer everyday that is very appropriate for our times.  In fact, if you read it carefully, it comes out as definite instructions that Hashem is giving us to carry us through the coming weeks.   The prayer is Psalm 27.  The best way to understand the message is to state the prayer and do a cursory analysis of the what Hashem is telling us.   First read the Psalm:

 Psalm 27 (from the Birnbaum Siddur)

A Psalm of David. Hashem is my light and aid; whom shall I fear?  Hashem is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  When evildoers press against me to eat up my flesh - my enemies and my foes - it is they who stumble and fall.  Even though an army were arrayed against me, my heart would not fear; though war should arise against me, still would I be confident.  One thing I ask from Hashem, one thing I desire - that I may dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of Hashem, and to meditate in His sanctuary.  Surely, He will hide me within His own tabernacle in the day of distress; He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent; He will set me safe upon a rock.  Thus, my head shall be high above all my foes around me; I will offer sacrifices within His tabernacle to the sound of trumpets; I will sing and chant praises to Hashem. Hear, Hashem, my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me.  In Your behalf my heart has said: "Seek you My presence"; Your presence, Hashem, I do seek.  Hide not Your face from me; turn not Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me, forsake me not, 0 G-d my Savior.  Though my father and mother have forsaken me, Hashem will take care of me.  Teach me Your way, Hashem, and guide me in a straight path, in spite of my enemies.  Deliver me not to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen up against me, such as breathe forth violence.  I do believe I shall yet see the goodness of Hashem in the land of the living.  Hope in Hashem; be strong, and let your heart be brave; yes, hope in Hashem.

This is not rocket science.  It is so simple to evaluate that when we are in times of peril, as we are now; in time of war, as it seems imminent now; in times of great danger from our enemies, as it is now, the only relief – the only protection that is available is Hashem.  This Psalm is read every year but it has never seemed as urgent as this year.  There is no coincidence that the last week the Psalm is required to be read just happens to be Sukkot (the week that we traditional read about and believe is the time of the final battle of Gog U Magog).  It is the time that many sources are predicting war this year.

I have mentioned that I believe war will come but that Hashem will say: “Enough” and completely control the situation by what we like to call “natural disasters.”  There is so much instability on this Earth for potential earthquakes (with possible tsunamis), hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, volcano eruptions, etc, etc, etc, that it may be another sign of the way Hashem will, measure-for-measure clean up the evil of the world.  It says above it is “they who stumble and fall” and Hashem knows each of us exactly where we stand in following Hashem’s ways.  Even atheists will have an opportunity to be scared enough from pending war to change their nonsensical ways – after all “there are no atheists in foxholes.”  Also, I believe “there are no atheists in storm cellars.”   

Time is running out.  Be as skeptical and as stubborn as you want; but, when the time comes (and it may be next week), know that “I do believe I shall yet see the goodness of Hashem in the land of the living. Hope in Hashem; be strong, and let your heart be brave; yes, hope in Hashem.”  It is the only instructions you will need to survive.  Have a very good Holiday – and I do mean good.

New Year Census: Nearly 6 Million Jews in Israel

Babies born to recent immigrants from English speaking countries.

Israel has released the results of its annual census in advance of the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana) which begins on Sunday night. 5,978,600 Jews live in Israel, within close reach of the highly symbolic number of six million. Experts say that the six million mark will be passed by the end of 2012.

The total population of Israel is approximately 7,933,200 people with 1,636,600 Arabs and 318,000 from other populations including Christians. The rate of growth for the Jewish population in Israel this past year was 1.8% which is similar to the rate during the last eight years and throughout the 1980s. The rate was actually much higher during the 1990′s because of the massive immigration from the former Soviet Union.

Recent immigrants upon their arrival to serve in the Israel Defense Forces.

In terms of geography, approximately 50% of Israel’s Jews live in central Israel and Tel Aviv, while 40% of the Arab population lives in northern Israel. Just 4% of Israel’s population live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Hebrew University demographics expert Professor Sergio Della Pergola reports that Jews in Israel make up 43% of world Jewry while 39% live in the United States (5.46 million) and 9.5% (1.43 million) in Europe.
Reported by DOV LIPMAN for United with Israel.

This is the time for  forgiveness.  I forgive all who have wronged me in the past year as I ask for forgiveness from those that I have wronged or offended in any way.  Please realize that we are in a time where being nice to everyone and helping everyone is Hashem's way and are exactly the traits on which He judges us.  We want to be written up in the book of life for the coming year.  Avoid conflict and arguing.  Work together with your fellow Jew -- it is not just a nice thing to do, it is a necessity.  Don't disagree with anyone -- ask questions and discuss it in a civilized manor that you both can learn and understand each other.  Hashem is watching all of us and will decide our future based on our actions of the present.  This time from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur (even to Simchas Torah) requires a lot of soul searching, correcting and cooperating.  Give it your best effort -- it is your future that depends on it.  With what appears to be coming up in the near future, consider this Holiday time as the most critical one you have ever had.  Treat it with great fear as though your life depends on it, since it does.  L'Shanah Tovah

Another Mystery Solved (continued)

Something I forgot to mention yesterday is that even the acceptance of Moshe Rabbenu as the Deliver was on an individual level.  Many totally rejected him and even caused him to flee and return at a later time.  According to scriptures, the Moshiach will not be accepted by many and, in some cases, there will be those who would never accept him.

The story of the first Geula is repeating itself.  Moshiach is here and many know him and accept him even though he has not been anointment as King Moshiach yet.  Likewise, King David was alive and well for many years before he became king.  Many new him and even were aware before it happened that he was to be anointed.  Hashem is totally consistent and so is history.  Even with Moshe one might ask was it Moshe they wanted or the Individual that Hashem sent to remove them from bondage.  People then and now are always concerned about what does this mean to me and my loved ones.

An excellent question received yesterday that I don’t want to ignore is:  Are you feeling the redemption already and others of us don't?  I was saying that since we have a comprehensive list of the events of Geula; and, it seems obvious that the Gedolim of today and even many observant Jews that I know (such as my neighbors) are further along in the list of events than most people in the world, it was very tempting to evaluate where I believe I am personally.  Since the Talmud talks about two different types of Geula, personal – step #7 and national – step # 10, it very much supports that we, as individuals, are at different levels.  Where I am personally is not important – where each of you are is my point of emphasis.  Not just nice to know information but a self-examination of what you need to do. 

This individual also stated:  I do believe that Moshiach will be knocking on our door and give us the choice to go or stay.  I take this to be a metaphorical knock since he would have way too many to visit.  So far as choice, the choice is ours to decide before he knocks on the door.  My entire purpose of this blog is to sell that tremendous possibility that we have and to get everyone to make the correct choice.  Let me give you an analogy.  Let say, an individual bought a lottery ticket, and picked the correct combination of numbers.  Mazel Tov, he won 100 million dollars and was the only winner – no sharing (except maybe 90% to the government).  This individual decided he was too busy to go collect.  He was swamped at work, many things he had to fix in the house, kids to drive to school, etc, etc, etc.  Everyone looked at him and questioned:  “Are you crazy?  You can retire for life, hire people to fix your house (or buy a new one that isn’t broken), hire someone to drive the kids anywhere they want to go (hopefully to Yeshivah), etc, etc, etc.  He answers:  “I’m not sure if I want such a change in my life.”  He gets advice: “Why don’t you try it; and, if it isn’t for you, just give it to me.”  I know this sounds silly.  But, you are each holding a lottery ticket worth much, much, much (and a whole bunch more muches) more than 100 million (tax-free) and answering “well, I’m not sure if this is what I want.”  In this case you don’t have to give it to me; I already have cashed in my ticket and am enjoying the luxurious life.  I wish to share my winnings life with you, however.

One additional thing on a personal level.  I mentioned yesterday that Moshiach is only a person.  It is the Kingdom of Hashem that I crave.  If you go to my blog post entitled: “He is Hiding Behind Nature”, 2 May 2012, you will see what I am waiting for.  In a word “Hashem.”  In the future when Hashem is no longer allusive to us and we are totally aware of Him, then we will truly be living in paradise with joy and happiness beyond comprehension.  Moshiach is the agent that will help usher in this time of utopia and is the major reason that I crave Moshiach.  Now, you see where my heart is, and what I truly crave for me, my family and the entire world.

Most people in the world today would say "Moshiach is not here -- don't try to fool me."  Why?  Because they don't have a clue as to what the Messianic era entails and how wonderful it will be.  People reject change if they are unfamiliar with it.  That is why no matter how much of a warning I give and no matter how much proof I provide, there will still be a majority of people who don't want to give up their secular ways and follow Hashem.  They argue with success instead of realizing what truly “the way to success” is.  They see an observant life as strange and possibly even scary.  I believe atheists are not convinced that there is no Deity running the show, but that they are afraid of the concept.  Being a coward provides limited options in life.  But, it is like the child that you tell “this is a new food -- taste it you are going to like it.”   The response “I DON’T LIKE IT.”  How do you know if you didn’t taste it?  “I DON’T LIKE IT.”  Most parents have had this conversation (sound familiar?).

 In years of doing Kiruv (outreach), the most honest Jew that I ever worked with was a fellow that I was wowing with hidden codes in the Torah, prophecies come true, science in the Torah (he was also an Engineer with a very extensive science background), all my fancy footwork.  He, after a short while, stuck his fingers in his ears.  I asked “what is the matter?”  He replied:  “I think you are showing me truth about life that I may not be ready for.”  I was speechless.  I complimented him on being the most honest person I have ever dealt with; considering, most people who can’t cope with the truth just change the subject or pretend they have to leave or some other lame excuse.  People do not know what is best for them and I fully understand that – I could spend hours telling you the mistakes I’ve made (but I won’t).  One thing I know is that every mistake I made in life was for my own good.  We are taught “one does not really know good unless one knows evil” or “one does not know right unless one knows wrong.”  The idea is to learn from ones mistakes and improve.  This crash course that I have attempted to give since March was a way to cut to the chase since time is very short in getting it right.