In these last moments of the Exile, they put an Egyptian at the head of the table!

Rashi, [commenting on the portion in Torah dealing with the Exodus of the Jewish People from Egypt], infers from the verse “and there will be no plague among you, - but there will be a plague among the Egyptians". 

An Egyptian in the home of a Jew will not escape [the plagues] – that among you only there will be no plague, but the plague will strike an Egyptian in your home. Furthermore, a Jew in the house of an Egyptian will not be smitten – "there will be no plague among you".  

The fact that Rashi needs to teach us this lesson is evident that at the time of the final plague there were Jews who permitted Egyptians into their homes, and more so, there were Jews who went to visit Egyptians! Jews knew very well that when there arose a new King (who refused to attribute the survival of Egypt to Joseph), that the Egyptians were evil. G-d brought upon them the previous nine plagues, and Moses declares that very soon they will be struck by the tenth final plague - the death of their first-born.

These were the final moments of the Exile, and immediately thereafter G-d will reveal Himself in all His grandeur. Regardless, there were Jews who invited Egyptians into their homes, set them at the head of the table welcoming them saying: “You are our brothers!” They were ashamed of their Judaism, with an inferiority complex, wanting to find favor in the eyes of Egypt, inviting them into their homes! There were Jews who did not want to associate themselves with other Jews, socializing instead with Egyptians in their houses, knowing full well that they were putting themselves into mortal danger at the very moment of destruction. Incredible! Here, in a Jewish home, with blood on the two doorposts and lintel, sits an Egyptian at the head of the table with a Jew who is serving him the Pascal lamb!

Today there are such Jews who have the same inferiority complex – in trepidation before the Nations, making themselves utterly subservient to them giving away secure borders and oil wells! And they call this a religious achievement and an act heralding the beginnings of the redemption! The Jewish People have been in Exile for 1900 years. 

Was all of this long drawn out agony of Exile just so that we achieve this downtrodden state?? Never before have the Jewish People reached such a low, to be so dependent on the nations. Jews have turned themselves into veritable slaves!  

                                                               Public talk Parshat Bo, 1976  Continues..............

A brazen Declaration - Hebron belongs to others!

These days something totally shocking is taking place, specifically with Hebron. Unbelievable: a gathering of tens of Jews. With what are they preoccupied; using their intelligence? Standing in judgment over Hebron!  Was Hebron captured, or liberated from a foreign power?!

They have no shame, not for themselves, nor from others. 

Gentiles know what is written in the Bible, “That Hebron, the Cave of Machpela and the surrounding field was bought by Abraham our forefather even before the giving of the Torah, for which he paid 400 silver shekels. They know of the conquest of Joshua and of the Jews who ascended from Babylon. 

Yet regardless, these Jews publicly present themselves at a special sitting as if to display their sharp wisdom of a “wise and understanding nation”, attempting to purify vermin. Their thinking is far below the impurity of vermin. Not only do they attempt to purify the subject, but how does this wise and understanding nation use their intelligence? 

Instead of choosing a policy of protecting Jewish life, the Divine presence is forced to descend [when ten Jews gather together - before whom an angel present would be nullified before such powerful spiritual energy].

Ancient Jewish Hebron

A Jew is entrusted with a mission – a soul descends into a physical body to create a dwelling place for Almighty G-d in this lower realm. 

Rather they utilize their G-d given minds to mislead themselves and those around them by announcing that Hebron belongs to others, making announcements as if Hebron is some sort of conquered territory. 

Nations that Besiege a City – go out Armed for Battle

There is clear legal ruling, when a border city (whether in Israel or abroad – if inhabited by Jewish people – is considered a border city) receives intelligence information that a nation is preparing to approach, even if it their stated intention is merely their need for cattle fodder– the ruling is to go out to war– armed and even to desecrate the Shabbos! 

Shulchan Aruch - Code of Jewish Law

When this becomes the accepted policy “fear and trepidation will fall upon them” and war will not be necessary. And if G-d forbid, this does lead to war, we will be victorious, since they are marching with the power of G-d. As we actually saw in the war which has just taken place in the north, they were successful since they conducted themselves as is expected in a life threatening situation. 

There is no choice in the matter since “This Torah is beyond change”. Decisions must be made according to this ruling regardless whether or not their conscience tells them so. 

We are speaking of one who, in his private affairs conducts himself religiously, and when he was asked, how is this possible that you act in this way, when we have the ruling of halacha to the contrary?! He answers: “since I was voted in, I act according to my conscience”. When further asked, “but you are a Torah observant Jew, how do you follow your conscience which is contrary to Torah"? The question went unanswered! ‘Until today he continues to conduct himself in a way that “weakens the heart of his brother as his heart is weak” and certifies that he will not do what is necessary in order to save lives! 

This is the extent of the deep darkness which envelops the Holy land. In spite of the fact that I have spoken many times of this halachic ruling recorded in chapter 329 of the laws of Shabbos, there are those that have an interest in misinterpreting what I said, therefore I find it necessary to repeat myself. As we have stated many times, since the darkness of Exile is so intense, we are shown from above how vital the matter is. We actual saw when they stood with all their power and took swift action, this lead to success and prevented war. Had there been no publicity, the action would have been even more successful. Had there been no protracted consideration, there would have been no loss of life whatsoever.  But now is not the time to speak of matters of negativity, only to take the message for the future. 

                                                                                                     Public address Purim 1978

The Rebbe on a Referendum

“I suspect those who wish to solve the dispute by a retreat, by calling a referendum. 

The Shomron

Inherent danger lies in the very wording which will be offered. If they will come and ask the nation: “Are you prepared to give up land in return for peace?” this would constitute a deliberate misleading of the voters, because by posing the question in this deceitful form, they are already slipping in half the response which they wish to elicit; as if to suggest that giving away land will bring peace.

If they are going for such a referendum, this should be only on condition that they will set out the wording in a form such as follows:

“Is it worthwhile to place a life-threatening danger into every single home in Eretz Israel, to bring on the threat of war, with Israel left remaining without oil, without borders, without defense, with the enemy close to our major population centers, in return for the signature [of Sadat] (who was the Egyptian president when this was said – translator), at a time when Egypt to this day has already betrayed their signature four times; and it is clear that Sadat will not live much longer and will not rule over Egypt for ever; and it is clear that he has no control over the Arabs in Judea and Samaria, with the Arabs there announcing publicly their intention to annihilate and kill all people who dwell in Zion. And it is clear that even were one group to agree to peace, other groups will not be in agreement. 

So the question is, given this situation, is it worthwhile to return lands in return for a piece of paper which obligates nobody?”  

                                                                                Private interview with Mr. Shmuel Katz

The Temple Mount and Cave of the Patriarchs are registered in name of Gentiles!

We find ourselves now at the end of the Exile. We hear the footsteps of Moshiach. From time to time we are remind of this. These events are not accidental; but are by Divine Providence, to awaken Jewish People to be purer, better, and not G-d forbid, to the contrary. Very recently, several such events took place which all of us can contemplate and find from which to learn. I will consider two points which are relevant both general and specific. The teaching of the Baal Shem Tov is well known: 'Whatever a Jew sees or hears has within it a message for his service to his Creator.' This is certainly true when he sees an event of a more general nature, not just relevant to himself or a small number of Jewish people, but to a great number. This certainly has a great message. Not always does one disclose all happenings lest they cause pain to the Jewish people. 

We see a matter of shocking proportions that has turned sour. The situation remains status quo even though there are those in the government who know what is going on, but make as if they know nothing. Until this very day it remains registered in official documents that the legal owner of the Temple Mount is a gentile. 

The Western Wall of the Temple Mount

These locations remain sacred. We have a ruling, that holiness maintains its position never to become nullified, as Maimonides writes “the Divine Presence cannot become nullified”. This is the Halachic ruling. They know this and offer tacit agreement until this very day. No-one wishes to get involved, rather, they are silent about the entire matter. 

The same is true of the Cave of Machpela and the surrounding area. Official documents record these as belonging to a gentile! This runs contrary to [not just to love of Israel but] to the love of justice and honesty! Simply said, just as the government took over many locations for security reasons paying for them in a manner of pleasantness and peace, similarly they could have done this regarding the place of our Temple and the Cave of Machpela. Yet, this status quo remains until this very day. The agents to whom we spoke who are responsible make out as if they know nothing, despite of the fact that this is public knowledge. 

Elijah the Prophet called out at Mount Carmel to the Jews who served idols: “How long will you continue to waver between two opinions?” Choose a specific path – make the choice! “If the Master is G-d – go after Him”! Do not waver between two views. 

In one respect this is much worse than idol worship. In this instance they are not even wavering between two views. Immediately after the military powers of Israel conquered Jerusalem and Hebron, they already knew that there is an official paper from the time of the Turkish occupation in which documents unjustifiably and incorrectly state that the Temple Mount and Cave of Machpela belong to a gentile. This Arab did not make any such purchase (as did Abraham our Patriarch for 400 silver shekels)! Regardless, they left the documents of ownership as it was. 

                                                                                           Public address 13th Tishrei 1977