A DEMAND FOR POSSESSION

Just before Shabbat an Earthquake struck Eretz Yisrael. Evidently there were no injuries. However, there was property damage in Two places. A rather large hole opened up on top of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Also there was damage in Shechem known as Nablus where the grave of Yossef which had been badly damaged just this past week is located.

Jewish tradition asserts that the Temple Mount is mostly situated within the tribal boundaries of Benjamin; The Burial Place of Joseph obviously is connected to its namesake. Joseph and his younger brother Benjamin were the sons of Rachel

When Essav encountered Yaakov upon his return form Lavan's house it was Joseph who put himself in front of his mother to protect her from his uncle. Benjamin was not yet born and therefore of the tribes was the one who relative to Essav remains unbowed.

Jewish tradition further teaches that the Messianic redemption will begin with the children of Rachel.

While all the foregoing are facts that fit current events to say this is definitely one way or the other would be arrogant and irresponsible, however it cannot be ignored either.

Indeed in a few very few days comes the little Purim. Today the ownership of Eretz Yisrael especially the Holy sites is under attack it would appear that the ultimate Landlord has weighed in.

Events of such importance if ignored represent an opportunity lost. The future, and apparently the End of Days is near let it be humanity’s prayer that the signs not be misread.

Six years ago when I spoke with the Admur of Falticheim Shlita about the destruction and death visited on the USA the Rebbe asked me what about feeling of rage and a sense of lose for the Beis HaMikdash?

About visiting the Har Habayit. Certainly, there are venerable Torah Scholars like Rav Richman shlita from the Temple Institute and others who have determined as a matter of Halacha one may ascend to the Temple Mount. There are others who follow what is a more traditional approach to prohibit Jews from going atop the Holy Mountain.

Personally, I could not ascend to the Temple Mount. How could anyone with even a drop of Jewish sensitivity go on top the Temple Mount and not tear one's clothes in mourning? Or breaking down in uncontrollable river of tears at seeing other than the Beit HaMikdash resting the Holy place.

It took 6 years but the Rebbe's words echoed in my ears. Now does the surreal feelings I had at the Kotel in 1977, 1996 and 2005 how could I be at this holy site, [and that was the Kotel Plaza] it seemed so unreal.

While the attacks of 9/11 were horrible and should serve as a rallying point for at decent people against evil. However the loss of the Temple transcends time and endures as a symbol of more profound loss. The loss of G-D'S honor and Jewry's stature perpetuating discord throughout creation. Maybe as Rosh HaShana comes our thoughts and prayers be towards correcting ourselves so that harmony can reign throughout creation and Temple be rebuilt in our lifetime.

Just say no bullies

The work on the Rambam Bridge linking the Western Wall to the Temple was put on hold by the Mayor of Jerusalem, a Hared, and devoutly observant Jew. Even though the bridge is not part of Temple Mount,is a repair to allow better access for all and was coordinated with Muslim authorities. However the violent protests of the Islamic community is only half heartedly responded to by the Police and their concerns are headed. This is the latest chapter in a situation that has recently begun festering.

A young Jew blew the Ram’s Horn,Shofar on the Jewish New Year at the small Western Wall was subjected to severe treatment by the police. Arabs are encroaching on Jewish presence throughout the land. Arab construction throughout the land of Israel is often without the required approvals and permits. Or Arab neighbors encroach and adversely possess common areas and create circumstances that amount to constructive eviction. Farmers in the Negev cannot defend themselves from Bedouin home invaders without fearing legal repercussions. Or Arab members of the government actively support enemy regime's or challenge the legitimacy of the national entity. Not to mix purely criminal and purely political action but, tolerating both types of activities only emboldens these folks to use the universal values of decency and tolerance which are the characteristics of democracy as means to engage in intimidation and terror.

Also the Arab call to change Israel’s flag and anthem to accommodate Israel’s non-Jewish population all flow from the source. The apparent reluctance of the State of Israel and part of the population to assert itself. The leadership is afraid to declare the State an s a Jewish state, a state were Jews would rule and exercise sovereignty.To alter these symbols of the state dilutes the Jewish claim of connection to the Land from national ideology to cultural and ethnic memory. This opens the door to justify the acquiesce to Arab bullying.

Instead Islamic Arab bullies carry the day The Jewish soul’s embers still burn, albeit dimly to ignite the future with light, with Torah and knowledge of G-D.Log ago Moredechai when confronted by an Persian/Iranian bully named Haman neither bowed or prostrated because he was a Jew (see Esther 3:2,4) Like Mordechai,it is time to just say no the Bullies that stand in the way of Jewry being where they belong.