8.01.2025

Shabbos Chazon, Exile, and Redemption



 

The Rebbe transforms the painful period of Bein HaMetzarim (Three Weeks) into an empowering time filled with hope. Beneath the exile’s darkness lies a Divine purpose: preparation for the ultimate Redemption.

1. Shabbat Chazon & Parshat Devarim: Vision in Darkness

• Shabbat Chazon – “Shabbat of Vision”: Every Jew is shown a glimpse of the Third Temple (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev). Though it appears from afar, this vision plants the seeds of Redemption in a time of mourning.

• Parshat Devarim, always read on this Shabbat, marks a generational transition:

   - The “seeing” generation (from Egypt) lived with open miracles.

   - The new generation must rely on hearing – faith, effort, and growth.

• Hearing vs. Seeing:

   - Seeing = Total clarity, prophetic certainty (e.g., Moshe).

   - Hearing = Intellectual belief, challenged by doubt, but leads to inner transformation.

• Descent for the Sake of Ascent: The “hearing” generation entered and built the Land. Physical descent enables spiritual ascent – the goal of creation is to elevate the material world.

2. Shabbat Joy Amid Mourning

• Shabbat = Joy: Mourning is suspended on Shabbat. Even during the Three Weeks, Shabbat joy intensifies, revealing a taste of the World to Come.

• Why Greater Joy? Because exile is not just a loss – it is a preparation for something greater. Like demolishing to rebuild stronger (soser al menat livnot), exile refines the world for Redemption.

• Halachic Significance: On Shabbat Chazon, one may feast “like in King Solomon’s days.” This reflects deep, internal joy and signals the Redemption’s light beginning to shine through.

3. The Inner Meaning of Exile

• The Bris Bein HaBesarim Paradox: Why is exile foretold at a covenant of love? Because exile is not punishment – it’s part of the plan, rooted in G-d’s unconditional love.

• The Cherubim Mystery:

   - Gemara: Cherubim turn away during sin.

   - Midrash: At the Temple’s destruction, they faced each other.

   - Chassidus: Externally – judgment. Internally – Divine love. Even destruction is part of Redemption.

• Mashal (Analogy): A Rebbe pauses teaching to grasp a deeper truth. The student feels abandoned – but only because the Rebbe is preparing something greater. So too, G-d’s “withdrawal” is a setup for unprecedented light.

• Historical Pattern: Darkness intensifies before Redemption. Egypt’s worst suffering came just before the Exodus. So too, today’s spiritual confusion (Ikvesa D'Meshicha) heralds Mashiach.

4. Living With This Knowledge

• No Despair: G-d’s concealment is only external. Internally, His love and Redemption are nearer than ever.

• Knowledge is Power: Understanding exile’s purpose fortifies our faith and keeps us spiritually strong.

• Our Response:

   1. Clarity – Recognize exile as purposeful concealment.

   2. Hiskashrus & Tzima’on – Deepen connection and longing for G-d. The more we yearn, the more we draw His light.

• Alter Rebbe’s Cry: “I don’t want Your Paradise... I want You alone!” This pure desire brings down the ultimate revelation.

Conclusion

The Rebbe teaches: Galut is not abandonment – it is preparation. Even in darkness, a higher light is forming. Shabbat Chazon becomes a beacon of hope, showing us not what we've lost – but what we are about to gain. By living with this awareness, and longing for G-d Himself, we hasten the Final Redemption, bimheira v’yameinu.

📘 Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 2

Shabbat Chazon - Vision in Darkness

6.22.2025

Esau and the Symbolism of the Pig






Esau and the Symbol of the Pig

The pig is a powerful metaphor in Jewish thought. Though it displays one kosher sign — split hooves — it lacks the other — chewing cud. The pig deceptively stretches out its hooves as if to say, “Look, I’m kosher!”

Esau's Deception

Esau is likened to the pig because of this very trait: presenting a facade of righteousness. He performs seemingly good deeds, but they are calculated and superficial. His deception is most evident in his relationship with Isaac.

Why Isaac?

Isaac, with his deep spiritual insight, recognized sparks of holiness in Esau — potential that could be drawn out and sanctified. These sparks would later shine through figures like Rabbi Meir and Onkelos, righteous converts from Esau’s lineage. Esau, aware of this potential, attempted to manipulate it by mimicking righteousness to gain Isaac’s blessings.

Our Role in Exile

In this final exile, we confront the most deceptive form of evil — hypocrisy. Our task is to refine and expose this false piety, discerning authentic goodness from its counterfeit both in the world and within ourselves.

Redemption Through Refinement

"And saviors shall ascend Mount Zion to judge the mountain of Esau, and the kingdom shall be Hashem’s." — Obadiah 1:21

The Rebbe explains: when even this deceptive evil is transformed, Esau and the pig will become kosher — symbolizing the full transformation of the world for the coming of Moshiach.

Adapted from the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, with blessings for the immediate revelation of Moshiach. Vol 38 תולדות ג

6.10.2025

The Serpent, the Womb, and the Final Redemption






Red Sea - Wikipedia

This remarkable teaching draws together deep mystical hints from Torah, Zohar, gematria, geography, and history — revealing how current world events, particularly involving Russia, Yemen, and the Red Sea region, are intertwined with the spiritual process of Redemption and the birth of Moshiach.

I. Putin, Serpents, and End Times

Putin is hinted in the 5785th verse of the Torah (Deut. 32:33),
חֲמַ֥ת תַּנִּינִ֖ם יֵינָ֑ם וְרֹ֥אשׁ פְּתָנִ֖ים אַכְזָֽר
which speaks of serpents and vipers, with its continuation alluding to the sealed mysteries of the End of Days. The initials and final letters of the phrase point directly to Russia and viper, connecting modern geopolitics with ancient prophecy.

II. Yemen, Womb Imagery, and Redemption

Yemen and the Chutim tribes are symbolically linked to the feminine aspect of Creation — the womb from which Redemption is to be born. The number 8 (ח), the city of Sana’a, and even the name Djibouti encode this imagery. The Red Sea itself is presented as a cosmic womb, its two tongues forming a birth canal.


III. The Red Sea and the Birth of Mashiach

The war that broke out on Simchat Torah 5784 is seen as a mystical reenactment of the serpent attempting to strike the womb of the Shechinah, to block the emergence of Mashiach. The city of Eilat and the nearby Nahal Rechem ("Womb Stream") reinforce this symbolism.

IV. Timna, Copper, and Amalek

Timna Valley, near Eilat, where Mount Timna (gematria = King Mashiach) and streams named Timna and Nechoshtan (copper, rooted in serpent) further encode the connection between the klipah (shell) and the Messianic soul. Timna, mother of Amalek, is portrayed as the archetypal force that seeks to cover and obstruct the holiness of Mashiach.

V. Bab el-Mandeb and Gog & Magog

Bab el-Mandeb ("Gate of Tears") — the cosmic point of birth pangs — is from where the terrifying war of Gog and Magog is destined to emerge. Hints in Psalms and Numbers link this strait directly to both Simchat Torah and the broader Redemption process.


VI. Egypt and Yemen Mystical Hints

Egypt is explained as the cosmic "nakedness" (ערות הארץ), corresponding to the womb, while Targum Onkelos surprisingly hints at Yemen in Jacob’s command to his sons — further connecting ancient text to modern geography.

VII. Chutim, Eilat, and Hashem’s Mercy

Prayer verse: "Ata Hashem lo tikla rachamecha" contains hints to both Chutim and Eilat, with rachamecha (Your mercy) in between — signifying Divine compassion shielding us through this cosmic birth process.

VIII. Chusham, King of Teiman, and Mashiach

Chusham, King of Teiman, is linked to Mashiach: The letters of Mashiach encompass Chusham, and the root Chusha hints at Achishena: the hastening of Redemption. Yet this acceleration can bring either mercy or judgment, depending on our merit.

IX. The Serpent and the Red Sea

Red Sea’s two tongues resemble the mouth of the serpent seeking to strike the Deer (Shechinah). Pharaoh is described as the great serpent, and Chava (Eve) is linguistically and spiritually linked to the serpent — the primal tension between life and the force seeking to obstruct it.

X. 28 Times of Kohelet and Timeline

28 times in Kohelet map onto 6000 years of world history, each time corresponding to ~214 years. We are about to enter the final Et — "a time of peace" — in 5786 (17 Tammus, 5786 - July 2, 2026), the window during which Gog and Magog must conclude.

XI. Pen of Mashiach — Final Redemption

Mashiach’s pen: In Zohar and Midrash, the staff with which Mashiach will split the Sea is revealed to be a pen — the tool of Torah innovation. The reed basket of Moshe points to this — in the end, Mashiach will use a reed (pen) to reveal the deepest lights of Torah and bring Redemption.

XII. Rome and the Reed

Rome (Edom), a city mystically built on a planted reed, represents the klipah’s grip on the world. The battle is between the klipah’s misuse of the reed (secular power) and Mashiach’s holy use of the reed — as a pen of Torah that splits the Sea of concealment.

XIII. David’s Role in Redemption

David will sit at Hashem’s right hand, as rooted in Gvurah (Strength). The banquet of the righteous will be linked to Isaac and David, completing the circle of Redemption.

Grand Summary

  • Putin & Russia hinted as the serpent obstructing Redemption.
  • Yemen, Eilat, Timna, Red Sea — womb imagery preparing for Mashiach’s birth.
  • Bab el-Mandeb is the gateway for Gog & Magog and birth pangs.
  • Prayer hints and King Chusham point to Mashiach & Achishena.
  • 28 times of Kohelet map history — we are entering a time of peace.
  • The pen of Mashiach will split the Sea of Torah — bringing Redemption.
  • David, rooted in Gevurah, will sit at Hashem’s right — revealing deep goodness.

The cosmic birth pangs we are witnessing are not random — they are the final contractions before the dawn of the new era.

Synopsis: The Serpent, the Womb, and the Final Redemption

Synopsis: The Serpent, the Womb, and the Final Redemption

This remarkable teaching draws together deep mystical hints from Torah, Zohar, gematria, geography, and history — revealing how current world events, particularly involving Russia, Yemen, and the Red Sea region, are intertwined with the spiritual process of Redemption and the birth of Mashiach.

I. Putin, Serpents, and End Times

Putin is hinted in the 5785th verse of the Torah (Deut. 32:33), which speaks of serpents and vipers, with its continuation alluding to the sealed mysteries of the End of Days. The initials and final letters of the phrase point directly to Russia and viper, connecting modern geopolitics with ancient prophecy.

II. Yemen, Womb Imagery, and Redemption

Yemen and the Chutim tribes are symbolically linked to the feminine aspect of Creation — the womb from which Redemption is to be born. The number 8 (ח), the city of Sana’a, and even the name Djibouti encode this imagery. The Red Sea itself is presented as a cosmic womb, its two tongues forming a birth canal.

III. The Red Sea and the Birth of Mashiach

The war that broke out on Simchat Torah 5784 is seen as a mystical reenactment of the serpent attempting to strike the womb of the Shechinah, to block the emergence of Mashiach. The city of Eilat and the nearby Nahal Rechem ("Womb Stream") reinforce this symbolism.

IV. Timna, Copper, and Amalek

Timna Valley, near Eilat, where Mount Timna (gematria = King Mashiach) and streams named Timna and Nechoshtan (copper, rooted in serpent) further encode the connection between the klipah (shell) and the Messianic soul. Timna, mother of Amalek, is portrayed as the archetypal force that seeks to cover and obstruct the holiness of Mashiach.

V. Bab el-Mandeb and Gog & Magog

Bab el-Mandeb ("Gate of Tears") — the cosmic point of birth pangs — is from where the terrifying war of Gog and Magog is destined to emerge. Hints in Psalms and Numbers link this strait directly to both Simchat Torah and the broader Redemption process.

VI. Egypt and Yemen Mystical Hints

Egypt is explained as the cosmic "nakedness" (ערות הארץ), corresponding to the womb, while Targum Onkelos surprisingly hints at Yemen in Jacob’s command to his sons — further connecting ancient text to modern geography.

VII. Chutim, Eilat, and Hashem’s Mercy

Prayer verse: "Ata Hashem lo tikla rachamecha" contains hints to both Chutim and Eilat, with rachamecha (Your mercy) in between — signifying Divine compassion shielding us through this cosmic birth process.

VIII. Chusham, King of Teiman, and Mashiach

Chusham, King of Teiman, is linked to Mashiach: The letters of Mashiach encompass Chusham, and the root Chusha hints at Achishena: the hastening of Redemption. Yet this acceleration can bring either mercy or judgment, depending on our merit.

IX. The Serpent and the Red Sea

Red Sea’s two tongues resemble the mouth of the serpent seeking to strike the Deer (Shechinah). Pharaoh is described as the great serpent, and Chava (Eve) is linguistically and spiritually linked to the serpent — the primal tension between life and the force seeking to obstruct it.

X. 28 Times of Kohelet and Timeline

28 times in Kohelet map onto 6000 years of world history, each time corresponding to ~214 years. We are about to enter the final Et — "a time of peace" — in 5786 (2026), the window during which Gog and Magog must conclude.

XI. Pen of Mashiach — Final Redemption

Mashiach’s pen: In Zohar and Midrash, the staff with which Mashiach will split the Sea is revealed to be a pen — the tool of Torah innovation. The reed basket of Moshe foreshadowed this — in the end, Mashiach will use a reed (pen) to reveal the deepest lights of Torah and bring Redemption.

XII. Rome and the Reed

Rome, a city mystically built on a planted reed, represents the klipah’s grip on the world. The battle is between the klipah’s misuse of the reed (secular power) and Mashiach’s holy use of the reed — as a pen of Torah that splits the Sea of concealment.

XIII. David’s Role in Redemption

David will sit at Hashem’s right hand, as rooted in Gevurah (Strength). The banquet of the righteous will be linked to Isaac and David, completing the circle of Redemption.

Grand Summary

  • Putin & Russia hinted as the serpent obstructing Redemption.
  • Yemen, Eilat, Timna, Red Sea — womb imagery preparing for Mashiach’s birth.
  • Bab el-Mandeb is the gateway for Gog & Magog and birth pangs.
  • Prayer hints and King Chusham point to Mashiach & Achishena.
  • 28 times of Kohelet map history — we are entering a time of peace.
  • The pen of Mashiach will split the Sea of Torah — bringing Redemption.
  • David, rooted in Gevurah, will sit at Hashem’s right — revealing deep goodness.

The cosmic birth pangs we are witnessing are not random — they are the final contractions before the dawn of the new era.

3.01.2025

Extraterrestrials



 


The Torah teaches that the entire universe was created for man. The Talmud states that there are around a quintillion (10¹⁸) stars and that all were created for man’s sake. It even says that angels and spiritual worlds exist for this purpose. This raises a question: How can man, living on Earth, be the center of the universe?

Our Sages understood the vastness of the cosmos and knew many stars were far larger than Earth. However, size and number are insignificant to an infinite God. The human brain is more complex than galaxies, and man’s Divine soul surpasses even the highest angels. A vast universe for man is logical, but its necessity still needs explanation. Some say that contemplating the universe helps us grasp God's greatness and develop a deeper reverence for Him. But when considering extraterrestrial life, the question becomes more complex.

Rabbi Chasdai Crescas was among the first to discuss extraterrestrial life, concluding that Jewish theology does not rule out its existence. He cited the Talmud, which speaks of God flying through 18,000 worlds, suggesting they require His providence and may be inhabited. However, this could refer to spiritual worlds rather than physical ones.

Rabbi Yosef Albo, in contrast, argued that since the universe was created for man, no other beings with free will can exist. If extraterrestrial life lacks free will and does not serve man (as animals and plants do), it would have no purpose and be superfluous. Some support this view with the Talmudic teaching that places not destined for human habitation were never inhabited—though this may refer only to Earth.

The Sefer HaBris presents a middle view: extraterrestrial life exists but lacks free will, which is unique to man. According to this opinion, the 18,000 worlds are physical and inhabited. As proof, he cites Judges 5:23, "Cursed is Meroz… cursed are its inhabitants," and the Talmudic opinion that Meroz is a star—implying the existence of life beyond Earth.

Even this proof is debated. The Zohar also calls Meroz a star but suggests its “inhabitants” refer to celestial camps, possibly planets. Still, the simple reading of the verse supports the Sefer HaBris. He also argues that extraterrestrial beings, like sea creatures compared to land creatures, may be vastly different from earthly life. While they may have intelligence, they lack free will—reserved for humans, who received the Torah.

A question arises: If extraterrestrial beings lack free will, why were Meroz’s inhabitants cursed? The answer is that even angels, despite lacking free will, can be punished. The great Kabbalist Rabbi Moshe Cordovero supports the idea that only one species—man—possesses free will. Since God’s unity allows only one system of spiritual worlds, there cannot be another species with free will.

The Zohar strongly supports the existence of extraterrestrial life. The Midrash speaks of seven earths, which Ibn Ezra sees as continents, but the Zohar describes them as separate, inhabited worlds. This aligns with the Sefer HaBris's claim that intelligent extraterrestrial beings exist but lack free will and moral responsibility. Free will is not observable—it is evident only because God gave man the Torah.

Yet, if extraterrestrial beings do not serve man, why do they exist? The Tikunei Zohar provides an answer. It interprets the verse (Song of Songs 6:8), "Worlds without number," as referring to stars, each considered a separate world. It explains that in the future, each Tzaddik (righteous person) will rule over a star, fulfilling the verse (Ezekiel 48:35), "Around Him are eighteen thousand." These stars may correspond to the 18,000 Tzaddikim who will be granted their own worlds.

If the stars and their planets are intended as abodes for Tzaddikim, how will they reach them? The Talmud (Isaiah 40:31) states that in the Future World, God will give Tzaddikim wings to escape Earth. The Zohar goes further, saying they will fly through the universe. This teaching anticipates space travel and suggests that it is part of the prelude to the Messianic era.

2.02.2025

Exodus and Tefillin



 





On the words, vayehi beshalach, “And it was that when Pharaoh sent out the nation” (13:17), the Midrash states that vayehi alludes to a cry of woe (vayi), for Moshe was grieved when saw that the redemption was incomplete and the Jews would have to suffer further exile in a long and difficult road to the final redemption. This is associated with the previous verses (that conclude last week’s parshah) that contain the command to place tefillin on the head, and on the arm opposite the heart. The need for tefillin is a reflection of the incompleteness of the Exodus. Had the Exodus been complete, G-d would have installed the Torah within our hearts and minds and the external sign of tefillin would not have been necessary. Indeed, in the final and complete redemption, this will be granted to us, as stated in the verse, “I will set My law within them and I will inscribe it upon their hearts, and I will be their G-d and they will be My people. No longer will one teach his neighbor or one his brother, saying, ‘Know G-d,’ for they will all know Me from their smallest to their greatest” (Yirmiyah 31:32-33).

Ma’amar Mordechai