6 Shvat 5781 / Tuesday, January 19, 2021 |
Torah Reading: Bo
Add to favorites
Set as homepage
Create an account
|
Sign in
Shopping Cart is Empty
My Account
Orders History
Help
My Country:
United States
Language:
English
My Currency:
US Dollar
Country:
Albania
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegowina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d'Ivoire
Croatia (LOCAL Name: Hrvatska)
Cuba
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Korea Republic of
Lao People's Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova Republic of
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint Martin
Scotland
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia (SLOVAK Republic)
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan; Republic of China (ROC)
Tanzania United Republic of
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Wales
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Language:
English
Français
Deutsch
עברית
Русский
Español
Currency:
Israeli New Shekel
US Dollar
Euro
UK Pound Sterling
Japanese Yen
Send
Home Page
Torah Portion
Spirituality and Faith
Foundations of Judaism
Inspirational Stories
Family & Daily Life
Holidays and Fast Days
Israel and Society
Shabbat
Hitbodedut (Personal Prayer)
Holiness for Men and Women
Jewish Daily Life and Halacha
More
Torah Portion
Heart of the Parsha
Chassidic Pearls
Chana's Blessing
Parsha Beams
Parsha in a Nutshell
Jacob's Ladder
Rabbi Winston's Window
David's Harp
Bnai Yaacov
Orot HaRav Kook
David's Sling
Stories from the Baal Shem Tov
Spirituality and Faith
Personal Growth
Spiritual Growth
Emuna Means Thank You
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Foundations of Judaism
Shabbat
Hitbodedut (Personal Prayer)
Holiness for Men and Women
Jewish Daily Life and Halacha
Jewish Outlook
Rabbinic Leaders
Inspirational Stories
Thank You Health
Thank You Marriage and Children
Thank You Good Income
Rabbi Arush Miracle Stories
Emuna Stories
Teshuva Stories
Family & Daily Life
Dating
Marital Harmony
Good Income
Children and Education
Breslev Kids
Physical and Emotional Health
Holidays and Fast Days
Shovevim
Tu B'Shvat
Purim
Passover
Holocaust Day
Yom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut
Lag B'Omer
Sefirat HaOmer
Yom Yerushalayim
Shavuot
Three Weeks
Menachem Av and Elul
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Chanukah
Israel and Society
Israel and Aliyah
Noahide World
Current Affairs
Jewish Music and Arts
Breslev
Breslev Customs
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Uman
Rebbe Nachman's Wisdom
Recipes and Cooking
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Soups
Salads
Meat and Poultry
Fish
Kugels and Sides
Desserts and Baking
Dairy
Breslevpedia
About Us
Radio Breslev
Tefillin
Mezuzot
Daily Yahrtzeits
The Three Keys
Ask The Rabbi
Photo Gallery
BillBoard
Newsletter Signup
Prayers
Contact Us
Breslev Forums
Holiness for Men and Women
Home
Foundations of Judaism
Holiness for Men and Women
Foundation of the Jewish Nation
Advanced Search
Search
English
Français
Deutsch
עברית
Русский
Español
Sort by Date
Sort by Name
Foundation of the Jewish Nation
While we have faith that the long-awaited redemption will surely come, the present situation compels us to do a thorough inner accounting, to stop our nation’s spiritual decline...
By:
Tzvi Fishman
Update date: 1/9/2021, 20:08
It is no secret that in these times of the “birth pains of Mashiach,” our nation is facing great challenges and dangers. The rebirth of the nation in Israel, with all of its wondrous victories and achievements, seems to have stumbled off track.
During the 2005 Disengagement or “Hitnatkut,” the Government of Israel evacuated and razed flourishing Jewish communities in Gush Katif and the Shomron. In the process, cherished portions of the Holy Land, promised by G-d to the Jews, were given over to an enemy set upon the destruction of Israel. Yet, from the north and from the south, rocket attacks and terrorism continue with a greater wrath, threatening all of the country.
In addition, for several years now, governmental budget cutbacks to yeshivot and other Torah institutions have put the Torah world in difficult straits. Concurrently, the Jewish identity of the State is being threatened by the foreign, non-Jewish ideologies that reign rampant in the Israeli media, the Israeli Supreme Court, the Israel Ministry of Education, and the Knesset.
Additionally, an obsession with Western Culture has brought a plague of sexual immodesty to the streets of the Holy Land. Given all of these discouraging factors, it is not surprising that immigration to Israel is down to a trickle, motivated largely by growing outbreaks of anti-Semitism around the world.
To growing numbers of people in Israel, it is obvious that salvation will not come from the Israeli political system, nor from new elections, nor political demonstrations and the like. While we have faith that the long-awaited redemption will surely come, the present situation compels us to do a thorough heshbon nefesh, an inner accounting, to discover what we can do to stop our nation’s spiritual decline.
Thus, with so many tribulations hovering over Am Yisrael (the Nation of Israel) and Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel,) it behooves us to explore the inner spiritual factors that disrupt the flow of Divine blessing to the People of Israel – and in doing so, to correct what has gone wrong.
For some time now, the elder Sages of the Kabbalah in Israel have warned that, to a large measure, a root cause of the tribulations we are facing is the sexual immorality rampant in our Land. Fashions imported from Europe and America have brought a plague of immodesty to our streets. In addition, it is impossible to approach a newsstand without being confronted with the photos of sexy models on magazine covers. Our great Jewish Sages have repeatedly warned that looking at immodestly dressed women and forbidden images stains the Jewish soul with a terrible pollution (Taharat HaKodesh, Chapter 3; Laws of T’shuva of the Rambam, 4:4.) This troublesome state is multiplied by the lewdness on television and in the movies, and by the pornography of the Internet, may G-d save us.
Time and again, the holy Zohar explains that in committing sexual transgressions, the Jewish People violate the Brit (covenant) between our forefather, Avraham, and G-d. This Brit is the Holy Covenant upon which the Nation of Israel was founded. The Zohar makes clear that this Holy Covenant involves not only the rite of circumcision, but also safeguarding the holiness of Jewish sexual life as well. It is this safeguarding of sexual purity, called Shmirat HaBrit, that insures our attachment to the Holy Land. As the Zohar reveals, this Brit of sexual purity is the channel that brings the flow of G-d’s blessings to Am Yisrael.
Needless to say, if this decline in sexual norms is damaging the material and spiritual state of the Jewish People in the Holy Land, how much greater the damage to the Jewish People in the impure lands of the Diaspora, where sexual immorality reigns in all of its destructive force! The growing rate of assimilation outside of Israel bears witness to this.
What is true for the Jewish nation as a whole is also true for the individual. As the Zohar emphasizes, sexual transgressions, in whatever form they take, bring a wide gamut of sufferings and tragedies in their wake. When a person’s connection to G-d has been damaged because of sexual wrongdoing, the flow of Divine blessing normally directed to him is stunted. This is bound to cause problems with health, livelihood, children, married life, and spiritual fulfillment.
The Baal HaTanya explains that while all transgressions blemish the spiritual channel which brings Divine blessing to the world, transgressions incurring excision, like the wasting of semen, cause the most damage (Igeret HaT’shuva, Ch.6.) This is true for single and married people alike.
In the holy book, “Reshit Chochmah,” it is explained that the ten tribes of Israel violated all of the commandments in the Torah, but exile was only decreed upon them when they transgressed the laws of proper sexual conduct (See the Gate of Kedusha.)
Referring to the sexual decline of his time, the prophet Yishayahu declares, “Your sins have made a separation between you and your G-d,” (Yishayahu, 59:1-2.)
This study,
Secret of The Brit - Torah, Kabbalah, and Sex
, proposes that by understanding the vital importance of sexual purity as set forth in the Torah, and as repeatedly explained in the Zohar, we can help repair what we have blemished, and restore the flow of Divine blessing to ourselves, to our nation, and to our Land.
To be continued.
(
Secret of the Brit
is reprinted with kind permission of
JewishSexuality.com
.
Tzvi Fishman
was awarded the Israel Ministry of Education Prize for Creativity and Jewish Culture. His books on Judaism and Jewish themes include: "Tuvia in the Promised Land," "Days of Mashiach," "The Kuzari For Young Readers," and four books on the teachings of Rabbi Kook, "Torat Eretz Yisrael," "War and Peace," "The Art of T'shuva," and "Lights on Orot," co-written with Rabbi David Samson).
New Comment
See More Articles By Tzvi Fishman
Read more about
Holiness for Men and Women
Part
-
1
of
-
14
Next
See All Parts of Secret of the Brit
Top of article
Email This Article
Share to Facebook
Print version
Join the distribution list
If you would like to receive other related articles or Breslev.co.il features via e-mail, please enter your e-mail address here:
Subscribe for Free
Related Articles
The Criminal Cover-Up
Five Hacks To Clear Your Mind
Addictive Thumbs
0
Talkbacks for this article
Add Your Comment
In Honor of:
In Memory of:
Like What You Read?
Help Breslev Israel spread the light of Rebbe Nachman
across the globe, and be a partner in making a better world.
Click here to support Breslev.co.il
Products of the Day
Kiddush Cup in Greek Design
Our Price:
USD $ 30.70
List Price:
USD $ 46.50
Please notify me
Eye of a Needle
Our Price:
USD $ 24.80
List Price:
USD $ 33.80
Add To Cart
Friendly Fire
Our Price:
USD $ 27.90
List Price:
USD $ 34.10
Add To Cart
A Helping Hand
Our Price:
USD $ 1.20
List Price:
USD $ 2.50
Add To Cart
Tzitzit Undershirt - Size M
Our Price:
USD $ 6.90
List Price:
USD $ 12.10
Add To Cart
Be blessed - The “Jewels of the Choshen” series
Our Price:
USD $ 1.60
List Price:
USD $ 4.70
Add To Cart
1
2
3
1
2
3
Most talked about
The Secret to a Successful Business
He was working like a dog, and providing for everyone except – himself! Then he did The Law of Thank You and discovered the secret to a successful business…
The Secret Weapon
People are full of depression and despair, losing a truly psychological war. But there is a secret weapon which always works, and fixes the problem at its root...
Stay Put - For Now
If you are active in bringing souls closer to Hashem wherever you are, then keep on doing what you do. There is nothing greater now than outreach...
Dr. Emuna: Consult with the Best Doctor
Why have so many people who strengthened their emuna been healed in both body and soul?
A Modest Miracle
If someone had told me a few months ago that not dressing modestly could affect a person’s health and well-being, I’m not sure I would have believed them...
A Critical Update
Learn the powerful, new formula - Chok Todah - The Law of Thank You - that I discovered to say thank you and see miracles! The law really works!
Love Peace and Truth
Everyone is asking: What do we do now? How do we save ourselves? And what does Hashem want us to learn, and repent for, in all of this? The answer is simple: Love peace and truth!
Forgiving and Forgetting
For transgressing the laws between man and G-d, such as keeping kosher, we can repent to Him directly. But for hurting our fellow man, Hashem will not forgive us...
Fighting is Absolutely Forbidden
Even if you think that you are right to fight – you are always wrong. Even if you think the truth is on your side, fighting is always a lie. Fighting is never worth it!
A Spiritual Antenna
Women, if you’re undecided about covering your hair, we really understand your dilemma. Here are a few inside secrets that will hopefully help you in a big way...
The Worst Comes True
Sometimes, a persons worst-case scenario actually comes true in order to show him that everything Hashem does is truly for the very best...
Raising Children to be Righteous
Kids of Bnei Noach don’t go to synagogue. They don’t see their dads learning Torah or praying three times a day. So how do you raise a righteous Noahide child?
Try Not to Judge
Negative emotional states such as anger and depression will cause you to be judgmental of others since they allow for a very limited and narrow perspective...
Not Fun & Games
For the Herbert family, it’s purgatory – their son David is addicted to online games. If he’s not online, he’s going through withdrawal. If they pull the plug, it’s violence…
Reaching Out to Noahides
You may feel like youre walking alone and questioning your decision to strike out on this trail. Have confidence in your quiet voice that tells you you are on the right path...
1
2
3
Most read
Tikkun HaKlali
Tikkun HaKlali – The Ten Psalms.
Simple yet Proven Segula
Do you want a segula that is simple, powerful and proven for protection, healing, wealth, success, children, easy labor and much more?
Feigie Channa, OB”M
Our beloved and esteemed Rabbi Shalom Arush answers an inquisitive media reporter after the funeral of his baby granddaughter, Feigie Channa, of blessed memory...
The Power of Pidyon
A Heavenly edict limits curing to a certain day, a certain hour, by a certain person and by a certain medicine. Once the edict is rescinded, then any doctor or treatment can cure.
The Zohar on Tikkun HaBrit - Part 2
The holy teachings of the Zohar, where we learn what Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai and his disciples say about Shmirat HaBrit, the major...
The Power of Tikkun Chatzot
A person in this world is constantly being robbed of his dearest possessions - inner peace and tranquility. But theres a way to recover them from the robber...
Vayigash: The Two Treasure Chests
As soon as he was out of sight, Reb Moshe started running towards his house. When he finally arrived, he rushed over to the oven and started digging underneath...
Rabbi Arush on CORONAVIRUS
Rabbi Arush speaks about coronavirus, and how to truly protect ourselves and not be afraid though all the upheaval.
Gratitude in Personal Prayer
Breslev Israel is delighted to present our readers with a condensed and practical guide to personal prayer based on the teachings of Rabbi Shalom Arush shlita…
Nature's Song of Thanks - Perek Shira
Who cares what frogs, rats or vegetables say when they speak to G-d? Does it really matter? Perek Shira - "Natures Song" - is more than what meets the eye...
From Airborne Medic to Spiritual Leader
Rabbi Arush tells the amazing story of his odyssey from Airborne Medic in the Israel Air Force’s crack pilot-rescue squad to world-renowned spiritual leader.
Five Types of Erev Rav
The Erev Rav today could have the best pedigree, the most thorough Torah education, the longest beard; so how can we even begin to recognize and avoid them?
Hitbodedut – Secluded Prayer
Rebbe Nachman teaches that the main "weapon" of Mashiach–and of every Jew - is prayer. Every tefilah (prayer), every bracha (blessing), every whispered thanks...
"I Am Hashem"
When a soul completes its 120 years on the physical earth and leaves the body, Hashem reveals Himself to the soul. At this awesome moment, Hashem says...
They Don't Decide
Each passing day brings Iran closer to a nuclear warhead. Despite the so-called "nuclear agreement", the Iranian centrifuges are working 24/7…
1
2
3
Facebook
Mailing List
Subscribe Here:
Send
About Us
Breslev
Radio Breslev
Breslev Store
Contact Us
Partner with Us
Breslev
Customs and Thought
Baal Shem Tov and Students
Uman
Rebbe Nachman's Wisdom
Judaism
Personal Prayer
Shabbat
Jewish Outlook
Concepts in Judaism
Practical Halacha
Society
Jewish World
Noahide World
Family
Dating and Marriage
Breslev Kids
Spirituality and Faith
Personal Growth
Spiritual Growth
Inspirational Stories
Kabbalah and Mysticism
Personal Holiness
Torah Portion
Heart of the Parsha
Rabbi Winston's Window
Chana's Blessing
Chassidic Pearls
David's Harp
Breslev Israel 2004 - 2014 © All rights reserved
My Account
|
Search
|
Shopping Cart