Tisha B'Av is a Hebrew date that has marked a mysterious curse and/or punishment of the Jewish people for thousands of years. The greatest tragedies to befall the Jewish people, from the death of the first generation in the desert during the Exodus, to the destruction of the first and second temples, to the Spanish Inquisition, all the way up until the Holocaust, and other terrible episodes in Jewish history all corelate to that particular Hebrew calendar date, Tisha B'Av (the 9th day of the month of Av) and the 17th day of the month of Tamuz three weeks earlier. That 3-week period is recognized by Jews who know their people's history as the saddest time in the entire year.
Given the low probabilities of so many terrible events all linking to the same date, it easy to understand why so many religious people say their is a spiritual or supernatural explanation. The Rabbi explains in the video.
The "Sin of the Spies" and the punishment of the first generation in the desert is considered the first Tisha B'Av. The "Bad Report" given by the "10 Spies" is taken to be Lashon Hara. The result was a lack of faith in the Israelites.
Lashon Hara, which literally means "the tongue of the wicked individual" can include speech that damages someone emotionally or financially, or lowers their reputation with others.
The Rabbi in the video above explains the strange relationship between "lashon hara" (speaking negatively or harmfully even if it's true) and Tisha B'Av.
The scriptures offer several warnings and teachings about the power and consequences of speech:
Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends."
Leviticus 19:16: "Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord."
Tisha B'Av is the most extreme case of the harm that can come from speaking ill of others. What came from the lashon hara of the "10 Spies" was a lack of faith that ultimately led God to not allow the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. That generation were to pass away in the desert.
The Bible verse that addresses the Israelites being denied entry into the Promised Land because of the sin of the spies is found in the Book of Numbers. Specifically, Numbers 14:30 (NIV) states:
"Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun."
When we see the Promised Land, Eretz Israel, as a metaphor for heaven, we should easily see the essential need for faith.
Moses's lack of faith, when he struck the Rock rather than speaking to it, caused God not to let Moses enter the Promised Land. God is to be feared!
The Bible verse that discusses Moses not being allowed to enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock is found in the Book of Numbers. Specifically, Numbers 20:12 (NIV) states:
"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.'"
The punishment/curse of Tisha B'Av is real -- it is a fact of history. If the cause is Lashon Hara and a subsequent lack of faith, what can we learn must be done to break the curse? The most obvious answer is to guard our tongue.
While guarding our tongue addresses the future, it does not make up for the past. Only sincere repentance can start to heal our relationships with one another and God.
I have some questions about Tisha B'Av. I suppose my questions can only be answered by God but I do often meditate on them and I have my views:
If Repentance is required to break the curse, what must today's generation repent for?
Has there been another time/case in history when the Jewish people lacked faith?
Will another Tisha B'Av tragedy occur?
There is no reason to feel secure and to think that another Tisha B'Av tragedy will not befall us again. Frankly, given the repeated nature of history, I think a future event is inevitable. If anything, with the sad state of faith, the unrepentant nature of society and the epidemic levels of lashon hara in our social media culture, Tisha B'Av is more likely than ever.
The principle of practicing love for one another instead of engaging in Lashon Hara (evil speech or gossip) is rooted in several biblical and rabbinic teachings. One of the key verses is Leviticus 19:18 (NIV):
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
This verse emphasizes the importance of love and positive relationships among people.
Additionally, in rabbinic literature, such as the Talmud, there are numerous teachings that emphasize the importance of avoiding Lashon Hara and promoting love and kindness among individuals. For example, in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) 1:12, it states:
"Hillel says: Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving your fellow creatures and drawing them near to the Torah."
These teachings collectively underscore the value of love and positive speech within the Jewish tradition.
One of the main messages of Rabbi Yeshua, A.K.A. as Jesus, preached was to "Love one another." He was rejected by the Jewish leaders who talked terribly of Jesus. His rejection led to his crucifixion.
A famous New Testament verse where Jesus speaks of loving one another is found in the Gospel of John. John 13:34-35 (NIV) states:
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
By the way, I wrote another blog post on this subject. Here is a link - "Baseless Hate."
Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was paid $130,000 in October 2016 as part of a nondisclosure agreement to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Donald Trump. The payment was made shortly before the 2016 presidential election. Michael Cohen, Trump's personal lawyer at the time, facilitated the payment.
NOONE GOT HURT OR DAMAGED! TO THE CONTRARY. STORMY MADE $130K FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ACTS.
Paying for nondisclosure is not an unusual practice. As a matter of fact it's quite common that people in Congress have used taxpayer money to pay for non-disclosure agreements regarding sexual harassment and other ethical breaches. Besides, the public has known about this "confidential" payment since before the 2016 election!!
Falsifying business documents is normally a misdemeanor in New York. Still, prosecutors in District Attorney Bragg’s office elevated the case to a felony on the grounds that President Trump was concealing an illegal campaign contribution. The former president was not charged with any crimes related to the alleged illegal, election-related contributions. Further, this is the first instance in which charges of this nature have been levied.
PERSPECTIVE: Members of Congress do far worse!
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF TAXPAYER FUNDS HAVE PAID for nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) related to sexual harassment or other ethical breaches by members of Congress!
Between 1997 and 2017, the Office of Compliance reported that it paid out about $17 MILLION in settlements for various workplace claims including sexual harassment.
NYC has serious crime problems. Yet, over 50% of felony charges in Manhattan have been downgraded to misdemeanors. Serious crimes go unprosecuted and criminals are released. But NYC devotes tens of millions to go after Trump because of the way he classified (coded) an expense nearly 10 years ago.
CONSIDER WHAT TRUMP HAS DONE FOR NY!
Here's a list of notable buildings and projects developed by Donald Trump in New York City and the Manhattan area:
1. Trump Tower
- Location: 725 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
- Description: Mixed-use skyscraper with residential, office, and retail spaces. Completed in 1983.
2. Trump World Tower
- Location: 845 United Nations Plaza, Manhattan
- Description: Residential skyscraper completed in 2001.
3. Trump International Hotel and Tower
- Location: 1 Central Park West, Manhattan
- Description: Mixed-use skyscraper with hotel and residential units. Completed in 1997.
4. Trump Plaza
- Location: 167 East 61st Street, Manhattan
- Description: Residential building completed in 1984.
5. Trump Parc and Trump Parc East
- Location: 106 Central Park South, Manhattan
- Description: Residential buildings converted from a hotel in 1988.
6. Trump Park Avenue
- Location: 502 Park Avenue, Manhattan
- Description: Residential building acquired and renovated in the early 2000s.
7. 40 Wall Street (The Trump Building)
- Location: 40 Wall Street, Manhattan
- Description: Office skyscraper acquired in 1995.
8. Trump SoHo (now The Dominick)
- Location: 246 Spring Street, Manhattan
- Description: Hotel condominium completed in 2010.
9. Trump Palace
- Location: 200 East 69th Street, Manhattan
- Description: Residential skyscraper completed in 1991.
10. Trump Park Residences
- Location: Yorktown, Westchester County, New York
- Description: Luxury residential complex completed in the late 2000s.
11. Trump Village
- Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn
- Description: Residential complex developed by Fred Trump, with Donald Trump involved in some redevelopment efforts.
12. Riverside South (Trump Place)
- Location: Along the Hudson River, Manhattan (from West 59th Street to West 72nd Street)
- Description: A series of residential buildings developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
This list includes some of the key projects associated with Donald Trump in the New York City area.
In addition to his real estate developments, Donald Trump and his organization have been involved in various projects and contributions that benefited New York City, its nonprofits, or its agencies. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Wollman Rink
- Location: Central Park, Manhattan
- Description: In 1986, Donald Trump offered to complete the renovation of the Wollman Rink in Central Park, which had been delayed and over budget under the city’s management. The Trump Organization completed the project in less than six months and under budget.
2. Central Park Carousel
- Location: Central Park, Manhattan
- Description: The Trump Organization took over the management of the Central Park Carousel in 2010, contributing to its maintenance and operation.
3. Ferry Point Golf Course
- Location: Bronx, New York
- Description: Donald Trump developed and manages the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, a public golf course in the Bronx, which opened in 2015. It provides recreational facilities for the city's residents.
4. Donations and Contributions
- Various donations to nonprofits and charities in New York City, including hospitals, schools, and other local organizations. The Trump Foundation, while controversial for its practices, did contribute to several New York-based charities.
5. Renovation of the Historic Clock in the Grand Concourse
- Location: Bronx County Courthouse, Bronx
- Description: In the 1990s, Donald Trump funded the renovation of the historic clock in the Bronx County Courthouse.
These projects and contributions reflect some of the ways the Trump Organization has been involved in efforts to support and improve New York City outside of its commercial real estate developments.
Donald Trump and the Trump Foundation have made various contributions to nonprofits in New York City and New York State over the years. Here are some notable examples:
1. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Contributions: Donald Trump has donated to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in the city.
2. The Police Athletic League
- Contributions: The Trump Foundation has supported the Police Athletic League, which provides various programs for youth in New York City.
3. United Way of New York City
- Contributions: Donations have been made to the United Way of New York City, which works to improve the lives of New Yorkers through various community initiatives.
4. The American Red Cross
- Contributions: The Trump Foundation has contributed to the American Red Cross, which provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education.
5. New York City Police Foundation
- Contributions: Donations have been made to the New York City Police Foundation, supporting the NYPD and various community programs.
6. Central Park Conservancy
- Contributions: In addition to managing the Wollman Rink, Donald Trump has made contributions to the Central Park Conservancy, which maintains and enhances Central Park.
7. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
- Contributions: Donations have been made to support the Intrepid Museum, which preserves the history of the aircraft carrier Intrepid and other maritime and aviation history.
8. Fisher House Foundation
- Contributions: Donations to the Fisher House Foundation, which provides free or low-cost lodging to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers.
9. The Salvation Army
- Contributions: The Trump Foundation has supported the Salvation Army, which offers a range of social services, including emergency shelter, food assistance, and disaster relief.
10. The Jewish National Fund
- Contributions: Donations to the Jewish National Fund, which supports environmental and community-building projects in Israel.
11. Ronald McDonald House of New York
- Contributions: Support for the Ronald McDonald House, which provides temporary housing for families of children receiving treatment for serious illnesses.
These contributions highlight some of the ways Donald Trump and his foundation have supported various nonprofits and community organizations in New York City and New York State.
In addition to their projects in New York City, the Trump Organization and Donald Trump have been involved in several other notable projects throughout the state of New York. Here are some examples:
1. Trump National Golf Club Westchester
- Location: Briarcliff Manor, Westchester County
- Description: A private golf club with a championship golf course, luxury amenities, and event spaces.
2. Trump National Golf Club Hudson Valley
- Location: Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County
- Description: A private golf club featuring an 18-hole golf course, dining facilities, and event spaces.
3. Seven Springs
- Location: Bedford, Westchester County
- Description: A 213-acre estate that Donald Trump purchased in 1995. Originally intended to be a golf course, it has since been used primarily as a private retreat.
4. Buffalo Waterfront Proposal
- Location: Buffalo, New York
- Description: In the late 1990s, Donald Trump proposed developing a casino and entertainment complex on the Buffalo waterfront, though the project did not come to fruition.
5. Scotch 'n Sirloin Renovation
- Location: Albany, New York
- Description: Donald Trump owned and renovated this restaurant in Albany during the 1980s before selling it.
6. Trump on the Ocean
- Location: Jones Beach, Nassau County, Long Island
- Description: Proposed restaurant and catering hall at Jones Beach State Park. The project faced regulatory and environmental hurdles and was ultimately canceled.
These projects illustrate the Trump Organization's broader engagement in real estate and development activities across the state of New York, spanning golf courses, residential estates, and proposed commercial developments.
To estimate the total number of jobs Donald Trump and his organizations have created or directly employed over the last 40 years in the New York metro area, we can expand on the previous approach, considering a longer timeframe and more projects.
Key Areas of Employment:
1. Construction Jobs:
- Major developments
- Renovations
2. Property Management:
- Residential and commercial buildings
3. Hospitality:
- Hotels and resorts
4. Golf Clubs:
- Maintenance and operations
5. Other Projects:
- Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel, etc.
Estimation Approach:
1. Construction Jobs:
- Over 40 years, Trump has been involved in numerous major construction projects. Assuming about 20 major projects (new buildings, significant renovations, etc.) and an average of 500 construction jobs per project:
- Total construction jobs: 20 projects x 500 jobs/project = 10,000 jobs
2. Property Management:
- Assuming around 20 properties over 40 years with an average of 50 employees per property:
- Total property management jobs: 20 properties * 50 employees/property = 1,000 ongoing jobs
3. Hospitality:
- Estimating an average of 3 hotels with around 200 employees each over 40 years:
- Total hospitality jobs: 3 hotels * 200 employees/hotel = 600 ongoing jobs
4. Golf Clubs:
- Assuming 2 golf clubs with an average of 150 employees each:
- Total golf club jobs: 2 clubjox 150 employees/club = 300 ongoing jobs
5. Other Projects:
- Including temporary and seasonal jobs (e.g., Wollman Rink, Central Park Carousel), estimating around 100 jobs per significant project, with about 10 such projects over 40 years:
- Total other project jobs: 10 projects x100 jobs/project = 1,000 jobs
Summing Up:
- Construction Jobs: 10,000
- Property Management Jobs: 1,000
- Hospitality Jobs: 600
- Golf Club Jobs: 300
- Other Project Jobs: 1,000
Total: 12,900 jobs
Adjusting for Overlap and Longevity:
To adjust for potential overlap (e.g., property management jobs spanning multiple decades) and the longevity of these jobs, we can add a factor to account for turnover and sustained employment over 40 years.
- Turnover and Sustained Employment: Let's assume a moderate factor of 1.5 to account for turnover and sustained employment across multiple decades.
Adjusted Total: 12,900 jobs x 1.5 = 19,350 jobs
Therefore, over the last 40 years, Donald Trump and his organizations have likely created or directly employed around 19,350 people in the New York metro area. This estimate includes construction, property management, hospitality, golf clubs, and other projects, adjusted for turnover and sustained employment.
DRIVING TRUMP OUT OF NY IS BAD FOR NY! OTHERS WILL LEAVE. SOME WILL MOVE THEIR BUSINESS.
THIS PROSECUTION WAS ONE OF THE STUPIDEST AND UNFAIR AND POLITICAL ACTIONS EVER. FOR WHAT???
NYC SPENT TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO INFLUENCE A FEDERAL ELECTION. THIS IS BLATTANT ELECTION INTERFERENCE!!
The Trump trial has concluded with a "guilty" verdict. Why is anyone surprised by that?
In the American justice system, the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Was this the case with Trump?
Forget the presumption of innocence. If you hate Trump, he was guilty -- simple as that.
We have turned the justice system into a system to eliminate political opposition. The term that describes the use of the legal system to eliminate political opposition is "lawfare." It is also known as "competitive authoritarianism." This is a trait of authoritarian regimes.
There is a fascinating parallel that can be drawn to the blackmail attack that was made on Alexander Hamilton, as portrayed in the Broadway hit "Hamilton," and the trial of Trump. (*See Epilogue below. ) Could it have been a prophetic foreshadowing of the Trump conviction. Even the first preview of Hamilton that was performed in the Obama White House years fits. Could the idea for spoiling Trump's chances have been hatched then? Could the shooting death of Alexander Hamilton also prophetically foreshadow Trump's death?
Even the infamous recording of Donald Trump where he said "grab them by the p****" that was part of a 2005 conversation between "playboy" Trump and television host Billy Bush could be a piece in the conspiracy to "Get Trump." The recording was made on a bus during the filming of an "Access Hollywood" segment. The tape was leaked and publicly released just before the election in October 2016, during Trump's presidential campaign, causing widespread controversy.
"Alexander Hamilton, We are waiting in the weeds for you. You could never back down." (Lyric from the hit Broadway play "Hamilton.")
All this set the stage for the trial we just had. Trump was ensnarred by his own past character flaws and sins. But it does NOT make him "guilty" in terms of the way our American system of justice is supposed operate! Nor does his past, before he became President, mean that he has not reformed his ways. Grace can come down on Trump as much as any sinner!
Both Alexander Hamilton and Donald Trump made terrible choices to commit adultery. Both paid "hush money." Both faced devastating scrutiny for their handling of those payments. Both had enemies that sought to ruin their reputations over scandal. Both stories underscore how nasty politics is. As controversial and hated as Alexander Hamilton was during his lifetime, history judged much more kindly. That is essentially the conclusion of the play Hamilton. Trump is still very active making history. Unlike Hamilton -- Trump hasn't backed down!
The blackmail of Alexander Hamilton and these legal attacks against Trump reflect the deep divisions and sickness in America. Politics is an awful and evil thing! Naive idealist liked to think America was different than other places. I used to be one of those. I thought there really were WMD's in Iraq. At first I thought invading Afghanistan was the right thing to do. I voted for Obama's first term. I didn't vote for Trump’s first term because of the Stormy Daniels scandal and I didn't think he had the character to be President. But after the Meuller investigation, two bogus impeachment efforts, ISIS and Covid I know better.
The relentless efforts to "get Trump" highlight how broken our country is. This case had nothing to do with justice. It was driven by two main factors:
1. Fueling the flames of hate and division.
2. Gaining a political advantage in the Presidential election. This trial, along with the "Presidential Documents" case, were despicable as campaign tactics. America is no better than a banana republic.
The trial and reactions to the verdict are reminiscent of the O.J. Simpson case. Americans watched the same trial, but opinions on his guilt or innocence were largely divided along racial lines. In O.J.'s case, he had a jury of his peers, with 10 out of 13 jurors being minorities.
The Trump case felt like a legal lynching. Every key participant—the Attorney General, prosecutors, and judge—were vehement Trump haters and Biden supporters. This case was put together the moment Trump announced his candidacy. The jury pool was undoubtedly not a "jury of his peers."
Alan Dershowitz, a liberal Democrat, renowned constitutional scholar, and legal professor, wrote the book "Get Trump," called the case against Trump "the weakest case he has seen in 60 years!" Yet he was notsurprised by the conviction. He expected it. Think about that!!
Dershowitz has been described as "one of the most prominent and consistent defenders of civil liberties in America" by Politico and "the nation’s most peripatetic civil liberties lawyer and one of its most distinguished defenders of individual rights" by Newsweek.
In his book, "Get Trump," published before the trial began, Dershowitz details the relentless efforts to stop Trump at any cost. He documents the unconstitutional efforts to prevent Trump from retaking the presidency and explains why this challenges the foundations of our liberty: due process, the right to counsel, and free speech.
These trials go to show what "40 years in politics" do for the likes of Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden and many others behind the "Deep State." As Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer referencing the intelligence community and President Trump during a January 2017 interview on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show."
"Let me tell you, you take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you."
Meanwhile, Trump's detractors in the media and across the country had decided on his guilt even before the Grand Jury indictment. There was never a presumption of innocence, only enthusiasm for a conviction. Legal challenges to the case based on procedural or ethical violations by the prosecutors, or unconstitutional decisions/statements by the judge, were met with a "damn the torpedoes" attitude.
It is clear that there is a double legal standard—one for Biden's and Clinton's, and another for Trump. The hypocrisy is evident, but only if you choose to see it. If you hate Trump, you likely cannot.
Here's a litmus test to see if you can recognize this hypocrisy: Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior? Do you believe the Hebrew Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God? Do you believe that God created the universe, including life on Earth? If you answered "yes" to at least two out of these three questions, you might see it.
Evil forces have driven a wedge through America's heart and soul. The question we should be asking is, by whom? Surely America has broken the covenant we made with God. Has God turned His face away from America? We need to pray for revival.
THE VERDICT IS IN AND IT IS AMERICA THAT IS GUILTY OF HATING OUR FELLOW, NURTURING A GRUDGE. WE ARE THE SINNERS.
THE VERDICT IS IN: AMERICA IS A FALLEN NATION. AMERICA HAS FALLEN AWAY FROM OUR JUDEO-CHRISTIAN VALUES.
Jews are always the first victims. We are the canary in coal mine. Antisemitism is a sign that America, Europe and the world are in trouble.
*Epilogue:
The situations involving Alexander Hamilton and Donald Trump have notable parallels in terms of personal scandals involving payments to women and how these incidents were used politically by their adversaries. Here’s a focused comparison:
1. The Affair:
- Maria Reynolds Affair: Alexander HamMaria Reynolds, which began in 1791.
- Blackmail: Reynolds' husband, James Reynolds, discovered the affair and subsequently blackmailed Hamilton, demanding payments to keep the affair secret. Hamilton paid these sums to avoid public scandal.
2. Political Fallout:
- Public Disclosure: In 1797, when political adversaries Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and Aaron Burr got wind of the affair through documents implicating Hamilton in financial misconduct, Hamilton decided to publish the "Reynolds Pamphlet." In it, he admitted to the affair but denied any financial corruption.
- Impact: The admission damaged Hamilton’s reputation and was used by his political enemies to tarnish his character and undermine his influence.
Donald Trump:
1. The Affair:
- Stormy Daniels: Donald Trump allegedly had an affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2006.
- Hush Money: In the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels $130,000 in hush money to prevent her from going public with the story.
2. Political Fallout:
- Legal and Political Issues: The payment led to legal scrutiny and was a subject of investigation, raising questions about campaign finance violations since the payment was made shortly before the election.
- Impact: The scandal provided ammunition for Trump’s political opponents, who used it to question his integrity, ethics, and adherence to the law.
Political Use by Adversaries:
- Hamilton: Political adversaries seized on the affair to accuse Hamilton of financial improprieties, hoping to discredit him and diminish his influence in the Federalist party and national politics. The scandal, while not leading to legal consequences, severely tarnished his personal and public reputation.
- Trump: Trump’s adversaries used the Stormy Daniels payment to highlight issues of character and legality. The hush money payment became part of broader investigations into Trump’s conduct, including potential campaign finance violations. The scandal fed into ongoing narratives about Trump’s personal ethics and legality.
Summary:
Both Hamilton and Trump faced significant personal scandals involving payments to women with whom they had extramarital affairs. In both cases, these payments were used by political adversaries as tools to attempt to discredit and weaken them. Hamilton's self-disclosure in the Reynolds Pamphlet was a preemptive attempt to control the narrative, whereas Trump's situation involved ongoing legal battles and scrutiny. The exploitation of these scandals by political opponents highlights how personal misconduct can be leveraged in the political arena to influence public perception and political fortunes.
Here are a few more coincidental parallels:
Below are some selected lyrics from the opening rap song that was performed at the White House for Obama's "Poetry Jam." I have bolded certain text and annotated comparisons:
How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by Providence impoverished in squalor grow up to be a hero and a scholar?
Trump is a Scotsman. People are in disbelief that he became President and a hero to tens of millions.
The Ten dollar, founding father without a father got a lot farther byworking a lot harder by being a lot smarter by being a self-starter by fourteen, they placed him in charge of a trading charter
Trump is the quintessential entrepreneur and has a reputation for being a very hard worker.
And every day while slaves were being slaughtered and carted away across the waves he struggled and kept his guard up
Inside he was longing for something to be a part of the brother was ready to beg steal borrow or barter
Then a hurricane came and devastation rained our man saw his future drip-dripping down the drain put a pencil to his temple connected it to his brain and he wrote his first refrain a testament to his pain
Trump survived financial devastation. He wrote several best selling books about this.
Well the word got around they said this kid is insane man took up a collection just to send him to the mainland Get your education don't forget from whence you came. And the world is gonna know your name. What's ya name, man?
Alexander Hamilton. My name is Alexander Hamilton. And there's a million things I haven't done. But just you wait, just you, wait.
His name is everything to him. Like Hamilton, Trump speaks of great things he will accomplish.
When he was 10, his father split Full of it, debt-ridden Two years later, see Alex and his mother, bed-ridden Half-dead, sittin' in their own sick, the scent thick And Alex got better but his mother went quick
Trump was emotionally effected by the death of his brother. As a result he never drinks or smokes.
Skipping ahead ...
Scannin' for every book he can get his hands on Plannin' for the future, see him now as he stands on The bow of a ship headed for a new land In New York you can be a new man (x4) In New York (New York) Just you wait (x3)
Trump's father built homes on Long Island. Donald headed to NYC to make a big name for himself in commercial real estate.
Alexander Hamilton We are waiting in the weeds for you You could never back down You never learned to take your time Alexander Hamilton America Sings for you Do they know what you overcame Do they know you control your name The world will never be the same, oh
His enemies waited 10+ years to exploit an old sexual encounter that was already exposed prior to the 2016 election. But Trump never backs down - his motto is "never quit." ⁷America does sign for him. The world will never be the same.
The ship is in the harbor now See if you can spot him Another immigrant comin' up from the bottom His enemies destroyed his rep, America forgot him
His enemies have been seeking to destroy his reputation with two failed impeachment attempts, exposing his tax return, etc.
We, fought with him Me, I died for him Me, I trusted him Me, I loved him And me, I'm the damn fool that shot him There's a million things I haven't done, but just you wait Whats ya name man? ALEXANDER HAMILTON
Imagine a book so influential that it has shaped the course of history, culture, and thought for millennia. This book is the Bible, read by more people worldwide than any other text since the dawn of writing. Its narratives are not mere stories; they are the bedrock of a nation's identity, informing traditions, holidays, and even the daily language of millions.
The settings of these ancient tales are not mythical lands but real places you can visit today. The culture and traditions born from these biblical stories have survived thousands of years, evolving yet holding true to their roots. This nation, inspired by prophecy and preserved through trials, is Israel.
Imagine a land, a nation, a people that is the basis of story, a book written thousands of years ago, that's been read by more people in the world than any other book since the days that human beings started writing books. This book has been in nearly every home in the world since the days people started owning books.
Imagine that the places and characters in this book's stories once existed and that the events in the book happened in places and locations that are real.
Imagine an actual culture and traditions that grew out of this book's stories which has existed since the book was written thousands of years ago.
Imagine a nation with holidays and songs that correspond to the stories in the book.
Imagine that people today are maintaining beliefs and practices based on the text of this book in the same places as written about in the book.
Imagine that the stories in this book have inspired countless other books, poems, songs, movies, artwork and even clothing and jewelry.
Imagine that the nation in this book draws hundreds of thousands of tourists and business travelers in modern times.
Imagine, as predicted thousands of years ago in the book, that this nation and it's people have blessed the world in so many ways from science and medicine, to entertainment, to flowers and farming methods and much much more! And just as the book predicted, people and other nations that have been a curse to this nation have been themselves cursed.
Imagine a nation which has been to war many times as written about in the book. Imagine this nation have been conquered and it's people expelled from it's land time & time again, but they stayed a nation and kept coming back to their land, as written about, and even foretold in the book.
Imagine a modern nation with the same enemies today as described in the book based on family disputes that are written about in the book thousands of years ago..
Imagine there is one modern nation with the official language today that is just as was written in the book. And, the people of this nation can still read and speak this ancient unique language.
Imagine their is one nation today whose flag and money, the schekle, and other official symbols are based on this book, story and the characters.
Imagine a nation with the same cities, villages, rivers, mountains and valleys as those that are described in the book thousands of years ago. There are even buildings, lakes, wells & pools and artifacts one can go see today that were written about in the book thousands of years ago.
Imagine a nation that is the modern fulfillment of prophecies written about in the book.
You don't have to "imagine it," because it exists -- it is true. Of course you know I am referring to the bible and that state of Israel. You don't have to "imagine it," you can visit it.
What is hard to imagine is that people say this nation, Israel, has no right to exist. It is hard to imagine that people whose first leader is Yassar Arafat would claim the title to the land of Israel.
Jews never forget the Holocaust. It is just that this is when we remember it.
Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a solemn day dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. It is a time to reflect not just on the atrocities committed, but also on the indifference and complicity that allowed such horrors to unfold. This post confronts the haunting question: "Where was God?" However, a more pressing question emerges: "Where were you?"
In Genesis 3:9, God calls out to Adam, asking, "Where are you?" This question resonates deeply as we remember the Holocaust. When the Nazis began their campaign of terror, there was no war. Jews were law-abiding citizens, contributing to society as neighbors, educators, and caregivers. Yet, when the persecution began, the world stood by and watched.
As Jewish men, women, and children were rounded up, their non-Jewish neighbors, colleagues, and friends—those who had benefited from their presence—became silent witnesses or active participants in their suffering. They saw the looting, heard the screams, and watched as innocent lives were torn apart simply because they were Jewish.
This blog post calls out to humanity, echoing the Biblical lament "Eicha?" (How?), drawing from the Book of Lamentations and Genesis to remind us of our moral duty. The Holocaust was a time when humanity failed, and the echoes of that failure reverberate today. We are challenged to remember, to question, and to never forget the lessons of the past.
Let us honor the memory of those who suffered and renew our commitment to ensuring such atrocities never happen again. The blood of our brothers and sisters cries out from the ground, demanding that we respond with vigilance, compassion, and action.
WHERE WAS GOD? NO, THE QUESTION IS WHERE WERE YOU??
GENESIS 3.9
And the Lord God called to man, and He said to him,
ל֖וֹ אַיֶּֽכָּה --"Where are you?"
When the Germans started rounding up Jewish men, woman and children there was no war. We didn't have guns. We weren't breaking laws or trying to overthrow the government.
When the Germans, French, Australians, Polish and Hungarians forced Jews from our homes and tore our families apart, we were their good neighbors. We supplied them produce. We were their tailors and dress makers. We taught their children to read in their schools and music in our homes. We were their doctors who cared for them!
When they beat and shot us on the public streets and forced us into ghettos to starve us and loaded us onto cattle cars to take us away and work us to death, they knew we committed no crime. The accusers were our neighbors. The prosecutor was also the judge. AND THE ONLY CHARGE WAS THAT WE HAD JEWISH BLOOD. THE SENTENCE WAS A TORTUROUS DEATH ... NO MERCY.
The Germans, French, Australians, Polish, Hungarians and other citizens watched. They went to warehouses to pick from our stolen property. They saw the propaganda posters. They heard the stories of people they knew before as upstanding citizens. They listened to our women and children scream. They heard our cries!
.... AND THEY WATCHED.
EICHA ל֖וֹ אַיֶּֽכָּה -- "WHERE ARE YOU?" Eicha? איכה -- How can it be?
“Eicha?” cries the mourner (probably Jeremiah) in the first verse of chapters 1, 2 and 4 in Lamentations.
EICHA אַיֶּֽכָּה -- WHERE? EICHA אֵיכָ֣ה -- HOW?
The Hebrew letters are the same.
First we turned from God! ...then we hurt are fellow.
GENESIS 4.10
And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.
HISTORY IS RHYMING! We are crying out today. Eicha?!
ROMANS 1.22
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools"
Pictured in this post is a single piece of handmade "shmura matzo" and three pieces of the more common matzah.
During the modern Passover celebration there is an old Jewish tradition of putting aside 3 whole matzot. The center matzah is broken into two parts and the larger half is removed, wrapped in a napkin. That half-piece of matza gets "stolen" and hidden during the Seder ceremony only to be found later. That piece of matzah is called the "Afikoman."
Afikoman in Hebrew - אפיקומן
In Byzantine Greek, epikōmion means ‘a revel’.
Based on the Mishnah in Pesahim 119b, the Afikoman is a substitute for the Passover lamb that was slaughtered for the blood on the doorposts and was eaten at the Passover meal. The lamb had to be fully consumed. After it was the Hebrews rushed out the bloody door to be born as the Nation of the Children of Israel and begin the Exodus to the Promised Land.
There would be many trials and tribulations along the way. The first generation of Israelites would die in the desert because of their lack of faith. Not even Moses was aloud to go into the Promised Land because he "struck" the Rock when God told him to "speak" to it. To this day, on Yom Kippur we are atoning for the sin the "golden calf." God would have destroyed us all if Moses hadn't interceeded for the Hebrews.
Since the destruction of the Temple and the discontinuation of the Korban Pesach (sacraficial lamb), Jews eat the afikomen piece of matzah to finish the Passover Seder meal.
There are various interpretations for the tradition of the Afikoman as it is played out today but surprisingly the actual origin and intention of this custom is not known.
The Passover has great significance to those who believe in Yeshua, better known as Jesus. The "bread" (a cracker) and wine shared are important symbols to both Jews and Christians. So one might wonder if there any parallels concerning the Afikoman tradition?
Parallels between the Jewish tradition of the Afikoman and the Crucifixion:
- Yeshua offered his body as a substitute Passover lamb to free people from slavery.
- Yeshua was scourged, striped and pierced. Matzah looks scourged/striped and pierced.
- Yeshua was crucified inbetween two criminals. The Afikoman is in the middle of two other matzot.
- Yeshua's body was wrapped in a burial schroud and hidden away in a tomb after the crucifixion. The Afikoman is wrapped in a napkin and hidden away.
- Like the Afikoman which is found and is the "desert" at the end the Passover, Yeshua is found. He is the "Good News."
- Even the fact that the Afikoman is found by children is relevant because a child's testimony, like the women who found the tomb empty, were not believable.
Surely anyone can appreciate why believers in Salvation, the English meaning of Jesus's Hebrew name Yeshua, can see the parallels between the two Passover events. There are so many passages in the Old Testament that point to the New Testament. Thus the expression, "The New Testament revealed what the Old Testament concealed."
The word Seder means order. With 613 Mitzvot, one thing is sure, we worship a God of Order. Heaven knows I fail miserably at keeping God's commandments.
When is the right time and what is the right way to "atone" for our disobedience? The Book of Jonah is read on the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. There is a lesson to be had about Atonement from that book. God knew Jonah would flee. God chose Jonah to make a point. And when Jonah declared to the Ninevites what God told him to say, they heard God, not Jonah.
None of us know when our days are over. If we did, would we repent like the Ninevites?
After the Passover, Jews start "counting the omer," each day for seven shabbats, seven 7's until Shavuot, when the law/logos is received on Sinai. The Revelation on Sinai coincides to the day with Christian's PENTECOST holiday!
(I'm reminded of Yeshua's teaching in Capernium ... a hard teaching.)
Yesterday was the 10th of Nisan on the Hebrew Calendar! Tonight is Shabbat HaGadol ("The Great Shabbat" שבת הגדול), the Shabbat immediately before the Passover.
The first Shabbat HaGadol took place in Egypt on the 10th day of the first month, the month of Nisan. The first Great Shabbat was five (5) days before the Passover and the start of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt.
FIVE IS A SIGN
The letter Hei (5) appears twice in the unspoken name of God, YHVH, (10, 5, 6, 5 = 26). This is what 5 (Hei) looked like in ancient Hebrew before the Torah was written. It was a man with outstretched Arms, like Moses when the Joshua battled the Amalakites.
"So Moses said to Joshua, Pick men for us, and go out and fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Exodus 17.9
Israel is battling the Spirit of Amalek again!
The Hand, Outstretched Arms, the Nail
Hei (5) is associated with Revelation. God revealed himself with Moses during the battle with the Amalakites. As you can see, Hei (5) appears twice. 5+5=10 (Yod). Ten is also viewed as a complete and perfect numeral. In the image above, the Arm/Hand of God appears before the first Hei (5). It appears again before 6, the symbol of a nail.
Israel's mission began with the Great Shabbat. God told the Children of Israel to select the lamb for their household five days before the Passover. On the Passover the Israelites would shed the blood of their lamb and spread it's blood on their doorposts.
The destroyer passed over homes with the protection of the blood of their lamb. The Israelites were "chosen" for a mission. On the Passover God instructed us to rush through the door opening. The nation was born and we left Egypt for the PromisedLand.
I've gotten ahead of the story. It isn't quite time for hagadah (the telling). The Passover isn't here yet! Its not the hour The destroyer hasn't arrived yet. The Exodus hasn't begun yet. But God is calling. Come! BA! (Hebrew בא)
ON AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI'S 85TH BIRTHDAY
Israel delivered his birthday present, but the evil Ayatollah didn't get what he wished for. Instead, Israel gave him what he deserved. The 9th plague, darkness. is striking Iran. Israel delivered what leader's described as a "limited Israeli response."
The Ayatollah says Israel will be completely destroyed if Israel responds to it's attack. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi threatened Israel, "If they do a tiniest invasion against our territory, they should be assured that they will face a massive and harsh response."
Clearly Iran's leaders do not appreciate the blood of the lamb that protects Israel from the "destroyer." The Light is coming. BA (בא)!
THE GREATER THUNDER IS TO COME! BA!
FORCES OF DESTRUCTION WILL SOON PASSOVER. THEN, A LULLING SENSE OF PEACE ON THE CHESOD OF YESOD. GREATER THUNDER IS TO COME!! BA!! בא 20 IYAR GREATER THUNDER IS TO COME!!! BA!!! בא 6 SIVAN GOD IS SAYING בא COME!!!
PSALM 121
A song for ascents. I shall raise my eyes to the mountains, from where will my help come?
My help is from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to falter; Your Guardian will not slumber.
Behold the Guardian of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your Guardian; the Lord is your shadow; [He is] by your right hand.
By day, the sun will not smite you, nor will the moon at night.
The Lord will guard you from all evil; He will guard your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from now and to eternity.
RAISE UP YOUR EYES -- AM ISRAEL CHAI
Epilogue:
2 Chronicles 20:26
And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
