Japans Earthquake & Tsunami & Fears Of A Nuclear Meltdown

The Latest Act Of God - Faith In The Path of Destruction
(Unfounded Fear Of The "Apocalypse" Explained...) 

Japan experienced the worst natural catastrophic disaster the world has ever known caused by the recent powerful earthquake of epic proportions followed by tsunami waves striking with shattering force leaving horrible devastation of destruction & chaos in its path & death in its wake - a catastrophe of immense proportions displacing tens of thousands & as an emergency measure closed four nuclear power plants as a precaution. A state of emergency was declared at one of the plants after its cooling system had a mechanical failure as nuclear explosion  fears build.
We are witnessing natural disasters more on a regular basis lately one after the other, and their power seems to be increasing through Divine Might.
This one was of horrific proportions because of the tsunami that crashed ashore, swallowing everything in its path as it surged several miles inland before retreating. The extensive destruction & damage is evident in the litter heaped & strewn all over Japans Tsunami hit northcoast & is beyond comprehension - the mind reels.

As the nation struggles with the aftermath of a massive earthquake and tsunami hundreds of people fled after Japans Shinmoedake volcano erupted shattering windows 6km away.

As the world witnesses more devestation it makes one realize how much we are affected by nature. You have to cherish the world at the same time that you struggle to endure it

A volcanic eruption or earthquake and the like are but one link in a long chain of events that began with the creation of the world and will continue to the end of times, nothing that occurs to human beings is random. We must recognize that God guides the world, and that, despite the appearance of randomness or capriciousness, nothing happens without a reason and we have no way of interpreting a single event by isolating it from the rest.  Not every tragedy is the result of sin. Man simply cannot comprehend an infinite God. 

When the earth shakes, we all tremble.

Many doomsdayers have been predicting the "Apocalypse".
We are living in turbulent times & intense tragedies. There will be chaos in the world, suffering, and catastrophic events, political & social upheavals, natural disasters. However, there is no such thing as an Apocalypse decending upon man or our universe. 

What has transpired from creation until the present, is all part of a process.

A doomsday or violent ending will not arrive but rather ancient traditions which have a very different view of God and the Messiah teach that "end of days" refer to Messianic times which we are currently living in. Nature does not change. It's going to be a radical change, but not disruptive. All we will have is total universal goodness and morality– and everything about it is only blessing. The Messiah (anointed Redeemer) will usher in an era of sanctity, world peace and righteousness.  A time when war will cease and humanity will gather together to worship God in unity. The ultimate meaning of redemption is that Godliness has come down to earth. That Godliness become obvious. There will be  total immersion in Godly wisdom. We will come to the stark realisation that God is real, and that goodness is real, and that evil is false, and that darkness is only imaginary.  It is important to disabuse ourselves of this notion that the end of times comes and blows everything to pieces. Because, in fact, this isn't the way it is.


The Messiah can come either through blessing, or God forbid, through bloodshed. Either way He is coming – how he will come is dependent on us.  God has planned out world history and established a predetermined time when Messiah will come. Thus, the buildup until the coming of Messiah is part of the natural order of events that God has programmed into history. Let us hope he will come through blessing.  It's up to us. May He come speedily in our time!

Water, taken one drop at a time, is utterly tranquil and benign; but when theses droplets come together as waves they become a force to be reckoned with not for naught did all these terrifying and frightening things of this year come upon us. We must listen & be alert to lifes messages.

Spiritual forces, like ocean waves, do not lose their power over distance. When one suffers, one should scrutinize one’s deeds. If a person even if s/he is not directly affected hears about a disaster such as an earthquake, one must relate to the tragedy by examining one’s own deeds.

Even from the most horrible things we can learn great lessons. From the threat of nuclear destruction we can learn several things about how to rearrange the world for the good: From The smallest Things Come The Biggest Changes.

Tremendous power has always been there, it needs only be revealed.

On a larger scale, this epic disaster will bring people of every race, creed and religion together. There are no divisions in suffering. There are no barriers. Rich, poor, young, old, male, female, we're all the same in the eyes of the waves. And now, once again are all the same when it comes to offering aid, support and love.

The pain of others should be as real to us as our own. What lies behind us & what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. The future of the world is up to us! Let our primary question in the wake of this tragedy be not "Why did it happen?" but rather "What can I do to help?"

Tsunami aid and relief: How you can help

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/14/tsunami-aid-and-relief-how-you-can-help/

Youth Culture - Democracy, Freedom & Liberty

Democracy and human rights are cornerstones of our moral vision in the modern era.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled to. Rights of freedom of political expression, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are considered to be essential so that citizens are informed and able to vote in their personal interests. A leader is to be deemed legitimate only if he is able to willingly rally the support of the people around him, collectively .The people must choose & initiate their leaders from among themselves. The citizenry as a whole is to be represented in the choice of its leaders. The choice belongs to the people. Leaders are there to serve the people -  not the other way around.

The human psyche is home to two contrasting impulses: a striving for freedom, and a propensity for submission to authority. Our generation has been granted opportunities that have never been granted before. There has come about a tremendous awakening for yearning for the most basic of human freedoms -freedoms of equality & rights. Equality & rights of freedom & liberty from oppression & dictatorship. That these dictators adopt constitutions which recognize the intrinsic right of every citizen to participate in the process of government as opposed to a dictator who imposes his dominion on an unwilling nation. Democracy is preferable to imposing the will of a single individual on everyone.The idea of a leader is an individual who has cleansed himself of every last vestige of ego and self-interest & are elected by their fellow countrymen to work for the long term good of their constituents. They are there to inspire his people by being selfless, guiding them in the fulfillment in their mission and purpose in life of doing good. Doing good means feeding the hungry, enlightening the ignorant, bringing peace to warring factions. Our vision of perfection is the obliteration of all evil and suffering from the face of the earth & tolerance of racial & religious freedoms. A world that is free of war and hunger is the ultimate.

Throughout the ancient world, the truth was self-evident: all men are not created equal. You were what you were born: a king, a noble, or a serf. An orderly society was one in which people knew their place.

The 20th century saw the expansion of democratic ideals on a global scale. The younger generation have grown distrustful & resentful of their higher authorities that be and in increasing numbers are rejecting the values and way of life into which they had been raised, taking a first important step in  rejecting the false, humanly-contrived ideologies which they had been taught & which has been instilled within their minds. After decades this gap, in essence, is changing how values are being instilled one generation after another. Leading to a wave of social unrest. The cause of civil disturbance is the action of public civilian disruption & solidarity to resist & challenge a particular power, force, policy or regime against repression of their people & expressing displeasure of major socio-political infrastructure problems as they desperately grapple & demand for a push toward dramatic change & reform.

We understand how critical computer literacy is to leveling the playing field of knowledge and power and are thankful that we live in a culture that seeks to encourage it. And we understand why the world's darkest dictatorships do little to encourage such literacy: To educate the masses in computer literacy is to empower them.

When a person takes the potential they have been given, and misappropriates it by not applying it bridging the gap between all past generations, they are stealing our future hope.

All too often, personal freedom translates into selfishness, anarchy and violence; into the exploitation of the few and the weak by the many and the strong. What is most miraculous about what is happening in the world today is that it is all being carried out mostly peacefully - something which has never happened before in the history of man. In previous generations, whenever there was a revolution, it was achieved only through destruction and bloodshed. In contrast, the changes we are seeing today, while more extreme than anything we have known in recent memory, have been achieved in a mostly  peaceful manner. Felled not by guns and bombs but by peaceful demonstrations in city squares in which the voice of the people simply declared their demand for freedom & democracy.

Governments that are democratically elected, but are driven by cruel and immoral policies, are sources of destruction. When the notion of democracy is twisted to the point of becoming something else altogether, like autocracy, can we really say that democracy has triumphed?They might have " legal legitimacy", But what happens when your own government unleashes a barrage of rockets & gunfire against its innocent civilians and use repressive force & fear againt their own people? They cannot be recognized by the international community until they develop moral legitimacy. Only a social structure of honesty, trust, fairness & balance governed wisely & well will help democracy survive.

If you don't come to democracy...democracy will come to you!

While it takes outside intervention to secure individual rights for the citizens of these countries, there are factions within these countries which are determined to undermine these newfound freedoms, the vast majority of the populations of these countries have eagerly embraced the demise of their respective lands' hitherto tyrannically oppressive regimes.

But what about man's potential for true freedom? While monarchical rule certainly made submission to authority a tangible reality in the lives of its subjects, it also suppressed their quest for freedom. The quest for freedom in its truest sense is Spiritual Empowerment. Freedom to seek a higher purpose to life. An environment of freedom nourishes, rather than destroys spiritual growth and deeper connection with God.

We must progress toward a world which by and large accepts the basic concepts of liberty, equal human rights and freedom of religion; a world which is choosing to live by moral and Godly ideals.

There is a famous statement by Maimonides' that "there are only two free beings: God and man. God is unique and distinct "in the Heavens" because only He is free. Man is unique and distinct among all corporeal creations, because he alone possesses free choice." God didn't endow human beings with free choice in order to manipulate them as He wishes—for that He has hordes of angels! He gave us free choice because He wanted us to choose to recognize Him.
There is another quote by Maimonides which he quotes, "In those times, there will be no hunger or war, no jealousy or rivalry. For the good will be plentiful and all delicacies common as dust. The world's sole occupation will be to know God.."
In creating man and "breathing into his nostrils"  a soul that is "literally a part" of Himself, God created the single creature with a potential for freedom--a potential that is in essence Divine. It is this potential that drives the human being to constantly challenge and surmount the limits imposed on him, including even the limits of its own nature.

We are not here to fight the world, but to MOLD it, DEVELOP it and SUBLIMATE it. Each era and society has its "customs," its unique zeitgeist and cultural milieu that is to be exploited to serve your Creator and your mission in life embracing vision to guide our lives and define our relationship with the world we inhabit - Go Forward & move toward it!

The Messianic Redemption, dubbed the "true and complete" redemption, will arrive when the world is ready to "elect" God of its own volition.

.

A Thousand Fibers

No person is an island entire of itself. We are all citizens of one world, we are all of one blood. Every person is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men and women; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects

Beauty & Dignity To Life

The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life

Pennies

Pennies do not come from heaven. They have to be earned here on earth

Gods Own Pleasure Garden

God only orchestrates our lives in a way that is good and meaningful.
Everything bad is ultimately good. When God's justice seems askew the very things that seem "bad" are only good that has come in disguise - not as a means to an end but an end in itself. Our minds engage in conflict to comprehend between good & bad happens so that we can strengthen our faith and trust in God -The Creator Above.

We must know that this World is not a dark, sinister jungle, but a garden. And not just any garden, but Gods own pleasure garden - A Divine garden full of rainbow colours, of natural beauty, fragrances & wonder. A garden of vegetation & revelation. A place where God desires to be with all His essence.
If the taste to us is bitter it is only because we must first peel away the outer shell to find the fruit inside.
Sweet is the flower of kindness that blooms. Combat the pain in the world with goodness.

In God's garden it is always daylight. No darkness of the night but blue skies overhead so bright. Here we have nothing to fear because God is always so very near.

Spiritual Career

There was a time when people did not have careers. People did not live to acquire material wealth. People worked to earn enough for their families to eat that day, with a little extra saved for a special occassion. Today we are slaves of the houses, cars & the gadgets we must acquire.

The natural tendency is to treat matters of the spirit as luxury items - sort of an appendage to life. Eating, sleeping, making money - these things are given priority & the time dedicated to them is sarcosanct. But prayer, meditation & study fit in only when you feel like it, and are pushed aside on the slightest whim.
You've got to make your priorities faithful to your inner self. You've got to ask yourself if this is what your life is all about. Set a schedule for spiritually enriching activities. Be as tough with that schedule as a workaholic would be with his business.

Just as you search out a material career, so too you must also search out a spiritual one. But there is a difference: With a material career you can only plow & sow & await the rains. With your spiritual career you must provide the rain as well - in other words, it is up to you to fill it with life of spiritual Godliness. 

Do Not Ignore A Needy Person

 
This deed is based on the verse (Deut. 15:8) "But you shall open your hand wide." The Hebrew word "tzedaka" comes from the root tzedek - "justice" and "righteous." We are commanded to give generously to those in need. All that we own is through G-d's generosity. Therefore, it is only right and proper to support others less fortunate than we are. Even a poor person is obligated to give charity, even if only a small amount.
 
It is a prohibition to ignore a needy person

This deed is based on the verse (Deut. 15:7) "Do not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother." G-d wants us to share what we have and give charity generously. Be cautious not to ignore a needy person.

A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money

The Search For A Utopia

Ever since the dawn of time, man has dreamed of a better world.There has always been a desire to make things better, to create a happier and more peaceful existence.

If significant numbers of people were to observe the Seven Laws there would be a visible decline in cruelty & injustice of all kinds, both on the personal & on the social level. They would not only enable mankind to have one law but the law would be of an everlasting nature.

The acknowledgement of His sovereignity itself provides the unifying factor, without the need for any other philosophy, system of government or new discovery."The L-rd is good to all, and his mercies are upon all his works"(Psalms 145:9)

If mankind were to strive to uplit itself to realize an idealistic universal Utopia can indeed exist, perhaps one might see how accepting the system of the 7 Noahide Laws serves as an answer to achieve that goal, thereby creating  a finer world in which peace, happiness, freedom & equality emerge supreme!

A Place Where Everything Is Just Right

Imagine the world’s people living in peace and walking hand in hand

A place where the spoken word is one that we all understand

As you enter Eden a sign reads a place for all life Noah’s ark on land

This is the type of life that I think our God planned 

No calendar or hourglass to mark off days or count every grain of sand

A place where life has no fear of extinction from the wrath of man

Imagine a place without servants to bow down to any Queen or King

No Dictator’s or Presidents to screw up and lie about everything

A place where Angel’s harps play and you can hear a gospel choir sing

With no need for money you will never again hear a cash register ring

We are one people and with love we all share what we all could bring

The lamb lies down with the lion without any fear or fright

No caged animals in a zoo or human prisons locked up real tight

No army or police in sight because there is no war or crime to fight

It’s a joy to wake up happy every day and sleep in peace every night

Nothing ever goes wrong in a place where everything is just right

No Way A Fall

When anyone, even a person lying at the bottom most rung of the ladder, in the muck, wishes to pull himself up even a little, they will find themselves pitched against strong opposition.
This principle also applies to those who have already progressed. Sometimes they commit the error of being demoralized when they find themselves once again in the face of obstructions. They think they have regressed. In truth this is no way a fall, since they have come to the threshold of the next rung of the ladder they must traverse a crisis - be tested. They must disregard all, and they will overcome these difficulties and be able to ascend to the next level.

One More Rung

In this world where everything is hidden, appearances may be deceptive. Only God, Who knows our innermost hearts, knows who is great. We might imagine that we are very near the goal, when we are actually very far from it. Or on the contrary we may believe ourselves lower down the ladder when we only have one more rung to cross the threshold of victory. 

Life Is Like......

Life is like a flame only alive when its burning

Life is like a clock when you run out of time

The world for you stops turning 

Life is education the world is your teacher

And death is your final lesson in learning

Life is like a wall of denial

When people say how are you

Body & mind we all lie

And say I'm OK with a smile

Life goes by too fast
Before you know it your future is your past 

No matter how old you are
Any day can be your last

Life is a fear
Before you know it there goes another year

As you get older the fact you will have to leave some day

Becomes perfectly clear

Just before you chase the light into Heaven

You swear you heard God whisper in your ear

Take my hand child your time is getting near

Life is hard to understand

Sometimes the life you lead is not quite what you planned

You just hope & pray you get to live what you wish

Before God takes you by the hand

Life is a river & Heaven is the ocean we supply

The Torah is the path that leads us

To the mansions of heaven floating in the sky     

Preventing The Suffering Of Living Creatures

According to ethical tradition, prohibition against cruelty to animals is one of the basic laws of humankind.
The concern for the welfare of animals are accorded the same sensitivity as human beings. Indeed, animals are understood to not only have feelings but also have rights of existence and protection. They must be
treated as humanely as possible & be treated with mercy & compassion. It is required that animals be treated with consideration, kindness and respect just as one would their fellow human being.

Let's not fool ourselves about the impact of animal kindness on human beings' character. The primary principle behind the treatment of animals is preventing the suffering of living creatures. There is a fundamental connection between human beings and animals. Attitudes toward animals provide an excellent example.

There is a recognized link between the way a person treats animals and the way a person treats human beings. Such people may show similar aggression towards humans as well. A person who is cruel to a defenseless animal will undoubtedly be cruel to defenseless people & is likely to inflict pain & suffering on human beings. A person who cares for the lowest of creatures will certainly care for his fellow man.
We are not permitted to cause or inflict unnecessary pain to any living being. No distinction is made. This applies to bugs & creatures too. We must be very careful not to kill any bug, even the smallest and lowliest, such as fleas, lice, flies, and the like. 

Everything in creation has a special part in God's plan for unity. Everything has its place in the plan of creation and it is "good.". It becomes "very good" when all the parts are working in unison.
God  loves each of His creatures, and would not want pain inflicted upon them. Not even a moment's worth of pain if it can be avoided.

Is Friends With Benefits Allowed?

Part of the Seven Divine "Laws" is

4) The prohibition of immorality and promiscuity. Respect the institution of marriage. Marriage is a most Divine act. The marriage of a man and a woman is a reflection of the oneness of G-d and His creation. Disloyalty in marriage is an assault on that oneness. Wholesome families are a basis of healthy communities and societies. Immorality leads to inner decay. (Gen. 2:24)

The relevant verse in Genesis 2:24 states:

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

The phrase "cling to his wife, " comes to teach us that he shall have relations with his own wife and not another man’s wife.

It is also a righteous practice, and it adds to the level of the marriage bond.

One's Love Of Another

The greater the degree of spirituality one achieves, the more perfect can one's love of another person be

Finding Peace In The World

If you want to find peace with any other person in the world, you've got to start with your own brothers and sisters. Until then, you haven't yet found peace within your own self. And only when you've found peace within yourself can you help us find peace for the entire world.
Every person is a brother or sister of a great family of many thousands of years.
When one person does an act of kindness, all our hands extend with his or hers. If one person should fall, all of us stumble. If one suffers, we all feel pain. When one rejoices, we are all uplifted. In our oneness we will find our destiny and our destiny is to be one. For we are a single body, breathing with a single set of lungs, pulsating with a single heart, drawing from a single well of consciousness.
We are one. Let it be with love - Tzvi Freeman