The Rock of Israel

 

מִשָּׁם רֹעֶה אֶבֶן יִשְׂרָאֵל

 

 

 

The Flood, the Ark, and the Word

Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 1

Chasidus explains that the Flood was not merely destruction, but Taharah—spiritual purification, like a mikvah (ritual pool). A mikvah purifies only when a person is fully immersed; partial entry does not purify. This teaches that true cleansing requires a complete surrender of ego—an immersion of the whole self into something greater.

A mikvah must contain forty se’ah of water, symbolizing a full measure that transcends the person’s own boundaries. In the same spirit, the Flood lasted forty days, emphasizing that its deeper purpose was cleansing and refinement. Life’s difficulties—especially worries over livelihood—become “many waters” meant to wash away inner blockage and lead to Neicha d’Rucha (inner tranquility).

Self-nullification: The Inner Mechanism

The essence of purification is Bitul—self-nullification. Immersion symbolizes dissolving one’s independent “I” and becoming a vessel for holiness. When Bitul is achieved consciously, the purpose of suffering is fulfilled—and the suffering itself can fall away.

Two Types of “Flood Waters”

• Tehom Rabbah: mundane worries—livelihood pressure, material stress, and anxiety.
• Arubot HaShamayim: “spiritual” distractions—lofty activities (communal leadership, projects) that pull one away from Torah and mitzvos.

Even noble pursuits become destructive if they replace foundational Jewish practice.

The Solution: “Enter the Ark”

The antidote to all floods is G-d’s command: “Enter the Ark.” The Baal Shem Tov explains that Teivah (תיבה) means both “ark” and “word.” “Enter the Teivah” means immersing in the words of Torah and prayer, making G-dliness the primary reality.

Teivah = Ark = Word

Just as the Ark protected Noach from the waters, the words of Torah and tefillah protect a Jew from life’s “floods.”

Not Escape—Responsibility

Entering the Ark is not self-isolation. Noach was commanded to bring his family—symbolizing students, community, and ultimately all Jews. Through Areivus (mutual responsibility), helping another Jew spiritually is inseparable from saving oneself, and Divine assistance comes specifically through caring for others.

Beyond Intellect: Mesirus Nefesh

True connection to G-d requires Mesirus Nefesh—not only dramatic sacrifice, but daily surrender of personal will beyond logic. Small acts of self-transcendence count as full devotion, and even great intellect is insufficient without humility and self-giving.

Transformation, Not Withdrawal

Like a mikvah, purification is complete only after emerging. Torah and prayer must reshape how one lives in the world. The goal is not spiritual escape, but returning to reality transformed—engaging physical life as a vehicle for G-dliness.

The Ultimate Goal

The Flood ends with a rainbow, symbolizing G-d’s presence revealed within the physical world. This is the purpose of struggle, prayer, Bitul, and responsibility: to make the world a Dwelling Place for G-d, turning “cloudiness” into revealed and visible good.

Core Message

Life’s floods purify; Bitul unlocks holiness; Torah and prayer provide shelter; responsibility secures Divine help; Mesirus Nefesh connects to Essence; and the final goal is transforming the world into a home for G-d.

Direct Line to G-d

 

A story on the power of writing to the Rebbe

“DO YOU HAVE A DIRECT LINE WITH G-D?!”

Hei Tevet • 5 Tevet 5747 (6 January 1987)

Context: On Hei Tevet (5 Tevet 5747 – 6 January 1987), the great news came that “Didan Notzach” — the USA Federal court issued a ruling that the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the Chassidim won their case, and the Seforim (holy books from the Previous Rebbe’s library) and the K’sovim (holy manuscripts written by the Chabad Rebbes and other great rabbis) belong to the Chabad movement — and must be returned to 770.

A special time for writing

On the following day, the Rebbe delivered an astounding talk saying that we find ourselves in a very special time of "Va'techi Ruach Yakov Avihem" (“the spirit of the Jewish Patriarch Jacob was revived”), i.e., the Rebbe’s spirit was revived.

The Rebbe continued that whoever has not yet done so, should send in a letter of requests for blessing, before the next day, and the Rebbe would bring them to the Ohel (the holy resting place of his revered Rebbe and father-in-law), where he would pray for the requests which countless people would send.

A striking directive

The Rebbe urged people “not to be embarrassed” and to write for whatever one wishes — as it is to Hashem they will be writing, via Nesi Doreinu (“our generation’s spiritual leader”).

The Rebbe specified that this is pertinent for every Jew — men, women, and children — as they are all members of Klal Yisroel. And since this is relevant to every Jew throughout the world, the Rebbe instructed that letters not only be brought to the Rebbe to bring to the Ohel, but also be brought to gravesites of great Jewish people throughout the world.

The Rebbe explained that it is written in Seforim that all of the kevorim (Jewish burial places) are connected to each other — so letters placed upon other burial places are considered as being brought to the Ohel.

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The flood of letters

As the Rebbe entered his room after his public talk, he reiterated with emphasis that this directive was for every Jew, including women and children.

The response was enormous. The fax machine of the Rebbe’s secretariat began receiving letters and requests from all over the world. The flow continued all night and into the next morning. Regardless if one considered themselves a Chassid — or even “religious” — people did not want to miss this unique opportunity for blessing.

There was excitement in anticipation of the Rebbe’s visit to the Ohel. Hundreds of chassidim, many out-of-town guests, and Jews from neighboring communities (e.g., Borough Park and Williamsburg) came to see what was unfolding at 770.

Timeline

• 2:50 PM — The Rebbe departed for the Ohel with large bags filled with thousands of letters received since the Sicha (from the night before).
• As the car began leaving, a Jew knocked on the window to hand in his letter; the Rebbe had the window opened and took it as well.
• The Rebbe told Rabbi Krinsky that any letters arriving while he is at the Ohel should be brought to him there.
• 5:00 PM — Another load of letters was sent from Brooklyn to the Ohel.
• 6:00 PM — A “Mitzvah Tank” delivered yet more letters to the Ohel in Queens, which Rabbi Krinsky brought in to the Rebbe.

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Meanwhile… in Sydney

In Sydney, Australia, Rabbi Mordechai (“Motty”) Hasofer heard the hookup of the Rebbe’s talk. He returned home excited and shared the news with his wife, Devorah. Realizing the opportunity, they spread the word, encouraging family and acquaintances to write their requests to the Rebbe.

As the day ended, a pile of letters stood high on the Hasofers’ dining room table. Family, friends, and mekurovim (less-involved community members coming closer) joined in writing. Yet Mrs. Hasofer was bothered: her father, Mr. Peter Dyce, refused to participate.

Background

Mr. Dyce and his parents emigrated to Australia from pre-war Europe, sparing themselves from the Holocaust. Peter’s father foresaw danger and fled, though he could not convince much of the extended family, many of whom later perished.

A painful refrain remained in the family: “But where was G-d in the Holocaust?”

Determined that her father merit the opportunity, Mrs. Hasofer came to convince him to write. He refused. With the sun about to set, they compromised: Peter would dictate his request, and his daughter would write it.

His dictated request

“Dear G-d, Tomorrow, at four in the morning I am going fishing and I want to be more successful than ever.”

Towards midnight, Rabbi Hasofer and his brother Nachi (Menachem) went to the cemetery in Sydney and placed the bundle of letters on the gravesite of Rabbi Asher Abramson (a great Chabad Chassid and Av Beis Din). After heartfelt prayer, they returned home.

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“Do you have a direct line to G-d?”

At about six in the morning, knocks startled the Hasofers. At the door stood Mr. Dyce, emotionally overwrought. After settling at the kitchen table, he said: “I will tell you something astounding that if I hadn't experienced it myself, I would not believe that things like this could happen.”

He described heading out to sea with his friend Richard. Time and again, Mr. Dyce caught big, fat fish — while Richard caught nothing. They switched places; the outcome didn’t change.

Then it hit him: perhaps this wasn’t luck. It was connected to the request he had dictated the night before.

On the way back, an Italian fishing boat sped toward them. The captain shouted: “How did you manage to catch so many fish? Do you have a direct line to G-d?” Their crew had been fishing for hours and had almost nothing.

Mr. Dyce said he was suddenly overcome with a fear he was unaccustomed to — struck by the thought that there is a G-d in this world, and his amazing success was connected with the letter.

Rabbi and Mrs. Hasofer followed him to the boat and saw it filled with large fish — remarkably, all kosher. Mr. Dyce shared the catch with family and friends, repeating the story.

A few Shabbosim later, Mr. Dyce overheard Lubavitcher children saying: “There’s the man who could have asked for anything, and all he asked for was fish…”

If you’d like, I can also format this into a two-column “story + takeaway” version, or add a “How to write a letter” section.

And Suddenly Moshiach Will Appear

Rabbi Yoel Kahan relates:

“One day the Chassidim Shmuel Itche Raices and Moshe Dubinsky were standing in 770 on the steps leading from the large zal to the upper corridor. They were speaking about what the coming of Moshiach would be like, and they repeated the saying of the Alter Rebbe that the tailor would sew, the cobbler would make shoes, and Moshiach would suddenly come.

At that moment the Rebbe came out of his room and walked towards them. One of them whispered, ‘See, Moshiach will suddenly come, just like that.’ The Rebbe overheard this remark and replied, ‘Yes, it will be exactly like this!’”

Source: Kfar Chabad Magazine Sunday, Mar 05, 2006 • Translator:

Esau acquires Jacob's Weapons

 

Are we seeing prophecy unfolding?

The House of Jacob shall be fire, And the House of Joseph flame, And the House of Esau shall be straw; They shall burn it and devour it, And no survivor shall be left of the House of Esau

וְעָלוּ מוֹשִׁעִים בְּהַר צִיּוֹן
לִשְׁפֹּט אֶת הַר עֵשָׂו
וְהָיְתָה לַה' הַמְּלוּכָה

עובדיה א׳:כ״א

Europe Turns to Israel for Protection — and an Ancient Vision Comes Into Focus

Across Europe, a quiet but extraordinary realignment is taking shape. Nations facing threats from Russia, Iran, and widening regional instability are increasingly looking toward a single partner for their most critical defense needs: Israel.

This shift is not merely a matter of military procurement. For many, it raises a deeper question — are we witnessing the early stages of a prophetic dynamic described thousands of years ago? A time when the nations of the world would turn toward Israel not only politically or morally, but for guidance, protection, and leadership.

The Navi Ovadiah describes a future era when “the House of Jacob will be fire… Joseph flame.” Chassidic sources explain that this “fire” and “flame” represent a spiritual and moral influence that also manifests materially — Israel becoming a provider of stability, security, and clarity in a confused world.

Remarkably, that is exactly what the geopolitical landscape now resembles.

Germany Deploys Israel’s Arrow-3 Missile Shield

Germany’s adoption of the Arrow-3 missile defense system marks one of the most significant developments in European security since the Cold War. Arrow-3 — tested in real combat and responsible for hundreds of successful interceptions in 2025 — gives Berlin unprecedented long-range protection from ballistic missiles.

Strategically, it is a response to Russia and Iran. Symbolically, it is something more: the largest power in Europe depending on Israel for its ultimate shield.

Rambam teaches that in the era approaching Moshiach, “the nations will seek the counsel and clarity” that emerges from Israel. Germany — with its deep historical weight — turning to Israel for its highest defensive capability feels like the beginning of that shift.

Romania Purchases $400 Million in Israeli Drones

Romania’s major acquisition of Israeli UAVs strengthens its intelligence and readiness along NATO’s vulnerable eastern front. The public’s enthusiastic reaction — with many Romanians openly thanking Israel — reveals something striking: Israel is becoming not only an ally, but a protector.

In Chassidus, this reflects the future described as "וְהָלְכוּ גוֹיִם לְאוֹרֵךְ" — nations walking in the practical and moral light emanating from Israel.

Greece Nears a $3 Billion Air-Defense Agreement

Greece’s massive agreement for SPYDER, David’s Sling, and Barak MX systems forms one of the most significant defense integrations between Israel and Europe to date. These systems will merge with Greece’s Patriot batteries to form a seamless Israeli-enabled defense grid.

Historically, Greece once represented an ideological opposition to Judaism. Now, it turns to Israel for the technology that defends its borders — a dramatic fulfillment of the concept that in the pre-Messianic era, former opponents become allies.

Slovenia: Embargo on Paper, Purchases in Practice

Despite declaring an embargo on Israeli weapons, Slovenia has quietly continued purchasing Israeli-developed missile systems through third-party suppliers. Politics may push nations to criticize Israel publicly — but security reality pulls them back in.

This reflects a deeper truth found in Jewish sources: before the full revelation of Moshiach, nations will begin to “recognize the necessity” of Israel’s unique role, even reluctantly.

A Strategic and Spiritual Realignment

Across Europe, these trends are unmistakable:

• Israel has become Europe’s primary provider of advanced missile defense and UAV systems.
• NATO’s eastern flank is being rebuilt on Israeli technology.
• Political gestures collapse when real threats arise.
• A continent-wide, Israel-integrated defense network is emerging.

On the surface, this is geopolitics. On a deeper level, it mirrors the prophetic structure described by Ovadiah, Yeshayahu, and explained by the Rebbe:

• The nations depending on Israel for protection.
• Israel stabilizing and guiding entire regions.
• The world beginning to recognize Israel’s unique role.
• A shift from opposition to alignment — a hallmark of the era before Moshiach.

Before Moshiach’s revelation becomes global, Chassidic tradition teaches that the nations will gradually turn to Israel for leadership — materially, morally, and strategically.

A Foreshadowing of the Future?

We cannot claim prophecy is unfolding moment by moment. But the contours match what the prophets and the Rebbe described: a world slowly orienting itself around Israel as a source of security, clarity, and stability.

Not abstractly. Not symbolically. But in defense systems, strategic alliances, and national policy shifts.

This is not yet the era of Moshiach — but many would say: the world is moving unmistakably in that direction.

The Nations in the time of the Redemption

Will the national identity of the nations remain in the time of the Redemption? 🤨

The Nations in the Redemption · 5

Exploring how the era of Moshiach transforms the world while preserving the unique identity of every nation.

💡

The King Moshiach will be the spiritual leader of the entire world, and all the nations will accept his leadership.

At the same time, each nation will still retain its own national identity. The world will not become one colorless, uniform mass. Rather, every people will keep its unique character and contribution.

All of this will be under a universal rule of Divine justice, which will ensure complete peace throughout the entire world — “from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.”

In the time of the Redemption, unity won’t cancel individuality; it will elevate it. The leadership of Moshiach will reveal how every nation, with its distinct nature, can play a harmonious role in a world filled with G-dly awareness and peace.

✨ Sources

• Ovadiah 1:21
• Ibn Ezra on Tehillim 72:8
• Likkutei Sichos, vol. 28

The Shem - Moshiach Connection

We find in Breishis 10:10 -  “These are the descendants of Shem,” and then comes the list of the ten generations from Shem to Avraham — Shem, Arpachshad, Shelach, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nachor, Terach, and Avraham.

Earlier, another set of ten generations appears spanning the period from Adam to Noach — there, after each name it says “and he died.” But in Breishis 11:10, that phrase is conspicuously absent for Shem’s descendants.

" You will not find the word “death” mentioned with any of Shem’s descendants listed here, unlike the list from Adam to Noach. Perhaps the reason is that the kingdom of David (i.e., Moshiach) descends from Shem, and Moshiach will not die—he will live forever. "

— Rabbeinu Bachya 

#Noach #Genealogies #Moshiach

Sources: Genesis 5; Genesis 11:10–26; Rabbeinu Bachya