Vayigash - Times of Redemption

Why does the midrash quote verses which are references to the final redemption in speaking of the resolution of the story of Yosef? What are the characteristics of the Messianic age? Why are people going to be brought back to life first with their imperfections, and only then be healed by Hashem? What is the depth of the concept of redemption, and the Hebrew word Geulah?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:26

Mikeitz - Dreams and Chanukah

What is the idea of the teaching that the dream's manifestation follows the interpretation? What happens when one dreams after drinking wine? Is there intrinsic significance to the symbols in a dream? What is the depth of the idea of all the dreams in the story of Yosef? How does all this relate to Chanukah?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:17

Vayishlach - Shimon and Levi

This week's podcast is dedicated in memory of Eliyahu ben Aharon and Pinchos Ben Yakov by Arthur Shisman. Why are Shimon and Levi referred to as the 'sons of Yaakov?' Why are they called the 'brothers of Dinah?' What is the true concept of a brother or sister? How were they so sure they would conquer the city of Shechem? What is the meaning of the Yaakov capturing the city with his sword and bow? Why do the nations of the world threaten to take away any gains the Jewish people make in the land of Israel?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:06

Vayetzei - Purifying Challenges

Why does Yaakov face the challenge of Esav, his brother who wants to kill him, then run off to Lavan's house and face the new challenge of another difficult character? Why do the matriarchs have such difficulties - both with each other and with Yaakov? Why does Leah stop being able to conceive when Yehuda is born? Why does the Torah (and history) abound with descriptions of suffering on the part of the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:57

Toldos - Chamber of Exchanges

Why does Yaakov have to trick Esav to give him the spiritual firstborn rights? Why does he have to trick his father Yitzchak to get the blessings? Why didn't Hashem just cause Yaakov to be born first? Why was Yosef a younger brother when he, too, could have been born earlier and avoided the trouble? How could justify 'stealing' the blessings? What is the concept of the 'chamber of exchanges?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast

Running time: 24:06

Chayei Sarah - Surrender and Sacrifice

Why is the description of the Akeida (Binding of Isaac) and Rivka's birth juxtaposed to Sarah's death? Why is it so hard for Avraham to purchase the location for Sarah's burial? Why must he pay top dollar? Why does Eliezer have to go so far to find a wife for Yitzchak? Why is it that in the merit of Avraham overcoming his mercy, he is able to ask Hashem to overcome His judgment?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:48

Vayera - Avraham and Sodom

What is the idea behind Avraham’s unique relationship with Sodom? How does it parallel the descent of the Jewish people into Egypt, and really of the many exiles we’ve experienced? What is the idea behind Avraham's middah (trait) of Chessed-kindness, in contrast with Sarah's trait of Gevurah-boundary? What is the unique relationship that the Jewish people has with the nations of the world?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:10

Lech Lecha - Kingdom of Kindness

What is the unique mission of Avraham Avinu? Why does the Torah deem it important to tell us of his wealth and great stature? Why does the Torah teach us about his conquest of the four and five kings? Why were the wise men of Nimrod so fearful when Avraham was born, such that they said to kill him? What was the meaning of the celestial sign that occurred when Avraham was born? What is the difference between all of the kingdoms of the world and the kingdom of Avraham and the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:08

Noach - Times of Transition

Why does the Torah go into so much detail in describing the generation of the flood, and then the dispersion before bringing Abraham onto the scene? What was the difference between the sin of the generation of the flood and that of the dispersion? Why is the name Elokim (judgment) used in the flood and the name of mercy in regards to the dispersion? What is the significance of the 10 generations from Adam to Noach and then from Noach to Avraham, as well as the fact that Noach died when Avraham was 58 years old?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:29

Vzos Habracha/Breishis - Ending and Beginning

Why do we read the final portion of the Torah on Shmini Atzeres, not on Shabbos? What is the difference between Atzeres (stop) and Shabbos (stop)? Why do we complete the Torah and then start it again immediately? Why does the torah conclude with blessings and the death of Moshe? What is Hashem's name which characterizes creation, and how does it compare to the name that denotes redemption? How is the name of redemption hinted to in the first verse of the Torah? What is the meaning of the Sefer Yetzirah's statment that 'the end is embedded in the beginning' and vice versa?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:18

Succos - Joy of Submission

What does the midrash mean when it says that we leave our homes and enter the Succah to atone for the deserved punishment of exile? How does the mitzvah of Succah relate to the command to do teshuva (repent)? What does going into exile accomplish? What is the special joy of Succos? Why do we use the 'leftovers of the granary and the winery' to create our succah?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:07

Haazinu-Rosh Hashana - Affirming Commitment

Why do we always read the parshios related to the transition when we are standing at the new year? Why does Moshe call the Heaven and Earth as witnesses to Hashem's covenant with the Jewish people? How does Hashem express the covenant? How do we express that covenant? How does this relate to our crowning Hashem our King on Rosh Hashana? What are the different types of motivations for our actions?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:05

Nitsavim-Vayelech - Return to Paradise

Why does the Torah preface the commandment to repent (Teshuva) with a description of what life will be like after the Messiah's arrival? What is the difference between our state at present, and the way it will be when the Messiah arrives? What is the concept of the orlas halev (barier on the heart)? How does one do Teshuva? What is the effect of doing Teshuva (repenting)?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:58

Ki Savo - Power of Amen

What is the concept of the word 'Amen?' What is behind the three meanings of Amen - Oath, Admission, and Prayer? Why does one merit to say Amen in the next world if one says Amen in this world? Why does one merit to 'hear the voice of the bride and groom' in the future world if one 'hears' the Torah in this world? What is the depth of the concept of true commitment?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:20

Ki Seitze - Compassion and Fellowship

What is the depth of the idea of sending away the mother bird when taking the chicks? Why does the Gemara say that it is improper to say that this mitzvah indicates that Hashem has compassion upon the animals? Why does our midrash indicate the opposite? How does fulfilment of this commandment bring closer the days of Moshiach? What is the connection to the mitzvah of steering away from gossip? Why does the midrash conclude in that context, as well, with the concept of the coming of Moshiach?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:05

Shoftim - Charity and Justice

Why does the verse imply that Justice and Charity are greater than bringing sacrifices in the Temple? In what ways are they indeed greater? Why did King David rejoice when his scoffers expressed their wish that 'the temple be built' when it meant the end of his own life? How did King David perform justice and charity? Why does the medrash refer to his charity and justice, while a similar account in the Gemara (Talmud) refers to his Torah learning?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:50

Reeh - Expansion from Constriction

What is the concept of expansion in regards to the land of Israel? When does that expansion occur? How does it parallel the challenge and redemption of Yosef? Why did Abba Yuden lose all of his wealth only to give charity and then become even wealthier? What is the idea behind the comparison of the expansion of Israel to a scroll being opened?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:50

Ekev - Desired Land

What is the difference between the land of Egypt and the land Israel? What is the significance of the land of Israel being sustained by rain? What does it mean when the verse says that Israel is a place that Hashem 'constantly searches,' and that 'His eyes are upon it?' Doesn't Hashem also take care of and protect other lands? How is the concept of 'desire' connected intimately to the land of Israel and the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:57

Vaeschanan - Balancing Inclinations

How does one Love and serve Hashem with both the Good and Evil inclinations? What does the word 'crouching' mean in the context of the Evil inclination? How does each inclination pull a person toward or away from Hashem? How does one strengthen the power of the Good Inclination? What is the difference between instant gratification and actions that require patience?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 23:40

Devarim - Humble Blessings

What is the idea behind the fact that Hashem promises to reveal His 'two letter' name, but ultimately reveals the 'name of 72?' Why do the righteous 'say a little and do a lot?' Why did Hashem not reveal the concept of the Manna to Abraham? How could the Jewish people make the claim that they had eaten the Manna during their servitude to Pharaoh? Why does King David ask that he not have grievances to the Jewish people, and they not have grievances toward him? Why does he ask that they 'hear' or listen to him?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:44

Matos-Masei - Creating With Speech

What is the power of speech? How is one able to create with speech? What is the idea of God speaking when He creates - with whom was He communicating? What is the idea of speech without communication? How is it expressed in the idea of a vow?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:29

Pinchas - Spiritual Patience

What was the great wisdom of the daughters of Tzelafchad? Why did they wait until they were in their forties to get married? What is the concept of inheritance and how does it relate to one's personal purpose in life? Why did Moshe have to wait 40 years to rectify a mistake he made? What is the idea that the 'son is an extension of the father?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:20

Balak - Getting Hashem's Hint

The Parsha Podcast celebrates its 10 year anniversary - 10 years of podcasts every week! How was R' Yochanan able to understand the hint of the angel and go on to greatness? What was the difference between Moshe and Yaakov vs. David and Mordechai when it came to getting the hint? Why did Bilaam get open and subtle hints? How do we recognize Hashem's hints for us?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:30

Chukas - Serving with Awe and Love

What was the depth of the sin of Moshe in hitting the rock instead of speaking to it? What would have happened had he not done so? How does this idea parallel the way we learn Torah? Why is the study Torah analogous to water? What is the difference between a relationship of awe and a relationship of love? What will our relationship with Hashem look like in the times of Moshiach?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:21

Korach - Organic Leadership

What is the Torah's approach to leadership? Why did Hashem create a concept of hierarchy? What was the mistake of Korach's rebellion? What is the depth behind the obligation to give a tithe to the Levites and the Kohanim? What was the mistake of the Jewish people in asking for a king in the times of Shmuel (Samuel)?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:03

Shlach - Running Thread

What was the root of the sin of the spies? Why were they only able to see the negative side of Eretz Yisrael? What is the connection between that event and the commandment of tzitzis? What is the idea behind the obligation of Tzitzis? What is the meaning of the statement of our sages that the blue of the tzitzis is to remind us of the throne of Hashem's glory? Why are the tzitzis specifically worn during prayer? How do they remind us of all of the commandments?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:56

Behaaloscha - Shining Hashem's Light

What is meant when the verse refers to the 'light of God which guides us?' How do the sun and moon 'guide us?' What is the concept of the 'face of God?' Why does the word 'face' in Hebrew also refer to the inner aspect of the person? How was Bezalel able to intuitively construct the Menorah-candelabra? What is the significance of the 7, 8 and 10 stringed instruments of the Levites? Why do certain individuals need to go through great tests before they can fulfill their unique roles in life?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:57

Nasso - Maintaining Inspiration

What is the idea behind the gift of the 12 princes of wagons to the tabernacle? What is the depth of what is going on with the repetitious listing of their offerings? Why does it follow the Priestly blessings? Why do both these events occur on the eighth day of the Tabernacles dedication? What is the connection between the numbers 50 and 8? Why does the Torah ask us to count to 49 and seemingly to 50, if we only count to 49? How do we hold onto the inspiration we have received? 

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:15

Bamidbar - Counting the Uncountable

How does counting the Jewish people express Hashem’s love for us? How can we be counted if we are ‘uncountable?’ Why are there different analogies for this uncountability - stars, sand, dust? Who refers to us in each of these ways? How are we both in this world and above it? How does the reality of the Jewish people parallel the Oneness of Hashem? What are the different types of being uncountable?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 29:06

Trump & Yesod ShebeYesod

We all know who's coming to Israel tomorrow. To Jerusalem no less.

I saw someone message my wife earlier today that she was going to Kever Yosef tonight and it hit me that tonight is yesod she'beyesod. Which is Yosef's day.

For those who are not familiar, yesod is the aspect of Yosef Hatzadik - the tzadik yesod olam. Yesod of Yesod is the concentration of that power (just as Lag b'omer is the concentration of the power of Hod - Hod of Hod). The power of the Tzadik is in controlling his passions - hence Yosef's overcoming the temptation of Potifar's wife. His control over his passions gives him dominion over the world - Egypt of that time; and, of course, the Jewish people.

How ironic that the president of the US, who is arguably a perfect example of the opposite of this mastery (by his own admission - see his books) - would come to Israel on that very day of Yosef's power! And of all places, come to Jerusalem, which is the Yesod of the world!

The Yesod is the point that connects the male and female aspects, and in a cosmic sense, Jerusalem is the point that connects the Heavenly spheres (male) to the Earthly spheres (female).

I can not say that I fathom the significance of this, but it is surely remarkable and noteworthy.

Let us all continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Amen.

Behar-Bechukosai - God's Guarantee

Why does Hashem give such bounty - enough for three years - in the sixth year instead of just providing our needs as they come in the 7th and 8th? What is the concept of Bitachon-trust? How does one truly trust in God that one's needs will be provided for? Why did Adam's fall mean that he would no longer eat from fruit, but rather from the produce of the ground? What is the difference between fruits and plants? Why does the mitzvah of Shmitah-7th year apply only in Israel?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:05

Emor - Of Kings and Kohanim

What are the five aspects that make a Kohen Gadol-High Priest 'greater' than his brothers? What is the idea behind the concept that if he is not rich himself, his brothers 'make him rich?' How does a king parallel the Kohen in these five aspects? Why does a king, as represented by King David, receive special strength to fight Israel's enemies? What is the depth of the idea that David 'fit into the clothes of King Saul?' What is the intent of the Torah when it repeats the words relating to speach?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:23

Acharei Mos-Kedoshim - Material and Form

Why are the instructions about immoral relationships included in the reading of the High Priest's service on Yom Kippur? What is the significance of the Exodus and Hashem's oath to redeem the Jewish people in this context? Why are the Egyptian people referred to as 'donkeys' and why are they the example of immoral relationships? What is the depth of the idea that Hashem adds his name to the name of someone who is courageous in this area? What is the idea of the oath taken by certain individuals in the face of challenges in this area?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:30

Tazria-Metzora - Winds of Changw

What are the causes of the spiritual disease of Tzara'as-Leprosy? Why is the person who contracts it referred to as Adam? What are the 'measures of the winds' referred to in the verse in Job? What is the concept of the winds of destruction that threatened the world in the time of Job, Jonah and Elijah? Why is the Messiah referred to as the 'wind of our nose?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:13

Shmini - Revealing Hashem's Glory

What is needed for 'Hashem's Glory to be revealed?' How are the barriers removed that stand between the Jewish people and Hashem? What is the purpose of the sacrifices in the Mishkan-tabernacle? How does one infuse one's mitzvah observance with Hashem's presence? What is the natural spiritual state of a Jew?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:41

Asking Hashem for what I want vs. what I need

One of my favorite topics is the idea of bitachon - trust. I have been listening for years to the shiurim on this topic of my Rosh Yeshiva, R' Yechiel Perr. I recently got a book that he recommended as part of the shiur called "The Six Steps of Bitachon" by R' Chaim Goldberger. This book lays down a framework that can work for anyone. Among the steps is determining that the thing one is asking Hashem for is a 'need.' Then one goes about developing one's trust in Hashem that the need will be filled.

My question is this: Can I only get what I 'need' from Hashem? Can I ask Hashem for something I want?

I would like to believe that Hashem is like a loving parent. As a parent, of course I provide my children with their needs. But I also often provide them with their wants, even if they are not needs. This is part of the way I show love for them.

So can I trust Hashem that He will provide me with my wants?

Part of my personal challenge is that I often am propelled into action by need much more often than by want. "Urgent and Important" is a much greater motivator than "Important but not Urgent."

And I often feel like Hashem is constantly providing me with my needs, but I don't feel as much that He is providing my wants.

But it is often true that my relationship with Hashem is a reflection of my relationship with myself.

So, could it be that I only get what I 'need' from Hashem because I only give motivate myself with 'need?' What if I started doing the things I don't 'need' to do, but rather they are things I 'want' to do - things that are important, but not urgent. Maybe then I would be better able to receive from Hashem the things I 'want,' not just what I 'need.'

Pesach - Rose of the Valley

What is the difference between a Chavatzelet-rose and a Shoshana-rose? What is the parallel between our sojourn in Egypt and the many challenges we have faced as a nation? What is the parallel between the exodus and the final redemption? What is the idea of the song that we sang then and that we will sing in the future?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 20:44

Tzav - Finding Peace

What is the concept of the korbanos-sacrifices? How does the study of Torah assure the Jewish people that they need not fear the heaviness of the idea of the sacrifices? What is the concept of the Shelamim-Peace sacrifice? Why does the concept of Peace always come last? What is the depth of the importance of peace? How does peace relate to the concept of the korbanos-sacrifices?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:03

Vayikra - Servant Leadership

How is the average Israelite meant to approach the book of Leviticus which seems to contain mostly laws for Kohen-priests? What is the take home lesson for us when the midrash speaks about Moshe's special relationship with Hashem? What is the meaning of Hashem's reference to the Jewish people as 'His?' How can we relate to someone else's 'specialness' when we don't feel particularly special ourselves?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:03

Vayakhel-Pekudei - Nature and Nurture

Why is is it important for us to know the lineage of Betzalel - his father, his grandfather and his tribe? What is the reason for his greatness - his grandfather, his grandmother, his tribe or specifically Hashem filling him with inspiration? What does the midrash mean when it says that even the animals were filled with a spirit of wisdom in the creation of the mishkan-tabernacle? How can we learn from and contribute to the specialness of our family line and tribe?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:52

Ki Sisa - Choosing Greatness

What does it mean when the midrash says that 'Hashem reviews the material four times before teaching the Torah to the people of Israel?' What is the depth of the idea that those who have fear of Heaven merit to have offspring who embody Torah? What is the idea behind the book of generations that was shown to Adam and contains the names of every great person that would ever live? Why did Avraham see a vision of all of the ups and downs of the Jewish people throughout their history? Is greatness something that is chosen with free will or predetermined?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 28:27

Tetzaveh-Purim - Power of Prayer

What is the concept behind the special clothes of the Kohanim? What is the Torah referring to when it says 'this is the thing that you shall do to sanctify the Kohanim unto me?' Why did Mordechai return to his fasting, praying and sackcloth even after he saw that the tide was turning and the Jews were soon to be saved? How can we atone for our sins without the sacrifices of the Temple? What is the true power of prayer?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:53

Terumah - Shechinah Returning

What is the concept of the Mishkan-Tabernacle? How does it act as a continuation of the revelation at Mount Sinai? What is the depth of the concept of the Shechina leaving as a result of man's sins, and returning through the deeds of the righteous? How can we create a 'tabernacle' for our own revelations of Hashem in our lives?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 22:01

Mishpatim - Preparatory Angel

Why does Hashem inform the Jewish people of their future in the very midst of the revelation at Sinai? Is the angel who will lead them in the future a positive or negative force? What is the reassurance to Jacob that he can 'ascend the ladder' and that he will never fall, if the Jewish people could sin and fall? What is the significance of the angel's presence in the blessings and in times of trouble?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 25:11

Yisro - Hearing Hashem's Voice

What is the difference between Moshe's experience of the revelation at Sinai as opposed to the entire Jewish people's experience? Why is his experience described as 'seeing' as opposed to the Jewish people's which is described as 'hearing the voice?' Why does the Torah use the name of Hashem in the interactions with Moshe, as opposed to Elokim, which is used for the Jewish people? What are the 'seven voices' that were heard at Sinai? What is the idea that Sinai is the source of all prophecy and wisdom?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:39

Beshalach - Singing Then

What is the idea of the verse that says that 'then' Moshe and the Jewish people sang? How does that manifest in regards to Hashem's relationship with the world, the Jewish people's relationship with Hashem, and Moshe's relationship with Hashem? Why is the word 'az' which means 'then' used both in regards to Moshe's disbelief in Hashem, and then in his statement of true belief? Why does Hashem make the bitter waters sweet with a bitter piece of wood?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:45

Va'era - Hosting Godliness

What does the verse mean when it says that Hashem told Moshe he would be a 'god' to Pharaoh? Why was King Solomon unable to bring the Holy Ark into the Temple? Why did he need to invoke his father, King David's honor? Why is Hashem referred to as the 'King of Honor?' When does Hashem 'distribute His honor to those who fear Him?'

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 27:26

Shemos - Voices of Redemption

What was special about the brotherly relationship between Moshe and Aharon? How did that parallel that of Binyomin and Yosef? Why does the midrash stress that Binyomin and Yosef 'suckled from the same milk?' What is the significance of the kiss of Moshe and Aharon? What is the idea behind the 'voice of Hashem' that is one voice, and yet is heard by different people in different ways? How does one prepare oneself to 'hear the voice?' Why does Hashem's voice come from many different directions? Why does the voice come from a different direction each time the Jewish people run to receive it in the place they've heard it?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:30

Obama, Gog, Trump and Geulah Berachamim in 5776

It's been a long time since I've written anything on this blog, besides for posting my Parsha Podcast. And for good reason. There have been numerous times where I've wanted to write, but made the decision not to. There have been many times that I've seen something written in the Moshiach blogosphere and I was on the edge of saying something.

But I chose not to.

With the close of the Obama presidency, however, the remarkable nature of what has transpired is just to great to ignore. I hope that what I write will give pause to the many writers and many more readers of the Moshiach blog world.

One of the things that brought me out of my skepticism (for a very short time) of this world that I used to be a part of was the fantastic near death experience that was spread far and wide about a year ago. It put Obama as Gog and said 'this is the year!' Although we'd all heard that one before (think autistics and other false messiahs), it confirmed something that I really believed, and so did many of you - that Obama was the man - Gog. And that this was the time.

Because I believed that 5776 would really be the year of Moshiach. I had felt that already five years ago when I stopped writing for this blog. I had a lot of different thoughts and ideas and a really strong gut feeling that pointed in the direction of 5776. Even amazing gematriahs (as if they didn't exist for any other years)!

But, once again 5776 came and went. Another Moshiach year has bitten the dust.

Or has it?

I want to present to you with a theory that is both exciting and boring. It is a precise prediction, but it leaves open when Moshiach comes. It is absolutely true and completely questionable.

I still believe that Obama was Gog. And I believe that there was some truth in what the autistics and the near deathers etc. etc. etc. have predicted. A little bit of truth. And a lot of falsehood. Because it is so important to understand that the world is not two dimensional. It is not just a world of judgment where anyone who wears a wig is going to burn eternally. And where a soul is dipped into 7 levels of fire, which can be named because someone was just there.

That description - the description that the Moshiach Blogosphere is used to talking about and describing - is the side of judgment - din.

And it is interesting that that young man experienced and saw all these things during his near death experience time in the space of judgment - which is where a soul goes immediately after death. It is called the world of Z"A - which we don't even pronounce as its component words (Z'er Anpin) because it denotes extreme judgment, which we don't want to call into play.

The world of Z"A is where they speak from. But there are other worlds - the world of Beriyah - above Z"A - crowning Z'A and Nukva. It is transcendent and there is no evil there. It is the world of the throne, the world of the souls where no evil can penetrate from our realm.

But even our realm is not the world of Z"A - we do not live in a world of pure judgment. We live in a world where there is a balancing act between Din and Rachamim, between judgment and mercy.

And in the real world, there is no such thing as unmitigated judgment.

Many of you might be familiar with the fact that the Gemara in Succah speaks about Moshiach ben Yosef, describing the great mourning that occurs after his death in the war of Gog Umagog.

But the Gra's opinion is that Moshiach ben Yosef will not die. The Gemara itself hints to such an opinion when it refers to the same mourning as NOT being for Moshiach ben Yosef (but for the Yetzer Hara). The Gra's opines that MBY won't die, because the reason he was meant to die has already been atoned for by the length of the exile we've endured.

Moshiach does not have to arrive with death, destruction and mayhem.

And I still believe that Obama was Gog, and that something amazing is unfolding right in front of our eyes. Because if Gog could not do anything more than create an ineffective UN resolution, then we are looking at Geulah Berachamim - redemption with mercy.

I believe that we experienced the judgment 70 years ago with World War II.

And that now is the time for redemption with mercy.

If you listened to my most recent podcast, you heard what the war of Gog Umagog is about - it is about a claim to Jerusalem. It is about a claim to being the spiritual conduit of Hashem. Which is an exclusive right of the Jewish people. Gog comes to Jerusalem to try to remove the Jewish people's claim to Jerusalem; to deny the Jewish people's chosen status. To claim that other religions and peoples have replaced us as the conduit of spirituality into the world.

But on the day that the greatest of the 70 nations of the world moves its embassy to Jerusalem, it is the greatest statement that Jerusalem belongs to the Jewish people.

I don't want to say too much more, but a parallel is spoken of between the Purim story and the future redemption. It is why Iran/Persia is part of the story. And it is hard to ignore the people who have been in the life of the incoming president before this story started.

I haven't written and haven't wanted to predict, because I have not wanted to say things that look silly within a small amount of time.

But I'm writing now, because I think it's time to start seeing that things are turning. We may look back in a couple of years and see in hindsight that 5776 was a significant year in the coming of Moshiach Berachamim.

Vayechi - War of Gog Umagog

What is the parallel between the blessings of Jacob and that which occurs on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? Why do the 10 tribes gather to the portions of Yehuda and Benjamin? Why do they need to 'show honor to Judah and Benjamin?' What is the idea of there not being 'any arguments' as a prerequisite for the advent of the Messianic age? Why did Jacob reveal the idea of the War of Armageddon to his sons? Why does this war center around Jerusalem? Why was all this revealed in the context of the revelation of the unique attributes of each tribe?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 26:31

Vayigash - Exile and Redemption

What is the significance of Chushim ben Dan's arrival on the scene in Egypt as Yosef was about to reveal himself to his brothers? Why does he also play a significant role as Yakov is about to be buried in the Cave of the Patriarchs? How does this parallel what will happen in the future in the war of Gog and Magog, when Sherya, a great-grandson of Dan will fight side by side with Moshiach ben Dovid? Why does Yosef have his dreams twice, but they do not seem to be fulfilled immediately - as opposed to Pharaoh who had his dream repeated, and Yosef interpreted this to mean it would occur immediately?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:39