Several blogs recently have been talking about a letter published recently by an anonymous Chabadnic that is very critical of the Messianic movement within Chabad.
The letter was published on a Chabad Website (CrownHeights.info) and has been discussed by several bloggers (see for example Emes Ve-Emuna).
I don't want to get into the details of his letter, a lot of it is history of the Messianic influence in Chabad, he makes a convincing argument against Chabad Messianism, but I'm not in a position to comment on the historical accuracy of his comments.
I've always been in two minds about Chabad, or more accurately, I find the whole messianic issue sickening and a terrible distortion of Judaism. I feel uncomfortable if someone with a "Yechi" kippa walks into shul, and even more uncomfortable if the person is needed for a minyan or even asked to Daven.
However within Chabad there seems to be different opinions. When I was on shlichut in Canada, I often davened on weekdays at the Israeli Chabad Centre downstairs in the Chabad-Gate building. Rabbi Landau (The son of the Bnei Brak Rabbi Landau) who ran that minyan was (as far as I could tell) against the whole Messianic approach.
On the other extreme, next to my in-laws is a small Russian Chabad Centre which is very openly messianic. On occasion I have davened there on weekdays, but every time I walk out feeling physically sick by the comments, signs, and literature in that shul. I once asked a Sheila whether it was mutar to daven in a place like that. The answer that I got was given that most kosher meat comes from Hassidic Shochitim, many with problematic beliefs (whether Chabad or otherwise), so unless I am prepared to give up meat it would be hypocritical to boycott a Chabad shul - provided that they are not violating Halacha (e.g., deifying the Rebbe, as this guy has).
I wanted to touch on a bigger problem with the Chabad Messianic movement. Dr Burger in his book points out that rejection of the belief that the Messiah would die and be resurrected was one of the key differences between Judaism and Christianity. If an organization that claims to be an Orthodox Jewish movement has adopted what was formerly thought of as a Christian belief, this will hurt us in our battle against missionaries.
Sure enough, today I cam across a booklet written by a Russian Christian Missionary where he advises his fellow missionaries to use Chabad philosphy as a starting point for a discussion about "Oto Ha"ish".
You can download the whole pamphlet in doc format here, but I think that his attitude can be summarized in his closing paragraphs:
I believe this is very important for our evangelistic witness to the Russian Jewish community at large around the world. Nearly all Russian Jews have heard of Schneerson – the pervasiveness of Lubavitch literature and activity makes that very hard to escape. Though there are some exceptions, it is my observation over the last 25 years that relatively few Russian Jews have responded to the Lubavitch message. Nevertheless, these developments within the movement provide an excellent backdrop against which to present the claims of the Gospel.
Taken together, these are amazing developments within the Orthodox Jewish world. They provide us with tremendous opportunities in seeking to reach these communities with the Good News of the one and only True Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.
Let us hope that very soon Chabad will publicly distance itself from the Messianic beliefs before we give additional strength to those who would pull us away from the faith of our fathers.
19 comments:
How is it possible to be sickened by a jew? He davens to the same G-d you do and believes in the same Torah you do, regardless of how flawed his interpretation of one inyan is. You need to take a long look in the mirror.
Menashe,
Thanks for your comment and you're right it is a terrible thing to be sickened by a fellow Jew.
I was very careful to say that I was not sickened by the Jews themselves (Chas V'Shalo), who are clearly well meaning and sincere. What I said was "I find the whole messianic issue sickening" and "[I was] feeling physically sick by the comments, signs, and literature in that shul".
Your comment got me thinking about why I have this reaction to Chabad, but not other Jews who have anti-Jewish beliefs or practices, and I think that I'll follow up with another post.
"How is it possible to be sickened by a jew?"
You would be sickened if you saw a jew murdering or raping someone, you can likewise be sickened if you see a jew exhibiting symbols of kefirah and apikorsus.
1. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn tz”l, known as, ‘The Rebbe,’ was NOT the Mashiach.
Those who erroneously believe him to be the Mashiach that Am Yisrael is waiting for today, are bordering on Christianity, and committing the grave sin of Avodah Zarah, Idolatry.
Idolatry is forbidden in the Torah, and is the Second of the Asseret Hadibrot.
Similarly in the case of Breslov with Rav Nachman tz”l.
2. There should be NO MEDIATOR between a person’s tefillot and Hashem.
If a person chooses to use intercession instead of praying directly to Hashem, this is completely Assur.
If the leaders of Lubavitch/Chabad encouraged people to use the “Igrot” /(“Igros”) - including Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, tz”l - they were wrong. Using the Igrot is using intercession. Similarly the practices of
(1) "reading out the Igrot request to a PICTURE of Rabbi Schneersohn tz"l" is direct Avodah Zarah. We are only allowed to pray to Hashem.
(2) sending faxes to the Bet HaChaim should be stopped immediately.
(3) Praying directly to the Tzaddik at the Bet HaChaim is wrong. It causes tremendous tsaar to the Neshamah of the Tzaddik in Shamayim. We pray only to Hashem – directly ourselves. NO mediator is permitted.
These practices are abhorrent and against the Torah. They are assur and forbidden, and should all be stopped.
If the tzaddik advised that people do this in his lifetime – he was wrong. And this must be corrected. Speedily.
TESHUVAH to Hashem should be done speedily instead - by the whole of the Lubavitch organisation especially. The whole of the Lubavitch organisation is currently all refusing to do Teshuvah.
Similarly in the case of Breslov, with those who go Uman to pray directly to the Tzaddik – instead of directly to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.
“Intercession” and “mediation” is against the Torah.
The Torah cannot be mixed with Avodah Zarah. This is twisting the Torah, and the Torah must remain straight.
2a.There should be NO MEDIATOR between a person’s tefillot and Hashem.
Hashem likes to hear the prayers, tefillot, from our OWN mouths. Even if all we know is how to recite the first 3 letters of the Aleph Bet: Aleph, Bet, Gimmel...
Our very own tefillot TO HASHEM, are much more precious than anything else.
By going to the Bet HaChaim (cemetery - incorrectly referred to as “the Ohel” by Lubavitch), and lighting a candle, praying, making a request, and then going home – such a person is “leaving it all to the tzaddik” who is not physically alive. You can’t leave it all “to him!”. This is completely Assur and forbidden.
We too, can be tzaddikim – and be like the tzaddik. The tzaddik has already made all his tefillot to Hashem in his lifetime. And these are very precious to Hashem. The tzaddik has now passed on.
Hashem is now waiting for US – to make our OWN tefillot to Him.
We pray to Hashem – at all times. If a person is insisting on praying to one of the creations of Hashem, instead of directly to the King Himself, Hashem will say to us, "You are meant to pray to ME!"
Remember that Hashem, our G-d, is a very "JEALOUS G-D" who demands "EXCLUSIVE WORSHIP." (2nd Commandment of the Asseret Hadibrot.)
What is your logic in going there?
The Ashkenazi tradition has encouraged people to do this, and it is very wrong. Teshuvah to Hashem must be done quickly.
3. The Jewish People is a “Holy People.” “Am Kadosh.”
We are referred to as being Hashem’s special “Treasure.” We are a “Holy Nation,” and so holy, that we are to emulate the Cohanim, who are of a much higher stature than the rest of the Jewish People. One day, we will all be on the level of a “Kingdom of Priests.”
Hashem has told us, “.…Ve’atem tiheyu li Mamlechet Kohanim ve’goi kadosh…” (Yitro, 19:5-6)
“…And you shall be to Me, a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS, and a HOLY NATION….”
The Benei Yisrael must follow the example of the true Cohanim. We should emulate the Cohanim in our daily lives.
The Cohanim are not allowed to go into any cemetery (Jewish or not Jewish), as they cannot come into contact with ANY meitim whatsoever. We too, should emulate the Kohanim in our daily lives, and be pure like them.
We too, should not be coming into contact with meitim where we can help it.
Hashem has told us, “.…Ve’atem tiheyu li Mamlechet Kohanim ve’goi kadosh…” (Yitro, 19:5-6)
“…And you shall be to Me, a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS, and a HOLY NATION….”
A person’t tefillot, prayers, from the Kotel, or from his or her own house are truly delightful to Hashem. A person can also go to the Kotel to pray, and make the journey there, to pray to Hashem. Hashem’s Presence is always there.
4. Why was the place of Moshe Rabeinu, the very greatest of all the Prophets, kept hidden from us? Precisely so that Moshe would c”v never be worshipped. So that people would never pray to Moshe, c”v, instead of directly to Hashem, themselves. The Torah states very clearly:
“…velo yada ish et kevurato ad hayom hazeh” (Vezot Haberacha 34:6) “…and no man knows the place that he was buried even to this day.”
If people are praying to a tzaddik, who is finite – and of far lesser stature than Moshe Rabeinu – instead of to Hashem – who is Infinite – that is avodah zarah.
If people wish to go to the Kivrei Tzaddikim to pray to Hashem from there, that is their choice. Far better, is to encourage people to go instead to the most holy place in the world – the Kotel. Hashem’s Presence is always there.
The Kotel is where people should be going to pray to Hashem. Not the Bet HaChaim.
5. If people want to pray to anyone else, and make requests of any being other than Hakadosh Baruch Hu, they might as well join Christianity.
When Moshe Rabeinu prayed, he prayed to Hashem. He did not pray to any Malachim or any celestial beings. These are all the creations of Hashem.
We are not allowed to pray to the creations of Hashem.
Similarly, with regard to the Selichot, and the Neilah prayer for Yom Kippur in the Ashkenazi tradition - they include direct Tefillot and requests to Malachim.
The Malachim are the creations of Hashem.
We are not allowed to pray to any Malachim.
This is completely assur and causes very great damage and harm. I emphasise that this is something very grave which needs to be rectified as well - speedily.
The Selichot and the Neilah Tefillah for Yom Kippur should be amended speedily to remove all prayers and requests to Malachim.
6. The false argument used by Lubavitch to permit intercession on a person’s behalf, is the act of Calev ben Yefuneh praying at the Cave of Machpelah in Chevron. He prayed for success in his mission of “spying out” the Land, Eretz Yisrael.
No one can use this as a precedent for asking the Tzaddikim - and specifically, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn tz"l - who are no longer alive physically on earth, to pray on a person’s behalf. This causes them tremendous suffering in Shamayim.
This is twisting the Torah, and the Torah cannot ever be twisted.
The reason Calev’s act cannot be used as a precedent, is that NO ONE, can be compared to the supreme Kedusha of the Avot, of Avraham, Yitzchak ve’Yaakov Avinu.
We pray the Amidah 3 times a day, and we always recall the great merit of the Avot in the very first Beracha. What can be greater than that when we pray to Hashem?
This does need to be corrected very quickly, to be in line with the Torah.
7. When people need help, why doesn’t Lubavitch teach people to look inside the Torah, which is Eternal and Infinite - instead of letters written to other people by Rabbi Schneersohn tz”l during his lifetime?
Why doesn't Lubavitch choose the very greatest of all prophets, Moshe Rabbeinu?
8. Moshe Rabeinu is the greatest of all prophets, and no other prophet was equal to him.
“Zichru Torat Moshe Avdi” we are told in Malachi (3:22)
There simply is no comparison between Moshe Rabbeinu and Rabbi Schneersohn tz”l, although Rabbi Schneersohn tz”l was a Tzaddik and a very righteous and good man.
Moshe Rabbeinu was the greatest of all prophets, and we do not even pray in the name of Moshe. Neither do we pray in the name of David Hamelech, whose descendent is the Mashiach.
However, in the very first Beracha of the Amidah, the silent prayer to Hashem containing our requests, we recall the merit of the Avot: “…..Elokei Avraham, Elokei Yitzhak Velokei Yaakov….” “….The G-d of Avraham, the G-d of Yitzhak and the G-d of Yaakov…”
The beracha is concluded with “Magen Avraham.
In summary:
(1) We pray to Hashem – at all times.
(2) There should be NO mediator between Hashem and a person’s tefillot – otherwise this is Assur.
Therefore the practice of using the “Igrot” /(“Igros”) for "requests" and "guidance" should be stopped. Similarly the practices of sending faxes to the Bet HaChaim, and praying to the tzaddik at the Bet HaChaim instead of directly to Hashem ourselves - should be stopped immediately. They are abhorrent and against the Torah.
The reason for this is that these practices use intercession. And the use of a “mediator” or someone to “intercede on a person’s behalf” to Hashem, is assur.
Teshuvah to Hashem must be done - very speedily.
Many people today have been misled into avodah zarah (idolatry), of one kind or another. Some people have been misled unknowingly. The sting of avodah zarah can cause terrible harm c"v.
Nevertheless, there is always great hope. And that is the great light of Teshuva (returning to Hashem, our G-d.) Hashem is calling out to us every day, to return to Him properly, with a pure heart:
“……shuvu Eilai ve’Ashuva aleichem amar Hashem Tzevakot…..” (Malachi 3:7)
“……return to Me and I will return to you, says Hashem, Master of Legions…..”
Teshuvah is very great and is regarded very highly in Shamayim. A person should seize the opportunity to do Teshuva to Hashem right now, while “the Gates of Teshuva are open”.
Teshuva is one of the greatest Gifts that Hashem, Our G-d, has given to us. So swallow your pride.
By doing a true and sincere Teshuva to Hashem, the brachot (blessings) from Hashem will come into a person’s life, and obstacles will begin to shift.
1. I will list below:
(a) what the sources of Tumah, and Avodah Zarah are. (‘Tumah’ is spiritual ‘uncleanliness’, which is extremely damaging to a person’s home and life). And
(b) what a person should do to remove the sources of tumah and Avodah Zara from her/his home/life.
2. I will then list a few mitzvot, and practical steps that a person can take, in order to do Teshuvah for any kind of involvement in avodah zara.
What are the Sources of Tumah, and Avodah Zarah? (‘Tumah’ is spiritual ‘uncleanliness’, which is extremely damaging to a person’s home and life)
What should a person do to remove the sources of tumah and Avodah Zara from her/his home/life?
COMMANDMENT AGAINST IDOLATRY:
We are specifically commanded against idolatry, in the SECOND COMMANDMENT of the Asseret Hadibrot:
‘Do not have any other gods BEFORE ME.’
‘Lo yiheyeh lecha elokim acherim AL PANAI.’
And: ‘Do not represent (such gods) by any CARVED STATUE OR PICTURE of anything in the heaven above, or the earth below, or in the water below the land.
Do not bow down to (such gods) or worship them.
I am G-d your Lord, A JEALOUS G-D, who demands EXCLUSIVE WORSHIP.
Where My enemies are concerned, I keep in mind the sin of the fathers for (their) descendants, to the third and fourth (generation).
But for those who love Me and keep My Commandments, I show love for thousands (of generations.)’
‘Lo ta’aseh lecha PESEL, vechol temunah asher bashamayim, mima’al va’asher ba’aretz, mitachat va’asher ba’mayim, mitachat la’aretz. Lo tishtachaveh lahem, ve’lo ta’avdem, KI ANI HASHEM ELOKECHA, KEL KANAH, poked avon avot al banim, al shileshim, ve’al ribe’im, le’sonay.
Ve’osseh chessed la’alafim, le’ohavai, u’leshomrei mitzvotai.’
(Parsha of Yitro, Chapter 20, verses 3-6)
Hashem, our G-d, is a very “Jealous G-d” who demands “Exclusive worship.”
1. PLACES OF IDOLATRY
Do not go into any of the following, as they are all places of idolatry, and AVODAH ZARAH (literally ‘strange worship’). They deny the Sovereignty of Hashem, the One G-d, and Creator of the World.
- Churches
- Buddhist temples
- Hindu temples
- Sikh temples
- Greek temples
- Temples/buildings of any other kind of foreign worship.
- Freemasonry
There is a lot of TUMAH in them (spiritual ‘uncleanliness’ which can affect a person has veshalom, physically and spiritually in different ways). Always walk to the opposite side of the road rather than walk directly past one of these buildings e.g. a church.
If any Jew is a “Freemason,” this too is based upon Avodah Zarah. He/she must stop going to such a place, and associating with “freemasons.”
2. STONE/WOOD SCULPTURES OF THE HUMAN FORM; THE HUMAN FACE; STATUES
These are graven images. They should IMMEDIATELY be removed from your home and discarded, no matter how much they might have cost, or the sentimental value attached to them. They are a strong source of Tumah.
3. Tefillah/Prayer – in the synagogue, and at home.
(a) There should be NO IMAGES whatsoever, inside any shul.
There should be NO IMAGES of
• ANY PERSON, or
• ANY ANIMAL or
• ANY OBJECT
inside any synagogue.
Any images of a person, animal or object should be REMOVED immediately, and ENTIRELY out of the synagogue or shteibl. No matter how large or small they may be. This is against the Halachah.
(b) When praying at home, a person should endeavour to pray in a room which does not contain any images or paintings of a person, animal or object.
4. BOOKS, MAGAZINES, LEAFLETS, DVD’s, CD’s, clothing
These are a strong source of TUMAH, and bring in a lot of negativity into the home. These books and magazines negatively affect those who live in that home.
Go through every book in your home very carefully, and check for the following. If it falls into one of these categories, or you have doubt about it – sort them out into a pile, and then DISPOSE of these books as soon as possible, and take them out of your home. Or at least take them out of your home and put them in a shed if you can.
It is a very great MITZVAH to remove such sources of Tumah from your home. If some of these books were expensive – discard them anyway, and put aside how much they cost. They are a form of Avodah Zarah, and should be removed immediately.
• Instead, place your EMUNAH (faith) in Hashem, the King of the World, that He will bless all your endeavours, and new, good things, will now be able to come into your life. You might start to feel better in yourself.
The following are some examples:
(a) ‘New Age’ books – (e.g. Indian authors, ‘Shambhala’ publications)
(b) Philosophical books (e.g. by Indian writers such as Deepak Chopra etc)
(c) Yoga/Tai Chi/Reiki.
Yoga/Tai Chi (qigong)/Reiki books; yoga and reiki magazines &leaflets; tai chi (qi kung) magasines & leaflets; yoga/tai chi/reiki DVD’s & CD’s; yoga/tai chi special clothing:-
• These physical exercises and practices are all based upon AVODAH ZARAH (idolatry). They all come from a SOURCE OF TUMAH. (‘Tumah’ is spiritual ‘uncleanliness’, which is extremely damaging to a person’s home and life).
• The Torah cannot be mixed with Avodah Zarah. This is twisting the Torah, and the Torah must remain straight.
• Have Emunah (faith) in Hashem, the King of the World, that He will help you to find another alternative form of exercise.
Hashem, our G-d, and Creator of the World, is, “The Healer of all flesh, and performs wonders.” (From ‘Asher Yatzar’ prayer said every morning.)
(d) Meditation books - by non-Jewish or unorthodox Jewish writers.
Buddhism abounds with “meditation.”
Meditation is only for Prophets – it is not for the ordinary man or woman.
(e) Books that appear ok – but contain many idolatrous images and drawings e.g. mathematical or philosophical books interspersed with pictures of dragons; snakes; mandalas; crosses; ‘third eyes’; hindu gods; hindu goddesses; buddhas; tibetan gods; egyptian gods; greek gods; stone/gold idols etc etc – THESE SHOULD ALL BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY FROM YOUR HOME.
5. (a) Written “Requests” of the Igrot/Igros (letters of advice written to other people by Rabbi M. Schneerson tz”l during his lifetime);
(b) FAXES and LETTERS “SENT TO” Rabbi M. Schneersohn tz”l after he passed away in 1994 – at the Bet HaChaim (incorrectly referred to as the, “Ohel” by Lubavitch);
(c) Any other written “communications with” tzaddikim at the Bet HaChaim (cemetery), who are not physically alive.
These written requests should all be destroyed. However “nice” or “comforting” or “accurate” the “reply you received” was; or whatever “bracha you received;” or “whatever the date of the letter was;” – these writings should be destroyed. They are pure Avodah Zarah.
• There should be NO MEDIATOR between a person’s tefillot (prayers) and Hashem.
If a person chooses to use intercession instead of praying directly to Hashem, this is completely Assur, and forbidden.
6. PHOTOGRAPHS
If you have taken holiday photographs of e.g. Buddhist temples, whether on the outside or inside, these are a source of Tumah, and should be discarded. Similarly for buddhist celebrations. These places of AVODAH ZARAH completely DENY THE SOVREIGNTY OF HASHEM, the One and Only G-d, and Creator of the World. They should not be in your home.
The same applies to photographs of:
- Churches
- Hindu temples
- Sikh temples
- Greek temples
- Temples/buildings of any other kind of foreign worship.
- Freemasonry
Sort through your photographs, and discard those that relate to Avodah Zarah.
However attached you may feel to these photographs, they should be discarded, as they completely deny the Sovereignty of Hashem.
• Instead, place your EMUNAH (faith) in Hashem, the Creator, and King of the World, that He will bless all your endeavours, and new, good things, will now be able to come into your life. You might start to feel better in yourself.
7. Discard any other items related in any way to Avodah Zarah. No matter how small and insignificant, or however large e.g. bookmarks with pictures of churches; jewellery and accessories.
SUMMARY:
1. Do not go into any places of idolatry.
2. Discard and remove from your home all stone/wood sculptures e.g. sculptures of:
(a) the human form (“nudes.”)
(b) the human face
(c ) statues – of the human form in particular.
3. Books – discard and destroy all books relating to Avodah Zarah.
4. Photographs – discard and destroy all photographs of Avodah Zarah.
5. Discard any other items you have relating to Avodah Zarah e.g.jewellery.
HOW TO DO TESHUVAH FOR AVODAH ZARAH – once you have removed all sources of Tumah, and Avodah Zarah from your home/life.
CHECKLIST.
1. Say the KETORET twice a week at least (Tefillah, prayer).
The Ketoret has great Kedushah, (holiness) and power to transform all negatives into positives. Say the full text of the Ketoret in the full “Sefarad” version.
If you can say it every day, including Shabbat, this is even better. You can say it as many times as you like during the day.
The Ketoret is said formally 3 times a day in total: twice in the Shacharit, and once during the Minchah prayer.
2. Decide on an amount to give to TZEDAKAH, (charity) in Israel, so that it ‘hurts you’ a little bit. Give to a proper registered charity, such as a hospital or emergency services.
3. MEZUZOT – (Positive Mitzvah, commandment in the Shema – affirming that G-d is ONE, and warning against idolatry.)
Check that:
(a) You have properly affixed a mezuzah on EVERY DOORWAY which needs a mezuzah. This includes archways, patio doors, folding doors, side doors to garden, garden doors.
(b) If any places in your home are lacking a mezuzah, purchase one as soon as possible from a qualilfied Sofer (Scribe), and put it up as soon as possible.
(c) Check that ALL your mezuzot are kosher, as soon as you can. These should be given to a qualified Sofer (scribe) for checking.
(d) Mezuzot should ideally be checked ONCE A YEAR.
4. Travel to the KOTEL in Israel. If you can travel with a group of people who are going for the purposes of Teshuvah, this is even better. The purpose will be to pray, (Tefila and Teshuva), and ask Hashem, Hakadosh Baruch Hu, for His forgiveness, for mechilah.
If a group can be arranged, this will be a greater mitzvah for everyone who joins. If you can go individually to the Kotel, in the meantime, before the group travel, this is also very good.
5. When you have done 1-3 and/or 4 above, (summarised below as well), you should obtain the special BERACHA, (bracha, blessing) of someone who is known to be a TRUE KOHEN/COHEN. This will bring Hashem’s brachot of the material and spiritual blessings directly into your life.
SUMMARY:
1. Say the Ketoret – at least twice a week.
Say the full text of the Ketoret in the full “Sefarad” version.
2. Give Tzedakah to recognised charity in Israel.
3. Mezuzot - Have you affixed a mezuzah on every doorway?
- Have you checked that all your mezuzot are kosher?
4. Kotel in Israel – in a group (and individually, if possible).
5. Bracha of a true Kohen/Cohen.
Other forms of avodah zarah: (idolatry) - Reiki
This is based on AVODAH ZARAH (idolatry). It should therefore be avoided. It comes from a SOURCE OF TUMAH. (‘Tumah’ is spiritual ‘uncleanliness’, which is extremely damaging to a person’s home and life).
It is therefore harmful to a Jewish person – spiritually, and therefore physically.
1. Hashem, our G-d, and King of the World, is, “The Healer of all flesh, and performs wonders”.
Hashem is, “….ROFEH CHOL BASSAR U’MAFLI LA’ASSOT.” (From, ‘Asher Yatzar’ prayer said every morning, and throughout the day following natural bodily functions.)
2. Hashem is “ …..a Healer and a cure; He is all-seeing and a support…”
“…VE’HU ROFEH VE’HU MARPEH, ve’Hu tzofeh ve’Hu ezrah….” (From the Song of, ‘Adon Olam’ – ‘Master of the Universe’- song said every morning in morning tefillah, prayer).
3. So great is the power of Teshuvah, that from the MOMENT of INNER RESOLVE, of the sick person to do Teshuvah (to ‘return’ to Hashem with a pure heart), Hashem sends a Refuah Shelemah, healing, to the sick person.
• Hashem heals, with the very same Hand, with which He strikes.
“Re’u: atah KI ANI ANI HU, ve’ein elokim Imadi……machatzti VA’ANI ERPA…..” (Devarim 32:39)
“See! Now, THAT I, I AM HE, I AM THE (ONLY) ONE! There are no (other) gods with Me!.....................I wounded AND I WILL HEAL…..”
“And (Hashem) said, ‘If you surely listen to THE VOICE, OF HASHEM YOUR G-D, and you do that which is upright in His Eyes, and you carefully heed ALL His Commandments, and you keep all His statutes, then I will not place upon you any of the sicknesses/diseases, that I placed on Egypt, FOR I AM HASHEM WHO HEALS YOU.’ ”
“Vayomer im shamoa tishma LEKOL, HASHEM ELOKECHA, ve’hayashar be’einav ta’aseh, ve’ha’azanta lemitzvotav, ve’shamarta kol chukav, kol hamachalah asher samti bemitzrayim lo assim alecha, KI ANI HASHEM ROFECHA.” (Beshalach 15:26)
8. Other forms of Avodah Zarah (idolatry): e.g. ‘Palm reading’
It is against the Torah and forbidden, for a person to have her/his ‘palms read.’
These kinds of people deny the Sovereignty of Hashem, the One G-d, and Creator of the World.
Moshe Rabeinu has told us in the Parsha of Shoftim (18:10-13)
‘Among you, there shall not be found anyone who
passes his son or daughter through fire;
who practices stick divination;
who divines auspicious times;
who divines by omens;
who practices witchcraft;
who uses incantations;
who consults mediums and oracles (who inquires of Ov or Yidoni);
or who attempts to communicate with the dead.
Anyone involved in these practices is REPULSIVE to Hashem….You must therefore remain TOTALLY FAITHFUL to Hashem YOUR G-D.’
‘Lo yimatzei vecha ma’avir beno u’vito baeish, kosem kessamim me’onen u’menachesh u’mechashef. Ve’chover chaver ve’shoel ov ve’yidoni ve’doresh EL HAMEITIM. Ki toavat Hashem kol osseh eileh………Tamim tiheyeh im Hashem Elokecha.’
• Open a Chumash in order to increase your Emunah (faith) in Hashem.
And in there, you will see the Words of Hashem, the Living G-d, in the Torah. The words of the Torah are eternal, for all time.
• More specifically, open the Parsha of the week. Because we live through the Parsha of each week. And the Parsha of the week will contain words of direct significance to you. Think about what you are reading. And from those Divine words, you will be elevated, and derive inspiration. You will be strengthened in your Emunah and activities for your daily life.
Remember that Hashem watches over each person, individually. We are all tested with different kinds of problems and challenges in life. These are all tests of our Emunah in Hashem. In order to pass these tests, we must keep our faith and Emunah in Hashem – no matter how ‘bleak’ or challenging our situation may be.
What do we say every morning?
"Modeh ani lefanecha, Melech, Chai, Vekayam...."
"I give thanks before You, LIVING and everlasting KING...."
Hashem is our Living King. And so we must look at His words of Life - which are to be found in His Torah.
Try it.
looks like you are a big halachic authority, DS, that you know so well to condemn such a large group of Jews as you do! I bow to your expertise! also, thanks for taking the time to spam all the blogs with your important message of hate and distortion
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