BIG IS IN THE MAKING

Can you sense it? Doesn't it feel like something big is in the making in the Middle East? 

We have seen amazing events. Nobody was predicting Israel to achieve the results it has in the war with Iran, let alone how it is crushing Hezbollah and Hamas. 

On the one hand, Israel has total air superiority over Iran and is rapidly destroying high value targets and eliminating the command structure. Iranian missile launches have declined dramatically. Israel appears on the road to victory!! 

Chances are high that the USA will apply "Bunker Buster Bombs" to obliterate Iran's nuclear program sites. All that is great. 

On the other hand, none of what's started is settled. There is no peace. Israelis have not moved back to the regions and homes the evacuated after October 7th. 

COULD THE WAR TAKE A "BIG" TURN?  

President Trump cuts his G7 trip short to head home and orders the "Situation Room" to be prepared. Reliable sources say the US military is joining attacks on Iran in matter of hours, not days! There are unconfirmed reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed. Couple this with news that China and Russia strongly advised it's citizens in Israel to leave. A cargo flight from China was diverted toward Iran. Turkey is too quite.

LOGICAL REASONS FOR CONCERN:

1. Russia and China must realize that they can't stop what's happening in Iran by merely "supplying" the regime. Not at this point! 

2. Why would Russia and China evacuate citizens from Israel...at this point?

3. Diplomatic efforts don't seem likely to stop the mission that Israel is on. 

Russia and China have mutual economic interests in Iran. They have strong ties to the current regime. Therefore, enemies of the Iranian Revolutionary regime that may overthrow the regime are very apt to have unfavorable attitudes towards Russia and China moving forward if they gain control. 

A major geopolitical shift by Iran to the West, particularly the USA, and away from Russia and China would be very unsettling. That would be a huge reset. 

All of this begs two questions:

1. Are Russia and China going to allow the reset to happen? 

2. What are Russia and China planning?

Trump is in a dance with Russia and China, and he knows way more than he can tell the public.Watch his actions. Things are accelerating.

I wonder if/when Trump will address the American people in a more formal way?

Conclusion

Something big is in the making. The question many have is whether it is biblical. What do you think? 

Proverbs 20:12 -- Ears that hear and eyes that see— the Lord has made them both.

YOU HAVE A PROBLEM

This blog post is meant for all those complaining about the parade being the selfish act of "King" celebrating his birthday. You have a problem -- Your hatred of Trump has surpassed your love of America.  Let's look at the truth:

1. On June 14, 1775, the sword and shield of our Republic were forged when the Second Continental Congress voted to establish what would later become the United States Army. The 250th Anniversary is June 14th!!!!

2. June 14, 1777, marks the resolution that officially adopted the American flag. June 14th is Flag Day!!!

The parade is NOT a 4th of July Celebration. The parade is not a solom Memorial day event. And the parade is certainty NOT President Trump’s birthday party. The FACT that the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF's birthday happens to coincide with the date that is the REAL AND VALID DATE for the parade is a wonderful "coincidence." 

The fact that our President jumped up after being shot to instinctively FIGHT for the Nation is another fact that is lost on those with Trump Derangement Sydrome, which is NOT lost on those who understand what this parade is about!!

A schmuck fails to appreciate that the UNITED STATES MILITARY IS LIKE A FAMILY. People who serve our Nation and keep us free, often come from multi-generational families of service. Some can proudly trace their roots of service to a relative(s) who served in a past war. Military families DESERVE A PARADE SO OUR COUNTRY CAN SALUTE THEIR SACRAFICES! 

A military parade is a form of tribute that honors and celebrates the contributions of a nation's armed forces. It serves as a public display of national pride, unity, and remembrance, showcasing the military's strength and discipline, while also recognizing the service and sacrifice of its members. 

• Public Display of Gratitude - Parades offer a visible way for the public to express gratitude and appreciation for the military's dedication and service to the country. 
• Highlighting Military History and Achievements - Parades often showcase different eras of military history, highlighting key events and achievements, and honoring the sacrifices made by past and present service members. 
• Inspiring Future Generations - By showcasing the military's capabilities and values, parades can inspire young people to consider a career in the armed forces or to embody the spirit of service, resilience, and leadership. 
• Symbol of National Unity - Military parades can bring people together, fostering a sense of national identity and pride in the military's role in defending the nation. 
• Demonstration of Strength and Readiness - Parades can be a visible display of the military's preparedness and capabilities, potentially acting as a deterrent to potential adversaries. 
• Ceremonial Purpose - Beyond the symbolic aspects, military parades also serve as ceremonial events, often marking significant anniversaries or events in a nation's history. 
• Strengthening the Bond Between Military and Public - Parades help reinforce the connection between the armed forces and the civilian population, demonstrating that the military is an integral part of society. 

A parade that remembers each of our wars and the 250 year HISTORY of the United States Army was altogether suitable. It would have been wrong to fail to mark this major point in our Nation's history. We will do it again on the 4th of July in 2026 when we mark the 250th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence. 

As for the cost, I concede that the optics are not good, but the parade was funded largely by the America250 Foundation with sponsorships from major corporations including Oracle, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and others.

Whatever the real net cost is to taxpayers, it can be forgiven. In the grand scheme it will not make a difference. Putting so much history and military equipment on display for this one time, once in a 250 year event is a great decision.  Plus, the money does go into the economy of the Washington DC area and American workers. 

Look at the cost this way, it's not like the $20 million the USA spent to put on a Sesame Street program in Iraq. Doge cut that.

Additional Dose of the Truth:

Democrats lied to all of us because hating Trump meant more than the sons and daughters of the US Army that sacrificed their lives for their freedom.  The Biden Administration planned the parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army.  

The leftist Washington Post confirmed that the US Army filed for a parade permit in the Summer 2024 for the DC parade. Plans had been in process for about 2 1/2 years when the permit was filed. Official records of planning and coordination with the Biden Administration date to February 2024. It was NEVER a celebration of Trump's birthday.

"Lemmings...all of you...lemmings!"

Conclusion 

With all that is going on with wars and rumors of wars, for all the reasons listed above this 250th Anniversary Day Parade could not have come at a more perfect time!

THE HATEFUL AND PARTISAN REACTION TO THIS EVENT IS EXACTLY WHAT THE FIRST COMMANDER OF THE ARMY, GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON, WARNED ALL OF US ABOUT IN HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE!

To those who mock the POTUS as a "king," I say, try this on for size -- "All Hail King AutoPen!" Imagine throwing a "No Kings" protest after your party refused to hold a primary and coronated Kamala without a single vote.

Epilogue:

Notice the Star (Shield) of David above the Eagle on the Army Seal pictured above. The artist who engraved the first die of the Great Seal in 1782 chose a hexagram (six-pointed star) arrangement for the 13 stars. However, the reason for this choice is unknown. Personally, I prefer to accept "the myth." Why a Hexagon design -- consider what I blogged. 

Also consider George Washington's words from his famous Farewell Address. (Penned by Alexander Hamilton. 

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to
political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiarstructure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

 

THE RISE OF PERSIA

 

Flag of Persia Resistance Movement in Iran

The Lion and Sun is a Classical Persian element in Iran's national flag until the 1979 revolution and is still commonly used by nationalists and opposition groups of the Islamic Republic government. 

Israel naming it's operation in Iran "Rising Lion" is a brilliant strategy. Israel is sending a powerful message to the majority of Persians who oppose the current brutal regime to RISE UP and overthrow the Ayatollah.

Israel isnt trying to defeat Iran. Israel only wants to eliminate Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile threat. Israel has to put an end to Iran's proxy war to destroy Israel.

Israel wants Persians themselves to fight for their freedom. It is the same with Hamas and the people of Lebanon.

When we start to see people/groups on the streets of Iran waving the flag of the Persia Resistance Movement, without the IRGC dragging them away, then we know Israel has reset the Middle East. There are hundreds of thousands of Iranians with memories and stories of brutal cruelty at the hands of Iran's ruthless Revolutionary Guards.  That trauma will turn on Iranian leaders as these people hunt the streets and the palaces seeking revenge. 

Jews and Persians Can Get Along

Persian Jews have lived in the territories of today's Iran for over 2,700 years. The history of the Jews in Iran dates back to late biblical times (mid-1st millennium BCE). The biblical books of Chronicles, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, contain references to the life and experiences of Jews in Persia. In the book of Ezra, the Persian kings are credited with permitting and enabling the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple; its reconstruction was carried out "according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia" (Ezra 6:14). This event in Jewish history took place in the late 6th century BCE, by which time there was a well-established and influential Jewish community in Persia.

After the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, many Jews left Iran, primarily due to concerns about the new political climate and increased anti-Jewish sentiments. 

I think a key element in Israel's strategy today is to appeal to the Persian who wants to make peace with Israel and Jews. Ironically, it is Israel that is making the greatest effort and sacrifice to free the Palestinian from Hamas, the Lebanese Christian from Hezbollah and the Persian from Iran.

Netanyahu in an interview with Iran International: “Cyrus the Great liberated the Jews, now it's our turn to liberate the Iranian people.”

"Rising Lions" like her are the future!

THE PROBLEM WITH PASSION PLAYS

Passion plays are dramatic renditions of Christ's arrest, trial, lashing, and crucifixion (and often other elements of his life such as the Resurrection). 

The History of Oberammergau's Passion Play

The first recorded Passion Play, the one that began a tradition still practiced today, was in Oberammergau, Germany, in 1634.

Devastated by the Bubonic Plague in 1633, the people of Oberammergau made an oath to God, hoping to spare the village. They vowed that if saved, they would forever perform a "Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years.

"Poisoning the Well"

Two of the most damaging false accusations of Jews which have resulted in terrible persecution are: 

1. The "Blood Liable" charge that Jews used the blood of Christian babies to make Passover Matzah.
2. Jews spread the Bubonic Plague (Black Death). This is rooted in the 14th century accusation that Jews poisoned public drinking wells to purposefully spread the disease. 

Contributing to Negative Images and Feelings 

Passion Plays have been known to perpetuate negative stereotypes and diabolical images of Jews. Coupled with the anger over and blame for "killing" of Jesus, the plays have fostered hatred of Jews. 

Passion plays can convey anti-Jewish sentiments in a number of ways. As recently as 1984, the Oberammergau Passion Play, for example, dressed some of its Jewish characters in horned costumes which represented the Jews’ conspiracy with the Devil. 

Henry Ford, recognized as a renowned antisemite, attending performance of a Passion Play in 1930.

Oberammergau’s history of Nazism casts significant shadows over its Passion Play. Hitler attended the 1930 and 1934 productions, and proclaimed in 1942 that it represented the “muck and mire of Jewry” so “convincingly” that it should continue far into the future. In addition, the conservative Bavarian village housed a number of Nazi supporters, many of whom were highly active in the play’s leadership during – and even for decades after – the Nazi era. 

The 2004 movie "The Passion" by Mel Gibson caused a similar stir in the Jewish community. 

Efforts To Reform the Play

Modern critics stress the need to reform the Oberammergau Passion Play to mitigate the potential of leading to hatred of Jews. 

For the 2022 play, the American Jewish Committee convened an Academic Advisory Group led by their Director of Interreligious and Relations, composed of experts in the play, Christian-Jewish relations, New Testament studies, and German-Jewish relations. This group was created to recommend, through ongoing dialogue, paths by which the play's leadership can further advance a decades-long process to rid the play of any lingering anti-Jewish tropes. (Some of those Recommendations are listed in the epilogue below.) 

The Nuance of the Gospels is a Complicated Thing 

To be fair, the Christian Gospels do include details concerning the Jewish leaders' role in Jesus's trial and crucifixion which are hard for most Jews to accept. There are additional scenes which portray the corruption in the temple during Herod's reign. So it is understandable for those aspects to be in the play. 

What's more, evidence from Jewish historical sources strongly indicate that corruption was a significant issue during Herod's time as King during the 2nd Temple period which impacted the functioning and perception of the Temple. Therefore, it can be said the play is being truthful to the Gospels. 

By the same token, Jesus was a Jew who loved the Jewish people. Furthermore, Jesus preached love, not hate, from the Hebrew scriptures. The apostles and the earliest disciples were Jews.

In my personal opinion, Jesus would be exceedingly unhappy with a message that fosters hatred of Jews. In Germany is was called "Judenhass" before the term "antisemitism" was created in the late 1800's.  

Check out: Why Christians should pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

All of which goes to show how nuanced and complicated the story of Jesus really is. It also goes to show why their are so many challenges with presenting a Passion Play. 

It behooves any organization doing a Passion Play to be highly sensitive to the terrible pain & suffering that Jews have faced throughout the last two millennia due to the hatred. 

Sources:

Here is a link to more information and facts about the Oberammergau Passion Play from the American Jewish Committee. 

Link to an article called "Passion Play enter a new era" in Religion News Service.

In Closing

It is my hope that the upcoming Passion Play performance in Poughkeepsie has made sensitive adjustments to their production. Perhaps even a public statement can be made to the audience to promote greater sentivity on the subject of antisemitism and the love Jesus has for his Jewish Brothers & Sisters. 

Consider what the heart that the Apostle Paul expressed in Romans 9:1-5.

Epilogue

Below is a list of some of the ways Jewish concerns over the Oberammergau Passion Play are being addressed:

• Emphasis on Jesus' Jewishness: More recent productions, including the 2010 and 2022 versions, have aimed to highlight Jesus' Jewish identity, portraying him as a Rabbi who recites Jewish prayers and practices.
• Responsible portrayal of Judas: The character of Judas has been reinterpreted in an effort to reduce stereotypical associations, presenting a more nuanced depiction.
• More nuanced depictions: The plays now aim to present a more diverse picture of the first-century Jewish community, including Jesus' supporters, and emphasize Pontius Pilate's role in the crucifixion. 

A BLACK-EYE VERSUS A BULLET WOUND

Why did Musk Get a Black-eye?

Elon Musk could have just left his role with DOGE and went back to his "normal life" running his companies and being a billionaire. Instead, he blew up his relationship with Trump and took a GIAGANTIC HIT by raising his opposition to the BBB in a dramatic fashion. 

Much More Than A Black-Eye

Elon Musk is willing to throw away so much because he is committed to what DOGE was created to do. He can not stomach the country's wasteful spending and enormous debt and he knew he would be a hypocrite if didn’t standup against the BBB. His last action as he is walking out the door is to fight for what he believes in. 

My bet is Elon took a black-eye because he said something so deeply offensive to Trump in the Oval Office, that one of Trump’s supporters couldn't hold back socking him. Maybe Elon was in Trump's grill yelling at him and someone instinctively punched Musk as a move to protect the POTUS. Of course, I'm speculating.

Musk sacrificed it all, Tesla, SpaceX, his access to the White House, his friendship with the POTUS, his reputation, and more, because the BBB represented the problems that he dedicated to solve by leading DOGE. As misguided as it was politically and personally for Elon Musk to act the way he has, it may ultimately prove to be a hugely patriotic act!!!

DOGING IN REAL-TIME

Elon was literally doing what DOGE was created to do in real-time as the waste is being passed by Congress.

As a result of what Elon Musk did the BBB is going to be even more scrutinized. The Republicans who have opposed the bill because of waste in it, or who simply have objections to it, but kept silent for fear of Trump and the political consequences, are now going to be forced to re-examine the bill and cut waste and pork in the bill before voting for it.  The Senate will now have to clean-up the bill. 

What a Black-eye and Bullet Wound Have in Common

Musk and Trump are both warriors: Trump took a bullet. Musk took a black-eye. Both men are patriots who risked everything to fight for what they believe in. You may hate them and disagree with their politics, but one has to recognize the very rare dedication to fight for what they obviously believe in - AMERICA!  

That both have the patriotic spirit of the men who risked everything they and their families had when they signed the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence famously includes the line: "We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." This quote emphasizes the signers' commitment to their cause, even if it meant risking their lives and possessions. 

Their were enormous disagreements and resentments between the different men who signed the Declaration of Independence!  But all of them were Patriots who put their entire family and all their possessions at great risk.

BBB Needs to Mean Something Different 

I believe the BBB will go from being a BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL to a BETTER BEAUTIFUL BILL because of Elon Musk's "crazy" actions. In the end, Elon Musk is a Patriot who wants to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.

Why Christians Should Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Jesus was unquestionably a Jew. He was born to a Jewish mother in Galilee, lived according to Jewish customs, participated in synagogue worship, celebrated Jewish festivals, and taught from Jewish scripture. All of his disciples and early followers were also Jewish. His entire ministry and life were rooted in first-century Jewish culture and tradition.

Understanding Judaism is essential for understanding Jesus because his life, teachings, and mission were deeply rooted in Jewish thought, scripture, and tradition. Jesus lived as a Jew, taught in synagogues, celebrated Jewish festivals, and engaged in debates central to Jewish law and theology. His use of parables, references to the Hebrew Scriptures, and focus on the “kingdom of God” all reflect first-century Jewish hopes and practices. Without grasping the Jewish context, much of what Jesus said and did loses its original meaning and significance.

Biblical Command and Blessing

Psalm 122:6 commands believers: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.” 

This is a direct biblical instruction, and it is associated with a promise of blessing for those who do so.

Praying for Jerusalem reflects God’s special concern for the city, which is central in both biblical history and prophecy.

Spiritual and Theological Significance

Jerusalem holds unique spiritual significance as the city where God has placed His name and as the historical center of Jewish worship and pilgrimage.

For Christians, Jerusalem is also important because it is where Jesus ministered, died, and where He is prophesied to return, establishing lasting peace.

Hope for True Peace

While political peace in Jerusalem is elusive, Christians pray for spiritual peace—reconciliation with God through Jesus, the Messiah—both for the city’s inhabitants and the world.

Praying for Jerusalem’s peace is also a way of longing for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and the return of Christ, who is called the “Prince of Peace”.

Solidarity and Blessing

Praying for Jerusalem expresses love and solidarity with the Jewish people and all who live in the city, asking God to bring safety, security, and spiritual awakening.

Scripture also teaches that those who seek Jerusalem’s good will themselves be blessed.

In summary, Christians pray for the peace of Jerusalem out of obedience to Scripture, recognition of its spiritual importance, hope for Christ’s return, and a desire for God’s blessing and true peace for all its people. 

Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse those who curse you. And through you I will bless all the nations”. 

This promise, given to Abraham and passed on to Israel, suggests that God’s blessing or curse on nations is linked to how they treat the Jewish people. 

That principle is echoed in Numbers 24:9: “Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, and whoever curses Israel will be cursed”. Many interpret these verses to mean that nations showing kindness and protection to Jews will receive divine favor, while those who harm them will face consequences.

Be On The Right Side of History 

History provides many examples where nations that persecuted their Jewish populations later suffered decline, turmoil, or disaster. 

Christian teaching holds that when Jesus returns, He will judge all nations based on how they have treated Israel. This belief draws from prophecies like Joel 3:1-2, where God says He will "enter into judgment" with the nations for scattering Israel and dividing its land. At the Second Coming, Jesus—accompanied by the Church—will judge the nations, restore Israel, and establish His kingdom. Mistreatment of Israel, the Jewish people, by nations is specifically cited as a reason for this judgment.

Solidarity Was God’s Plan from "In the Beginning"

Jesus’ teachings emphasized unity and reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles. He affirmed core Jewish commandments—love of God and neighbor—which are shared values in both faiths.

The New Testament teaches that Jesus broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating “one new man” and making peace through his sacrifice (Ephesians 2:14–16). Early Christian communities included both Jewish and Gentile believers, reflecting God’s intent for unity, not division. 

Many Christian theologians see ongoing dialogue and mutual respect between Christians and Jews as essential, rooted in Jesus’ teachings and the shared biblical story.

A Sign of End Times

In a world filled with antisemitism, Christians reaching out to Jews facing antisemitism aligns closely with the teachings and example of Jesus. 

Many Christians interpret the worldwide increase in attacks on Jews and Israel as a prophetic sign of the end times and a test for humanity. 

Jesus and the Hebrew prophets foretold that persecution of Jews would intensify as His return approached, and that God would ultimately judge nations based on how they treated Israel. 

The Bible predicts that antisemitism and hostility toward Israel would rise, but also that these events would set the stage for the Messiah’s return and the final judgment. For believers, these challenges are seen as both a sign of the times and a test of moral courage—calling each person and nation to stand with Israel.

Conclusion

I will conclude with two verses from the Gospels. I can not make a stronger point than these do.

In Matthew 23.29 Jesus says to the Jewish non-believers, "I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."  I ask you Christians: Do you not want Jews to recognize their Messiah?  If you do, then what is the best way for that to happen?  The answer is to pray for them and to love the Jews and Israel like Jesus does!  Like Paul did. 

Apostle Paul, Romans 9:1-5 -- "I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—  I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen."

EVIL (RA) TO THE CORE

Woe to those who call evil good
    and good evil,
who put darkness for light
    and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
    and sweet for bitter.

Isaiah 5.20

I think "covetous" leads to other sins. It is the gateway drug to happening and ruin. 

This being Shavuot, when Jews commemorate receiving the 10 Commandments at Sinai, I figured I'd overlay the last 5 Commandments with what happened on October 7th:

• 10th (Do not covet): The attack included the seizure of land, property, and hostages, reflecting a desire to take what belongs to others.
• 9th (Do not bear false witness): Propaganda and misinformation were used to justify and glorify the attacks, violating truthfulness.
• 8th (Do not steal): Looting, theft of property, and hostage-taking were widely reported.
• 7th (Do not commit adultery): Reports from survivors and international investigations found evidence of rape and sexual assault committed by attackers, a direct violation of this commandment.
• 6th (Do not murder): The mass killing of civilians, including families and children, was a clear breach of this commandment.

Hamas and complicit Palestinians checked all the boxes in the most grievous possible way on 10.7 and they continue to do so with the support of hundreds of millions around the world who deny the Lord.

Notice how falling into evil begins with the 10th Commandment. Coveting leads to all the other sins against man.  The latter sin being greater than the former, all the way to adultery and then murder. In the Gospels sense, it would be said that when we covet, we are the road to predition.

What we do to our fellow we do to Adonai. The sins against man mirror the sins against God. 

Last night while I was at temple to "shema" the 10 Commandments on the holiday of Shavuot, we were talking about the practice of having a second bar-mitzvah at age 83. A thought struck me that is related to the 10th Commandment, "Do Not Covet."

I want to tell you story to illustrate and contrast how the sin of covetous and violence are related. It shows how the history of violence (Hamas) is related to "covetous" and repeats over & over through the millennia. 

The custom of a "second bar mitzvah," is based on the reading of Psalm 90:10, which says that 70 years is the expected lifespan of most humans. Reaching age 70, then, can be considered a new start – and therefore, age 83 would be the equivalent to reaching b’nai mitzvah age again. It is a reminder to follow God's Commandments a in every lifetime, and reason to celebrate God's Holy Word. 

Contrast what Jews do, to what the evil spirit of Hamas did a second time on the day after Shavuot, 84 years ago, 1941 in Baghdad. 

In that year, the evil (Ra) spirit of Hamas (violence) turned the holiday of the giving of the Torah, into a holiday of plunder, murder, rape – total debauchery. Some called it: the Kristallnacht of Iraqi Jews. On the day after Shavuot, 84 years ago, crowds of Muslims took to the streets of Baghdad and rioted against the city's Jews.

No one to protect the Jews. The British, who were near the city, refused to intervene. Nearly 200 Jews were brutally murdered, thousands were injured, women were raped, homes and synagogues were looted, and all of this was inspired by anti-Semitic Nazi propaganda that swept through Iraq at the time.

The evil (Ra) spirit of violence, and hatred of Jews can be traced back to the fact that God chose the Children of Jacob. Which can be traced back to Jacob who "stole" (recieved!) his brother Esau's blessing from his father Issac. Muslims believe Esua recieved Jacob’s blessing. 

The story of Jacob and Esau is a shadow of the story of Sarah's maid servant Hagar, who had a son of Abraham, Ismael, who was denied his father Abraham's blessing. 

The violence (Hamas) in the world can be traced back to Cain who coveted God's favor of Able. 

It has been said that it is traces back to the Serpent in the Garden who coveted to be like God and persuaded Eve to take from the Tree that she and Adam were not supposed to have. 

In every lifetime we are called to follow the mitzvahs that God chose us to have. But there is always Ra, the evil inclination to covet what we don’t have. That evil leads to hamas (violence). We see it happening again & again, and we see it happening now with Israel and Jews.

Hamas's acts on 10.7 are an image of our entire world upside down where choas and evil rules.

Consider the destruction in Gaza, Israel didn't try to preserve buildings, it tried to preserve Palestinian lives. Hamas wanted maximum civilian deaths! That is why all the buildings are destroyed. Nothing matters to Hamas, not people or property. All that they care about is killing Jews. 

Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Wo to those who support Hamas and call evil (Ra) good.