𝑨𝑾𝑨𝑰𝑻! 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝟭𝟮𝟬
𝑩𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒂𝒄𝒉
𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
Episode Thirteen

In the previous two episodes we clarified expectation of this anticipated Messianic Redeemer. The legal ruling of Maimonides (Rambam) on is clear:  He will not have to make miracles to proves his bona fides. 

Further addressing this matter, the Rambam seems to overreach, or even conflate disparate issues. After all, the question is identifying the long-awaited Redeemer of Israel not the veracity of claims laid to prophecy. 

To bolster the question, copious cross-references are introduced to highlight the apparently superfluous nature of Maimonides's surprising conclusion.  

Here you'll discover how the Non-Miracle method of describing the way we should positively I.D. the real Moshiach, is actually Rambam's way of defining His truest Essence, Purpose and Persona!

This is the Thirteenth episode in an ongoing study series on The Geula, our final Redemption generally referred to as the Coming of The Messiah (Moshiach).

MESSIANIC IDENTIFICATION

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Ninety-Seven
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚-𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 II
𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝘾𝙀𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙔 ~ 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩!

In the previous Episodes we learnt about coping with loneliness by virtue of Trust in Hashem. Introducing us to historic precedents, Rabbeinu Bachaya illustrated how to find inspiration from ascetics and prophetic personalities and develop a Bitachon-based, Torah-true coping strategy!     

Yet did he really believe that this story about a celibate settlement should become an example for people today?  For while this story might comfort and uplift lonely people, is it compatible with Torah truism, especially as illuminated by Chassidic Teachings and spiritual philosophy?

In Part Two we will attempt reconcile these extreme ascetic aspirations with the rulings of the Rambam about balanced living, and the joyous and inspired way of life encouraged by the Ba'al Shem Tov!  

This Episode comprises the Twenty-Fourth segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 98th consecutive video of the series.

THE LONERS  Part II

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 7:23b
The Laws of God's Chosen House
𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗘
After reaching the Tenth Stages of Holiness designed to enhance our reverence and awe for Hashem's "Chosen Home," we took it up into the next level. 

Then it became apparent that the highly restricted access to the space higher than the Holy of Holies wasn't indicative of a higher holiness after all!  

We now return to the lower level inside the Sanctuary proper, but this time it's for reparative purposes. Although this entry is purely technical, some restrictions still apply.

We now focus on Qualifying Craftspeople; who best "Makes the Grade," is it going to be Priest Perfect, at least a Member of the Tribe, or will we have to settle for a Commoner? 

Regardless of the result, clearly, limitations loosened doesn't equal restrictions rescinded. After all, we are dealing with a space that's sacred in its own right!

MAKING THE GRADE

Talmud Tisch - Intermediate Talmud
Tractate Sanhedrin - The Talmud on the World to Come
Lesson Thirty
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐒
Page 94 a-b

This Episode opens with a focus on the powerful potential royal protagonists were endowed, their clash of civilizations and values. 

This watershed face-off can speak to us from antiquity with real-time instructions for success even if, or perhaps especially when you aren’t born with unique Privileges or don't merit receiving special Blessings!   

This teaching creates necessary backdrop for us to delve into the History and Mystery of The Lost Tribes of Israel!  
    
From the Privileged Naming of a Historic Conqueror to an Incredible Lesson in Communication that we would all be wise to learn from; you’ll discover how sometimes “Where You Go” isn’t nearly as important as “What You Call It!”

THE TEN LOST TRIBES

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 7:23c
The Laws of God's Chosen House
𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗦
In the previous Episode we learnt about certain restrictions on access being loosened to allow for the entry of professional craftspeople for constructive or reparative purposes. 

Although entering these sacred (otherwise restricted) areas for technical reasons is permitted, a sliding scale of limitations, even for these allowances still apply.

Ideally the ritually pure "Priest Perfect" professional should be engaged, if that option is unavailable a Cohen with deformities would be our next choice. If there are no priestly professionals to be found, then, at the very least, we'd seek a for member of the Levite Tribe. 

If there are no professional craftspeople with Levite lineage, we are permitted to settle for a common Israelite. However, in every eventuality ritual purity remained a high priority!  

In this Episode we will focus making the tough choice between imperfect options. Which would be the preferable (albeit problematic) solution, the physically blemished or ritually impure Cohen?

Here we'll delve into the Law and Order and of how we Define Deficiencies. Interestingly we cross into the theoretical jurisprudence that governs the ritual rules of public impurity suspensions and the way we view sacred consumptions. 

We end Chapter Seven of Hilchot Beit HaBechira with Boxed-in possibilities and final resort of employing a Grand Entrance!

CHOICE OF EVILS

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:1
The Laws of God's Chosen House
𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗗

In this Episode we open Chapter Eight of Hilchot Beit HaBechira. It begins with a focus on us creating an presidential aura and atmosphere  of palace prominence in and around the Sanctuary and Temple Mount. 

This is the essence of a new Mikdash Mitzvah that we are now introduced to: The Divine Commandment to Guard Hashem's Holy Home; a sacred duty to ensure it's rarified dignity. 

Once opening the subject we'll delve into practical Halacha; the Torah Law and Order by which we govern ourselves today. Does there need to be a building for this Mitzvah mandate to apply?

HONOUR GUARD

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from the Torah, week-by-week, parsha by parsha.

You can find the full written article on Masei available to read, print, and share, by visiting: www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/masei/retribution-and-revenge/

For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks.

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2015.

Covenant & Conversation on Ethics is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Retribution and Revenge (Rabbi Sacks on Masei, Covenant & Conversation)

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:2a
The Laws of God's Chosen House
𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛

We continue to focus on the Guard Duty we are commanded about in the Torah regarding the Beit HaMikdash. As clarified, the ideal of this Mitzvah is to cultivate an aura of respectful dignity and rarefied atmosphere around Hashem's holy home . 

In this episode we will further explore the meaning and jurisprudence of this Sacred Duty in the illuminated view of Maimonides. To achieve this, we'll analyze and emphasize the rhyme and reason for the Dusk to Dawn nature of our Nocturnal Mandate. 

Learning of the division of responsibility - amongst Cohanim and Levi'im - is another matter of interest; providing additional insight into this unique Mikdash Mitzvah.  

The variety of related sources and presented all serve to better frame and augment the rulings of the Rambam regarding Respect for Hashem's Chosen Home!

NIGHT WATCH

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:2b
The Laws of God's Chosen House
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗦

We get into the technicalities of the Tribal Formations of the Beit HaMikdash Guard Brigade.  As we've already learnt this Mitzvah was specifically given to a particular pedigree of the Jewish People. The very same Cohanic clan and Levite families already tasked with serving in Hashem's holy home, on behalf of the nation. 

In this episode we will delve into details to learn the Who’s Who of the Temple Watchman as elucidated by our Sages, and codified by Maimonides: 

You'll discover the division of duties exclusively apportioned amongst the Cohanim and Levi'im - in their unique roles in minding this magnificent Mikdash Mitzvah.  

By tracing the Mitzvah mandate from its original Scriptural Sources to the Statements of our Sages through to the Rulings of the Rambam as clarified by the commentaries -- a full snapshot of this sacred duty emerges.

THE GUARDIANS

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:3
The Laws of God's Chosen House
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛

We've already established that the Beit HaMikdash Watch is biblically ordained, which means that "Standing on Guard for Thee" is a Positive Mitzvah of the Torah applying to the pedigree of Cohanim and Levi'im. 

In this episode we'll learn that Stopping the Watch comprises a Moving Violation too! 

That means failure to preform the sacred Sanctuary Guard Duty not merely Sin of Omission; nullifying a Positive Mitzvah but is also a violation of a Negative Mitzvah.    

In the Rambam's view, the Torah places so much value on the Temple Honour Guard that is adjures us with both Positive and Negative Commands to ensure it gets done!

STOP WATCH

Sha’ar HaBitachon - Episode Ninety-Eight
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓, 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝑻𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚-𝑭𝒊𝒗𝒆
𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐆𝐔𝐘
𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝘾𝙀𝙍𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙔 ~ 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩!

In the previous Episodes we learnt about coping with loneliness by virtue of Trust in Hashem. Rabbeinu Bachaya drew inspiration from historic and storied paradigms.    

We now move away from the silver linings of loneliness to chart the occasional choppy waters of social interactions and the sometimes-stormy nature of relationships.   

This is all about Living with Trust when Living with Family, Friends, and Enemies too!

We will discover how we can all better our relationships and achieve more positive interactions with the range of relatives, peers and detractors who make up our human network by incorporating Bitachon into our social strategies.  

Trust in Hashem teaches us to discharge our responsibilities with Love, Devotion and Selfless Intention.  By viewing and experiencing the gamut of our relationships as illuminated by Bitachon we can truly achievement satisfaction and fulfilment!

This Episode comprises the Twenty-Fifth segment of the Fourth Chapter of "The Gate of Trust," and is the 99th consecutive video of the series.

FAMILY GUY

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.

MESSIANIC IDENTIFICATION

Torah Classes

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