Chabad Tokyo Japan

The eighth day of Pesach is traditionally associated with our hopes for the coming of Moshiach. About two hundred and fifty years ago, the Baal Shem Tov revealed that on that day a special divine light is revealed in the festive meal of Moshiach.

The twelfth article of Rambam’s thirteen principles of faith is “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of Moshiach. Even if he delays, I will wait every day for him to come.” Though all believers accept this principle, for many, the concept of Moshiach remains an abstraction. Partaking of Moshiach’s Seudah reinforces our belief in this principle, translating our awareness of Moshiach into a meal, a physical experience that leads us to associate this concept with our daily lives.

The Baal Shem Tov’s linking of our awareness of Moshiach to the physical is significant because it prepares us for the revelations of the era of redemption. Our generation has been charged with the responsibility of making all Jews and Noahides aware of Moshiach, In general, we need to strive for the time when the entire world will accept the Noahide laws. This time is not so far. Then a new era will start, The resurrection of the dead.

The reward of the resurrection of the dead is so enormous we cannot grasp even a small part of it. Both Jews and non-Jews will have to deserve this reward and fulfilling the commandments of G-d can ensure this reward. However, there might be good deeds that could make one eligible for this reward, such as a real act of mercy. This applies to men and women. So, there might be individuals who do not deserve it but because of an exceptional good deed, they might get it.

Let’s add more good deeds and bring more G-dly light to the entire world.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Passover is a major Jewish holiday that specifically celebrates the Exodus. The Passover Seder retells the story and symbolically relives the experience of liberation from Egypt. It serves as a powerful way to connect with the deep message of going out of our limitations (represented by Egypt) and keeping the meaning of Exodus alive for the current generation.

Exodus represents liberation from oppression. The Israelites were freed from physical slavery in Egypt, but it also signifies a deeper spiritual liberation—from sin, idol worship, fear, and limitations. The plagues and parting of the Red Sea are seen as miracles that demonstrate G-d’s power and his commitment to his people, as well as his power to all nations.

The Exodus story serves as an inspiration to overcome challenges in our own lives. It reminds us that with faith and trust, even seemingly big obstacles can be overcome. We all need to be “freed” from negative habits or mental limitations that may block our connection with G-d by fulfilling his commands. The Exodus story can also cultivate gratitude for our own freedom, abundance, and blessings.

The Exodus story transcends its historical context for Noahides. It offers a message of liberation and the importance of faith in almighty G-d who can redeem us in any situation. This has a powerful significance in the global situation where anyone understands that only a redemption by Moshiach can bring a message of hope and guidance in our own daily lives to the entirety of humanity.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Can we say that we live with an upside-down perception of reality? This is one of the deepest topics in the Torah. It is said in the Talmud tractate Bava Batra 10. b that one of the big sages was in a condition of clinical death so his soul rose to heaven. There he saw that those who were considered not honorable in this world but were righteous were very important to G-d almighty on the other hand those who were considered very strong and wealthy in this world but were sinners were considered not important in the eyes of G-d. So, this illusion exists in many realms and it might confuse some. However, things are judged by their value to G-d’s will, not necessarily by what common people usually think. It is obvious according to this rule that the importance of being Noahide is not judged by the number of Noahides worldwide but by their importance to G-d. The same goes for the Jewish people their importance is not judged by their number but by their role in the creation. not everything perceived in this world as very important is really important and vice versa.

Being in this physical world in a physical body could be extremely beneficial, nevertheless, the soul can be harmed by the physical body it is clothed in case of a sin. The soul might gain some spiritual dirt in this world, however, if she passes the test and does repent and come closer to Hashem then her retribution is eternal and infinite. Moses the prophet and his descendants are similar to the ground crew who operate the space crew, he gave us all the life-saving details we should fulfill. If we want our lives to be blessed with fulfillment and delight, we should observe the instructions that were given on Mount Sinai.

The fact that the Jewish people are attacked by the darkest forces on earth is because of its importance in the realm of holiness. Like insects who are attracted to a vessel full of honey but will not be attracted to an empty vessel, we see everyone is attracted to what is happening in the land of Israel. This is one of the signs of redemption that will be fulfilled by King Moshiach soon.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

The sin of the golden calf is one of the lowest points in history. Idolatry is the first Noahide commandant and a grave sin. But it all started with the good intention of Aaron, the high priest, to appease. Aaron was a very righteous and respected man. He attempts to stop the sin of idolatry. He was known as a peaceful and loving person, not the confrontational type. He used diplomacy and appeasement and pretended to go along with the violent crowd of Erev Rav in an attempt to stall things with diplomacy until Moses returned and no one would turn to idolatry. In the end, he simply ran out of time, and the idolatrous golden calf was created by using black magic, and Aaron was powerless to stop them. Appeasement did not work in this case.

The idea of appeasing and accepting radical Islam or any extremist ideology as a means of achieving peace in Western countries is not a viable solution. Appeasement often emboldens extremist groups rather than relaxing them. History has shown that concessions to radical Islam can be interpreted as signs of weakness, leading to further demands and aggression. Many radical Islamist ideologies often violate fundamental human rights. Surrendering to such ideologies would undermine the very principles of liberty. It will lead to the glorification of terror groups and their deeds.

Instead of attempting to appease Islamic extremists, a more effective approach to fostering peace is promoting 7 universal Noahide laws. The Seven Noahide Laws, which are derived from Jewish tradition but are considered universal moral principles applicable to all humanity, can indeed serve as a framework for promoting worldwide peace and ethical behavior. However, it is essential to recognize that these laws should be accepted because they represent G-d’s will and not solely to reduce the number of wars in the world.

In the Jewish month of Adar, we are called upon to strengthen the spirit of faith in Moshiach. We recognize that true joy changes circumstances and connects us to the coming redemption. In a world often burdened with challenges and trials, it is our duty and privilege to cultivate joy in our hearts; this will increase resilience and strength. Joy is a profound state of being that nourishes our souls, uplifts those around us, gives us the force to win the war, and connects us to the coming redemption.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

In this week’s Parsha, Tetzaveh, a seemingly curious occurrence takes place: Moses’ name is conspicuously absent. Why is his name omitted?

When G‑d informed Moses of the people’s sin, Moses began to defend the people fiercely, passionately taking up their case. “Listen, let Me destroy these people,” suggested G‑d. Let Me create a new nation out of you. Your descendants will be the new Jewish people.

But what did Moses do? He flatly rejected the proposition. He said, “G‑d, I refuse to be part of this operation unless You forgive the people. If You do not forgive them, erase me from Your entire book, the book of Torah!” Although G‑d ultimately forgave the people, the impact of Moses’ words remained. Somewhere in the Torah, his name would be erased as a consequence of his unwavering commitment to the people.

This is true leadership! The leader is not thinking about his own benefit at all! He only thinks of the people’s benefit. The world tends to think that the Gaza war is something local. This war is against the core of belief, the very essence of the Jewish people, and divine justice. This is not a territorial debate. The war is against the place of the Holy Temple, or, as the enemy calls it, the Al-Aqsa Flood. Just before the third Holy Temple is about to be rebuilt by Moshiach, evil forces are trying to delay it by all means. This is the core of the international conflict that is happening today.

Moses—the greatest teacher who ever lived—gives us an example in the message of Tetzaveh. The one parashah that omits his name gives us an example of what a leader should look like. May we all welcome the era of true redemption, and may it happen speedily in our days.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Rabbi Bernstein Mosheの記事翻訳シリーズです。今回は今週のパラシャ―、パラシャット・テツァベに関してです。