Amazing: “Why Are Massive Fires Suddenly Striking the Southeastern U.S.?” — Controversy Surrounding the Holy Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a

On 23.11.16 we brought the words of the gaon and mekubal Rabbi Dov Kook shlit"a of Tiberias about the reason for the sudden fires that struck the Land. “All the severe fires raging now are because they are persecuting and tormenting the holy Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a,” Rabbi Kook shlit"a stated decisively. “And one must know that the severe fires raging there in several locations are because Rabbi Berland is in the northern region near Tiberias, and the Midrash says: when people persecute and disgrace the Tzaddikim, Hashem brings fires into the world! And let all those who fabricate accusations and speak slander and lies about such a holy and awe-inspiring Tzaddik beware—he will soon return. There is judgment and there is a Judge. His honor and innocence will truly be revealed before everyone’s eyes.”

Rabbi Kook shlit"a’s words were received almost unanimously, and in practice they expressed a gut feeling that many people had at that time. But when we come to examine what is happening now in the United States of America, we need a bit of explanation in order to understand the connection. “Why are massive fires suddenly striking the southeastern U.S.?” the headlines are crying out in America these days. People are dying there, and the articles tell of entire forests around Tennessee burning in flames and releasing thick smoke over the whole area.

It is true that massive fires are not rare in the U.S. However, the current time has never been a season of fires, and from here comes the great astonishment these fires arouse in the hearts of America’s residents. Indeed, we previously mentioned that everything that happens with the Tzaddik Yesod Olam affects the entire world, just as The Rav shlit"a said several times in the past: “Everything that happens with Shuvu Banim influences events throughout the whole world.” Still, why specifically now?

[caption id="attachment_5710" align="alignnone" width="452"] Controversy causes a blow, burning anger, damage, curse, destruction[/caption]

Recently, one of the rabbis of American Jewry decided to enter into a controversy that is not his. We do not want to mention names—especially since, in truth, there is no controversy here. After all, the holy Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a and his students do not take sides in controversies; this is more a story of someone being pursued. But as brought in the Midrashim above, controversy surrounding the Tzaddik brings destruction and Divine wrath into the world.

May it be Hashem’s will that we awaken already to understand the hints that Heaven is sending us.