The Spiritual Battle: Rav Berland's Persecution and the Call to Prayer

Introduction: A Message from Meron

Rav Zada shares a profound message, recounting an encounter at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron. A young man approached him, revealing insights into the ongoing spiritual struggle surrounding Rav Eliezer Berland, a revered Tzaddik (righteous person).

The Persecution of Rav Berland

Rav Berland's teachings and videos have resonated deeply, spreading widely and inspiring countless individuals. However, this spiritual influence has not gone unnoticed by opposing forces. According to the young man, the "free masons" (Illuminati) have initiated a relentless persecution against Rav Berland. This campaign began in Israel and has since expanded globally, with Rav Berland being pursued across different countries, despite his advanced age of 80.

Rav Zada emphasizes that this persecution is a testament to Rav Berland's immense spiritual power and his profound impact on drawing the Jewish people closer to God. He highlights that even after Rav Berland's recent release from prison, there were massive gatherings and nights of prayer in Hebron, demonstrating the widespread support and strength he inspires.

The Heavenly Decree and the Tzaddikim's Sacrifice

Rav Zada recounts a powerful narrative involving three great Tzaddikim: Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, Baba Sali, and Rav Berland. This story illustrates their self-sacrifice to avert a severe heavenly decree against the Jewish people.

According to the account, Baba Sali, a holy figure, received a promise from his rabbis that he would live to see the Mashiach (Messiah). However, a grave decree was issued in the heavenly courts, threatening the lives of millions of Jews. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu, upon learning of this, offered his entire spiritual wealth and even his life as a sacrifice (Kiddush Hashem) to annul the decree. He passed away shortly after, and the clock he possessed, which was meant to indicate the Mashiach's arrival, passed the hour of 12 without the Mashiach appearing. This implied that while the decree was averted, the Mashiach's coming was delayed.

Following this, Rav Berland, too, stepped forward. He pleaded with God, offering to endure severe humiliations and suffering to save the Jewish people. God accepted his offer. Rav Zada states that Rav Berland's current imprisonment is a direct result of this self-sacrifice, a spiritual battle he wages in the upper worlds.

Rav Berland's Spiritual Battle and the Call to Action

Rav Zada stresses that Rav Berland is a "Kodesh Kodashim" (holy of holies), a Tzaddik of immense stature. He cites Rav Dov Kook, a kabbalist from Tiberias, who refers to Rav Berland as "Eliezer HaGadol" (Eliezer the Great) and yearns for his arrival to redeem the Jewish people. Rav Dov Kook himself has seen Rav Berland in the upper worlds.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov teaches that while we may not fully comprehend the Tzaddik, we can understand his students. Rav Zada points to prominent rabbis like Rav Shalom Arush, Rav Ofer Erez, and Rav Shmuel Stern, who are students of Rav Berland and are actively inspiring and shaking the entire world with their work.

Rav Zada concludes with an urgent call to action: Rav Berland's current situation is not merely a worldly affair but a profound spiritual battle in the upper realms against the forces of evil (Samech Mem). He is fighting for the Jewish people, and we must support him. How? By intensifying our prayers, especially Tikkun HaKlali, and by dedicating ourselves to Torah study. This collective spiritual effort is crucial to help Rav Berland in his mission and ultimately bring about the redemption.

Rav Zada reminds us that the Tzaddik is not concerned with worldly matters like imprisonment; he continues his Torah study and spiritual work wherever he is. His suffering is a catalyst for our awakening, a sign that we need to unite in prayer and spiritual elevation to assist him and hasten the coming of Mashiach.

Conclusion

The narrative presented by Rav Zada paints a picture of intense spiritual warfare, with Rav Berland at its center, enduring immense personal suffering for the sake of the Jewish people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden spiritual dimensions of our world and the critical role of Tzaddikim in protecting and guiding the nation. The message is clear: our prayers and spiritual efforts are not just personal acts but vital contributions to a cosmic battle, with the ultimate goal of bringing redemption to all of Israel.